英語日常口語 Unit66:Choosing a gift 選擇禮物

英語日常口語 Unit66:Choosing a gift 選擇禮物

本單元是關於選擇禮物的對話

Janet: And how's my favourite shop assistant today?
Tim: Oh! Good morning, Janet! It's assistant manager actually.
Janet: So sorry, darling, assistant manager. Now, I do hope you can help me. I'm looking for a very special gift for a very special person.
Tim: I'm sure we can help you there madam. Is it for a gentleman or a lady?
Janet: A gentleman. Fine jewellery looks so lovely on a man, don't you agree?
Tim: In that case, let me show you these cuff-links... and here are some very nice tie-clips.
Janet: Those watches look rather nice.
Tim: Err, yes... but the latest model isn't available, and it's important to have the latest model, don't you think?
Janet: Not necessarily. I always say that style is more important than fashion.

Vocabulary:字彙

cuff 袖口
the thicker material at the end of the sleeves of a shirt, near the hand

cuff-links 袖釦
small decorated objects which are used instead of buttons to fasten cuffs. Cuff-links are usually worn by men

tie-clip 領帶夾
a piece of jewellery that holds a man's tie in place

style 風格
an elegant, luxurious and often expensive way of living and dressing

本單元的語言點是反意問句，反義問句也稱句尾的附加問句，情況下面的解釋和例句

Negative questions in conversations

Negative questions at the end of sentences 句尾的附加問句
In everyday conversations, English speakers sometimes use negative questions at the end of sentences, especially when they are giving their opinions.

Janet says:
'Fine jewellery looks so lovely on a man, don't you agree? '

Tim says:
''s important to have the latest model, isn't that so? '

This type of question helps to keep the conversation going by inviting the listener to agree with the speaker, or to give their own opinion.

Other questions which have this function are:
't you think?
't you think so?
't that right?
dn't you agree?

Replying to negative questions 如何回答附加問句
The speaker does not have to give a direct answer to this type of question, but usually responds to the idea behind the question.

When Janet says:
'Fine jewellery looks so lovely on a man, don't you agree? '

Tim's answer is:
' In that case, let me show you these cuff-links?'

Sometimes the speaker will give a direct reply to the question.

When Tim says:
'It's important to have the latest model, isn't that so? '

Janet's answer is:
' Not necessarily. I always say that style is more important than fashion. '