2020-01-14
引言
针对日常生活中别人邀请你去玩、赠与礼物、邀请约会等情况，礼貌的拒绝别人的方式。
1. Vocabulary
| 单词 | 音标 | 释义 |
|---|---|---|
| awkward | /ˈɔːkwərd/ | difficult or causing problems |
| brochure | /broʊˈʃʊr/ | a thin book with pictures and information, usually advertising something. 10 pages or less. |
| pamphlet | /ˈpæmflət/ | a thin book with 2-4 pages |
| tract/ leaflet | /trækt/ /ˈliːflət/ | 1-2 pages, just one sheet of paper folded |
| catalogue | /ˈkætəlɔːɡ/ | a big book with many pages. Usually showing all the items that a company sells |
| reasonable | /ˈriːznəbl/ | fair and showing good judgment |
| stretch | /stretʃ/ | to require someone to use a lot of effort, ability, skills, etc., to succeed |
| basis | /ˈbeɪsɪs/ | a situation, fact, or idea from which something can develop |
2. Phrases
| 词组 | 例句 |
|---|---|
| stretch the rules | Normally we only allow people 18 or over into the club, but since you 18th birthday is tomorrow, I think we can stretch the rules and let you in. |
3. Conversation
1) 拒绝邀请去玩
Jim: Hey Frank! I know it’s only Wednesday, but Casey’s Bar is having a great happy hour! You should come with us!
Frank: Ah Jim, I don’t know, tomorrow’s one of the busiest days of the month at work. I need to keep my mind sharp, get to bed at a reasonable time.
Jim: Oh come on, all the guys are going!
Frank: I appreciate it Jim, but I’m going to have to take a rain check. Next time!
2) 拒绝别人的慷慨
Kat: Hey Laura! I’m just calling to thank you for the gift you sent me! you’re too sweet sometimes.
Laura: It’s my pleasure! I got another surprise for you too, just picked it up last night.
Kat: You know, you’ve been spending too much on me lately! I know these gifts weren’t cheap, and I know you’re on a tight budget these days.
Laura: Don’t worry about it. You’re my best friend, so I don’t mind stretch for you all.
Kat: Well, that’s the thing, Laura. I appreciate everything so much, but friendship shouldn’t be based on stuff. I’d be your friend no matter what. But when you buy me so many things, I feel like it’s becoming the basis of our relationship.
Laura: Wow, I never really thought of it that way. But I think you’re right! I feel like I’ve already set the bar so high, and now I almost feel bad when I don’t have something new for you!
Kat ： Exactly, and then I feel bad that I can’t return the favor! Why don’t we cut back on gift-giving, and focus more on just being a good friend to each other?
Laura: That sounds good.
3) 拒绝约会邀请
Jake: Hey, it’s Heather, right? My name’s Jake!
Heather: Oh, hi Jake. How are you?
Jake: I’m good! Hey, I’ve seen you around the school and just really wanted to meet you. You seem like a cool girl.
Heather: Well, that’s sweet of you! Yeah, nice to meet you.
Jake: So anyway. I have these concert tickets for Friday night, it’s a great band. So I was wondering if you’d want to come with me. Maybe we could get dinner afterward.
Heather: Aw, that’s nice of you Jake! I don’t think I can make it though…
Jake: Why? Are you busy that night? Maybe Saturday, we can go out then.
Heather： No, it’s not that. I guess I’m just not looking for anything right now. You seem nice, but I don’t think I’d be comfortable with dating. I hope you understand.
Jake: Aw… that sucks. But yeah, that’s okay. I guess I’ll just see you around then?
Heather: That sounds cool. Thanks for being understanding.
4) 拒绝推销
Jack: Brookstone Publishing, Jack speaking.
Jill: Hi Jack. My name is Jill from Scranton Paper Suppliers and I was hoping I counld just have a minute of your time to tell you about an exculsive special we’re running on our paper products for a limited time.
Jack: Ah, thanks Jill but we’re happy with our current paper suppliers.
Jill: I completely understand, sir. But if you just review our new pricing, I think you’d be pretty impressed.
Jack: I’m really sorry Jill, but right now, we don’t need it. Maybe you could send me some brochures and I’ll take a look when I have time.
Jill: Allright sir. I’d be happy to send you our catalog!
Jack: Got it. Here’s the address of my office…