American Situational Conversations



34. Watching Television 看电视

There are three nationwide television networks in the United States: the American Broadcasting Company(ABC), the Columbia Broadcasting Company(CBS) and the National Broadcasting Company(NBC). There is also a public broadcasting network(PBS), and there are hundreds of local television stations. In many areas television is broadcast 24 hours a day.

美国有三家全国性的电视联播公司：美国广播公司（ABC), 哥伦比亚广播公司（CBS)和全国广播公司（NBC).此外，还有公共广播社（PBS)以及数百个地方电视台。许多地区一天二十四小时都有电视节目。

1. A: Is there anything worth watching on another channel?

   B: I think there's a western on.

   A: Do you mind if we watch it? I'd really like to see it.

   B: Well, I really wanted to see the baseball game.

2. A: Do you happen to know what's on after the news?

   B: I've got a feeling there's a documentary about animals.

   A: Does anybody mind if we watch it?

   B: Don't you want to see part two of the movie?

3. A: Do you remember what comes on next?

   B: I believe there's a TV special.

   A: Are you interested in watching it?

   B: Let me look in the TV Guide first.

4. A: What's on Channel 2 at 8:00?

   B: If I remember correctly, there's a quiz show.

   A: Do you want to watch it?

   B: Let's see what else is on first.

American Situational Conversations



35. Sports 运动

Both team sports and individual sports are extremely popular in the United States. Don't be afraid to try a sport you haven't played before. People are usually willing to help beginners.

在美国，无论是集体的或个人的运动项目，人们都极其喜爱。对于你以前没有玩过的运动，你不妨试一试。人们通常都乐于帮助初学者。

1. A: Would you like to go running?

   B: I'd enjoy that. Where would you like to go?

   A: We could go to the park. There shouldn't be many people there now.

   B: Good. Just let me change.

2. A: How about going for a bike ride?

   B: Sure. Where?

   A: Let's call Harry and ask him. He always knows the best places to go.

   B: That's a good idea. I'll get ready.

3. A: Let's go swimming.

   B: OK. Where should we go?

   A: Why don't we go down to the lake? It's not too far from here.

   B: Fine. I'll be ready in a minute.

4. A: How about going hiking with us?

   B: Sounds good to me. Where do you want to go?

   A: Let's go up to the mountains. It should be beautiful there.

   B: OK. Just give me a few minutes to get ready.

American Situational Conversations



36. At Breakfast 吃早餐

Coffee shops are popular, reasonably priced restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a snack.

咖啡馆是大众化的，价格公道的餐馆。在这里可以吃早餐，午餐和晚餐，也可以只吃点点心。

1. A: You're having coffee, aren't you?

   B: Yes, I always have coffee in the morning.

   A: What are you going to have to eat?

   B: I'm going to order scrambled eggs and toast. What about you?

   A: That sounds good to me. I'll have the same.

2. A: You'd like coffee, wouldn't you?

   B: I think I'd rather have tea this morning.

   A: What else are you going to have?

   B: Just an English muffin. What are you going to have?

   A: That sounds good. I'm going to order the same thing.

3. A: You're going to have coffee, aren't you?

   B: Yes. I could use a cup of coffee.

   A: Are you going to have anything to eat?

   B: French toast sounds good. What are you going to order?

   A: I'll have that too.

4. A: A cup of coffee sounds good, doesn't it?

   B: Yes, but I think I'll have orange juice first.

   A: Do you feel like having anything to eat?

   B: Well, I think I'll try the pancakes. How about you?

   A: Sounds great. That's just what I feel like having.

American Situational Conversations



37. At Lunch 吃午餐

Lunch is usually served between noon and 2:00. Sandwiches are a very popular quick lunch in both the United States and Canada.

午餐通常从中午供应到下午两点。 在美国和加拿大， 三明治是极大众化的午间快餐食品。

1. A: Please have another sandwich.

   B: Thank you, but I really can't eat any more.

   A: You're going to have dessert, aren't you?

   B: Well, I'll join you if you're having something.

2. A: You'll finish the chicken, won't you?

   B: No, thank you. I'm trying to cut down.

   A: Aren't you going to have dessert?

   B: No, thank you. I just can't eat any more.

3. A: Would you like some more soup?

   B: No, thank you. It's delicious, but I've had enough.

   A: Would you like soem dessert?

   B: Well, maybe I'll have just a small piece of pie.

4. A: Can't you eat the rest of the salad?

   B: No, thanks. I'm supposed to be on a diet.

   A: Why don't we have something for dessert?

   B: I really shouldn't, but I'll have a little ice cream.

American Situational Conversations



38. At Dinner 吃晚餐

Dinner time varies somewhat in the United States. In small towns it may be as early as 5:00, while in large cities it may be as late as 9:00. It's best to call for a reservation in expensive or well-known restaurants.

在美国吃晚餐的时间不尽相同。在小城镇可能早在下午五点就吃晚餐，而在大城市可能晚到九点才吃。如果上高级餐厅或有名的饭店去吃晚饭，最好是先打电话预定。

1. A: Would you like to order now?

   B: Yes. I'll have the shrimp cocktail to start.

   A: What would you like for your main course?

   B: I'll have a sirloin steak, medium rare.

2. A: May I take your order?

   B: Yes. I'd like a cup of onion soup.

   A: And what would you like after that?

   B: I'd like the roast chicken, please.

3. A: Are you ready to order?

   B: Yes. I'll have the fresh fruit cocktail.

   A: And for your entree?

   B: I think I'll try the broiled sole.

4. A: Have you decided what you'd like?

   B: Yes. First I'll have tomato juice.

   A: And then?

   B: I'll have the lamb chops, well-done, please.

American Situational Conversations



39. At Fast Food Restaurant 在快餐馆

Fast food restaurants are popular in the United States for quick, inexpensive meals or snacks. You order your food and take it to a table yourself. If you order your food "to go", you take it out of the restaurant. Tipping is not necessary in this kind of restaurant.

美国的快餐馆因快速供应便宜的饭菜和小吃而深受欢迎。 你得自己定购食品，自己端到餐桌上。 如果你定购“带走”的食品，你还可以拿出店外。在这种餐馆里无需付小费。

1. A: What would you like to eat?

   B: I'd like a hamburger with lettuce and tomato.

   A: How about something to drink?

   B: A Coke, please.

   A: OK. I'll see if I can get waited on.

2. A: What do you want?

   B: I think I'll have a piece of apple pie.

   A: Do you want something to drink?

   B: Coffee would be fine.

   A: OK. Sit down and I'll get it.

3. A: What are you going to have?

   B: I'll try a steak sandwich.

   A: Can I get you anything to drink?

   B: Yes, I'd like a chocolate shake.

   A: That sounds good. I think I'll have the same.

4. A: What can I get you?

   B: A cheeseburger and an order of french fries would be great.

   A: Would you like anything to drink?

   B: I feel like having a Coke.

   A: That's a good idea. I think I'll join you.




American Situational Conversations



40. At a Cocktail Party 在鸡尾酒会上

Cocktail parties are popular for both business and social functions. They may be casual or formal and are often held between 6:00 and 8:00 in the evening. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres or snacks are usually served.

为商务和社交的目的举行鸡尾酒会是很普遍的事。酒会可能是非正式的，也可能是正式的，而且经常在晚上六点至八点间举行。酒会上通常招待各种饮料和开胃小吃或点心。

1. A: Come in. It's nice to see you again.

   B: It's nice to be here.

   A: Would you care for a drink?

   B: Just a club soda for me，please.

2. A: Hi! I'm happy you could make it.

   B: Well, I've been looking forward to seeing you.

   A: What can I get you?

   B: I'd love a gin and tonic.

3. A: Good evening, I'm so happy you could come.

   B: Thank you for inviting me.

   A: What would you like to drink?

   B: A glass of white wine would be fine, thank you.

4. A: Hello. It's a pleasure to see you again.

   B: Thank you. I've been looking forward to your party.

   A: You'll have a drink, won't you?

   A: I think I'll have a beer, if you have any.