Unit7
II. Listening Skills
Identifying Prices
1.M: I want two correction pens and a notebook. How much are they?
? W: $ 1.95 for each correction pen. $ 5.00 for the notebook.
? Q: How much does the man have to pay?
?
2.W: Ooh, it’s only $9.8. I bet Jane would love this blue vase. Flowers are really her thing.
?M: The salesgirl said it is 30% off today, and it will be the normal price tomorrow.
?Q: How much will the vase cost tomorrow?
?
3.W: Wow, what a wonderful yard sale. Did you see the sofa? It’s in good shape, and he’s selling it for just $100.
? M: Yeah. And that computer, just $150. What a steal! The one we saw last Saturday was three times as expensive as it.
? Q: How much was the computer they saw last week?
?
4. M: Hi. I’d like to book two tickets for this weekend’s concert. How much for general admission?
? W: General admission is $25 per ticket and is standing room only. Seat tickets range from $35 to $50, depending on the section you want.
? Q: How much are two seat tickets?
?
5. W: Hey, Nancy. I’ve got this coupon that says if I buy three cans of Coke, I get a free bag of chips.
? M: You’d better look at it more carefully. It says three bottles of Coke. The bottles are over there. $1.30 for each.
? Q: How much will the man pay to get three cans of Coke and a bag of chips?
1.D?? 2.B?? 3.C?? 4.B?? 5.D
III. Listening In
Task 1: Malls in the
Malls are popular places for Americans to go. People like malls for many reasons. They feel safe because malls have private security guards and sometimes even police stations. Parking is usually free, and the weather inside is always fine. The newest malls have beautiful rest areas with waterfalls and large green trees. The largest mall in the
1.A?? 2.C?? 3.B?? 4.D?? 5.D
Task 2: Online Shopping
W: Hey, Don, online shopping is so popular nowadays. Where is a good place to buy electronics online?
M: Hmmm. I usually go to Amazon.com. Sometimes I use eBay.
W: Really, I’ve never used either of those. What are they all about?
M: Well, eBay is an auction site. People put their stuff up for sale, and then other people log in and if they’re interested in one item, they bid on it. If you want to bid, you put in the amount that is the most you’re willing to pay. Then, by a certain deadline, the highest bid gets the item.
W: Interesting. Then, if your bid is the highest, how do you pay?
M: Well, you can usually send a check or money order. Or, you can use a system called PayPal which lets you pay by credit card online.
W: Hoe do you get your stuff?
M: Well, after the auction, eBay puts you directly in touch with the seller, and then you arrange for them to send it to you. You can check it out at www.eBay.com.
W: I sure will. And how about that Amazon place you said?
M: Amazon.com is like an actual store, just online. They sell just about everything, either new or used items. I find the prices are usually a good deal cheaper than in a store.
W: That’s what I’ve heard. I think that buying some things online, like books, or DVDs, is a really good idea, but I could never buy clothes online.
M: I know what you mean. Things that you need to see, touch and feel first, before you buy, are hard to buy online. But then again, there’re lots of people who buy everything online!
W: Do you think it’s safe? I mean, I’ve heard that people can steal your credit card number over the Internet.
M: Well, I think that is does happen, but it’s very rare. All in all, it’s pretty safe.
W: And what if you want to return something?
M: I think that’s probably easier if you bought it in a real store. But, these online stores and sellers often have very good return policies. You just need to package it all back up again.
W: A pain in the neck if you ask me!
?
1.?????? It’s an auction site where people put their stuff up for sale, and then other people log in and bid on it.
2.?????? They can send a check or money order, or use a system called PayPal which lets them pay by credit card online.
3.?????? The online store puts the buyer directly in touch with the seller, and then the buyer can ask the seller to send the items over.
4.?????? She could never buy clothes online.
5.?????? You just need to package it all back up again.
Task 3: Beware of bargains!
Ever since ancient times, people have always loved a bargain. If they think they are getting a “good deal” they will grab it up, whatever it is. Some people buy clothes they will never wear, or furniture they have no need or room for. Some even buy cars they can’t afford simply because the auto dealer is having a sale. There is an old saying: “You get what you pay for.” And another saying: “If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Sometimes stores feature poorer quality goods at prices that are not really reduced. Some stores offer “unbelievable bargain prices” on unit costs, then add on hidden charges so that the final price is the same as the regular price—or sometimes even higher. There are bargains to be had, but the safest way is to find a retailer that you can trust, and to be cautious. The Romans had a saying: “Let the buyer beware!” The idea is as true today as it ever was.
People have always loved a bargain. If they think they are getting a “good deal”, they will grab it whatever it is. But you get what you pay for. Sometimes stores feature poorer quality merchandise at prices that are not really reduced. Some stores offer “unbelievable bargain prices” on unit costs, then add on hidden charges so that the final price is the same as or even higher than the regular price. There are bargains to be had, but the safest way is to find a retailer that you can trust, and to be cautious.
Task 4: An Announcement
Welcome to our Gift Shop! Time to start thinking about gifts for your friends! The best flowers, cards, stationery, dolls, oriental gifts, art prints and posters, hand-made gifts, and woodwork are arriving daily. Remember, all the gifts are carefully chosen by top professionals! You can get all your favorite gifts at a discount of twenty per cent here at Gift Shop!
IV. Speaking Out
Now Your Turn
Katherine: Peter, where are you off to?
Peter:???? Just going to the bookstore.
Katherine: Oh, the photo shop is next door to it. Would you mind picking up my pictures for me?
Peter:???? All right. Want anything from the bookstore?
Katherine: Well, could you pick up a stapler, please? My papers are in a mess.
Peter:???? No problem.
Model 2 Could you do me a favor?
Now Your Turn
Nicole:? Hey Robert, would you take a look at this for me? My computer is making a funny noise.
Robert: Sure, let me have a look. Hmm, seems like something had gone wrong with your hard drive.
Nicole:? Really? Well, then could you do me a favor? I need to get it fixed right away. Would you give me a ride to the store?
Robert: No problem. But it is still under warranty?
Nicole:? I’m afraid not. It’s several years old.
Robert: Let’s hope the repairs are not too expensive.
Model 3 I was wondering if you could possibly…
Now Your Turn
Susan:?? I wish I hadn’t gone to town this morning. I lost my purse at the shopping center.
Michael: I’m sorry to hear that. What are you going to do now?
Susan:? I guess I’ll go back to check at the Lost and Found. And I was wondering if you could possibly lend me some money for the bus fare. Every cent I had was in my purse.
Michael: I’ll be glad to. Here’s ten dollars, or do you need more?
V. Let’s Talk
Jack: There certainly are a lot of CDs on sale here today. I hope the new Linkin ?Park is on sale. What were you thinking of picking up?
Jane: Well, you know me, Jack. I love classic music. I was thinking of either the Beatles or Elvis’ “Greatest Hits.”
Jack: Jane, when are you going to get with the times? Classic Rock is not classic; it’s just old.
Jane: Yes, well, Pop Rock all sounds the same to me. For me, the Classic Rock really stands out. It’s what started it all.
Jack: It’s also been played a million times. Don’t you get tired of it?
Jane: No, never. Oh, there’s a salesperson; let’s ask him what they have on sale.
Salesman: Can I help you?
Jack: Yes, my friend and I were looking for some CDs. We were hoping they would be on sale. My friend is looking for some older selections like the Beatles or Elvis’ “Greatest Hits.” I was really hoping you’d have the new Linkin ?Park on sale, but if not, I’m also looking for Nickelback.
Salesman: Well, I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that all of the CDs you have asked for are on sale. The bad news is we have just sold out of Elvis’ “Greatest Hits”, but we can order one for you.
Jane: (to her friend) Sold out of Elvis! That must mean he’s pretty popular. (to the salesman) You need to order it in? How does that work?
Salesman: Well, if you give me your telephone number, when we get it, one of our staff will give you a call. Then you can some and pick it up. It shouldn’t be more than a week.
Jane: Okay, well, I’ll take the Beatles CD right now, and you can order the Elvis for me. I’ll give you my phone number.
Jack: And I will take the new Linkin ?Park for now. I’m afraid I only have enough for one CD.
Salesman: The sale lasts till the end of the month. In the meantime, I’ll get your CDs for you, and I’ll take down your number for that Elvis order. Boy, he’s always a popular seller!
Jane: I know!
Column A ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?Column B
Jack ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?2.3.4.8
Jane ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?1.5.6.7
For Reference
A
B, persuade A to buy the jeans.
? I’m telling you, the jeans will look great on you.
A, give your impression of the jeans.
? They’re nice, but I think I’m going to look around a little first.
B, push A to buy the jeans.
? We only have a few pairs left.
A, try to beat down the price.
??They’re just too experience. If you give me a discount, maybe I’ll be interested.
B, make an offer.
? Since these jeans seem exactly specially made for you, I’ll give you a five percent discount.
A, bargain with B.
? ?Make it ten percent, and I’ll take them.
B
B, ask A whether he/she has done something wrong with the Walkman.
? Well, Sir/Miss. What exactly did you do with the Walkman when you got it home?
A, complain and explain the problem.
? Why? I did nothing. I put it some batteries and turned it on, but it just wouldn’t work.
B, offer a suggestion.
? ?Well, I’m afraid we don’t have any more of these models in stock. Would you mind changing it for another type?
A, ask if you can get a refund.
? Not if it costs more money. Can I just get my money back?
B, Answer A’s question and make an offer.
? I’m afraid it’s out store policy that we can only exchange it. But for only twenty dollars more, you can get a new model.
A, give your opinion on B’s offer.
? But that’s what you told me about this model last week!
VI. Furthering Listening and Speaking
Task 1: Does complaining work?
Many people tolerate bad service or inferior products rather than make a complaint. They feel that complaining won’t do any good. In fact, they’re wrong: complaining works because companies don’t want dissatisfied customers. If you have a complaint, do something about it right away. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to get your complaint settled. First, you can complain to one of the clerks. If they cannot help you, then ask politely to speak to a manager. Also, many stores have Customer Service representatives whose job is to solve problems in customer relations. These people are eager to assist because companies realize that dissatisfied customers can damage their reputations. You should always insist on your own rights as a customer. You have the right to receive a product you ordered in timely manner and in good condition. With airlines, you have the right to be on the flight you’ve booked. You can also expect a discount if you receive less than you have agreed upon—a hotel room with a view of a brick wall instead of an ocean view, for example.
1. tolerate????? complaint
2. do any good???? dissatisfied customers
3. longer??? harder??? settled
4. Customer Service???? solve problems
5. the right???? in a timely manner
Task 2: Credit Cards
Because credit cards have so many advantages, their use has become widespread. Unfortunately, however, credit cards are major sources of problems to society as a whole. First, there is the issue of fraud. Stolen credit cards add to the cost of all merchandise as companies write off these losses by adding to the cost of all goods. Second, there are the personal misfortunes. Credit card companies charge exceptionally high rates of interest (about 20%), but because the cards are so easy to use, many people but beyond their ability to repay. Also, there are often too generous limits to the amount of credit one can have; as a result, many people run up such high debts that they go bankrupt. Currently, it is easy for people to own many credit cards. When one credit card is “maxed out” they simply switch to another. Although individual credit cards have limits, the number of credit cards is not limited. People with ten credit cards, each with a $5,000 limit, have $50,000 of credit, even though they might not be able to pay all of their bills. This can easily lead to bankruptcy. Perhaps people should be given an absolute credit limit set as a certain percentages of their imcome.
1. F?? 2.F?? 3.F?? 4.T?? 5.T
Task 3: A Tongue Twister
Betty Botta bought some butter.
“But,” she said, “this butter is bitter.
Put a bit of better butter
Will make my butter better.”
So she bought a bit of butter
Better than the bitter butter.
And it made her butter better.
So it was better than Betty Botta
Bought a bit of bitter butter.
