新编实用英语第二版Unit 4 Session 2

Unit 4 Timetables and Schedules

Reading of the passage

New Practical English I

In social activities it is always important to be punctual, to have a strong conception of time. If you fail to keep your promise or do not come on time and thus keep your host waiting, that is very impolite. It's hard to imagine what will happen if there is such an activity as a banquet, interview, or meeting, yet all people concerned do not come on time. If you are asked to meet a foreign guest at the airport or at the railway station and you go so late that the guest has come before you arrive, how anxious and embarrassed will he be when he, as a stranger to the place, sees no person meeting him! The same is true with the activity of seeing off a foreign guest. If you arrive late at the airport or railway station only to find the guest has gone already, what's the use of your going there?Unit 4

Reading of the passage

New Practical English I

So, as a host, whenever there is an activity, you should come to the place ahead of schedule so as to wait for the guests to come. Don't let the guests wait for you. It's very impolite. Those who are to help entertain the guests should also come earlier than the guests. But for a guest, at what time is it proper to come? You should be punctual. That is, neither too early, nor too late. If it is too early, the host may not have things ready. If it is too late, you may keep the host waiting. Anyone, guest or host, who is really late for a social activity, should apologize to those who are already there.Unit 4

Reading of the passage

New Practical English I

After making an appointment, generally, don't change it as that is impolite. If you do have to change it, you should inform the person by telephone or with a written note as soon as possible, so that he or she can make a rearrangement. Sometimes, an appointment has already been made, but something unexpected happens and you find no time to inform the person concerned. In this case, you should make an apology to the person afterwards.

Unit 4