第一讲

Introduction
    8 Reading & Writing Units
    Not including Unit3/6/9/12
    Vocabulary
    Sentence Structure
    Cultural Backgrounds
Exercises
    Fast Reading
    Study Focus
    1. Learn about the differences between British English and American English.
    2. Enlarge our vocabulary for expressing differences and similarities.
    3. Learn to use the structure “The truth is that…”
    4. Review the knowledge of Simple Sentence (简单句) and Compound Sentence (复合句) .

Preparation
    A. Discuss the following questions with your partners.
    1. Do you think that all the English-speakers speak the same language?
    2. Do you speak British or American English? Are they the same Language?
    B. Read the following sentences carefully and work out the meaning of the words and expressions in red.
    1. He picked up a little French when he was traveling in France.
    2. She decided it was a good time to exhibit her skills as a negotiator (谈判代表).
    3. He is a man of principle (原则) and always sticks to what he thinks is right.
    4. As the monitor of his class, he laid down the rules of self-study in class.
    5. Club members are required to conform to the rules of the club.
    6. His first attempt at English composition was poor and so he is really afraid of writing in English now.

    pick up 随手翻阅，不经意地学习
    exhibit 展出，展览，展示
    stick to 坚持，忠于
    laid down 规定
    conform to 符合,遵照
    attempt 试图; 尝试