2. Unit 2
Growing Pains

3. Word power

4. There are differences between British and American English.
It’s important to have a good
knowledge of English.

6. First, let’s listen to a radio program selected from China Radio International.
Discuss what’s the difference between American and British English.

7. Read some quotations and answer the question.
“We have really everything in common with America nowadays, except of course, language.”
Oscar Wilde, 19th century writer

8. Henry Sweet, 19th century linguist
“Within a century British and American English speakers will not be able to understand each other.”
Henry Sweet, 19th century linguist

9. “America and England are two countries divided by a common language.”
George Bernard Shaw, 20th century writer

10. Dave Sperling, founder of Dave’s ESL Cafe
“It doesn’t make much of a difference whether a teacher speaks British or American English.”
Dave Sperling, founder of Dave’s ESL Cafe

11. What is the topic of the quotations?
The difference between British and American English.

12. There are some differences between American English and British English.
&
British English

13. spelling ask dance wheel not box post film mail movie words I think
American English
British English
colour,
favourite,
color,
favorite,
spelling
theatre,
centre,
theater,
center,
travelled,
metre
traveled,
meter
ask
dance
pronunciation
wheel
not
box
post
film
mail
movie
words
I think
shop
I guess
store

14. words 电梯 汽油 公寓 秋天 地铁 大学 垃圾 垃圾箱 假日 两星期 British English American English
lift
elevator
petrol
gas
apartment
flat
fall
autumn
subway
underground
university
college
garbage
rubbish
trash can
dustbin
holiday
vacation
fortnight
two weeks

15. colour traveller programme Spelling American British center color
traveler
tire
organize
program
centre
colour
traveller
tyre
organise
programme

16. As we all know, the accent in American English and the accent in British English are different. Which do you prefer, American English or British English?
Do you think it helpful for you to be aware of these differences?

17. What’s a colloquialism?
A colloquialism is an informal expression used in spoken English. Colloquialisms are never used in formal English or in writing, but are often used in conversations.

18. Don’t worry. It’s a piece of cake!
something easy to do

19. Don’t be a wet blanket. Have some fun!
boring / afraid to have fun

20. Go on, tell me. I’m all ears.
listening carefully

21. Are you serious? Don’t pull my leg.
joke with someone

22. More Examples I’ll back you up all the way.
= I will support you from beginning to end.
Why don’t you get off my back?
= Don’t disturb me.
I don’t buy your story.
= I don't believe you.

23. It’s my cup of tea. (这很合我胃口。)
= It's my favorite.
Let’s call it quits. (算了吧！)
= Let’s forget it.
It’s a lot of chicken feed.(这是小意思，不算什么。)
= It’s nothing.