ESL Podcast 250 – Cheating on a Test

Oscar: What are you doing?

Elena: I’m getting ready for the test.

Oscar: By writing the answers on a cheat sheet? You’re not going to get away with that.

Elena: I got a “D” on the last test and I have to do better on this one. If I don’t get at least a “B,” I’m going to flunk¹ this class.

Oscar: You’re taking a big risk. You could get suspended or expelled!

Elena: I know, but my final grade is on the line. And plus, I think that the worst that could happen is that I get an automatic F on the test. It’s not like I’m stealing a copy of the test or plagiarizing² on an important assignment.

Oscar: Still, there’s no telling what Mr. McQuillan will do to you if he finds out. I’d let you copy off my test if I thought we could get away with it, but he always keeps a close eye on us during tests. That’s why I think you’re going to get caught.

Elena: It’s not like I have any choice, do I? It’s either cheating or going to summer school.

Oscar: I still think it’s a bad idea.

Elena: Then, just don’t think about it. Let me worry about it, okay?


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 flunk   

v.(考试)不及格(=fail)

参考例句：

• I will flunk him if my student doesn't learn the material in the course.如果我的学生没有掌握课程的内容，我就会让他不及格。
• If you flunk finals,you don't get the chance to do them again.如果你没通过期末考试，就没有机会再考一次了。

2 plagiarizing   

v.剽窃，抄袭( plagiarize的现在分词 )

参考例句：

• He was accused of plagiarizing his colleague's results. 他被指控剽窃同事的成果。
• Moderates are plagiarizing his ideas in hopes of wooing voters. 温和派为讨好选民在盗用他的观点。 来自辞典例句