EU4-52: Discussing possible solutions

Vocabulary

[SIMON] So, where do we start?
[TODD] Well, Joan wants ideas for cutting costs.
[SIMON] Umm, The first thing I can think of is delaying some projects.
[TODD] Which ones?
[SIMON] Well, right now we're planning t
o build a new database.
[TODD] Oh, yes. That'a huge project.
[SIMON] In my opinion, we don't need it right now. We can wait six months.
[TODD] How much will that save?
[SIMON] I believe we can save half a million dollars.
[TODD] Half a million? That's fantastic.
[SIMON] Yeah. We won't have to hire developers or a project manager.
[TODD] Okay, What else?
[SIMON] We could delay the release of our new accounting software next year.
[TODD] No. We can't do that. I've already promised our best customers that it's coming in about a year.
[TODD] How many of your people are leaving in the next six months?
[SIMON] Uh, two that I know of. You're thinking of a hiring freeze, right?
[TODD] Yes, I am. It's better than layoffs.
[SIMON] Okay. I can lose one developer, but I'll still need to hire one new person for the Kingston project.
[TODD] Hmmm. That's an important project. let me think about it, okay?

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Key words

• database
• huge
• half a million
• developers
• project manager
• release
• software
• customers
• hiring freeze
• hire

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Grammar

1. Clauses with think and believe

Frank believes that he’s ready for his meeting.
Oscar thinks that Frank will make a big impression.

使用动词think和believe表达观点。 注意观点在that从句，紧随动词之后。

I think that Joan did a good job.
Simon believe that we can save half a million dollars.

单词that可以省略，意思不变。

I think Joan did a good job.
Simon believes we can save half a million dollars.

回答是或者否定时用so代替that从句，避免句子重复。

A： Do you think that Joan did a good job?
B: Yes, I think so.
C: No, I don't think so.

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2. Giving opinions

表达观点有许多方法，比如，使用 in my opinion 和 it’s my feeling(that)这样的表述。

In my opinion, we could delay the software release.
It’s his feeling that we need to cut costs.

也可以使用I think 和 I believe .记住，这些从句中的that可用也可不用。

I don’t believe that we should lay off staff.
He thinks a hiring freeze is better that layoffs.

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3. Asking for repetition, clarification and confirmation

有时，一起讨论和表达观点时，需要重复，澄清，确认。

• Asking for repetition

I’m sorry - could you repeat that?
I’m sorry, but I didn’t catch that.
I’m sorry - would you mind repeating that?

• Asking for clarification

Do you mean that you think it’s good idea?
Are you saying we should stop the project?

• Asking for confirmation

So you think he should be fired?
So, just to confirm, you believe that it’s too expensive?

有时你也可以重复别人说的话。

Half a million?

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