时尚英语话题 11

　　11 Writing: Just a letter
In the modern age, you can communicate in so many ways: text messaging, e-mailing, faxing, calling, but there is something about snail¹ mail that is special. When was the last time you received a letter from someone? I mean a card with more than one or two lines written on it. There are even cards you can buy that are pre-made. They are already full of writing. All you need to do is fill in the "to" and the "from" spots. I recently made a card for my dad. His birthday is coming up. Every once in a while taking the time to write in your own handwriting showing that you care is nice. Making the card for my dad was good for me. It made me feel like I was back in elementary school. I put some stickers on it, I colored some parts, and of course, I wrote how good I am that he's my dad. I got so used to typing that it's hard to write well now. I have to write slowly or else my handwriting is really messy². Well, if you get a chance to write to someone, and you have a little extra time, I suggest that you actually write a card. You don't have to make one, but doing it the old-fashional way can be refreshing³. Snail mail is slower in arriving, but it's worth the wait.
Talk about it:
Do you still use snail mail? How do you usually communicate with people? What is your preferred method of communication? How often do you send people letters? When was the last time you wrote a letter? Do you have neat hand-writing? Do you prefer writing or typing? How do you feel when you receive a letter? How often do you check your e-mail inbox?

1 snail   

n.蜗牛

参考例句：

• Snail is a small plant-eating creature with a soft body.蜗牛是一种软体草食动物。
• Time moved at a snail's pace before the holidays.放假前的时间过得很慢。

2 messy   

adj.散乱的，污秽的，麻烦的

参考例句：

• Working underneath the car is always a messy job.在汽车底下工作是件脏活。
• She found herself in a messy spot.她发现自己陷入了窘境。

3 refreshing   

adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的

参考例句：

• I find it'so refreshing to work with young people in this department.我发现和这一部门的青年一起工作令人精神振奋。
• The water was cold and wonderfully refreshing.水很涼，特别解乏提神。