Unit 4
Further contact
Social English 2
1. Listening A Responding appropriately in social situations is an important part of communication. Below is an example of an appropriate and an inappropriate response.
Appropriate response:A: Can I come in? B: Yes, of course.
Inappropriate response:A: Can I come in ? B: Really? How interesting.
On the tape you will hear a number of responses. Decide whether the responses you hear are appropriate Y or not N. The first one has been done for you.
1. (Y) 2. ( ) 3. ( ) 4. ( ) 5. ( )
6. ( ) 7. ( ) 8. ( ) 9. ( ) 10. ( )
11. ( ) 12. ( ) 13. ( ) 14. ( ) 15. ( )
B Now listen again. This time all the responses are appropriate.
Listening Task
1. Thanks for the lovely evening. Glad you enjoyed it.
2. How about a drink? Don't mention it.
3. Do you mind if I smoke? Yes, I do.
4. Could you hand me that pen? Of course. Here you are.
5. My father died last night. Oh, I am sorry to hear that.
6. Have a good weekend. So do I.
7. Thanks for your help. Never mind.
8. I'm sorry, I must have got the wrong number. It doesn't matter.
9. Best of luck in your new job. Not at all.
10. He's 95, you know! Really?
11. I think we should leave now. So do I.
12. We've had a very good year. I'm glad to hear that.
13. Can I ask you a question? Don't mention it.
14. Would you like to go to a concert this evening? Yes, I'd love to.
15. I didn't get the job. That's true.
Answers to the listening task
1. Y 2. N 3. N 4. Y 5. Y
6. N 7. N 8. Y 9. N 10. Y
11. Y 12. Y 13. N 14. Y 15. N
Appropriate responses
1. Thanks for the lovely evening. Glad you enjoyed it.
2. How about a drink? That would be nice.
3. Do you mind if I smoke? No, of course not.
4. Could you hand me that pen? Of course. Here you are.
5. My father died last night. Oh, I am sorry to hear that.
6. Have a good weekend. You too.
7. Thanks for your help. Your are welcome.
8. I'm sorry, I must have got the wrong number. It doesn't matter.
9. Best of luck in your new job. Thanks very much.
10. He's 95, you know! Really?
11. I think we should leave now. So do I.
12. We've had a very good year. I'm glad to hear that.
13. Can I ask you a question? Yes, of course.
14. Would you like to go to a concert this evening? Yes, I'd love to.
15. I didn't get the job. Never mind. Better luck next time.
2. Presentation Polite responses can be grouped into several categories. This section gives examples of different situations and tells you what you can say.
(1) Situation
Thanking
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for the lovely meal.
Response
Not at all.
You're welcome.
Glad you liked/enjoyed it.
(2) Situation
Apologizing
Sorry, I must have got the wrong number.
Response
It doesn't matter.
Don't worry.
Never mind.
(3) Situation
Inviting
Would you like to come to dinner?
How about a drink?
Response
Yes, I'd like/love to.
That would be nice.
That's a good idea.
(4) Situation
Asking permission
If the answer is 'yes'
May I come in?
Do you mind if I smoke?
If the answer is 'no'
Do you mind if I smoke?
Response
Yes, of course.
Please do.
Certainly.
No, of course not.
No, not at all.
Well. Actually, I'd prefer you didn't /not to.
I'd rather you didn't.
(5) Situation
Giving news
Bad news
I didn't get that job.
My father died last night.
Good news
We've had a fantastic year.
Surprising news
She's 99 years old, you know.
Response
Never mind. Better luck next time.
Oh, I am sorry to hear that.
I'm glad to hear that.
Congratulations.
Really?
(6) Situation
Agreeing
I think we should leave now.
I hope it doesn't rain.
Response
So do I.
I hope so too.
Me too.
(7) Situation
Giving good wishes
Have a good weekend.
Response
You too.
Same to you.
3. Controlled practice
Write down an appropriate response. The first one has been down for you.
1.A:We lost the match.
B:Never mind. Better luck next time.
2.A:Do you mind if I open the window?
B:
3.A:Would you like to go to a concert this evening?
B:
4.A:Sorry, I interrupted you.
B:
5.A:Could you pass me the file?
B:
12.我们今年干得不错。 听到这个消息真让我高兴。
13.能问你一个问题吗? 当然可以。
14.今晚去听音乐会,好吗? 太好了,我非常乐意。
15.我没得到那份工作。 没关系。下一次运气会好一些的。
Exercises
从a-j中选出合适的应答填在(1)-(10)处,完成下列对话。答案可以不止一个。
1.A:I'm afraid I've forgotten the form you asked for.
B:(1) Bring it to me next time.
A:I'm sorry to give you so much trouble.
B:(2)
2.A:Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Smith. I forgot yesterday was your birthday.
B:(3)
A:But I should have thought of it and…
B:(4) We are all busy these days.
3.A:Would you mind if I had some time off?
B:When exactly?
A:Monday and Tuesday next Week.
B:(5)[肯定]
(6)[否定]
4.A:I'm wondering if I could borrow your computer.
B:For how long?
A:Until the end of next week.
B:(7)[肯定]
(8)[否定]
5.A:I am running a fever, I'm afraid. I won't be able to go office today.
B:Oh, Mary, (9) Please don't worry about your work. I'll take care of it.
A:(10)
B:It's a pleasure.
a. That's very kind of you.
b. I'm sorry. I'll have to use it during next week.
c. I'm sorry to hear that. Take a good rest.
d. Ok, I think that would be all right.
e. No problem
f. Never mind about that.
g. I'd like to say yes, but it's just not possible, for we really need hands next week.
h. That's quite all right.
i. No trouble at all.
j. It's really OK.
Translation
罗斯:汤姆森先生,你愿意和我一起去参加音乐会吗?
汤姆森:我当然愿意去。但是今天早晨我的车又坏了。如果我们坐公共汽车去你介意吗?
罗斯:当然不介意。
汤姆森先生:现在时间还早,一起去吃点东西好吗?
罗斯:好。
(吃饭以后)
汤姆森:希望这顿饭合你的胃口。
罗斯:这饭很可口。
Key to Exercise
(1)-f .h .j (2)-i (3)- f. h. j (4)- j. h. (5)- d.e.
(6)- g. (7)- d.e. (8)-b. (9)- c. (10)- a.
Key to Translation
Rose: Mr. Thomson, would you like to go to a concert with me?
Thomson: I'd love to. But my car broke down again this morning. Do you mind if we go by bus?
Rose: No, of course not.
Thomson: It's still early now. How about getting something to eat together?
Rose: Great!
(After dinner)
Thomson: I hope you enjoyed the dinner.
Rose: That was a delicious meal.