聽說(shuō)教程UnitMarriage

1、Unit 4 Marriagel Part BListening TasksConversation 1A Marriage Agreement (Part One)Word Bankoutline v. to describe briefly with few details 概述spouse n. a husband or wife 配偶pet a. denoting a thing that one feels particularly strongly about 格外的，極其的peeve n. sth. that annoys you 惹人生氣的事物bug v. (American

2、slang) to annoy, to irritate 激怒article n. a section of a legal agreement that deals with a particular point 協(xié)議的條款pet peeve sth. that you strongly dislike because it always annoys you 格外惹人生氣的事Script:(Tom and Linda have signed a marriage agreement. Both agree not to break the rules outlined in the agr

3、eement. John, a reporter, is talking to them about the agreement.)John: Tom, Linda, first Id like to ask you why you decided to write this unusual agreement.Tom: We found that many problems are caused when a person has different expectations from his or her spouse. We wanted to talk about everything

4、 openly and honestly before we started living together.Linda: Also we both know how important it is to respect each others pet peeves. Like, I can get very annoyed if others leave stuff clothing, papers, everything! lying around on the floor. It really bugged me, so we put that in the agreement. Joh

5、n: This is mentioned in Article 1: Cleaning Up, isnt it? It says, “Nothing will be left on the floor overnight. Everything must be cleaned up and put away before going to bed.”Tom: Then Ill know clearly what Lindas expectations are.John: I see. What about Article 2: Sleeping? It says, “We will go to

6、 bed at 11 p.m. and get up at 6:30 a.m. except on weekends.” Im sure some people hearing this will think that this agreement isnt very romantic.Tom: Well, we disagree. We think its very romantic. This agreement shows that we sat down and talked, and really tried to understand the other person. A lot

7、 of problems occur in a marriage when people dont talk about what they want.Linda: Thats right. When we disagreed about something, we worked out a solution that was good for both of us. I would much rather have Tom really listen to me and understand my needs than give me a bunch of flowers or a box

8、of candy.Language and Culture Notes1. Background informationA marriage agreement is sometimes written and signed by two people who plan to get married. The purpose of a marriage agreement varies. In the United States and some other countries, some marriage agreements are designed for divorce (especi

9、ally for a second marriage) or to set conditions for marriage so that the expense for a lawyers fee can be saved when troubles arise in a marriage. Some are designed for the benefit of the marriage: to facilitate the relationship between spouses so that a couple will start out together and stay toge

10、ther. The marriage agreement signed by Tom and Linda in the text is an exaggerated case of the second type.The topic area in a marriage agreement is decided by the couples purpose of signing the agreement, which may be to develop trust and togetherness, or to respect individual interests. The topics

11、 to be covered in a marriage agreement or contract in relation to these goals may be as follows: everyday routine, budgeting, credit cards, property, family obligations, child care, social obligations, travel, hobbies, attire.2. a person has different expectations from his or her spouseA spouse expe

12、cts the other to act in a different way than the other is prepared to. As separate individuals, husband and wife do not necessarily think or act in the same way.3. a bunch of flowers or a box of candyThese are common gifts for women. “A bunch of” is used to talk about people or things that are alike

13、 and are viewed as a group. For example, we can also say a bunch of keys, a bunch of fruit / grapes, a bunch of people, a whole bunch of things.Exercise 1Listen to the conversation and choose the right answers to the questions you hear.1. Which statement best summarizes the marriage agreement betwee

14、n Tom and Linda?a. It is a set of rules that will restrict their personal freedom to a certain extent.b. It is a set of rules that will enable them to live up to each others expectations.c. It is a set of rules that will prevent them from getting a divorce.d. It is a set of rules that will save thei

15、r marriage.2. According to Tom, what will give rise to problems in a marriage?a. Different interests.b. Different pet peeves.c. Different expectations.d. Different sleeping habits.3. What can be inferred about Linda from the conversation?a. She is sensible and well-organized.b. She doesnt like flowe

16、rs or candy very much.c. She is too practical to be a good wife.d. She is quick-tempered and domineering.Exercise 2Listen to the conversation again and complete the answers to the following questions.1. Why did Tom and Linda decide to sign the agreement?Because they wanted to understand each others

17、expectations so that potential problems could be avoided and they could live happily together.2. What is Article 1 about?Cleaning up. Everything must be cleaned up and put away before going to bed.3. What is Article 2 about?Sleeping. Time for bed: 11 p.m.; time to get up: 6:30 a.m. except on weekend

18、s.Conversation 2A Marriage Agreement (Part Two)Word Bankupdate v. to make sth. up-to-date 更新make it up to become friends again after a quarrel 爭(zhēng)吵后和解figure out to work out the solution to a problem 想出Script:John: Linda, do you spend a lot of time checking to see if the other person is following the r

19、ules? Arguing?Linda: No, not at all.Tom: A lot of couples argue because they dont understand each others expectations. I think we spend less time arguing than most couples because we both know what the other person expects.John: What happens if one of you breaks a rule?Tom: Well, thats in Article 13

20、 of our agreement. John: Is it? Oh yes, Article 13: Breaking Rules. “If you break a rule, you must apologize and do something nice for the other person to make it up.”Linda: Yeah, like last time Tom broke the rule of driving.John: Whats the rule?Linda: The rule is we must ask for directions if we ar

21、e driving and get lost for more than five minutes. John: What happened? Tom: We were driving to a friends wedding, and we got lost. Linda wanted to stop at a gas station to ask for directions, but I thought I could figure it out. Linda: Then we drove forty miles in the wrong direction and ended up b

22、eing late for the wedding.Tom: So I took her out to dinner. I knew what I should do to apologize. John: Thats very important, I think, knowing how to apologize. By the way, do you plan to update your agreement at all? What if things change in your life and a rule doesnt work anymore?Linda: Weve thou

23、ght about that too. Article 14 states that we must review this agreement once a year and make necessary changes.John: Well, it was really nice talking to you both. Thank you very much for your time. Tom & Linda: Thank you. Language and Culture Notes1. stop at a gas station to ask for directionsG

24、as stations can be found on roads and highways. They are usually the best place to ask for directions.2. drove forty miles in the wrong directionPossibly the couple was driving on a highway. Once you miss an exit, it will be very difficult for you to get back to the right direction. You have to driv

25、e on and on until you see the sign where you can turn back.Exercise 1Listen to the conversation and choose the right answers to the questions you hear.1. How many articles are probably in Tom and Lindas marriage agreement?a. 12.b. 13.c. 14. d. 15.2. How do Tom and Linda feel about their marriage agr

26、eement?a. Linda is not very happy with some of the articles in the agreement.b. Tom thinks some of the articles in the agreement are too strict.c. Both Tom and Linda are satisfied with it.d. Both Tom and Linda are not satisfied with it and they want to make a lot of changes to it.3. What will happen

27、 to their marriage agreement in a years time? a. They will review the articles and make changes to update them.b. They will sit down and write out a new agreement.c. They will not make any changes to the agreement.d. They will not need it anymore, as they are both familiar with its contents.Exercise

28、 2Listen to the conversation again and complete the answers to the following questions.1.What is stated in the rule of driving? It is stated that if they get lost for more than five minutes when they are driving, they must stop and ask for directions.2. What is Article 13 about? What does it say? Ar

29、ticle 13 is about breaking rules. The article says, “If you break a rule, you must apologize and do something nice for the other person to make it up.”3. What is Article 14 about? What is stated in the agreement? It is about reviewing the contents of the agreement. It states that they must review th

30、is agreement once a year and make necessary changes.Speaking TasksPair WorkDebating Arguments for or against giving first priority to economic status in choosing a spouseA SampleNowadays, some young people give first priority to economic status in choosing a spouse. Are you for or against this stand

31、ard in choosing a spouse? Express and defend your views from the perspectives given in the card below.Topic: Is it right to give first priority to economic status in choosing a spouse?Perspectives:1. From the perspective of a student (positive)2. From the perspective of a social worker (negative)Pos

32、sible Arguments (for reference)From the perspective of a student (positive)I think it is very natural for people to give first priority to economic status in choosing a spouse. We all know how important money is. Without money, we can hardly do anything. Lack of money in a marriage will cause proble

33、ms to the couple. Even though the couple may have married for love, being always hard-pressed for money, love will soon be replaced by quarrels and endless worries over money matters. If this happens, can they live happily together? So I think it is very important to first consider if your future sp

34、ouse is able to share the responsibility of supporting a family. If not, just wait.From the perspective of a social worker (negative)Nowadays, some young people consider economic status the most important factor when they choose a spouse. They think money can bring everything they want, like a big a

35、partment, a car, or a trip abroad. However, can these material things really ensure happiness? I dont think so. A marriage based solely on material wealth will not necessarily be a happy one. Countless examples have shown that rich people often have unsuccessful marriages. A happy marriage is built

36、on a deep love and affection between husband and wife, which cannot be bought by money.Now use the above sample as your model and carry on similar activities with your partner.Topic: Is it right to give first priority to a university degree in choosing a spouse?Perspectives: 1. From the perspective

37、of some students (positive)2. From the perspective of some other students (negative)Some Ideas for ReferenceThe Argument (positive)1. A university degree is the first thing Id consider when I choose my life companion. I think two people with very different educational backgrounds would have problems

38、 in communication.2. A person with a university degree has been exposed to a wide range of knowledge / is well-educated.3. What great pleasure it is to spend your life with someone who can share your enjoyment of music, art and literature, or discuss with you all sorts of subjects from the beauty of

39、 nature to aliens in outer space / new advances in science and technology.4. A well-educated person tends to be more cultured, and more understanding, which will ensure happiness in a marriage.5. A well-educated person is more likely to have a good career.6. A university degree is almost a must in t

40、he competitive job market nowadays. Therefore a good educational background is key to a successful career, which will bring harmony and security to family life.The Counter-argument (negative)1. I dont think a university degree is so important in choosing ones life companion. Personality is the first

41、 thing I would take into consideration when I choose a spouse.2. To my mind, affection, honesty, generosity, kindness, sympathy, and courage are the qualities I value more.3. I think a persons moral virtue is very important and it is not decided by the amount of school education he or she has receiv

42、ed. 4. A university degree does not necessarily bring happiness to a marriage. Mutual affection and understanding are key to a happy marriage.5. A person with a university degree is not necessarily well-educated. It depends on how much effort she or he made while at college.6. I believe in love / lo

43、ve at first sight. Id like to marry the person I love, and together we can pursue the dreams of our life.7. I dont think a university degree can ensure success in a career. Experience is sometimes more important than formal education. As a matter of fact, many entrepreneurs in China havent even rece

44、ived secondary education. Their success actually relies on their unusual personality and opportunities available.Part CTest Your ListeningA ConversationListen to the conversation and choose the right answers to the questions you hear.1. Which of the following is true of the womans husband?a. He does

45、nt share housework at home.b. He doesnt know how to put things in order.c. He doesnt care for his wife and children.d. Hes lazy and rude.2. What do you know about the woman?a. Shes just got a job.b. She earns a lot of money.c. She does most of the housework at home.d. She has bad relations with her

46、husband.3. What does the man think of the womans complaints?a. He thinks the womans husband is lazy and messy.b. He doesnt want to pass judgment on the womans husband.c. He thinks the woman complains too much.d. He thinks the woman should ask her husband to share the housework.Script:M: Ah, come in,

47、 Barbara. Take a seat. How have things been?W: Oh, much the same. I still seem to have quarrels with my husband all the time.M: What do you quarrel about?W: Oh, everything. You see, he never thinks of my feelings.M: Go on.W: Well, Ill give you an example. You know, when the children started school,

48、I wanted to go back to work again, too. So I got a job. Well anyway, by the time Ive collected Gary and Lucy from school, I only get home about half an hour before he comes back M: Yes?W: Well, when he gets home, he expects me to run around and get his tea. He never does anything in the house.M: Mm.

49、W: And last Friday he invited three of his friends to come around for a drink. He didnt tell me to expect them, and Id had a long and difficult day. I dont think thats right, do you?M: Well, Im not here to pass judgment. Im here to listen.W: Sorry. And hes so untidy. Hes worse than the kids. I alway

50、s have to remind him to pick up his clothes. He just throws his clothes on the floor. After all, Im not his servant. Ive got my own career. Actually, I think thats part of the trouble. You see I earn as much money as he does. Part DTime to TalkLook at these pictures and describe them one by one. If

51、possible, try also to find something relevant to talk about.Hints:1. a newly-wed couple, bridegroom (新郎) and bride (新娘), look very happy, the tradition is that, the bride in white and the bridegroom in black suit, a big cake with three layers, a knife in the womans hand, ready to cut the cake2. cart

52、oon, a priest performs a marriage ceremony, read out the duties for the bride, surprise, pop her eyes, on the other hand, bridegroom is smiling, in content (滿意)3. take a walk, on the country road, push a baby cart, smile happily, walking a dog, a sunny day, have sunglasses, a picture of happy marrie

53、d life, enjoy the beauty of natureDemo:1. The picture shows a newly-wed couple. Both the bridegroom and the bride look very happy. In the west, the tradition is that the bride should be in white and the bridegroom in black suit. We also see a big cake with three layers on a table and a knife in the

54、womans hand. The man holds the womans hand and ready to cut the cake.2. This is a cartoon showing a priest performing a marriage ceremony to a young couple. But look at what hes reading! He lists what the wife should and should not do, leaving the bride popping her eyes in surprise. The bridegroom,

55、on the other hand, is smiling with his eyes closed in content. Im not sure what the cartoon is intended to mean. Maybe it is a criticism of the society, in which women are supposed to always serve men.3. This picture shows a family taking a walk on a country road. The wife with a smile on her face i

56、s pushing a baby cart. Her baby is perhaps sleeping and the husband is walking a dog. Its a sunny day, as both the man and the woman are wearing sunglasses. This is a perfect image of a happy married life. A kid and a dog, and the family together, walking on a country road, they are enjoying the fre

57、sh air and the beauty of nature.Movie TimeWord Bankask sb. out約會(huì)某人curatorn. 博物館管理員causen. 事業(yè)bummern. 令人不愉快的事件righteousa. 正直的No problemo.（俚語(yǔ)）等同于No problem.Script:- So, er . Eckle, do . do you think your sisters home? - Why? - I thought maybe . I thought I might tell her I got the job.- Why? - Forget it. You tell her for me. Okay?- Okay, but every time you tell me to tell her something, she asks why dont you just tell her yourself? - What? - And then my mom says its because you like her, and