room is huge.

　　W: But the bedrooms are too small. And there isn't enough closet space for my clothes.

　　M: And it's not as cheap as the last apartment we saw.

　　W: But the apartment was dark and it was in a dangerous neighbourhood.

　　M: Let's see if the manager of the sales department has something else to show us.

　　Text 8

　　W: Hi, Albert. This is Helen.

　　M: Oh, Hi. How are things?

　　W: Just fine，thanks. Uh，are you doing anything on Saturday night?

　　M: Hmm. Saturday night? Let me think. Oh, yes. My cousin just called to say he was flying in that night. I told him I would pick him up.

　　W: Oh, that's too bad! It's my birthday. I'm having dinner with Daniel，and I thought I'd invite more people and make it a party.

　　M: I'm really sorry，but I won't be able to make it.

　　W: I'm sorry，too. But that's OK.

　　Text 9

　　W: Nice to see you here! When did you arrive in this country?

　　M: Actually I'm traveling with a group. We have a very tight timetable，but as I happen to be here, I thought I might take a couple of hours off to see an old friend.

　　W: I am glad you did. I must apologize for sounding so rude just now for I was completely taken by surprise. You should have warned me that you were coming. Well，the most important thing is that you are here. What have you been doing so far?

　　M: As I just mentioned, I'm with a tourist group of old classmates, one of whom happens to be working for the tourist company. As most of us have already been to the southeastern Asian countries and some have never been to Europe, our tourist friend arranged this trip for us at a special reduced rate.

　　W: How lucky for you! Is it your first trip here? How have you found it?

　　M: Actually I've been here before, some years ago on a business trip, working for a government organization, so I've already done most of my sight－seeing in London and that's why I have some free time to myself this time.

　　W: Good. Now，tell me，what do you most like to see or do?

　　M: Well, I don't know really, I've already seen the most famous historical sites and scenic spots, and most impressive as they are, they don't tell me much about the real ordinary English people and the country.

　　W: I see what you mean. I'll drive you to the countryside to eat at a local pub tomorrow and perhaps you'll see something of the old England，though I must admit there is not much old England left by now. Many old village shops are closed and the village schools too. But you'll find the people in the countryside more friendly and relaxed.

　　Text 10

　　I have been weak in hearing all my life. By the time I was five years old，putting on hearing aids in the morning was just as normal as brushing my teeth. However，I never believe that it should limit my success in any way.

I have been looked down upon during my 17 years. My head teacher told my parents I belonged to a school for the deaf. My classmates told me something was wrong with my brain. People speak louder than usual when they see my hearing aids in my ears.