Reality TV (2)

Most of the bad stuff gets taken out.

Not really!
I heard someone from one of those shows interviewed.
He said they were told to show lots of "human conflict," and that included using lots of foul language.

Not all of the shows are like that.
Some of them are actually educational.

Really?

Sure.
One of the shows travels to a different location each week.
So you learn about geography and culture.

OK, maybe that one is worthwhile, but most of them are just a form of "gossip entertainment."

Not really.
They teach you about human nature.
In the Wendall Family, they work together to solve their problems.

People on those shows do seem to have a lot of problems, don't they?

So what?
Plenty of people have serious problems.
Reality TV just reflects the challenges people face in real life.

I'm not so sure.
It's still TV, after all, and they need to keep their ratings high by creating as much tension as possible.

So what are you saying?

I'm saying that I think much of what we see is exaggerated.

Whatever. The shows are still harmless fun and so entertaining!


Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: OK 
OK 的多樣面貌
全世界人們用最多的英文單字就是 OK
OK可以當動詞, 形容詞, 副詞, 感嘆詞
也可以有不同的拼法 O.K. okay


Grammar Gym
It's still TV, after all, and they need to keep their ratings high by creating as much tension as possible.
after all: remind people of a certain fact
- Tiffany might be very smart, but you can't let her go by herself. She is, after all, 13 years old.
- Of course Simon is the right person for this assignment! He is, after all, the most experienced worker we've every had.


Language Lab
foul adj. 言語粗俗的或下流的
foul language rude and offensive words:
- The little boy's foul language shocked all the people present.
foul adj. 惡劣的  
foul weather is stormy and windy, with a lot of rain or snow:
- The foul weather kept the kids from going to school.
in a foul mood/temper in a very bad temper and likely to get angry:
- The boss's foul mood affected everyone at the office.

human nature n. 人之常情; 人性
the qualities or ways of behaving that are natural and common to most people
- Being jealous of other people is just human nature.
- To be a good salesperson, you need to understand human nature.
- It's human nature to think of yourself first.

reflect v. 反射
if a person or a thing is reflected in a mirror, glass, or water, you can see an image of the person or thing on the surface of the mirror, glass, or water
- She saw herself reflected in the shop window.
reflect v.反應；顯示      
to show or be a sign of a particular situation or feeling:
- The statistics reflected a new trend of shopping online.

exaggerate v. 誇張；誇大
to make something seem better, larger, worse etc than it really is:
- Tina loves to exaggerate things to make people pay attention to her.
- The conflict between those two groups of protesters was greatly exaggerated by the media.


mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140731baa488c74e15318784da92c00bff493a1d7a46402bbb6008dd46d39d110ccd06e58.wma

Reality TV (1)

Reality TV 
Are reality TV programs good entertainment?
電視實境節目值得看嗎？ 電視實境節目算是好的消遣娛樂嗎？

(Kim and Ava meet for coffee.)

Hi, Ava!
Did you watch The Wendall Family last night?
They're really in the midst of a crisis!

Isn't that a new reality TV show, Kim?
Why are you wasting time watching stuff like that?

I'm not wasting time.
I'm amusing myself!
It's fun to watch real people in real situations and think about what I would do.

I don't need to wonder what I'd do.
I'd never get myself into half of those situations!
Sure there's tension and drama, but how is it entertaining to watch people behaving badly?

Not everyone behaves badly.
Some of the stories are very touching.
And I like to root for the show's underdog.

True.
Everyone likes a good story, but people on those shows can be really mean to each other.
It's humiliating.

Maybe, but the ones who are humiliated usually deserve it!
They choose to be on the shows.
And I love how ordinary people can become famous.
Millions watch them and talk about them to their friends and coworkers.

Popularity shouldn't be the only reason to put something on TV.
Would you want to become famous by doing bad or stupid things?


Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Binge Watching 狂看
binge n. /ˈbɪnʤ/狂熱
a short period of time when you do too much of something
binge watching 連續觀看多集電視影集


Grammar Gym
I'd never get myself into half of those situations!
to get oneself into = to allow oneself to be in a situation
- I can't believe you have all these problems. How did you get yourself into this mess?
- Walter wasn't careful with his money, and that's how he got himself into debt.


Language Lab
midst n.
in the midst of something
a) if you are in the midst of an event or situation, it is happening around you:
b) in the middle of a place or a group of things or people:
- Joy was in the midst of her marriage crisis when she got transferred.
- Oliver arrived home in the midst of a serious snow storm.

amuse n.
to make someone laugh or smile:
- Daddy used to tell us funny jokes to amuse us.
- William often plays with his dog to amuse himself.
amusement n.
the feeling you have when you think something is funny
- He stopped to watch the street performers in amusement.

humiliate v.
to make someone feel ashamed or stupid, especially when other people are present [= embarrass]
- The boy was beaten and humiliated by those bullies at school.
humiliating adj.
making you feel ashamed, embarrassed, and angry because you have been made to look weak or stupid [= embarrassing]
- The humiliating defeat badly hurt the morale of the team.

deserve v.
to have earned something by good or bad actions or behavior:
deserve a rest/break/holiday etc
- You should take a vacation after all the hard work you've done lately. You deserve it!
deserve all/everything you get (=deserve any bad things that happen to you)
- These robbers got what they deserved. They were put in jail.


mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140730baa3986a9ad62d69754a88744bdd28efac66aaf568101276882cf0cacb8e71055be.wma

You've Graduated - Now What? (2)

If new hires weren't used to checking in with professors, they'll need to learn how to do so with their new superiors. Instead of fearing feedback, these employees should seek out opportunities to meet with their managers to discuss projects. Getting frequent feedback is crucial for helping them do work that meets managers' expectations.

Move from solo to team performance
In college, the end-of-semester report card is used to measure an individual's success. But in the working world, individual accomplishment is based on several factors. Sooner or later, new hires will be "graded" on how well they work together with coworkers to achieve goals. If they spend their first months at work in the "report card" mentality, they'll miss out on opportunities to learn from their coworkers!

Avoid eating lunch alone
New hires should view getting to know their coworkers as a worthy investment. And sharing lunch with them is an obvious way to do just that! This gives incoming staff a way to connect with coworkers in a fun setting. And some of those coworkers might become mentors, helping newbies get their careers off to a good start.


Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Coworker vs. Colleague 
Coworker 與 Colleague的差別
coworker 比較常用在一般會話, 同一個組織或公司的員工, 沒有職位高低的區分, 美式英文也比較常用此字
colleague 用於正式的場合, 同行的專業人士, 英式英文常用


Grammar Gym
Instead of fearing feedback, these employees should seek out opportunities to meet with their managers to discuss projects.
Instead of [verb-ing]..., [subject] should ... to .... 
- Instead of complaining about your neighborhood, you should find ways to be a good neighbor to those living around you.
- Instead of blaming your coworkers for being difficult to work with, you should take time to think about how you can be more responsible with your own work.


Language Lab
crucial adj. 重要的, 關鍵性的
something that is crucial is extremely important, because everything else depends on it
- Developing new products is crucial for this enterprise right now.
- This crucial election can determine the future of the country.
- We need to discuss this thoroughly before making this crucial decision.

solo adj. 單獨, 獨唱, 獨奏的
done alone without anyone else helping you;
relating to a record or piece of music that is performed by a single musician, not a group:
- Rick completed his first solo flight today.
- The lead singer just released his solo album last week.
solo n.
a piece of music for one performer
- Francis is singing the solo in this song.

mentality n. 心理, 心態, 思維方式
/mɛnˈtæləti/
a particular attitude or way of thinking, especially one that you think is wrong or stupid:
- The "good student" mentality sometimes holds us back from taking risks.
- Alex spent years studying the criminal mentality.

mentor n. 良師, 人生導師
/ˈmɛnˌtoɚ/
an experienced person who advises and helps a less experienced person
- My uncle has always been my mentor. He's not only wise but also pushes me to accept challenges.


mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140729baa942f1abb2f503e92402205bd054218750052145e6a10cb21de49ef8d69375d23.wma

You've Graduated - Now What? (1)

You've Graduated - Now What?
Making the transition from college to a first job
畢業了 – 接下來呢？ 讓自己從大學順利轉換到職場的第一個工作

When new graduates enter the working world, they often need to make some radical changes. The strategies that helped them succeed in college often don't apply to a typical full-time office job. With the right mind-set, new graduates can prepare for a rewarding first-job experience. The following tips can help new graduates make the transition from academic life to office life.

Adjust to an office environment
To succeed in a typical office job, new graduates should work on their time management skills. The schedule that many companies follow can seem intimidating at first. Unlike college, where students often have breaks between classes, the typical office job requires sitting behind a desk nearly all day long. Staying alert and productive throughout an entire nine-to-five workday isn't easy at first. But once new hires adjust their sleeping schedules - and leave the all-nighters behind - the routine will become easier.

Learn how to receive feedback
In college, getting good grades doesn't always require that students check in with their professors. That can lead to the bad habit of newbies shielding their work from review until it's completed.


Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Two Pronunciations of Graduate 
Graduate 的兩種發音
graduate v. [intransitive] 畢業 /ˈgræʤəˌweɪt/
graduate from
- He will graduate from college next year.
graduate n. 畢業生 /ˈgræʤəwət/
someone who has completed a university degree, especially a first degree
graduate of
- He is a graduate of Harvard University.


Grammar Gym
The strategies that helped them succeed in college often don't apply to a typical full-time office job.
[subject] that [was good in a certain situation] don't apply to [another situation].
- The methods we used in our project last month don't apply to this assignment.
- The rules that full-time workers are expected to follow don't apply to part-time workers.


Language Lab
transition n. 轉換, 過渡, 變遷
when something changes from one form or state to another
- The transition from staying at home to working full-time is not easy for Natalie.
- Before we move into our new home, we're renting an apartment during the transition period.

radical adj. 重大的, 徹底的
a radical change or difference is very big and important:
- The company is undergoing some radical changes, so everyone needs to get adjusted to the new policies.
- Moving to the East Coast is a radical change for my whole family.
rad adj. US slang
very appealing or good [=awesome, cool]

intimidate v. 恐嚇, 威脅
to frighten or threaten someone into making them do what you want;
o make someone feel worried and not confident:
- The robbers tried to intimidate the bank manager into telling them the combination to the safe. intimidating adj. 嚇人的, 令人害怕的
making you feel worried and not confident:
- The coach might look intimidating on the outside, but he is actually very warm and caring.

shield v. 保護, 掩護
to protect someone or something from being harmed or damaged:
shield somebody/something from somebody/something
- The accountant suggested various ways for the boss to shield his money from market risk.
- We shield our proposal from our competitors.


mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140728baa90f8b5cbed3f52f44fb7a594e71a1404d9ee6141926ba2f5a022b9ddaa5602ed.wma

How to Write Clearly (3)

7. Be as brief as possible.
Whatever you write, shortening - condensing - almost always makes it tighter, straighter, easier to read and understand. Condensing, as Reader's Digest does it, is in large part artistry. But it involves techniques that anyone can learn and use.

• Present your points in logical ABC order:  Here again, your outline should save you work because, if you did it right, your points already stand in logical ABC order - A makes B understandable, B makes C understandable and so on. To write in a straight line is to say something clearly in the fewest possible words.
• Don't waste words telling people what they already know. Notice how we edited this: Before editing, the sentence was "Have you ever wondered how banks rate you as a credit risk? You know, of course; about your income, your job, and so on. But actually, many banks have a scoring system...." (after editing) "Have you ever wondered how banks rate you as a credit risk? Many banks have a scoring system...."
• Cut out excess evidence and unnecessary anecdotes: Usually, one fact or example (at most, two) will support a point. More just belabor it. And while writing about something may remind you of a good story, ask yourself: "Does it really help to tell the story, or does it slow me down?"
• Look for the most common word wasters: windy phrases.
  Windy phrases.............................Cut to...
  at the present time........................now
  in the event of..............................if
  in the majority of instances............usually
  
  Look for passive verbs you can make active: Invariably, this produces a shorter sentence. "The cherry tree was chopped down by George Washington." (Passive verb and nine words.) "George Washington chopped down the cherry tree." (Active verb and seven words.)
  
  Look for positive/negative sections from which you can cut the negative: Instead of "The answer does not rest with carelessness or incompetence. It lies largely in having enough people to do the job.
  " (after editing) "
  The answer is having enough people to do the job."

Finally, to write more clearly by saying it in fewer words: when you've finished, stop.

Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Editing and Proofreading 編輯與校對
寫完文章之後, 還有二個重要的工作: editing and proofread
edit 編輯(修改、潤飾)
proofread 校對 (proof 校對的樣本)


Grammar Gym
Don't waste words [by] telling people what they already know.
Don't [verb 1] [verb 2-ing]. 
- Don't lie to yourself thinking your problem will disappear magically.
- Don't be foolish buying things with money you don't have.


Language Lab
condense v. 使精簡, 濃縮篇幅, 變濃稠
to make something that is spoken or written shorter, by not giving as much detail or using fewer words to give the same information
- Jason condensed his report from 2,000 words to 1,500.
- The playwright condensed her script from 60 minutes down to 45 minutes.
condense v. 變濃稠
to make a liquid thicker by removing some of the water
condensed milk n.
a type of thick sweet milk sold in cans

artistry n. 藝術性, 藝術才華, 藝術造詣 [uncountable]
skill in a particular artistic activity:
- He played the cello with great technique and artistry.
- The actor won the award for his acting artistry.

invariably adv. 不變地, 總是, 始終如一地
if something invariably happens or is invariably true, it always happens or is true:
- Henry is invariably responsible for the most difficult tasks.
- The enemies are invariably seeking opportunities to attack.

incompetence n. 無能, 不能勝任
lack of the ability or skill to do a job properly
- The company fired Eric for his incompetence.
- The manager's incompetence caused a great deal of loss.


mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140726baac33d7653cb26925c1123acd50546173010c6f20a27df2edc56289179f6a44a79.wma

How to Write Clearly (2)

• Now, within each pile, do the same thing-arrange the points in logical, understandable order.

There you have your outline, needing only an introduction and conclusion.This is a practical way to outline. It's also flexible. You can add, delete or change the locations of points easily.

2. Start where your readers are.
How much do they know about the subject? Don't write to a level higher than your readers' knowledge of it.

But do remember that your prime purpose is to explain something, not to prove that you're smarter than your readers.

3. Avoid jargon.
Don't use words, expressions, phrases known only to people with specific knowledge or interests.
Example: A scientist, using scientific jargon, wrote, "The biota exhibited a one hundred percent mortality response." He could have written: "All the fish died."

4. Use familiar combinations of words.
A speech writer for President Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote, "We are endeavoring to construct a more inclusive society." F.D.R. changed it to, "We're going to make a country in which no one is left out."
CAUTION: By familiar combinations of words, I do not mean incorrect grammar. That can be unclear. Example: John's father says he can't go out Friday. (Who can't go out? John or his father)

5. Use "first-degree" words.
These words immediately bring an image to your mind. Other words must be "translated" through the first-degree word before you see the image. Those words are second/third-degree words.

First-degree words:
face, stay, book

Second/third-degree words:
visage, countenance, abide, remain, reside, volume, tome, publication

First-degree words are usually the most precise words, too.

6. Stick to the point.
Your outline - which was more work in the beginning - now saves you work. Now you can ask about any sentence you write: "Does it relate to a point in the outline? If it doesn't, should I add it to the outline? If not, I'm getting off the track."

Then full steam ahead - on the main line.


Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Popular US Presidential Nicknames 美國總統的綽號

美國第一任總統華盛頓George Washington的綽號是 the Father of His Country 國父
南北戰爭時期的總統 Abraham Lincoln 發放奴隸解放令 = the Great Emancipator (解放者)
二十世紀中期後, 人們開始用某一些總統的縮寫來取代他們的名字,
例如:
F. D. R. = Franklin Delano Roosevelt
J. F. K. = John Fitzgerald Kennedy
L. B. J. = Lyndon Baines Johnson
W = George Walker Bush (W要用德州腔發音)


Grammar Gym
Your outline - which was more work in the beginning - now saves you work.
saves your work: to need less effort or energy to get something done
- Chelsea loves her slow cooker because it saves her a lot of work in the kitchen.
- Jill is very organized, and whenever she is in charge of a project, she saves me a lot of work.


Language Lab
delete v.
to remove something that has been written down or stored in a computer:
- Many important files were deleted from the computer's hard disk.
- The whole chapter was deleted by the editor because the length of the novel was too long.

inclusive adj. 包容性強的, 各色人種都有的, 包含的, 包括的
including a wide variety of people, things etc
- The organization is far more inclusive than before.
an inclusive price or cost includes everything
inclusive of
- The rent is $20,000 per month, inclusive of utilities.

jargon n.
words and expressions used in a particular profession or by a particular group of people, which are difficult for other people to understand - often used to show disapproval
- Keep it simple and avoid the use of jargon.

off the track adv. 偏離軌道, 離題
to begin to deal with a new subject rather than the main one which was being discussed:
- Our discussion really got off the track. Now we need to focus on our agenda.
on the right track 方向正確
to think in a way that is likely to lead to a correct or incorrect result:
- The sales figures showed that we're on the right track.

full steam ahead = full speed/steam ahead 全速前進, 竭盡全力
doing something with as much energy and effort as possible:
- To meet the deadline, our team went full steam ahead day and night.
- After the ship left the harbor, the captain yelled our, "Full steam ahead!"


mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140725baa54cafdec1977ec3c175f299979fd1ccdca5deea997cdea435a280e677dd0e15d.wma

How to Write Clearly (1)

How to Write Clearly 如何寫出清楚明瞭的文章　
Follow these tips to improve your writing 遵循這些訣竅來改善你的文章 

If you are afraid to write, don't be.

If you think you've got to string together big fancy words and high-flying phrase, forget it.

To write well, unless you aspire to be a professional poet or novelist, you only need to get your ideas across simply and clearly. It is not easy. But it is easier than you might imagine.

There are only three basic requirements:

First, you must want to write clearly. And I believe you really do if you've stayed this far with me.

Second, you must be willing to work hard.

Third, you must know and follow some basic guidelines.

If, while you're writing for clarity, some lovely, dramatic or inspired phrases or sentences come to you, fine. Put them in. But then with cold, objective eyes and mind, ask yourself: "Do they detract from clarity?" If they do, grit your teeth and cut the frills.

Follow some basic guidelines
I can't give you a complete list of "dos and don'ts" for every writing problem you'll ever face. But I can give you some fundamental guidelines that cover the most common problems.

1. Outline what you want to say. 
I know that sounds grade schoolish. But you can't write clearly until, before you start, you know where you will stop. Ironically, that's even a problem in writing an outline (i.e., knowing the ending before you begin).
So try this method:

• On 3"x5" cards, write - one point to a card - all the points you need to make.
• Divide the cards into piles - one pile for each group of points closely related to each other. (If you were describing an automobile, you'd put all the points about safety in another, and so on.)

• Arrange your piles of points in a sequence. Which are most important and should be given first or saved for last? Which must you present before others in order to make the others understandable?

Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Muses and Writer’s Block 繆斯與寫作障礙
Muses and Writer’s Block
Muses 宙斯女兒繆斯, 藝術女神, 靈感來源
Writer’s Block 創作障礙


Grammar Gym
"And I believe you really do if you've stayed this far with me."
stayed this far with me/ to stay this far with someone
(for a long time)
- I've stayed this far with the speaker, and I still don't understand what he's saying.
- You've stayed this far with the program, so please don't give up right now.
- I know we don't like the plan, but since we've come this far already, let's just continue with the plan.


Language Lab
high-flying adj. 在高空飛行, 野心勃勃的, 胸懷大志的
flying far above the ground
- Stop spending time on those high-flying ideas. You have to learn the basics first.
high-flying adj. 成功的
someone who is extremely successful in their job or in school
- Samantha's father is a high-flying movie producer.

frill n. 荷葉邊, 裝飾性皺褶, 無用的或不必要的裝飾
/ˈfrɪl/
a narrow piece of cloth that has many small folds in it, and that is attached to something as a decoration;
attractive but unnecessary features
- This politician's campaign booklet is all frills, with no real substance.
- This hotel is nice and clean, excellent in service without any frills.

clarity n.
the quality of being clear and easy to see or hear [↪ clear]:

grit v.
a)  to use all your determination to continue in spite of difficulties:
b)  to bite your teeth together, especially when you are in pain, angry, or under pressure:

ironically adv. 諷刺的, 具有諷刺意味的
used when talking about a situation in which the opposite of what you expected happens or is true:
- For a girl who didn't really like to dress up, Rita ironically became a top model.
ironic adj. 諷刺的, 令人啼笑皆非的
an ironic situation is one that is unusual or amusing because something strange happens or the opposite of what is expected happens or is true;
using words that are the opposite of what you really mean, often in a joking way
- The movie has an ironic ending.

sequence n. 順序, 次序
the order that something happens or exists in, or the order it is supposed to happen or exist in
- The story of the movie is presented in chronological sequence.
- Is there a particular sequence in which these exhibits are displayed?


mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140724baaed11c984c00167c275c1ac96f6893e94a13b8c9086321cc4fabac61a2b2b0fce.wma

More Than Meets the Eye (3)

A car pulled up at the open end of the entrance of the alley. Iris went over and spoke to someone inside it.

She gestured for Harry to come closer.

"Get in the car," she said. "Take this and tell them how to use it." Iris handed him the bottle of medicine.

Harry grabbed the medicine and bolted.

Everyone was surprised, so he got a head start, but soon they were close behind him. He leaped over the fence so that the car couldn't follow. But people followed him on foot.

He spotted a police station and ran inside. The criminals disappeared.

Harry told the police what had happened. Using his information, they caught the gang and sent them to prison. But Harry secretly sent some of the medicine to Iris' father. Harry asked for training in science as his reward. Harry's boss worried that he would be in over his head. But he was head and shoulders above the other beginners and soon started his own experiments.


Editor's Summary
... 22:00
All of a sudden, a car pulled up to the entrance of the alley, and the young woman went over to it and gestured for Harry to follow her.
She then told him to get in and tell him how to use it, as she handed him the bottle of medicine.
Harry grabbed the bottle and surprised everyone by bolting away.
Even though he had gotten a head start, it didn't take long for them to almost catch up with him.
And then, he jumped the fence.
The car of course couldn't follow, but the people on foot could.
All of sudden, he saw a police station and ran inside.
So the criminals of course all disappeared.
With all of the information Harry gave them, they were able to catch the criminals.
And Harry secretly sent some of the medicine to the young woman's father.
Harry was offered a reward, and he asked for training in science.
He ended up being head and shoulders above the other beginners and even began his own experiments.


Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Measure Words 度量詞
measure words 計量單位, 單位數量詞
要明確的表示一個東西的數量, 就要用 measure words,
像 a water 有可能是指以下:
a cup of water 一杯水
a pitcher of water 一壼水
a pail of water 一桶水
a bottle of water 一瓶水
three boxes of matches (matches 是可數名詞)
two jars of honey (honey 是不可數名詞)


Grammar Gym
Using his information, they caught the gang and sent them to prison.
Using [something], [subject] + [verb]. 
- Using a simple tourist map, Micheal planned out his trip.
- Using a paper clip, the thief was able to break the lock and sneak into the room.


Language Lab
gesture v. 用手示意, 以手勢表現;
to move your hand, arm, or head to tell someone something, or show them what you mean
- The boss gestured for us to leave the conference room.
- "Have a seat!" she said, gesturing to the only chair in the room.
gesture n. 手勢, 示意的動作
a movement of part of your body, especially your hands or head, to show what you mean or how you feel
- Eileen acts with dramatic gestures.

leap v. 跳, 跳躍, [jump指雙腳原地往上跳, leap指跳越]
past tense and past participle leapt
to jump high into the air or to jump in order to land in a different place:
to jump over something:
- The thief leapt across the alley between the rooftops and escaped.
- Rocky was caught jumping on the bed by him mom.

criminal n. 罪犯, 罪人;
someone who is involved in illegal activities or has been proved guilty of a crime:
- The criminals in this jail are the most dangerous and violent.
criminal adj. 犯罪的, 犯法的
relating to crime:
- The suspect is now facing multiple criminal charges.

head and shoulders above 高出一個頭的距離, 遠遠超過他人
to be much better than other people:
- Sam is head and shoulders above the other team members.
- Nathan's ability is head and shoulders above his colleagues'.


mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140723baad146b321923fb0e3c3edb984d5ab58296c77fd917229a503f2feac55d3940291.wma

More Than Meets the Eye (2)

People stepped out of the shadows around them. Harry wished he had a weapon, but there was nothing at hand.

"Maybe we got off on the wrong foot," Harry said nervously.

"I warned you not to stick your neck out," said the woman.

"Why did you steal the medicine?" Harry asked, trying to keep her talking.

"I know someone who needs it," she said.

"Then they need to know how big a dose is," Harry replied.

"Do you know?" she asked.

Harry didn't know, but he wanted to imply that he did. Keeping his fingers crossed, he said, "I know a lot about our medicines." Harry tried to continue talking to the woman. She was quiet at first but eventually said her name was Iris. Her father was the right-hand man to a gang leader. But he had the rare disease this medicine was designed to treat. Harry listened but kept his eyes open for a chance to escape.


Editor's Summary
As Harry and the young woman were standing at the fence, people came out of the shadows around them.
Harry got nervous and said they had probably gotten off on the wrong foot.
And when the woman replied that she had told him not to stick his neck out, he asked her why she had stolen the medicine.
And of course she replied she knew someone who needed it.
And then Harry asked if she knew how big of a dose to give the person.
And of course when the woman asked him for more information about it, he implied that he knew even though he really didn't.
He crossed his fingers and said that he knew a lot about their medicines.
He tried to keep her talking.
And even though she was quiet at first, she then began to tell him about her father who was the right hand man of the head of the gang.
He had a rare disease that this medicine had been made to treat.
And even as she talked, Harry was keeping his eyes open for a chance to escape.


Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: English Is for Communicating
學英文是為了溝通
英文是個語言, 語言是為了溝通, 而溝通需要二個人以上才能進行
如果要有效的提升英文程度,
就該放下課本找個人來溝通


Grammar Gym
"Why did you steal the medicine?" Harry asked, trying to keep her talking.
[subject] + [verb 1], trying to [verb 2]. 
- The speaker walked up to the microphone, trying not to look nervous.
- Thomas smiled and nodded, trying to act like he understood the directions.


Language Lab
stick one's neck out 
to risk giving your opinion about something, even though you may be wrong or other people may disagree with you:
- I might be sticking my neck out, but I think our marketing strategy won't work.
- Louie is sticking his neck out by investing all his assets in his brother's business.

dose n.
the amount of a medicine or a drug that you should take
- The prescription says to take three doses a day.
- The doctor gave the patient a dose of aspirin.
an amount of something that you do or experience at one time, especially something unpleasant
- The coastal area is getting a heavy dose of rain today.

imply v.
to suggest that something is true, without saying this directly
- Her tone of voice implied her resistance to this change.
- Are you implying that I'm the one to blame?
implication n.
a possible future effect or result of an action, event, decision etc
- I don't like the boss's implication that we failed at our job.

gang n. 幫派
a group of criminals who work together:
- Zack was absorbed by a gang when he dropped out of school.
- The conflict between the gangs turned into a serious gun fight.
a group of friends, especially young people:
- Do you want to come out with the gang tonight?


mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140722baa3e691d1852508f984fcc8d69bfb3937111a70a973b9cd421bfd25df8cd96060a.wma

More Than Meets the Eye (1)

More Than Meets the Eye 眼見不一定為憑
Harry gets the chance to show what he can do

Harry yawned as he swept the floor. He worked at Whole Body Medicines, a company that developed treatments for rare diseases. Harry dreamed of becoming a scientist, but the only job he could get was cleaning. Hoping for a promotion, he worked his fingers to the bone. But he hadn't been able to get his foot in the door. Harry heard a strange noise. He ran toward the sound and saw a young woman running away. A cabinet that held one of the company's new medicines was open, and the medicine was gone.

"Stop!" Harry shouted.

But the thief didn't stop. Harry chased her down the stairs and out the door. He wasn't sure how to stop her, but he decided to play it by ear.

He chased her down an alley. At the end, a fence blocked her way.

The woman turned around and snapped, "Back off!" You're in over your head.""Give back the medicine," Harry said.


Editor's Summary
Harry was bored.
He was stuck sweeping the floor at a company that developed treatments for rare diseases.
He really wanted to become a scientist and work in this field, but so far the only job he could get was cleaning the floors.
He was hoping for a promotion, but still hadn't been able to get his foot in the door at all.
All of a sudden as Harry was working, he was thinking about all of this and daydreaming, he heard something strange.
And when he hurried to see what it was, he saw a young woman running away from a cabinet that had been opened.
And that cabinet, it held the new medicines the company was developing.
Harry yelled at her to stop, but she didn't.
So he chased after her down the stairs and out the door and down an alley.
She finally had to stop because there was a fence stopping her.
The woman turned around and snapped at him to back off.
But Harry just told her to return the medicine.


Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Cadence 韻律
想提升英文寫作, 除了字彙和文法之外,
也要注意 cadence 節奏,
如果用於詩或演講, cadence 則指仰揚頓挫的韻律,
- Harry chased her down the stairs and out the door.
- Martin Luther King Jr. "I Have a Dream"


Grammar Gym
Hoping for a promotion, he worked his fingers to the bone.
Hoping [for a something], [subject] + [verb].
- Hoping to catch Gloria's attention, Dennis did all kings of crazy things in class.
- Hoping for a miracle, Rachel prays every day.


Language Lab
yawn v.打哈欠
to open your mouth wide and breathe in deeply because you are tired or bored:
- Patrick yawned a lot today because he stayed up really late last night.
yawn n.
an act of yawning
- Tina gave a big yawn while listening to the presentation.

promotion n. 升級, 晉升 [pro-向前/ motion- 運動, 移動]
a move to a more important job or position in a company or organization:
- William got the promotion he had always wanted.
promote v. 晉升
to give someone a better, more responsible job in a company
- Nicky was recently promoted to manager.

anatomy n.
the scientific study of the structure of human or animal bodies;
the structure of a body, or of a part of a body

snap v. 無禮的, 怒氣沖沖的打斷別人
past tense and past participle snapped, present participle snapping
to break with a sudden sharp noise, or to make something break with a sudden sharp noise;
- "Leave me alone!" Richard snapped.
to say something quickly in an angry way:
snap at
- Nancy snapped at her mother and ruched out of the door.

in over one's head 超乎能力之外, 難以理解的
to be or get involved in something that is too difficult for you to deal with:
- With my new responsibilities, I'm really in over my head. You'd better find someone else to help.
- The professor's lecture went over my head.


mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140721baaa8ddc0b5939283c6a8821aaf1bc842692460030828ae4fbdd37c956989cf385d.wma

Social Networking and the Job Hunt

Social media can help you find a job

Are you looking for employment? Finding the right job requires devotion, energy and a plan. In this digital age, however, social media is making the job search easier! When you find a company where you want to work, "like" their Facebook page. Follow the company on Twitter, Line and LinkedIn. It's a great way to stay informed about what is happening at the company. You will also learn about new job openings sooner. Show employers that you're an expert in your field. Participate in online discussions, keep a blog or a website, and give your opinion in areas where you have experience.

Don't be afraid to answer questions on LinkedIn and provide links to great content on Facebook and Twitter. Demonstrate your abilities on Twitter, Quora or Facebook.

Online conversations are prominent platforms for networking.

Connect with other people in your field. Twitter and LinkedIn chats are a great way to "talk" with like-minded people. Let the companies see that you are a great choice by updating your status several times a week. In addition, provide good content and tweet interesting articles.


Editor's Summary
Have you ever thought about using social networking to find a job?
Well, that is exactly what our culture article talks about this month.
This is the digital age, and people are using everything available to them to make the search for a job easier.
So, our article gives you some hints about how to use social media for that purpose.
If you find a company that you're interested in, you can like their Facebook page, and also follow them on Twitter or LinkedIn.
That way, you can stay up-to-date about the company, and even see when new jobs become available.
You can take part in online discussions and give your opinion by sharing your experiences where it is applicable.
Also, connect with others in your field, and talk with like-minded people on the social networking platforms.
By updating your status regularly and providing good content, and tweeting interesting articles, who knows what would happen?


Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: What Is a Job Opening?
旅館空房= vacancy
a room in a hotel or building that is not being used and is available for someone to stay in
公司職缺= job opening
- There's an opening for a new teacher at the school.
(opening在此不用加job, 可用上下文推測是job opening)


Grammar Gym
It's a great way to stay informed about what is happening at the company.
[something] is a great way to stay [description]. 
- Always being active is a great way to stay in shape.
- Avoiding junk food is a great way to stay healthy.


Language Lab
devotion n. 熱情, 投入
[uncountable] the strong love that you show when you pay a lot of attention to someone or something
- The teammates' devotion to winning the championship touched their coach and parents.
devote v. 熱情, 投入
to use all or most of your time, effort etc in order to do something or help someone [= dedicate]
- Sean devoted all his spare time to helping disadvantaged kids.

digital adj. 數位的, 數字的 (digit n. 數字, 數位)
using a system in which information is recorded or sent out electronically in the form of numbers, usually ones and zeros:
a digital clock
digital recording 數位化錄音
- The digital reading on the indicator is correct.

prominent adj. 重要的, 卓越的
important
- Tom's expertise plays a prominent part in this project.
- This prominent scientist published another thesis last year.

platform n. 平台, 講台, 站台, 月台
the raised place beside a railway track where you get on and off a train in a station;
a stage for people to stand on when they are making a speech, performing etc;
an opportunity to express your ideas to a large number of people;
- The contestants were called to step up onto the platform.
- The regular talent competition serves as a great platform for young people to show what they've got.



mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20140716baa13614ff7778740de6b509120278418b3889804aa0b96804d67d1d538ce1e2090.wma