<英语口语>(1)自学辅导(2)
Lesson 6~Lesson 10
Background knowledge for lesson 8
Once you accept an invitation it is better not to change it, for the Americans arrange the table and food for the number of guests they have invited.
Americans are particular about time. But they do not expect you to come "on time', rather 15 minutes later than the time specified. For instance, if you are invited to come at six, the host will expect you no earlier than that time and probable no later than fifteen minutes after six.
It is an American custom to show the guests around the house, but they do not expect you to touch everything you see. If you are interested in something you see, you'll ask for permission to touch it.
At table, conversation is general but you should comment about how good the food is. If you truly do not like the food, you may say something about how nice it looks or ask how it is prepared.
Except on a very formal occasion, it is all right to help yourself to more food. Do not wait to be helped every time you finish something. If you truly want something, do not say "no" for the sake of politeness.


Supplementary material for oral work:
Du: Mary, when can we w\expect you and your daughter for dinner? Next Saturday?
M: Next Saturday? I'm sorry. I've promised to go to a Chinese opera with my daughter. She's been waiting for that day.
Du: How about Sunday then?
M: yes, Sunday sounds fine. What time?
Du: Does 6:30 suit you?
M: it suits us fine, but we don't know where you live.
Du: No problem I'll meet you at the school entrance. I live just two blocks away.
M: All right. What do you want us to bring?
Du: Well, I don't know. That'll be for you to decide.
M: Good. I've got a new dish that I want to try out.
Du. Fine. I'll see you then.
M: Thanks. Goodbye.

Background knowledge for lesson 10:
In the United States the rider usually leaves a tip for the cab driver. Anywhere from ten to twenty percent of the total on the meter would be appropriate. If you like the service, you leave a little more. If not, you leave a little less. It depends on how good a job you think the k\driver is doing.
When riding a bus, always bring change with you. Drivers do not make change for you. As you get on, you drop your fare into a box which sits on the floor next to the driver.
Bus drivers do not stop at every bus stop unless there are passenger s getting on or off. Therefore, if you want to get off, pull the cord above the side window to signal the driver.
Long-distance travel by bus is common throughout the United states and Canada. It is an inexpensive, scenic way to travel. Special tickets for unlimited travel are sometimes offered by the larger bus companies.