第六讲

    Para. 3
    When you first get to know an American, he may ask you, “Where do you work?” “Are you married?” or “Do you have children?” Such questions may be too personal to Europeans. But Americans do sometimes ask such questions. They would like to get answers to these questions. In this way they can get better acquainted with you and have a topic for beginning conversation with you.
    Language Points:
    Explanation of Difficult Sentences
    1) But Americans do sometimes ask such questions.
    Analysis: Do is used here to emphasize the following verb. It means “的确, 真的”。
    Translation: 但是美国人有时确实问到诸如此类的问题。
    Example: Most people hate the cold weather, but some people do enjoy themselves in winter.
    2) In this way they can get better acquainted with you and have a topic for beginning a friendly conversation with you.
    Analysis: "In this way" is used here to introduce a coordinate clause, which further develops the topic being discussed.
    Translation: 这样他们便能更多地了解你，并由此为开端与你友好地侃上一场。
    Example: In this way you can improve your spoken English and do better in the job interview.
    2. Important Words
    1) acquaint: v. make familiar with, get to know, reveal to 结识, 认识
    e.g. I have become acquainted with my new duties. 我已开始了解自己的新职责了。
    You should try to acquaint him with the facts of the case.你应该设法使他知道该事件的详情。

    Exercises See the textbook.