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Level 5Unit 11/4ListeningJessica is 35 year old.She graduated from middle school 20 years ago.This year her middle school class has its 20 year class reunion.All of her classmates and teachers were invited to attend.It was going to be at a hotel near where their school used to be.Like many other buildings, the school had been torn down.It had been replaced by some apartment buildings.At first, she wasnt sure if she could go to the reunion.One reason was that there wasnt anyone in particular that she wanted to see (from her school days). Another reason was that she was very busy.She was a working mother with a boy 8 years old and a husband who is rarely at home.Going to the union meant that she would have to arrange for someone to take care of things while she was away.That wouldnt be easy.She didnt want to take her boy with her, and her husband wouldnt take time off from work.Then she got a message from Sharon, one of her old classmates.Sharon was contractingIn the school reunion.They exchange messages and Jessica said she wouldnt make it.Then Sharon gave her a call, and they talk for almost an hour.Sharon really wanted her to come, and so did the couple of Jessicas old friendsThey were all wandering how she was doing.None of them has seen or heard from her since graduation.They were a specially careers she hadnt gone to the first reunion 10 years ago.Jessica decided to arrange thing so that she could go.Her husband finally agreed to take care of things while she was away.He agreed to do it, because her mother had offered to come and stayed for a while, so Jessica could attend the reunion.Since he and her mother didnt get along, he decided to change his schedule and work from home for a few days. He really didnt want his mother to come though he didnt say so.When she got to the reunion she was shocked.Everyone had aged so much and many were out of shape.Some who used to be good looking had lost their looks completely and others looked much better than before. It was strange how time had changed people in such different ways.Anyway, she decided since she was there, she would try to enjoy it.VocabularyTo replace something means to put something else in its place.When something gets old and begins to break down, it may need to be replaced.The person who replaces someone is the persons replacement.To tear something down means to break it apart.To tear a person down means to hurt them by saying negative things about them.It may take a long time to tear down a big building.To construct something means to build it or put it together.Large construction projects include buildings, bridges and organizations. The opposite of constructive is destructive.To be constructive means to help build an idea or process by contributing something helpful, such as positive feedback.To organize something means to arrange things in an orderly logical way.An organization is something that has logical structure such as a well-managed company.Some people are poorly organized, so they have a hard time finding things. They are too disorganized to get anything done on time.An event or party can be well organized, poorly organized or completely disorganized.When things are not arranged well, you need to organize.To support something such as an idea is to help add strength to it.The opposite of support is to undermine or weaken.If you support someone, it means you are trying to help them succeed.To work against someone means to undermine them, or make them less effective.Public information is available to anyone who wants to know it.If a store is open to the public, it means anyone can come in.A public company makes its shares available for purchase by any investor.Many people make money by investing in public companies.Anyone can invest in a public company by buying its shares.Private information is not open to everyone, but is only available to trusted friends or family.Information about ones secret hopes and dreams is usually private.You had better keep information about your passwords private or you may lose a lot. The password to your bank account is private information.Most people keep their personal information private.Confidential information is secret information.Confidential information is not supposed to be shared with others.The details of a secret design or how a company makes decisions are often confidential. Revealing confidential information may be illegal.Gossip is information that is often exchanged because its exciting or fun, even though it may not be true.Office gossip is often entertaining but it can also be damaging.Gossip may hurt or embarrass the person being gossiped about. People who gossip often enjoy embarrassing or hurting other people.Opinions are what people think or feel about something as a pose to facts or information. Factual information is based on facts or evidences but opinions are what people think or feel.Someones opinion is what they think or feel about something.Opinions often differ, and when they do people may argue.DialogueM: Is this the Ace service center?W: Yes, it is, sir. May I help you?M: Yes, Im calling to complain about your service.W: Certainly, sir. Im sorry to hear that. Let me see if there is something I can do to help you. Please tell me what happened.M: I ordered a new washing machine on your website. It was more than a week ago.W: Before you go on, may I have your order number please?M: Sure, its ABC1005.W: And may I have the last four digits of your social security number?M: I dont have a social security number. Im an illegal alien.W: Very funny sir. OK, then, what is your first pets name?M: Mister Kitty.W: OK. I see your order information. Now, whats the problem?M: I ordered a washing machine and paid for it. Then I chose a delivery date from a set of choices. It was supposed to be delivery today, but its still not here.W: Did anyone contact you?M: No, I havent received any messages.W: Im sorry to hear that, sir.W: I see here that the washing machine you ordered hasnt arrived in our warehouse yet. It cant be delivery until next week.M: You dont even have it yet? Why havent I been notified? I took time off from work to be at home today.W: You should have been notified, by phone or email.M: I wasnt. I havent received any notification. This is very upsetting.W: I understand, sir. Im really sorry for this.M: Being sorry isnt enough. Im really upset. This is no way to do business.W: Yes, sir. I understand.W: I can send you a 50 dollar gift coupon as a way to express our appreciation for your patience.M: I dont care about the money. I dont blame you of course. But I want you to know how disappointed I am with ACE. I expected a much better service.W: Im really sorry, sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?M: Yes, there is. Id like to cancel the order and get the refund.W: Im sorry to hear that, sir. But I understand. Ill see to what you get your refund.M: How long will it take before I get the refund?W: You should see the credit on your credit card billing statement.M: Thanks for your help.W: Youre welcome, sir. And once again, please accept my apologies.2/4ListeningJessicas 20-year class reunion was held at a fancy hotel.When she arrived, she wasnt sure she was in the right place.At first, she didnt recognize anyone.She felt a bit accord and in out place.But it wasnt long before a strange man came up to her.He was already losing his hair, and he was wearing thick glasses.Dont you remember me? He asked.When he said who he was, she barely remembered him, especially since he had changed so much. Then he told her that he always had a crash on her.He said she looked beautiful and he immediately took a sofy of them with his arm tite around her waist. This made her feel a bit strange.She smiled to him and pretended to be happy to see him.But in fact, she wasnt sure how to react, though he seemed nice.She finally excused herself and went to the ladys room.She was beginning to regret having come to the reunion.She had always been shy and she still was.When she returned to the party, Sherry invited her to sit at her table.Dinner was going to be served soon and some of the classmates were going to give speeches. Sharon asked Jessica to say a few words too, because people were curious.This was a surprise.Jessica had never been very popular and she didnt think anyone had noticed her.She had always felt like an outsider, with only a couple of close friends. Still she had been one of the best students and people remembered her.As the evening were on, Jessica began to really enjoy herself.She talked with her old friends and was amazed by how some others had changed. For example, Tommy used to be good-looking and athletic.He was one of the most popular students and a star basketball player. His one problem was math.He had had a hard time in math, especially in geometry. This was because he wasnt a logical thinker.Except for basketball, he didnt want to do anything, unless it was easy.Tom was no longer good-looking.His nose, which had always been large, had grown even larger.He had also gained a lot of weight.His wife had left him, so for the first time ever, he was alone.He looked lonely and depressed not at all like he used to be.Steven was nobody in high school.People hardly noticed him.He was small, quiet and a bit ugly, with crooked teeth.What he was good at was English.His English was even better than their teachers.After graduating, he went to a low rent university and eventually dropped out.For a while, he worked as a tour guide.Then, 10 years ago, he and some friends started a little company which has now a great success. In fact, he had become a rich, generous man.He had a nice warm smile and his success hadnt gone to his head.It was a pleasure to be around him.His success hadnt gone to his head means that his success didnt make him think he was better than others.Betty used to be the most beautiful girl in school.She wasnt very smart but she was a great singer.She made a video of her singing and it went virus.She became famous overnight but it only lasted for about 2 years.After that, her fans lost interest in her.She tried to become an actress but she failed.She had been too steef and nervous in front of the camera.Betty had a nice husband who seemed to adore her.The one treasure in her life happened about 5 years ago when she lost her daughter to a varifam of cancer. Because of that her hair had begun to turn grey.Jessica couldnt help but felt sorry for her.Betty had on her girl, but things didnt work out.And then there was John.John used to be the school bully. He had been big, strong and mean.He hadnt been nice to anybody.It seemed that he was always angry and ready to hit someone.After graduating he joined the army and went overseas to fight no war. He saw many people die and he grew to hate fighting of any kind.Then one day he was nearly killed when the helicopter he was in was shot down. He survived the crash but he lost a leg and was hospitalized for nearly a year.Now he had completely changed.He had gentle, kind eyes and beautiful smile.He was working for an organization that provides support for elderly people.From Jessicas point of view, John had turned out to be a wonderful surprise.In the end, Jessica was glad she went to her reunion.It was interesting to see how people had changed through the years.Still she was happy to get home and appreciated everything that she had.VocabularyA broken heart is what happens when a love relationship is broken off.Someone with a broken heart is usually depressed which means they feel awful and dont enjoy life.If someone you love breaks off the relationship it feels like the end of the world. She broke his heart when she told him their relationship was over.To fall in love with someone can be a wonderful experience with powerful emotions. People in love often share their deepest feelings and emotions which is intimacy.Being in love can blind you from see things as they really are, so it is easy to make a bad decision. When you are in love with someone you can hardly think of anything else.The emotions of love have inspired poets throughout history. She has found the man of her dreams.To find someone attractive usually means there is a physical desire to be with them.Physical attraction may sometimes lead to love, but in many cases, it may only lead to a short term sexual relationship.Physically attractive people attract people of the opposite or same sex, depending on their sexual orientation. Many women use makeup to make themselves more physically attractive.To flirt with someone means to let him or her know that you want to be approached. Some people use their eyes or a smile to flirt.The skill of flirting is something that comes naturally to some people, but for many people, they just act awkwardly.If someone is flirting with you, they are coming on to you. You may reject their advance or accept it and begin a relationship.Jealousy is what often happens when 2 people compete for the love of the same person. The one who loses may be very jealous of the other and try to breaks things up.If 2 men are rivals for the same woman, they may dislike or even hate each other because of jealousy. A jealous person often wants to possess the person they love.Feelings of jealousy may last for a long time and can destroy friendships.Some people can remain calm even when everyone else is confused and upset.When you are calm you can think clearly and make good decisions.Some people are easily upset and have a hard time controlling their emotions.Sometimes its best to control your emotions and be calm rather than react in anger.Their actions can upset everyone around them.People react to disappointing news in different ways.Sometimes they get discouraged and lose their confidence.Sometimes they get depressed and begin to cry or even get drunk.When disappointed, be calm, think clearly and act constructively.When disappointed, its much better to face the facts and decide what to do next than get discouraged.She was really disappointed when she failed to pass the examination. Discouraging news can cause people to lose their confidence.People are furious when they are extremely angry.People who are furious at each other may end up fighting or trying to hurt each other.Some people become furious when they are driving and another driver cuts in front of them. When people are furious at each other they often yell and insult each other.To be excited is usually a good thing.People can become excited while watch a soccer match and seeing their team score a goal. The opposite of exciting is dull or boring.Everyone was excited when they heard that their favorite team had won the game. He expected the game to be exciting, but it was so boring that he left early.Someone is terrified if they are extremely afraid and shaking with fear.Terrified people will often scream and run away from whatever threatening them. Being in the earthquake was a terrifying experience, especially for the children.When people are furious at each other they often yell and insult each other.People who cant control their emotions are difficult to work with.When people are furious at each other, they often yell and insult each other.He was terrified when he thought the building he was in was going to collapse in the earthquake.DialogueW1: What are you so excited about?W2: Have you heard? John and Sofaier are getting a divorce.W1: No, I havent. But Im not surprised. To be honest, I never expected their marriage to last very long. Shes so aggressive and bossy.W2: Well, I think John had an affair. He met someone on a business trip.W1: Really? How did you find THAT out?W2: Sherry told me a few minutes ago.W1: Oh, Sherry. She is such a gossip. I wouldnt believe anything she says.W2: No, really. This time I think we can trust her. I dont think shes making it up.W1: Wow, this IS news. What about their baby?W2: I dont know. I havent heard anything about that.W1: Well, thats too bad. Even though I dont like either one of them, I feel sorry for them. Its so sad when this happens, especially for the child.W2: Ya, right. Its easy to get cort up off in a gossip and forget about the serious consequences.To have an affair means foe a married person to have a romantic relationship outside of the marriage.W1: Still, I cant say Im surprised. Can you imagine living with someone like that?W2: No, I cant. She is so self-centered.W1: And what about him?W2: I dont know him well, but he seems nice.W1: I think so too. Im not sure how he ever fell for her.W2: Are you kidding? Hommors. You have to admit that shes physically attractive. He probably couldnt help himself. And now it seems he has fallen for someone else.W1: I guess he cant control himself. Ive heard he has a drinking problem too.W2: Oh I wasnt aware of that. Well, whats new, right? Somethings never change.W1: Thats for sure. Hey, what about lunch?W2: No, thanks. Id better get back to work.3/4ListeningEmmas Best is a small but growing health food company.It was started in 1995 by a married couple who were tired of working for large companies. The two founders were Ed and Emma Smith, both health-conscious vegetarians.Despite the risks, Ed and Emma wanted to start their own business. They knew it would be hard work, but they were determined to try.Their plan was to create a business that provided healthy food to busy people. They wanted it to be something they could be pride of.When they started the company, organic food was becoming more popular. People were becoming more food-conscious and worried about food safety.In fact, people were willing to pay higher prices for food that was free of harmful chemicals. In addition, an increasing number of people had little time to go shopping and cook at home. They wanted meals that were healthy but easy to prepare.There were very few frozen meals available at the time and none of them were vegetarian or organic. There were gap in market.To be more conscious of something means to be more aware of it.Ed and Emma immediately saw the opportunity and launched their first product. It was a frozen pasta meal with a mix of vegetables and delicious cream sauce. The market response was enthusiastic and profitable beyond their expectations. Their product was an instant success.To their surprise, it was soon being eaten by millions of people not only vegetarians or those interested organic foods.It was being bought because it was easy to prepare and tested good.And of course it was healthy.People were willing to pay more for food that was free of harmful chemicals.To their surprise, it was soon eaten by a wide variety of people.Other products followed in rapid succession.As a result, at the end of 5 years, the company was producing over 100 frozen meals.Since then, they have increased the number of
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