懂你英语Lv6Unit-2

Unit 2-1 listening 退休和投资Walter wants to retire within the next few years. He has been working at the same company for over 15 years as an accountant. During that time, hes been saving his money and paying off that debt. However, even with his savings and investments, he isnt sure that he will have enough money for retirement. If it doesnt, he will have to keep on working, which depends on the company. For now, the company is ok. But its no longer growing as fast as it used to. Whether or not he can keep on his working will also depend on his health. Fortunately, he is in good health. But he knows that that could change in any time. If he fell down or had a stroke, it could force him to stop working. If that happened, he would have to rely on his savings and other assets to survive. Soon or later, he knows his health will decline and he will have to stop working. So he needs to prepare. Most of his wealth is in the form of company stock and the value of his home. Both of these are at risk. The company stock may go down and the value of his home may also fall. The company he works for is a pharmaceutical(制药的) company. It develops new drugs which is risky business and sells them worldwide. Its expensive to develop new drugs and it can take a very long time to get a new drug approved. Without government approval, it cant be sold, which can result in a huge loss. Another threat the company comes from foreign competition, which is getting stronger. The company has also started to move some of its researches and production facilities oversees. Salary level is lower there, and the quality of the foreign workers is getting better. As a result, the company has to reduce its local hiring and its no longer giving large bonuses. One thing he is considering, is to sell his share in the company. He could begin to sell a little at a time and reinvest the money in somewhere else. But where would he invest? He doesnt know much about investing and several of his friend have lost a lot by making a bad investment. Investing in real restate or the stock market could be very risky. In the best case, he will make a lot of money. If that happened, he could finally retire and enjoy a comfortable life. On the other hand, in the worst case, his investments could result in a huge loss. If that happened, he wouldnt be able to enjoy his retirement. He wouldnt be able to travel or do any of things that hes dreamed about doing. So now he has to decide what he should do. Should he begin to sell his stock in the company or should he wait until he actually needs the money. If he sold now, he will have to decide what to do with the money. His investment could turn out well or it could turn out to be a disaster. On the other hand, if you decide to wait, anything will depend on his company. The one advantage he has with this options is hes being on the inside of the company. With his insider information, he can predict the companys shot-term future. This is especially true because as an account, he has an access to the companys financial data. If things start to go badly, he can begin to sell his stock and avoid a big loss. Otherwise, its probably safer to keep the stock and hope that the company does well even if its growth rate declines. So for now, that is probably what he should do. If you were he, what would you do? Unit 2-1 dialogue 非洲和巴黎旅行So, where should we go on our vacation. What about Africa?Africa, no, thats not for me. Why do you want to go the Africa?Id like to get out and see the wildlife, the drama of nature! We could see some of the great migrations. Wow, you are adventurer. What about food and diseases? What about terrorism. Sure something that could happen. But if we never take any risks, we wont have an interesting life. I dont want to have a boring life. So, you think Im boring then, right.Well, youre certainly not the most exciting person. What plays thing safe and secure. I dont mind take a few risks but its got to be worth it. Watching animals migrate is something I could see in a documentary. And I dont like the idea of being around predators(肉食动物), like lions and hyenas(鬣狗). Ok, my brave man. What would you like to do?Well, Ive been thinking about it. I think its nice to go to Paris in the fall and visit some museums. We can go to a concert and go to see a ballet. Ah, weve been to Paris before. Thats exciting about it and Im tired of museums. Any other ideas?One place that might be interesting is in South America, Machu Picchu. Its an abandoned city way up in the mountain Peru. Yes, Ive heard of it. that might be interesting.Should we look into it?Sure, you look into it and Ill get some information about trips to Africa. So your heart is ready set on Africa, isnt it?Yes, it really is. I need something exciting in my life now. all I do work and be with you. I need a change. Dont you ever feel that way?OK, I hear you. Lets go to Africa. And dont blame me if you get sick along the way. Great, you are not so bad after all. I can always depend on you. Be careful. Maybe one of these days I will surprise you. Unit 2-1 reading 在线相亲和运动受伤Is online dating killing loveA fair maiden is guarded by a dragon. A handsome prince must slay(杀) the dragon to save her. Then, magically, they fall in love and live happily ever after. Traditional stories tend to emphasize the fantastic, magical side of love. Fate plays matchmaker(媒人). Strangers see each other from across a room and instantly know that they are destined to be together. It isnt difficult to imagine two strangers coming together and falling in love despite their differences. It suggests that love is challenging, uncertain and incomprehensible. But with more people using online dating services, a very different kind of love has emerged: one that is scientific, convenient, and self-directed. It minimizes risk and provides a choice, like on a menu. There is anonymity and avoidance(逃避) of immediate rejection. Meeting terms are negotiated online.Online dating also allows the setting of preconditions. Computer algorithms(程序) exclude undesirable traits(个性/特征) such as the wrong hair color, race or age. But they also exclude randomness. They reduce the chances of meeting someone different, or someone who could challenge ones romantic ideals. Instead, they find the partner we think we want and exclude everyone else. As a result, we could be missing the opportunity of a lifetime, to meet someone we would never have expected to fall in love with.Perhaps this new way represents a more efficient form of romance. Traditional ideas of love may be enchanting(迷人的) but are they useful? Loneliness and boredom are less exciting than chance encounters, but they represent the more realistic side of love. All too often people have suffered through had dates and humiliations(羞辱). If they could just choose what they wanted. Wouldnt it save time and reduce suffering? However, by choosing partners based on our preconceived ideas, we may be indulging in our illusions. Instead of letting ourselves grow with someone, love becomes more about looking for ourselves in the other. What if we dont know ourselves as well as we think? Perhaps love isnt about knowing what we want. Perhaps its about being open to unimagined possibilities. Sport injuriesSport injuries are injuries that happen to athletes participating in sporting events. In many cases, these types of injuries are due to overuse of a part of the body. For example, runners knee is a painful condition associated with running, while tennis elbow is a form of repetitive stress injury at the elbow. Other types of injuries, such as a broken bone, can be caused by hard contact with something. Injuries are a common occurrence in professional sports, and most teams have a staff of trainers and close connections to the medical community. Controversy has arisen at times when teams have made decisions that could threaten a players long-term health for short-team gain.Sport injuries can be classified as either traumatic(外伤的) or overuse injuries. Traumatic injuries account for most injuries in contact sports such as soccer, rugby(英式橄榄球), and American football. This is of course due to the dynamic and high collision nature of these games. These injuries range from bruises and muscle strains to fractures and head injuries.A bruise is damage to small blood vessels which causes bleeding within the tissues. A muscle strain is a small tear of muscle fibers and a ligament sprain(韧带拉伤) is a small tear of ligament tissue. The bodys response to these injuries is the same in the initial five-day period immediately following the incident inflammation(发炎). Inflammation is characterized by pain, localized swelling, heat, redness and a loss of function.Inflammation is the first phase of healing, and typically lasts for around five days. However, too much of an inflammatory response can mean that the healing process will take longer, and a return to activity is delayed. Sports injury treatments are intended to minimize the inflammatory phase of an injury so that the overall healing process is accelerated. Runners knee is a painful injury thats due to overuse. Inflammation is the first phase of healing and typically lasts for around 5 days. Unit 2-2 listening 情态动词Now that you have studied in English at a high lever, lets get a better understanding of the models. By now, you should already have a good understanding of what they meant. There are the models which are used to express the degree of certainty. Will shall may canThese models are used to make predictions, judgements and speculations. They indicate how much a speaker knows about the likelihood of an event. First, the model will express certainty as in if you heat water, it will boil. Based on what is known, the speaker is certain it would happen. The model may express possibility, as in it may rain this evening, but Im not sure. Based on what is known, the speaker asserts that event is possible rather than certain or impossible. The model can express the potentiality or ability, as in he can afford it, but he may decide not to buy. The model “shall” is a bit different from others. Tina shall be there means the speaker is determined that Tina will be there. In other words, the speaker is determined to get her to come and would try to influence events to make it happen. We would never say it shall rain. Nobody can make it rain so whether it rain or not is beyond ones control. If some were to say that, it would seem as they were claiming the power to control or influence nature. Know that the question shall I open the door invites the person who is asked to make a decision. Whether or not the door is open depends on the persons answer. In contrast, will I open the door ask for a prediction rather a decision. Know what these models can be weakened or removed or by some of these pass time form. Would should might couldWe would go if we had more money but we dont. this sentence expresses the speakers certainty of going if they had more money, which they dont. so the certain prediction exists but in an imaginary or unreal situation. The model might express less possibility than may so might go is less likely than may go. The models could express less potentiality than can and its often used in conditionals(从句). If he could come expresses less potential than if he can come. If he could come, we would all be happier expresses the feeling that in fact he cant come. Here are the second sets of model. Must, should, had, better oughtThese models express degree of logical force or social expectations. Know that none of them has a past time or weakened form. The first one must indicates logical or social necessity. It expresses the strongest logical or social force. The model should and ought to assert that something is probably or expected but not necessary. The model had better expresses advice or ability. In other words, if someone had better do something, they should do it or there may be negative consequences. Therefore, had better has a feeling of threat, as in you had better be there. This isnt the same as you should do it, which means you are expected to do it but without an applied threat if you dont. One interesting rule is that no more than one model can be used with any verb. There are no exceptions to this rule. Therefore, its incorrect to say “he will must be there”. To avoid breaking this rule, there are other words that have the same meaning but are not models. The case of must, for example, we use have to, as in we will have to be there. Similarly, we cannot say he may can come. Instead, we say he may be able to come. One last thing to know about models. We use the same form regardless of what the subject is. If the subject is I, it, we or they, we use the same form will. We would never say “we wills be there”. But with non-model form, such as have to, we must change the form to match the subject. He has to be there and I have to be there. We shall overcome all obstacles express determination to make it happen. We dont know for sure but there is still a possibility that they can leave on Friday. Unit 2-2 dialogue 感情和分手Whats wrong? You look awful. My boyfriend and I had just had another fight. I think Im going to break up with him. Hey, youve said that before. Calm down. Is that really what you want to do?Yeah, I think so. I dont see any future in our relationship. Is that anyone else youre interested in?No, but there are some guys on the internet who have sent my messages. What? Youve been online.Sure, just for fun. Its nice to know that I can meet people if I want to. Does your boyfriend know about it?No, if he knew, he would be furious. He can be very jealous and he has a violent temper. Anyway, what was your fight about?Its just the way he talked to me. He never shows any interested in what Im doing or in what Im feeling. if I had a bad headache or anything he says nothing. So who started the fight?He came over and wanted to kiss me and I turned away. I told him I didnt feel anything for him right then. So then he got angry and we both blew up. Now we are not talking to each other.Oh is that all? That kind of thing is normal. Maybe youre overreacting. No, its just that Im beginning to realize that I dont feel anything for him anymore. Our relationship is getting cold. We dont feel appreciated. Well then maybe you should break up for a while and start seeing other men. But be careful. If I were you, I wouldnt start seeing anyone else until I break up first. What do you think so?If he sees that youre serious about breaking up, he may change. Maybe, but I doubt it. It could be that he feels the same way about you. Maybe he has lost interest. So its best to find out. You need to have a serious conversation with him. Youre right. Maybe its time to really find out. Unit 2-2 reading 爱情和旅游胜地马丘比丘The love labHow we communicate with our romantic partners can have a strong impact on the quality of our relationships. Psychologists John and Julie Gottman run the “Love Lab”, where thousands of couples have been studied over the last 30 years. The purpose of their research is to determine the factors that lead to happy and unhappy relationships. From their data, they have concluded that contempt(轻蔑), criticism, defensiveness, and stonewalling are the most significant factors that can hurt a marriage or relationship. Among these, contempt is the biggest predictor of divorce. People who feel contempt for their partner often convey disapproval without addressing the issue. They sometimes label their partner with insulting words such as “lazy”, “stupid” or “emotional” which is particularly damaging.Many couples try to address issues by criticizing their partners flaws or mistakes directly. Being too direct with criticism can hurt your partners self-esteem. Some people may react to criticism by stonewalling, where they refuse to acknowledge and respond to their partner for a period of time. Unfortunately, fighting back or ignoring your partner can make it difficult to determine the root of your problems. If your partner feels that they arent valued, it may lead to increased dissatisfaction with the relationship. The Gottmans maintain that being aware of these factors in communication is the first step to improving a relationship. It is important to acknowledge that all relationships have issues. The goal shouldnt be to avoid these issues, but to learn to resolve them. In particular, we should avoid communication in ways that hurt our partners self-esteem. It is better to discuss problems in a way that is less confrontational and can better help your partner sympathize with your perspective. For example, rather than saying why are you ignoring me. Its rude! One could say I feel hurt and undervalued when I dont get a response from you. By being conscious of how we communicate with our partner, we can begin to build a healthier relationship. Their research has given us insight into how to make our relationships better. The lost city of the IncasMachu Picchu is one of the worlds most impressive historical sites. It was built around 1450 by the Incas, who ruled most of south America at that time. They called themselves children of the Sun, the powerful god they worshipped as the source of light and life. Located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, at 8000 feet above sea level, the “City of the Incas” was mysteriously abandoned just 100 years after its construction. This was when the Spanish were beginning their conquest of the Inca Empire, in the 1530s. there is no evidence that the Spanish invaders ever attacked or even reached the mountaintop city, so many believe that the citys inhabitants deserted(抛弃) the site because of a small pow epidemic.The city was almost forgotten until 1911 when it was discovered by an American historian, Hiram Bingham, after he heard rumors of its existence. Bingham was led to the site by local farmers and was amazed by what he saw, which seemed like an unbelievable dream. He wondered if anyone would believe what he had found.Though the surrounding jungle had overgrown the site, what remained was impressive. The city had been built on a remote and nearly inaccessible mountaintop, often shrouded in clouds. Forty rows of farming terraces(梯田) hued the steep mountainside, each over 10 feet high and liked together by over 3000 stone steps. Among the city were what appeared to be neighborhoods of homes and exquisite(精致的) stone buildings that are thought to be temples. Even today, the mystery remains as to the purpose of these temples, how the city was used and what its citizens did. Despite its remote location, Machu Picchu has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Every year, thousands of people travel to Peru to admire its magnificent stonework and breathtaking design. What they see is a wonderful harmony between the city and the landscape around it that is captivating. Unit 2-3 listening 凯撒和肯尼迪之死In this course we have tried to prepare you to understand and discuss important topics that are often in the news. Sometimes the news is good news, but all too often we learn of problems and crises. Once in a while, an event is extraordinary and will change the word. In this lesson, we focus on 2 events that changed history forever. One of the most famous assassinations in history was the assassination of Julius Caesar. At the time of his death in 44 DC, he was the leader of Roman empire. His title was Dictator for life, which meant he had absolute authority for as long as he lived. He had gain this power through his successes as a military commander. In fact, historian c