Unit 1 Can I Take a Message? (I)

Part I Getting ready

With the development of science and technology, the telephone is becoming more and more popular in our daily life. It is one of the most convenient and quickest ways of communication. We can use telephone to make or break social engagements, to do our shopping and ordering, and to obtain all kinds fo information. Telephones can save our feet and endless amounts of time. But giving and receiving phone calls requires quick responese, and it is very important to get exact information from calls. To avoid misunderstandings, we should pay close attention to things like telephone numbers, times, dates, addresses, etc.

A. The following words and phrases will appear in this unit. All of them are related to the telephone and some are frequently used when giving and reveiving phone calls. Listen carefuuly and study the definitions.

 1. disconnected: not in service

 2. an unpublished number: a telephone number that is not listed in the directory and is not available from the operator

 3. put through: connect by telephone

 4. extension: any of many telephone lines which connect various rooms or offices to the switchboard.

 5. switchboard: a central apparatus at which telephone lines are connected and disconnected

 6. calculator: a small electronic device that you use for doing mathematical calculations, putting in telephone number, etc.

 7. hunt around: look for

 8. telephone directory: a book that contains an alphabetical list of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the people in a particular town or area

 9. look up: search for

10. hang on: continue waiting

B. Here are some short conversations on the phone. Please listen. Pay special attention to telephone numbers and addresses. Supply the missing words.

1. Woman: Hello.

      Man: Hello. I want the County Hospital.

Woman: That’s 38911.

  Man: Thank you.

   2. Woman: Hello.

       Girl: The railway station please.

     Woman: 42661.

       Girl: What?

     Woman: I said 42661.

       Girl: OK. Thank you.

   3. Woman: My husband’s broken his leg.

       Man: What’s your phone number?

     Woman: Call just 82886. The address is 149 Modern Road.

       Man: The ambulance will be there in a few minutes.

   4. Woman: Hello, I’d like a taxi.

       Man: Yes? What is the address?

     Woman: 179 Heath Road, Hamstit.

       Man: Oh, OK. The taxi will be there in 5 minutes.

     Woman: Thank you.

   5. Man 1: Hello, I want a cab.

     Man 2: OK. What address is it?

     Man 1: 1120 East 32^nd Street.

     Man 2: Right. The cab will be there in a few minutes.

C. Listen to the telephone number and choose the answer.

1. a. 852-4014

  2. c. 944-3163

  3. c. 727-9880

  4. b. 218-5032

  5. c. 655-4013

  6. a. 3404-9175

  7. b. 5122-7064

  8. a. 4283-0293

  9. c. 9546-4883

 10. b. 8373-1343