每日對話圍繞一家人在美國50個州的旅行見聞展開。請來跟隨他們一起體驗地方風情和歷史。這個對話系列適於中級或中級以上英語水平的學生使用。
今天一家人正在吃早餐：薄煎餅加佛蒙特(Vermont)楓糖漿。
Sam: These pancakes are amazing. I’m hooked on Vermont maple syrup.
Claudine: I still can’t believe what the waiter said. Vermont produces more than a milliongallons of maple syrup each year.
Sam: That’s syrup for a lot of pancakes.
Gina: After our walk yesterday to see some of Vermont’s covered bridges, it’s no wonderyou’re so hungry.
Paul: How far did we walk?
Gina: We took the same route as a half marathon that is held every year, so we walked over 13 miles.
Claudine: Those bridges were beautiful. I wish we could see more.
Gina: There are about 100 authentic covered bridges in this state, so we might see some more on our drive today.
讓我們複習一些詞語：A pancake ：薄煎餅。它是用麵粉、牛奶、雞蛋等經兩面烘烤做成，口感鬆軟。在美國，人們常用熱薄煎餅當早餐。
To be hooked ：被鉤住，意指被某事深深吸引住
Maple syrup ：楓糖漿，從楓樹上採集的甜蜜濃汁。美國人喜歡把它澆在薄煎餅和奶蛋烘餅（waffle）上。
To produce ：生產，出產
Gallons:加侖，美國通用的液體度量單位
A covered bridge :廊橋，即上有頂，兩旁有木欄結構的木橋。這種設計是為了保護橋不受風雪破壞。
「it’s no wonder」 ：難怪，類似於」it’s not surprising.」(毫不奇怪)
A half marathon ：半程馬拉松，在這裡指 21.1公裡賽跑，即全程馬拉松的二分之一；通常在公路上進行。
Authentic ：原真的，非複製的
Everyday conversations: Maple syrup and pancakes [audio]
This series of Everyday Conversations is about a family traveling to each of the 50 states in the U.S. Join the family members as they learn about local pastimes and history. These conversations are for intermediate-level English-language learners or higher.
The family eats a breakfast of pancakes with Vermont maple syrup.
Sam: These pancakes are amazing. I’m hooked on Vermont maple syrup.
Claudine: I still can’t believe what the waiter said. Vermont produces more than a milliongallons of maple syrup each year.
Sam: That’s syrup for a lot of pancakes.
Gina: After our walk yesterday to see some of Vermont’s covered bridges, it’s no wonderyou’re so hungry.
Paul: How far did we walk?
Gina: We took the same route as a half marathon that is held every year, so we walked over 13 miles.
Claudine: Those bridges were beautiful. I wish we could see more.
Gina: There are about 100 authentic covered bridges in this state, so we might see some more on our drive today.
Now let’s review the vocabulary.A pancake is a thin, flat, round cake that is made of flour, milk, eggs and other ingredients. It is cooked by frying it on both sides. In the U.S., pancakes are usually eaten hot for breakfast.
To be hooked means to be very interested in something and enthusiastic about it.
Maple syrup is a sweet, thick liquid made from the sap of maple trees. In the U.S., people often put maple syrup on pancakes and waffles.
To produce means to make or create something.
Gallons are a unit of measurement (of liquids) in the U.S.
A covered bridge is a wooden bridge with a roof and sides. The purpose of the covering (roof and sides) is to protect the wooden structure from the weather.
The phrase 「it’s no wonder」 means 「it’s not surprising.」
A half marathon is a running race of 21.1 kilometers. It is half the distance of a full marathon and is often run on roads.
Authentic means real, genuine, not a copy.
The American English website offers a variety of free resources for learners and teachers of English. The American English Facebook page posts learning materials for English-language learners daily. The American English for Educators Facebook page posts teaching materials for English-language teachers daily.