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UNIT1 Our EarthTrack 4-1-1& 4-1-2Blake: What are you working on, Mary?Mary: Im finishing my paper. Its due tomorrow, Blake.Blake: Whats the topic?Mary: Its about Greenland.Blake: Greenland. Hmmm . . . thats part of Canada, right?Mary: I think you need to study your world geography, Blake.Blake: Well, isnt it near Canada?Mary: Yes, its off the coast of northeast Canada, but its part of Denmark.Blake: Oh, I didnt know that. Well, whats your paper about exactly?Mary: In my paper, I answer the question Is Greenlandreally green? In other words, is Greenland covered by a lot of plants and trees?Blake: Is it?Mary: What do you think?Blake: Lets see . . . Greenland is in the Arctic Circle-way upnorth. Its cold, . . . so Is Greenland really green? Id answer probably not.Mary: Youd be correct. Its too cold there. In the north, a lotof the ground is frozen. The summers are short, so only the surface thaws.Blake: That sounds tough.Mary: Its hard for the construction industry. Its not easy to build in Greenland.Blake: It sounds so harsh. Why would anyone want to go there?Mary: There are big mountain ranges on the coasts. Theyre great for hiking and outdoor sports. And there are lots of animals there. You can sometimes see whales swimming in the harbors. Blake: That sounds cool! OK,so if its not really a green place, why was it named Greenland?Mary: The first settlers wanted to attract other people. They gave it an attractive name.Track 4-1-3Bart:So what exactly did you do over the summer?Gustav:We worked as volunteers at Glacier National ParkBart: Ive never been there. Whats it like?Carolina: Its beautiful. There are mountains and lakes. and, of course, glaciers!Bart: How was the job?Gustav:We had to do a lot of physical work. It was kind of hard.Carolina:Thats true, but it was exciting, too! We actually saw bears!Bart:Wow! That does sound exciting. Maybe I should apply. Ill need a job next summer.Carolina: Sorry, Bart, but you cant apply to that program. Its a special program for international students.Track 4-1-41. Mt. Fuji is really beautiful from far away. When you climb it, its just rocks and dirt . but its really beautiful from far away.2. Last year I was in San Francisco and I had a chance to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. What an amazing feat of engineering. It gives you a chance to look through all of San Francisco and over San Francisco Bay and its just a wonderful chance to see the city.Track 4-1-OL-1&4-1-OL-2Jay:Come in here, Elise. You should see this show!Elise:What is it?Jay:Its called The Titanic of the Sky. Its about the Hindenburg, a great engineering feat.Elise:The Hindenburg . . .Jay:You know, that giant zeppelin that crashed in 1934.Thirty-five people died.Elise:Oh yeah, I remember now. It was flying from Germany to the United States. It crashed as it was landing.Jay:Right. Its so funny looking, dont you think? It doesntlook anything like the airplanes we have today.Elise:Thats true. Why would people ride in a zeppelinanyway? It seems so dangerous.Jay:Well, some people called the Hindenburg mans greatest achievement in flight.They thought it was safe, I guess.Elise:Who rode in it anyway?Jay:Mostly wealthy people. It accommodated between 30 and 40 passengers and crew. One person said it waslike a flying hotel.Elise:It sounds pretty great.Jay:Yeah, and it was fast. Thats why people rode it. They wanted to get to their destination faster.Elise:Why didnt they just take a jet plane?Jay:Elise! You know they didnt have jets back then. Look, in 1934 it took five days to travel from Germany to the U.S. by ship. The zeppelin could do it in half that time.It was speedy.Elise:Well, maybe Ill sit down and watch a little bit. Maybe Ill learn something . . .Track 4-1-OL-3Jack: I think we should buy a bigger car. Big cars are safer.Kayla: Yes, but on the other hand, they consume more oil.Jack: They also look really cool.Kayla: Thats true, but there are some SUVs which are not big but also very beautiful.Jack: And I think big cars are more fun to drive.Kayla: But then again, its very expensive.Jack: Well, lets get more information about several kinds of cars, okay?Track 4-1-OL-4My country has two very famous buildings called the Petronas Towers. The buildings are made of glass, steel, and concrete. They were designed by an American architect, but he used a Malaysian style. They were finished in 1998, and they were the tallest buildings in the world at that time. Each tower has 88 floors, and is 452 meters high. I really like the Petronas Towers. They show both the modern and the traditional side of my countryTrack 4-1-OL-5&4-1-OL-6Modern buildings: We love them, We hate them The world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris is almost 500 years old, and it faced a very modern problem: There simply wasnt enough space for six million visitors each year. In 1989, American architect I.M. Pei designed a striking glass pyramid in the buildings center to be a visitor entrance and shopping arcade. But he also started an angry debate. Some people felt his glass building was a piece of art, like the ones inside the museum. Others said it was just an ugly, modern mistake. Kyoto, Japan, is the countrys ancient capital, and the heart of its culture. Its railroad station was too small for the millions of visitors. In 1997, the city completed a new station in a huge shopping center, right in the oldest part of the city. Designed by Hiroshi Hara, the building also contains a hotel and department store. Before it was built, critics said that the high, wide, modern building would destroy the citys traditional look. On the other hand, supporters said it would bring new life into the city center.Track 4-1-OL-7&4-1-OL-8The future building boom?Interviewer: What do you think is the biggest problem facing our cities?Erika:I think its overcrowding. Talk to anyone living in a major metropolitan area and they will say the same thing;Theres no space. Even the suburbs are getting crowded.Interviewer: Well, in some places there simply isnt any land left for building, right?Erika:Yes, thats true, but you have to think creatively. You cant give up so easily.Interviewer: Think creatively? What do you suggest?Erika:What Im saying is that we can build more structures underground. We can add parking lots,malls, hotels, and even apartment buildings.Theres plenty of space.Interviewer: Isnt it expensive?Erika:Yes, it can be. In the past building underground has been very expensive. However, we have newtechnology that will bring the cost down. It involves using robots. You dont have to pay robots a salary! Interviewer: Isnt building down more dangerous than other kind of construction?Erika:Actually, I think its safer than building skyscrapers, for example. Remember, we already do it. We have subways and underground shopping malls. Im just suggesting we invest in a variety of bigger projects and that we dig deeper.Interviewer: What would you say to people who doubt your idea?Erika:I can understand their feelings. Whenever theresa new idea, it can cause controversy. Butbuilding down is not some kind of impractical idea. It makes sense. There is so much space underground: It can accommodate a lot of traffic, storage, and people. With the new technology we have, wed be crazy not to consider the idea -its the wave of the future!UNIT2Track 4-2-1&4-2-2Situation 1Man: Oh no!Woman:What happened?Man: I cant believe it! I was sending a message and I accidentally clicked on Reply to All.Woman:So?Man: It was a personal message for my friend, Jerry. I wanted to send it to his e-mail address only.Woman:Oops.Man: Exactly. . Instead I sent it to everyone on the list.How embarrassing!Situation 2Man: I see you have a new keyboard. Thats nice.Woman:Yes, the company bought me a new one.Man: Thats good.Woman:Well, actually . I spilled coffee on my old keyboard,and it stopped working.Man:Oh, I see.Woman:Dont tell anyone. Drinking coffee near the computers is not allowed!Situation 3Woman:Have you finished working on my computer?Man: Yes, I have. Im afraid I dont have good news for you.Woman:Really?Man: Really. The problem is with your hardware.Woman:Oh. What do you suggest?Man: I think you should probably buy a new computer. This one cant be fixed.Woman:Well, I have had it for five years. Its time to replace it, I guess.Track 4-2-3Lea: I hate writing term papers! It takes forever!Steve: Youre lucky, Lea. When I was young.Lea: Oh, Ive heard this story before.Steve: Well, when I was young, we didnt have computers. We used to write our papers on typewriters.Lea: Oh, really? That sounds difficult!Steve: It was, especially because I made a lot of mistakes.Lea: Did it take a long time?Steve: Yes. Computers are so much faster and easier to use.Track 4-2-41.I like the laptop because its very, very thin. Its maybe less than one inch and its about four pounds and I can carry it anywhere I want.2.My favorite feature of my computer is the Instant Messenger. The reason for this is that its very affordable, fun and convenient and allows me to chat with my friends from all over the world.Track 4-2-OL-1&4-2-OL-2Pam: Well, Lynn, I must be going. It was great to see you Lynn: By, Pam.Pam: Whats that?Lynn: Oh thats Ollie.Pam: Ollie:?I didnt know you had a dog!Lynn: Well, we dont really.Pam: What do you mean?Lynn: Come here.Pam: Oh my goodness. Its a robot!Lynn: Thats right. Its a dog robot. They call it a “dogbot.”Pam: How interesting! But its a little strange, dont you think?Lynn: Well, I wanted to get an interactive toy for the kids. They love it. So Im happy.Pam: How much did it cost?Lynn: Dont ask. It wasnt very affordable. Its cheaper than having a real dog, though. We dont ever have to buy dog food! And the batteries are rechargeable.Juliana: Hey, Henrik. Look.Henrik: What is it, Juliana?Juliana: Whats that guy doing over there?Henrik: Which guy?Juliana: The one over there. Wearing a suit. Hs punching so many buttons on his cell phone.Henrik: Oh, him. Hes probably playing a game.Juliana: Really?Henrik: A lot of people have games on their cell phones. Its really popular here in Finland. They play them everywhere.Juliana: Do you play them, too?Henrik: Yes, I do.Juliana: I only use my phone to make telephone calls. I guess Im old-fashioned.Henrik: I heard that some people play games even at work. They can play quietly during business meetings. No one knows about it.Juliana: Id like to try it.Henrik: Here, use mine!Track 4-2-OL-3Penny: Hello. Your Computer World sales department.Ted: Hi, Penny. Its Ted.Penny: Oh, hi, Ted. Whats up?Ted: well, my computer has crashed again.Penny: Oh no!Ted: Oh, yes. Thats why Im calling. You know, its five years old. And I need to speak to Scott about getting a new one.Penny: well, youve called at a good time. We have some attractive new models.Ted: Great! Im looking for something affordable. And I want to get something portable this time.Penny: Im sure Scott can help you with that Lets see, he is in a meeting until 3:30. Ill ask him to call you.Ted: No, thats OK. Ill call him after 3:30. Please give him the message.Track 4-2-OL-4 E-mail is my favourite way to communicate. I think it is as fast as a fax machine, and it is as easy as a cell phone. Of course, e-mail has some problems, too. It isnt as affordable as ordinary mail, because you need a computer and Internet service. And I dont think it is as reliable as a fax machine. Sometimes e-mail messages get lost. But in my opinion, e-mail is as convenient as a cell phone. I can send a message from my home or office, and my friends can read it when they have time.Track 4-2-OL-5&4-2-OL-6 In todays report, we look at a new technology called pervasive computing. Pervasive computing means putting tiny computers into everyday electronic appliances, such as toasters and microwaves. With pervasive computing, appliances can communicate with their users and with other appliances! Some companies now sell pervasive computing products like a “smart” toaster. It remembers your favourite kind of toast: light or dark. Companies are designing a “smart” coffee maker and a “smart” clock. The coffee maker can measure the water and coffee. It can even put milk in your breakfast coffee and make black coffee in the afternoon. The clock will check the time on other clocks in your house, and give information about other appliances. For example, it can tell you, “Your coffee maker needs more water.” And thats only the beginning. One company is now advertising “Save time phone your washing machine!” engineers are making a “smart” house. In this house, the lights, heater, and air conditioner change automatically when family members come home. This makes the home comfortable, and it saves a lot of energy. Pervasive computing could change many parts of our daily lives. But do people really want pervasive computing? Do they really need technology everywhere? One company asked people about their opinions on “smart” appliances. There were surprises. A “smart” refrigerator can buy more food on the internet, but people didnt want it, because it might make mistakes. “Pervasive computing is as important as a telephone,” says Rebecca Blair, president of InnoTech Corporation. But some of these products are not useful, or even practical. Companies should learn more about the technology that people really want.Track 4-2-OL-7&4-2-OL-8Local girl rescued She may have a broken leg, but she cant be happier. Morgan Bailey, 11, is happy to be alive. Tuesday was like any other day for Morgan. She was at school. It was fourth period, and she was the first student to arrive in the gymnasium for her physical education class. Suddenly there was a loud noise. “There was a sharp cracking noise and then a loud boom. After that, I dont remember anything,” said Morgan. The roof of the gymnasium had collapsed under the heavy snow. Morgan was trapped underneath. She couldnt escape. “I woke up and there was a big piece of wood on my leg. I couldnt move it. I was starting to get cold.” Fortunately, help was nearby. A new program using “rescue robots” was tried for the first time. “We were nervous about using the robot,” said Derrick Sneed, the man in charge of the program. “But in the end, the robot gave us reliable information. It went extremely well.” The rescue robot was able to go into the gym and locate Morgans exact position. “We send in robots first because it may not be safe for humans,” said Mr. Sneed. “Human beings are not as useful as robots in some situations. A gas leak, for example, could kill you or me but wouldnt hurt a robot.” Although it didnt happen in Morgans case, some rescue robots can bring fresh air or water to people who are trapped.Rescue robots go into rough, dangerous places. They work in life or death situations. They have to be durable.Doctors say that Morgan is doing well. She should be going home in two or three days. What is the first thing she wants to do after she gets out of the hospital? “I want to meet my hero,” laughs Morgan. “That little robot that saved my life!”UNIT3Track 4-3-1&4-3-2Conversation 1Woman 1:What are you watching?Woman 2:Oh, just the news.Woman 1:Can I change the channel?Woman 2:In just a minute. I want to see the end of this report.Woman 1:I didnt know you were interested in the news.Woman 2:Well, its Christiane Amanpour. Shes really great. She usually reports from London - the city where she was born.Woman 1:I dont know her.Woman 2:Shes an international correspondent. She goes to some really dangerous places. When theres a war, shes usually there.Woman 1:Sounds scary.Woman 2:Yeah. And - get this - shes a wife and mother, too.Woman 1:Thats very impressive!Conversation 2Man 1: Thats a strange - looking book. What is it?Man 2: Its the writings and photos of Dan Eldon. He was a photojournalist.Man 1: A photojournalist?Man 2: Yeah. A photographer and a journalist. He was born in London in 1970. The book tells all about his life and his dangerous adventures.Man 1: Well, the book certainly looks interesting. Has he written anything else?Man 2: He wrote a book when he was younger. Unfortunately, he wont be writing anything else - he was killed.Man 1: He died?Man 2: Yeah. Its really sad. He was only 22. He was killed while working in Africa.Track 4-3-3Peter: Hello. Im Peter Daniels. Im a reporter from the Center City NewsPeggy: Its nice to meet you, Mr. Daniels. My name is Peggy Sims.Peter:Hi, Peggy. Im looking for the owner of the Golden Pearl Restaurant. Do you know him?Peggy: Yes. Hes standing over there.Peter: That tall man in the sweater?Peggy: No, thats an employee. The owner is the man wearing the suit.Peter: Oh, I see him. Thanks a lotTrack 4-3-41. I usually always get my news online. I use the Internet because I think its a very useful tool and its always up to date.2. I dont watch TV or use the Internet, but I read the newspaper starting on the front page and going to the international section.Track4-3-OL-1&4-3-OL-2Joe: What are you reading, Maria?Maria: The Daily News.Joe: The News? Ugh! Thats a terrible paper.Maria: Oh, Joe, its not so bad.Joe: Not so bad? Look at that headline on the front page! Its so sensational.Maria: Well, theyve got great comics. I cant live without my comics.Joe: I know. But the news coverage is so poor, . especially the international news. Its a joke, really.Maria: Im not so interested in the international news. Besides, they have so many other good features.Joe: Like what?Maria: Like the daily horoscope, for example. I love it.Joe: Thats not a good reason to buy a newspaper for the horoscope!Maria: Look, the newspaper only costs 50 cents. What so you expect?Joe: Good point.Maria: Besides the horoscope, I also like the entertainment news. I like to read about the stars and their love affairs.Joe: Well, you can keep The Daily News. Im going to stick with The Times. Track 4-3-OL-3&4-3-OL-4 Amy: John, Ive never notice this old photo of your family before.John: My mother just found it in the attic. She decided to hang it up.Amy: Its a nice picture of your family.John：I think its embarrassing. And I look stupid.Amy: Well, you couldve combed your hair its a nice shot, though. Look at how young you are! How old were you in the photo?John: Eight no wait, Id just turned nine.Amy: I guess these two people are your parents.John: Yep. They were married when that picture was taken. Now theyre divorced.Amy: Oh. What do they do?John: My fathers retired. Mom works in a hospital.Amy: What are their names?John： Well, my fathers name is Joseph. My mother is Olivia-she was named after a popular actress.Amy: How great! I have an aunt with the same name. I love the name Olivia Whos that guy?John: Which one?Amy: The guy standing behind you. Is that your brother, Tom?John: No, thats my Uncle Randy. Hes only two years older than my brother.Amy: Hes cute. I love a guy with a moustache.John: Um, sorry, but hes married now. His wife just had a baby.Amy: I was just making a comment So the other young guy must be your brother.John: Yes. Thats Tom.Amy: How old is he in the picture?John: Lets see hes nine years older than me
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