NC BOOK UNIT 5

New Connection—Book 4

1


UNIT 5

The Pros and Cons
of Being Connected
Starting Off:
Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have only been
available to use since the mid-2000s, but they have already
become such integral parts of people’s daily lives that it’s hard to
imagine the world without them. Do you remember what life was
like for you before social networking sites? How has life changed?
What did you like better about life before? How about now?
2


GETTING READY
Task I
Listen to the audio. Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the
words provided. There are three extra choices.

forums
membership
wiki

3

GETTING READY

aggregator

instant messaging

links

avatar
trolls

tag

4


GETTING READY
Audio Transcripts:

No. 1
If you adore1 music, then you should join FansofMusic.com. It’s the best
site for connecting with other music lovers on the Internet. Membership
is free, but you must remain active on the site. No lurkers2 here! We
want everyone to contribute, either by discussing things in our forums3
or posting information about new releases. Please visit our wiki4 first,
and then contact us with any questions before opening an account.
No. 2
ReadIt.net is the biggest and best news aggregator5 on the Internet.
Read It members post links that direct other users to news stories from
all corners of the globe. All you need to do is subscribe6 to the topics

that interest you, and then you’ll be presented with all the news that has
been tagged as belonging to that category.

5


GETTING READY
Audio Transcripts:

No. 3
Want to talk to someone new? Then try out ChatWithOne.com! Chat
with One is an instant messaging program that randomly7 matches up
users for a chat. To get started, just visit our Web site, type in a screen
name, and choose an avatar8. Then you’ll be put into a chat room with a
stranger to talk to. You’ll have so much fun that you’ll want to bookmark
our page so that you can come back again and again. At Chat with One,
trolls9 will not be tolerated. Anyone caught harassing10 other users will
be banned from the site.

6


GETTING READY
Task II
Correct the words in italics by using those in bold as hints.

1. You should bookmark the Web sites you like visiting often. Ignoring
the addresses on your computer will make it easier to get to them.
→ Storing/Saving
2. There’s no telling how many lurkers are on this site because visitors

aren’t required to conceal their own information.
→ post/share
3. I was told to subscribe to the company’s newsletter because
withdrawing from that service will get you lots of coupons.
→ registering for / signing up for
4. I wanted to tag my Facebook photos, but I didn’t know the names of
everyone in them. Luckily, my friend could help me define them all.
→ label
5. Simone always chooses a dog for her avatar rather than a person.
She prefers showing a(n) sound of something she likes.
→ image
7


WORD POWER
A. Listen Up
Listen to the audio. Complete the notice by finishing the sentences.
Use the suggested vocabulary given for each section.

in real life can be disastrous
to hack into your accounts

use what they learn about you

leave lots of information about yourself for scammers
to retrieve from message boards
to have access to all of
username for each Web site will

your accounts easily

give you supplementary protection, too

Whenever you are browsing the web, you need an updated
antivirus program on your computer

immune from harmful viruses on the Internet.
8

malicious software


WORD POWER
Audio Transcripts:
Bob: Many people feel more comfortable communicating via social networking
sites than face-to-face. However, some simple rules should be followed in order
to shield1 yourself from possible perils2 online. First, never give personal
information, such as your name, address, or occupation to someone you don’t
know. Scammers3 will do anything to get the data they need to hack into4 other
people’s accounts. Even telling a stranger your birthday could have disastrous5
consequences. Second, remember that anything you post online will stay there
and can be retrieved6 by anyone, so never mention private information on a
message board7. Doing so is just as reckless8 as telling it to a stranger. Third,
use a unique password for every account that you have. Otherwise, if someone
succeeds in getting into one of your accounts, he or she will have access to them
all. For supplementary9 security, think of different usernames for each site you
are a member of as well. This will make it harder for others to break into more
than one of your accounts, and it will make it less likely that someone can track
you between different places you visit online. Finally, as no computer is
immune10 from coming into contact with malicious11 Internet files, install some
sort of antivirus12 program on your computer and keep it up to date. Having one

is important for protecting your private information and making sure that your
computer runs smoothly.
9


WORD POWER
B. Word Focus: Online Message Slang
Guess the meaning of the slang below based on the context of the
conversation.
GameBoy88: RU there? I need help RE tonight’s English homework.
Are you
regarding
Janet_12: Huh? AFAIK there isn’t anything due until next Monday.
As far as I know
GameBoy88: O RLY? NVM then, I guess I can go out tonight!
Oh really Never mind
Janet_12: Wait. Getting the work done ahead of time would be a good idea IMHO.
in my humble opinion
GameBoy88: Come on! YOLO!
You only live once
Janet_12: FWIW, I think you’ll feel a lot better being ahead of schedule.
For what it’s worth
GameBoy88: W/E. Partying with friends, FTW!
Whatever
for the win
10


WORD POWER
C. Speak Out Loud

Work with a partner and take turns interviewing each other with the
questions below.

11


CONVERSATION ZONE

（對話影片檔）

12


CONVERSATION ZONE

The New Site
Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the choices given. Listen to check
your answers.

Paula is talking to her friend Rowland about joining a Web site.
Paula: Have you seen that new social networking site, Kick It?
Rowland: No. What’s that?
Paula: It’s a micro-blogging1 site that helps users set up times to meet
with friends. It’s really making a splash. Everyone I know has opened
accounts except for you; therefore, I figured you hadn’t heard about it.
Rowland: Thanks for telling me, but I prefer keeping a low profile. I’m baffled2
outweigh 3 the
that people think the benefits of such a program ①__________
drawbacks, honestly.
Paula: What do you mean?

passionate 5 about being in contact
Rowland: Well, you undoubtedly4 are ②____________
with others. However, by dedicating6 your free time to them, you limit
the time you get to spend by yourself.
13


CONVERSATION ZONE

Paula: I hate to cross swords with you, but I think your mentality7
surrounded
is all wrong. Being
③___________ by friends is never a
preferable
disadvantage.
Rowland: I agree that sometimes companionship8 is ④__________, but
generally after a rigorous9 day at work, I just want to be by myself
allocating
and relax.
Paula: I understand. Nevertheless, I believe ⑤__________10 time in
your schedule for friends helps you reclaim11 a good mood faster. In
fact, you look a little gloomy12, so let’s bat around some ideas for
things we can do tomorrow!
Rowland: Truthfully, that would be fun.
Paula: Great! I’d love to meet up and get a cup of coffee. Moreover,
I can help you open your Kick It account!
convincing
Rowland: I should have known
you wouldn’t let me put that off! All right,
you’ve been ⑥___________13 enough. I’ll do it.

outgoing
Paula: I’m glad
we’re finally making headway with your
15
transformation14 into an ⑦__________
person.
14


CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
A. Word Groups
Select the choice that has a different meaning from the word in bold.

(c) 1. outgoing
a. sociable
b. cordial
c. reserved
d. amiable

(a) 3. companionship
a. contention
b. togetherness
c. fellowship
d. affiliation

(b) 2. outweigh
a. counter
b. deprive
c. offset
d. cancel out

(c) 4. allocate
a. designate
b. assign
c. retain
d. appoint

15

(d) 5. rigorous
a. brutal
b. severe
c. demanding
d. straightforward


CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
B. Words with Different Meanings
Match the word in bold with its definition.
1. Ever since her boyfriend moved away, Helen has been feeling too gloomy to
b
do anything. ______
When hiking in that gloomy forest, I couldn’t tell when it was day or night!
a
______
Definition: a. adj. dark or shadowy
b. adj. miserable or melancholy
2. The government set aside a large amount of money to fund the effort to
a
reclaim the flooded land. ______

If you want to reclaim the presidency of the club, you’ll have to prove to all of
b
the members that you deserve it. ______
Definition: a. v. to make suitable for use again
b. v. to get back what was lost or taken
3. The retired businessman now dedicates himself exclusively to charity work.
b
______
Part of the budget was already dedicated to covering the cost of supplies for
a
company parties. ______
Definition: a. v. to use for a specific purpose
b. v. to commit one’s attention and effort
16


CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
C. Complete the Passage
Fill in the blanks with words from the conversation. Use the hints to
help you.
With so many people turning to social networking and  micro-blogging
______________
(short text entries) sites to keep in touch with others today, older adults are
having more difficulty communicating with their younger loved ones. Simply
baffle
writing e-mails can  ______________
(confuse) some people over the age of
undoubtedly
sixty, so  ______________
(certainly) opening a Facebook account could

seem impossible. If you have grandparents that you want to talk with online,
convincing
you’ll need to have some  ______________
(persuasive) arguments prepared
when you approach them about it. It can be hard to change their
mentality
 ______________
(way of thinking) that letter writing and speaking on the
phone are better. And even if you do manage to get them to join an online
transformation (conversion). You’ll
community, don’t expect an immediate  ______________
probably continue to receive written notes for quite some time.
17


EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
A. Taking Care of Something
Proceed

Delay

• make headway
• set (something) in motion
• get/keep the ball rolling

• put off
• drag (one’s) feet
• put on the back burner

Rewrite the parts in bold with the expressions above.

1.

A: You’re giving a presentation in tomorrow’s meeting, right?
B: Yes. I’m really worried about it because I didn’t start preparing for it
until today.
→ Yes. I’m really worried about it because I put off preparing for it until
today.
2.
A: Did your manager respond positively to your ideas for the
department?
B: After I talked to him about them, he started implementing my plans
straightaway.
After
I talked to him about them, he set my plans in motion straightaway.
→
18


EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
B. Talking Things Over
Argue

Discuss

• cross swords
• pick a fight with (someone)
• lock horns

• bat/kick around (something)
• talk turkey

• iron/hash out (something)

Fill in the blanks with the expressions that fit best.
1. Whenever my parents and I discuss my career plans, we usually
lock horns
____________________
when it comes to deciding what I’m most suited for.
2. I’m on friendly terms with my professor, so it’s not a problem if I visit her office
Iron/hash out
after class to ____________________
the details of a recent assignment.
3. If my best friend and I are upset with each other, we’ll get together and
talk turkey
____________________
in order to solve our issues as quickly as possible.

19


EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
C. Making an Effort or Giving Up
Attracting Attention

Avoiding Attention

• make a splash
• steal the show
• turn heads

• keep a low profile

• keep (one’s) head down
• stay on the sidelines

Pair up with a classmate and practice responding to the following statements
by giving advice. Use the expressions above.
1. I’ve been keeping a low profile in class all year, but I really want to do
something to impress my teacher.
I bet you would really make a splash by volunteering to help him with some
basic errands.
2. I usually keep my head down at work, but I’m ready to be given more
responsibility.
Why not try to steal the show at your next meeting by coming up with some
great ideas? That’s sure to impress your boss.
3. I’m sick of staying on the sidelines when we go out! I want someone to ask
me to dance.
Well, I can help you turn heads the next time we go to a nightclub. The first
thing we need to do is get you a nicer outfit.
20


EXPRESSION PRACTICE
A. Make Inferences
Check the statements that the speaker would most likely agree with.

■ 1. His employees take too long taking care of issues from customers.

■ 2. Customer complaints should be contemplated for longer periods of
time.
■ 3. Receiving additional days off work is more motivating than getting
 more money.

■ 4. The system that he devised in regard to bonuses is much better

than other suggestions.
seating chart because sales
■
5. Megan won’t be able to complete the
are low.

■ 6. There is still time to get assigned large office spaces this quarter.
■
7. Important issues should be presented

to him before he leaves for
his trip.
 until his return from
■ 8. All appointments should be postponed
Bangkok.
21


EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Audio Transcripts:

Thanks for coming everyone. I’d like us to finish as quickly as
possible, so let’s get started. First of all, we need to stop dragging our
feet when it comes to customer complaints. Starting from today, I
expect all problems to be dealt with within twenty-four hours. Next, I’ve
decided to set a bonus system in motion for the sales staff. Once you
hit your quota, you’ll get an extra percentage on any other sales you
make each month. I know that there were rumors about our top

salespeople getting extra vacation days, but I’m putting that idea on
the back burner for now. Let’s see . . . oh, I’m pleased to report that
Megan is making headway on the new seating chart. Remember that
everyone’s placement depends on their current sales rankings. So,
don’t put off those big sales any longer if you’re hoping for a bigger
office this quarter. OK, I think that’s all of the announcements for this
week. Just a reminder, if there’s something you’d like to get the ball
rolling on soon, make an appointment to see me before I leave for my
trip to Bangkok next Wednesday. I’ll be out of the country for three
weeks.
22


EXPRESSION PRACTICE
B. Complete the Report
Summarize the current status of each project based on the audio. Use
the words and expressions provided.

Goldwater
Brochure

Unfortunately, Claire and Patrick have to start over on the
project. Patrick locked horns with the company’s
president, and now the two coworkers have to hash out
ideas for a new layout.
(start over, lock horns, hash out)

Hastings
Flyer

According to Patrick, the owner of the gym called and
picked a fight with him. Patrick was unable to stay calm,
and Robert Hastings decided that he no longer wanted to
order the flyer.
(gym, pick a fight, stay calm)

Springstone
School
Poster

Patrick met with the principal the day before. They kicked
around ideas about the poster’s content. Because of
Patrick’s issues with other clients, Claire wants to be kept
updated on the project’s status.
(principal, kick around, content)
23


EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Audio Transcripts:
Claire:
Patrick:
Claire:
Patrick:

Patrick, are you about finished with the Goldwater brochure yet?
Actually, Claire, I think we’re going to be starting over with that one.
What do you mean?
Well, I went to visit the company’s president, and we locked horns over the
layout. He got so upset that he wants us to send him something completely

new.
Claire: Oh, man. So now we have to have another meeting to hash out ideas for it,
right?
Patrick: Yeah. Sorry about that. And I have some more bad news.
Claire: What now?
Patrick: I got a phone call from Robert Hastings about the flyer for his gym. He was
in a really bad mood and tried to pick a fight with me for some reason.
Claire: Please tell me that you stayed calm.
Patrick: I tried to, but he was being so mean. Long story short, he’s no longer our
client.
Claire: Can we talk turkey, Patrick? You need to improve your attitude with clients,
or you won’t be able to continue working here.
Patrick: I know, I know.
Claire: All right. Now tell me about the poster for Springstone School.
Patrick: I met with the principal last evening, and we kicked around some ideas for
the content.
Claire: Great. Keep me informed on how it’s24
going.


EXPRESSION PRACTICE
C. Listen for Details
Listen to the audio. Match the statements below with the person they
describe (Anne, George, or Linda).

George

Anne

Anne

George

Linda

Linda

25