After foot ball season, "March Madness" begins. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament begins with 68 men's college basketball teams. They play until the field is reduced to the "Final Four."
The winning team becomes the national champion. The NBA (National Basketball Association) All-Star Game is also held in February. The best players from all the teams play in this game. Baseball is no doubt American's national sport. From grandpas to young kids, whole families go to ball games together.
They wear their favorite team's caps or even carry their mascot. Our family went to watch Wang Chien-Ming play in D.C. once. We ate hot dogs, waved flags and sang during the 7th inning stretch. If you're not a sports fan yet, come and pick a sport or a team. Go to a ball game with your family, and cheer your team on. Sports are definitely a part of American culture one should not miss.
Editor's Summary
And in March, we see that March Madness begins, basketball.
March Madness means everyone is watching college basketball.
And this is after watching the All-Star basketball game, played by professionals.
And you can't forget baseball.
It's called America's national sport by many.
Pauline and her family went to a game once to see Wang Chien-Ming play.
It was a family experience.
Sports are popular in the states, and Pauline's descriptions are very very accurate.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Superstitious Athletes
有許多的職業運動員都非常的迷信,
例如, never step on the foul line 因為會帶來 bad luck
Grammar Gym
from grandpas to young kids
- From grandpas to young kids, whole families go to ball games together.
From [type 1] to [type 2]
- From large English sheepdogs to tiny Chihuahuas, all kinds of dogs could be seen at the dog show.
- From thick slices of roast beef to delicate little pastries, our choices at the buffet were amazing.
Language Lab
athletic adj.
relating to athletics
- The intense training really strengthened the trainees' athletic ability.
physically strong and good at sport
- Larry looks very athletic even though he's over 60.
athlete n.
someone who competes in sports competitions, especially running, jumping, and throwing
- Charles is a natural athlete.
no doubt
without doubt or with very little doubt — used when you are making a statement that you think is certainly or almost certainly true
- Claire is no doubt the most popular girl in our high school.
- There's no doubt about Nick's ability to manage the company.
mascot n.
/ˈmæˌskɑ:t/
a person, animal, or object used as a symbol to represent a group (such as a sports team) and to bring good luck
- Our school's mascot is a brown bear.
- The "friendlies" were the mascots of the 2008 Olympic Games.
definitely adv.
without doubt : in a way that is certain or clear
- Sharing the office with another company will definitely lower our costs.
definite adj.
said or done in a such way that others know exactly what you mean
- Can you give me a definite date for your payment?
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140225baa14d1f014cfee3ddb943e45d1b93142a54b3de5fa55d60f81dd2df397001f2440.wma
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Monday, February 24, 2014
Super Sports, Super Fan! (1)
So many sports to choose from
On "Super Bowl Sunday," millions of Americans are glued to their TVs. They are eating pizza, chicken wings and chips and cheering every move. They're watching the Super Bowl, the most popular American football game of the year.
Why are Americans so crazy about American football? Well, it is more exciting than other sports. One team can lose possession of the ball in a minute, which may allow their opponents to make a touchdown. Then that team may win the game unexpectedly!
The Super Bowl also entertains its audience with a great halftime show. The football field is turned into a stage. Then an impressive performance of dancing and singing with special effects occurs.
Since the Super Bowl is the most-watched TV program in America, commercial airtime is also very expensive. Big money is also spent on the commercials. They draw the viewers' attention and advertise their image or products during the commercial break.
Editor's Summary
It's February, and we see that Pauline wrote about America's favorite pastime, sports.
Her description of Super Bowl Sunday is very accurate.
People glued to their TVs, eating snacks and watching the Super Bowl, the World Series of football.
The two best teams are playing for the top honor.
The Super Bowl also provides great entertainment, with stars performing at halftime.
And the commercials are some of the best and funniest on TV.
Grammar Gym
glued: not willing to be apart from
- On "Super Bowl Sunday," millions of Americans are glued to their TVs.
- Betty is glued to her phone: She is always chatting with her friends.
- My dog is glued to its new toy. He is always carrying it around.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Football Widows
美國的美式足球開打時, 大部份的男生都會專注於比賽,
今天課文用 glued to the TV 黏在電視機前來形容美國人對美式足球的瘋狂,
當所有的男人都只花時間在他們支持的隊伍加油時,
他們的另一伴就像失去老公一樣, 像是足球寡婦
每年的八月到隔年的二月超級盃打完為止,
每個週末, 女生都會受到先先的冷若
好再現在有很多資源可以幫助很多夫婦渡過足球季
Language Lab
possession n.
the condition of having or owning something
- The bank is now entitled to possession of the house since the owner has failed to pay the mortgage.
[count] : something that is owned or possessed by someone
- Victor lost all his possessions during the earthquake.
touchdown n.
an act of moving the ball across the opposing team's goal line in American football
- When our school football team made a touchdown, everyone cheered.
the moment at which a plane or spacecraft lands
- The pilot made a perfect touchdown despite poor weather conditions.
entertain v.
to amuse or interest people in a way that gives them pleasure
- The parents of the birthday boy hired a clown to entertain the kids at the birthday party.
entertainment n.
things such as films, television, performances etc that are intended to amuse or interest people
- The cruise ship offers great family entertainment.
impressive adj.
something that is impressive makes you admire it because it is very good, large, important etc
- His impressive performance at the audition won him the role.
impress v.
to make someone feel admiration and respect:
- Brenda's speech at the awards ceremony impressed everyone present.
halftime vs. intermission
a short break between the parts of a performance (such as a play, movie, or concert)
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140224baae839f608ac242565680464be6a7e4843eeb4ddc9ba94cdb1f3b38bc8701b5c8c.wma
On "Super Bowl Sunday," millions of Americans are glued to their TVs. They are eating pizza, chicken wings and chips and cheering every move. They're watching the Super Bowl, the most popular American football game of the year.
Why are Americans so crazy about American football? Well, it is more exciting than other sports. One team can lose possession of the ball in a minute, which may allow their opponents to make a touchdown. Then that team may win the game unexpectedly!
The Super Bowl also entertains its audience with a great halftime show. The football field is turned into a stage. Then an impressive performance of dancing and singing with special effects occurs.
Since the Super Bowl is the most-watched TV program in America, commercial airtime is also very expensive. Big money is also spent on the commercials. They draw the viewers' attention and advertise their image or products during the commercial break.
Editor's Summary
It's February, and we see that Pauline wrote about America's favorite pastime, sports.
Her description of Super Bowl Sunday is very accurate.
People glued to their TVs, eating snacks and watching the Super Bowl, the World Series of football.
The two best teams are playing for the top honor.
The Super Bowl also provides great entertainment, with stars performing at halftime.
And the commercials are some of the best and funniest on TV.
Grammar Gym
glued: not willing to be apart from
- On "Super Bowl Sunday," millions of Americans are glued to their TVs.
- Betty is glued to her phone: She is always chatting with her friends.
- My dog is glued to its new toy. He is always carrying it around.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Football Widows
美國的美式足球開打時, 大部份的男生都會專注於比賽,
今天課文用 glued to the TV 黏在電視機前來形容美國人對美式足球的瘋狂,
當所有的男人都只花時間在他們支持的隊伍加油時,
他們的另一伴就像失去老公一樣, 像是足球寡婦
每年的八月到隔年的二月超級盃打完為止,
每個週末, 女生都會受到先先的冷若
好再現在有很多資源可以幫助很多夫婦渡過足球季
Language Lab
possession n.
the condition of having or owning something
- The bank is now entitled to possession of the house since the owner has failed to pay the mortgage.
[count] : something that is owned or possessed by someone
- Victor lost all his possessions during the earthquake.
touchdown n.
an act of moving the ball across the opposing team's goal line in American football
- When our school football team made a touchdown, everyone cheered.
the moment at which a plane or spacecraft lands
- The pilot made a perfect touchdown despite poor weather conditions.
entertain v.
to amuse or interest people in a way that gives them pleasure
- The parents of the birthday boy hired a clown to entertain the kids at the birthday party.
entertainment n.
things such as films, television, performances etc that are intended to amuse or interest people
- The cruise ship offers great family entertainment.
impressive adj.
something that is impressive makes you admire it because it is very good, large, important etc
- His impressive performance at the audition won him the role.
impress v.
to make someone feel admiration and respect:
- Brenda's speech at the awards ceremony impressed everyone present.
halftime vs. intermission
a short break between the parts of a performance (such as a play, movie, or concert)
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140224baae839f608ac242565680464be6a7e4843eeb4ddc9ba94cdb1f3b38bc8701b5c8c.wma
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Depression Part 2: Fighting the Darkness (2)
Treatments
The most common treatments for depression are therapy and medicine.
When I decided I needed professional help for my depression, therapy was my first choice. I met regularly with a counselor to discuss my depression. The kind of therapy I did focused mostly on thought patterns and actions. My counselor helped me see life more positively and realistically. She urged me to eat right, exercise and sleep enough.
Other types of therapy focus on past trauma or on relationships. A counselor may discuss troubling emotions, what triggers them and how to handle them productively.
Therapy is often effective for treating mild or moderate depression, but more extreme cases require medication. Drugs called antidepressants treat depression by changing a person's brain chemistry. They can often help severe depression, especially when combined with therapy. If you think you need antidepressants, talk to your doctor. If you begin taking them, watch for side effects, and tell your doctor if any new problems emerge.
Fighting depression takes time and effort, but the darkness does pass. Understanding the causes of depression and discerning the right strategy to defeat it are important steps toward healing.
Editor's Summary
So, what can you do if you feel depressed more than you think you should?
There is therapy with a counselor, who should help you look at thought patterns and actions in your life.
Some therapist focus on relationships or trauma and how to handle them.
In addition, at times, medication, or a combination of therapy and medication, helps.
Understanding what depression is and discerning the strategy to cope with it are very important steps in the healing process.
Grammar Gym
[something] is effective for ..., but more extreme cases require [something else]
- Therapy is often effective for treating mild or moderate depression, but more extreme cases require medication.
- Taking supplements is effective for treating minor health problems, but more extreme cases require a trip to the doctor's office.
- A combination of vinegar and baking soda is effective for treating a slow drain, but more extreme cases require a strong cleaner or even a plumber.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Synonyms and Connotation
Synonym 同義字真的同義嗎？
medicine/drugs
extreme/severe
每個字都有自已的connotation 含義,
一個字都有他的背景, 歷史, 上下文情感上的反應,
flabby 不結實/ chubby 胖嘟嘟/ strong 強壯
Language Lab
counselor n.
someone whose job is to help and support people with problems
- After a year of meeting her counselor on a weekly basis, Martha is now a healthy, happy girl.
- David and Tina decided to see a marriage counselor to mend their relationship.
mend [= fix]
productively adv.
resulting in: productive of good results
- Theo spends too much time playing online games. He should use his time more productively.
productive adj.
producing or achieving a lot
medication n.
medicine or drugs given to people who are ill
- Sara is taking medication for high blood pressure.
- Gina's on medication because of her heart condition.
discern v.
/dɪˈsɚn/
to notice or understand something by thinking about it carefully
- Scientists are trying to discern the cause of this phenomenon.
- You can easily discern the coldness in her attitude.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140222baa1aefdc86a5940735d1034df02d099127d4cf75e4cb209cd09b572cea41cee927.wma
The most common treatments for depression are therapy and medicine.
When I decided I needed professional help for my depression, therapy was my first choice. I met regularly with a counselor to discuss my depression. The kind of therapy I did focused mostly on thought patterns and actions. My counselor helped me see life more positively and realistically. She urged me to eat right, exercise and sleep enough.
Other types of therapy focus on past trauma or on relationships. A counselor may discuss troubling emotions, what triggers them and how to handle them productively.
Therapy is often effective for treating mild or moderate depression, but more extreme cases require medication. Drugs called antidepressants treat depression by changing a person's brain chemistry. They can often help severe depression, especially when combined with therapy. If you think you need antidepressants, talk to your doctor. If you begin taking them, watch for side effects, and tell your doctor if any new problems emerge.
Fighting depression takes time and effort, but the darkness does pass. Understanding the causes of depression and discerning the right strategy to defeat it are important steps toward healing.
Editor's Summary
So, what can you do if you feel depressed more than you think you should?
There is therapy with a counselor, who should help you look at thought patterns and actions in your life.
Some therapist focus on relationships or trauma and how to handle them.
In addition, at times, medication, or a combination of therapy and medication, helps.
Understanding what depression is and discerning the strategy to cope with it are very important steps in the healing process.
Grammar Gym
[something] is effective for ..., but more extreme cases require [something else]
- Therapy is often effective for treating mild or moderate depression, but more extreme cases require medication.
- Taking supplements is effective for treating minor health problems, but more extreme cases require a trip to the doctor's office.
- A combination of vinegar and baking soda is effective for treating a slow drain, but more extreme cases require a strong cleaner or even a plumber.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Synonyms and Connotation
Synonym 同義字真的同義嗎？
medicine/drugs
extreme/severe
每個字都有自已的connotation 含義,
一個字都有他的背景, 歷史, 上下文情感上的反應,
flabby 不結實/ chubby 胖嘟嘟/ strong 強壯
Language Lab
counselor n.
someone whose job is to help and support people with problems
- After a year of meeting her counselor on a weekly basis, Martha is now a healthy, happy girl.
- David and Tina decided to see a marriage counselor to mend their relationship.
mend [= fix]
productively adv.
resulting in: productive of good results
- Theo spends too much time playing online games. He should use his time more productively.
productive adj.
producing or achieving a lot
medication n.
medicine or drugs given to people who are ill
- Sara is taking medication for high blood pressure.
- Gina's on medication because of her heart condition.
discern v.
/dɪˈsɚn/
to notice or understand something by thinking about it carefully
- Scientists are trying to discern the cause of this phenomenon.
- You can easily discern the coldness in her attitude.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140222baa1aefdc86a5940735d1034df02d099127d4cf75e4cb209cd09b572cea41cee927.wma
Depression Part 2: Fighting the Darkness (1)
Where does depression come from, and how is it conquered?
Depression affects people all over the world, replacing happiness with despair and emptiness. But there is hope! Understanding this disease's causes and treatments can put people on the road to healing.
Why me?
I struggled with depression for many years without knowing what triggered it. It was terrifying to be so miserable for no apparent reason. Many elements can contribute to depression, and several of them affected me.
Here are just a few:
Depression affects people all over the world, replacing happiness with despair and emptiness. But there is hope! Understanding this disease's causes and treatments can put people on the road to healing.
Why me?
I struggled with depression for many years without knowing what triggered it. It was terrifying to be so miserable for no apparent reason. Many elements can contribute to depression, and several of them affected me.
Here are just a few:
- Physical problems: Some illnesses and problems with hormones can cause depression.
Language Lab
despair n.
a feeling that you have no hope at all
- The people in this refugee camp live in despair and poverty.
這些難民營中的人們活在絕忘與貧困當中
- In despair, he stopped calling for help because he realized no one could hear him.
因為他發現沒有人會聽到他的聲音, 在絕忘中他停止了呼救
despair v.
to feel that there is no hope at all
- Even though Max got rejected many times at auditions, he never despaired.
雖然Max試鏡被拒絕很多次, 但他從來不絕忘
trigger v.
to make something happen very quickly, especially a series of events
- The quarrel between the couple triggered a serious conflict between their two families.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
A Love Story (3)
Luke ran toward the wallet, but Andrew got to it first. Andrew picked it up and started taking out some cash. Luke's heart stood still.
Luke gulped and said, "That's Emma's. Give it back."
Andrew said, "It's mine now."
"Give it back!" Luke repeated.
"And what are you going to do about it?" Andrew asked.
He shoved Luke and raised his fist.
Just then, Emma returned and exclaimed, "What are you doing?"
"None of your business!" Andrew snapped.
"Well, my wallet is my business. Please give it back." Emma said.
Andrew noticed a group of Emma's friends watching nearby, so he did.
Then Emma added, "By the way, I'm not impressed by your bad attitude."
Andrew looked furious but then seemed to have a change of heart.
He gave a weak smile, turned, and walked away.
Emma had seen Luke confront Andrew, and she thanked him from the bottom of her heart.
Luke took heart and asked "Do you want to see a movie tonight?"
Emma's smile seemed to fill the school, and she said, "I'd love to."
Editor's Summary
Andrew beat Luke to Emma's fallen wallet and began to take some money out.
So Luke gulped and told Andrew to give it back to her.
Andrew was getting ready to hit Luke when Emma appeared and asked Andrew what he thought he was doing.
She also told him to give her back her wallet.
And because a group of her friends were watching, there was nothing he could do but give it back and walk away.
Luke took heart when Emma thanked him because she had seen everything.
And then he asked her out.
Her reply? "I'd love to."
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Going Out On a Date Is Not Dating Someone
ask some out on a date 一個男生約一個心儀的對象去約會
但這不是表白, 不是指要不要當男女朋友,
那是更深入認識對方才會做的事,
當男女決定要交往才會go steady=固定的男女朋友,
固定交往也可以用see, date
但要用進行式,
Are you seeing anyone? No, I'm not dating anyone.
Language Lab
gulp v.
1 to swallow because of strong emotion (such as fear or shock) [no obj]
- Tommy gulped in fear when he saw the fire scene.
2 to eat or swallow (something) quickly or in large amounts
- Frank gulped down a whole glass of iced tea when he got home.
shove v.
to push (something) with force
- After a lot of pulling and shoving, we finally got the sofa into the apartment.
- Henry shoved his brother out of the way as he sprinted out of the house.
furious adj.
very angry
- Daniel was furious when he found out his son had cheated in school.
furious at/about
- Cindy was furious at the accusation attacking her character.
confront v.
to deal with (something, such as a problem or danger)
- The two candidates confronted one another regarding their economic policies.
- Becky decided to confront her stage fright and start practicing speaking in public.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140215baadef95a7923a098c5dcd6195c23155962e9dae65ac6b8cc351d0a244f2605d8f7.wma
Luke gulped and said, "That's Emma's. Give it back."
Andrew said, "It's mine now."
"Give it back!" Luke repeated.
"And what are you going to do about it?" Andrew asked.
He shoved Luke and raised his fist.
Just then, Emma returned and exclaimed, "What are you doing?"
"None of your business!" Andrew snapped.
"Well, my wallet is my business. Please give it back." Emma said.
Andrew noticed a group of Emma's friends watching nearby, so he did.
Then Emma added, "By the way, I'm not impressed by your bad attitude."
Andrew looked furious but then seemed to have a change of heart.
He gave a weak smile, turned, and walked away.
Emma had seen Luke confront Andrew, and she thanked him from the bottom of her heart.
Luke took heart and asked "Do you want to see a movie tonight?"
Emma's smile seemed to fill the school, and she said, "I'd love to."
Editor's Summary
Andrew beat Luke to Emma's fallen wallet and began to take some money out.
So Luke gulped and told Andrew to give it back to her.
Andrew was getting ready to hit Luke when Emma appeared and asked Andrew what he thought he was doing.
She also told him to give her back her wallet.
And because a group of her friends were watching, there was nothing he could do but give it back and walk away.
Luke took heart when Emma thanked him because she had seen everything.
And then he asked her out.
Her reply? "I'd love to."
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Going Out On a Date Is Not Dating Someone
ask some out on a date 一個男生約一個心儀的對象去約會
但這不是表白, 不是指要不要當男女朋友,
那是更深入認識對方才會做的事,
當男女決定要交往才會go steady=固定的男女朋友,
固定交往也可以用see, date
但要用進行式,
Are you seeing anyone? No, I'm not dating anyone.
Language Lab
gulp v.
1 to swallow because of strong emotion (such as fear or shock) [no obj]
- Tommy gulped in fear when he saw the fire scene.
2 to eat or swallow (something) quickly or in large amounts
- Frank gulped down a whole glass of iced tea when he got home.
shove v.
to push (something) with force
- After a lot of pulling and shoving, we finally got the sofa into the apartment.
- Henry shoved his brother out of the way as he sprinted out of the house.
furious adj.
very angry
- Daniel was furious when he found out his son had cheated in school.
furious at/about
- Cindy was furious at the accusation attacking her character.
confront v.
to deal with (something, such as a problem or danger)
- The two candidates confronted one another regarding their economic policies.
- Becky decided to confront her stage fright and start practicing speaking in public.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140215baadef95a7923a098c5dcd6195c23155962e9dae65ac6b8cc351d0a244f2605d8f7.wma
Friday, February 14, 2014
A Love Story (2)
"Luke, are you OK?" asked Luke's older brother, Henry.
Gazing out the window, Luke answered, "Yeah, I'm just thinking about a girl."
Henry laughed softly, "Ah, puppy love."
Luke glared at his brother. They had a love-hate relationship. Henry didn't always take Luke seriously, but Luke knew Henry's heart was in the right place.
Henry stopped laughing. "Well, why don't you ask out?"
"She wouldn't want to go out with me," Luke groaned.
"What makes you think that? Maybe you're not as cool as me, but, hey, who is?" Henry laughed.
"And doing nothing won't get you anywhere."
Luke gave a half-hearted nod. Asking Emma out was a frightening prospect, but it was worth a try.
He just hoped Andrew wouldn't try to stop him.
The next morning, Luke took a deep breath and set off across the school courtyard toward Emma.
It was time to win her heart.
But before Luke reached her, the bell rang, and Emma headed into the school.
As she hurried away, a wallet fell out her bag.
Editor's Summary
One day as Luke was gazing out the window and thinking about Emma, his brother Henry suggested that he just ask her out.
Luke felt that it was too frightening to think about, but he should try it.
So the very next morning, he headed toward Emma across the school courtyard.
Before he could get to her, the bell rang.
And as she turned to go inside, her wallet fell out of her bag.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Saved by the Bell
saved by the bell 在最後關頭得救
這句話來自拳擊手, 當比賽鈴聲響起, 這個回合就結束了,
這個冠用語可用在任何得救的情況, 但不十定要有個bell,
但有個鈴響會用的更傳神, 像今天課文的學校鐘響,
Luke 可逃過一節,先不用跟Emma講話的情況
Grammar Gym
Maybe you're not as cool as me, but, hey, who is?
hey:
what was just said might be unfortunate but there's nothing that the speaker can do to change the situation.
- We have to wait two hours at the check-in counter, but, hey, what can we do since we have a plane to catch?
- I know Tyler has some bad habits, but, hey, no one is perfect.
Language Lab
glare v. [intransitive] glare at
to look angrily at someone for a long time
- The boy glared at the school bully for a long time.
glare n.
- The student gave his teacher a hostile glare after she punished him for tardiness.
groan v.
to complain about something
- "My shoes hurt," Ellen groaned.
- Charlie groaned about how his boss treated him.
[intransitive] to make a long deep sound because you are in pain, upset, or disappointed, or because something is very enjoyable [= moan]
- The patient groaned in pain because he was badly wounded.
prospect n. [spect字根-看]
the possibility that something will happen
- The prospect of having non-stop meetings for three whole days really scares me.
- Irene is very excited at the prospect of working with her idol.
courtyard n.
an open space that is completely or partly surrounded by buildings
- The garden in our courtyard is my father's masterpiece.
- We went through an arch into a beautiful courtyard with a fountain.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140213baaed233c3f0e57054c1c72abe795d0aef76934b6ccda86814d04e27f20e726eda2.wma
Gazing out the window, Luke answered, "Yeah, I'm just thinking about a girl."
Henry laughed softly, "Ah, puppy love."
Luke glared at his brother. They had a love-hate relationship. Henry didn't always take Luke seriously, but Luke knew Henry's heart was in the right place.
Henry stopped laughing. "Well, why don't you ask out?"
"She wouldn't want to go out with me," Luke groaned.
"What makes you think that? Maybe you're not as cool as me, but, hey, who is?" Henry laughed.
"And doing nothing won't get you anywhere."
Luke gave a half-hearted nod. Asking Emma out was a frightening prospect, but it was worth a try.
He just hoped Andrew wouldn't try to stop him.
The next morning, Luke took a deep breath and set off across the school courtyard toward Emma.
It was time to win her heart.
But before Luke reached her, the bell rang, and Emma headed into the school.
As she hurried away, a wallet fell out her bag.
Editor's Summary
One day as Luke was gazing out the window and thinking about Emma, his brother Henry suggested that he just ask her out.
Luke felt that it was too frightening to think about, but he should try it.
So the very next morning, he headed toward Emma across the school courtyard.
Before he could get to her, the bell rang.
And as she turned to go inside, her wallet fell out of her bag.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Saved by the Bell
saved by the bell 在最後關頭得救
這句話來自拳擊手, 當比賽鈴聲響起, 這個回合就結束了,
這個冠用語可用在任何得救的情況, 但不十定要有個bell,
但有個鈴響會用的更傳神, 像今天課文的學校鐘響,
Luke 可逃過一節,先不用跟Emma講話的情況
Grammar Gym
Maybe you're not as cool as me, but, hey, who is?
hey:
what was just said might be unfortunate but there's nothing that the speaker can do to change the situation.
- We have to wait two hours at the check-in counter, but, hey, what can we do since we have a plane to catch?
- I know Tyler has some bad habits, but, hey, no one is perfect.
Language Lab
glare v. [intransitive] glare at
to look angrily at someone for a long time
- The boy glared at the school bully for a long time.
glare n.
- The student gave his teacher a hostile glare after she punished him for tardiness.
groan v.
to complain about something
- "My shoes hurt," Ellen groaned.
- Charlie groaned about how his boss treated him.
[intransitive] to make a long deep sound because you are in pain, upset, or disappointed, or because something is very enjoyable [= moan]
- The patient groaned in pain because he was badly wounded.
prospect n. [spect字根-看]
the possibility that something will happen
- The prospect of having non-stop meetings for three whole days really scares me.
- Irene is very excited at the prospect of working with her idol.
courtyard n.
an open space that is completely or partly surrounded by buildings
- The garden in our courtyard is my father's masterpiece.
- We went through an arch into a beautiful courtyard with a fountain.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140213baaed233c3f0e57054c1c72abe795d0aef76934b6ccda86814d04e27f20e726eda2.wma
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
A Love Story (1)
Love makes the world go round
Luke sprinted out of his classroom, worried that be'd be late for band practice. But in his haste, he bumped into a girl he had never seen before. Her books scattered everywhere. Embarrassed, Luke rushed to collect the fallen books. When he handed them to the girl, his heart skipped a beat. She was gorgeous. It was love at first sight. "Hi, I'm Emma," she said with a gentle smile. Luke shyly introduced himself, and with a wave, the girl walked off.
"Hey! What are you doing?" yelled Luke's classmate Andrew. There was no love lost between them. Andrew was tall and muscular, and he liked to bully Luke. Andrew towered over Luke, saying, "Stay away from the new girl. She'd never want a loser like you."
Luke didn't want to start a fight, so he mumbled something and rushed off to band practice. Luke saw Emma several times over the next few weeks. She was smart, friendly and had a heart of gold. His admiration for her grew, and soon he was head over heels in love.
Editor's Summary
Today, Luke bumps into Emma at school.
Really bumps into her and scatters her books everywhere.
As he is picking them up, he realizes that he has never met this gorgeous girl before.
And then, along comes Andrew, who is always giving Luke a hard time.
And he tells Luke that Emma would never like a loser like him.
Over the next few weeks, Luke saw Emma a few times.
And came to admire her a great deal because she was friendly and she had a heart of gold.
Grammar Gym
in one's haste: while one is hurrying
- But in his haste, he bumped into a girl he had never seen before.
- In her haste to finish breakfast and rush out the door, Diana accidentally spilled coffee on herself.
- In his haste to take the trash out, George locked himself out of his house.
haste n.
great speed in doing something, especially because you do not have enough time [= hurry]
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: What's a Loser?
loser 失敗者
比賽輸的時候, 也是要有風度,
所以要做一個 good loser/ good sport
輸不起的人 sore loser
沒有錢, 沒有工作, 沒有女朋友有可能會被取笑是 loser
中文意思是像阿宅, 這不是一個好聽的字眼
Language Lab
sprint v.
to run or go very fast for a short distance
- Hank sprinted to catch the bus.
- Alex sprinted to the door when the doorbell rang.
sprint n.
a race over a short distance at a very fast speed
- Hanna won the women's 100-meter sprint.
gorgeous adj.
very beautiful or attractive
- Teresa looks gorgeous in that beautiful dress.
- How can we stay inside when the weather is so gorgeous?
- This gorgeous living room was decorated by my mom.
muscular adj.
/ˈmʌskjəlɚ/
having large and strong muscles
- Jason wants to be more muscular, so he's been working out.
muscle n.
one of the pieces of flesh inside your body that you use in order to move, and that connect your bones together
- These exercises will strengthen your stomach muscles.
mumble v.
to say something too quietly or not clearly enough, so that other people cannot understand you
- The teacher asked Billy not to mumble, but to speak up.
- Richard was mumbling to himself as the boss was scolding him.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140213baaed233c3f0e57054c1c72abe795d0aef76934b6ccda86814d04e27f20e726eda2.wma
Luke sprinted out of his classroom, worried that be'd be late for band practice. But in his haste, he bumped into a girl he had never seen before. Her books scattered everywhere. Embarrassed, Luke rushed to collect the fallen books. When he handed them to the girl, his heart skipped a beat. She was gorgeous. It was love at first sight. "Hi, I'm Emma," she said with a gentle smile. Luke shyly introduced himself, and with a wave, the girl walked off.
"Hey! What are you doing?" yelled Luke's classmate Andrew. There was no love lost between them. Andrew was tall and muscular, and he liked to bully Luke. Andrew towered over Luke, saying, "Stay away from the new girl. She'd never want a loser like you."
Luke didn't want to start a fight, so he mumbled something and rushed off to band practice. Luke saw Emma several times over the next few weeks. She was smart, friendly and had a heart of gold. His admiration for her grew, and soon he was head over heels in love.
Editor's Summary
Today, Luke bumps into Emma at school.
Really bumps into her and scatters her books everywhere.
As he is picking them up, he realizes that he has never met this gorgeous girl before.
And then, along comes Andrew, who is always giving Luke a hard time.
And he tells Luke that Emma would never like a loser like him.
Over the next few weeks, Luke saw Emma a few times.
And came to admire her a great deal because she was friendly and she had a heart of gold.
Grammar Gym
in one's haste: while one is hurrying
- But in his haste, he bumped into a girl he had never seen before.
- In her haste to finish breakfast and rush out the door, Diana accidentally spilled coffee on herself.
- In his haste to take the trash out, George locked himself out of his house.
haste n.
great speed in doing something, especially because you do not have enough time [= hurry]
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: What's a Loser?
loser 失敗者
比賽輸的時候, 也是要有風度,
所以要做一個 good loser/ good sport
輸不起的人 sore loser
沒有錢, 沒有工作, 沒有女朋友有可能會被取笑是 loser
中文意思是像阿宅, 這不是一個好聽的字眼
Language Lab
sprint v.
to run or go very fast for a short distance
- Hank sprinted to catch the bus.
- Alex sprinted to the door when the doorbell rang.
sprint n.
a race over a short distance at a very fast speed
- Hanna won the women's 100-meter sprint.
gorgeous adj.
very beautiful or attractive
- Teresa looks gorgeous in that beautiful dress.
- How can we stay inside when the weather is so gorgeous?
- This gorgeous living room was decorated by my mom.
muscular adj.
/ˈmʌskjəlɚ/
having large and strong muscles
- Jason wants to be more muscular, so he's been working out.
muscle n.
one of the pieces of flesh inside your body that you use in order to move, and that connect your bones together
- These exercises will strengthen your stomach muscles.
mumble v.
to say something too quietly or not clearly enough, so that other people cannot understand you
- The teacher asked Billy not to mumble, but to speak up.
- Richard was mumbling to himself as the boss was scolding him.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140213baaed233c3f0e57054c1c72abe795d0aef76934b6ccda86814d04e27f20e726eda2.wma
Saturday, February 8, 2014
The 2014 Winter Olympics (2) (2014-02-08)
Join our guide for a tour of the 22nd Winter Games in Sochi, Russia
The train
All right, everyone, it's just a 30-minute ride from the coast to the mountains. When Sochi was chosen to host the Olympics, this train line was added to the city. Many of the buildings we visited on the coast were built for the games, too. The stadium we visited yesterday, the Iceberg Skating Palace, and many hotels here are new. Now let's enjoy the ride.
The mountains
Welcome to the Krasnaya Polyana Mountains! Ten of this year's 15 Olympic competitions are being held here, and many are starting today. Most are skiing events such as freestyle or ski jumping. Please don't be alarmed by the gunshots - the biathlon event mixes skiing with shooting. Sliding events like the bobsled races will also be held in the mountains.
That brings to an end today's Olymic tour. Enjoy your time at the Olympics, and don't forget to watch the Paralympic Games next month!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: How Olympic Cities Are Chosen
如果一個城巿想要成為Olympic主辦城巿(host city),
他必需先向國際奧委會申請, 並說服委員們這個城巿是理想舉辦奧運的地方,
要成為主辦奧運的城巿, 最主要的就是硬體的建設,
如果沒有足夠的設施, 就要建造新的設施,
例如今天課文提到的Sochi被選為主辦城巿後,
就興建了一條火車, 蓋了體育館, 還有海邊很多建築物,
除了硬體之外, 當地人的態度也相當重要,
奧委會還會在當地居民做調查,
看看當地人有沒有熱誠想成為主辦城巿
Grammar Gym
in the mountains
there are mountains all around
in the mountain
inside the mountain
- Gold was found inside that mountain.
on the mountains
- Somewhere on that mountain is a log book for mountain climbers to record their names when they've reached the top.
Language Lab
line n.
the path along which something moves or is directed
- The new shuttle bus line stops at the domestic airport.
- The commuter line is always packed during rush hour.
a company that owns or controls such a system
- The bus line has been making a profit ever since it changed its marketing manager.
palace n.
the official home of a king, queen, president, etc.
- The palace was built a hundred years ago, but it still looks splendid.
splendid adj.
/ˈsplɛndəd/
very impressive and beautiful
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and principal workplace of the British monarch.Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focus for the British people at times of national rejoicing.
- The courtyard at Buckingham Palace is famous for its beautiful garden.
competition n.
the people or groups that are competing against you, especially in business or in a sport
- The swimming competition attracted many viewers.
- Our team lost the competition.
contest n.
a competition or a situation in which two or more people or groups are competing with each other
- a beauty contest
bring to an end
- Hopefully the treaty can bring to an end the severe conflict between the two countries.
- Having agreed on the price, the negotiations were brought to an end.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140208baa2cdb7620e39520589cdd999ccc45faad6120a2407fb3010d0d1d9405300823ad.wma
The train
All right, everyone, it's just a 30-minute ride from the coast to the mountains. When Sochi was chosen to host the Olympics, this train line was added to the city. Many of the buildings we visited on the coast were built for the games, too. The stadium we visited yesterday, the Iceberg Skating Palace, and many hotels here are new. Now let's enjoy the ride.
The mountains
Welcome to the Krasnaya Polyana Mountains! Ten of this year's 15 Olympic competitions are being held here, and many are starting today. Most are skiing events such as freestyle or ski jumping. Please don't be alarmed by the gunshots - the biathlon event mixes skiing with shooting. Sliding events like the bobsled races will also be held in the mountains.
That brings to an end today's Olymic tour. Enjoy your time at the Olympics, and don't forget to watch the Paralympic Games next month!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: How Olympic Cities Are Chosen
如果一個城巿想要成為Olympic主辦城巿(host city),
他必需先向國際奧委會申請, 並說服委員們這個城巿是理想舉辦奧運的地方,
要成為主辦奧運的城巿, 最主要的就是硬體的建設,
如果沒有足夠的設施, 就要建造新的設施,
例如今天課文提到的Sochi被選為主辦城巿後,
就興建了一條火車, 蓋了體育館, 還有海邊很多建築物,
除了硬體之外, 當地人的態度也相當重要,
奧委會還會在當地居民做調查,
看看當地人有沒有熱誠想成為主辦城巿
Grammar Gym
in the mountains
there are mountains all around
in the mountain
inside the mountain
- Gold was found inside that mountain.
on the mountains
- Somewhere on that mountain is a log book for mountain climbers to record their names when they've reached the top.
Language Lab
line n.
the path along which something moves or is directed
- The new shuttle bus line stops at the domestic airport.
- The commuter line is always packed during rush hour.
a company that owns or controls such a system
- The bus line has been making a profit ever since it changed its marketing manager.
palace n.
the official home of a king, queen, president, etc.
- The palace was built a hundred years ago, but it still looks splendid.
splendid adj.
/ˈsplɛndəd/
very impressive and beautiful
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and principal workplace of the British monarch.Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focus for the British people at times of national rejoicing.
- The courtyard at Buckingham Palace is famous for its beautiful garden.
competition n.
the people or groups that are competing against you, especially in business or in a sport
- The swimming competition attracted many viewers.
- Our team lost the competition.
contest n.
a competition or a situation in which two or more people or groups are competing with each other
- a beauty contest
bring to an end
- Hopefully the treaty can bring to an end the severe conflict between the two countries.
- Having agreed on the price, the negotiations were brought to an end.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140208baa2cdb7620e39520589cdd999ccc45faad6120a2407fb3010d0d1d9405300823ad.wma
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