The Deceased and his Heirs

  A MAN died leaving a large estate and many sorrowful relations who
claimed it.  After some years, when all but one had had judgment
given against them, that one was awarded the estate, which he asked
his Attorney to have appraised.

  "There is nothing to appraise," said the Attorney, pocketing his
last fee.

  "Then," said the Successful Claimant, "what good has all this
litigation done me?"

  "You have been a good client to me," the Attorney replied,
gathering up his books and papers, "but I must say you betray a
surprising ignorance of the purpose of litigation."

情景英语：中级美语对话(第1讲)
   1. Rome Wasn't Built in a Day p.1.

    English is an international language. Therefore, it is necessary for us to learn it. It can be rewarding or just a waste of time. It's up to you. It depends on how you study it. Here are some tips about learning English.

    First, don't be afraid to make mistakes. You will learn from them. Second, you must not be shy. Be thick-skinned and speak up！ Finally, you mush be patient. Remember, "Rome wasn't built in a day."

    a little bit disencouraged

    universal

    Mandarin 普通话，国语

    Your stay here is just（or only） a waste of time.

    Exercise is a rewarding for our health.

    It is up to you. 随你吧

    by fits and starts. 断断续续地

    My brother studied accounting by fits and starts, so he failed.

    tip （about） = advice （on）

    tip somebody on something    tip  vt.建议

    a good piece of advice  不说： a good advice

    stink  vi.臭

    be patient with somebody   对……有耐心

2. How to Improve Your English p.9.

    Mack is talking to his friend Don.

    M： Hi, Don！ How are you doing in your English class？

    D： Not so well, I'm afraid.

    M： What's the problem？

    D： I'm not improving. Tell me, how come your English is so good？

    M： Well, uh…I have an American girlfriend.

    D： Aha！ That's it. Now I know what to do. （He runs off.）

    M： Hey, Come back！ I was just kidding！

    funny farm 疯人院   正式：mental asylum

    improve sth = make a lot of improvement in sth

    talk to（with） sb about sth  vi.       talk sb into doing   vt.说服

    When he gave a speech, we realized that he was just talking nonsense.

    He is a problem studnet.

    greeting 招呼语

    How are you doing in ……？   or：  How are you getting along？  近来怎么样？

    久违的老朋友还可以说：How are you？  or  How have you been？

    Howdy  美国南部招呼语  answer： Howdy

    blind date 相亲,盲目约会

    I am afraid （that省略） it is going to rain, so we can't go on a picnic.  我认为……（弱语气）

    What's the problem （with）？ = What's wrong？ = What's the matter （with）？

    goof around  浪费时间，混时间

    Aha, that's it. = Aha, I get it. = I understand.

    kidding = joking

3. The City of Song p.13

    Listening to music is the favorite pastime of many people all over the world. This is especially true for people living in Vienna, the city of song. Being the home of Mozart, this city is the birthplace of classical music and the waltz.

    Music fills the air in Vienna. Going to public concerts is often free of charge. And don't forget, Vienna is also home to the world famous Vienna Boys' Choir. No wonder people say Austria is always alive with the sound of music.

    Austria   Australia

    potbelly 大肚皮     He is a potbelly.

    jog 慢跑

    the world over  adv. = around the world = throughout the world = all over the world

    maestro  艺术大师，名作曲家

    birthplace 发源地，诞生日

    classical 古典的   classic 经典的

    be free （of charge） 免费     This sample is free of charge.

    be enslaved by 被……奴役

    be home to / be homed of  发源地，老家

    chore 杂物（可数）

    no wonder + clause  adv.难怪     No wonder Bruce is in such a good shape, he excercises every day.

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