九级外研版下册英语课文原文

Module 1 Unit 1

Listen and read.

Lingling: Welcome back, everyone!

Betty: Hi Lingling! How was your holiday?

Not bad! I went to Henan Province. But the trip back was very long. The

Lingling: train was full of people, and I had to stand for over six hours. Betty: Bad luck. Where's Tony?

He's staying with his family in the UK, and flying back tomorrow. The

Daming: flights were late today.

Betty: Why is travel so difficult in winter?

Well, it's the busiest season in China because of Spring Festival. Where did

Lingling: you go, Daming?

We flew to —and the flight was late! But we took the boat to

Daming: Landau Island and went to Disneyland. Lingling: How about you, Betty?

We had quite a good time in Beijing. We went sightseeing by bus and by taxi. And last weekend, we took a tour by to the Summer Palace and

Betty: went for a long walk.

And now, better get back to work ... We've got exams at the end of the

Daming: term.

Betty: Yes, but there are plenty of fun things to do this term ... the school trip ... Lingling: ... and the school leavers' party ...

Daming: ... the visit to the English-speaking theatre in Beijing ... Lingling: And our trip to Los Angeles! We'll have a great time!

Module 1 Unit 2

Look at the phrases from the passage. What do you think the passage will be about?

a. 1 ... his first long trip by train ... b. 2 ... leaving his village and his home ... c. 4 ... sitting in Lin's seat.

d. 6 Slowly the young man stood up ... e. 5 This young man has the right ticket ... f. 3 With tears in his eyes ...

Read the passage and number the phrases in the order they happen.

Excuse Me. You're Sitting in My Seat!

The train to Beijing! Lin often dreamed about the train, and about going to the capital. Now it was in front of him, to soon. He looked at his brother.

\"Don't forget where you come from, little brother,\" Jin said. \"And watch your bags carefully.\"

Lin , unable to speak. This was his first long trip by train at the start of his new life, leaving his village and his home for the last 16 years.

He held Jin in his arms. With in his eyes, Jin pushed Lin away. \"Go, brother. Write to us as soon as you get there, OK?\"

Lin jumped onto the train. There were people and bags everywhere. He pushed past them his seat.

A young man was sitting in Lin's seat. He was wearing jeans and a very smart jacket, and was smoking a .

What should he do? Six pairs of eyes looked at Lin, while the man looked out of the window.

\"Sir, you're sitting in my seat,\" Lin said, with a nervous smile. The other people watched with interest.

The man didn't turn to look at Lin, but just looked out of the window.

\"Excuse me. I have a ticket with the number of the seat you're sitting in!\" Lin said in a stronger voice.

\"I also have a ticket with that number— it is in another car. Besides, I was here first,\" said the man, without moving his head. he was sitting, he looked very tall and strong.

Lin looked at the other passengers for help. \"But ... \" he started to say. \"But what?\" The man turned and looked at Lin. \"I'm not moving.\"

Finally a man wearing glasses spoke in a loud voice. \"This young man has the right ticket for that seat. You should move.\"

Lin felt brave. \"See? Please move. I've got a long way to go.\" \"How long?\" the young man asked. \"To the last stop, Beijing.\"

\"I'm before you. Then you can have my seat. \" \"Where is that?\" asked Lin. \"Hangzhou.\"

Lin thought Hangzhou was far away.

\"It's seven hours away from here,\" the man with glasses said. \"Even if it's only 10 minutes, you should move.\"

Slowly the young man stood up, dropped his on the floor, and disappeared down the train.

Module 2 Unit 1

Listen and read.

Betty: Hey, Tony! How was the UK? Tony: Guess what! I saw Sally in London. Lingling: My pen friend Sally?

Tony: Yes, Sally, the girl who visited us last year and played in the orchestra. Lingling: Oh, that's fantastic! How is she?

Tony: She's fine. It was great to see her again. I like her.

Did you do anything interesting while you were there? Did you visit her

Betty: school?

Tony: Yes, I did. She took me there herself. Betty: What's it like?

Tony: Here you are! These are some photos of Park School. I took them myself. Lingling: Let's have a look.

Tony: It isn't as big as ours. It's only got about 700 pupils. Lingling: And how many pupils are there in a class? Tony: Thirty. Lingling: Wow!

Most classes have got a computer and Internet. And there are a few science laboratories, and a large library. And there's a swimming pool and

Tony: a huge sports ground. Lingling: But Sally likes music.

Tony: Well, there's a music room, too. And they have a hall for concerts. Lingling: Which school is better, our school or Park School?

Tony: Both schools are very nice. And school has anything the other hasn't got.

But ...

Betty: But what ...?

Tony: ... but I prefer our school!

Daming: I bet we're even better than Park School at English! Lingling: Well, anyway, we're all going to get top grades for English!

Module 2 Unit 2

Read the passage and write a short title for each photo.

My School Life

My name is Sally Maxwell, and I'm 15. I've been at Park School, London since I was 11. If I pass my exams next year, I'll stay here until I'm 18.

Park School is a , about 20 minutes by bike away from home. Before I came here, I went to primary school, near my home. I started primary school when I was five and stayed there for six years.

The schoolday is from 8:45 . to 3:15 . We spend the first 10 minutes in our classroom while our teacher checks which pupils are or . Then everyone goes to the main hall. There our head teacher makes a and tells us any news about the school. Lessons begin at 9:05 and last for an hour. We have a break at 11:05 until 11:20, then another lesson, then lunch for an hour. We have two more lessons before school finishes.

This year I have 11 subjects: maths, , chemistry, , history, geography, music and IT, PHSE, ADT and PE (these stand for Information Technology; Personal Health and Education; Art, Design and Technology and Physical Education). , we don't have exams in every subject. PHSE is about the dangers of and smoking, among other things. In ADT we also do things like learning to cook as well as drawing and

design. Some people can do Italian and instead of , but no one is learning Chinese ... yet! PE physical exercise, basketball, in the gym and swimming—we're really lucky to have a swimming pool.

I took exams when I was 7, 10, and 14 years old. Next year I take my exams in eight subjects, and then I can do between three and five subjects for the exams in my final year.

We have a large sports ground where we play football, tennis and do both during and after school hours. After-school activities, such as sports clubs and language societies are popular, too. During the school year there are usually visits to museums and galleries, and to camps for activities, such as climbing and cycling in the country. There are parties and and a sports day, and the school play is a really important event. Once a term, there is a parents' meeting, so our parents and teachers can talk about our progress.

What's the best thing about school? English, history, music ... and my friends. What's the worst thing? Homework ... and exams!

Module 3 Unit 1

Listen and read.

Betty's

mum: It's getting late, Betty.

Nearly finished! I'm doing a composition: Is life today better or worse

Betty: than it was 50 years ago? Betty's

mum: And what do you think?

I think it's better. The most important difference is that people are

Betty: healthier today, and they live longer than they did in the past. Betty's That's true. The advantage is that we know more about today. We're

mum: better at . But people don't eat as well as in the past, and don't take as

much exercise as they did.

Betty: I that's because public transport is much better today.

Yes, I agree. People walk or use their bikes less, and they're lazier. Faster

Betty's transport also makes more pollution. And that makes life more dangerous mum: and less healthy.

What about work? People don't have to work as hard as they worked 50

Betty: years ago.

Betty's Yes, but no one ever says they have too much free time! I also think mum: schoolchildren today work harder than we ever did. Betty: Yes, but I really want to do my best. Betty's

mum: Why don't you ask Mrs Li downstairs? She's seen how life has changed.

That's a good idea. Talking of free time, don't forget I'm going on the

Betty: school trip next month, and the theatre visit. Betty's

mum: Good! You'll be more and less nervous before your exams.

Module 3 Unit 2

Read this sentence from the passage. It's an example of a main point.

My parents, my sister and three brothers lived in a small house beside

Example: a restaurant. Main point:

Families were bigger in the past..

Now choose the correct main point for these examples from the passage.

1. My sister ... left school when she was only 12 ...

My sister no longer wanted to go to school. The school leaving age was lower in the past. (T)

2. Looking after us was a full-time job, so she stayed at home.

Married women were too busy at home to continue working. (T) It wasn't necessary for the mother to work.

3. ... my mother never bought ready-made food as people do today.

There wasn't any fast food in the past.

The food we eat today isn't as healthy as it was. (T)

4. My parents liked him, and thought he came from a good family ...

People from good families were always kind.

Parents usually decided who their children married. (T)

5. Yes, there are lots more buildings and so much more traffic!

Cars are cheaper today.

There was less traffic in the past. (T)

Module 4 Unit 1

Listen and read.

Lingling: I'm really looking forward to the Shakespeare play. Betty: Me too! And the school trip to the Great Wall.

Lingling: Yes, but I need a jacket, and some warm and socks. Betty: In May?

Lingling: I get really cold. Betty: OK. Let's go shopping!

How about that new shopping centre in Wangfujing? You know, turn

Lingling: left and go along Wangfujing, and it's on the right.

Sure. We'll go by bus, OK? And have you decided what to wear to the

Betty: school leavers' party?

Lingling: I've got a really nice long . What about you?

I'll probably wear a dress, too, but I need some shoes. OK, I'll meet

Betty: you in front of school at two o'clock this afternoon.

(Later.)

Betty: How about this jacket?

Lingling: It's the right but it's a bit bright.

Betty: Let's see if they have one in blue. Where's the ? Lingling: It's that girl with long hair over there. Excuse me!

Shop

assistant: Can I help you?

Betty: Yes, do you have this jacket in blue? Shop

assistant: No, I don't think so. But we've got some over here. Come this way.

Betty: No, she doesn't want an overcoat. Lingling: Hey, I really like these shoes! Betty: Oh, take a look at that amazing skirt! Lingling: I think we're going to be here for some time.

Module 4 Unit 2

Read the passage and find out what the words and expressions mean. big name; designer clothes; logo; look cool

Looking Cool

What do you look for when you go shopping for clothes? Do you choose something ... or comfortable? Do you like to look different? Or do you wear the same clothes as your friends? Do you go for this year's colours? Is it the —the company symbol—that catches your attention? Or maybe film stars are wearing these clothes? What helps you choose the clothes you like?

Everyone spends money on clothes, and everyone has their personal look. The best-known clothing companies sell their \"\" clothes all over the world. But the number of these big name companies is in fact very small, and the clothes they make are more expensive than the clothes made by less companies. Many people even prefer them to cheaper clothes. Why?

Many young people today care about the way they look. They often buy \"\" clothes because they think they look . Then the less companies make clothes which look the same. But they don't sell as well because they don't have the .

People also think clothes are better made. For example, many people think the right running shoes will make you run faster or play better. Of course, this is not always true. It's the training—not the trainers—that improves your speed or your score. But that's not the point. People believe that it's true ... and then buy the shoes. The big companies only want to make a lot of money.

Above all, clothes are more popular because of clever . All of the international companies spend millions of every year to make us buy their clothes. And they !

Most people dress in a way that shows off their . But if some of us buy expensive clothes just to look , what does that say about us? Maybe it's just

clever .

So next weekend, think about the clothes you put on. What's the on your trainers? Who made your jeans? And how many of your friends wear the same clothes as you do? And then think that maybe some of us could spend our money better.

Module 5 Unit 1

Listen and read.

Mr OK, listen up! Before we can enjoy ourselves on the Great Wall, there are

Jackson: a few and . OK?

All: Yes, Mr Jackson.

Mr First, you must the path. You mustn't walk along the edge because you

Jackson: might fall and hurt yourself. Is that ?

All: Yes.

Mr And you have to keep together. You mustn't go off on your own, because

Jackson: you might get lost.

All: No, Mr Jackson.

Daming: Can we have something to eat now? I'm !

No, you can't, Daming! You only had breakfast an hour ago. I think we Mr should start walking, and then stop at noon for our picnic. But you

Jackson: shouldn't drink all the water, because you may need some later. Betty: Can we go rock climbing?

Mr Yes, you can, but you must use . You have to think about personal

Jackson: safety! And you must have the right shoes. OK, I think that's all. Let's go

down this path, and then we can cross the and climb up to the top of that mountain. Then we can take a look across the countryside ...

Daming: ... and have lunch?

Mr

Jackson: ... and then walk along that part of the wall, up there. Come on! I'll . Daming: I feel tired already. I may need a rest very soon.

Module 5 Unit 2

Look at the picture and answer the questions.

1. What do you think the bear is doing?

2. What do you think the people in the tent should do?

Read the passage and answer the questions.

1. What were the three people doing in Yellowstone Park? 2. How much do they know about bears?

3. Where do you think is the best place to keep food safe from bears? 4. What was the noise behind the writer?

5. Do you think their stay in the park was a success?

Watch Out! Bears About!

On our first evening, the three of us were tired after walking for about eight hours. We soon fell asleep.

In the middle of the night, there was a strange noise outside. But when I looked out of the tent, there was nothing to see.

In the morning, I got up to make breakfast. The bag of food was open. \"Bears,\" said Joe. \"We should hang the food in a tree tonight.\"

Later that day we stopped in a beautiful by a stream. It was very , and we fell asleep listening to the sound of water.

During the night the bears came back. This time they took the food from the tree.

\"How did they do that?\" I asked.

\"Not high enough. Bears can climb trees. They can smell food from a distance. We should pick up the rubbish, too.\"

The first rule of camping is to keep a clean camp . You can't leave anything which bears might think is food.

\"OK, let's tidy the up, and move on. Oh, and we should make lots of noise, too. If they know where we are, they may not come any closer,\" said Joe.

\"If you see a bear,\" said Joe, \"you mustn't move or make any . And above all, you mustn't run. No one can run faster in the forest than a bear.\"

We went to sleep ... or we tried to.

The next day we stopped at midday for something to eat, and while the others were resting, I went for a walk in the forest.

Suddenly, I saw a baby bear playing with some and stones. He looked so friendly, and I remember thinking, \"If I , I can just touch him.\"

There was a loud noise behind me.

I stood very . I didn't even turn my head. There was another loud noise, and I couldn't see what was happening. The baby bear looked up, and ran past me into the .

I stayed in the same position for five minutes, maybe more. Then slowly I turned round, and on the about 300 metres away I saw the baby bear and his huge mother.

I have never run so fast, back to my friends.

For the next 10 days, every time there was a noise, my went cold.

Module 6 Unit 1

Listen and answer the questions. Use the words in the box to help you. accident; ache; blood; ; ; ground; ; shoulder; stomach;

1. Has Tony's dad ever had serious accidents? 2. What parts of his body did he hurt? 3. How long did it take him to get better? 4. What illness does he sometimes get? 5. What does he get with this illness?

6. What does he think Tony will get, and why?

7. Listen and read.

Betty: Hey! My legs are aching. How far have we walked?

Mr About 10 kilometres. Let's wait for the others. They'll catch up in a few

Jackson: minutes. Lingling: Who's ?

Betty: Tony and Daming. What's happened to them? Lingling: They were walking more slowly than us.

Mr And look at those clouds! I think it's going to rain. I'll go back and look for

Jackson: them.

Betty: Wait a minute! I can hear someone. Tony: Help!

Lingling: It's Tony. Where have you been?

It's Daming. He has had an accident. He was running along the wall when he tripped and fell over the edge. He's cut his head; his shoulder hurts

Tony: and I think he's broken his leg.

Mr

Jackson: When did he fall? Tony: About 10 minutes ago.

Mr OK, show me where he is. I'll call for help on my mobile.

Jackson: (Later)

Tony: There he is, lying on the ground!

Mr

Jackson: Hi, Daming. How do you feel? Daming: My leg hurts, and I feel a bit cold.

Tony: And you've cut your . There's blood on your leg.

Mr

Jackson: Can you move your foot? Daming: Yes. Ouch! But I can't walk.

Mr

Jackson: We had better get you to hospital. Lingling: Will he live?

Mr Of course he will! He's got a in his leg and he may get a but it's nothing

Jackson: serious. He'll soon be OK!

Module 6 Unit 2 Look at the pictures. Say what the advantages or dangers are.

Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3

Read the passage. Which paragraphs describe what you can see in the pictures?

Six Rules for a Safe and Healthy Life

Thanks to in both health care and personal safety, most people are living healthier, longer lives. Someone who is born today can expect to live 25 years longer than someone who was born in the 19th century. It's even thought that in the future more and more people will celebrate their hundredth birthday. Here are six rules for a healthy life. 1. Be careful! It's dangerous out there!

We all know that we shouldn't run across the road in front of the traffic, or cycle too close to cars. But we're not sure about how to stay safe in the countryside. When you're out walking, you should always go with someone, and tell your parents where you're planning to go. Remember! Climbing may also mean falling—what goes up must come down. Safety rules and advice are there to help you, not to make life less fun. 2. Don't be a potato!

Sure, it's comfortable to sit on the couch and watch. But experts say you should walk at least 10,000 steps every day to keep . In the past, people's jobs required more physical effort. When farmers were working in the fields, they were keeping fit at the same time. Think about it: do you get the same of exercise today as they did in the past? 3. Watch your diet!

It's important to eat plenty of the right things, above all, fruit, vegetables, and to see fast food or sweets as something very special—maybe just now and then. The wrong diet means you'll put on , one of the fastest ways to an unhealthy life. 4. Rest up while you can!

When we were babies, we slept for much of the day—if our parents were lucky! Teenagers don't need as much sleep but it's important to get about eight hours' sleep. At weekends, you've got more time, so use it not just for your friends, but for rest, too. 5. Don't worry. Be happy!

Many doctors believe that happiness is important for our general health. If you're worried about something, talk to your parents or your teacher. 6. Say no ... to smoking and drugs!

Yes, you knew I was going to say this! But it's so important. More teenagers damage their health through smoking and taking drugs than any other dangers. Think about the on your family and friends, and think about its effect on you and your health.

Happy living! Module 7 Unit 1

Look at the party invitation and answer the questions.

Invitation You're invited to the School Leavers' Party on Saturday 30th May at 5 .

in the school hall

Bring a traditional dish—\"finger food\"

Music and dancing

1. What's a school leavers' party? 2. What's a traditional dish?

3. What do you think \"finger food\" is? 4. What else is there to do at the party?

5. Listen and read.

Lingling: When's the school leavers' party?

After the visit to the play by Shakespeare. It'll be held on 30th May. We're

Betty: all invited.

Daming: In fact, I've been chosen to look after the dance music. Tony: And I have been asked to decorate the hall.

And everyone has been told to prepare a traditional dish from our own

Betty: countries.

Will we be allowed to cook it at school, or must it be made at home, and

Lingling: brought here?

I suppose it can be heated up in the school kitchen, but it should be cooked

Betty: at home. What are you going to make? Lingling: Suanla tang, I guess. Betty: What's that?

Lingling: and sour soup. It's made with chicken or pork and vegetables.

But the invitation says finger food! That means you have to eat it with

Betty: your .

Lingling: Oh, soup's no good, then. You need a . What about you? Betty: Hamburgers, with cheese in a . Tony: And you, Daming?

Daming: Jiaozi! The best jiaozi in China are made by my grandmother! Betty: Is she invited to the school leavers' party, too? Daming: Hm, I see what you mean. What about you, Tony? Tony: A traditional English pizza with cheese, tomato and ham. Betty: Pizza isn't English! It was invented in Italy, not England! Tony: But pizza can be eaten everywhere in England. Betty: I don't think Shakespeare ate pizza!

Module 7 Unit 2

Read the passage. What are the most surprising pieces of information about meals and eating customs in the West? Do as the Romans Do

There's a , \"When in Rome, do as the do.\" And when you eat Western food, do as the Westerners do. Here are some things you may wish to know about eating together in the West.

In the West, lunch is eaten later, always after midday, sometimes at one o'clock. Dinner is served around 7 . or even later. In Spain it's usual to eat lunch at 2 . and dinner at 10 .!

At the start of a meal the Chinese usually say \"manman chi\". The French say \"Bon appetit\and the Italians say \"Buon appetito\". But there's no similar expression in English! \"Enjoy your meal\" is usually only said by a waiter. For \"ganbei\

Chopsticks are only used when people eat Chinese food. Knives and are used for most food. The fork is held in your left hand and the in your right, and the food is held with the fork and cut with the knife. Americans often cut all their food first, and then put the fork in their right hand to eat it. Soup is drunk with a . However, there is some food which can be eaten with your fingers, such as chicken legs, seafood, and cake.

At the start of a meal, if you're the guest, you'll be invited to yourself (\"Help yourself!\"), or your will be filled by your host (\"Can I serve you?\"). If you've been given something you don't like, it should be pushed to the edge of the plate and left. You don't have to say why, but if you feel an is required, just say, \"I'm sorry. I can't eat this.\" No one will be . If you're offered more food, but can't eat any more, just say, \"No, thanks. It was delicious, but I've had enough.\"

Generally, fewer dishes are prepared than in China. It isn't thought to be so important to offer too much food.

Finally, it's sometimes difficult to know when the meal is . If you've been invited to dinner by Western friends, you'll know that you're expected to stay and talk around the dinner table long after the last dish has been brought to the table, and it's thought quite rude if you leave as soon as you finish eating.

The golden rule is: Watch the other people. Do as they do. Module 8 Unit 1 Listen and read.

Tony'smum: How was the play?

Tony: Well, I was pleased to see it, but three hours is a long time to stay still.

Tony'smum: Was it in English?

Tony: Yes, it was acted by the Beijing English Theatre Company.

Tony'smum: What was the best ?

The fight between the two families and their ! And the actors who played the of Romeo and Juliet were ! But it's sad at the end, because

Tony: Juliet loves Romeo, but her father has decided she must marry

someone else. So they both decide to kill themselves.

Tony'smum: \"A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life.\"

Tony: OK, OK, I'm . Can you any more ?

Tony'smum: No, that's all I can remember. Did you have a good seat?

Well, it was hard to see the play at the back. The best place to sit is in

Tony: the .

Tony'smum: Could you hear the ?

I guessed what they were saying, but their voices weren't very loud.

Tony: Daming and Lingling found their accents really difficult to understand.

Tony'smum: The best way is to read the play before you see it.

Tony: We tried to do that, but there wasn't time. Tony's

mum: Did you have anything to eat before you went to the theatre? Tony: No such luck! I was starving!

Module 8 Unit 2

Look at the photo and say what type of entertainment or sport you can see.

• basketball • jazz • movies • ...

Think of other words which you can use to talk about the photo.

• basketball: match, stadium • jazz: concert, band

• movies: ... • • •

Read the passage. Which paragraph describes what you can see in the photo? The City that Never Sleeps

New York is probably the entertainment capital of the world, and a great place to see the big names and top stars in films, television, theatre and music. Sports fans have plenty of chances to watch some great sport, and the New York is world-famous.

• Madison Square Garden is the place to watch the New York Knicks Basketball Team and the Golden Gloves boxing competition. To watch baseball, go to the Yankee Stadium, home of the New York Yankees or Shea Stadium for the Mets.

• At New York's finest arts cinema, the Film Forum, you can see the latest foreign and American

movies. But New York itself is the subject of many movies by directors who come from New York, such as Woody Allen and Martin Scorsese.

• The great names of jazz have played in the jazz clubs of Greenwich Village, and fans can listen to the stars of today and tomorrow at the world-famous Blue Note.

• The Metropolitan Opera House is the place to go for opera lovers, but you have to book tickets a long time before you want to go. One of the most important things to see at Christmas is the Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Centre. Carnegie Hall is well-known for its concerts of all types of music, classical and modern.

• Broadway is not just a street but an area of New York. There you can see some of the biggest and the best plays and , such as Evita, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. If you ever come to New York in summer, remember to spend a day in Central Park watching a play by Shakespeare , with famous actors from Broadway and Hollywood.

• For lovers of painting, the best plan is to go to the Museum of Modern Art or the Guggenheim Museum.

• Restaurants can be found everywhere, and are open at all times of the day or night. There have always been a huge number of Italian, Chinese and restaurants, but

now you can eat food from Thailand, Vietnam, India, Burma or the Philippines. Try the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station for the best seafood in Manhattan.

•

New York's nightlife includes discos, like the Limelight, and night clubs. In fact, it's easy to see why they call it \"the city that never sleeps\".

Module 9 Unit 1

Listen and read.

How much progress in English do you think you've made this year,

Betty: Lingling?

Not bad. In fact, I think I've achieved a lot, and I'm proud of what I've learnt. I've reached a which is quite good ... and I hope it's good enough for the exams, anyway. Above all, it's the subject that I'm best at,

Lingling: although my could be better.

I think you've done really well. Learning a foreign language requires a

Betty: effort, easy it is.

I don't think it's really difficult to learn English, although it's a language which looks simpler than it actually is. I just hope I can continue to make

Lingling: progress next year.

Betty: Have you ever been to an English corner?

You mean, those clubs where you go to practise your English? I always

Lingling: thought they were for people whose English was already quite good.

Well, I went to an English corner once, and there were some people whose was low. But it's good to meet other people who want to learn English, how good their English is. And you can often meet some people who come

Betty: from the UK or the USA.

Lingling: Anyway, what I like most is that you can use English you go in the world. Betty: But I wonder if there will soon be more people speaking Chinese.

Module 9 Unit 2

Work in pairs. Answer the questions.

1. How many people in the world speak English? 2. When did English become an international language? 3. Why did English become so popular?

4. When will Chinese become an international language? 5. Who owns English?

Now read the passage and check.

Who Owns English?

English is spoken by about 400 million people in Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the USA. In Ghana, India, Nigeria and Singapore, English is used for government, education and trade, although there are many other languages for use. In China and most other countries, it's the most important foreign language that children will learn at school, because it's for , international business, entertainment, radio, television, newspapers, and the Internet. So English is now used by about billion people—or a of the world's population, and you go in the world, there is a good chance that someone will speak English.

How did this happen? English has not always been the most common language. Until English became important in the 20th century, people who had any education spoke French. What's more, English spelling doesn't give much help with pronunciation, and its grammar is difficult, especially the word order.

The reason is that in the 18th century, the UK was a country whose products were sold all over the world. In the 20th century, the USA spread English all over the world through newspapers, television, films and advertising. It's now the common

language for international travel, science, industry and in years, information technology and the Internet.

But it's also important to remember that English has borrowed many words from other languages, either exactly the same word or very similar. It uses restaurant from French, zero from , piano from Italian, and , china and many others words from Chinese.

Will the of English last? Many people think that, if China continues to grow in , Chinese will become as common as English by the middle of the 21st century. More and more schools in Europe are teaching Chinese as a foreign language, other European languages. And puts China into the top 10 countries for visitors. But at least for the next 20 or 30 years, English will be the language used most widely.

So who English? The answer is everyone who speaks it—the English, the and the Chinese all help make it a rich language. It changes every year with new words and expressions. Even though there are differences in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and spelling, we all belong to the international English speaking world. We all own English.

Module 10 Unit 1

Look at the picture. Answer the questions.

1. What's the special event? 2. What is everybody doing?

3. Are you going to have a school leavers' party?

4. Listen and read.

Betty: You look lovely, Lingling!

Lingling: Thanks, you look great, too. That's a nice handbag. Betty: It's my mother's. Are you enjoying the party?

Yes, it's very enjoyable, but I feel a bit sad. I don't know when we'll be

Lingling: back in this hall all together again. I'm going to miss my classmates.

Yes, but wherever you go, that will happen. Anyway, don't forget we're

Tony: going to the USA for the vacation!

The hall looks wonderful, Tony. You've hung international flags from the

Lingling: floor to the ceiling!

Tony: Cool music, Daming! It's got a great beat! Daming: ?

Betty: But it's a bit noisy.

Lingling: Do you intend to stay in China for long, Tony?

Tony: I hope so. And even if I go back to the UK, I'll come back and visit you all. Lingling: What about you, Betty?

I'll finish my high school education here, but I want to go back to my home

Betty: town one day. What are your plans, Daming?

I want to become ... an English teacher!

Daming: (Laughter.)

Tony: Come on! Let's fetch something to eat. What's on the menu? Betty: How about a hot dog? Or some ice cream? A sandwich? Lingling: And we'll always stay friends.

Let's our glasses. Here's to our friendship, everyone ... and the future!

Betty: And now, excuse me. I must make a speech! All: Cheers!

Module 10 Unit 2

Think about a speech at a school leavers' party, and answer the questions. There may be more than one answer.

1. Who is likely to be thanked?

a. Family. b. Schoolmates. c. Teachers. d. Strangers.

2. What is the speaker likely to say?

a. Thank you. b. Good luck! c. I'm sorry. d. Cheers!

3. Which personal qualities are likely to be mentioned?

a. Good behaviour. b. Bad temper. c. Patience. d. Good fun.

Now read the passage and check.

Head teacher, teachers, grandparents, parents and classmates, I'm very proud that I have been chosen to speak to you all today. I'm a bit nervous as I've never made a speech before to so many people, so please me if it shows!

As we all know, this is the school leavers' party, and it's time to say goodbye to everyone. We're sorry to leave you at the end of our junior high school education, and we promise that we'll never forget the happy times we have spent in these buildings with you all.

I'd like to thank three groups of people for the three things I've learnt while I've been a pupil at our school. The three things are friendship, love and knowledge.

The first group is my friends, and what I've learnt is the importance of friendship. We've worked hard together, we've even shared some difficult times together, but

we've also had a lot of fun. Many of us will go to new schools and we may not see each other so often in the future. Others will go on to senior high school and continue their close friendships. But friends don't have to see each other all the time. Sometimes the friends you most are the friends you see less often. A life without old friends is like a day without sunshine. We'll always .

The second group is our parents and grandparents. We thank you for the love you have shown us during our years at junior high school, for making a home where we feel both safe and relaxed, and where we can prepare ourselves for our schooldays. We also thank you for your help with our homework. How many of us our good grades to the suggestions you have made during those long evenings?

And finally, the third group is our teachers. We can never pay you back for your , your , and of knowledge which you have offered us. Sometimes you've been strict with us; sometimes you've made us work very hard. But you have always been and you'll always be our . There's a saying from Ireland which is a favourite of mine: Strangers are only friends you haven't met yet.

I couldn't say it better myself. So from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all and wish you success for the future.