英語口語對話(高級) lesson 8 Videogames
Summary:
Vanessa and Nick discuss about the advantages and disadvantages of playing video games.
In this episode of World Report Vanessa and Nick are in the middle of a live show in a radio studio. Listen to their conversation and answer the question that follows about the main idea.
Dialogue:
Vanessa: Beam me up Scotty – I mean, Nick, and download some video game info on me.
Nick: Star Trek was an excellent sci-fi series Vanessa but these days video games are a far cry from the golden oldies: from a techno-logical point of view of course.
Vanessa: Well my two nephews would definitely be amongst the top proponents of video games.
Nick:. This nouveau silicon sensation has taken young and old by storm Vanessa. It’s a win-win situation, from the game designers’ perspective; once you start you can’t stop; and it’s got manufacturers laughing all the way to the bank.
Vanessa: As entertaining as it may be, it obviously lacks any substance though.
Nick: Well, yes, but you know, a recent study shows that today’s kid’s attention span is increasing due to the amount of time they spend in front of the screen. Also, their spatial coordination abilities are enhanced by all these games. And in fact, these games are meant to be a safe way of releasing pent up aggression.
Vanessa: I find this really hard to believe.
Nick:. Yeah, as far as I’m concerned, sitting in front of a computer screen hours upon end really eliminates many other healthy alternatives like going out with friends, reading a book, playing sports etc.
Vanessa: I just think that kids spend too much time on these things.
Nick: All things in moderation would be an appropriate note to sign off on Vanessa.
Vanessa: Over and out!
Nick: Talk to you tomorrow.
Now answer the following question…
What are Vanessa and Nick taking about?
The benefits and drawbacks of playing video games.
Now listen again to the dialogue in parts. After each part there will be 3 to 4 questions on some details…
Part 1
Vanessa: Beam me up Scotty – I mean, Nick, and download some video game info on me.
Nick: Star Trek was an excellent sci-fi series Vanessa but these days video games are a far cry from the golden oldies: from a techno-logical point of view of course.
Vanessa: Well my two nephews would definitely be amongst the top proponents of video games.
Nick: This nouveau silicon sensation has taken young and old by storm Vanessa. It’s a win-win situation, from the game designers’ perspective;
once you start you can’t stop; and it’s got manufacturers laughing all the way to the bank.
Now answer some questions…
1.Nick says “These days video games are a far cry from the golden oldies”. What does “a far cry from” mean?
“A far cry from” means something quite different from.
2.Nick says “This nouveau silicon sensation has taken young and old by storm.” What does “take someone by storm” mean?
“Take someone by storm” means to impress someone greatly and immediately.
3.Nick says “laughing all the way to the bank”. What does “laughing all the way to the bank” mean?
“Laughing all the way to the bank” means to be earning lots of money easily?
Part 2
Vanessa: As entertaining as it may be, it obviously lacks any substance though.
Nick: Well, yes, but you know, a recent study shows that today’s kid’s attention span is increasing due to the amount of time they spend in front of the screen. Also, their spatial coordination abilities are enhanced by all these games. And in fact, these games are meant to be a safe way of releasing pent-up aggression.
Vanessa: I find this really hard to believe.
Nick: Yeah, as far as I’m concerned, sitting in front of a computer screen hours upon end really eliminates many other healthy alternatives like going out with friends, reading a book, playing sports etc.
Vanessa: I just think that Kids spend too much time on these things.
Nick: All things in moderation would be an appropriate note to sign off on Vanessa.
Vanessa: Over and out!
Nick: Talk to you tomorrow.
Now answer some questions
1.Vanessa says ”It obviously lacks any substance”. What does “lack any substance” mean?
“Lack any substance” means there is no true meaning
2.Nick says “These games are meant to be a safe way of releasing pent-up aggression”. What does “pent up aggression” mean?
“Pent-up aggression” means aggression which has been held back and not expressed, released or used.
3.Vanessa says “All things in moderation“. What does “All things in moderation” mean?
“All things in moderation” is an expression which means you should not do or have too much of anything.
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GLOSSARY
Eliminate (vb.): If you eliminate something then you remove it or take it away.
Enhance (vb.): If you enhance something then you improve its quality, amount or strength.
In moderation: In moderation refers to quantities and it means neither small nor large but between the two.
Lack (vb.): If you lack something then you are without it. It suggests that this is something you need or want.
Nouveau (adj.): Nouveau is a French word which means new. It is used in a number of English words such as ‘nouveau riche’ and ‘art nouveau’.
Pent-up: If your feelings are pent-up then they are not allowed to be expressed or released.
Proponent (N.): A proponent is a person who speaks publicly in support of a particular idea or plan of action.
Sensation (N.): A sensation is something very exciting or interesting, or something which causes great excitement or interest:
Spatial (adj.): Spatial means relating to the position, area and size of things.
Take by storm: If you take something by storm then you are suddenly very successful in a particular place or with a particular group of people.
