Amanda: Summer vacation is just around the corner, so what are your plans for this year? Mike: I am going to work at the gift shop at the natural history museum, so I can save up for an electric guitar. Amanda: Really! I didn't know you had any musical aspirations. Mike: Oh, I don't even know how to play yet, but I am going to learn. Amanda: How much does this job pay? Are you going to be working your tail off? Electronic guitars don't come cheap. Mike: It only pays minimum wage, but it has set hours and it is indoors, so I can stay out of the heat. How about you, what are you going to do this summer? Amanda: I am going to a thespian camp for three weeks. Then, I will work on a novel that I am writing for a contest. Mike: A novel? What kind of story is it? Amanda: It is about the rite of passage into adulthood for six teenage friends with very different personalities. I actually started it a while back, but this contest is just the kick in the pants I need to finish it. Mike: It sounds interesting. Let me have a peek at it when you are done. aspiration (n.) 抱負(fù);志向 Amanda has aspirations to become an award-winning director. minimum (adj.) 最少的;最低的 This cafe requires that we spend a minimum of NT$100 per person. thespian (adj.) 戲劇的 The little village has a very strong thespian culture, hosting drama festivals every year. adulthood (n.) 成年 In Japan, a girl's 20th birthday marks the beginning of her adulthood. peek (n.) 偷看;一瞥 The mother took a peek at her sleeping baby before she went to work.just around the corner 即將來(lái)臨;就在附近 A: My birthday is just around the corner. B: How would you like to celebrate it? to save up 存錢(qián) A: How long did it take you to save up for your new car? B: I limited my spending for a year. to work (one's) tail off 不停地辛苦工作 A: I have stayed late at the office everyday this week. B: Your new boss certainly is working your tail off.