24. Obligation

1. You’re supposed to do your homework before 5:00.

2. I have to finish my homework first.

3. You must do it right now.

4. You ought to have your breakfast first.

5. You should do it first.

6. Are we required to work out the plan today?

7. Is there any need for us to get a visa?

8. I think it is necessary.

9. I don’t really think you want to.

10. I’m obliged to offer my resignation.

Dialogue 1

M1: Well, Peter, you have to do better than that next time, won’t you?

M2: Have I really got to do those exams again, Dad?

M1: Of course, you have. You must try harder this time.

M2: And must I go back to school?

M1: No, you needn’t do that. You’d better get a part-time job somewhere and go to evening classes.

M2: But Dad, I should be working full-time at my age. I’m nearly 17.

M1: You ought to have worked harder then you wouldn’t have failed your exams. You have to take a job and study.

M2: What else I’ve got to do? Join the army?

M1: Who knows! That might come to later.

Dialogue 2

W: Do I have to write the invitation cards?

M: No, you don’t have to. But I think you ought to.

W: Oh, well. If I must, I must.

Dialogue 3

W: You know, you really ought to get a new pair of jeans. Those are falling to pieces.

M: But this is how I like them, Mum. They’re just beginning to look right.

W: Well, you’d better get another pair for work at least or your sacking on the sport.

Dialogue 4

M: How’re you today?

W: Pretty good, thanks. And you?

M: What’s the main idea in this essay?

W: The United Nations should have more authority.

Dialogue 5

W: What’re you doing now?

M: I’m watching TV.

W: You’re supposed to clean your teeth before you go to bed.

M: I will.

W: And don’t ever forget it.

Dialogue 6

M: Betty, something is burning. Can you smell it?

W: You’re right.

M: Look! The iron is still on.

W: I should have turned it off. I’ll turn it off now.

M: Look at my nice blue shirt, there’s a big hole in it.

W: I’m sorry, Jim.

M: Never mind, dear.

I have some obligations today. I should copy these sentences, add this figures, but I don’t feel like it. Then my mother comes back. She complains she also has some obligations. She ought to tidy the room, dust the furniture, polish the floor and cook meal. My father is no exception either. He’s supposed to wash the car, repair the fence and post these letters. What a busy day!

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(兼職編輯：段保凈）