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Pre-reading Activities
First Listening
You are about to read an early morning exchange between a daughter and her parents.
Second Listening
Discuss the following questions after the second listening.
1. What are some of the things you think the daughter and her parents might have different ideas about?
2. How can the older and the younger generation have real communication with and understand each other?
A Busy Weekday Morning
The radio clicked on. Rock music blasted forth. Like a shot, the music woke Sandy. She it was 6:15 A.M. Sandy sang along with the words as she lay listening to her favorite radio station.
"Sandy," shouted her father. "Sandy, turn that music off!" Steve Finch burst into her room. "Why do you have to listen to such horrible stuff? It's the same thing over and over. I'm not sure it is really music though it does have rhythm. Hmmm. No, it isn't really music. It's weird. It is definitely horrible stuff."
"I like that music, D it's my favorite group — Green Waves. L I'm sure you'll like it. It has a really powerful message. Didn't you ever listen to music like this when you were a youngster?" Sandy reached for the radio to turn it up louder.
"No, no, don't do that. I can't stand it. The music I listened to had a message, too, but the words were clear and the musicians didn't use such offensive language. Turn that radio down so your mother and I can't hear it. I'm sure that music is hurting your ears as well as your brain. Now, would you please hurry up and turn it off? Get ready for school or you'll be late!"
Sandy walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. At first, the water felt cold. It helped her wake up. Then, as the water got hotter, she thought, "This shower feels great and in here I can be alone and sing. No one disturbs me in here." She grabbed the soap and washed thoroughly, including her hair. If she stayed in the shower too long, her mom or dad usually banged on the door to rush her so she grabbed a towel and dried off.
After her shower, Sandy brushed her hair, put on her old, green T-shirt and some jeans and wrapped her sweater around her shoulders. Then she put on her makeup, grabbed her books and went to the kitchen.
She looke it was late. As usual, she didn't know what to have for breakfast, so she grabbed a glass of milk and ate a piece of toast while standing by the sink. Just then, her mother, Jane, entered the kitchen.
"Sandy, why don't you sit down and eat your breakfast? It isn't healthy to eat standing up."
"I know. Mom, but I'm already late for school. I don't have time to sit down and eat."
"Did you finish your homework, dear?"
"Do you have your instrument?"
"And your lunch?"
"Did you brush your teeth?"
"Mom, I haven't finished eating breakfast yet. I'll brush my teeth when I'm done."
"You should brush your teeth when you wake up and then brush them again after breakfast. Sandy, why are you wearing that old T-shirt? It's disgusting. I know you have some nice blouses in your closet."
"Mom, please stop."
"Stop what, dear?"
"Stop bugging me."
"Sandy, are you wearing eye-liner?"
"Yes, Mom, I've been wearing eye-liner for months. Isn't it pretty? It's called French Lilac Blue. I just love it." Sandy pretended not to notice that her mother was a little annoyed.
"Sandy Finch, you're too young to wear that much makeup. Please go upstairs and wash it off."
"Mom, I'm fifteen. I'm old enough to wear makeup. Believe me, all the girls at school wear makeup. Some have tattoos and pierced ears, and noses and tongues, too. Mom, I don't have time to talk about this now — I'm late. I've got to go. See you later." Sandy kissed her mother quickly on the cheek, picked up her books, and bolted out of the house.
As she ran to catch the school bus, Sandy thought of her older brother Bill who was away at college. He phoned her often so they could talk and share their problems, but she hadn't heard from him for a while. She missed him. Since Bill had gone to college, her mother bugged Sandy much more than before, and she was arguing with her mother a lot more than usual, too.
Words: 694
any day except Sunday and Saturday 工作日（星期六、日以外的日子）
make a short, sharp sound 发出“嘟”、“咔嗒”等轻微响声
a short, sharp sound 咔嗒声
1. make a sudden, loud sound 发出猛烈响声
2. break up by explosion 爆破
3. attack with explosives 以炸药攻击
ad. forward 出来；向前
shocking, unpleasant 可怕的；令人不悦的
n. material 东西；材料
regular repeated pattern of sounds or movements 节奏; 韵律
a. unusual 古怪的；离奇的
definitely
ad. with no doubt 当然；无疑地
1. full of force 有力的，强壮的
2. having a strong effect 功效大的
a young person 青少年；青年
a person who is able in music 音乐师
1. very unpleasant 极讨厌的，令人作呕的
2. for attacking 攻击性的
1. interrupt, trouble or bother 打扰，妨碍
2. make sb. worry or unhappy 使……不安，使……烦恼
take suddenly and roughly 抓取，攫取
1. complete in every way 彻底的
2. careful about details 认真的
thoroughly
ad. carefully彻底地；仔细地
(cause to) hit hard and with loud noises （使）撞击；（使）猛击, 使劲敲
a piece of cloth for drying things 毛巾
an informal, cotton article of clothing 圆领衫
strong cotton trousers 牛仔裤
cover in material folded over 包，裹
(woolen) clothing for the top part of the body （羊）毛衣
paint, powder, etc., worn on the face 化妆品
bread made brown by heating 烤面包
instrument
1. an object for producing musical sounds 乐器
2. a tool 工具
interj. (informal/slang) yes 用于表示讨厌、嘲笑、无耐心等发出的惊叹语
cause not to like 使厌恶，使反感
disgusting
very unpleasant 令人厌恶的，令人作呕的
woman's shirt 女衬衫
a box built into the wall to store things 壁柜
vt. (informal/slang) trouble 令人生气；使人烦；纠缠
■eye-liner
dark make-up lines around the lashes or the pencil for making lines around the eyes or in the eye-brows 眼线笔（液）
make a little angry 使生气；使恼怒
patterns made by putting paint into the skin 纹身
make a hole in 穿洞；刺穿，刺破
suddenly start to run or break away 冲出去，逃跑
PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS
blast forth
(sounds) come out suddenly （声音）突然响起来
along with
together with 一道
change to off 关
burst into
1. enter hurriedly, often with force 匆匆进入
2. start suddenly 突然爆发
over and over
regularly 一次次
move one's hand so as to touch or hold sth. 伸手去抓
increase the volume/size of (sound, flame, etc.) 增大（声音、火焰等）
reduce (sound, flame, etc.) usually by moving a switch 减小（声音、火焰等）
as well as
in addition to 和，以及，还有
change to on, cause to flow or operate 开，打开
as has happened before 与往常一样
(informal) to such a degree 那么……
leave in a sudden or unexpected hurry 匆匆离开
PROPER NAMES
桑迪（女子名）
Steve Finch
史蒂夫·芬奇（男子名）
Green Waves
绿浪（作者为故事杜撰的名字）
简（女子名）
French Lilac Blue
法国紫蓝（眼线笔）
Parent Talk
After Sandy had left for school, Jane Finch sat down in peace and quiet to drink her coffee. She sipped slowly and tried to read the newspaper. Soon her husband joined her.
"Would you like some coffee, Steve?" asked Jane.
"No thanks, honey. My stomach feels upset — like it's full of knots. It's probably that awful music that wakes me up every morning. I don't think I'm old-fashioned but hearing those tuneless, offensive lyrics repeatedly makes my blood boil. There is no message to them either. I can't believe Sandy really likes that stuff."
"You know, honey, different music appeals to different generations," reasoned Jane. "Remember some of the music we listened to?"
Steve smiled. "You're right. Maybe eating breakfast will help me get rid of some of the knots in my stomach."
"I'll get you some juice," she offered, starting to get up.
"That's okay," said Steve. "I'll get it. You're reading."
"I'm not really reading. I'm distracted. I've been thinking about Sandy too."
Steve prepared his breakfast and then sat down with his wife. She gave him a section of the newspaper and they both tried to read for a few moments. Then Jane broke the silence.
"Did you notice how much makeup our fifteen-year-old daughter was wearing this morning? When I asked about it, she told me she's been wearing eyeliner for months. I can't believe I never noticed. I suppose we should feel lucky because makeup is our biggest problem with her. I've seen other teenagers walking around town with tattoos and piercings all over their bodies—in their eyebrows, their noses, everywhere. I suppose they're expressing their identity but it's so very different from what we did."
"Is it so different?" asked Steve. "I remember defying my parents when I grew my hair long. Remember? It was so long it was down below my shoulders."
"And you almost got expelled from school," added Jane.
"That's true but my hair could be cut. These tattoos are permanent. Tattoos seem radical to me."
"Actually, tattoos can be removed," said Jane. "It's painful and expensive but they can be removed. Every generation seems to need to identify itself."
"What worries me," said Steve, "is that music has a very negative message. It could have a negative influence on Sandy. I don't know what's happening to our little girl. She's changing and I'm concerned about her. Makeup, terrible music — who knows what will be next? We need to have a talk with her. The news is full of stories about teenagers in trouble whose parents hardly know anything about their problems."
"Oh, I don't think her music is so terrible. I like it." said Jane.
"You like it? "
"You know I like loud, weird music. Anyway, you're right. We need to have a talk with Sandy," agreed Jane.
Jane glanced at the clock. "Oh dear, I'm late!" she moaned. "I have to run or I'll be late for my first appointment." She kissed her husband quickly, picked up her briefcase, and started for the door.
"Bye, honey," called Jane.
"Bye, dear," answered Steve.
As Jane Finch drove to work, she thought about her children, Sandy and Bill. "Sandy is beginning to mature," she thought. "Soon she'll be dating and going out but I don't want her wasting her time talking on the phone and watching TV. I want her to do well in school and to continue her music. How can I tell her these things? I don't want her to get angry with me. If I'm too strict, she'll rebel. I often worry she may rebel and go too far. So many young girls rebel, drop out of school and get into all kinds of trouble. Sometimes they even run away from home. I wouldn't want that to happen to Sandy."
Jane knew what she wanted to say, what she had to say to Sandy. She was so glad that she and Sandy could still talk things over. She knew she had to have patience and keep the lines of communication with her daughter open. She wanted to be there as an anchor for her but at the same time she would give her her freedom to find her own identity.
Words: 700
drink with very small mouthfuls 啜，呷，小口地喝，抿
1. (esp. AmE) dear 亲爱的，宝贝
2. sweet food that bees make 蜂蜜
a. physically ill 不安的，担心的；不舒服的
make sb. worried or ill 使心烦意乱，使苦恼，使不适；使（人）不安
1. a hard lump in an animal body 肿块，节疤
2. a fastening made by tying rope, etc. 结
very bad 糟糕的，极坏的
way of dressing or behaving that is popular at a certain time 时尚
old-fashioned
out of fashion 不时髦的；陈旧的，过时的
(pleasing) pattern of musical notes 调子；曲调；旋律
a. not tuneful 无旋律的；不动听的
(often pl.) words to a song or poem 歌词；抒情诗
repeatedly
again and again 反复地，一次又一次
1. interest 吸引，有吸引力，有感染力
2. make a strong request for help, support 呼吁，恳求
make free of 从……中清除，使摆脱，解除……的负担
▲distract
take one's attention away 分散注意力, 转移注意力，使分心
one of the parts 部分
having or bringing good luck 幸运的，侥幸的，吉利的
a person from 13 to 19 years old 青少年
1. 眉，眉毛
who or what a person or thing is 身份；本体
vt. challenge （公然）违抗，藐视；挑，激
vt. force out 把……除名，把……开除；驱逐，赶走，放逐
lasting forever 永久（性）的，固定的
1. very different 彻底不同的，完全不同的，根本不同的
2. extreme 极端的，激进的
a person who favors very differen persons with very different opinions 激进分子；激进派
a. hurting 悲伤的；痛苦的
tell who or what a person or thing is 认出，鉴定出
2. (with) cause (sb.) to be connected with 使与……相关连
1. harmful 不好的；负面的
2. no 否定的
an effect 影响，影响力
have an effect on （产生）影响
1. over-anxiety 关心；担心
2. a matter of interest or importance to sb. 关切的事，有关的事
b cause to worry （使）不安；（使）担心
ad. in spite of everything 不论怎么，不管怎么说
1. make a low sound of pain 呻吟
2. (about) complain 抱怨，发牢骚
appointment
a set time for a meeting 约会
▲briefcase
a flat leather case for papers 公文包
(cause to) become fully developed（使）成熟；（使）长成
a. fully developed 长大了的；成熟的
fight against sb. in control 反抗；反对，反叛
ability to wait for sth. calmly for a long time 耐心，忍耐
1. a piece of heavy metal for dropping into the water to stop a ship from moving 锚
2. sb./sth. that makes one feel safe or supported 可依靠的人或物
PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS
in peace and quiet
in a peaceful and silent state 平静地
make one's blood boil
make one angry 使（某人）生气
get rid of
1. free oneself from (sth. unwanted or unpleasant) 清除
2. drive away；destroy 驱赶；消除
the knots in one's stomach
feeling nervous, tense, unwell 不安
go too far
do or say sth. that goes be go to extremes 走极端
drop out of
leave (school) without finishing one's studies 退出
consider (sth.) in detail (with sb.) 商量
Teenage Talk
At school, Sandy often went to the library with her best friend, Autumn, who came to America from Japan. They were in the same grade, even though Autumn was a year older. They helped each other with homework, worked on research for class assignments and talked about their problems.
Sandy explained her parents didn't like her makeup or her music and were getting very strict. Autumn's parents made her study on Saturday nights but Sandy didn't tell her parents. She didn't want to give them any ideas! 1. ______
The teenagers shared many secrets, trusting each other entirely. Sandy told Autumn about her telephone conversations with her brother Bill. An only child, Autumn liked hearing about Sandy's brother.
Sandy didn't tell anyone Autumn had a boyfriend. Autumn's parents didn't permit her to date and insisted Autumn attend Japanese school on Saturdays. During lunch, she visited her boyfriend, Jackson, at an ice cream shop near where he worked. Autumn described Jackson as very funny, always telling jokes and making her laugh. After seeing Jackson, Autumn usually shared his jokes with Sandy.
Autumn looked sad.
"What's the matter, Autumn?" asked Sandy.
"I wish I could really go out with Jackson, not just see him in secret. I do not often lie to my parents, but I have to lie about Jackson."
"I understand," said Sandy, "but you're lucky. At least you have a boyfriend."
"I feel lucky. He's so good looking, smart and funny. I really like him. I just wish I didn't have to keep secrets from my parents." 2.______
"I know what you mean. My brother, Bill, has been calling me, but doesn't want me to tell my parents."
"Why not?" asked Autumn.
"He's having a really hard time in school — failing one of his really difficult classes. I'm worried about him."
"Maybe your parents could help him. He should probably talk to them. What class is it?"
"Higher level math. Math was never his best subject," answered Sandy.
"He always seemed like a really bright person," said Autumn. 3. ______
"That's just an act," said Sandy. "Bill has a really hard time paying attention. You and I help each other work things out and do a lot together. Bill can't do that. He won't let anybody know he isn't perfect. That's why he doesn't want me to say anything to our parents, but they need to know. I promised I wouldn't tell them. What should I do? His grades are very low. If he fails, my parents will be so upset." 4. ______
"If you promised, you can't tell. But he sounds like he needs help."
"You're right, Autumn. He's mentioned dropping out of school. I'm so worried because my parents would feel terrible. I just don't know what to do."
"I don't get it. Why does he have to drop out? He's only failing one class," said Autumn.
"He feels he just doesn't fit in at college. He's very quiet, by himself and doesn't like to go to parties too much. He likes to sit at home, listen to music, and draw. He's kind of a dreamer." 5. ______
"Is he very unhappy?" asked Autum quietly.
"I'm not sure," said Sandy. "When I ask, he says no, but sometimes he doesn't really answer."
"That's brave — to ask," said Autumn.
" He's my brother. I want to help him," Sandy said. "College isn't right for him because he doesn't like to study. But I can't tell my parents because they go crazy when anything is not perfect," said Sandy. 6. ______
"That's probably why he doesn't tell them," said Autumn. "Sandy, this is a serious problem. He's in trouble and needs help — maybe more than you can give."
"Maybe we shouldn't talk like this, but I'm worried about him. It's so awful when you have to keep secrets. I hate secrets," said Sandy. 7. ______
"I do too," smiled Autumn, "but I'm glad you told me. My problem with Jackson doesn't seem so bad now."
Sandy smiled at her friend. "I'm happy for you. I think you need to stop thinking about Jackson so much. If your parents find out, you'll have a huge problem."
"You're right. I'd better get going. I'll call you tonight at eight o'clock."
"OK. Thanks for listening."
"No problem."
Words: 710
F8键(暂停/播放)
Pre-reading Activities
First Listening
You are about to read an early morning exchange between a daughter and her parents.
Second Listening
Discuss the following questions after the second listening.
1. What are some of the things you think the daughter and her parents might have different ideas about?
2. How can the older and the younger generation have real communication with and understand each other?
A Busy Weekday Morning
The radio clicked on. Rock music blasted forth. Like a shot, the music woke Sandy. She it was 6:15 A.M. Sandy sang along with the words as she lay listening to her favorite radio station.
"Sandy," shouted her father. "Sandy, turn that music off!" Steve Finch burst into her room. "Why do you have to listen to such horrible stuff? It's the same thing over and over. I'm not sure it is really music though it does have rhythm. Hmmm. No, it isn't really music. It's weird. It is definitely horrible stuff."
"I like that music, D it's my favorite group — Green Waves. L I'm sure you'll like it. It has a really powerful message. Didn't you ever listen to music like this when you were a youngster?" Sandy reached for the radio to turn it up louder.
"No, no, don't do that. I can't stand it. The music I listened to had a message, too, but the words were clear and the musicians didn't use such offensive language. Turn that radio down so your mother and I can't hear it. I'm sure that music is hurting your ears as well as your brain. Now, would you please hurry up and turn it off? Get ready for school or you'll be late!"
Sandy walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. At first, the water felt cold. It helped her wake up. Then, as the water got hotter, she thought, "This shower feels great and in here I can be alone and sing. No one disturbs me in here." She grabbed the soap and washed thoroughly, including her hair. If she stayed in the shower too long, her mom or dad usually banged on the door to rush her so she grabbed a towel and dried off.
After her shower, Sandy brushed her hair, put on her old, green T-shirt and some jeans and wrapped her sweater around her shoulders. Then she put on her makeup, grabbed her books and went to the kitchen.
She looke it was late. As usual, she didn't know what to have for breakfast, so she grabbed a glass of milk and ate a piece of toast while standing by the sink. Just then, her mother, Jane, entered the kitchen.
"Sandy, why don't you sit down and eat your breakfast? It isn't healthy to eat standing up."
"I know. Mom, but I'm already late for school. I don't have time to sit down and eat."
"Did you finish your homework, dear?"
"Do you have your instrument?"
"And your lunch?"
"Did you brush your teeth?"
"Mom, I haven't finished eating breakfast yet. I'll brush my teeth when I'm done."
"You should brush your teeth when you wake up and then brush them again after breakfast. Sandy, why are you wearing that old T-shirt? It's disgusting. I know you have some nice blouses in your closet."
"Mom, please stop."
"Stop what, dear?"
"Stop bugging me."
"Sandy, are you wearing eye-liner?"
"Yes, Mom, I've been wearing eye-liner for months. Isn't it pretty? It's called French Lilac Blue. I just love it." Sandy pretended not to notice that her mother was a little annoyed.
"Sandy Finch, you're too young to wear that much makeup. Please go upstairs and wash it off."
"Mom, I'm fifteen. I'm old enough to wear makeup. Believe me, all the girls at school wear makeup. Some have tattoos and pierced ears, and noses and tongues, too. Mom, I don't have time to talk about this now — I'm late. I've got to go. See you later." Sandy kissed her mother quickly on the cheek, picked up her books, and bolted out of the house.
As she ran to catch the school bus, Sandy thought of her older brother Bill who was away at college. He phoned her often so they could talk and share their problems, but she hadn't heard from him for a while. She missed him. Since Bill had gone to college, her mother bugged Sandy much more than before, and she was arguing with her mother a lot more than usual, too.
Words: 694
any day except Sunday and Saturday 工作日（星期六、日以外的日子）
make a short, sharp sound 发出“嘟”、“咔嗒”等轻微响声
a short, sharp sound 咔嗒声
1. make a sudden, loud sound 发出猛烈响声
2. break up by explosion 爆破
3. attack with explosives 以炸药攻击
ad. forward 出来；向前
shocking, unpleasant 可怕的；令人不悦的
n. material 东西；材料
regular repeated pattern of sounds or movements 节奏; 韵律
a. unusual 古怪的；离奇的
definitely
ad. with no doubt 当然；无疑地
1. full of force 有力的，强壮的
2. having a strong effect 功效大的
a young person 青少年；青年
a person who is able in music 音乐师
1. very unpleasant 极讨厌的，令人作呕的
2. for attacking 攻击性的
1. interrupt, trouble or bother 打扰，妨碍
2. make sb. worry or unhappy 使……不安，使……烦恼
take suddenly and roughly 抓取，攫取
1. complete in every way 彻底的
2. careful about details 认真的
thoroughly
ad. carefully彻底地；仔细地
(cause to) hit hard and with loud noises （使）撞击；（使）猛击, 使劲敲
a piece of cloth for drying things 毛巾
an informal, cotton article of clothing 圆领衫
strong cotton trousers 牛仔裤
cover in material folded over 包，裹
(woolen) clothing for the top part of the body （羊）毛衣
paint, powder, etc., worn on the face 化妆品
bread made brown by heating 烤面包
instrument
1. an object for producing musical sounds 乐器
2. a tool 工具
interj. (informal/slang) yes 用于表示讨厌、嘲笑、无耐心等发出的惊叹语
cause not to like 使厌恶，使反感
disgusting
very unpleasant 令人厌恶的，令人作呕的
woman's shirt 女衬衫
a box built into the wall to store things 壁柜
vt. (informal/slang) trouble 令人生气；使人烦；纠缠
■eye-liner
dark make-up lines around the lashes or the pencil for making lines around the eyes or in the eye-brows 眼线笔（液）
make a little angry 使生气；使恼怒
patterns made by putting paint into the skin 纹身
make a hole in 穿洞；刺穿，刺破
suddenly start to run or break away 冲出去，逃跑
PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS
blast forth
(sounds) come out suddenly （声音）突然响起来
along with
together with 一道
change to off 关
burst into
1. enter hurriedly, often with force 匆匆进入
2. start suddenly 突然爆发
over and over
regularly 一次次
move one's hand so as to touch or hold sth. 伸手去抓
increase the volume/size of (sound, flame, etc.) 增大（声音、火焰等）
reduce (sound, flame, etc.) usually by moving a switch 减小（声音、火焰等）
as well as
in addition to 和，以及，还有
change to on, cause to flow or operate 开，打开
as has happened before 与往常一样
(informal) to such a degree 那么……
leave in a sudden or unexpected hurry 匆匆离开
PROPER NAMES
桑迪（女子名）
Steve Finch
史蒂夫·芬奇（男子名）
Green Waves
绿浪（作者为故事杜撰的名字）
简（女子名）
French Lilac Blue
法国紫蓝（眼线笔）
Parent Talk
After Sandy had left for school, Jane Finch sat down in peace and quiet to drink her coffee. She sipped slowly and tried to read the newspaper. Soon her husband joined her.
"Would you like some coffee, Steve?" asked Jane.
"No thanks, honey. My stomach feels upset — like it's full of knots. It's probably that awful music that wakes me up every morning. I don't think I'm old-fashioned but hearing those tuneless, offensive lyrics repeatedly makes my blood boil. There is no message to them either. I can't believe Sandy really likes that stuff."
"You know, honey, different music appeals to different generations," reasoned Jane. "Remember some of the music we listened to?"
Steve smiled. "You're right. Maybe eating breakfast will help me get rid of some of the knots in my stomach."
"I'll get you some juice," she offered, starting to get up.
"That's okay," said Steve. "I'll get it. You're reading."
"I'm not really reading. I'm distracted. I've been thinking about Sandy too."
Steve prepared his breakfast and then sat down with his wife. She gave him a section of the newspaper and they both tried to read for a few moments. Then Jane broke the silence.
"Did you notice how much makeup our fifteen-year-old daughter was wearing this morning? When I asked about it, she told me she's been wearing eyeliner for months. I can't believe I never noticed. I suppose we should feel lucky because makeup is our biggest problem with her. I've seen other teenagers walking around town with tattoos and piercings all over their bodies—in their eyebrows, their noses, everywhere. I suppose they're expressing their identity but it's so very different from what we did."
"Is it so different?" asked Steve. "I remember defying my parents when I grew my hair long. Remember? It was so long it was down below my shoulders."
"And you almost got expelled from school," added Jane.
"That's true but my hair could be cut. These tattoos are permanent. Tattoos seem radical to me."
"Actually, tattoos can be removed," said Jane. "It's painful and expensive but they can be removed. Every generation seems to need to identify itself."
"What worries me," said Steve, "is that music has a very negative message. It could have a negative influence on Sandy. I don't know what's happening to our little girl. She's changing and I'm concerned about her. Makeup, terrible music — who knows what will be next? We need to have a talk with her. The news is full of stories about teenagers in trouble whose parents hardly know anything about their problems."
"Oh, I don't think her music is so terrible. I like it." said Jane.
"You like it? "
"You know I like loud, weird music. Anyway, you're right. We need to have a talk with Sandy," agreed Jane.
Jane glanced at the clock. "Oh dear, I'm late!" she moaned. "I have to run or I'll be late for my first appointment." She kissed her husband quickly, picked up her briefcase, and started for the door.
"Bye, honey," called Jane.
"Bye, dear," answered Steve.
As Jane Finch drove to work, she thought about her children, Sandy and Bill. "Sandy is beginning to mature," she thought. "Soon she'll be dating and going out but I don't want her wasting her time talking on the phone and watching TV. I want her to do well in school and to continue her music. How can I tell her these things? I don't want her to get angry with me. If I'm too strict, she'll rebel. I often worry she may rebel and go too far. So many young girls rebel, drop out of school and get into all kinds of trouble. Sometimes they even run away from home. I wouldn't want that to happen to Sandy."
Jane knew what she wanted to say, what she had to say to Sandy. She was so glad that she and Sandy could still talk things over. She knew she had to have patience and keep the lines of communication with her daughter open. She wanted to be there as an anchor for her but at the same time she would give her her freedom to find her own identity.
Words: 700
drink with very small mouthfuls 啜，呷，小口地喝，抿
1. (esp. AmE) dear 亲爱的，宝贝
2. sweet food that bees make 蜂蜜
a. physically ill 不安的，担心的；不舒服的
make sb. worried or ill 使心烦意乱，使苦恼，使不适；使（人）不安
1. a hard lump in an animal body 肿块，节疤
2. a fastening made by tying rope, etc. 结
very bad 糟糕的，极坏的
way of dressing or behaving that is popular at a certain time 时尚
old-fashioned
out of fashion 不时髦的；陈旧的，过时的
(pleasing) pattern of musical notes 调子；曲调；旋律
a. not tuneful 无旋律的；不动听的
(often pl.) words to a song or poem 歌词；抒情诗
repeatedly
again and again 反复地，一次又一次
1. interest 吸引，有吸引力，有感染力
2. make a strong request for help, support 呼吁，恳求
make free of 从……中清除，使摆脱，解除……的负担
▲distract
take one's attention away 分散注意力, 转移注意力，使分心
one of the parts 部分
having or bringing good luck 幸运的，侥幸的，吉利的
a person from 13 to 19 years old 青少年
1. 眉，眉毛
who or what a person or thing is 身份；本体
vt. challenge （公然）违抗，藐视；挑，激
vt. force out 把……除名，把……开除；驱逐，赶走，放逐
lasting forever 永久（性）的，固定的
1. very different 彻底不同的，完全不同的，根本不同的
2. extreme 极端的，激进的
a person who favors very differen persons with very different opinions 激进分子；激进派
a. hurting 悲伤的；痛苦的
tell who or what a person or thing is 认出，鉴定出
2. (with) cause (sb.) to be connected with 使与……相关连
1. harmful 不好的；负面的
2. no 否定的
an effect 影响，影响力
have an effect on （产生）影响
1. over-anxiety 关心；担心
2. a matter of interest or importance to sb. 关切的事，有关的事
b cause to worry （使）不安；（使）担心
ad. in spite of everything 不论怎么，不管怎么说
1. make a low sound of pain 呻吟
2. (about) complain 抱怨，发牢骚
appointment
a set time for a meeting 约会
▲briefcase
a flat leather case for papers 公文包
(cause to) become fully developed（使）成熟；（使）长成
a. fully developed 长大了的；成熟的
fight against sb. in control 反抗；反对，反叛
ability to wait for sth. calmly for a long time 耐心，忍耐
1. a piece of heavy metal for dropping into the water to stop a ship from moving 锚
2. sb./sth. that makes one feel safe or supported 可依靠的人或物
PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS
in peace and quiet
in a peaceful and silent state 平静地
make one's blood boil
make one angry 使（某人）生气
get rid of
1. free oneself from (sth. unwanted or unpleasant) 清除
2. drive away；destroy 驱赶；消除
the knots in one's stomach
feeling nervous, tense, unwell 不安
go too far
do or say sth. that goes be go to extremes 走极端
drop out of
leave (school) without finishing one's studies 退出
consider (sth.) in detail (with sb.) 商量
Teenage Talk
At school, Sandy often went to the library with her best friend, Autumn, who came to America from Japan. They were in the same grade, even though Autumn was a year older. They helped each other with homework, worked on research for class assignments and talked about their problems.
Sandy explained her parents didn't like her makeup or her music and were getting very strict. Autumn's parents made her study on Saturday nights but Sandy didn't tell her parents. She didn't want to give them any ideas! 1. ______
The teenagers shared many secrets, trusting each other entirely. Sandy told Autumn about her telephone conversations with her brother Bill. An only child, Autumn liked hearing about Sandy's brother.
Sandy didn't tell anyone Autumn had a boyfriend. Autumn's parents didn't permit her to date and insisted Autumn attend Japanese school on Saturdays. During lunch, she visited her boyfriend, Jackson, at an ice cream shop near where he worked. Autumn described Jackson as very funny, always telling jokes and making her laugh. After seeing Jackson, Autumn usually shared his jokes with Sandy.
Autumn looked sad.
"What's the matter, Autumn?" asked Sandy.
"I wish I could really go out with Jackson, not just see him in secret. I do not often lie to my parents, but I have to lie about Jackson."
"I understand," said Sandy, "but you're lucky. At least you have a boyfriend."
"I feel lucky. He's so good looking, smart and funny. I really like him. I just wish I didn't have to keep secrets from my parents." 2.______
"I know what you mean. My brother, Bill, has been calling me, but doesn't want me to tell my parents."
"Why not?" asked Autumn.
"He's having a really hard time in school — failing one of his really difficult classes. I'm worried about him."
"Maybe your parents could help him. He should probably talk to them. What class is it?"
"Higher level math. Math was never his best subject," answered Sandy.
"He always seemed like a really bright person," said Autumn. 3. ______
"That's just an act," said Sandy. "Bill has a really hard time paying attention. You and I help each other work things out and do a lot together. Bill can't do that. He won't let anybody know he isn't perfect. That's why he doesn't want me to say anything to our parents, but they need to know. I promised I wouldn't tell them. What should I do? His grades are very low. If he fails, my parents will be so upset." 4. ______
"If you promised, you can't tell. But he sounds like he needs help."
"You're right, Autumn. He's mentioned dropping out of school. I'm so worried because my parents would feel terrible. I just don't know what to do."
"I don't get it. Why does he have to drop out? He's only failing one class," said Autumn.
"He feels he just doesn't fit in at college. He's very quiet, by himself and doesn't like to go to parties too much. He likes to sit at home, listen to music, and draw. He's kind of a dreamer." 5. ______
"Is he very unhappy?" asked Autum quietly.
"I'm not sure," said Sandy. "When I ask, he says no, but sometimes he doesn't really answer."
"That's brave — to ask," said Autumn.
" He's my brother. I want to help him," Sandy said. "College isn't right for him because he doesn't like to study. But I can't tell my parents because they go crazy when anything is not perfect," said Sandy. 6. ______
"That's probably why he doesn't tell them," said Autumn. "Sandy, this is a serious problem. He's in trouble and needs help — maybe more than you can give."
"Maybe we shouldn't talk like this, but I'm worried about him. It's so awful when you have to keep secrets. I hate secrets," said Sandy. 7. ______
"I do too," smiled Autumn, "but I'm glad you told me. My problem with Jackson doesn't seem so bad now."
Sandy smiled at her friend. "I'm happy for you. I think you need to stop thinking about Jackson so much. If your parents find out, you'll have a huge problem."
"You're right. I'd better get going. I'll call you tonight at eight o'clock."
"OK. Thanks for listening."
"No problem."
Words: 710
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