奥鹏作业网福师《听力笔译（一）》FAQ（一）
How to predict in listening?
There are many things which can help you to predict while you are listening, for example:
1. background knowledge
(how much you know about the topic, the situation, the country in which the language is spoken)
2. intonation
(e.g. when presenting a list, rising tone signals that more items will follow and a falling intonation signals the end of the list: I’d like to buy some eggs, cheese, tomatoes and a cake.)
3. semantic markers
(e.g. “I’m afraid that…” signals something negative will follow; “There’s one point I’d like to make…” signals an opinion will follow.)
Semantic markers help us to see how the ideas are organized. There are many semantic markers in English. Here we classify them into 9 groups according to their function.
1. Markers used for listing:
firstly
in the first place
secondly
thirdly
my next point is
last/finally
2. Markers that show us the cause and effect relationship between one idea and another:
so
therefore
thus (we see)
because
since
3. Markers which indicate that the speaker or writer is going to illustrate his ideas by giving examples:
for instance
for example
let’s take…
an example/instance of this was…
4. Markers that introduce an idea which runs against what has been said, or is going to be said:
but
nevertheless
on the other hand
and yet
although
5. Markers which indicate that the speaker or writer is about to sum up his message, or part of it:
to summarize
in other words
what I have been saying is this
it amounts to this
if I can just sum up
6. Semantic markers used to express a time relationship:
then
next
after that
previously
while
when
7. Markers used to indicate the relative importance of something:
it is worth noting
I would like to direct your attention to
8. Markers used to rephrase what has already been said, or to introduce a definition:
in other words
to put it another way
let me put it this way
that is to say
9. Markers that express a condition:
if
unless
assuming that
Exercises:奥鹏福师答案请进：opzy.net或请联系微信：1095258436
1. Bob, do you think you could possibly turn off that radio? I’m trying to write a letter.
(Reason: The speaker’s question suggests he needs a quiet surrounding to do something.)
2. A: I don’t want a double room. I want a single room.
B: I’m sorry, sir, but I’m afraid 43
is the only single room available at the moment.
(Reason: The phrase “I’m afraid” often suggests a negative or unsatisfying answer.)
3. A: Just look what I’ve got.
B: Let me see. Fifty pounds!
Where on earth did you get it?
(Reason: The second speaker’s surprised tone shows that the money is out of her expectation and she must be curious about how it is gained.)
4. A: Oh bother the Sex Discrimination Act. Surely they can’t force me to take on a married woman.
B: They can’t force you to, Mr Clark, but you mustn’t discriminate against someone just because they’re married.
(Reason: The word “but” suggests an opposite meaning.)
5. A: I’m glad I’m not a princess. It must be a dreadful life.
B: Dreadful?
I wouldn’t mind being a prince.
(The man’s questioning tone shows he doesn’t agree with the woman.)
6. I’m a reasonably hard-working person. But
I’m not a workaholic.
(Reason: The word “but” suggests an opposite meaning.)
7. A: Had your brother been nervous about it himself?
B: Well, he didn’t say, but possibly he had been.
