英语听力精选进阶版 15376

 

English at Work

Episode¹ 63: Tom’s tantrum

Language to persuade someone to change their mind

Narrator:  Welcome back to the offices of Tip Top Trading where there’s a bit of confusion². Anna…

Anna:  Yes?

Narrator:  I think Tom’s got the wrong end of the stick.

Anna:  But I didn’t give him a stick.

Narrator:  No, no. I think there’s been a misunderstanding. When you said your answer was ‘yes’ he thought you meant ‘yes, I’ll marry you’!

Anna:  Oh no! I meant yes to the promotion³. Gosh I’ve got to sort this out. (To Tom) Tom, Tom, hold on please.

Tom:  We can’t hang about Anna. Let’s fix a date, invite everyone – even Paul.

Anna:  No, no, we can’t.

Tom:  You’re right, not Paul – he just talks about biscuits. 

Anna:  No. I mean ‘no’, we can’t get married. I meant yes to the promotion. I can’t marry you.

Tom:  (Sounding hurt) What? So when you said ‘yes’ you meant ‘no’?

Anna:  Yes.

Tom:  (Getting angry) I see. Right, that’s it. Anna, I’ve made it very clear what I think about you and you… you… just throw it back in my face. I’ve had enough… enough of you… enough of this company. I quit!

Narrator:  Anna. I think he’s upset. He’s having a tantrum.

Anna:  A tantrum – is that serious?

Narrator:  Not really. Maybe you need to calm him down and make him change his mind. Tell him ‘not to be too hasty⁴’, ‘don’t rush into a decision’ and say ‘we can work this out’ – you can can’t you? 

Anna:  I think I can. (To Tom) Tom, please, don’t be too hasty. Let’s talk about this. We can work something out, just don't rush into making a decision –(begging) please. You’re my best – my only - sales executive⁵.

Tom:  Sorry Anna – I’m a free spirit. I must go where the wind takes me. You’ve had your chance, now it’s mine. I’m off.

DOOR SLAMS⁶ SHUT

Narrator:  Wow, I’ve never seen Tom be such a… man. Will this be the last time we 

ever see him? 

Here are some of the phrases Anna used to try and get Tom not to leave: 

Don’t be too hasty

Don't rush into making a decision

We can work this out

DOOR OPENS

Tom:  …erm, sorry, I just forgot to take my special mug. Bye.

DOOR SHUTS

Listening Challenge: What word does Tom use to say he is leaving the company?

Answer: Quit. 

1 episode   

n.（作品的一段）情节，插曲，系列事件中之一

参考例句：

• The episode was a huge embarrassment for all concerned.这段小插曲令所有有关人员都感到非常尴尬。
• This episode remains sharply engraved on my mind.这段经历至今仍深深地铭刻在我的心中。

2 confusion   

n.困惑，迷乱，混淆，混乱，骚乱

参考例句：

• His answers to my questions have only added to my confusion.他对我的问题的回答只是使我更加困惑不解。
• His unexpected arrival threw us into total confusion.他的突然来访使我们完全不知所措。

3 promotion   

n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传

参考例句：

• The teacher conferred with the principal about Dick's promotion.教师与校长商谈了迪克的升级问题。
• The clerk was given a promotion and an increase in salary.那个职员升了级，加了薪。

4 hasty   

adj.草率的，急速的，匆忙的，仓促完成的

参考例句：

• She's too hasty;she should learn to think before speaking.她太轻率了，她应该学会话出口前想一想。
• You will have time for a hasty snack before the train leaves.火车离站前你还能抓紧时间吃一顿快餐。

5 executive   

adj.执行的，行政的；n.执行者，行政官，经理

参考例句：

• A good executive usually gets on well with people.一个好的高级管理人员通常与人们相处得很好。
• He is a man of great executive ability.他是个具有极高管理能力的人。

6 slams   

v.砰地关上（门或窗）( slam的第三人称单数 )；用力一放；使劲一推；猛劲一摔

参考例句：

• I'm sick of your slams. 对于你的谩骂我真受够了。 来自辞典例句
• Kentucky steal Ball and Ron Mercen slams for two. 肯塔基队争到球，罗恩默塞扣篮得2分。 来自互联网