英语访谈对话 484 The Gift

 　　Todd: So, Ruthie, what did you do today?

　　Ruth: Well, I got up quite early this morning, actually, to go shopping.

　　Todd: Oh, yeah! (Yeah) Ooh, shopping.

　　Ruth: I really like shopping.

　　Todd: That's true but you're on a budget. You're trying to save money.

　　Ruth: I know, but is was my brother's birthday. Well, it is my brother's birthday in a week so.

　　Todd: Oh, no kidding.

　　Ruth: Yeah.

　　Todd: So, what did you get your brother for his birthday?

　　Ruth: Well, it was quite difficult to find something that I thought he would like, but I got him some cakes in the end, some Japanese cakes.

　　Todd: Japanese cakes?

　　Ruth: Yeah, they're in like a special presentation¹ box.

　　Todd: So, how are you going to get the cakes to your brother? Just through the post office?

　　Ruth: Yes, I sent them in the post this morning.

　　Todd: Oh, did you send them express or just regular mail?

　　Ruth: No, regular mail because it was cheaper.

　　Todd: But, don't you want it to hurry and get there for his birthday?

　　Ruth: I've got one week. I think it will get there in time.

　　Todd: So, what do you think you're brother will think of the cakes?

　　Ruth: I don't think he'll like them actually.

　　Todd: No?

　　Ruth: Well, he likes chocolate cake, and they look like they've got kind of chocolate inside but it's bean paste². I think he'll be disappointed³.

　　Todd: So what did you brother get you for your last birthday?

　　Ruth: That's a good question. He always gives me money, and he often gives me chocolate as well. He's very generous⁴.

　　Todd: Actually, I'm the same way. Guys like to give money. Money is so easy. No shopping involved.

　　Ruth: It's practical⁵, though, it's good.

　　Todd: Now, I've been told that when you give money for a gift, it's actually very impolite⁶.

　　Ruth: Really?

　　Todd: Is that true? Yeah!

　　Ruth: Why is that?

　　Todd: I don't know. Some people say it's just really impersonal⁷. That you should take the time to get a gift.

　　Ruth: Really! I really think if anybody gave me money I would be so pleased. It's a good present.

　　Todd: Exactly, that's what I think. (Pause) Hey, um, actually, when are you going to see your brother next?

　　Ruth: Probably, I will see him in August of September.

　　Todd: Oh, that's quite a ways away.

　　Ruth: Yes, about four months is that.

　　Todd: So is this a younger brother or older brother?

　　Ruth: He's older. He's twenty-six.

　　Todd: Oh, he's twenty six.

　　Ruth: He's going to be twenty-six soon.

　　Todd: Ok, well, if you happen to e-mail him, tell him happy birthday.

　　Ruth: Oh, certainly will do. Thanks.

1 presentation   

n.赠与，陈述，介绍；表演，展示

参考例句：

• Last week we went to the presentation of a new play.上星期我们去观看了一场新剧的演出。
• The manner of presentation is highly important.介绍的方式很重要。

2 paste   

n.糊，浆糊，铅制玻璃；vt.粘贴，覆盖，猛击

参考例句：

• Please paste these sheets of paper together.请将这几张纸粘在一起。
• Stick the paper with paste.用糨糊粘纸。

3 disappointed   

adj.失望的，不满意的，不如意的

参考例句：

• He seemed disappointed when the man refused his request.当那个人拒绝了他的要求时他看起来很失望。
• He was disappointed so often that he became hopeless.他屡次失望，以致变为了绝望。

4 generous   

adj.慷慨的，大方的，慷慨给予的

参考例句：

• She was kind and generous.她心地善良，宽容大量。
• She was generous with her money.她很乐于仗义疏财。

5 practical   

adj.实际的，实践的；实用的，应用的；有实际经验的

参考例句：

• He is a practical person.他是位很讲实际的人。
• Your invention is clever,but not practical.你的发明很巧，但不实用。

6 impolite   

adj.无礼的，粗鲁的

参考例句：

• It is impolite to get a word in.别人谈话时插嘴是不礼貌的。
• It is very impolite of you to do so to customers.你这样做对顾客太不客气了。

7 impersonal   

adj.无个人感情的，与个人无关的，非人称的

参考例句：

• Even his children found him strangely distant and impersonal.他的孩子们也认为他跟其他人很疏远，没有人情味。
• His manner seemed rather stiff and impersonal.他的态度似乎很生硬冷淡。