Conversation One
Man: Do you think there's discrimination against women in England today?
Woman: Certainly, and not just in education and work either, in many other fields as well. The tax situation for women is very unfair, for example。
Man: Are women better off in other countries then?
Woman: It depends on the country. There's certainly much less discrimination in Scandinavia, and maybe in America, too。
Man: Do you think the position of English women will improve?
Woman: In some ways it will of course. I'm sure more women will go out to work in the next 20 years. But the women have a much greater problem than this to solve。
Man: What's that?
Women: The problem of men's attitudes. We can earn more money in the future, but I'm not sure we can change men' attitudes. You see, most men really think that women are inferior. Maybe we are physically weaker, but I don't think this means we are inferior. Then there's another problem。
Man: Yes?
Women: The problem of women's attitudes. Lots of women are unhappy with their present situation, but most of them probably don't want to fight for change. It could be that the women's liberation movement has to spend more time changing women's attitudes than it spends in changing men's。
Man: One last question, some supporters of the woman's liberation movement believed that marriages should be abolished. You agree?
Women: No, I don't. It can't happen. What may and should happen is that we teach men to spend more time looking after children and doing housework。
9. Where are women said to be less discriminated against?
10. What will happen in England in 20 years according to the conversation?
11. What does the woman think the women's liberation movement should do?
Conversation Two
Man: Cheers, Shirley
Women: Cheers, Paul. What a lovely place for a business lunch. I hope I can concentrate in this heat。
Man: I will sure you will when I tell you about my ideas。
Woman: You know, I must say I was pleased to hear from you, but from what you said on the phone, everything is so sudden。
Man: Well, my father-in-law, who is also the managing director of J.R. Motives, has given me two weeks to prepare a report on the possibility of moving into the export market。
Woman: Ah, now, just one thing Paul. Have you really thought the whole idea through?
Man: Of course I have。
Woman: Now the key thing in the whole operation is to get a good import agent, and you say the bank will help?
Man: I'm almost sure of it。
Woman: Preliminary studies are very good, Paul. But if the product can't sell, then there's little use in expanding the factory。
Man: Yes, I realize that, Shirley. But we have a very good product. The chief designer has just completed a new improved model。
Woman: I know your bikes have a very good reputation here, but you have to build up a reputation and mark it in Africa。
Man: Yes, of course. But the immediate problem is that my father-in-law wants a detailed report by next Monday. Two weeks isn't enough time to prepare a report, so I need your help。
Woman: OK, Paul, you've convinced me. I must say I admire your determination。
12. Where does the conversation most probably take place?
13. What do we learn about the men's father-in-law?
14. What does the woman think is important in the whole operation?
15. What does the woman admire in the man?
