目录
1. listening script
My name’s Randall Davis, and I’m originally from the state of Indiana in the United States. When I was 19 years old, I moved to Venezuela in South America, and later returned to the United States, where I attended Brigham Young University in the 1980s. I majored in Spanish education and TESOL, or teaching English as a second language. After graduating from college, my wife and I moved to Japan where we lived for eight years. Now, I work back in the States in Utah.
However, my greatest interests are my family. Years ago, I wanted to make something of myself in my profession . . . you know . . . get ahead in life. However, I realized that the most important things in life lived within the walls of my own home, and today, I try to put them first. My kids wouldn’t remember me for the work I did outside of the home; they would only recall the moments we spent together.
Therefore, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have four children, and we go hiking and camping together, usually in Utah. On our hikes, we often talk about life, and I tell stories or share personal experiences. When I do this, I can focus on the kids without the distractions of video games or the Internet. Telling stories sounds easy, but when you have to think of a new story on a hot, 12-kilometer hike through the desert, you have to come up with ideas off the top of your head.
Now, this doesn’t mean we don’t have problems; all families face challenges in their lives, and our family is no exception. However, we try to talk openly about our problems, and we try to solve our problems together. Building a strong family takes time, but it is worth the effort.
2. vocabulary
- get ahead = become successful in your business or career
-Often, people give up time with their families to get ahead in life. - control/hold the purse strings = control the money in a family
-My wife is much better at managing our finances, so she controls the purse strings. - make something of oneself (idiom): become successful in a career or other activity
– My dad never thought I would make something of myself because I didn’t graduate from a prestigious university, but I proved him wrong. - off the top of your head (idiom): think of something immediately without preparation
– I felt really embarrassed when I couldn’t remember her name off the top of my head. - TESOL =对母语为非英语人士的英语教学 =teaching English to speakers of other languages
3. topic extension
(all answers generated by chatGPT-4)
3.1 pre exercise
What things can parents do to strengthen the relationship with their children? Some people go hiking or do outdoor activities; other people watch movies or go to amusement parks.
Strengthening the relationship between parents and children can take many forms and depend on individual interests, but the core aspect is spending quality time together and engaging in meaningful activities. Here are some activities that can help strengthen this bond:
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Cooking and Baking Together: These activities can be fun and educational. They also provide opportunities to teach children about nutrition, meal planning, and the importance of contributing to household tasks.
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Reading Together: Regardless of the child’s age, reading together can be a special bonding activity. For younger kids, bedtime stories can be a part of their routine. For older kids, you can start a mini book club where you both read the same book and discuss it.
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Arts and Crafts: Making something together can be a fun and creative way to bond. This could be painting, knitting, making jewelry, or working on a DIY project for the house.
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Volunteering Together: This can teach children about empathy, compassion, and the importance of giving back to their community. It can also make them feel good about making a positive impact.
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Gardening: This activity can teach patience and the rewards of hard work, plus it gets you both outdoors. If you don’t have a garden, even potted plants or a small herb garden can work.
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Exercising Together: This could be a sport, yoga, or just daily walks or bike rides. This not only keeps you both healthy but also allows for some fun competition or shared goals.
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Traveling Together: Whether it’s a trip to a new city or country or just a local day trip, shared experiences and memories can strengthen your relationship.
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Playing Games: Board games, card games, or video games can be a lot of fun and promote teamwork and problem-solving skills.
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Listening to and Making Music Together: If your family is musically inclined, you can jam together, or you could simply share your favorite songs with each other.
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Regular Discussions: Make time for conversations about their day, their thoughts, and their feelings. This helps children feel valued and listened to, strengthening your emotional bond.
Remember, the most important aspect is that these activities are done together, with a focus on bonding and mutual enjoyment. The specific activity matters less than the time, attention, and love you invest into it.
3.2 post exercise
Are there outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or camping that you enjoy doing with your family? What things can families do together to strengthen the family relationship?
answer1:
Absolutely, outdoor activities can be a great way for families to spend time together and strengthen their bonds. Here are some suggestions:
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Hiking: This can be a wonderful way to explore nature while getting some exercise. Tailor your hikes to the age and ability of your children – younger kids may enjoy a nature scavenger hunt, while older ones might be up for a challenging hill climb.
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Biking: Family bike rides, whether in the neighborhood or on a trail, can be a fun and active way to spend time together. You can also plan a destination like a park or a favorite ice cream shop.
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Camping: Camping offers a unique adventure and a break from the usual routine. It can teach kids about self-reliance, respect for nature, and it offers lots of opportunities for fun and games like roasting marshmallows or stargazing.
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Picnics: A family picnic at a local park or in the countryside can be a delightful way to enjoy a meal together. You can bring a frisbee or a ball for some after-lunch games.
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Bird Watching: This can be a calming and educational outdoor activity. All you need is a bird identification book or an app, and perhaps binoculars.
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Geocaching or Orienteering: These are outdoor treasure hunting games using GPS-enabled devices. They’re fun ways to explore your local area or even unfamiliar territories.
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Fishing: If you live near a body of water, fishing can be a relaxing way to spend time together. Plus, it can be exciting when someone gets a bite!
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Canoeing or Kayaking: Water-based activities can be thrilling for the whole family. Always make sure to have appropriate safety gear and supervision for younger family members.
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Outdoor Photography or Painting: If your family has a creative bent, why not take it outside? You could photograph nature, paint landscapes, or even write poetry inspired by your surroundings.
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Gardening: If you have space, gardening can be a rewarding way to spend time together, plus it can beautify your home and even provide fresh vegetables or herbs.
Remember, the goal of these activities is to enjoy your time together as a family, so choose activities that everyone will enjoy and be able to participate in. Consider your family’s unique interests and capabilities when planning your outdoor adventures.
answer2:
Strengthening the family relationship requires time, effort, and shared experiences. Here are some activities that can help foster a strong bond among family members:
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Family Meals: Eating together, whether it’s breakfast or dinner, provides an opportunity for everyone to share their day and enjoy each other’s company. It’s a simple daily ritual that has a significant impact on family cohesion.
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Regular Family Meetings: Regular family meetings can be a time for everyone to discuss what’s going on in their lives, share any concerns or challenges, and make collective decisions. This can help everyone feel heard and valued.
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Vacations and Trips: Traveling together creates shared memories and can help families learn to work together as they navigate new environments. This doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive; even a camping trip or day at the beach can be meaningful.
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Game Nights: Board games, video games, or outdoor games can promote healthy competition and cooperation, and they can be a lot of fun for all ages.
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Outdoor Activities: Hiking, biking, gardening, or simply playing in the park can provide opportunities for conversation, cooperation, and the shared joy of being in nature.
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Home Projects: Working together on a project, like painting a room, building a piece of furniture, or planting a garden, can foster teamwork and a sense of shared accomplishment.
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Cultural Activities: Attending concerts, museums, theater performances, or cultural festivals can provide shared experiences and stimulate interesting conversations.
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Learning New Skills Together: This could be anything from cooking a new recipe, learning to play a musical instrument, or taking up a new sport. The process of learning and growing together can strengthen bonds.
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Celebrating Traditions: Celebrating holidays, birthdays, and other family traditions helps create a sense of belonging and continuity. This could also include creating new traditions that are unique to your family.
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Supporting Each Other’s Interests: Show up for each other’s events, whether it’s a school play, a sports game, or a work presentation. It demonstrates love and support and shows that everyone’s interests are valued.
Remember, it’s not about the quantity of time spent together but the quality. Ensure that the time spent together is focused, intentional, and respectful of each person’s individuality while fostering a sense of belonging to the family as a whole.
3.3 online investigation
Use the Internet to find five places where families can spend time together in your area or in a city or country where you want to visit. Answer these questions:
- What are the names of these places?
- What activities can you do there?
- How much does it cost to visit these places?
answer1:
Shanghai is a bustling city with many attractions that are perfect for family outings. Here are five places that families can spend time together:
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Shanghai Disney Resort: This is a great place for families with children of all ages. From thrilling rides to character meet and greets, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to catch the spectacular fireworks show at the end of the day.
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Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: This interactive museum is a fantastic place for families to learn about science in a fun and engaging way. There are a variety of exhibits that cover topics like robotics, space exploration, and natural history.
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Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: This large aquarium houses a variety of marine species from around the world. The highlight is the long underwater tunnel that gives a unique view of sea creatures. It’s both entertaining and educational for kids and adults alike.
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Century Park: As the largest park in the city, Century Park offers a range of outdoor activities like boating, bird-watching, and kite flying. There are also playgrounds for children and picnic spots for the whole family to enjoy.
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Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom: Located near the Shanghai Zoo, this small but fascinating museum is a great place for families who are interested in insects and small animals. It’s home to a variety of live insects, reptiles, and amphibians.
These are just a few of the many family-friendly activities available in Shanghai. Depending on your family’s interests, there are plenty of museums, parks, and attractions to explore in this dynamic city.
answer2:
Below are the activities you can engage in at the five places mentioned, and the estimated cost of entry as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. Please note that prices may have changed, and it’s always a good idea to check the official websites or contact the places directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Shanghai Disney Resort: The park offers a variety of attractions, including themed lands like Adventure Isle, Gardens of Imagination, Mickey Avenue, Tomorrowland, Treasure Cove, and Fantasyland. The ticket price varies depending on the date and age of the visitor, but as of 2021, standard one-day tickets range from 399 to 599 CNY.
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Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits on topics such as space travel, robotics, and life sciences. As of 2021, the ticket price is around 60 CNY per person.
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Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: The aquarium features marine life from around the world, including a 155-meter tunnel that provides a 360-degree view of the ocean life. As of 2021, the ticket price is approximately 160 CNY per person.
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Century Park: The park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as paddle boating, bird watching, and picnicking. There are also areas for kids to play. The park’s entry fee is about 10 CNY per person as of 2021.
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Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom: This place offers a chance to see a variety of live insects, amphibians, and reptiles. As of 2021, the entrance fee is approximately 40 CNY per person.
Remember that in addition to the cost of entry, you may also need to budget for things like food, souvenirs, and any additional activities or experiences that aren’t included in the general admission price. Also, children, students, and senior citizens often receive discounted rates, so it’s worth checking if any members of your family are eligible for these discounts.