Computer Programming Skills in Demand

Learn to write code

Everywhere you look these days, it's clear: There's no shortage of people using smartphones and tablets. Of course don't need to know how to write the programs their devices use. In the opinion of nonprofit foundation Code. org however, it's probably time they consider learning. The group claims that a shortage of computer programmers could lead to 1 million programming jobs being left empty in the next decade. Not a good thing for a world that runs on technology.

In the long run, Code. org hopes to increase the number of high schools offering computer programming classes. They want computer programming to become part of the main curriculum. In the short run, students whose schools look such classes can choose from online courses.  A good starting place is Codeacademy.com, which offers free courses in programming languages such as Jave Script and Python.

Often, students assume that coding skills are only necessary for computer professionals. But, nearly all professions-from teaching to business-involve some work related to computer and the Internet. Resumes that list programming skills will stand out from ones that don't. So give that resume a boost, and learn to code today!


Grammar Gym
not a good thing: That is not a good thing.
- Not a good thing for a world that runs on technology.
- The only way to get to the restaurant is by walking up a stony path - not a good thing for female guests whose wearing high heels.
- The weather forecast says it will rain this weekend - not a good thing for anyone with out door plans.

Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Hyperbole

As readers, we need to develop good discernment skills, because sometimes writers will intentionally stretch the truth.

Today's article begins with the phrase "everywhere you look." The word "everywhere" should be a signal to you that our author is using hyperbole.

Now, also know as overstatement or exaggeration, hyperbole is a legitimate and useful language tool.

It evokes strong feelings and emphasizes what is being said, but it is not to be taken literally.

Right! "Everywhere we look?" No, our author deliberately exaggerates to express his surprise over the incredible popularity of smart phones and tablets.

Now, listen everyone, we must have said this "a million times already." Don't overuse exaggeration. Just like alliteration, which we highlighted last month, the more you exaggerate, the less effective it becomes as a stylistic device.

That's right. If you use it too much, people won't pay attention to you when you really do need to emphasize a point.

Here are a few other examples of hyperbole you might hear in everyday speech. Like, "I'm so hungry, I can eat a horse."

"My backpack weighs a ton."

And, "that joke was so funny, he laughed his head off." Hahahaha....

- I told you a million times.
- Everywhere you look these days, it's clear: There's no shortage of people using smartphones and tablets.
exaggerate v.exaggeration =overstatement n.
hyperbole 誇張法，最好適度使用，否則會如放羊的孩子


Language Lab
shortage n.
a situation in which there is not enough of something that people need
- There's an acute shortage of food and medical supplies in the war zone.
戰區內，食物和醫藥都嚴重的短缺
- The long and dry summer led to a serious shortage of water.
既長又乾旱的夏季導致嚴重的缺水問題

in the long run 
used when talking about what will happen at a later time or when something is finished:
- Investing in new products might cost money, but in the long run, it will keep the company in the lead.
in the short run
- Cutting prices might increase sales in the short run, but it doesn't bring in profit.
銷價在短期內或許可以增加銷售量，但是不會帶來利潤

curriculum n.
/kəˈrɪkjələm/
the courses that are taught by a school, college, etc.
- Our school's English curriculum is fun and interactive.
我們學校的英文課程既好玩又具互動性
- Susie is in charge of the curriculum develop of the department.
Susie負責這個科系的課程研發

boost n. v.提昇、加強
an increase in amount; help or encouragement
- The government hoped that cutting taxes would give a boost to the economic growth.
政府希望減稅可以提升經濟發展
to increase the force, power, or amount of (something)
- The company's stock price was boosted by its great financial report.
這家公司的股價因良好的財報表現而上漲


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