English by BBC Bells and whistles The script for this programme Feifei: Hi Finn. Im so happy. I finally bought that laptop I was so keen on. Finn: Thats great, Feifei. It took you a long time to decide on the brand, the model... and even the colour, didnt it? Feifei: Yes, I know. But there are so many options on the market... Every computer has its good and bad points, but I followed your advice! Finn: My advice? Feifei: Yes, your very good advice! Let me take the laptop out of the bag and show you... Finn: Bells?! Feifei: Yes, bells! Arent they lovely? Finn: And what on earth are those? Feifei: Those are whistles! Feifei: And this one, too. Finn: Feifei, the laptop is a good one. This is the latest model of a very good brand... Feifei: Yes, it is! And you told me to buy one with all the bells and whistles! Finn: Yes, but when I said that, I didnt mean actual bells and whistles. In English, when you say bells and whistles, you mean something extra, like all the add-ons and gadgets. Feifei: No whistles? And no bells? Finn: Im afraid not. Bells and whistles is todays expression in The English We Speak. Lets hear some examples of how its used. My neighbour is very jealous of me. Ive just bought a car with all the bells and whistles! Its even got a mug holder for my coffee by the dashboard! I dont need a mobile phone with the latest bells and whistles. They add to the cost and all I do is answer calls and send text messages. Feifei: Well, even if you didnt mean actual bells and whistles, Finn, you gave me good advice. Finn: Oh? How come? Feifei: When I left the shop, with my brand new laptop, a mugger tried to steal it from me. Finn: Oh, thats terrible, Feifei! Feifei: Yes, I know. But I managed to unzip my bag, shook the laptop and blew the whistle. A policeman who was nearby heard the noise; he rushed over and arrested the mugger! Finn: Oh, thats brilliant! Well, maybe I should attach some bells and whistles to my laptop, too. Feifei: Yes. A computer with all the bells and whistles is great, I say! Finn: OK. Bye. Feifei: Bye. bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/theenglishwespeak/2014/07/140708_tews_183_bells_and_whistles.shtml
Posted on: Wed, 09 Jul 2014 11:15:55 +0000
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