==

 Friendship.

Steve and Yaser first met in their chemistry class at American university. Yaser was an international student from Jordan. He was excited to get to know an American. He wanted to learn more about American culture. Yaser hoped that he and Steve would become good friends.

At first, Steve seemed very friendly. He always greeted Yaser warmly before class. Sometimes he offered to study with Yaser. He even invited Yaser to eat lunch with him. But after the semester was over, Steve seemed more distant. The two former classmates didn't see each other very much at school. One day Yaser decided to call Steve. Steve didn't seem very interested in talking to him. Yaser was very hurt by Steve's change of attitude. "Steve said we were friends," Yaser complained. "And I thought friends were friends forever".

Yaser is a little confused. He is an outsider to American culture. He doesn't understand the way Americans view friendship. Americans use the word "friend" in a very general way. They may call both casual acquaintances and close companions "friend". Americans have school friends, work friends, sports friends and neighborhood friends. These friendships are

based on common interested. When the share activity ends, the friendship may fade. Now Steve and Yaser are no longer classmates. Their "friendship" has changed.

In some cultures friendship means a strong life-long

bond

between two people. In these cultures friendships develop slowly, since they are built to last. American society is one of rapid change. Studies show that one out of five American families moves every year. American friendships develop quickly, and they may change just as quickly.

People from the United States may at first seem friendly. Americans often chat easily with strangers. They exchange information about their families, hobbies and work. They may smile warmly and say, "Have a nice day" or "See you later".

Schoolmates may say, "Let's get together sometime". But American friendliness is not always an offer of true friendship.

After an experience like Yaser's, outsiders may consider Americans to be fickle. Learning how Americans view friendship can help non-Americans avoid misunderstandings. It can also help them make friends the American way.

Here are a few tips on making friends with Americans:

1. Visit places Americans enjoy: parties, churches, Western restaurants, parks, sports clubs.

2. Be willing to take the first step. Don't wait for them to approach you. Americans in Taiwan may not know if you speak English. They may be embarrassed if they can't speak your language.

3. Use small talk to open the conversation. Ask them where they're from, why they came to Taiwan, ect. Remember: Be careful to avoid personal questions about age, salary, marital status and appearance.

4. Show an interest in their culture, their country or their job. (Americans like to talk about themselves!)

5. Invite them to join you for dinner or just for coffee or tee. Try to set a specific time. Americans sometimes make general invitations like "Let's get together sometime". Often this is just a way to be friendly. It is not always a real invitation.

6. Don't expect too much at first. Maybe they're just being friendly. But maybe they do want to be your good friends. It will take time to tell.

People like Yaser shouldn't give up trying to make American friends. Americans do value strong life-long friendships, even with non-Americans. When making friends, it helps to have a good dose of cultural understanding.

 Make A Choice!

Which socks do I want to wear today? Should I walk, ride the bus or take a taxi? What do I want for dinner? Should I study now or wait until after the TV show? These are everyday choices. We can't do or have everything, so we must choose between options.

Here are some useful examples:

What did you choose?

I chose the soup of the day.

Would you like to speak with her now or later?

I'll speak with her later.

Would you rather spend the day hiking or reading a good book?

I'd rather spend the day hiking.

Will that be cash, check or credit card?

It'll be cash.

Do you prefer smoking or non-smoking?

I prefer non-smoking, thanks.

What did you decide on?

I decided on the white wool sweater.

Do you have a preference?

Yes, I'll take this brand of car

wax

.

(Conversation one).

- Phil, do you want to go see a movie?

- Well, I'm really hungry. I'd rather get something to eat.

- Let's do both! We can grab a bite and then go to a movie.

- Great ideal! Let's have either hamburgers or Chinese food. What's your preference?

- Why don't you choose? I'll choose the movie.

(Conversation two).

- May I take your order?

- Yes, I'll have the Superburger.

- What would you like with that, sir?

- What are my choices?

- It comes with soup, a green salad or fries.

- I'll take the fries.

- Fine. And you, sir? What will you have?

- I'll have the Superburger too, but I'd rather have the green salad.

(Conversation three).

(at the cosmetics counter).

- Excuse me, I need some moisturizer.

- What brand do you prefer?

- I've used Elizabeth Arden for years. But I want to try something new.

- Well, you have a lot of choices. But I recommend Estee Lauder. It's on special and comes in two sizes.

- Hmmm, sounds good. How much is it?

- The small size is $25. The large is $40.

- I'll take the small one.

- Will that be cash, check or credit card?

- I'll pay cash.

Many choices are simple. But sometimes it's not easy to decide. Choosing an option becomes more difficult when the decision is an important one. When making a choice that

involves

a lot of money, many people take their time. They investigate all the options so they will choose wisely. A choice between two or more options is called a selection.

(Conversation four).

(at the car lot).

- Good afternoon! May I help you? We have a large selection of both new cars and quality used ones. Have you decided what kind of car you want?

- Well, my wife thinks we need a new car.

- Would you rather have a large family car or a smaller sports car?

- I'd prefer the sports car, but my wife wants a family car.

- I understand. Take a look at this beautiful blue family car. It comes in a variety of other colors, too.

- Wow! What a nice color. I like blue, but my wife would rather have red.

- No problem. Right this way. Here we have a great red, two-door

sedan

.

- This look pretty nice. But I'm afraid my wife prefers four doors to two doors.

- Well, over there you can see our only red, four-door station wagon. It has a standard

transmission

and a very low price.

- I love to drive a stick shift, but my wife's preference is automatic.

- I'm sorry, that's all of our selection. Perhaps you can bring your wife over, and you can decide on one together.

- No, my wife prefers I make my own choices.

(Activities).

1. You and your parents are planning a vacation. You have two weeks to travel. You have been looking forward to this trip for several years. Decide where to go. Europe? America? Asia? One country or several countries? Should you join a tour group or go on your own? Will you travel and shop in cities or relax at a resort?

2. You and a friend are ordering a pizza. You have many choices. Do you want a large,

medium

or small pizza? Do you prefer thick or thin

crust

? Which toppings will you select: extra cheese, ham,

pineapple

,

pepperoni

, mushrooms, green pepper,

sausage

,

olive

s...?

3. You are moving. What kind of home would you prefer? Do you want to live in the city or in the

suburbs

? Will you rent or buy? Would you rather live in an apartment or in a house? Discuss your choices with a friend.

 All Excited!

Some people never get excited about anything. You know the kind. If they won a million dollars, they would only say, "So what?" Most of us aren't like that.

Whenever something great happens to us, we get excited. Whenever we believe an idea is good, we are

enthusiastic

about it. But sometimes when we try to express our enthusiasm, we get tongue-tied. How can we untie our tongues?

One way is to use exciting adjectives. Each of these adjectives bubbles over with

enthusiasm

:

- magnificent.

- superb.

- fantastic.

- outstanding.

- excellent.

- amazing.

- incredible.

- great.

- wonderful.

- unbelievable.

We don't expect wonderfull events to happen to us every day. Then when something great does happen, we can't believe it. We might use the following expressions to show our excitement:

- That's something!

- Can you believe it?

- How about that!

- You don't mean it!

- This is almost too wonderful!

- This is too good to be true!

- Pinch me - this must be a dream!

(Conversation one).

- Hey! What are you smiling about?

- I just became a published author!

- You? How?

- You know how I like to write stories? Well I sent in some of my stories to Rainbow magazine. They want to publish them!

- They want to publish them? Are you serious?

- Yes!

- That's fantastic!

- I can hardly believe that such a wonderful magazine offered to publish my stories! And what's more, they want me to become a regular writer for them!

- Really? You do have a good reason to smile!

- Yeah! This too good to be true!

When we are excited, we like other people to share our excitement. Likewise, we should show our enthusiasm for others' good fortune:

- What?!

- You're kiding!

- Really?!

- All right!

- Fantastic!

- I'm so happy for you!

- You must be thrilled!

- That's wonderful!

- You have a right to be happy!

It is also important to be enthusiastic when you are trying to sell something. Maybe you are trying to sell a product to a customer. You might just be trying to sell an idea to a friend. Try using one of these phrases:

- This is the chance of a lifetime!

- This kind of offer doesn't happen every day.

- Opportunity only knocks once.

- This is an amazing product!

- If I were you, I'd do it.

- This really is a great idea!

- This will do so much for you!

(Conversation two).

- Ernie, listen to me carefully. Your investment in my new electric

chopsticks

company will make you a rich man.

- I don't know. I'm just not convinced it's a wise idea.

- What are you worried about? If I were you, I'd do it.

- But what if it doesn't work out?

- It's bound to work out. What could go wrong? This is a great opportunity to make money. You've lucky to have a chance to be in on it.

- Ok, you

convinced

me. I'll invest my new Year's bonus in your company. When does your business open?

- First I have to get a lot more people to invest. You're the first one.

(Activities).

1. Pretend you are a salesman, and your friend is a customer. Try to convince your friend to buy your product.

2. Think of something exciting you would like to happen to you. Decide how you would express your excitement if it really happened. Then act out the situation with a friend.

3. Memorize a few of the key phrases in this article. Then use them when your friends talk about an exciting event. Make it an opportunity to have an English conversation.

 In My Opinion.

Have you ever wanted to tell someone your thoughts but didn't know how? Maybe someone's words offended you, and you didn't know how to reply. Perhaps you totally disagreed with someone but couldn't express your opinion.

Opinions are like noses, everybody has one. Don't be afraid to express your opinion. Your thoughts, feelings and beliefs are important. Learn how to voice them. Here are some expressions to help you:

- In my opinion, the company should try a new marketing plan.

- If I were in your shoes, I would tell him to take a hike.

- I'm not sure quitting your job is such a good idea.

- If you ask me, nobody should pollute the water.

- I definitely think you should marry before you are 30 years old.

(Conversation one).

- Wendy, I need your advice. John Connell asked me out for dinner this Saturday.

- You're kidding! Not the John Connell?

- Yes. He also invited me to go to KTV afterward.

- You must be thrilled!

- I am, but I'm not sure I want to go.

- Why not?

- I can't carry a tune. I don't want to embarrass myself... or him.

- Who cares if you can't sing? In my opinion, that's not so important. What's important is having fun.

- So, you don't think I should worry?

- Not at all. If I were in your shoes, I would definitely go.

Sometimes we need to express our feelings in a stronger way. Perhaps the issue is very sensitive or personal. Or it may be very important to you. For example, when talking about religion, personal feelings or politics people often speak more directly.

- I don't think all religions are the same.

- I don't feel that you listen when I speak.

- As far as I'm concerned, all politicians are liars.

(Conversation two).

- I had to work overtime two nights last week and three nights this week. I don't feel the company treats us fairly.

- I don't agree. I think the company is very fair. We always get paid double for working overtime.

- I don't care if they pay us triple. I don't like having to work all the time. I don't think it's right.

- Well, in my opinion, they're more than fair. We have good salaries, complete health insurance benefits and two weeks of paid vacation every year.

- As far as I'm concerned, that's not enough vacation. We should get at least three weeks.

- Don't you think you're being unreasonable, Mark? You've only worked here for six months!

Now that you know how to say what you feel, do you know how to ask others about their opinions?

Here are some suggestions:

- How do you like your new position?

- In your opinion, where is the best skiing?

- I would appreciate any comments you have about my paper.

- What do you think should be done about the traffic problem?

- Do you feel fathers need to spend more time with their families?

- I think the economy is improving. How do you see it?

(Conversation three).

Thank you for going over my r

3

sum

3

. I really want this job at Hinkle and Sons. How does my r

3

sum

3

look to you?

- Hinkle and Sons is looking for an office manager, right? In that case, I'm not sure you included all your skills.

- What else do you think I need to say?

- You didn't mention your counseling experience.

- Do you really feel that's important? w It was only a summer job.

- If you ask me, I'd say it's very important. Office managers need to know how to deal with people.

(Activitive).

1) Ask some friends for their opinion about a movie you have all seen. What was the theme of the movie? Who was the best actor/actress? What was the best part of the movie? Do you agree? Express your opinion.

2) With a friend or with your English club, discuss your opinions on the following topics:

a) Which is better: a marriage based on love or an arranged marriage?

b) Which is better: being young or being old?

c) Should everyone be able to own a car?

d) Should more women be active in government?

e) Should businesses pay the cost of pollution clean up?

 Learn To Request And Offer.

We all make requests. It may be asking someone to do or not to do something. Your little sister needs help with her homework. Your neighbor needs you to move your car. Or, maybe you don't want mayonnaise on your hamburger. Do you know how to make a request in English? Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Requesting:

- Do me a favor. Please don't talk with your mouth full.

- Would you mind passing the soy sauce?

- Could you please turn down the radio?

- I'd appreciate it if you could staple these pages together.

- Could you do me a favor?

- Please don't interrupt me.

- I was wondering if you could deposit these checks for me.

- Give him a call tonight, O.k.?

- Why don't you help your mother do the laundry?

When you are requested to do something, you may accept or reject. For example:

- I'd love to.

- Of course.

- Sure.

- No problem.

- O.k.

- I'm sorry, I can't.

- Maybe next time.

- Not right now.

(Conversation one).

- Jerry, can I ask you to do me a big favor?

- What is it?

- My manager has a marketing meeting scheduled for this afternoon. She asked me to look up the Dirkson survey and write up a short summary. I am really swamped. Do you think you could help?

- Sure. Do you need me to do the graphics, too?

- That would be great. Oh, and Jerry, make a copy for each board member, O.K?

Making offers is really just the other side of making requests. Do you know how to make an offer? Look at the following phrases:

- Here, let me call you a cab.

- Would you like me to speak to him?

- Can I watch your dog for you while you are away?

- Why don't you sit down and relax?

- Would you care for some cream for your coffee?

RESPONDING TO AN OFFER.

- Thank you.

- That would be nice.

- Please don't bother.

- That won't be necessary.

- No, thank you.

(Conversation two).

- Hey, Brad, what's going on?

- We're planning the Spring Party for next week.

- I've got some time on my hands, can I help out?

- Could you hand me those scissors?

- Gladly. Anything else I can do?

- Actually, Lisa, we are in a bit of a crunch. Why don't you lend Denise a hand with the decorations?

- I'd love to.

(Conversation three).

(in the grocery store).

- Do you need some help with those bags? Here, let me take the two large ones.

- Oh, would you mind? I'd hate to be a bother.

- I don't mind at all. And it's no bother. Can I get the door for you?

- Well thank you, but that won't be necessary. I can get it myself.

In the United States when someone invites you to a picnic or to come over for dinner, it's polite to offer to bring something.

(Conversation four).

(on the phone).

- Pat, we were wondering if you and Tom would like to join us Saturday for a picnic, let's say about 3:00.

- That sounds wonderful. Can we bring anything?

- That would be nice. Why don't you bring a salad?

- Just a salad? Anything else?

- Well, would it be too much trouble to bring along some ice, too?

- No trouble at all.

(Activities).

1. You are riding on a bus. An American sits down next to you. She is visiting your city for the first time. She asks for your help in finding an affordable hotel and an inexpensive restaurant.

2. As personnel manager, you need to organize an office party. You need to find people who will help with the food, work on decorating, provide entertainment and help clean up. Ask your co-workers to assist in the task. Some of them can help, some of them can't.

 Learning Vocabulary.

Learning vocabulary is challenging and interesting. Most students of English learn vocabulary by memorizing new words and their meanings. But how long do they remember them? Is there a better way?

Probably the best way to build a strong vocabulary is to talk to lots of people in English. Real communication situations provide opportunities for improving oral fluency. The more you speak, the easier it will become for you to express yourself in English. Listening plays an important role in oral communication, too. By doing a lot of listening you can increase your supply of useful words.

You can learn more words by learning more about words. Make word lists from words in Studio Classroom Word Banks. Group words with similar

characteristics

or meanings. Then

construct

different words from those words by adding

prefixes

(sincere-insincere, motivated-

unmotivated

) or

suffix

es (revenge-revengeful,

dim

-dimly, engage-engagement). Finally, try to find examples of compound words (hardship, honeymoon).

Word associations,

synonyms

and

antonyms

are fun to play with, too. But you need practice and dictionary skills. How many synonyms can you write for the noun stain? What about an antonym for excited?

To discover the meanings of unfamiliar words, observe how they are used in the context. Try to guess word meanings. Over time, your guesses will get better and your definitions more specific. Try to guess the meaning of the highlighted words in these sentences:

Red, white and blue "ribbons" mimic the colors of the American flag.

The city government is short of money for the new library. They hope to get funding from private companies.

 Are You Sure.

Have you ever heard a tall tale? Did you doubt the story? The storyteller insisted, of course, that it was all true. But you didn't fall for it.

You hear stories and statements every day that you don't quite believe. Can you express your doubts? If not, here are some expressions that might help you:

- We're not sure we can make it back home for summer vacation.

- I have a hard time believing she's only 48.

- I doubt we can sell our house in two months.

- I have my doubts about the president's new budget.

- That can't be the case.

On the other hand, have you ever expressed an opinion that others doubted? You were certain you had your facts straight. But the other person still had doubts. Maybe some of these phrases would have helped you express certainty:

- You can be sure you won't need your winter clothes in a month.

- There's no doubt about it, earthquakes can shake you up.

- Believe me, if you quit now, you're asking for trouble.

- I'm sure you'll feel better if you get some rest.

- He's certain to find a better job if he looks hard enough.

- I'm positive she told us to meet at noon.

- Rest assured, if she wins the lottery, she'll spend all the money.

(Conversation One).

- What did you think of Jim Barnes? If we hire him, he should be able to streamline our marketing department.

- Well, to tell you the truth, I have my doubts about his sincerity. Is he really interested in working for us, or are we a stepping stone to something else?

Don't be so hard on him, Pat. You heard him tell about all he's accomplished.

- I'm afraid I have a hard time believing his stories. I want to check with the other companies Barnes worked for.

- Well, I'm positive he'd do a great job.

We often need to ask people if they are sure, or if they have any doubts. Here are some questions to help you:

- Do you have any reservations about going camping?

- Is there any doubt in your mind?

- Are you sure her birthday isn't tomorrow?

- How can you be so sure the same thing won't happen to you?

- Do you doubt my integrity?

- Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are in a recession?

- You certainly don't think the earth is flat, do you?

- Surely they don't expect us to wait here in the rain, do they?

(Conversation two).

- Are you sure you left your credit card in the restaurant?

- To tell the truth, I'm not really sure where I left it.

- You don't think the waiter kept it, do you? You can't trust anyone nowadays.

- I don't know. Remember he brought us the bill, and I gave him my credit card. I don't remember his bringing it back. He seemed rather curt anyway.

- Well, the restaurant was busy. Surely he wouldn't think he could get away with taking it. Why don't you check your purse again?

- I already looked in my bag. I'm almost positive it's not there. But if it will make you happy I'll look again. I don't remember putting it in my... oh, here it is! Sorry.

Activities.

Act out these situations with a friend or classmate:

1. Your friend tells you he saw an old classmate yesterday. You are sure that classmate moved to Uruguay and hasn't been back. Your friend insists it was she.

2. You are taking a taxi to a friend's house. You have only been there once before. You think the taxi driver is going to the wrong way. The taxi driver is sure he knows the way.

3. Your boss asks you where the account sheets from last month are. You remember you gave them to the secretary to type. She says she never saw them.

=

 I Apologize For.

Americans apologize a lot. They apologize for big blunders as well as minor mistakes. They apologize when they embarrass, inconvenience or offend others. Most people are already familiar with common expression like "excuse me" or "I'm sorry". But in American culture, apologizing isn't always so simple. There are numerous ways to apologize. Here are just a few examples:

- I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the party last week.

- Please excuse my dog. He barks at everyone.

- Pardon me. I didn't mean to step on your foot.

- I didn't mean to hurt you. Will you forgive me?

- Please accept our sincere apologies for the error in your bank statement.

- I'd like to apologize for my poor attitude yesterday.

- I regret not completing the inventory on time.

It is often necessary to repond to an apology. Try using some of these phrases:

- It's O.K.

- No problem.

- No harm done.

- There's no need to apologize.

- Don't worry about it.

- It could have happened to anyone.

- It's not your fault.

- I forgive you.

- We all make mistakes.

(Conversation One).

(at the office).

- Mr. Tipton, I want to apologize for coming in so late this morning.

- I wondered what happened to you. The marketing meeting was at eight. We had to do without your presentation.

- I know, I'm terrible sorry. On the way to work, my car broke down in the middle of the road. I called a tow truck. I spent over an hour waiting for it to show up.

- Well, it's all water under the bridge now. Why don't you get together with Julie and go over the meeting minutes with her?

(Conversation two).

- Oh, no! Bobby, I told you not to touch anything in Aunt Beth's house. Now you've broken her vase! Beth, I'm awfully sorry.

- Oh, don't worry about it. Accidents happen. Besides, I knew Bobby was coming. I should have put the vase away.

- Well, I should have kept a closer eye on Bobby. Let me buy you a new vase.

- You don't need to do that. It's O.K., really. That vase was getting old. Now I have an excuse to buy a new one.

(Conversation three).

- Hello?

- Paula? Sorry to call you so late, but I really feel awful about what happened tonight. I wanted to apologize for embarrassing you in the restaurant.

- I felt bad enough when I spilled soup all over your jacket. You didn't have to yell at me in front of everyone.

- I know, Paula. It wasn't your fault. I apologize. I'll never do it again. Will you forgive me?

- I know you're sorry. Yes, I forgive you. But you've got to watch your temper. Little things often make you very angry.

- I know, I'm sorry. I know I have to work on keeping my temper under control.

- I'll help you if I can. And I appreciate your call. It really shows you care.

(Conversation four).

(in the office).

- Excuse me, Kevin. May I have a word with you?

- Of course, come on in. Excuse the messy office. I've got to meet another deadline tomorrow.

- Kevin, I'll make this brief. Lately, you seem annoyed with me all the time. If I did something to offend you, I want to apologize.

- No, not at all. I've been under a lot of stress lately. If I took it out on you, I didn't mean to. I'm sorry.

- I understand. I'm sure I've done the same thing at times. I just wanted to clear the air.

Activities.

With a classmate or friend act out these situations:

1) You are a teenager. It's midnight. You are two hours late coming home. Your mother wants an apology and an explanation.

2) You hired a new employee. You forgot to get final approval from the personnel office. You need to speak with the personnel director and apologize.

 You Are Invited!

Have you ever received an invitation like this? If you have, it was probably for a wedding, shower or other special occasion. Formal invitations often request a response. The R.S.V.P at the bottom is French for "please respond".

Casual, verbal invitations are more common. Both casual and formal invitations should mention the time and activity. Look at these examples:

- I want to invite you to my party on Friday.

- I've got tickets to the theater tomorrow. Would you be my guest?

- How would you like to go to the craft fair Saturday?

- What do you say we order pizza? I'll treat.

- If you're not busy Sunday, we'd love to have you both over for a barbecue.

- I'm having a small get-together at my place on Saturday. Are you free?

- Could I interest you in a game of tennis this morning?

- I'm going sailing Sunday. Care to join me?

When you get an invitation, thank the person or show them you're happy to be invited:

- Sure.

- I'd love to.

- great! I'd like that.

- That sounds great!

- How nice! Thank you for the invitation.

- Thanks for inviting us.

If you can't accept an invitation, refuse politely. You may want to explain why you can't attend.

- Thank you for the invitation, but I'm afraid I can't.

- Thanks, but unfortunately we already have plans.

Gee, I wish I could, but I won't be in town.

- I'd like to go, but I'm really busy.

(Conversation One).

(on the street).

- Hey, Randy, do you have time to grab a cup of coffee and get caught up on things?

- That sounds great, but I really can't. I've got a client waiting at the office. How about tomorrow?

- Tomorrow would be fine. Why don't we meet at the Friendly Mug after work? Say, 5:30?

- I'll be there.

(Conversation two).

- Stuart, my wife and I are having some friends over for a barbecue on Saturday. We'd love to have you and Jennifer join us.

- I don't think we have anything planned. But I'd better check with Jennifer first. What time?

- Some people are coming around 3:00 for badminton and volleyball, but we won't eat until around 6:00.

- That sounds like fun! I'll let you know. Thanks for the invitation.

(Conversation three).

(at school).

- Karen, I was wondering if you had any plans for Saturday afternoon.

- Well, a friend and I are going to a craft fair. Why?

- The art museum has a special exhibit of French sculptures. I hoped you might want to go with me.

- I'm afraid I can't. I planned to spend all day at the craft fair.

- Well, how about Sunday?

- I wish I could, but it's my mom's birthday.

- How about next week then?

- Thanks for the invitation, but I don't think I can. I've got a lot of commitments next week.

Some people give general invitations. Sometimes these are genuine, but also may be just polite ways to end a conversation. General invitations are open-ended and usually give no specific time:

- Stop by sometime.

- Give me a call.

- If you're ever in Los Angeles, look me up.

- Let's get together sometime.

(Conversation four).

- Thanks so much for having me over, Mark. It was good to meet some of your friends while I was in town.

- I'm glad you could join us, Mike. I hope you had a good time.

- It was a great time.

- It was nice to meet you, Mike.

- Good to meet you, too. Next time you're in Michigan, look me up.

- I'll do that.

Activities.

Role plays.

1. You want to invite your friend to a surprise birthday party for another friend. Your friend can't make it. Use these phrases: want to invite you, can you make it, I'd love to, I'll be out of town.

2. You want to ask your teacher to dinner. Use these phrases: if you're not busy, I was wondering, love to have you, I'd love to, what time, sounds fine.

=

 Repor

t 1.

Voters in the

northeastern

American state of Pennsylvania have voted in an important presidential primary contest. Experts say Senator Hillary Clinton must win to stay in the race. She is expected to win. However, she needs to win by a large number of votes if she is to narrow the lead of her

opponent

, Senator Barack Obama. He is ahead in the popular vote and in the number of the nominating

delegate

s. Ms. Clinton says a victory in Pennsylvania along with her wins in California and New York will prove that Mr. Obama cannot win in states with large numbers of delegates. Mr. Obama said that he does not expect to win Pennsylvania. But, he believes he has already cut into her once large lead.

Former United Nations chief Kofi Annan is warning that climate change is making the food crisis worse. He said this threatens political security. Mr. Annan spoke Tuesday in Geneva for the Global

Humanitarian

Forum, a new group that examines the effects of climate change. The former U.N. secretary general predicted more food strikes and

demonstrations

. Severe and unpredictable weather he says has hurt the ability of many areas to grow crops. He said poorer farmers are the most

effect

ed. Mr. Annan said countries that produce the most pollution should help poorer farmers deal with climate change. The United Nations food agency says rising food prices threaten more than one hundred million additional people around the world. The head of the world food program, Josette Sheeran, said the additional one hundred million people facing hunger within the past six months. She says a major and long-lasting action is needed to prevent a crisis. Such action she said should be like the

emergency

effort after a huge wave in the Indian Ocean destroyed many

coastal

communities in two thousand four.

Hundreds of people, angry about the rising cost of food, have demonstrated in eastern Afghanistan. The

protester

s blocked a main road between the town of Jalalabad and the capital, Kabul. They

demanded

the government quickly act to decrease food prices. Earlier, the Afghan government announced it is putting aside fifty million dollars to buy

wheat

from other countries. Many protesters expressed anger at Pakistan for slowing,

restricting

its food exports. Pakistan did so because of its own worries over rising food prices.

Countries near Iraq and other nations say they support efforts by the Iraqi government to increase security and expand the political process. The statement came at the close of talks in Kuwait. The statement also expressed support for Iraq's national unity,

territorial

claims and the right to

freely

decide its political future. Delegates at the talks also praised Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for taking steps against

militia

s loyal to clergyman Muqtada al-Sadr. American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praised Iraq on its progress. She said Iraq needs the support of its neighbors and countries around the world to succeed.

A bomb

explosion

has killed one Iraqi soldier and wounded four others in the northern city of Mosul. The bomb was attached to a vehicle that Iraqi soldiers were

inspect

ing. Earlier, a suicide bomber killed six people in an attack near a police station in Diyala province. Twelve others were

wounded

. Most of the victims were policemen. And, the United States military says two other bombs killed two American

marine

s near the western city of Ramadi.

The Chinese government says a ship carrying weapons meant for Zimbabwe may be returning to China. The ship has been waiting in the waters near the coast of southern Africa. It was

permitted

to enter the South African

port

of Durban last week. But, workers there refused to unload the weapons. Officials in Mozambique have also turned away the ship. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman says the contract for the weapons was signed last year as part of normal military trade. She said the shipment is not connected to Zimbabwe's political crisis.

China and France are working to

ease

tension

s. Their relations worsened after pro-Tibet activists demonstrated during the running of the Olympic

torch

in Paris earlier this month. Since then, some Chinese citizens have

boycott

ed French goods and companies. Chinese officials on Tuesday praised how the French company Carrefour does business in China. The officials also thanked the company for supporting the Olympic games in Beijing.

Sudan has begun a count and study of its population for the first time in fifteen years. The

census

is part of a peace agreement that ended the country's twenty-one year civil war. The Sudanese government and the United Nations are paying for the census. It will help show how

wealth

and power is

divided

in the country. It will also set up voting areas before Sudanese elections are held next year. They will be the first democratic elections in the country in twenty-three years.

President Bush, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper have ended a two-day meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. President Bush said the three countries have each

gained

from the North American Free Trade Agreement. He said now is not the time to

renegotiate

the agreement. President Calderon agreed with Mr. Bush's comments saying this is a time to make the agreement stronger, not change or cancel it. Prime Minister Harper had similar comments. Critics of NAFTA, including both Democratic party presidential candidates, say the United States has lost manufacturing jobs because of the agreement.

Briefly, here again is the major news of the hour.

Voters in the northeastern American state of Pennsylvania have voted in an important presidential primary contest. Hundreds of people angry about the rising cost of food have demonstrated in eastern Afghanistan. And, countries near Iraq say they support efforts by the Iraqi government to increase security and expand the political process.

=

 Report 2.

The main

opposition

party in Zimbabwe is claiming victory in general elections. But, election officials say the main opposition and the

ruling

party are tied. The latest result show the ruling party ZANU-PF and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change each won twenty-six seats in

parliament

. Two hundred ten seats were to be decided in the vote Saturday. The MDC disputes the results. It says its own count shows the party winning seats in ninety-six of one hundred twenty-eight

parliamentary

areas where results have been announced. The MDC also says its

founder

, Morgan Tsvangirai, is leading President Robert Mugabe sixty to thirty percent. No official results from the presidential election have been announced.

American Defense Secretary Robert Gates says recent violence in southern Iraq has not changed American plans to

withdraw

some troops from Iraq. The troops are expected to leave over the next few months. Mr. Gates spoke in Denmark. He praised Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's recent efforts against Shiite militias in the southern city of Basra. Iraqi and coalition forces in Basra and Baghdad fought street

battles

over the past six days with

militants

loyal

to extremist Shiite Moqtada al-Sadr. About four hundred people were killed in the fighting.

American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is urging Israel to stop building more homes on disputed land. She says Israel's continued

expansion

of

settlements

violates the peace plan known as "the Road Map". Secretary Rice is in Jordan for talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Mr. Abbas says he expects a peace agreement with Israel by the end of this year. On Sunday, Ms. Rice persuaded Israeli and Palestinian officials to ease

restrictions

on Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank.

President Bush has arrived in Kiev, Ukraine, the first stop on his European trip. The President will attend a meeting of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Romania. He is expected to urge NATO member countries to open membership to Ukraine and Georgia. But, Russia has said it does not want NATO expanding to its

border

s. NATO leaders are also expected to offer membership to Albania, Croatia and Macedonia.

The

constitutional

court in Turkey says it will consider banning the ruling Justice and Development Party. The chief

prosecutor

has

accused

the party of violating the country's tradition of

separating

the government from

religion

. He also believes that many members of the party should be banned from politics for five years. The Justice and Development Party denies violating the separation between the government and religion. The party has called the case anti-democratic.

A leading international

conflict

resolution organization is urging East Timor to do more to settle one hundred thousand people displaced by

unrest

in two thousand six. The International Crisis Group says the country's

displace

d population shows that the deeper causes of the conflict two years ago remain

unresolved

. The new ICG report says displaced East Timorese remain in camps because they fear new violence or they have no home to return to. Others are unable to

reclaim

their homes and depend on the free rice that the camps provide.

The French Justice Ministry has announced the release from jail of all six French aid workers found

guilty

of attempted

kidnapping

in Chad last year. The ministry said they were freed just hours after Chadian President Idriss Deby

pardon

ed them. The six were tried in a Chadian court last year and sentenced to eight years in prison. Chad agreed in December to let them serve their sentences in France. The aid workers were arrested in Chad while preparing to take one hundred three African children to France. They said the children had lost their parents and could be placed with European families. An investigation found that most of the children were Chadian and had at least one parent or

guardian

still living.

A new study by the United States Department of Agriculture says American farmers will plant less corn this season though prices are at record highs. The USDA says the amount of land planted with

corn

will drop by about eight percent, in part because the price of

fertilizer

has

sharply

increased. This has hurt farmers' profits. The amount of American land planted in

soy

beans is expected to increase by eighteen percent this season.

And now briefly, here again is the major news of the hour.

The main opposition party in Zimbabwe is claiming victory in general elections. But, election officials say the main opposition and the ruling party are

tied

. American Defense Secretary Robert Gates says recent violence in southern Iraq has not changed American plans to withdraw some troops from Iraq. And, American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is urging Israel to stop building more homes on disputed land.

 Report 3.

The newly-elected prime minister of Pakistan has freed all judges

detain

ed under emergency rule last year. Yousaf Raza Gilani gave the order just minutes after he was elected by parliament. He also promised a

resolution

calling for a United Nations investigation into the murder of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He is a member of her Pakistan Peoples Party. In Washington, the Bush

administration

congratulated Mr. Gilani and the Pakistani people for moving quickly to form a new government.

American commanders in Baghdad say Iran is continuing to provide money, weapons and training to Shiite rebels in Iraq. A spokesman says it has been confirmed that Shiite

extremist

groups carried out rocket attacks Sunday on Iraq's secure green area. He said the weapons used in the attack were supplied by Iran. The spokesman said

coalition

forces are working to stop the groups. Earlier, American General David Petraeus told British radio the attacks show Iranian

operatives

continue to pay for, to train and to supply and direct Iraq's

rebel

s.

Israel says it may soon ease restrictions on some Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak says the government is considering the removal of

roadblock

s. He said it is also considering other actions to permit more free movement for Palestinian business people and officials. Israeli officials also said that any agreement between the

opposing

groups Fatah and Hamas would mean an end to peace talks between Palestinians and Israel. Leaders of the two Palestinian groups met in Yemen Sunday. They signed an agreement to continue talking with each other.

The Lebanese parliament again has delayed its meeting to elect a new president. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri says the new election will take place April twenty-second. This is the seventeenth time the election has been postponed since September. Political leaders from the governing coalition and the opposition cannot agree about power-sharing in the future government. The two sides have agreed on the election of army commander General Michel Suleiman as president, but they differ on other ideas about the new government. The governing coalition also has rejected the opposition's demand for veto power on government decisions.

Cambodian officials are traveling to the United Nations to request one hundred fourteen million dollars more to continue legal action against former Khmer Rouge leaders. Three representatives of Cambodia's

genocide

court left Phnom Penh for New York. They will meet at the U.N. on Thursday. The U.N.-supported court first asked for fifty-six million dollars over three years. The court now says it needs one hundred seventy million to continue

operating

through two thousand eleven. The first public trials of five former Khmer Rouge leaders are expected later this year. The Khmer Rouge killed nearly two million people in Cambodia thirty years ago in an effort to create a classless nation.

The United Nations World Food Program says it may be forced to cut the amount of food it provides because of rising food and

fuel

prices. W.F.P. officials say the U.N. agency needs

donor

countries to provide five hundred million dollars in the next four weeks. The World Food Program feeds about seventy-three million people in seventy-eight countries. It feeds three million people a day in Sudan's Darfur area alone.

Finally this news, President and Ms. Bush have led a yearly children's holiday celebration in Washington. Administration officials say fifteen thousand eggs were provided this year for the White House Easter egg roll. Appearing at the celebration were children's book writers, the music group the Jonas Brothers and people dressed as children's characters such as Mickey Mouse. The White House Easter egg roll began in eighteen seventy-eight during the presidency of Rutherford Hayes. Children take part in an egg-rolling race across the White House grounds the day following the Easter holiday.

Briefly, here again is the major news of the hour in Special English.

The newly-elected prime minister of Pakistan has freed all judges detained under emergency rule last year. American commanders in Baghdad say Iran is continuing to provide money, weapons and training to Shiite rebels in Iraq. And, Israel says it may soon ease restrictions on some Palestinians living in the

occupied

West Bank.

 Report 4.

Several

suicide

bomb attacks are reported in Iraq. The most recent took place in the northern Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah. At least, two people were killed and thirty others were wounded. Earlier, a bomber in Baghdad killed himself and five American soldiers. Three other American soldiers and an Iraqi language assistant were wounded. Northeast of the capital in Muqdadiya, a suicide bomber killed two people and wounded more than twenty others. And in Diyala province, a suicide bomber attacked the home of a tribal leader. The tribal leader and three other people were killed in the attack in Kanaan.

An unofficial truce is in effect in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. Palestinian militants have stopped rocket attacks against Israel. Israeli army radio says Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert halted Israeli air attacks on Gaza. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Israel and Hamas have agreed generally to the cease-fire. But, Mr. Olmert denies any negotiations have taken place. A Hamas spokesman says rocket attacks could be stopped forever if Israel would reopen border crossings between Gaza and Israel and Gaza and Egypt. At least, one hundred twenty Palestinians were killed in a recent Israeli military offensive in the area. Israel says the action was aimed at halting Palestinian rocket attacks.

The Indian government has moved to stop a march by Tibetan exiles to their homeland. The march was part of protests organized before the Olympic games in Beijing. It was also the forty-ninth anniversary of an uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. Police stopped more than one hundred men and women marchers fifteen kilometers from Dharmsala in northern India. The town is home to the Tibetan government in exile and the Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. The marchers had begun a six-month trip to the Tibetan capital, Lhasa. A local police chief said the march violates an agreement between India's government and the Tibetan government in exile. They had agreed to permit no anti-China political activities in India. Neither the Dalai Lama nor the Tibetan government in exile has supported the march.

Oil prices have increased to a record high of more than one hundred seven dollars a barrel. Bloomberg News Agency reports that oil prices have increased seventy-seven percent in the past year. The price per barrel has moved higher several times in the past two weeks. Oil is priced internationally in dollars and gains as the dollar falls in value. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries announced last week it will hold oil production as it is instead of increasing it as requested by the United States.

President Bush says the United States will help make the Polish military more modern. In return, the United States will be able to put parts of a new missile defense system in Poland. Mr. Bush announced the plan after talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Washington. He said experts will study Poland's needs and develop a plan before his term is over next year. Poland says its military needs to improve because Russia has threatened to aim nuclear weapons at Poland if the American anti-missile system is deployed.

Health workers in the western Afghan city of Herat are refusing to work as a way to demand better security and an end to kidnappings. A spokesman for the striking workers said hospital doctors are treating only emergencies and stores will be closed this week as part of the strike. Doctor Abdul Zahir Miyazi said the striking workers are protesting a series of kidnappings across the city. He said in the past few days nine people have been kidnapped in Herat including the sons of doctors, judges and jewelry sellers. It is not clear who is responsible for the kidnappings.

Serbia's government has officially asked the president to dismiss parliament and call for early elections, probably to be held in May. President Boris Tadic is expected to announce the action within days. The cabinet announced its agreement after a short meeting Monday. Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica said Saturday the government could not continue to operate because of deep divisions following Kosovo's declaration of independence in February.

United States Senator Barack Obama has dismissed the idea of being the Democratic party candidate for vice-president. Mr. Obama is competing against Senator Hillary Clinton for their party's presidential nomination. He said during a campaign stop in the Southern state of Mississippi that he is not interested in being second. The Illinois Senator said he received more votes and delegates than Ms. Clinton. He said he does not know how someone in second place is offering the vice-presidency to someone in first place. Mississippi's primary election is Tuesday.

New York state Governor Eliot Spitzer has publicly apologized after a New York Times newspaper story linked him to women who perform sexual acts for money. He admitted violating responsibilities to his family and any sense of right and wrong. The newspaper said on its website that federal officials recorded Governor Spitzer making plans to meet a woman at a hotel in Washington, D.C. The newspaper said the recording was made last month during an investigation of a prostitution operation. Earlier, Mr. Spitzer had served as New York state attorney general. He was known as "Mr. Clean" for his efforts against corruption in the state, including at least two prostitution groups.

And now briefly, here again is the major news of the hour.

Several suicide bomb attacks are reported in Iraq, killing at least thirteen people. An unofficial cease-fire is in effect in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The Indian government has moved to stop a march by Tibetan exiles to their homeland. And, oil prices have increased to a record high of more than one hundred seven dollars a barrel.

 Report 5.

The United Nations Security Council has voted to approve a new resolution against Iran for its refusal to stop enriching uranium. Fourteen of the council's fifteen members voted for the resolution. Indonesia did not vote. Indonesia's U.N. ambassador says his nation is not sure more restrictions would help the situation. The resolution strengthens existing restrictions on trade and on the travel and property of people involved in Iran's nuclear and missile programs. The restrictions were declared because of concerns that Iran may be developing nuclear weapons. Iran says its nuclear program is peaceful.

Israeli forces withdrew from northern Gaza early Monday. But, Israeli air attacks and Palestinian rocket fire continued after the troop withdrawal. More than one hundred Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers were killed during Israel's five-day offensive in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert promised to seek more military action in Gaza. But, Hamas said the Israeli withdrawal is a victory for the Palestinians. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas suspended peace talks with Israel to protest the offensive.

Officials in Washington have confirmed that the American military has launched two missiles at terrorist targets in southern Somalia. A Defense Department pokesman told reporters the attack in the town of Dobley was aimed at known al-Qaeda terrorists. He said the United States will continue to target terrorists and their operations wherever the military may find them. In Dobley, witnesses said at least two missiles destroyed a house and injured several people. They said extremist Islamist religious leader Hassan Turki was in town on Sunday to meet with other militants.

Colombian police say they have found documents showing that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez paid three hundred million dollars in support of Colombian rebels. Colombia's national police chief said the documents were on three computers found after the attacks Saturday on a rebel base in Ecuador. Oscar Naranjo said the documents include a letter from a top commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Commander Raul Reyes was one of seventeen rebels killed during the attack. Mr. Naranjo said the documents also show the group's efforts to get fifty kilograms of uranium. He said this shows the rebels' desire to be involved in international terrorism.

At least, two bombs have exploded in the Iraqi capital. At least fifteen people were killed when a bomb exploded in the center of Baghdad. More than forty others were injured. Iraqi security officials said a second bomb exploded near an Iraqi army security position in eastern Baghdad. That attack by a suicide bomber killed at least two police officers and wounded five others. The United States military said Iraqi soldiers guarding the position probably saved the lives of other people. The military blamed the attacks on Sunni Islamist al-Qaeda forces in Iraq.

United Nations officials in Nepal have confirmed that U.N. workers were among those killed in a helicopter crash. A spokesman says seven U.N. workers and three crew members were on the aircraft that went down in an eastern district. Police said ten bodies were pulled from the wreckage. The cause of the crash was not immediately known.

The top United States military officer has arrived in Pakistan. Admiral Mike Mullen is expected to discuss military cooperation with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and military leaders. The United States plans to send twenty-two members of the military to Pakistan this year to train Pakistani security forces. An American embassy spokeswoman in Islamabad says the Americans will arrive in Pakistan between June and October. They will train Pakistani officers in methods to fight against al-Qaeda and Taliban militants near the Afghan border.

The Defense Department has expressed concern about China's increasing military power, saying it threatens security in Asia. A new department report says the international community has limited knowledge of China's military changes. It says this lack of information about China's military and security operations increases the chance for misunderstanding. The report also says China's military modernization is aimed at the Taiwan Strait.

Human Rights Watch has called on China's National Peoples' Congress to approve human rights legislation and policy reform. Congress's yearly meetings begin March fifth. The American-based rights organization made the request in a letter to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. It urges Mr. Wen to act on his promises of supporting social justice and building the rule of law. Human Rights Watch is urging China to carry out reform on ten issues, including civil and political rights. China promised to improve its rights situation before the Olympic games take place in Beijing later this year.

Briefly, here again is the major news.

The United Nations Security Council has voted to approve a new resolution against Iran for its refusal to stop enriching uranium. Officials in Washington have confirmed that the American military has launched two missiles at terrorist targets in southern Somalia. And, Colombian police say they have evidence that Venezuelan President Chavez paid three hundred million dollars in support of Colombian rebels.

 Report 6.

Serbia's prime minister says his government will continue to rule parts of Kosovo where citizens want to remain under Serbian rule. Vojislav Kostunica said Serbia will do everything it can for what he called loyal citizens in Kosovo. He especially named ethnic Serbs and non-Albanians. The Prime Minister also said Serbia will not have relations with countries that have recognized Kosovo until they change their decision. He spoke during a visit by Russian presidential candidate Dmitry Medvedev in Belgrade. Mr. Medvedev said there will be no change in Russia's support for Serbia's rule over Kosovo.

Iraqi officials say at least sixty-three people have been killed in two days of attacks against Shiite Muslims. Officials said the victims were traveling to Karbala for Arbaeen, one of Shiite Islam's holiest gatherings. At least, four Shiites were killed in a bomb attack in southern Baghdad. Fifteen others were reported wounded. On Sunday, a bomber killed at least fifty-six Shiites who had stopped to rest in Iskandariyah, south of Baghdad. The United States military blamed al-Qaeda in Iraq supporters for that attack.

The Turkish military says it has killed one hundred fifty-three Kurdish rebels since launching attacks in northern Iraq last week. The military annonced that forty-one rebels were killed in recent clashes. It said another one hundred twelve died in earlier attacks. The military also said seventeen of its soldiers died in the offensive. Rebel reports have not confirmed the numbers.

Scientists in the United States say a third powerful earthquake has hit near the southwest coast of Indonesia's Sumatra Island within the past twenty-four hours. The United States Geological Survey said the latest earthquake measured almost seven. It struck one hundred fifty kilometers from Padang, about thirty-five kilometers below ground. Two earthquakes struck nearby on Monday. No damage or injuries were reported from any of the earthquakes.

The United States has declared new restrictions on businesses and individuals linked to military leaders in Burma. The Treasury Department said the restrictions ban American citizens from doing business with the Burmese company Asia World Company Limited. They also affect two groups of hotels owned by Burmese businessman Tay Za. The United States considers him guilty of selling weapons and financially supporting Burma's repressive rulers. A top Treasury official said the restrictions will continue until Burma's government stops violently oppressing its people. A statement from President Bush expressed concern about the Burmese government's refusal to talk with the opposition and ethnic minority groups.

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra has arrived in North Korea for a historic musical performance. Lorin Maazel is the group's musical director. He told reporters in Pyongyang that he hopes the trip will improve ties between the United States and North Korea. He said the Philharmonic hopes its music will move those who listen and bring the countries closer. The orchestra's performance on Tuesday will be broadcast internationally on North Korean television and radio. The orchestra performance will include Antonin Dvorak's "Symphony Number Nine" and George Gershwin's "An American in Paris".

A suicide bomber in the northern Pakistani city of Rawalpindi has killed at least eight people, including the nation's top military medical officer. A spokesman said the bomber killed himself and wounded many others after Lieutenant General Mushtaq Baig's car stopped. The spokesman blamed militants linked to al-Qaeda and the Taliban for the attack. Also in Pakistan, at least three soldiers were killed when a bomb exploded near an army vehicle in southwestern Baluchistan province. A group called the Baluchistan Republic Army claimed responsibility for the attack.

The American Internet company YouTube says a Pakistani ban on the video-sharing website caused worldwide interference in its service Sunday. Pakistan ordered local Internet service providers to block YouTube on Friday because it contained videos considered insulting to Islam. The company says its site was interfered with internationally for two hours on Sunday when a Pakistani company began blocking the website. Internet experts say the Pakistani company meant to block the website only in Pakistan. But, the blockage instead affected the whole world.

Finally, this news: an Austrian man diving off the coast of the southern united states of Florida has died after being bitten by a shark. The man was attacked on Sunday about eighty kilometers east of the city of Fort Lauderdale, near the waters of the Bahamas. He was part of a group of divers who used bloody meat to get sharks to come close to him. Newspaper reports say the Bahamas Diving Association warned the group that organized the dive that it was a dangerous thing to do.

 Report 7.

The United Nations Security Council has met about Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia. Serbian leaders called the act illegal. After the meeting, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on all sides to remain calm. He said the UN will continue to supervise the province to secure peace. The UN Security Council will meet again on the issue on Monday. European Union foreign ministers will meet on Monday in Brussels to discuss the situation in Kosovo. Many, but not all, EU countries are expected to recognize the new nation.

Citizens in Pakistan are preparing to vote in general elections. They will decide the members of Pakistan's national assembly and provincial assemblies. Security has been increased for the elections. About four hundred thousand people and eighty thousand soldiers are deployed across the country. Early results are expected Monday. The election committee is to announce final results Wednesday. On Sunday, American Senator Joseph Biden said the United States should cut military aid to Pakistan if the elections are not free and fair. The senator is in Pakistan to observe the voting. He urged Pakistani officials to make sure no election cheating takes place.

Afghan security officials say a suicide bomb attack near the southern city of Kandahar killed at least eighty people, including some fighters opposed to the Taliban. Governor Asadullah Khalid said many others were wounded when the bomb exploded at a dog fighting competition in Arghandab. He blamed the Taliban but no one has claimed responsibility. An Interior Ministry spokesman condemned the bombing and said police are investigating. He said the attack shows that those responsible are opposed to the Afghan people. Officials say the attack seemed to be aimed at local police chief Abdul Hakim Jan. He was killed in the explosion. Witnesses say some of the commander's forces fired at the crowd after the explosion. They killed an unknown number of people.

Israeli forces have raided the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Three Palestinian gunmen and one civilian were killed. At least, eight Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were also wounded. Israeli troops detained at least twenty-five Palestinians. Israel says the military acted to stop Palestinian rocket attacks. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also says his government will continue to reduce power and fuel supplies to Gaza until such attacks end. Earlier, Palestinian officials said President Makmud Abbas has agreed to meet with Mr. Olmert Tuesday in Jerusalem. Israel has not confirmed the date.

China says it is concerned that United States plans to shoot down a broken spy satellite could damage the security situation in space. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said his government is closely watching the situation and may take what he called preventive measures. He urged the Bush administration to honor its international responsibilities and not damage security in space and in other countries. Russia also has expressed concern about the military plans to destroy the satellite with a missile. The Russian Defense Ministry has said the United States military could use the operation as a way to secretly test a new space weapon. American officials say the plan is meant to stop the satellite from leaking poisonous fuel as it reenters the Earth's atmosphere next month.

The crew of the American space shuttle Atlantis is preparing to leave the international space station. The astronaut groups said final words to each other and closed the entrances between the two spacecrafts. Atlantis will separate from the space station early Monday and return to Earth on Wednesday. The Atlantis astronauts completed three space walks during their visit to the space station.

President Bush is continuing his visit to Tanzania for a second day. He and his wife Laura are expected to visit a hospital, a girls' school and a clothing factory. Earlier, Mr. Bush met with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete in Dar es Salaam. They signed economic growth measures worth about seven hundred million dollars for the East African nation.

In the United States, it is no longer legal for the government to listen to communications of suspected terrorists without court orders. The legislation permitting such action expired Saturday night after the House of Representatives failed to approve a bill making it permanent. The Director of National Intelligence says that failure puts the country in increased danger. He said intelligence agencies cannot force private telecommunications companies to help with the program because they are not guaranteed protection. President Bush also criticized lawmakers for not approving the law. He said intelligence agencies will have increased difficulty following the activities of suspected terrorists. Democrats said Mr. Bush was trying to create false fears.

American officials have declared unsafe more than one hundred forty million pounds of beef produced by a company accused of violating food safety laws. Reports say it is the largest food recall in United States history. The United States Department of Agriculture announced the recall of frozen beef produced in the past two years by the Westland/Hallmark meat company. Federal officials suspended operations there last week after an investigation found that sick animals were being killed for their meat.

And now briefly, here again is the major news of the hour.

The United Nations Security Council has met about Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia. The people of Pakistan are preparing to vote in general elections. And, Afghan security officials say a suicide bomb attack near the southern city of Kandahar has killed at least eighty people.

 Report 8.

The United States government has announced murder and war crimes charges against six suspects in the terrorist attacks of September eleventh, two thousand and one. A military lawyer said officials want the suspects tried together and are seeking the death penalty for all six. A military judge will study the evidence and decide whether to move forward with the trial. The suspects include the reported leader of the attack plot, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. They are being held at the United States military jail in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. They would be tried under the United States military justice system.

The United States has arrested a Defense Department official on charges of spying for China. The Justice Department says Gregg William Bergersen was arrested near Washington, D.C. Officials say he passed secret government information to an American citizen born in China. That person, Tai Shen Kuo, was arrested in New Orleans. Kuo and another person arrested in New Orleans are charged with planning to pass national defense information to a foreign government. The third suspect is Yu Xin Kang, a Chinese citizen who lives in the United States. In a separate case, officials announced the arrest of a former engineer for the Boeing company. Dongfan "Greg" Chung reportedly passed to China stolen trade secrets about the space shuttle, military aircraft and a rocket.

Two bomb attacks have killed at least nineteen people in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. About forty others were wounded in the explosions. The bombs exploded at almost the same time near a building where Sunni tribal chiefs opposed to al-Qaeda were meeting. Also in Iraq, officials say electric power has been cut in much of the north after two explosions hit the country's energy equipment. One explosion damaged a natural gas pipe that serves power stations in northern Iraq. And, a bomb damaged a power station in the northern city of Mosul on Sunday. The bombings came as United States Defense Secretary Robert Gates completed a two-day visit to Iraq.

The American television station Cbs says two of its reporters have gone missing in the southern Iraqi city of Basra. A network statement said efforts are being made to find the reporters. Their names were not released. Reports from Basra say about eight gunmen kidnapped the reporters from the city's Sultan Palace Hotel. In New York, the group Committee to Protect Journalists says it is deeply concerned about the safety of the missing reporters. The group expressed hope that they are found quickly and are able to continue with their work.

The President of East Timor remains in critical condition following a murder attempt against him in Dili, the capital. Jose Ramos-Horta is in a hospital in Australia. Doctors operated on him for wounds to his stomach. Rebels shot Mr. Ramos-Horta in his home early Monday morning. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says he will send more troops and police to East Timor to protect its government. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the murder attempt. He also urged people in East Timor to remain calm. The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the attempted murder of President Ramos-Horta and has wished him a quick recovery. It released a statement following a special meeting about the situation in East Timor. The Security Council statement also condemned a separate attack on a vehicle carrying Prime Minister Xunana Gusmao. And, it called for those responsible to be punished. The Council also called for calm and expressed continuing support for international peacekeepers deployed in East Timor. Earlier, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attacks. President Bush did the same and said they will not stop democracy in the newly independent country. Mr. Bush and Mr. Ban are expected to discuss the situation in East Timor when they meet Friday in Washington.

The United States has criticized a plan by Burma's military leaders to hold a vote in May about a new constitution. A Bush administration spokesperson said Burma's leaders have been writing the document in closed meetings. She said opposition leaders and minority ethnic groups have not been included. The State Department said the continuing arrests of peaceful political activists have created a climate of fear in Burma that would make a true vote impossible. The Bush administration also urged Burma's leaders to honor a United Nations Security Council resolution approved in answer to its supression of demonstrations. The resolution called for the government to open talks with its opponents, including detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The United Nations is calling for international action to fight climate change. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke at the opening of a two-day General Assembly meeting. He said the issue is extremely important and called for all countries to join forces. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg also spoke to the meeting. He said working against climate change is as important as stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and terrorism. Delegates from nearly every country in the world are taking part in the meeting to discuss an agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. That document requires industrial countries to reduce the release of harmful gases by two thousand twelve. The United States is the only major industrial country that has not yet approved the Kyoto Protocol.

And now briefly, here again is the major news of the hour read in VOA Special English.

The United States government has announced murder and war crimes charges against six suspects in the terrorist attacks of September eleventh, two thousand one. The United States has arrested four people on charges of spying for China. And, two bomb attacks have killed at least nineteen people and wounded about forty others in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.