source: Dương Thu Thuỷ / Pearson Education, INC 2015年3月3日
* social language: state an opinion; disagree politely about controversial issues; discuss politics
* grammar: non-count nouns for abstract ideas; verbs followed by objects and infinitives
# video script
(In Cheryl’s apartment, Paul, Bob, and Marie
are talking about politics, while Cheryl tries to avoid the topic.)
Paul:
Did you see the politicians expect to raise taxes again?
Bob:
Really? What has the government decided to spend our money on now?
Paul:
They’re planning to build a stronger military.
Marie:
It’s wrong to spend so much on the military. They should spend it on education instead.
Cheryl:
Can we please avoid discussing politics?
Marie:
Why?
Cheryl:
Every time we begin talking about politics, people get mad at each other.
Bob:
They should spend more money on fighting corruption. If they were able to stop
corrupt officials, maybe they wouldn’t need to raise our taxes.
Paul:
That’s true, but I think we need to spend more money on the military. Without a
strong military, the world won’t be very safe.
Marie:
That’s one way to look at it. But maybe the world would be safer--and
better--if we tried to eliminate poverty.
Bob:
What do you think, Cheryl?
Cheryl:
I think that if I say what I really think, you’ll get all mad and call me crazy
or ridiculous.
Marie:
Cheryl. Don’t be so afraid. We’re only talking.
Cheryl:
I think that the government should spend more money on cooking schools.
Marie:
What?
Cheryl:
Most people don’t know how to cook well. I think the government should help
teach them.
Marie:
That’s ridiculous!
Bob:
Are you crazy?
Paul:
Use our taxes to pay for cooking schools?
Cheryl:
Of course not! But look at you. You’re all mad at me. This is why I never
discuss politics with friends. But don’t let me stop you from getting mad at
each other.