新世纪研究生英语听说教程原文答案Unit 6 Traveling and Sightseeing

Unit 6 Traveling and Sightseeing

Thinking Ahead

Students are asked to discuss the following questions in groups. The reference answers for the questions are offered below:

1. Do you like traveling? Where have you been before?

Yes, I do. I have been to quite a lot of places, Mountain Tai, the Great Wall, Korea and Singapore, among which, Singapore impresses me the most for its combination of both a prosperous society and city of natural beauty. Believe me: you can never forget this country once you take a deep breath of fresh air there. 2. How to make a reservation in the hotel?

Firstly, you should make it clear when you want to check in, how long you are supposed to stay there. Then, you should tell what kind of room and how many rooms you want. The last but not the least is that, you must leave your name and maybe your contact number, which will surely help you a lot afterwards.

3. What should you pay attention to when at table abroad? mind your manners at table;

pay attention to your words and gestures; handle your knives and forks correctly; never talk with your mouth full;

never make sounds when you’re eating or drinking something.

Part I Video Time

In this part, students will have 2 tasks to accomplish.

Task 1

In task 1, students will watch a video clip from The Beach and then do the exercises as required. Before watching, they are supposed to read the words, expressions and cultural notes related to the video.

Transcript

First Visit to Bangkok

My name is Richard.

So what else do you need to know?

Stuff about my family or where I’m from? None of that matters.

Not once you cross the ocean and cut yourself loose.

Looking for something more beautiful, something more exciting, and yes, I admit, something more dangerous.

So after 18 hours in the back of an airplane, three dumb movies, two plastic meals, six beers and absolutely no sleep, I finally touched down in Bangkok.

“Hey, you! How about you? You want to go to the waterfall? Come on! Floating market! 1,500! Cheap for you! Come on. Hey!” “Hey, you need somewhere to stay?”

“No. I’ll be fine. I’ll find my own place. Thanks.” “What do you want, man?”…

And this is it—Bangkok, good time city, gateway to Southeast Asia.

Where dollars and Deutschmarks get turned into counterfeit watches and genuine scars. “Good time. Boy? Girl? No problem.”… This is where the hungry come to feed. “You want to drink snake blood?”

“Wait a minute. Did you say snake blood?” “Oh, yeah.” “No, thanks.”

“What is wrong with snake blood?” “I just don’t like the idea.”

“Or maybe you’re scared? Afraid of something new?” “No. I just don’t like the idea, that’s all.”

“Ha ha! Like every tourist. You want it all be safe, just like America.” So never refuse an invitation. Never resist the unfamiliar. Never fail to be polite.

“Gentlemen, that was excellent.”

Never outstay your welcome.

Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience. And if it hurts, it’s probably worth it.

(From http://asli.blog.dianyuan.com/u/40/114596200.pdf)

Key to Exercises

Exercise 1 Watching for Global Understanding

Students are asked to watch the video clip and answer the following questions.

1) What did Richard do in the plane?

He watched three dumb movies, had two plastic meals, and drank six bottles of beer. 2) What suggestions did Richard give us? Never refuse an invitation. Never resist the unfamiliar. Never fail to be polite.

Never outstay your welcome.

Exercise 2 Watching for Specific Information

Students are asked to watch the clip and fill in the blanks with the missing information.

1) None of that matters. 2) Good time city.

3) This is where the hungry come to feed. 4) Gentlemen, that was excellent. 5) And if it hurts, it’s probably worth it.

Task 2

In task 2, students will watch a video clip about the sight spot—Sierra Madre and then do the exercises as required. Before watching, they are supposed to read the words, expressions and cultural notes related to the video.

Transcript

Sierra Madre Tourism

The sheer beauty of northern Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains is only one reason why many visitors come a long way to enjoy some quiet time in this part of the country known as the Copper Canyon.

“Its natural beauty and panorama that it offers is unbelievable. If you just look at the beauty that you see here. It’s, it’s awe-inspiring.”

The views of the beautiful canyons are spectacular. A train ride through dozens of tunnels adds to the allure of the mountains. And the opportunity to interact with the region’s Tarahumara Indians is another reason this isn’t an average mountain destination.

“You have the Tarahumara Indians, inhabit in these mountains. And the Tarahumara Indians is one of the most unique native Americans that you still can see in its original state or the, in the original habits that they have kept for thousands of years.”

But is this entire natural environment at risk as a result of an increase in tourism itself? Not according to an areal businessman, who believes in playing by the rules of nature for the benefit of the region.

“It’s a, it’s a very complex thing, but we believe that is (the) only way to go. And for future generations, we have to start now by preserving what we have and letting older generations also enjoy what we’re doing right now. So, it’s a job and it’s a work that we’re gonna do forever.”

Tourism officials say there is no reason to worry. They say there aren’t enough visitors in the Copper Canyon region to prompt cause for concern. But they are preparing for the future by researching and developing conservation plans.

“Of course, we want to develop the area but we’re taking care of nature. It’s very important for us to protect nature. The Copper Canyon is very very important for tourism in the state of Chihuahua.”

“We want to be more cautious. We created an organization called Sierra Madre Explorer that is dedicated, you know, to keep the, the, perhaps, to keep the destination as untouchable as we can. And so that’s a big effort we’re doing because we see a big responsibility to keep it very very clean and very eco-safe.”

Regardless of the reason, mountain lovers are pleased that at least for now the precious landscape won’t be touched by the hand of economic progress.

(From http://bbs.putclub.com/index.php?showtopic=130873)

Key to Exercises

Exercise 1 Making a Sound Judgment

Students are asked to watch the video and decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F).

T 1) The beauty of northern Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains is one reason why visitors

come to enjoy this part of the country.

F 2) Tourism officials want to develop the area without taking care of nature. T 3) They have already created an organization to protect the holiday destination. F 4) Nowadays the landscape is touched by the hand of economic progress.

Exercise 2 Essay Writing

In the video we can obviously feel that people are worrying about whether tourism will do harm to the natural environment. In other words, they are concerning about the ecological crisis. Students are asked to write a composition entitled The Ecological Crisis on the Booming Tourism to express their opinions on this topic. They should write at least 200 words.

Sample

The Ecological Crisis on the Booming Tourism

Traveling is among many people’s favorite recreations, which enables us not only to broaden our horizons, but also to shape our mind and spirits. However, just like a coin has two sides, tourism may bring about a serious problem—ecological crisis. The environment has been suffering with the boom of tourism. In order to attract tourists, many places have been turned into resorts. Forests are gone, prairies are destroyed, rivers and lakes are polluted, and wild animals are dying out.

These horrible scenes should give rise to our great attentions. We must protect our eco-environment while enjoying the beautiful scenery. In order to keep a balance between tourism and ecology, the concept of eco-tourism, which intends to bring people closer to nature with as little disturbance as possible, should be advocated. Funding environmental programs and limiting excessive exploitation of natural resources should be done by all levels of governments. What we need to do is simple: do not litter; strictly observe regulations at resorts, and use as few plastic

bags and boxes as possible, only by which, can we hope to build a harmonious environment for traveling. At last, we should keep in mind that when we travel we should take away nothing but memories and leave nothing but footprints.

Part II Listening Activities

In this part, students will have 3 listening tasks to accomplish.

Task 1

In task 1, students will listen to a dialogue about taking a reservation over the phone and then do the exercises as required.

Transcript

Taking a Reservation over the Phone

Leo: Plaza Hotel, good morning. Leo speaking.

Mona: Ah yes, I’d like to book two rooms for myself and my father. Could you tell me the cost of

a single room per night?

Leo: Certainly. A single room is 120 dollars American, per night. Mona: Fine.

Leo: And when would you like the rooms? Mona: From the 25th to the 28th of September.

Leo: Arriving on the 25th of September and leaving on the 28th? Three nights? Mona: That’s right.

Leo: Just a minute please.

(Sound of tapping on computer keyboard)

Yes, we have rooms available then. You require two single rooms? Mona: Yes, thank you.

Leo: Can I have your name please? Mona: My name is Mona White.

Leo: And your father’s name, Ms White? Mona: Jack Webber.

Leo: Could you spell the surname please? Mona: Sure. W-E-double B-E-R. Leo: Double P for Papa?

Mona: No, double B for Bravo.

Leo: And how will you be paying for your room, Ms White? Mona: By credit card.

Leo: Both rooms on the same card? Mona: Yes.

Leo: Your card number please? Mona: 4434 1234 5678 9902 Leo: Double one, zero two?

Mona: No, double nine zero two. Leo: 4434 1234 5678 9902? Mona: That’s right.

Leo: And the expiry date? Mona: Eleven, …

(Phone crackle obscures date)

Leo: Could you repeat that please? Mona: November this year.

Leo: Thank you. I’ve booked two rooms for Ms White and Mr. Webber from Wednesday the

25th to Saturday the 28th of September. Mona: Thank you.

Leo: You’re welcome. We’ll see you on the 25th, Ms White. Mona: Thanks a lot. Goodbye. Leo: Goodbye.

(From http://www.hxen.com/oralenglish/lvyou/2007-08-23/12563.html)

Key to Exercises

Exercise 1 Listening for Details

Students are asked to listen to the dialogue and fill out the specific information in the chart below. Name of the Hotel Room Type Arrival Time Plaza Hotel single room the 25th of September

by credit card November 11 this year The Way to Pay The Expiry Date of the Lady’s Credit Card

Exercise 2 Listening and Talking

Students are asked to listen to the dialogue again and try to make a similar dialogue.

Sample for the Dialogue

John: Crown Hotel, good morning, John speaking.

Mike: Ah…morning, I would like to book a room for me and my wife, you know, we have just

got married and we planned to spend our honeymoon there, do you have any special room for us?

John: Yes, sir. We recommend two kinds of honeymoon suites for you. Mike: And what is the price difference?

John: One kind is a double room with a front view for 140 dollars per night. The other one with a

rear view is 115 dollars per night.

Mike: I think I will take the one with a front view then. And what services come with that? John: Yes, sir. We will offer you a bunch of roses every morning for free. Mike: That sounds not bad at all.

John: Then when would you like the rooms, sir? Mike: 5th to 10th March.

John: Thank you, sir. Can I have your name and mobile phone please? Mike: Ah…yes, Mike, M-I-K-E. My phone number is 999 86523. John: Thank you, sir, then how would you like to pay? Mike: By credit card.

John: Credit card number, please? Mike: 3453 3377 94 1111. John: Expiry date?

Mike: October next year.

John: Thank you, sir. You have booked a honeymoon suite with a front view from 5th to 10th March.

Mike: That is right, thank you.

John: You are welcome. We will see you on 5th, March, Mr. Mike. Mike: Thanks. See you. John: See you.

Task 2

In task 2, students will listen to a dialogue about dining and then do the exercises as required. Before listening, they are supposed to read the words, expressions and cultural notes related to the dialogue.

Transcript

Waiter: Hello, my name’s John. I’ll be your waiter this evening. Can I get you anything from the

bar for starters?

Derek: No, thanks. What we really need is a booster chair for our daughter. Do you have one? Waiter: Yes, of course. The hostess should have brought you one. Just a moment.

Waiter: Our special tonight is Duck Chambord, which is roast duck served in a raspberry sauce

with fresh raspberries. It’s also served with wild rice and a medley of vegetables. That is 17.95 and it comes with soup or salad.

Sandy: What is your soup of the day?

Waiter: Our soup of the day is French onion.

Sandy: The duck sounds good. One of us should have it. Derek: Alright, you order the duck. Sandy: Fine.

Derek: She will have the duck, and I will have the filet mignon.

Waiter: How would you like your filet mignon, sir? Rare, medium rare, or well-done? Derek: Medium rare.

Waiter: And would you like soup or salad with your meals? Sandy: I want salad.

Derek: I’ll have the soup. French onion, yes?

Waiter: Yes, that’s right. It’s very good. I recommend it.

Sandy: Our daughter will share some of our meal with us. Could you bring an extra plate for her? Waiter: Of course, Ma’am. I will also bring your sourdough bread in just a moment. Sandy: Our bread?

Waiter: Yes, we serve it at all tables. Sandy: Good. Thank you.

(From http://www.tingroom.com/lesson/lyyyky/63046.html)

Key to Exercises

Exercise 1 Listening for Global Understanding

Students are asked to listen to the dialogue and answer the following questions.

1) Who should have brought the booster chair to the couple? The hostess.

2) Why did the woman ask for an extra plate?

Their daughter will share some of their meal with it. 3) What did the restaurant serve at all tables for free? sourdough bread

Exercise 2 Listening for Details

Students are asked to listen to the dialogue again and fill in the blanks with the missing information.

1) Can I get you anything from the bar for starters? 2) Our special tonight is Duck Chambord, which is roast duck served in a raspberry sauce with fresh raspberries.

3) That is 17.95 and it comes with soup or salad. 4) How would you like your filet mignon, sir? Rare, medium rare, or well-done? 5) It’s very good. I recommend it. 6) I will also bring your sourdough bread in just a moment.

Additional Listening

In this section, students will listen to a passage about the longest suspension bridge in the world and then do the exercises as required. Before listening, they are supposed to read the words, expressions and cultural notes related to the passage.

Transcript

The Longest Suspension Bridge in the World

Verrazano, an Italian about whom little is known, sailed into New York Harbor in 1524 and named it Angoulême. He described it as “a very agreeable situation located within two small hills in the midst of which flowed a great river”. Though Verrazano is by no means considered to be a greatest explorer, his name will probably remain immortal, for on November 21st, 19, the longest suspension bridge in the world was named after him.

The Verrazano Bridge, which was designed by Othmar Ammann, joins Brooklyn to Staten Island. It has a span of 4,260 feet. The bridge is so long that the shape of the earth had to be taken into account by its designer. Two great towers support four huge cables. The towers are built on immense underwater platforms made of steel and concrete. The platforms extend to a depth of over 100 feet under the sea. These alone took sixteen months to build. Above the surface of the water, the towers rise to a height of nearly 700 feet. They support the cables from which the bridge has been suspended. Each of the four cables contains 26,108 lengths of wire. It has been estimated that if the bridge were packed with cars, it would still only be carrying a third of its total capacity. However, size and strength are not the only important things about this bridge. Despite its immensity, it is both simple and elegant, fulfilling its designer’s dream to create “an enormous object drawn as faintly as possible”.

(From http://www.kekenet.com/Article/1321.shtml)

Key to Exercises

Exercise 1 Listening Comprehension

Students are asked to listen to the passage and choose the best answers to the questions. 1) D 2) A 3) B

Exercise 2 Listening for Details

Students are asked to listen to the passage again and fill in the blanks with the missing information.

1) Verrazano, an Italian about whom little is known, sailed into New York Harbor in 1524 and

named it Angoulême（安古拉姆）.

2) The platforms extend to a depth of over 100 feet under the sea. 3) Above the surface of the water, the towers rise to a height of nearly 700 feet. 4) Each of the four cables contains 26,108 lengths of wire.

Part III Oral Practice

In this part, students will have 3 tasks to accomplish.

Task 1 Group Discussion

Students are asked to work in groups and tell each other three places where they would make their dream trips if they had the time and money. They should explain their reasons for their choice.

Sample

If I had money and time, I would first go to Greece, next to Paris and then to Austria. I choose Greece as the first because ancient Greek civilization impresses me the most and I am looking forward to a visit to the Parthenon, which is the most important and characteristic monument of Greek civilization.

My second choice is Paris which is a romantic city and the paradise for artists. Paris, the “City of Lights”, is best known for its world-renowned beauty and charm. The Louvre which is located on the right bank of the Seine River is one of the largest and most famous museums in the world. Other places like the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Versailles are all attractive places of interest.

I choose Austria, the land of music, out of my love for classical music. Austria is the hometown of many world-famous classical musicians such as the Strauss family, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Franz Schubert whose music I have been enjoying for years.

Hopefully, my dream will be fulfilled one day. As you can see, all these places are located in Europe and thus it won’t cost too much to visit and take too long before I can save enough money to cover the expenses.

Task 2 Pair Work

In partⅡ task 2, students have heard a dialogue about dining abroad. Imagine it’s the lunch time in a coffee shop. Students are asked to work in pairs and make a short dialogue between a customer and a waiter/waitress.

Sample for the Dialogue

Waitress: Hello, may I take your order?

Customer: Yes, I would like the tomato and cucumber salad, garlic bread, spaghetti and meatballs

and iced tea with lemon please.

Waitress: Do you want to upgrade that to a super value meal? Customer: No, thanks, but what is a special meal?

Waitress: That is a set meal with little fat for people on a diet. Would you like one? Customer: No, thanks, this is enough. Waitress: Is this for here or to go?

Customer: I eat in, oh, and can I get some apple pies?

Waitress: Sorry, the pie machine is out of work. Your total is 6 bucks.

Task 3 Role Play

Students are asked to find two partners to play the roles of a local guide, Wang and two tourists, Jack and Mike. Jack and Mike have never been to the Great Wall before and are curious about almost everything. Wang introduces the Great Wall to them, and tries his/her best to answer their questions.

Sample for the Dialogue

Wang: We’re approaching Badaling and you will see the Great Wall in a short while. Jack: Wonderful! We’ve been waiting for it so long. Mike: What’s the length of the Great Wall?

Wang: The Great Wall meanders from east to west for about 6,000 kilometers or 12,000 li. That’s

why we call it in Chinese “Wan Li Chang Cheng”, which literally means “Ten Thousand Li Long Wall”.

Jack: And it was built more than 2,000 years ago?

Wang: Yes, construction of the Wall first began during the Warring States period about 2,500

years ago. Some kingdoms built huge walls hoping to protect their territories. When Qin Shihuang or the First Emperor unified China in 221BC, he decided to have the various

sections of the walls linked up and also extended. From that we got the Great Wall. Jack: And that’s what we’re going to see, right?

Wang: No, not really. The Qin Great Wall hasn’t got much left today. In the subsequent dynasties,

the Great Wall was rebuilt many times. The last massive rebuilding of the Great wall was in Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall we shall see at Badaling was rebuilt then. Oh, here we are. Please remember the number of our bus. Should you go astray from the group as I know some younger members of our group would like to have a quick climb to the top, please remember to come here before 11 o’clock.

Jack: What are those towers on the wall spaced at regular distances from one another?

Wang: They are beacon fire towers. In ancient times, if attacked by enemies the guards would set

off smoke in the day-time and bonfire at night to alarm troops stationed along the wall. Jack: I see Bob and Mark are already on the wall. Let’s quicken our steps.

Wang: Please watch your step. It’s very steep here and the surface is a little slippery. Jack: I now understand why you told us to wear no high heeled shoes. Wang: Shall I give you a hand?

Mike: No, no. I’m doing fine with the help of the banisters. Jack: Hold on. A few more steps will bring us to the top.

Wang: Now, this is the furthest point we can go. Beyond here, the wall has not been restored yet.

Why don’t we sit down and rest for a while before we turn back?

Mike: This is such a lovely place! Green mountains roll over one another. Lush trees dot the

slopes. A gentle breeze caresses us and the Great Wall winds its way like a giant serpent.

Wang: I also want to tell you a well-known legend. In 221 B.C., in ShanXi Province there was a

poor scholar. One day the soldiers came to his village and seized every man in sight, but the scholar managed to escape by hiding himself in a garden. He was discovered by a beautiful young girl named Meng Jiangnu who helped him. Soon they fell in love. But on their wedding day he was seized by the emperor’s soldiers and taken to the Great Wall to work. For months and months, Meng Jiangnu waited for her husband to return but there was no news of him. Finally she decided to go to the Great Wall to look for him. After a long and hard journey, she arrived at the beginning of the wall, at Shanhaiguan by the sea. After searching for him for many weeks, she finally gave up her hope. In great despair she knelt by the wall and wept for three days and three nights. The wall, weakened by her tears, collapsed around here and there, where great stones had once been, lay the dead body of her husband. Meng Jiangnu was heart-broken. She threw herself into the sea and drowned. If you get the chance to go to Shanhaiguan you’ll see a temple dedicated to her memory over-looking the sea.

Jack: Well, Wang, you are not only knowledgeable about history, but also have the gift of the gab!

(From http://www.en8848.com.cn/yingyu/55/n-90755.html)

Time for Fun

One-breath English

Students will listen to the following recording and repeat the sentences after the tape.

Step 1

Use one breath to imitate the speakers’ pronunciation and intonation. Try to control your speed and make sure you have the right and clear pronunciation and intonation. Step 2

Articulate it as clearly and quickly as possible. Tapescript I’m going to New York. 我要去纽约。 I’m leaving next Friday. 我下星期五走。 I’d like a round-trip ticket. 我要一张来回票。 I want to go economy. 我要坐经济舱去。 Do you have special fares? 你们有没有特别的票。 Do you have promotional rates? 你们有没有促销价? My departure time is flexible. 我的出发时间很有弹性。 I don’t mind a stopover. 我不介意中途停留。 I want an unbeatable price. 我要最棒的价钱。