1. Section B Ahead of the Game

2. Background Information gift certificate Gift certificates can be used just like money. Many companies, stores and restaurants offer this kind of cards. In the United States, in sending gifts to their friends, relatives and so on, some people would prefer gift certificates to things like toys or flowers. In this way the recipient can use the card to buy something she or he really likes.

3. Reading More Questions and Answers: Direction: Answer the following questions according to the text. 1. In what way is the writer humorous? 2. What can we learn from the text? 3. What do you think the ticket to a successful relationship? 4. What is the meaning of “ahead of the game”?

4. Intensive Reading 1. …or any kind of sporting event where he could successfully hide his thinning top. 2.This worked out fine for a while, but there are only so many sporting events to go to, and only so many sunny days to walk the dog. 3. 3. Back in college, we enjoyed many nights at the most expensive restaurants in town, spending too much money on bottles of wine and delicious food.

5. Meaning: …or going to watch any kind of sporting event as long as he can wear a cap to cover his head on which the hair is getting thinner and thinner.

6. Meaning: In this way, things went on quite smoothly for some time, but it cannot last long because there are a limited number of sporting events that one can go to, and there are also a limited number of sunny days when one can tale the dog out for a walk. work out: have a result eg. Things have worked out quite well for us..

7. Meaning: In the past, when we were in college, we spent many nights enjoying ourselves at the most expensive restaurants in town, spending a lot of money drinking a lot of wine and eating tasty food. spend on: to use energy, effort eg. She spends too much effort on things that don’t matter.

8. Testing Yourself Getting the Message Choose the best answer for the following questions. 1.How did the author’s friend feel after he brokeup with his girlfriend? A. He felt free. B. He lost self-confidence. C. He became disappointed. D. He felt painful.

9. Testing Yourself Getting the Message 2. What did he think was very important in building a good relationship with women? A. Good skin. B. Dating at expensive restaurants. C. Good hair. D. Being dressed up.

10. Testing Yourself Getting the Message 3. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of his ways to hide his thinning top during a date? A. Going to a cinema. B. Walking the dog. C. Going to a sports event. D. Playing in the park.