Good News & Bad News

W: Hey, I’ve got some news, some good news and some bad news.

M:OK, give me the bad news first.

W:We're moving to a new office.

M:When is this going to happen?

W:  We are supposed to move at the end of next month.

M:How far away is the new office?

W: We are not sure yet, but it will mean a longer commute for most of us. The new office will probably be on the other side of the city.

PS:我们还不确定，但对我们大多数人来说，这将意味着更长的通勤时间。新办公室可能在城市的另一边。

sure确信; 确知; 肯定; 有把握; 一定，必定，无疑; 无疑; 当然; 确实，的确; 不用客气，应该的

yet用于否定句和疑问句，谈论尚未发生但可能发生的事; 现在; 即刻; 马上; 从现在起直至某一时间; 还; 但是; 然而

mean表示…的意思; 意思是; 本意是; 打算; 意欲; 有…的目的; 吝啬的; 小气的; 不善良; 刻薄; 要发怒的; 要发狂的; 中间; 中庸; 折中; 平均数; 平均值; 算术中项

longer长期地; 长久地; 很久地; 用于名词后强调某事发生在某整段时间; 长的; 长; 长时间的; 长久的; 长期的; long的比较级

commute for【参见】commute into

most of大多数

office办公室; 办公楼; 办事处; 问询处，服务处

probably几乎肯定; 很可能; 大概

be on坏; 进展顺利

other side【法】对方当事人

M:The commute is already too long for me and I’m not going to change flats. We just bought one.

Exercises:

1.What did he just buy?

he just bought a new flat.

2.when are they going to move?

at the end of next month.

3.We are not sure yet, but it will mean a longer commute for most of us.

M:Anyway, what’s the good news?

W:The good news is that we are going to expand. The company is growing so we are gonna hire more people.

M:Well, I’ve got some news for you too.

W:I hope it’s a good news.

M:Well, that depends on your point of view. I’m planning to start my own business.

W:Why? I thought you were happy working here.

M:I like the work, but I’m not learning anything new. I think I can do better on my own.

Exercises:

1.why is the company going to hire more people?

the company is growing.

2.The company is growing so we are gonna hire more people.

3.We are supposed to move at the end of next month.

4.I like the work, but I’m not learning anything new. 

5.I’m planning to start my own business.

6.The commute is already too long for me and I’m not going to change flats. 

M:I was planning to wait a few months. But now that the office is moving, I’m ready to make the change.

W:What does your wife think?

M:She’s in favor of it and she'll help me.She’s already designing a website. We’ll work from home at first.

W:So you really are serious about this? You’re taking a big risk. Most new businesses fail. 

M:Yes, I know, but if I don’t do it now, I never will. I’m tired of working for others.

W:I know what you mean.

Exercises:

1.what does his wife think about his decision?

she's in favor of it.

2.what is he serious about?

starting his own business.

M:Don’t tell anyone about this, OK? It’s still a secret.

W:Sure, I won’t say anything to anybody. I’m sure this will come as a surprise to everyone.

M:I’m sure changing offices will also come as a surprise to people. This is exactly why I want to work on my own. I don’t like these kinds of surprises.

W:You are right about that. When are you gonna let people know? 

M:I’ll make the announcement at the beginning of next month.

Exercises:

1.what will come as a surprise to everyone ?

his decision to start his own business.

2.I won’t say anything to anybody. 

3.I thought you were happy working here.

4.What does your wife think?

5.I’m sure this will come as a surprise to everyone.

6.he’ll make the announcement at the beginning of next month.