It's sometimes said that the English are polite people. This can make life
difficult for foreigner. Suppose a foreign boy asks an English girl to go out with
him and she says, " If I finish my work, I'll meet you in the café at 7 o'clock," Is
she saying " yes" or " no" to his invitation?
　　In grammatical terms, she is using the conditional structure. By using the
conditional, speakers of English can avoid giving a "yes" or " no" answer to a
question. It enables people to be diplomatic. If the girl doesn't want to go out
with the boy, she won't turn up at the café. She will let him understand she is still
working. If she wants to go out with him, but doesn't want to appear too easy to
catch, she has achieved that with her reply. But in this case, as she uses the first
conditional which shows probability, she is quite likely to turn up at the café.
Being polite can make life very difficult!
　　The conditional is often used by people in the news-politicians, for
example-who to avoid speaking out their ideas. This is very important if they are
on their way to discuss an agreement. No one wants to give away his or her
points before he or she starts. A government spokesman might say to a group of
workers, " if we could pay you more, we would.' The use of the conditional here
makes room for argument although the speaker is using the second conditional
form, which shows improbability. So it is unlikely the workers will get their
rise.
　　"If" is a small word, which appears often in the English language. It can
show politeness, reported speech and conditionals such as the
First-probability-if I can come to your party, I will; the
second -improbability-if I saw you tomorrow, I'd give you the book; and the
third-impossibility( meaning it is too late to change something that has
happened)-if you have told me. I would have helped you.

1. The using of the conditional can make a speech _____.

A. clearer
B. quicker
C. more polite
D. more exciting

2. Which of the following is true according to the passage?

A. Language used in the news should make room to argue.
B. Usually English girls are not easy to catch.
C. English people never speak out their ideas in public.
D. The word "if" can show different meanings.

3. In the passage," If we could pay you more, we would." probably means _____.

A. the workers will make more money
B. the spokesman doesn't give any promise
C. the spokesman keeps his word
D. the workers' problems aren't difficult

4. This passage is mainly talking about _____.

A. the conditional in communication
B. how to invite a girl in Britain
C. British people and their life
D. some language points in daily English

                                            KINGS HOTEL-CUSTOMER COMMENTS
     I cannot say enough good things about the Kings Hotel. Till rooms were large, clean and comfortable
and the hotel workers were excellent. They were even able to book several sightseeing trips to different
parts of the city for us. Next time I come to London I will certainly be staying there again.
     Bob smith Manchester, UK: February 2008
     The hotel 'a restaurant made the best food I have ever tasted. I am still dreaming about their roast beef
and potatoes. I had it for lunch and dinner almost every day I was there. I wanted to have it for breakfast too,
but it wasn't on the breakfast menu. The restaurant was a little expensive and the waiters were a bit careless
but I still think the hotel was great.
     Rachel Jones New York, USA: December 2007
     I just want to tell visitors something about the swimming pool, at the Kings Hotel. When I was there, the
water was very dirty, almoshgreen. It really made me feel sick. When my drink fell in the water I asked the
worker if I could have another one. After waiting for half an hour he still had not brought me one so I returned
to my room.... At least the room was very nice.
     Michael Palin Sydney, Australia: August 2007
     This time last year I was in London for the first time and stayed at this hotel. I found the workers there
to be very friendly and helpful. The manager kindly gave me directions to the London Museum and Big Ben
and one time he even had a worker take me to the train station entrance. My room was also wonderful and
from the window Icould see the Thames River.
     Ma Li Beijing, China: June 2007
     ￡6 for a cup of coffee in the cafe! ￡ 3 for a postcard in the gift shop! ￡ 33 for a T-shirt from the
clothes store! I will never be coming back here. That's for certain.
     Julie Whinger Paris, France: May 2007

1. What do most people agree is very good at the hotel?

A. The workers.
B. The rooms.
C. The food.
D. The price.

2. Why was Mr. Palin unhappy with the hotel?

A. He waited too long for his food.
B. His room was small.
C. The pool was not clean.
D. It had no drinks.

3. Who was most unhappy with the hotel?

A. Ms. Ma.
B. Ms. Jones.
C. Mr. Smith.
D. Ms. Whinger.

4. What do we know about this hotel?

A. It is near the river.
B. It is a five-star hotel.
C. The gift shop sells T-shirts.
D. Its restaurant serves few dishes.

5. When did Ms.-Ma Li stay at the hotel?

A. June, 2006.
B. May, 2007.
C. June, 2007.
D. June, 2008.

    It is sometimes said that the English are polite people. This can make life difficult for foreigners. Suppose a
foreign boy asks an English girl to go out with him and she says, "If I finish my work, I'll meet you in the cafe
at 7 o'clock." Is she saying "yes" or "no" to his invitation? 
    In grammatical terms, she is using the conditional structure (表示条件的句式). By using the conditional,
speakers of English can avoid (避免) giving a "yes" or "no" answer to a question. It enables people to be
diplomatic(婉转的). If the girl doesn't want to go out with the boy, she won't appear at the cafe. She will let him
understand she is still working. If she wants to go out with him, but doesn't want to appear too easy to catch,
she has achieved (达到) that with her reply. Here she uses the first conditional which shows probability, it seems
that she will go to the cafe. Being polite can make life very difficult!
    The conditional is often used by people like politicians (政客), for example--who wish to avoid speaking out
their ideas. This is very important if they are on their way to discuss an agreement. No one wants to give away
his or her points before he or she starts. A government spokesman might say to a group of workers, "If we
could pay you more, we would." The use of the conditional here makes room for argument although the speaker
is using the second conditional form, which shows improbability. So it is unlikely the workers will get their rise.
    "If " is a small word, which often appears in the English language. It can show politeness, reported speech
and conditionals such as the First—probability—if I can come to your party, I will; the Second—improbability—
if I saw you tomorrow, I'd give you the book; and the Third—impossibility (meaning it is too late to change
something that has happened)—if you have told me, I would have helped you.

1. The using of the conditional can make a speech ______.

A. clearer
B. quicker
C. more polite
D. more exciting

2. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

A. Language used in the news should make room to argue.
B. Usually English girls are not easy to catch.
C. English people never speak out their ideas in public.
D. The word "if" can show different meanings.

3. According to the passage, "If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I will go with you" means ______.

A. I will go with you tomorrow.
B. I won't go with you until it rains tomorrow.
C. I may go with you tomorrow.
D. I won't go with you tomorrow.

4. In the passage, "If we could pay you more, we would." probably means _______.

A. the workers will make more money
B. the spokesman doesn't give any promise (答应)
C. the spokesman keeps his word (食言)
D. the workers' problems aren't difficult

5. This passage is mainly talking about ______.

A. the conditional in communication
B. how to invite a girl in Britain
C. British people and their life
D. some language points in daily English

    Many people take trains for their trips in China, because the train is fast and cheap. But there are many
problems when people take trains. It's not easy to take trains when it is a festival. Lots of people hope someone
can solve (解决) the problems.
    Then, the CRH (和谐号列车) trains come out. The first CRH train from Beijing to Tianjin runs in August,
2008. CRH1 and CRH2 can go up to 200 km/h, and CRH3 can run 300 km/h. Taking CRH trains is more
expensive than taking a traditional train, but cheaper than taking a plane. Some people think the CRH trains and
their workers are good, and they enjoy the trips by CRH train.
    China starts to make a CRH train, 350 kilometres an hour from Beijing to Shanghai. It can save people more
time than taking the traditional trains.
    Can CRH trains solve the problems? "Of course not. There is still a long way to go," about 80% of the people
answer.

1. The first CRH train runs ________.

A. in August, 2009
B. in May, 2008
C. in August, 2008
D. in June, 2010

2. How fast does the CRH train from Beijing to Shanghai?

A. 100 km/h
B. 200 km/h
C. 300 km/h
D. 350 km/h

3. The word "save" means ________ in Chinese.

A. 浪费
B. 节省
C. 积攒
D. 拖延

4. Which of the following is right about the CRH trains?

A. The workers on the first CRH train are not kind.
B. It costs people more money to take CRH trains than to take planes.
C. CRH3 train runs slower than CRH1 and CRH2.
D. Taking CRH train is expensive but it is fast.

5. Can CRH trains solve all the traffic problems?

A. Of course they can.
B. Yes, all the people think they can.
C. Of course they can not.
D. About 80% of the people think they can.