Mike: Are you going to come to the New Year's Eve party?

Amanda: I'd like to, but my parents say I can't. They say it's not safe for me to stay out that late by myself, and they're afraid some kids may be drinking at the party.

Mike: You won't be "by yourself!" You'll be with me and a bunch of others. We might stay out all night long, but we won't drink. . .or at least not too much.

Amanda: Tell that to my parents. They'll never give in. So I'll probably be going to bed soon after the New Year starts instead of celebrating all night. And I'll be toasting the New Year with ginger ale and not with wine or champagne.

Mike: That's no fun! Your parents are too strict! What are you going to do for the rest of the evening, besides drinking ginger ale?

Amanda: Probably playing board games and watching the countdown on TV. This is the first year my little sister is even allowed to stay up till midnight, and she's ten already.

Mike: Wow, my parents can be strict sometimes too, but it's nothing compared to yours. Well, I hope you at least get to see some fireworks out the window.

 

VOCABULARY      词汇积累

 

1. bunch  (n.)   群；堆
Henry hastily put a bunch of things into his suitcase and rushed to get to the airport.

2. champagne  (n.)   香槟
Champagne is the drink most often used for celebrations.

3. strict  (adj.)   严格的；严厉的
The strict teacher demanded complete silence in the classroom at all times.

4. board game   棋盘游戏
Because it was raining outside, the children amused themselves with board games like checkers and Monopoly.

5. fireworks  (n.)   烟火秀
It was strange to see fireworks out the window when it wasn't a holiday.

6. all night long   一整夜；通宵
A: I'm starving; there's no food in the house, and it's past midnight.
B: There are plenty of convenience stores open all night long.

7. to give in   让步
A: That argument has been going on for such a long time.
B: Yes, neither person wants to give in to the other.

8. to toast (the New Year, some other holiday, event, or person)   举杯庆祝…
A: Everyone has their glasses ready.
B: Then let's toast the upcoming graduations.