Unit Eight Expressing Thanks Part I Culture Background Part II Functional Language Part III Sample Dialogues Dialogue 1 Dialogue 2 Part IV Reproduction Part V Words, phrases and Sentences Part VI Listening Activities Activity 1 Activity 2 Part VII Speaking Practice Making a Dialogue Speaking English Through Picture Related Words and Phrases Translation

Part I Culture Background In the English language, “Thanks” is used in informal situations or in the situations in which a person has helped you in a not very important way. “Thank you” is the standard form, which is acceptable in all situations. “Thank you very much” is used only when someone has done something special to help you. The tone of voice can also add meaning to a statement of thanks. A warm, meaningful “Thanks” sometimes means a lot more to the listener than a cold formal “Thank you”.

Part II Functional Language Expressing Gratitude Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you ever so much. Thanks. Thanks a lot. Thanks a million. Thanks so much. Thanks very much. Much appreciated. Much obliged. I’m very much obliged/grateful to you. I can never thank you enough. I don’t know how I can thank you enough. I really don’t know how I can thank you enough. It’s very kind of you to do this for me.

Responses Don’t mention it. It’s nothing. Not at all. My pleasure. No trouble at all. You’re welcome. That’s Ok. There’s nothing to thank me for. Don’t mention it. Just a little something I did.

Dialogue 1 (Preston has spent a wonderful time on the releasing event last weekend; he showed his spontaneous thanks to Ben’s creating such chance for him. And for being given the information about the Badaling Section of the Great Wall, Preston expressed his gratitude again for Ben’s help.) Preston: Hi, Ben. Thank you very much for inviting me to the releasing event last weekend. It was an enjoyable occasion and an excellent dinner. I learned a lot about your company and made several friends. Ben: It's my pleasure, Preston. I'm very glad the party helped. I know it's a great headache getting into a new environment. Preston: Yeah. But things are going on well now, I have friends in China and I really think they liked me at the party. Thanks you for everything that you’ve done for me during my stay in China. Ben: It’s very kind of you to say so, but really, I don’t think I have done enough. Preston: Thanks. By the way, how can I get to the Great Wall, I’d like to take a trip to the Badaling Great Wall for this weekend. Can you tell me the best way to get there?

Ben: Well, of course the fastest way is by train. It takes about an hour. Preston: How much does it cost? Ben: Wait. Let me check. It is about 12 yuan for one way, and 24 yuan for a round trip. Preston: Oh, that sounds quick and convenient. Ben: But you have to go to the railway station, and once you arrive in Yanqing you have to go from the station to the Great Wall. Preston: I see. Thanks ever so much. Ben: That's nice. Remember to give me a ring if you need any help. Preston: Thank you. I will.

Dialogue 2 (Before Preston started his tour to the Badaling Great Wall in Yanqing, he asked the clerk at the station to make sure the exact time of the train.) Preston: Excuse me, Sir! Could you tell me when the next train leaves for Yanqing? Clerk: Yes, it leaves at 7:45. Preston: Thank you very much. Clerk: Don’t mention it. Preston: Oh, one more thing. Do you happen to have change? I want to make a phone call. Clerk: Let me see. Ah, yes, here you are.

Preston: Thanks a lot. Clerk: Not at all. Do you know where the nearest phone is? Preston: No. Clerk: I'll show you, then. Preston: Oh, thanks a lot for all your help. Clerk: You're welcome.

Part IV Reproductions Try to reproduce the sample dialogues. Now you know the sample dialogues quite well. Why don't you try to make something like them. 1. Act out the dialogue in pairs. Don't look at the book and read. Put the book away and speak from memory. It doesn't matter if you make a few mistakes. When you forget a point, say something else that means almost the same thing. Or just leave the point alone and go on. 2. The following is an example of how you can talk about what happen between A and B in Ben’s company.

Preston was very pleased about the releasing event of product held in Ben’s company. He learned a lot about Ben’s company, was familiar with some friends through the occasion and felt comfortable with the new friends. He thanked Ben’s thoughtfulness in arranging all the things for him. Ben thought he could do better for their friendship. At the same time, Preston wanted to have a visit to the Badaling Great Wall. Ben suggested his going by train for it’s fast and less expensive. Also, it was convenient for Preston to go to railway station from the apartment. Preston showed his thanks for Ben’s information and support.

Activity 1 Directions: In this part you will hear five short dialogues once. You will hear Part A of each dialogue and choose the response to what Part B might say. 1. A: It’s all right. B: It’s a pleasure. C: I’m pleased. 2. A. Thank you: I certain will. B. Of course, I will. C. Yes, I will do that.

3. A. I'm going to give up. B. Thank you. I'll take your advice. C. That's a good idea. 4. A. It's my duty. B. No, thanks. C. You're welcome. 5. A. That's all right. B. No, I don't think you should. C. That's very nice of you. Thank you.

Activity 2 Directions: Listen to the following short passage and fill in the blanks with what you get from the tape. It will be read twice. A ____1______ letter or a letter of _____2_______is not necessarily long, but it should be prompt and ____3_______. Apart from expressing your ____4_______ for having been warmly received or helped, you should also give your appreciation and praise in a thank-you letter. The most important thing in a letter of apology is to admit your mistakes ____5_________ and openly, or regret sincerely, asking for excuse. Such letters maybe made up of only one paragraph or of several short paragraphs. Words and expressions used in ___6_______ letters should be warm, close and friendly, using the first person _____7______ form. If it is an official letter, the content should be formal, polite and proper.

To have to ____8________ is annoying, but to complain without a good reason will also ____9_________ your correspondent. If you complain, make sure you get your facts right. And if you have to answer an un-justified complaint, be polite and restrained and remember that we can all make____10_______.

Making a Dialogue You and your partner are supposed to make dialogues according to the situation. 1) Show your gratitude for your classmates who helped you a lot with your English. 2) You are a director of the hotel. Express your thanks to a traveler for his constructive suggestions to improve your services.

Related Words and Phrases Thank you for your kindness. all you’ve done. your advice. Letting me know. Asking me out. That’s very kind of you. nice of you. I should like to express my thanks for all that you have done. my appreciation. how grateful I am.

You’re been very helpful to me. a big to me. a great help to me. I’m glad to be of some service. to have been of some service. I could be of any help.

Translation 1 ）你如此慷慨，真不知道如何感谢才好。 2 ）对你的帮助我真是说不出来的感激。 3) 承蒙协助，再次表示谢意。 4) 非常感谢你借我这本书。 5 ）这一切都要感谢你，是你在我最需要的时候给了我帮助。