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Showing Appreciation

183 Un i t 2 6 S h o w i n g A p p r e c i a t i o n /

Have you heard the news about a terrible accident that happened on the highway?

I have. I heard that a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and ran over several cars.

Five innocent people were killed in the accident.

I can’t imagine how their families might feel when they find out that their loved ones died so unexpectedly.

They must feel devastated. Whenever I hear such news, I feel thankful that my family is alright.

We often take them for granted, don’t we?

Yes. You can never say such a terrible thing wouldn’t happen to you for sure. So, you should express your love and thanks to them whenever there is a chance.

I agree with you in principle, but it’s so hard to put into action.

When was the last time you told your parents that you thank them and love them?

Um… probably on last Parents’ Day? Gosh. I’m such a bad daughter. I will give them a warm hug when I get home tonight.

26 S h o w i n g A p p r e c i a t i o n

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Have you heard the news about a plane crash? Not yet. When did that happen?

We often take cars for granted, don’t we? That’s right. I can’t even imagine what it would be like without cars.

The committee’s decision was so unfair to Paul. You can never say such an unfair thing wouldn’t happen to you for sure.

You are late again. You know what the penalty is. Please cut me some slack.

I don’t know if I did the right thing. For what it’s worth, I think you are very brave.

I’ve gotten off on the wrong foot. I can’t catch up with the rest of the group. You can drop out of the course, and start fresh next semester.

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Practice 1

I would pick my parents. I am thankful at the bottom of my heart, but I hardly express my thanks to them. I take them for granted and even do things that hurt their feelings.

My Answer

I buy them presents or give them gift certificates. When I was young, I used to write them letters, but nowadays I’m too busy. I just write them cards. On Parents’ Day, I give them carnations which symbolize thanks to parents.

My Answer

I don’t usually express thanks to them. I only express thanks on Parents’ Day and their birthdays. I’m too shy to tell them that I thank them and love them when it’s not even a special day.

My Answer

Un i t 2 6 S h o w i n g A p p r e c i a t i o n /

186 / P r e - i n t e r m e d i a t e c o u r s e

Tongue Twister

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Practice 2

What should I say?

Showing Appreciation

My Answer

My Answer

My Answer

Un i t 2 6 S h o w i n g A p p r e c i a t i o n /