New Kid on the Block (2)

The second week of the semester, the school had a "back to school" night. Parents meet the teachers and learn about their child's schedule, requirements and grading. The biggest difference between elementary and middle school is that the students change classrooms for each subject. Do you think that's complicated? Wrong! From Monday to Friday, the schedule also changes. Math can be the first class on Monday and then the second one on Tuesday. I'm still confused but the kids have no problem after the first week.

Students attend seven classes each day. Every student has different classes from the others depending on their electives. Some study Spanish, some learn French. Classes end at 2:40, and the school bus takes the students home. So far, Irene has missed the school bus twice and gone to the wrong class once. But I think she likes her new school. This new kid on the block is finding her way despite the language barrier. We can only stand beside her, support her and look forward to a great school year!

Info Cloud
Hey, Steve. Don’t you think it’s incredible that the education system in America still doesn't require middle school and high school students to study a foreign language.

Well, it is a shame, Ken, because when you study a second language, you benefit yourself in so many ways. Some ways you might be aware of, and some maybe not. Here are a few.

First, studying a foreign language increases your global understanding. It shows you that there are different ways of thinking. You get a different perspective of life.

So it forces you to look out beyond yourself. But a foreign language also compels you to look inward, too.

Right. Studies show that knowing a foreign language increases your understanding of your own culture – and that includes your native language.

Thirdly, knowing a foreign language increases your chances of getting into a better school, going abroad to study and then later, getting a better job.

Next, remember that foreign languages help you to appreciate foreign books, movies and music.

And finally, perhaps the best reason to study a foreign language – it helps you to make new, lifelong friends like everyone here at Studio Classroom, your friend for life.

compel v. 強迫, 使不得不
[kəmˋpɛl]
to force (someone) to do something
- The law will compel employers to provide health insurance.

inward adj.
/ˈɪnwɚd/
 of or relating to a person's mind or spirit

Grammar Gym
to find one’s way: to figure out how to move from one place to another place

Hi there, friends.
Thanks for joining me here at the Grammar Gym.
My name is Liz.

In today’s article we read:
This new kid on the block is finding her way despite the language barrier.
That’s our Grammar Tip sentence.
And today we’re looking at the phrase: to find one’s way.
Normally “to find one’s way” means to figure out how to move from one place to another place.
But in today’s sentence, the phrase means figuring things out.
In other words, this new kid on the block is figuring things out despite the language barrier.

OK. Let’s have a look at some example sentences.
Jason would not have found his way in the corporate world if he hadn't followed his father’s advice.
Or: With good common sense and a positive working attitude, Janet is finding her way in her new job.

Want more example sentences?
Then check out today’s Grammar Tip section in your magazine.
And that’s it for today.
This is Liz from the Grammar Gym.
See you next time.

Language Lab
complicated adj. 複雜的
hard to understand, explain, or deal with
complicate v. 使複雜
to make (something) more difficult or less simple
- The application procedure is too complicated for me.
complicated 混亂的, 麻煩的
consisting of many closely connected parts [= complicated; ≠ simple]
- The situation in the Middle East is complicated.
中東的情勢很混亂的

confused adj. 感到困惑的, 不清楚的
unable to understand or think clearly
confuse 使迷惑
to make (someone) uncertain or unable to understand something
- The new computer system made me so confused.
confused about 對哪些事感到疑惑
- I am confused about how to get to the train station.

elective n. 選修課程 [elect v. 選出 to select (someone) for a position, job, etc., by voting ]
a class that is not required in a particular course of study
- I chose marketing as one of my electives.
elective adj. 選出來的
an elective position or organization is one for which there is an election:
- Wilma holds an appointed position while Donna holds an elective office.
Wilma的職位是被指派的, Donna的職位是被選上的

despite preposition 儘管,雖然
used to say that something happens or is true even though something else might have prevented it
- Susan finished her doctoral degree despite her illness.
儘管生病, Susan 還是完成她的博士學位
- Despite the objections of their parents, Ricky and Chloe still got married.
雖然有父母的反對, Ricky 和 Chloe 還是結婚了

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