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3
A:This is Tina Lin from HTN news, and we are with Rachel Wu today, a student of Feminist
Studies. Rachel, would you say that there is true equality in our society between men and women?
B:That’s a good question. On the whole, in most areas, I believe we can speak about real equality
between men and women, and that is a very clear sign of social progress. However, the wage gap
is still a significant problem: women still earn a lot less money than men who have the same jobs
A:Can you give us a specific example of discriminatory wage practices based on sex?
B:Most certainly. Research shows that male health professionals, such as doctors and
administrators, earn twice as much as female workers doing the same jobs full-time.
A:Twice as much! That must be an extreme case.
B:Yes, on average, the pay gap is just under 10%. An example of such a gap would be hotel
management. Male hotel managers generally earn 9.8% more than their female counterparts.
A:Is there any reason to believe things will improve?
B:Yes, there is. In fact, the situation is getting better as we speak. 10 years ago, the pay gap was
16.2%. So in the last decade, there has been an improvement of over 6% -- this shows that our
society is headed in the right direction.
A:Rachel, thank you for speaking with us today.
B:You’re very welcome.
A:I am reading a compelling book right now. It’s called Fire with Fire.
Never heard of her.
A:Naomi Wolf.
B:Really? In what way?
A:She is a feminist writer. Female empowerment is one of the major themes of the book.
B:How about you: are you a feminist?
A:She wants all women to have a voice that is heard. Like most feminists, she believes in gender
equality and equal opportunities for women.
B:Language discriminates?
B:What’s wrong with that?
A:It suggests that women can’t do these jobs. Non-discriminatory language would be terms like:
“businessperson”, “police officer” or “sales representative”
B:Yes, I see. That language is much more gender neutral.
4
A:I just had a tiff with my father.
B:Cindy, I’m sorry to hear that. What was it about?
A:He was asking me about my career plans and I told him that I want to be a housewife.
B:A housewife? I’m somewhat surprised to hear you say that. I mean…why would you want to be
a housewife?
A:Because I value family more than anything else. I guess I just want to spend my adult life
making a warm and loving family home.
B:So what was your father’s reaction?
A:He got angry. He said he was wasting his money sending me to university if my intention is
only to become a housewife.
B:Do you think he has a point?
A:No, not in the least! I mean, I am extremely grateful that he is paying for my studies, but
knowledge is priceless –it’s the key to understanding the world around us. Besides, if I have
children, I want to help educate them and get involved with their schooling. And who knows,
maybe one day, I might decide that I want to work outside the home and I’ll need a degree to show
that I’m qualified.
B:Well, if it's worth anything, I support you in your decision. My feeling is that people need to
take on responsibilities that give meaning to their lives. Becoming a housewife will definitely give
you this sense of purpose.
A:Thanks Jane. That means a lot to me. You’re a good friend.
A:Did you realize that there is a meeting scheduled for 3:30 this afternoon?
B:That should be interesting. Our department is made up of seven men and eight women. My
guess is that it will be hard for us to achieve a consensus because men and women define success
very differently.
A:Elsa wants to see what we can do to run a more successful department.
B:Not according to an article I just read. It says that women see being successful at work as being
a good team player and collaborator.
A:Isn’t the idea of success more or less the same for everybody?
B:Well, you are a woman!
A:I would agree.
B:Men, on the other hand, define being successful at work as being self-sufficient and achieving
targets.
5
A:Julie’s asked me to go to her wedding – I am so excited!
B:Julie is getting married – that’s great news! Please congratulate her on my behalf. What will you
wear?
A:No idea I can't fit in to any of my fancy clothes. I need to lose weight immediately. Any
suggestions?
B:The recipe for weight loss is simple: exercise and a healthy diet.
A:But I can’t stand exercise! Whenever I go jogging I get bored after 5 minutes.
B:Well, try to do fun things. There are many other ways to burn off fat. Get involved in team
sports, like volleyball, or group exercise, like aerobics or even something like yoga.
A:I suppose I could try.
B:I guess it depends on how much you want to fit into a nice dress!
A:Alright. I’ll do some exercise, but a diet, no way! I need my chocolatChocolate ice cream,
chocolate cake, chocolate brownies – it’s all so scrumptious! The idea of a diet depresses me.
B:You don’t have to give up chocolate completely - just don’t overdo it. When you get a craving,
eat some fruit or have a salad. You’ll feel refreshed!
A:Easy for you to say. You’re not a chocoholic!
A:Bob, you’re looking good. Have you been working out?
B:Yeah, I’ve started this awesome exercise routine. I feel great!
A:Well, you certainly look trim and fit. What’s the secret?
B:Discipline and dedication. I make sure I stick to a routine.
A:Can you walk me through it?
B:Would love to. Every morning, before breakfast, I do some stretching to loosen up and make
sure that I don’t pull any muscles during the day. Then I go for a 30-minute jog.
A:I see what you mean by dedication.I can’t do anything before breakfast.
B:Then, before lunch, I hit the gym and do some weight training and cardio work. It’s normally a
40-minute session.
A:You must work up quite an appetite!
B:I certainly do. Then, on my way home from work, I stop by the pool and go for a 1000-meter
swim. Swimming is truly the best exercise: it works every muscle, including the heart, and is not
hard on the joints.
A:Well, your routine is impressive. In fact, if you keep it up, you could probably complete a
triathlon.
B:That’s my goal!
6
A:What’s in that bag?
B:A tent! I just bought it I am going camping next month!
A:Wow, how exciting! Where to?
B:The Amazon. Mark and I are planning a 6-day hike through the ’ll sleep in this
tent every night, with the sounds of the jungle as background music.、
A:That has got to be the coolest camping trip ever: I’ve always wanted to explore the jungle!
You’ll see fascinating birds, reptiles and amphibians!
B:I know. I’m actually afraid of snakes so hopefully we won’t come across too many of them! I
am hoping we’ll see river dolphins from the shores of the Amazon.
A:Oh yes! Pink Amazon river dolphins – those are incredible! Be sure to bring a camera.
B:I will. I’ve actually bought a tripod so that I can take good wildlife pictures.
A:Great idea. Please do show me your shots when you get back.
B:I will. I’ll make a slideshow and invite you over for a viewing and, hopefully, some great
storytelling!
A:I look forward to it!
A:What exactly is ecotourism? It seems to be the latest travel buzzword.
B:Well, let me begin with a question. In your view, what are some of the negative effects of
tourism on travel destinations?
A:So please tell me about it: I’m all ears!
A:Hmm. I guess there are two main drawbacks. The first thing is that tourism pollutes: I recently
went to the seaside for the weekend, and couldn’t believe how much rubbish from travelers
littered the beaches and sea... The second thing is that tourism sometimes disrupts the local
cultures and practices.
B:These two drawbacks are precisely what ecotourism wants to avoid. For example, TIES –The
International Ecotourism Society–promotes responsible travel to tourist areas. TIES wants travel
to be environmentally friendly and help improve the well-being of local people.
A:How can these improvements be made?
B:By providing financial benefits and empowerment for local people, and by raising awareness on
environmental and cultural issues that are important to them.
A:I think that’s commendable. From now on, I will be an ecotourist!
7
A:Dr. Wang, do you have a moment? I would like to ask you for some advice.
B:Of course, Cindy, what can I do for you?
A:I wanted to ask you about idioms. I have an IELTS test next month and the public IELTS
descriptors show that I can get a higher score on the speaking test if I use idiomatic vocabulary.
B:Well, using idioms isn’t always easy. But I could give you one or two that might be helpful.
A:I’d appreciate that.
B:Hmm, let’s see … If you’re asked to describe yourself, you could answer that you’re a person
who doesn’t like to cause problems by saying you don’t like to rock the boat.
A:Sure, I can remember that. Thank you... Do you have some other suggestions?
B:Well, let me think. If you find something to be easy to do, you can say: it’s a piece of cake.
A:Oh yeah, I’ve heard that before. I’ll try to use that idiom during my test. I could say: speaking
English is a piece of cake! Ha, ha!
B:Ha! Yes, that’s fine. Do make sure that you use these idioms in the appropriate context or they
will not make sense.
A:I understand. I’ll practice lots during the next few weeks so that I get the hang of it!
A:I am thinking of learning French.
B:Ah French, the language of romance and poetry...
A:Yes, it is a beautiful language indeed. But I don’t want to become a French poet! I plan to learn
French to increase my job prospects.
B:I don’t follow you.
A:Well, I am very proud to say that I am bilingual. I speak Chinese and English. But in today’s
world, to find a good job, it’s better to be trilingual.
B:Trilingual? You mean, speak three languages.
8
A:Hey Dan, thanks for freeing up time to help me.
B:Don’t mention it Jane, it’s no problem at all... So what’s up?
A:My sister wants to study in America next year but doesn’t know what admissions test to take:
SAT or ACT. I thought maybe you could help because you started your university studies in
Chicago.
A:Yes.
B:So why French then?
A:It was a tough call: I was thinking French or Spanish, but decided on French because I am
interested in working in countries where it is spoken.
B:Like Canada, Switzerland and Belgium?
A:Yes, and also places in Africa, like Senegal or Cameroon, or in Latin America, like Haiti.
B:Yeah, of course I can help. Both tests are very different and measure different skills so I think
the best choice comes down to what your sister is good at. Basically, depending on her strengths
and weaknesses, she may perform much better on one test than the other.
A:Well, she is good at science and wants to study Biology, maybe even Medicine.
B:Hmm, it sounds to me like she should take the ACT.
A:Why is that?
B:It’s more geared towards science students: it includes a science-reasoning test whereas the SAT
doesn’t
B:It’s more geared towards science students: it includes a science-reasoning test whereas the SAT
doesn’t
A:That’s good to know. Who is the SAT better for then?
B:It’s better for people interested in subjects that require good problem solving and critical
thinking skills.
A:Ah, I see; so it’s a test you’d be good at because you’re an expert at solving problems,
especially mine!
A:I am so nervous, Cindy! I have my IELTS test tomorrow.
B:Nervous, you? You have nothing to be worried about.
A:You’re just saying that to lift my spirits.
B:Jane, I am serious: you’ll be fine.
A:What makes you so sure?
B:Well, to begin with, your listening skills are terrific, and you have no problems with spelling
and grammar. So your listening test should go very smoothly.
A:I hope so!
B:I also predict strong writing and reading scores. After all, your vocabulary is good and you are a
coherent, logical thinker.
A:It’s hard. I just get so stressed before tests. The IELTS interview terrifies me.
B:I am just being honest. You need to believe in yourself.
A:I sure hope you’re right. If you are, let’s celebrate by eating out!
B:Jane, you are a fluent speaker, who expresses opinions clearly and supports them with good
evidence. You will ace the interview!
B:Sure, it’s a deal!
9
A:Tina, I saw The King’s Speech yesterday. It’s a marvelous film!
B:I really want to see it. The critics are giving it excellent reviews. Come to think of it, I read
something on it just yesterday, which described the film as richly enjoyable.
A:I couldn’t agree more. The director does a great job of shooting the true- life story of the
relationship between King George VI, who was the King of England during World War 2, and his
exuberant Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue.
B:King George VI needed a speech therapist?
A:He sure did. He had a stammer.
B:A stammer?
A:Yes, he couldn’t speak fluently. In fact, he couldn’t even complete a sentence without making
involuntary pauses or repetitions.
B:Can you imagine being King and not being able to speak eloquently?
A:No, I can’t. But that’s what’s amazing about this story. His speech therapist helped him become
a good speaker. This was necessary during a time of war, when the country needed a clear voice of
inspiration.
B:Will the film win an Oscar?
A:I predict it will. Many perhaps, including Best Actor in a Leading Role.
A:Cindy, what are you doing here?
B:I just had class. In fact, it was the coolest class I’ve ever had! In music, we are studying the
history of rock & roll.
A:The history of rock? Wow, that is pretty cool.
B:Yeah, did you know that rock is already more than 70 years old?
A:No way! Are you saying it originated in the 1940s?
B:Yes, it did. But the interesting thing is that it comes from a combination of other genres of
music, like jazz, blues and gospel music.
A:That makes sense, cause you can hear jazz and blues rhythms in a lot of rock & roll. Do you
listen to music in class?
B:Yes, it did. But the interesting thing is that it comes from a combination of other genres of
music, like jazz, blues and gospel music.
A:I’d love to join the class, it sounds awesome. The only problem is that I can’t play an
instrument.
B:Don’t worry, Mark. You can sing.
A:OK, I’ll enroll today. Incredible –I’ll be in a rock band!
10
It is natural for you to be faced with choices in life.
My advice is to follow your bliss
It means to follow a course in life
that is most exciting and challenging for you
and to follow a direction
that brings you the greatest personal satisfaction.
Do you know the story of King Arthur's knights?
When they set out on their quest
for the Holy Grail,
each set out alone.
Each entered the woods
at the deepest, darkest point,
where there was no way or path.
If there is a well-worn path,
it is someone else's path, not yours.
There was a man
who was determined to become a public servant.
He ran for legislature and lost.
He ran for Congress and lost.
He ran for the Senate twice
and lost both times.
After all these failures,
he even tried for a political appointment
as a state land officer,
something like a Justice of the Peace,
and he was flatly rejected.
Yet this guy held to his vision of public service,
Yet this guy held to his vision of public service,
The man, of course, was Abraham Lincoln.
Look at this guy.
At 40, he tried to establish two car companies.
Both went bankrupt,
and he was flat broke.
Yet the automobile was his bliss.
By 50, he was the world's leading automaker,
and was well on his way to becoming the first billionaire.
That man was Henry Ford.
Consider the baseball player
who held the record for many years
as having struck out more than any ball player in history.
In his career, he struck out 1 330 times.
Yet what we remember about Babe Ruth
is not the 1 330 times he failed,
but the 714 times he hit a home run.
A:Doctor, I don’t feel quite like myself these days. I am under a lot of academic pressure and
don’t think I can cope with everything for much longer. I need help.
B:Jane I’m glad you’re here. Many students struggle with the pressures of study and don’t realize
they have a problem until it’s too late… Tell me, why do you say that you don’t quite feel like
yourself?
A:I’m sleeping very badly – I toss and turn all night long- and I get angry very easily.
B:Hmmm, yes, indeed… those are both signs of being under too much pressure.
A:So what should I do?
B:I would recommend the following 3 steps. First, plan good breaks everyday so that you can
clear your mind and recollect yourself.
A:How long should a break take?
B:10 or 15 minutes is enough. The key is to fill your mind with fresh energy.
A:And what are the other two steps?
B:The second step is to reduce stress by simplifying the problems or tasks you are dealing with.
This will make your problems feel solvable.
The third step is to focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. This will develop your
confidence.
’s definitely what I need: more self- confidence. Thanks doctor, I’ll give your recommendations my
best shot.
Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Edgar Allen Poe and Shelly
were all expelled from school at one point.
People are stumbling
while following their bliss.
Where you stumble, stop and smile,
for there your treasure may lie.
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