Harry ran to join the combat. But Mr. Golden pushed Blaise off the bridge.
Iris called, "Blow him out of the water, Harry," and ran to help Blaise.
As they fought, Mr. Golden invited Harry to work for him. "You have potential. What I'm doing now is a drop in the ocean compared to what we could do together," he said.
"Never," said Harry.
"Is it that girl?" asked Mr. Golden. "Forget about her. There are other fish in the sea."
"Go jump in a lake!" shouted Harry.
Mr. Golden threw a ball of fire at Harry. But Harry extinguished it with a blast of water.
Sirens announced that the police were coming. Mr. Golden panicked, throwing fire everywhere. Harry shielded himself with a wall of water, but the heat melted part of the metal bridge. It collapsed, and Harry and Mr. Golden fell into the river.
Mr. Golden couldn't swim, so Harry pulled him to shore, where the police were waiting to arrest him.
Harry kept his research job. And he and his friends continued to use their powers to defend people in need.
Language Lab
combat n.
active fighting especially in a war
extinguish v.
to cause (something) to stop burning
extinguisher n.
a metal container filled with chemicals that is used to put out a fire
collapse v.
1: if a building, wall etc collapses, it falls down suddenly, usually because it is weak or damaged
2: to suddenly fall down or become unconscious because you are ill or weak
defend v.
1: to do something in order to protect someone or something from being attacked
2: to use arguments to protect something or someone from criticism, or to prove that something is right
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141031baa93d2dab59626e73ed7e682bd417dca6c070c1742ca3e606c5de3af6705839e25.wma
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Fighting Fire with Water (Part 2 of 2) (2)
Iris was arguing with Officer Brooks, a police officer who knew about Iris's past. She thought Iris had caused the explosion. Iris blamed a criminal named Mr. Golden. He and Iris's father, Blaise, had acquired the power to control fire.
"Don't muddy the waters," Officer Brooks said. "You can't fool me."
"You're all wet," protested Iris. "Mr. Golden is trying to destroy the lab."
Since Office Brooks couldn't prove Iris's guilt, she let her go.
Harry and Iris got into Iris's car, and Harry told her what had happened.
Iris said she had spotted Mr. Golden after the explosion. Before he drove away, she had put a tracking device on his car. He was currently driving across Deepwater Bridge. Iris called her father so he could intercept Mr. Golden and throw cold water on his plans. Then she pushed a button.
"The tracking device can shut off the car's engine. It will be dead in the water," she explained.
Iris and Harry found Mr. Golden and Blaise fighting on the bridge. Blaise's attacks were rolling off Mr. Golden like water off a duck's back.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: How to Address Your Teacher 如何稱呼老師
teacher 在英文裡只能當形容老師, 所以不能說 Teacher + last name,
而是說 Steve works as a teacher.
所以在國外尊稱男老師是用sir, 女老師是用 ma'am 或 miss,
但大多數的學校可以直接用 Mr. + 老師的last name: Mr. Lee,
未婚的女老師可以用 Miss, 已婚的女老師是用 Mrs. + 冠夫姓
不想說婚姻情況的可用 Ms.
大學則是用 Professor + last name,
若professor用博士學位可以 Dr. + last name
Grammar Gym
Iris said she had spotted Mr. Golden after the explosion.
to spot:
to suddenly notice or to see something that that is not easily noticeable.
- The police spotted the criminal walking through the busy train station.
- Just when Jacky thought the parking lot was full, she spotted an empty spot at the far end of the lot.
Language Lab
acquire v.
to obtain something by buying it or being given it:
- At age 22, Tom had already acquired fame and wealth.
- Louisa is wearing her newly acquired dress tonight.
to gain knowledge or learn a skill:
- Children seem to acquire a new language faster than adults.
guilt n.
the fact that you have broken an official law or moral rule
- After days of interrogation, the suspect finally admitted his guilt.
a strong feeling of shame and sadness because you know that you have done something wrong
- She suffers from the guilt of letting her parents down.
guilty adj.
feeling very ashamed and sad because you know that you have done something wrong
- He's guilty of theft.
intercept v.
to stop something or someone that is going from one place to another before they get there:
- The defensive player intercepted the ball successfully.
- The police intercepted the criminal on his way to the airport.
shut off phrasal verb
shut past tense and past participle shut, present participle shutting
if a machine, tool etc shuts off or if you shut it off, it stops operating [= turn off]:
- Make sure the power is shut off before we change the wiring.
- The security company and shut off the alarm system.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141030baa252d3205ccd424bf219df8fafe72c0067fc83d4d3da7d004a05a98d630ed9a50.wma
"Don't muddy the waters," Officer Brooks said. "You can't fool me."
"You're all wet," protested Iris. "Mr. Golden is trying to destroy the lab."
Since Office Brooks couldn't prove Iris's guilt, she let her go.
Harry and Iris got into Iris's car, and Harry told her what had happened.
Iris said she had spotted Mr. Golden after the explosion. Before he drove away, she had put a tracking device on his car. He was currently driving across Deepwater Bridge. Iris called her father so he could intercept Mr. Golden and throw cold water on his plans. Then she pushed a button.
"The tracking device can shut off the car's engine. It will be dead in the water," she explained.
Iris and Harry found Mr. Golden and Blaise fighting on the bridge. Blaise's attacks were rolling off Mr. Golden like water off a duck's back.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: How to Address Your Teacher 如何稱呼老師
teacher 在英文裡只能當形容老師, 所以不能說 Teacher + last name,
而是說 Steve works as a teacher.
所以在國外尊稱男老師是用sir, 女老師是用 ma'am 或 miss,
但大多數的學校可以直接用 Mr. + 老師的last name: Mr. Lee,
未婚的女老師可以用 Miss, 已婚的女老師是用 Mrs. + 冠夫姓
不想說婚姻情況的可用 Ms.
大學則是用 Professor + last name,
若professor用博士學位可以 Dr. + last name
Grammar Gym
Iris said she had spotted Mr. Golden after the explosion.
to spot:
to suddenly notice or to see something that that is not easily noticeable.
- The police spotted the criminal walking through the busy train station.
- Just when Jacky thought the parking lot was full, she spotted an empty spot at the far end of the lot.
Language Lab
acquire v.
to obtain something by buying it or being given it:
- At age 22, Tom had already acquired fame and wealth.
- Louisa is wearing her newly acquired dress tonight.
to gain knowledge or learn a skill:
- Children seem to acquire a new language faster than adults.
guilt n.
the fact that you have broken an official law or moral rule
- After days of interrogation, the suspect finally admitted his guilt.
a strong feeling of shame and sadness because you know that you have done something wrong
- She suffers from the guilt of letting her parents down.
guilty adj.
feeling very ashamed and sad because you know that you have done something wrong
- He's guilty of theft.
intercept v.
to stop something or someone that is going from one place to another before they get there:
- The defensive player intercepted the ball successfully.
- The police intercepted the criminal on his way to the airport.
shut off phrasal verb
shut past tense and past participle shut, present participle shutting
if a machine, tool etc shuts off or if you shut it off, it stops operating [= turn off]:
- Make sure the power is shut off before we change the wiring.
- The security company and shut off the alarm system.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141030baa252d3205ccd424bf219df8fafe72c0067fc83d4d3da7d004a05a98d630ed9a50.wma
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Fighting Fire with Water (Part 2 of 2) (1)
Harry finds himself in hot water
In his lab late at night, Harry examined the medicine he was developing. He decided it needed to be watered down. Harry's job was interesting but intense. There was so much to do that he could barely keep his head above water.
Suddenly the floor in front of Harry exploded, throwing him backward against some shelves. An open bottle fell on his head, and the medicine in it poured all over him. Harry winced, but soon his head stopped hurting.
Fire was spreading across the room toward him. Startled, Harry threw his hand up to protect himself. Water shot out of his palm, putting out the fire. This super power was new to Harry, but he took to it like a duck to water.
A tile broke off and fell toward Harry. He blasted it aside with water.
Harry thought the building might cave in, so he ran outside. There he saw his friend Iris. The first time they had met, Iris had stolen medicine from his lab. But that was now water under the bridge.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Labs and Lab Rats (實驗室與白老鼠)
lab=laboratory 實驗室
lavatory 洗手間
lab rat 白老鼠或指一整天都待在實驗室的人
gym rat 一整天都待在健身房的人
Grammar Gym
Fire was spreading across the room toward him.
[Subject] was [verb-ing] across [a place] toward [somewhere].
- The student was walking across the soccer field toward the library.
- Mr. Lee was walking across the lobby toward the front desk.
Language Lab
intense adj.
having a very strong effect or felt very strongly:
- The intense atmosphere among the contestants attracts viewers to watch the game show.
- The intense heat caused many elderly people to be hospitalized.
intensive adj.
involving a lot of activity, effort, or careful attention in a short period of time:
- intensive training
wince v.
to suddenly change the expression on your face as a reaction to something painful or upsetting:
to have an expression on your face for a very short time which shows that you are embarrassed or in pain
- As the child's fingers got near the boiling pot, he winced.
- When the nurse changed his gauze, Frank winced in pain.
gauze n.
also gauze bandage American English
thin cotton with very small holes in it that is used for tying around a wound:
- His hands were wrapped in gauze bandages.
startle v.
to make someone suddenly surprised or slightly shocked:
- Startled by the sight of blood, the girl fainted.
- The news report of the bomber startled the people of this town.
startled adj.
- a startled look
blast v.
if air or water is blasted somewhere, or if it blasts somewhere, it moves there with great force:
- The storm is blasting great drifts of snow on the mountain.
blast n.
an explosion, or the very strong movement of air that it causes
- Many people were injured by the blast set up by the terrorists.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141029baa7bdf80ecb281bbc74cf4eea09de081830cc038b343cecfc2a7c226e3a0882a26.wma
In his lab late at night, Harry examined the medicine he was developing. He decided it needed to be watered down. Harry's job was interesting but intense. There was so much to do that he could barely keep his head above water.
Suddenly the floor in front of Harry exploded, throwing him backward against some shelves. An open bottle fell on his head, and the medicine in it poured all over him. Harry winced, but soon his head stopped hurting.
Fire was spreading across the room toward him. Startled, Harry threw his hand up to protect himself. Water shot out of his palm, putting out the fire. This super power was new to Harry, but he took to it like a duck to water.
A tile broke off and fell toward Harry. He blasted it aside with water.
Harry thought the building might cave in, so he ran outside. There he saw his friend Iris. The first time they had met, Iris had stolen medicine from his lab. But that was now water under the bridge.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Labs and Lab Rats (實驗室與白老鼠)
lab=laboratory 實驗室
lavatory 洗手間
lab rat 白老鼠或指一整天都待在實驗室的人
gym rat 一整天都待在健身房的人
Grammar Gym
Fire was spreading across the room toward him.
[Subject] was [verb-ing] across [a place] toward [somewhere].
- The student was walking across the soccer field toward the library.
- Mr. Lee was walking across the lobby toward the front desk.
Language Lab
intense adj.
having a very strong effect or felt very strongly:
- The intense atmosphere among the contestants attracts viewers to watch the game show.
- The intense heat caused many elderly people to be hospitalized.
intensive adj.
involving a lot of activity, effort, or careful attention in a short period of time:
- intensive training
wince v.
to suddenly change the expression on your face as a reaction to something painful or upsetting:
to have an expression on your face for a very short time which shows that you are embarrassed or in pain
- As the child's fingers got near the boiling pot, he winced.
- When the nurse changed his gauze, Frank winced in pain.
gauze n.
also gauze bandage American English
thin cotton with very small holes in it that is used for tying around a wound:
- His hands were wrapped in gauze bandages.
startle v.
to make someone suddenly surprised or slightly shocked:
- Startled by the sight of blood, the girl fainted.
- The news report of the bomber startled the people of this town.
startled adj.
- a startled look
blast v.
if air or water is blasted somewhere, or if it blasts somewhere, it moves there with great force:
- The storm is blasting great drifts of snow on the mountain.
blast n.
an explosion, or the very strong movement of air that it causes
- Many people were injured by the blast set up by the terrorists.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141029baa7bdf80ecb281bbc74cf4eea09de081830cc038b343cecfc2a7c226e3a0882a26.wma
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Global Campaign for Education (2)
What's happening
In 2000, world leaders made a commitment to provide quality education for everyone by 2015. GCE developed several campaigns to help achieve this goal.
Every Child Needs a Teacher Campaign
GCE is working with national governments to provide more quality teachers. Globally, 1.7 million primary school teachers are needed to reach the 2015 educational goal.
Literacy For All Campaign
Today, nearly one in six people around the world cannot read or write. Not being able to read impacts a person's job opportunities and increases poverty. GCE seeks to provide teaching materials in primary students' mother tongues.
Make it Right For Girls Campaign
Around the world, many girls face neglect and are often denied an education. GCE aims to give women the same opportunities as men.
Every spring, GCE leads the Global Action Week. During this week, GCE highlights people who have been denied educational opportunities. This year the Global Action Week focuses on providing an education to disabled people.
GCE believes that quality education can change lives.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Some Relative Phrases (和親戚相關的片語)
mother tongue 母語
Oh, brother! 喔, 拜託! (跟兄弟沒有關係)
Say uncle! 認輸, 投降
grandfather 當動詞用時, 指不受新的條例約束
Grammar Gym
Not being able to read impacts a person's job opportunities and increases poverty.
- Not being able to sleep well impacts a person's well-being and increases health risks.
- Not being able to have fresh water impacts an entire community and increases the danger of diseases.
Language Lab
achieve v.
to successfully complete something or get a good result, especially by working hard:
- We plan to achieve our sales goal through advertising.
- The boy had achieved fluency in multiple languages when he was only 8.
achievement n.
something important that you succeed in doing by your own efforts
- This invention is a great scientific achievement.
global adj.
affecting or including the whole world [↪ universal]:
- Air pollution is a huge global issue.
globally adv.
- Many globally renowned corporations participated in the project.
neglect v.
to fail to look after someone or something properly:
- Mothers tend to neglect their own needs because they're busy taking care of their children.
negligent adj.
not taking enough care over something that you are responsible for, with the result that serious mistakes are made [= irresponsible; ≠ responsible]
- The company is negligent in training its workers how to handle the machinery properly.
highlight v.
to make a problem or subject easy to notice so that people pay attention to it:
- The movie highlighted the needs of disadvantaged aboriginal kids.
highlight n.
the most important, interesting, or enjoyable part of something such as a holiday, performance, or sports competition
- One of the highlights of the party was the clown's performance.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141028baa31ed9a90b2d154a1c12bf1774f92ba4473c334b42338cf262e71f2f9d7987abd.wma
In 2000, world leaders made a commitment to provide quality education for everyone by 2015. GCE developed several campaigns to help achieve this goal.
Every Child Needs a Teacher Campaign
GCE is working with national governments to provide more quality teachers. Globally, 1.7 million primary school teachers are needed to reach the 2015 educational goal.
Literacy For All Campaign
Today, nearly one in six people around the world cannot read or write. Not being able to read impacts a person's job opportunities and increases poverty. GCE seeks to provide teaching materials in primary students' mother tongues.
Make it Right For Girls Campaign
Around the world, many girls face neglect and are often denied an education. GCE aims to give women the same opportunities as men.
Every spring, GCE leads the Global Action Week. During this week, GCE highlights people who have been denied educational opportunities. This year the Global Action Week focuses on providing an education to disabled people.
GCE believes that quality education can change lives.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Some Relative Phrases (和親戚相關的片語)
mother tongue 母語
Oh, brother! 喔, 拜託! (跟兄弟沒有關係)
Say uncle! 認輸, 投降
grandfather 當動詞用時, 指不受新的條例約束
Grammar Gym
Not being able to read impacts a person's job opportunities and increases poverty.
- Not being able to sleep well impacts a person's well-being and increases health risks.
- Not being able to have fresh water impacts an entire community and increases the danger of diseases.
Language Lab
achieve v.
to successfully complete something or get a good result, especially by working hard:
- We plan to achieve our sales goal through advertising.
- The boy had achieved fluency in multiple languages when he was only 8.
achievement n.
something important that you succeed in doing by your own efforts
- This invention is a great scientific achievement.
global adj.
affecting or including the whole world [↪ universal]:
- Air pollution is a huge global issue.
globally adv.
- Many globally renowned corporations participated in the project.
neglect v.
to fail to look after someone or something properly:
- Mothers tend to neglect their own needs because they're busy taking care of their children.
negligent adj.
not taking enough care over something that you are responsible for, with the result that serious mistakes are made [= irresponsible; ≠ responsible]
- The company is negligent in training its workers how to handle the machinery properly.
highlight v.
to make a problem or subject easy to notice so that people pay attention to it:
- The movie highlighted the needs of disadvantaged aboriginal kids.
highlight n.
the most important, interesting, or enjoyable part of something such as a holiday, performance, or sports competition
- One of the highlights of the party was the clown's performance.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141028baa31ed9a90b2d154a1c12bf1774f92ba4473c334b42338cf262e71f2f9d7987abd.wma
Monday, October 27, 2014
Global Campaign for Education (1)
Everyone has the right to an education
Tasui is a teenager who lives in Africa. When he was young, he had polio, and now he crawls on his hands and knees. Although he wants to go to school, he must work. Tasui is only one of millions of children who can't go to school. Many must work to support their families. Others are sick, disabled or can't travel long distances. Still others don't have the finances to pay school fees.
Therefore, more than 100 million children will never receive an education. Can anything be done? Global Campaign for Education (GCE) think so. It was formed to solve this problem. The movement aims to give every person, especially those in poverty, an opportunity to get an education.
Where it all started
Established in 1999, GCE is made up of 120 organizations with members in almost 100 countries. Education is a basic human right, and GCE campaigns to realize this right. It works with governments to improve education in each country.
Grammar Gym
Tasui is only one of millions of children who can't go to school.
[Subject] is only one of [number unit] who ...
- Stephanie is only one of thousands of credit card owners who got either credit card number stolen.
- Tara is only one of hundreds of students who couldn't get their graduation diploma because of the school's computer problem.
Language Lab
disabled adj.
someone who is disabled cannot use a part of their body properly, or cannot learn easily
- This building is equipped with facilities designed for disabled people.
the disable n.
- The campaign is to raise funds for the disabled.
finances n.
the money that an organization or person has, and the way that they manage it:
- The company's finances are in the tight control of its board members.
the management of money by governments, large organizations etc:
- The government's finances have improved since last year.
poverty n.
[uncountable] the situation or experience of being poor
- His entire life, this once-talented musician lived in loneliness and poverty.
- These kids are living in absolute poverty, and they're starving.
poor adj.
having very little money and not many possessions
- The girl is from a poor family.
establish v.
to start a company, organization, system, etc that is intended to exist or continue for a long time
- Two young college students established this company, and the rest is history.
- The school was established in 1956, and it has been one of the best since then.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141027baa69cdb004ee400f98b15b48ee1086891489c81a37786542e70da9ee1d1649a7ff.wma
Tasui is a teenager who lives in Africa. When he was young, he had polio, and now he crawls on his hands and knees. Although he wants to go to school, he must work. Tasui is only one of millions of children who can't go to school. Many must work to support their families. Others are sick, disabled or can't travel long distances. Still others don't have the finances to pay school fees.
Therefore, more than 100 million children will never receive an education. Can anything be done? Global Campaign for Education (GCE) think so. It was formed to solve this problem. The movement aims to give every person, especially those in poverty, an opportunity to get an education.
Where it all started
Established in 1999, GCE is made up of 120 organizations with members in almost 100 countries. Education is a basic human right, and GCE campaigns to realize this right. It works with governments to improve education in each country.
Grammar Gym
Tasui is only one of millions of children who can't go to school.
[Subject] is only one of [number unit] who ...
- Stephanie is only one of thousands of credit card owners who got either credit card number stolen.
- Tara is only one of hundreds of students who couldn't get their graduation diploma because of the school's computer problem.
Language Lab
disabled adj.
someone who is disabled cannot use a part of their body properly, or cannot learn easily
- This building is equipped with facilities designed for disabled people.
the disable n.
- The campaign is to raise funds for the disabled.
finances n.
the money that an organization or person has, and the way that they manage it:
- The company's finances are in the tight control of its board members.
the management of money by governments, large organizations etc:
- The government's finances have improved since last year.
poverty n.
[uncountable] the situation or experience of being poor
- His entire life, this once-talented musician lived in loneliness and poverty.
- These kids are living in absolute poverty, and they're starving.
poor adj.
having very little money and not many possessions
- The girl is from a poor family.
establish v.
to start a company, organization, system, etc that is intended to exist or continue for a long time
- Two young college students established this company, and the rest is history.
- The school was established in 1956, and it has been one of the best since then.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141027baa69cdb004ee400f98b15b48ee1086891489c81a37786542e70da9ee1d1649a7ff.wma
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Ethan Bortnick - Piano Prodigy (3)
Over the years, Ethan's parents have done their best to encourage his talent. But at the same time, they've worried about protecting him. They want him to have a normal childhood. But, above all, they say they are amazed and very proud of their son. The Bortnicks have reason to be proud of Ethan, but not just for his musical abilities. Their son is also very generous and compassionate.
The young musician's little brother had three heart operations when Ethan was only 5 years old. He remembers seeing a lot of sick children, including some who couldn't afford surgery. This experience made him want to use his talent to help those kids and many others. Since that time, Ethan has helped raise over $30 million for charities around the world! Many call him "the world's youngest philanthropist."
The performer often encourages audiences with words from his movie's theme song, "Believe in yourself. Anything is possible." Ethan Bortnick is living proof!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Surgery vs. Operation (Surgery與 Operation的差別)
外科手術:
1. surgery [uncountable]
I had surgery.
英國用法: 診所
2. operation [countable]
I had an operation.
Grammar Gym
The Bortnicks have reason to be proud of Ethan, but not just for his musical abilities.
[Subject] has reason to be... of...
- Esau had reason to dislike Jacob.
- Mary has reason to be nervous of dogs that are near her.
Info Cloud
normal adj.
usual, typical, or expected:
- It's quite normal to feel nervous when you're making a speech in front of a large audience.
abnormal adj.
very different from usual in a way that seems strange, worrying, wrong, or dangerous [≠ normal]:
- The abnormal behavior of the teacher has caused a great deal of concern among students and their parents.
musical adj.
relating to music or consisting of music:
- These musical instruments are the school's possession.
- The musical talent of the actress was finally discovered when she sang in the movie.
good at or interested in playing or singing music:
- a musical family
afford v.
to have enough money to buy or pay for something
- I don't think we can afford such a big house right now.
affordable adj.
- This compact car is practical and affordable.
proof n.
facts, information, documents etc that prove something is true
- Janet is living proof that people can lose weight without starving themselves.
- To apply for the benefits, you need to provide proof of residency in the state.
prove v.
- Nobody can prove his innocence but him.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141025baaa13be9c5de33b91f7314975355271bbbd38ba06e8ff9f78a12910c9cbd1f63c3.wma
The young musician's little brother had three heart operations when Ethan was only 5 years old. He remembers seeing a lot of sick children, including some who couldn't afford surgery. This experience made him want to use his talent to help those kids and many others. Since that time, Ethan has helped raise over $30 million for charities around the world! Many call him "the world's youngest philanthropist."
The performer often encourages audiences with words from his movie's theme song, "Believe in yourself. Anything is possible." Ethan Bortnick is living proof!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Surgery vs. Operation (Surgery與 Operation的差別)
外科手術:
1. surgery [uncountable]
I had surgery.
英國用法: 診所
2. operation [countable]
I had an operation.
Grammar Gym
The Bortnicks have reason to be proud of Ethan, but not just for his musical abilities.
[Subject] has reason to be... of...
- Esau had reason to dislike Jacob.
- Mary has reason to be nervous of dogs that are near her.
Info Cloud
normal adj.
usual, typical, or expected:
- It's quite normal to feel nervous when you're making a speech in front of a large audience.
abnormal adj.
very different from usual in a way that seems strange, worrying, wrong, or dangerous [≠ normal]:
- The abnormal behavior of the teacher has caused a great deal of concern among students and their parents.
musical adj.
relating to music or consisting of music:
- These musical instruments are the school's possession.
- The musical talent of the actress was finally discovered when she sang in the movie.
good at or interested in playing or singing music:
- a musical family
afford v.
to have enough money to buy or pay for something
- I don't think we can afford such a big house right now.
affordable adj.
- This compact car is practical and affordable.
proof n.
facts, information, documents etc that prove something is true
- Janet is living proof that people can lose weight without starving themselves.
- To apply for the benefits, you need to provide proof of residency in the state.
prove v.
- Nobody can prove his innocence but him.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141025baaa13be9c5de33b91f7314975355271bbbd38ba06e8ff9f78a12910c9cbd1f63c3.wma
Friday, October 24, 2014
Ethan Bortnick - Piano Prodigy (2)
With Dr. Kofman's help, Ethan learned about piano technique and different types of music. Before long, he was being asked to perform for many events. When one performance was posted on YouTube, Ethan became famous. Soon he was receiving invitations from the likes of Jay Leno and Oprah. Ethan was 6 and in kindergarten when he first appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
At that time, he already had over 200 songs memorized and was developing a CD.
Today, at the age of 13, it seems there is nothing Ethan cannot do. He plays piano, sings, composes songs and acts. He had entertained audiences around the world with music ranging from Beethoven to Bieber. He has performed with Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, and other legends.
In 2010, Ethan became the youngest musician to create and host his won TV concert special. Then in 2013, the performer starred in and wrote music for the movie Anything is Possible.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Staring vs. Starring (如何分辨Staring與Starring..)
stare 盯著看 staring
- caring/ sharing/ Stop staring!
star 演出 starring
- There's a star in the ring.
Grammar Gym
Before long, he was being asked to perform for many events.
Before long, [subject] was being asked to ...
- Before long, the new secretary was being asked to do more things around the office.
- Before long, Pamela was being asked to drive her grandmother to the store every morning.
Language Lab
the likes of
used to talk about people of a particular type:
- Ray was seated with the likes of two CEOs and a chairman.
- I don't think he will hang around with the likes of those dropouts.
memorize v.
to learn (something) so well that you are able to remember it perfectly
- Joshua spent a lot of time memorizing all the math formulas for his test.
- I tried to memorize her number, but I couldn't.
memorization n.
to learn (something) so well that you are able to remember it perfectly
- George loves to play memorization games with his son.
compose v.
to write a piece of music
- This song was composed by the singer herself.
- The music was composed for the animated movie The Little Mermaid.
composer n.
someone who writes music
- The composer of the symphony is only 25 years old.
host v.
to introduce a radio or television programme:
- The funny guy who hosts the talk show is the famous Jay Leno.
to provide the place and everything that is needed for an organized event:
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141024baa744f3a48cb9b311a07e6c0b694910adcf388d9e323d165d61627f7a8fe07032e.wma
At that time, he already had over 200 songs memorized and was developing a CD.
Today, at the age of 13, it seems there is nothing Ethan cannot do. He plays piano, sings, composes songs and acts. He had entertained audiences around the world with music ranging from Beethoven to Bieber. He has performed with Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, and other legends.
In 2010, Ethan became the youngest musician to create and host his won TV concert special. Then in 2013, the performer starred in and wrote music for the movie Anything is Possible.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Staring vs. Starring (如何分辨Staring與Starring..)
stare 盯著看 staring
- caring/ sharing/ Stop staring!
star 演出 starring
- There's a star in the ring.
Grammar Gym
Before long, he was being asked to perform for many events.
Before long, [subject] was being asked to ...
- Before long, the new secretary was being asked to do more things around the office.
- Before long, Pamela was being asked to drive her grandmother to the store every morning.
Language Lab
the likes of
used to talk about people of a particular type:
- Ray was seated with the likes of two CEOs and a chairman.
- I don't think he will hang around with the likes of those dropouts.
memorize v.
to learn (something) so well that you are able to remember it perfectly
- Joshua spent a lot of time memorizing all the math formulas for his test.
- I tried to memorize her number, but I couldn't.
memorization n.
to learn (something) so well that you are able to remember it perfectly
- George loves to play memorization games with his son.
compose v.
to write a piece of music
- This song was composed by the singer herself.
- The music was composed for the animated movie The Little Mermaid.
composer n.
someone who writes music
- The composer of the symphony is only 25 years old.
host v.
to introduce a radio or television programme:
- The funny guy who hosts the talk show is the famous Jay Leno.
to provide the place and everything that is needed for an organized event:
- Hank will be hosting the anniversary banquet.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Ethan Bortnick - Piano Prodigy (1)
This young musician travels the world spreading his message of hope
One day Gene and Hannah Bortnick heard piano music coming from their living room. They thought their 3-year-old son Ethan was listening to a CD. Then they walked into the room. To their amazement, they found him playing music on his toy piano!
Before this, Ethan had begged his parents for piano lessons. But their answer had always been, "Of course not! You’re still in diapers." The 3-year-old didn't let that stop him, though. Instead, he listened to a song once and then played it perfectly, note for note.
After Ethan's parents discovered his remarkable talent, they changed their minds and agreed to lessons. They turned to a family member who taught piano, and she began working with Ethan. It wasn't long, however, before the teacher knew that he was no ordinary student. Ethan was a piano prodigy and needed someone who understood his special gifts and abilities. The family found Dr. Irena Kofman, who immediately recognized his talent and intelligence.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Talent, Gift and Genius (才能與天分)
talent 天份
gift 天份, 才能
- He has a gift for music.
- He has a gift for languages.
knack 技巧
- Steve has a knack for teaching English.
genius 天才
- He has a genius for music.
Grammar Gym
to turn=changing your direction so you are facing a new direction
- When Bobby was studying overseas and needed advice, he turned to his professor.
- Life was hard for the single mother, but she turned to her neighbor whenever she needed someone to watch her child.
Language Lab
prodigy n.
a young person who has a great natural ability in a subject or skill
- The child prodigy could solve difficult calculus questions when he was only six.
- There have been lots of reports about this Austrian tennis prodigy lately.
amazement n.
[uncountable] a feeling of great surprise [= astonishment]
- We stood at the top of the hill and looked at the view in amazement.
to someone's amazement
- To our amazement, the rookie signed a big client in his first month at work.
recognize v.
to know who someone is or what something is, because you have seen, heard, experienced, or learned about them in the past:
- The fugitive was recognized at a gas station down in Alabama.
- The actor's high school drama teacher recognized his potential as a movie star.
intelligence n.
[uncountable] the ability to learn, understand, and think about things:
- Our CEO is a woman of incredible intelligence.
intelligent adj.
an intelligent person has a high level of mental ability and is good at understanding ideas and thinking clearly:
- Merging with another company is an intelligent way to save our company.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141023baab41a13303b087c00adf7fca71aec353b037fe867e0b572f82c84571b3a0db5b3.wma
One day Gene and Hannah Bortnick heard piano music coming from their living room. They thought their 3-year-old son Ethan was listening to a CD. Then they walked into the room. To their amazement, they found him playing music on his toy piano!
Before this, Ethan had begged his parents for piano lessons. But their answer had always been, "Of course not! You’re still in diapers." The 3-year-old didn't let that stop him, though. Instead, he listened to a song once and then played it perfectly, note for note.
After Ethan's parents discovered his remarkable talent, they changed their minds and agreed to lessons. They turned to a family member who taught piano, and she began working with Ethan. It wasn't long, however, before the teacher knew that he was no ordinary student. Ethan was a piano prodigy and needed someone who understood his special gifts and abilities. The family found Dr. Irena Kofman, who immediately recognized his talent and intelligence.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Talent, Gift and Genius (才能與天分)
talent 天份
gift 天份, 才能
- He has a gift for music.
- He has a gift for languages.
knack 技巧
- Steve has a knack for teaching English.
genius 天才
- He has a genius for music.
Grammar Gym
to turn=changing your direction so you are facing a new direction
They turned to a family member who taught piano, ...
to turn to [somebody]= to get help from somebody- When Bobby was studying overseas and needed advice, he turned to his professor.
- Life was hard for the single mother, but she turned to her neighbor whenever she needed someone to watch her child.
Language Lab
prodigy n.
a young person who has a great natural ability in a subject or skill
- The child prodigy could solve difficult calculus questions when he was only six.
- There have been lots of reports about this Austrian tennis prodigy lately.
amazement n.
[uncountable] a feeling of great surprise [= astonishment]
- We stood at the top of the hill and looked at the view in amazement.
to someone's amazement
- To our amazement, the rookie signed a big client in his first month at work.
recognize v.
to know who someone is or what something is, because you have seen, heard, experienced, or learned about them in the past:
- The fugitive was recognized at a gas station down in Alabama.
- The actor's high school drama teacher recognized his potential as a movie star.
intelligence n.
[uncountable] the ability to learn, understand, and think about things:
- Our CEO is a woman of incredible intelligence.
intelligent adj.
an intelligent person has a high level of mental ability and is good at understanding ideas and thinking clearly:
- Merging with another company is an intelligent way to save our company.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141023baab41a13303b087c00adf7fca71aec353b037fe867e0b572f82c84571b3a0db5b3.wma
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
URB-E - The Commuter's Friend (2)
The URB-E is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and comes in two basic models: the URB-E Commuter and the URB-E GP. The main difference between the two is that the Commuter model has two rear while the GP has only one. That means the Commuter offers greater stability, as opposed to the GP's ability to make sharper turns like a bicycle.
Both models come with accessories such as LED front and rear lights and a shock-absorbing seat. They also feature a smartphone holder and USB charging port right on the steering column.
In fact, smartphones play a big role in the URB-E, as drivers can use the official URB-E app to do things like monitor battery charge or control the lights. Optional accessories include a cup holder and a folding luggage rack.
At this year's International CES in Las Vegas, tech website The Verge awarded the URB-E with its "Best Personal Transportation" award. Singing the URB-E's praises, Verge editor Ben Popper said, "The URB-E felt like the kind of
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Letter E (不可或缺的E)
英文字母中最常用的就是字母E,
使用率高達60%,
有個作家 Ernest Vincent Wright 刻易避免用E 來創作,
他寫了一本五萬字的書,
裡面完全沒有用到E,
這種避免用某種字的文章叫做 lipogram
Grammar Gym
"Both models come with accessories ..."
Language Lab
stability n.
[uncountable] the condition of being steady and not changing
- Political stability is the government's first priority now.
- The programmers are still testing the stability of their new online game.
stable adj.
- a stable growth in the economy
accessory n.
[usually plural] something such as a piece of equipment or a decoration that is not necessary, but that makes a machine, car, room etc more useful or more attractive:
- The accessories that came with Johnny's new care are really hi-tech.
- The shop provides a wide range of bathroom accessories.
[usually plural] something such as a bag, belt, or jewellery that you wear or carry because it is attractive:
- You can find many lovely hats and scarves in accessories.
optional adj.
if something is optional, you do not have to do it or use it, but you can choose to if you want to [≠ compulsory]:
- The course was optional, but now it's compulsory.
- There are many optional on-shore excursions available for you to choose from.
- The patient decided to try an optional therapy.
enlightened adj.
someone with enlightened attitudes has sensible, modern views and treats people fairly and kindly
- The company has an enlightened policy regarding paternity leave.
- The enlightened teacher used all kinds of resources to teach his students.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141022baa61b090a64d15024b95450208ac28aa48c7a5fadd07c45e8d0902ebabf15cb42c.wma
Both models come with accessories such as LED front and rear lights and a shock-absorbing seat. They also feature a smartphone holder and USB charging port right on the steering column.
In fact, smartphones play a big role in the URB-E, as drivers can use the official URB-E app to do things like monitor battery charge or control the lights. Optional accessories include a cup holder and a folding luggage rack.
At this year's International CES in Las Vegas, tech website The Verge awarded the URB-E with its "Best Personal Transportation" award. Singing the URB-E's praises, Verge editor Ben Popper said, "The URB-E felt like the kind of
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Letter E (不可或缺的E)
英文字母中最常用的就是字母E,
使用率高達60%,
有個作家 Ernest Vincent Wright 刻易避免用E 來創作,
他寫了一本五萬字的書,
裡面完全沒有用到E,
這種避免用某種字的文章叫做 lipogram
Grammar Gym
"Both models come with accessories ..."
"They also feature a smartphone holder..."
"Optional accessories include a cup holder..."
include:
The meal includes a drink.
come with:
This toy comes with batteries.
feature:
The purse features a lovely keychain that you can attach to the shoulder strap.
stability n.
[uncountable] the condition of being steady and not changing
- Political stability is the government's first priority now.
- The programmers are still testing the stability of their new online game.
stable adj.
- a stable growth in the economy
accessory n.
[usually plural] something such as a piece of equipment or a decoration that is not necessary, but that makes a machine, car, room etc more useful or more attractive:
- The accessories that came with Johnny's new care are really hi-tech.
- The shop provides a wide range of bathroom accessories.
[usually plural] something such as a bag, belt, or jewellery that you wear or carry because it is attractive:
- You can find many lovely hats and scarves in accessories.
optional adj.
if something is optional, you do not have to do it or use it, but you can choose to if you want to [≠ compulsory]:
- The course was optional, but now it's compulsory.
- There are many optional on-shore excursions available for you to choose from.
- The patient decided to try an optional therapy.
enlightened adj.
someone with enlightened attitudes has sensible, modern views and treats people fairly and kindly
- The company has an enlightened policy regarding paternity leave.
- The enlightened teacher used all kinds of resources to teach his students.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141022baa61b090a64d15024b95450208ac28aa48c7a5fadd07c45e8d0902ebabf15cb42c.wma
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
URB-E - The Commuter's Friend (1)
An electric vehicle that you can carry with you
Residents of urban areas often make use of public transportation on their way to school or the office. But when their final destination isn't near a bus stop or subway station, those folks have a problem. Transportation experts often refer to his as the "last mile" problem - finding a way to close the gap between public transportation stops and one's destination. With the last mile problem in mind, the makers of the URB-E designed a compact electric vehicle that weighs around 13 kilograms.
Unlike bikes, which often don't fit on crowded buses or trains, the URB-E collapses into a form similar to carry-on luggage. And since the URB-E can be carried practically anywhere, it's not as vulnerable to thieves as bikes are.
Depending on usage, the URB-E can travel for 32 kilometers on a single charge, reaching a top speed of 24 kilometers per hour. Although there are other vehicles attempting to address the last mile issue, the URB-E stands out for its ease of use, portability and affordable price. For the price of a nice laptop, you could have an URB-E to drive to the office.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Metrication 公制化
美國是目前還沒有實施metrication 三個國家之一,
metrication就是採用 metric system 指的是採用公制的單位,
例如: Celsius 攝氐, 是在metric system,
但美國人是用 Fahrenheit 華氐,
美國人形容距離會用 mile 英哩,
這是屬於 U.S. customary unit 美國慣用單位
Grammar Gym
Although there are other vehicles attempting to address the last mile issue, the URB-E stands out for its ease of use, portability and affordable price.
Although there are other ... attempting to ..., ... stands out for ...
- Although there are other contestants attempting to break the school record, Rachel stands out for her good attitude and sportsmanship.
- Although there are other companies attempting to be number one in the industry, this company stands out for its dedication to excellence and quality products.
Language Lab
commuter n.
someone who travels a long distance to work every day
- The trains are always packed with commuters during rush hour.
commute v.
to regularly travel a long distance to get to work
- Mike commutes to Boston every day.
commute n.
the journey to work every day:
- The commute to school takes about an hour.
compact adj.
small, but arranged so that everything fits neatly into the space available - used to show approval:
- Compact cars are economical and easy to park.
- Even though this office is compact, it is still well-equipped.
vulnerable adj.
someone who is vulnerable can be easily harmed or hurt:
- Babies' skin is more vulnerable to sunburn.
- The computer system is vulnerable to penetration if you don't change the codes constantly.
脆弱的
- Marian became very vulnerable after she broke up with her boyfriend.
portability adj.
able to be carried or moved easily:
- Portability is one of the advantages of the tablet.
- I bought this camera for its reliability and portability.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141021baab1717394650b445a4785528dbb38512eab6921d7b356fcbf5417fb78eb166a1b.wma
Residents of urban areas often make use of public transportation on their way to school or the office. But when their final destination isn't near a bus stop or subway station, those folks have a problem. Transportation experts often refer to his as the "last mile" problem - finding a way to close the gap between public transportation stops and one's destination. With the last mile problem in mind, the makers of the URB-E designed a compact electric vehicle that weighs around 13 kilograms.
Unlike bikes, which often don't fit on crowded buses or trains, the URB-E collapses into a form similar to carry-on luggage. And since the URB-E can be carried practically anywhere, it's not as vulnerable to thieves as bikes are.
Depending on usage, the URB-E can travel for 32 kilometers on a single charge, reaching a top speed of 24 kilometers per hour. Although there are other vehicles attempting to address the last mile issue, the URB-E stands out for its ease of use, portability and affordable price. For the price of a nice laptop, you could have an URB-E to drive to the office.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Metrication 公制化
美國是目前還沒有實施metrication 三個國家之一,
metrication就是採用 metric system 指的是採用公制的單位,
例如: Celsius 攝氐, 是在metric system,
但美國人是用 Fahrenheit 華氐,
美國人形容距離會用 mile 英哩,
這是屬於 U.S. customary unit 美國慣用單位
Grammar Gym
Although there are other vehicles attempting to address the last mile issue, the URB-E stands out for its ease of use, portability and affordable price.
Although there are other ... attempting to ..., ... stands out for ...
- Although there are other contestants attempting to break the school record, Rachel stands out for her good attitude and sportsmanship.
- Although there are other companies attempting to be number one in the industry, this company stands out for its dedication to excellence and quality products.
Language Lab
commuter n.
someone who travels a long distance to work every day
- The trains are always packed with commuters during rush hour.
commute v.
to regularly travel a long distance to get to work
- Mike commutes to Boston every day.
commute n.
the journey to work every day:
- The commute to school takes about an hour.
compact adj.
small, but arranged so that everything fits neatly into the space available - used to show approval:
- Compact cars are economical and easy to park.
- Even though this office is compact, it is still well-equipped.
vulnerable adj.
someone who is vulnerable can be easily harmed or hurt:
- Babies' skin is more vulnerable to sunburn.
- The computer system is vulnerable to penetration if you don't change the codes constantly.
脆弱的
- Marian became very vulnerable after she broke up with her boyfriend.
portability adj.
able to be carried or moved easily:
- Portability is one of the advantages of the tablet.
- I bought this camera for its reliability and portability.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141021baab1717394650b445a4785528dbb38512eab6921d7b356fcbf5417fb78eb166a1b.wma
Monday, October 20, 2014
Interesting Animal Facts
All animals have unique traits
趣味動物小檔案 所有動物都有獨特的特性
Did you know?
Seahorses: With a scientific name that means "horse caterpillars," these fish are believed to mate for life. The male carries and gives birth to the eggs the female deposits in his pouch.
Dogs' noses: No two people have the same set of fingerprints, so they are used to identify people. Not to be outdone by humans, dogs have unique sets of ridges on their noses. No two dogs have the same nose print!
Ants: There are about 1 million ants for every human in the world!
Goats: When you hear the bleating of goats, you may think it all sounds alike, but you would be wrong. As they grow older, goats, like us, develop accents based on who they hang out with!
Puppies: It may not seem like it to you, but male puppies are gentlemen! When playing with a female, a male puppy will usually let its playmate win even though he may have a physical advantage.
Fleas: These insects can jump up to 200 times their height. That's like a man jumping the height of the Empire State Building.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Baby Animal Names 小動物的名稱
dog - puppy
cat - kitten
pig - piglet
duck - duckling
rabbit - bunny
chicken - chick
eel - elver
calf: 小牛, 小象, 小河馬, 小犀牛, 小鯨魚
cub: 小熊, 小獅子, 小鯊魚
Grammar Gym
It may not seem like it to you, but male puppies are gentlemen!
It may not seem like to you, but ...
- It may not seem like it to you, but things will get better.
- It may not seem like it to you, but practicing your English as little as ten minutes every day can make a big difference.
Language Lab
pouch n.
a small leather, cloth, or plastic bag that you can keep things in, and which is sometimes attached to a belt
- Nina put all her money in a pouch and hid it in a jar.
a pocket of skin on the stomach which marsupials such as kangaroos use for carrying their babies leather, cloth, or plastic bag that you can keep things in, and which is sometimes attached to a belt
- Mommy koalas carry their young in their pouches.
outdo v.
past tense outdid, past participle outdone [transitive]
to be better or more successful than someone else at doing something:
- The cellphone company once again outdid their competitors by inventing several new functions.
- Not to be outdone, our team practiced extremely hard before the game.
bleat v.
to make the sound that a sheep or goat makes
- The sheep bleated faintly as they walked down the hill.
to complain in a silly or annoying way:
- Don't come to me bleating about everything that went wrong.
bleating n.
- The bleating of the lambs can be heard miles away.
advantage n.
something that helps you to be more successful than others, or the state of having this
- Fluency in English is one of Paul's advantages.
- A good crowd definitely would be an advantage to the local team.
disadvantage n.
something that causes problems, or that makes someone or something less likely to be successful or effective [≠ advantage]
- One disadvantage of using smartphones is that it takes up too much of our time.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141020baaf37f5a579c6c6aafd90b080fcee2a5a5335cb5e209c08c5197a38e83e479fc1e.wma
趣味動物小檔案 所有動物都有獨特的特性
Did you know?
Seahorses: With a scientific name that means "horse caterpillars," these fish are believed to mate for life. The male carries and gives birth to the eggs the female deposits in his pouch.
Dogs' noses: No two people have the same set of fingerprints, so they are used to identify people. Not to be outdone by humans, dogs have unique sets of ridges on their noses. No two dogs have the same nose print!
Ants: There are about 1 million ants for every human in the world!
Goats: When you hear the bleating of goats, you may think it all sounds alike, but you would be wrong. As they grow older, goats, like us, develop accents based on who they hang out with!
Puppies: It may not seem like it to you, but male puppies are gentlemen! When playing with a female, a male puppy will usually let its playmate win even though he may have a physical advantage.
Fleas: These insects can jump up to 200 times their height. That's like a man jumping the height of the Empire State Building.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Baby Animal Names 小動物的名稱
dog - puppy
cat - kitten
pig - piglet
duck - duckling
rabbit - bunny
chicken - chick
eel - elver
calf: 小牛, 小象, 小河馬, 小犀牛, 小鯨魚
cub: 小熊, 小獅子, 小鯊魚
Grammar Gym
It may not seem like it to you, but male puppies are gentlemen!
It may not seem like to you, but ...
- It may not seem like it to you, but things will get better.
- It may not seem like it to you, but practicing your English as little as ten minutes every day can make a big difference.
Language Lab
pouch n.
a small leather, cloth, or plastic bag that you can keep things in, and which is sometimes attached to a belt
- Nina put all her money in a pouch and hid it in a jar.
a pocket of skin on the stomach which marsupials such as kangaroos use for carrying their babies leather, cloth, or plastic bag that you can keep things in, and which is sometimes attached to a belt
- Mommy koalas carry their young in their pouches.
outdo v.
past tense outdid, past participle outdone [transitive]
to be better or more successful than someone else at doing something:
- The cellphone company once again outdid their competitors by inventing several new functions.
- Not to be outdone, our team practiced extremely hard before the game.
bleat v.
to make the sound that a sheep or goat makes
- The sheep bleated faintly as they walked down the hill.
to complain in a silly or annoying way:
- Don't come to me bleating about everything that went wrong.
bleating n.
- The bleating of the lambs can be heard miles away.
advantage n.
something that helps you to be more successful than others, or the state of having this
- Fluency in English is one of Paul's advantages.
- A good crowd definitely would be an advantage to the local team.
disadvantage n.
something that causes problems, or that makes someone or something less likely to be successful or effective [≠ advantage]
- One disadvantage of using smartphones is that it takes up too much of our time.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141020baaf37f5a579c6c6aafd90b080fcee2a5a5335cb5e209c08c5197a38e83e479fc1e.wma
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Bridge Day
The one day you should try jumping off a bridge
Once a year in the small West Virginia town of Fayetteville, people fly. No magic is involved, except perhaps the rush of adrenaline during a brief fall followed by a glide down 876 feet. Every October, hundreds of thousands head to the New River Gorge Bridge, the third tallest in the U.S. The majority of the people are spectators, but the event, Bridge Day, sees the world's largest gathering of BASE jumpers. These athletes jump off heights, timing the release of their parachute for both safety and ultimate excitement.
In recent years, jumpers have also been able to enjoy an additional thrill - the human catapult. Jumpers are launched 50 feet beyond the bridge before taking the plunge. But for those without the required 100 jumps of experience or the needed equipment, there are many other attractions. Besides enjoying the scenery from the bridge (open to pedestrians only on Bridge Day), the inexperienced can jump tandem or explore the walkway hanging from the ridge. A high line ride from the walkway to the riverside below is also a lesser-known adventure offered at the festival.
Weather one of the 450 jumpers or the thousands of walkers, you won't be disappointed on Bridge Day.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Parachute Kids 降落傘孩子
指的是父母不在邊的小留學生,
因為小孩像是跳傘的傘兵從飛機上跳下來到一個從來沒有去過的國家,
父母安排小孩在新的國家一個就自己離開回到亞洲賺錢,
這樣的小孩必需學會獨自生活,
但是因為孩子還小還不會分辨是非, 往往步入岐途,
這是父母要注意的
Grammar Gym
No magic is involved, except perhaps the rush of adrenaline during a brief fall followed by a glide down 876 feet.
No [subject]+ [verb], except (perhaps)... followed by...
- No special plans are made for this evening, except for a walk through the park followed by a quick stop at the ice cream shop.
- No visitors came into the store, except for the postman followed by the pizza boy.
Language Lab
adrenaline n.
/əˈdrɛnələn/
a chemical produced by your body when you are afraid, angry, or excited, which makes your heart beat faster:
- The level of adrenaline in your body rises when you're excited or nervous.
- The patient's adrenaline glands are not functioning normally.
If you experience a rush of adrenaline or an adrenaline rush, you feel very excited and full of energy.
- The cheering was like a shot of adrenaline for the players.
ultimate adj.
someone's ultimate aim is their main and most important aim, that they hope to achieve in the future [= final]
- This match is the ultimate challenge for both boxers.
better, bigger, worse etc than all other things or people of the same kind:
- The ultimate luxury hotel in Hong Kong is the Peninsula.
thrill n.
a sudden strong feeling of excitement and pleasure, or the thing that makes you feel this:
- It's a great thrill for Susie to meet her childhood friend again.
- Nothing competes with the thrill of winning a game.
thrill v.
[transitive] to make someone feel excited and happy
thrill at
- The kids are thrilled at having a party with their friends.
pedestrian n.
someone who is walking, especially along a street or other place used by cars
- A pedestrian stopped and helped the injured driver.
- Many pedestrians have accidents when they walk and text at the same time.
pedestrian adj.
relating to pedestrians or used by pedestrians:
- a pedestrian area
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141018baaa55f7ab60abb0d3feb1cea69a98d6c47f4425610312e54f407d75cc13bb2037c.wma
Language Lab
Once a year in the small West Virginia town of Fayetteville, people fly. No magic is involved, except perhaps the rush of adrenaline during a brief fall followed by a glide down 876 feet. Every October, hundreds of thousands head to the New River Gorge Bridge, the third tallest in the U.S. The majority of the people are spectators, but the event, Bridge Day, sees the world's largest gathering of BASE jumpers. These athletes jump off heights, timing the release of their parachute for both safety and ultimate excitement.
In recent years, jumpers have also been able to enjoy an additional thrill - the human catapult. Jumpers are launched 50 feet beyond the bridge before taking the plunge. But for those without the required 100 jumps of experience or the needed equipment, there are many other attractions. Besides enjoying the scenery from the bridge (open to pedestrians only on Bridge Day), the inexperienced can jump tandem or explore the walkway hanging from the ridge. A high line ride from the walkway to the riverside below is also a lesser-known adventure offered at the festival.
Weather one of the 450 jumpers or the thousands of walkers, you won't be disappointed on Bridge Day.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Parachute Kids 降落傘孩子
指的是父母不在邊的小留學生,
因為小孩像是跳傘的傘兵從飛機上跳下來到一個從來沒有去過的國家,
父母安排小孩在新的國家一個就自己離開回到亞洲賺錢,
這樣的小孩必需學會獨自生活,
但是因為孩子還小還不會分辨是非, 往往步入岐途,
這是父母要注意的
Grammar Gym
No magic is involved, except perhaps the rush of adrenaline during a brief fall followed by a glide down 876 feet.
No [subject]+ [verb], except (perhaps)... followed by...
- No special plans are made for this evening, except for a walk through the park followed by a quick stop at the ice cream shop.
- No visitors came into the store, except for the postman followed by the pizza boy.
Language Lab
adrenaline n.
/əˈdrɛnələn/
a chemical produced by your body when you are afraid, angry, or excited, which makes your heart beat faster:
- The level of adrenaline in your body rises when you're excited or nervous.
- The patient's adrenaline glands are not functioning normally.
If you experience a rush of adrenaline or an adrenaline rush, you feel very excited and full of energy.
- The cheering was like a shot of adrenaline for the players.
ultimate adj.
someone's ultimate aim is their main and most important aim, that they hope to achieve in the future [= final]
- This match is the ultimate challenge for both boxers.
better, bigger, worse etc than all other things or people of the same kind:
- The ultimate luxury hotel in Hong Kong is the Peninsula.
thrill n.
a sudden strong feeling of excitement and pleasure, or the thing that makes you feel this:
- It's a great thrill for Susie to meet her childhood friend again.
- Nothing competes with the thrill of winning a game.
thrill v.
[transitive] to make someone feel excited and happy
thrill at
- The kids are thrilled at having a party with their friends.
pedestrian n.
someone who is walking, especially along a street or other place used by cars
- A pedestrian stopped and helped the injured driver.
- Many pedestrians have accidents when they walk and text at the same time.
pedestrian adj.
relating to pedestrians or used by pedestrians:
- a pedestrian area
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141018baaa55f7ab60abb0d3feb1cea69a98d6c47f4425610312e54f407d75cc13bb2037c.wma
Language Lab
Friday, October 17, 2014
Virtual Reality (2)
The applications
Potential uses for this kind of virtual reality are both fun and practical. Full-immersion video games would make the player's experience more realistic and exciting.
Virtual reality can also be used in education. Astronomy students, for example, could explore 3-D models of outer space. Medical students could study the human body and even practice surgery using digital models. This would let them improve their skills without endangering real patients.
Doctors might use virtual reality to guide robots to perform surgery. This could make the surgery both faster and safer. Doctors could even perform surgery from a different location.
Ordinary people's ideas may also change because of virtual reality. Participants in one study played a virtual-reality game being represented by an image of a person of a different race. The studies suggested that this experience reduced prejudice. This new technology reminds people that we may look different on the outside, but we are all the same inside.
As virtual-reality technology continues to develop, virtual worlds might just transform life in the real one.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Attend vs. Participate (不同的參加方式)
attend/ participate 都表示參加, 但有很大的差別
attend 指出席, 靜態被動的參加,
例如: attend class 上課, 只有坐在那裡聽課或聽演講
participate 指主動積極的參與,
例如: participate in class 除了出席之外, 還會參與討論發言
participant 參與者
attendee 參與者
attendant 服務員
Grammar Gym
As virtual-reality technology continues to develop, virtual worlds might just transform life in the real one.
Language Lab
application n.
[uncountable and countable] practical purpose for which a machine, idea etc can be used, or a situation when this is used
- This invention will have a great application in the field of biotechnology.
apply v.
[transitive] to use something such as a method, idea, or law in a particular situation, activity, or process
- During their internship, students will apply what they learned in this class in business situations.
endanger v.
to put someone or something in danger of being hurt, damaged, or destroyed:
- The security leak may endanger the safety of the president.
endangered adj.
one that soon may no longer exist
- The panda is an endangered species.
prejudice n.
an unreasonable dislike and distrust of people who are different from you in some way, especially because of their race, sex, religion etc - used to show disapproval:
prejudice against
- Helen has a deep prejudice against males because her father abandoned her.
transform v.
to completely change the appearance, form, or character of something or someone, especially in a way that improves it:
- The make-up artist successfully transformed a common girl into a supermodel.
- The warehouse was transformed into a chic studio.
chic adj.
very fashionable and expensive, and showing good judgement of what is attractive and good style
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141017baad2d02a18bc6e34f4215a83bf2e28a94da4f50121e4aa5a8889036a4cdae98179.wma
Potential uses for this kind of virtual reality are both fun and practical. Full-immersion video games would make the player's experience more realistic and exciting.
Virtual reality can also be used in education. Astronomy students, for example, could explore 3-D models of outer space. Medical students could study the human body and even practice surgery using digital models. This would let them improve their skills without endangering real patients.
Doctors might use virtual reality to guide robots to perform surgery. This could make the surgery both faster and safer. Doctors could even perform surgery from a different location.
Ordinary people's ideas may also change because of virtual reality. Participants in one study played a virtual-reality game being represented by an image of a person of a different race. The studies suggested that this experience reduced prejudice. This new technology reminds people that we may look different on the outside, but we are all the same inside.
As virtual-reality technology continues to develop, virtual worlds might just transform life in the real one.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Attend vs. Participate (不同的參加方式)
attend/ participate 都表示參加, 但有很大的差別
attend 指出席, 靜態被動的參加,
例如: attend class 上課, 只有坐在那裡聽課或聽演講
participate 指主動積極的參與,
例如: participate in class 除了出席之外, 還會參與討論發言
participant 參與者
attendee 參與者
attendant 服務員
Grammar Gym
As virtual-reality technology continues to develop, virtual worlds might just transform life in the real one.
As [something] continues to [verb 1], [something] might just [verb 2].
- As Sarah continues to treat her rude neighbors kindly, her neighbors might just learn to respect her.
- As the church continues to clean the neighborhood every weekend, the rest of the community might just follow along and do the same thing.
Language Lab
application n.
[uncountable and countable] practical purpose for which a machine, idea etc can be used, or a situation when this is used
- This invention will have a great application in the field of biotechnology.
apply v.
[transitive] to use something such as a method, idea, or law in a particular situation, activity, or process
- During their internship, students will apply what they learned in this class in business situations.
endanger v.
to put someone or something in danger of being hurt, damaged, or destroyed:
- The security leak may endanger the safety of the president.
endangered adj.
one that soon may no longer exist
- The panda is an endangered species.
prejudice n.
an unreasonable dislike and distrust of people who are different from you in some way, especially because of their race, sex, religion etc - used to show disapproval:
prejudice against
- Helen has a deep prejudice against males because her father abandoned her.
transform v.
to completely change the appearance, form, or character of something or someone, especially in a way that improves it:
- The make-up artist successfully transformed a common girl into a supermodel.
- The warehouse was transformed into a chic studio.
chic adj.
very fashionable and expensive, and showing good judgement of what is attractive and good style
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141017baad2d02a18bc6e34f4215a83bf2e28a94da4f50121e4aa5a8889036a4cdae98179.wma
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Virtual Reality (1)
Creating new worlds with technology
虛擬實境應用無限寬廣 以科技創造新世界
Technology companies are working around the clock. Their goal: to use computers to create a 3-D environment that people can interact with. Virtual reality is working to let people go deeper and deeper into a world that exists only inside a computer.
The display
For users to be fully immersed in this virtual world, watching it on a screen is not enough. The virtual world must be all they see. To make that happen, companies are developing virtual-reality headsets with two screens, one in front of each eye. The screens display slightly different pictures, which makes objects appear in 3-D.
The input
Companies have developed several systems to let users influence the different virtual worlds they create. Some controllers resemble the ones used for video games. Others called data gloves detect hand motions, letting people interact naturally with the virtual environment.
One company, Motion Analysis, developed a suit with markers that let off light, allowing nearby cameras to track the wearer's motions. The cameras create a computer model of the person, which copies the user's motions in the virtual world.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Around the Clock, 24/7 (日以繼夜)
1. around the clock 日夜不停, 持續不斷的在做
2. 24/7 也指日以繼夜, 但比 around the clock 還要口語
Grammar Gym
For users to be fully immersed in this virtual world, watching it on a screen is not enough. The virtual world must be all they see.
For [someone] to be [involved in a situation], [verb 1-ing] is not enough. [Something else] must be [happening].
- For a student to be accepted by this university, getting good grades is not enough. The student must be involved in a wide variety of activities or clubs.
- For a person to be given a job in this company, just passing one interview is not enough. All candidates must be interviewed three times.
Language Lab
interact v.
if people interact with each other, they talk to each other, work together etc
- The class was designed for students to interact in English in a natural surrounding.
interaction n.
a process by which two or more things affect each other
- The interaction between the actors and the audience was fun.
immerse v.
to put someone or something deep into a liquid so that they are completely covered
- Immerse the cloth in the dye completely for two hours.
- The playwright immersed herself in stories of medieval times when she was writing the script.
input n.
information that is put into a computer
- The computer system can't handle that much input at one time.
- Jackson didn't have much input regarding this project.
output n.
the information produced by a computer
- We'll check the output after running the software to make the necessary improvements.
resemble v.
to look like or be similar to someone or something:
- This piece of art resembles one I saw in Chicago last week.
resemblance n.
if there is a resemblance between two people or things, they are similar, especially in the way they look [similarity]
- There's a striking resemblance between the two sisters.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141016baa26d992b43ac21db5e634118373ec7171dac4d8779b30d5f11ba1096f59f607eb.wma
虛擬實境應用無限寬廣 以科技創造新世界
Technology companies are working around the clock. Their goal: to use computers to create a 3-D environment that people can interact with. Virtual reality is working to let people go deeper and deeper into a world that exists only inside a computer.
The display
For users to be fully immersed in this virtual world, watching it on a screen is not enough. The virtual world must be all they see. To make that happen, companies are developing virtual-reality headsets with two screens, one in front of each eye. The screens display slightly different pictures, which makes objects appear in 3-D.
The input
Companies have developed several systems to let users influence the different virtual worlds they create. Some controllers resemble the ones used for video games. Others called data gloves detect hand motions, letting people interact naturally with the virtual environment.
One company, Motion Analysis, developed a suit with markers that let off light, allowing nearby cameras to track the wearer's motions. The cameras create a computer model of the person, which copies the user's motions in the virtual world.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Around the Clock, 24/7 (日以繼夜)
1. around the clock 日夜不停, 持續不斷的在做
2. 24/7 也指日以繼夜, 但比 around the clock 還要口語
Grammar Gym
For users to be fully immersed in this virtual world, watching it on a screen is not enough. The virtual world must be all they see.
For [someone] to be [involved in a situation], [verb 1-ing] is not enough. [Something else] must be [happening].
- For a student to be accepted by this university, getting good grades is not enough. The student must be involved in a wide variety of activities or clubs.
- For a person to be given a job in this company, just passing one interview is not enough. All candidates must be interviewed three times.
Language Lab
interact v.
if people interact with each other, they talk to each other, work together etc
- The class was designed for students to interact in English in a natural surrounding.
interaction n.
a process by which two or more things affect each other
- The interaction between the actors and the audience was fun.
immerse v.
to put someone or something deep into a liquid so that they are completely covered
- Immerse the cloth in the dye completely for two hours.
- The playwright immersed herself in stories of medieval times when she was writing the script.
input n.
information that is put into a computer
- The computer system can't handle that much input at one time.
- Jackson didn't have much input regarding this project.
output n.
the information produced by a computer
- We'll check the output after running the software to make the necessary improvements.
resemble v.
to look like or be similar to someone or something:
- This piece of art resembles one I saw in Chicago last week.
resemblance n.
if there is a resemblance between two people or things, they are similar, especially in the way they look [similarity]
- There's a striking resemblance between the two sisters.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141016baa26d992b43ac21db5e634118373ec7171dac4d8779b30d5f11ba1096f59f607eb.wma
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Exploring Greece (3)
Enjoy your stay
Experience Greek hospitality for yourself, and skip the big city hotels. Instead, book your stay at a smaller location. Guesthouses and B&Bs are often less expensive and just as nice. You'll get to know the owners and the neighborhood quickly. Places like these will bring you closer to the Greek community. And you'll save a lot of money!
Don't forget to clean your plate! Greek food is full of flavor, and it's healthy! Greece is known for its delicious olives, cheeses and honey, to name only a few.
Order signature dishes like moussaka and spanakopita, with a Greek salad topped with fresh tomatoes and feta. Then try some baklava for dessert. You'll probably want seconds of everything!
Art, history, nature, food - Greece has it all! You'll leave this beautiful and ancient country with lots of good memories. Make sure to send some postcards before you leave. Your friends will want to hear all about your trip!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Ampersand (&的由來)
B&B= bed and breakfast
& = and = ampersand
200年前, 英文有27個字母,
在XYZ之後, 還有~"Et" 這個字是拉丁文, 表示 and,
後來因為當時始用草寫的字體,
大寫的E 彎起來多了一條小尾巴,
漸漸的就演變成 &,
and per se and 這個符號自己的意思是and,
讀快一點最後這個等號就變成 ampersand
Grammar Gym
Greece is known for its delicious olives, cheeses and honey, to name only a few.
[Subject] is known for ..., ... and ..., to name only a few.
- Paris is known for its food, fashion and fine arts, to name only a few.
- This university is known for its football team, beautiful campus and graduate school programs, to name only a few.
Language Lab
hospitality n.
[uncountable] friendly behaviour towards visitors:
- During our stay in the country, people's hospitality really touched us.
hospitable adj.
friendly, welcoming, and generous to visitors
- Our neighbors are very hospitable. They invite us over for dinner quite often.
flavor n.
[countable] the particular taste of a food or drink:
- The sesame oil added a little eastern flavor to our pasta.
- Strawberry is my favorite flavor of ice cream.
flavor v.
to give something a particular taste or more taste
- Mom put some herbs in the soup to flavor it.
signature adj.
closely associated with someone or something : making a person or thing easy to recognize
- The black dress is the designer's signature style of elegance with an edge.
- Prime rib is the restaurant's signature dish. Almost every customer orders it.
seconds n.
[plural] : another serving of food taken after you are finished with the first serving
- I'm totally full. I can't have seconds of anything.
- Grandma's chili was amazing. We all had seconds.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141015baaad3421deeb6df4a26b05b24c80d9e8d43ba7e61510113b183ec82e57115ffb9d.wma
Experience Greek hospitality for yourself, and skip the big city hotels. Instead, book your stay at a smaller location. Guesthouses and B&Bs are often less expensive and just as nice. You'll get to know the owners and the neighborhood quickly. Places like these will bring you closer to the Greek community. And you'll save a lot of money!
Don't forget to clean your plate! Greek food is full of flavor, and it's healthy! Greece is known for its delicious olives, cheeses and honey, to name only a few.
Order signature dishes like moussaka and spanakopita, with a Greek salad topped with fresh tomatoes and feta. Then try some baklava for dessert. You'll probably want seconds of everything!
Art, history, nature, food - Greece has it all! You'll leave this beautiful and ancient country with lots of good memories. Make sure to send some postcards before you leave. Your friends will want to hear all about your trip!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Ampersand (&的由來)
B&B= bed and breakfast
& = and = ampersand
200年前, 英文有27個字母,
在XYZ之後, 還有~"Et" 這個字是拉丁文, 表示 and,
後來因為當時始用草寫的字體,
大寫的E 彎起來多了一條小尾巴,
漸漸的就演變成 &,
and per se and 這個符號自己的意思是and,
讀快一點最後這個等號就變成 ampersand
Grammar Gym
Greece is known for its delicious olives, cheeses and honey, to name only a few.
[Subject] is known for ..., ... and ..., to name only a few.
- Paris is known for its food, fashion and fine arts, to name only a few.
- This university is known for its football team, beautiful campus and graduate school programs, to name only a few.
Language Lab
hospitality n.
[uncountable] friendly behaviour towards visitors:
- During our stay in the country, people's hospitality really touched us.
hospitable adj.
friendly, welcoming, and generous to visitors
- Our neighbors are very hospitable. They invite us over for dinner quite often.
flavor n.
[countable] the particular taste of a food or drink:
- The sesame oil added a little eastern flavor to our pasta.
- Strawberry is my favorite flavor of ice cream.
flavor v.
to give something a particular taste or more taste
- Mom put some herbs in the soup to flavor it.
signature adj.
closely associated with someone or something : making a person or thing easy to recognize
- The black dress is the designer's signature style of elegance with an edge.
- Prime rib is the restaurant's signature dish. Almost every customer orders it.
seconds n.
[plural] : another serving of food taken after you are finished with the first serving
- I'm totally full. I can't have seconds of anything.
- Grandma's chili was amazing. We all had seconds.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141015baaad3421deeb6df4a26b05b24c80d9e8d43ba7e61510113b183ec82e57115ffb9d.wma
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Exploring Greece (2)
More Greece, please!
Greece is not a small country, so it may be hard to decide what to do during your stay. Here are a few suggestions for some fun and popular activities.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Paul Idioms 源自保羅書信的片語
新約聖經有許多卷書是來自保羅的書信,
聖經學者將這些希臘書信翻譯成英文,
但有時候為了完整的表達原文的意思,
聖經學者必需創造出一些單子及片語,
後來這些片語也被一般人廣泛的使用,
例如: labor of love 字面是出於愛心的心勞,
現在是指 心甘情願的去做一件事,
另一個片語 press on towards the goal,
中文翻成努力面前向者標杆直跑,
press on 持續, 堅決的態度
Grammar Gym
Greece is not a small country, so it may be hard to decide what to do during your stay.
[Subject] is not a small..., so it may be hard to...
- The train station is not a small place, so it may be hard to meet someone there without agreeing on an exact spot.
- A full-grown golden retriever is not a small dog, so it may be hard to raise one in a tiny apartment.
Language Lab
suggestion n.
an idea, plan, or possibility that someone mentions, or the act of mentioning it:
- Sean decided to follow his parents' suggestion and join the army.
make suggestion
- Can I make a suggestion?
suggest v.
to tell someone your ideas about what they should do, where they should go etc
- Ted's physician suggested that he take a vacation for health reasons.
Biblical adj.
relating to or written in the Bible:
- The movie was based on the Biblical story of David.
Bible n.
- The speaker ended his speech with a Bible verse.
opposite preposition
if one thing or person is opposite another, they are facing each other:
- Henry sat opposite his wife in the diner.
opposite adj.
the opposite direction, way etc is directly away from someone or something:
- The twins' personalities are totally opposite to each other.
opposite adv.
in a position on the other side of the same area:
- We don't know the man who lives opposite very well.
harvest n.
[uncountable and countable] the time when crops are gathered from the fields, or the act of gathering them
- The farmers in this area had a good corn harvest this year.
- Patrick hired extra hands during the wheat harvest.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141014baaf6f3a4d16c68f466a50acd682625965516c112b606b12324bc65d367938a6bee.wma
Greece is not a small country, so it may be hard to decide what to do during your stay. Here are a few suggestions for some fun and popular activities.
- Follow the path of the Apostle Paul. This important Biblical figure toured Greece about two thousand years ago. He made stops at Thessalonica, Philippi and Corinth, to name a few.
- Go to the beach! Greece has more than 15,000 kilometers of coastline in total. There are plenty of beautiful white sand beaches with clear blue water to choose from.
- Check out a show. Greece is famous for its traditional theater, song and dance. Dora Stratou Dance Theatre is a living museum that sits on the hill opposite the Acropolis. They put on daily performances during the summer in their garden theater.
- Return to nature. If you go at the right time of year, you can help with the olive harvest! Get your hands dirty, and learn about the production of this famous Greek food.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Paul Idioms 源自保羅書信的片語
新約聖經有許多卷書是來自保羅的書信,
聖經學者將這些希臘書信翻譯成英文,
但有時候為了完整的表達原文的意思,
聖經學者必需創造出一些單子及片語,
後來這些片語也被一般人廣泛的使用,
例如: labor of love 字面是出於愛心的心勞,
現在是指 心甘情願的去做一件事,
另一個片語 press on towards the goal,
中文翻成努力面前向者標杆直跑,
press on 持續, 堅決的態度
Grammar Gym
Greece is not a small country, so it may be hard to decide what to do during your stay.
[Subject] is not a small..., so it may be hard to...
- The train station is not a small place, so it may be hard to meet someone there without agreeing on an exact spot.
- A full-grown golden retriever is not a small dog, so it may be hard to raise one in a tiny apartment.
Language Lab
suggestion n.
an idea, plan, or possibility that someone mentions, or the act of mentioning it:
- Sean decided to follow his parents' suggestion and join the army.
make suggestion
- Can I make a suggestion?
suggest v.
to tell someone your ideas about what they should do, where they should go etc
- Ted's physician suggested that he take a vacation for health reasons.
Biblical adj.
relating to or written in the Bible:
- The movie was based on the Biblical story of David.
Bible n.
- The speaker ended his speech with a Bible verse.
opposite preposition
if one thing or person is opposite another, they are facing each other:
- Henry sat opposite his wife in the diner.
opposite adj.
the opposite direction, way etc is directly away from someone or something:
- The twins' personalities are totally opposite to each other.
opposite adv.
in a position on the other side of the same area:
- We don't know the man who lives opposite very well.
harvest n.
[uncountable and countable] the time when crops are gathered from the fields, or the act of gathering them
- The farmers in this area had a good corn harvest this year.
- Patrick hired extra hands during the wheat harvest.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141014baaf6f3a4d16c68f466a50acd682625965516c112b606b12324bc65d367938a6bee.wma
Monday, October 13, 2014
Exploring Greece (1)
Make lots of time to enjoy this sunny Mediterranean country
探索希臘 準備充裕的時間來享受這個陽光普照的地中海國家
Greece is the birthplace of Western civilization. The Olympic Games began in Greece. Democracy and modern medicine got their start in Greece, too. Many of the words you'll read in this article come from the Greek language.
A trip to Greece is a trip into centuries past. You'll have your fill of ancient art, architecture, history and more. But Greece isn't just museums and historic sites. It's a place for fun and great food, too!
Athens
Start your journey in Athens, Greece's capital and largest city. Here you'll see photo-famous sites like the Acropolis and the Theater of Dionysus. You can see more of Greece's preserved history at the National Archaeological Museum. From Athens, you can also go on several fun day trips. Take a tour to Delphi, or spend the day island-hopping on a cruise. And be sure to visit one of Athens' interesting markets such as Athens Central Market or Monastiraki Flea Market.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Alphabet 英文字母的由來
若要了解英文的由來,
在四千年前, Phoenicians (腓尼基人)始用的文字,
腓尼基是古代中東的一個民族,
他起源於現今的犁巴嫩,
後來古希臘人在腓尼基的文字上創造了希臘字母,
在希臘字母的基礎上又形成了羅馬字母,
後來羅馬人建立了歐州地國,
將羅馬文化帶到了統治的帝國,
他的領土包括了現今的英國,
而我們現今所用的英文字母差不多都從希臘字母或拉丁字母演變而來的
Grammar Gym
But Greece isn't just museums and historic sites.
[Subject] isn't just ... and ...
- American food isn't just hamburgers and steaks.
- A job as a model isn't just clothes and fashion shows.
Language Lab
civilization n.
a society that is well organized and developed, used especially about a particular society in a particular place or at a particular time
- The movie successfully recreated the grandeur of Roman civilization.
[uncountable] a place such as a city where you feel comfortable, especially because it is modern [↪ civilized]:
- After months in the desert, it's great to be back in civilization.
architecture n.
[uncountable] the art and practice of planning and designing buildings:
- The professor is an expert in Greek architecture and culture.
- The building was designed by a German architect.
journey n.
a time spent travelling from one place to another, especially over a long distance
- The train journey from the East Coast to the West Coast of the U.S. took us two full days.
- Severe weather prolonged our journey home.
preserve v.
to save something or someone from being harmed or destroyed
- The antique furniture is well preserved.
- We are teaching our children to recycle to preserve our environment.
to save something or someone from being harmed or destroyed
- The fishermen smoked the fish to preserve it.
- preserved fruit
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141013baab25ef0c5fcbac96f59aa02dc9fa73bad8f159a3f022b11b9a34a923299175644.wma
探索希臘 準備充裕的時間來享受這個陽光普照的地中海國家
Greece is the birthplace of Western civilization. The Olympic Games began in Greece. Democracy and modern medicine got their start in Greece, too. Many of the words you'll read in this article come from the Greek language.
A trip to Greece is a trip into centuries past. You'll have your fill of ancient art, architecture, history and more. But Greece isn't just museums and historic sites. It's a place for fun and great food, too!
Athens
Start your journey in Athens, Greece's capital and largest city. Here you'll see photo-famous sites like the Acropolis and the Theater of Dionysus. You can see more of Greece's preserved history at the National Archaeological Museum. From Athens, you can also go on several fun day trips. Take a tour to Delphi, or spend the day island-hopping on a cruise. And be sure to visit one of Athens' interesting markets such as Athens Central Market or Monastiraki Flea Market.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: The Alphabet 英文字母的由來
若要了解英文的由來,
在四千年前, Phoenicians (腓尼基人)始用的文字,
腓尼基是古代中東的一個民族,
他起源於現今的犁巴嫩,
後來古希臘人在腓尼基的文字上創造了希臘字母,
在希臘字母的基礎上又形成了羅馬字母,
後來羅馬人建立了歐州地國,
將羅馬文化帶到了統治的帝國,
他的領土包括了現今的英國,
而我們現今所用的英文字母差不多都從希臘字母或拉丁字母演變而來的
Grammar Gym
But Greece isn't just museums and historic sites.
[Subject] isn't just ... and ...
- American food isn't just hamburgers and steaks.
- A job as a model isn't just clothes and fashion shows.
Language Lab
civilization n.
a society that is well organized and developed, used especially about a particular society in a particular place or at a particular time
- The movie successfully recreated the grandeur of Roman civilization.
[uncountable] a place such as a city where you feel comfortable, especially because it is modern [↪ civilized]:
- After months in the desert, it's great to be back in civilization.
architecture n.
[uncountable] the art and practice of planning and designing buildings:
- The professor is an expert in Greek architecture and culture.
[uncountable] the style and design of a building or buildings
- The church is a great example of Gothic architecture.
architect n.
someone whose job is to design buildings- The building was designed by a German architect.
journey n.
a time spent travelling from one place to another, especially over a long distance
- The train journey from the East Coast to the West Coast of the U.S. took us two full days.
- Severe weather prolonged our journey home.
preserve v.
to save something or someone from being harmed or destroyed
- The antique furniture is well preserved.
- We are teaching our children to recycle to preserve our environment.
to save something or someone from being harmed or destroyed
- The fishermen smoked the fish to preserve it.
- preserved fruit
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141013baab25ef0c5fcbac96f59aa02dc9fa73bad8f159a3f022b11b9a34a923299175644.wma
Friday, October 10, 2014
Architects Design "Jenga Hotel" With Removable Container Rooms, Hong Kong (2)
"They can also travel with you, or you can travel to them. This equation led to many possibilities and creative opportunities," continued Barthelemy.
The architects have also though of how to feature green spaces and garden areas. They explained that under and above each container a service cassette would provide electricity, air conditioning, fresh water and drainage. These cassettes would be filled with soil, allowing gardens and kitchen gardens to be created. They explained: "This allows nature to take back its rights when the containers are not there, with wild flowers and bees thriving in this new ecosystem."
The architects have also seen branding opportunities behind their big idea. The design sketches feature containers sponsored by major brands such as Ferrari and Prada. Brands could certainly be interested in this increased level of exposure, due to the height of the hotel, the containers would be visible to a much wider audience than a standard billboard could offer.
Ouahes stated, "To make it financially attractive for the operator, we find that creating a link between major brands, container fit out and Hive-inn operators could be a winning scenario."
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle 環保的三個Ｒ
減量, 再利用, 回收
Language Lab
equation n.
the set of different facts, ideas, or people that all affect a situation and must be considered together:
[singular] when you consider that two things are similar or connected
[countable] a statement in mathematics that shows that two amounts or totals are equal
drainage n.
the process or system by which water or waste liquid flows away
drain v.
to make the water or liquid in something flow away
billboard n.
a large sign used for advertising [= hoarding British English]
scenario n.
a situation that could possibly happen
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141010baabd3c0a8ab5dc898bac78862eba6714714ecd7a012fa5c482c1c9c4cb952424e8.wma
The architects have also though of how to feature green spaces and garden areas. They explained that under and above each container a service cassette would provide electricity, air conditioning, fresh water and drainage. These cassettes would be filled with soil, allowing gardens and kitchen gardens to be created. They explained: "This allows nature to take back its rights when the containers are not there, with wild flowers and bees thriving in this new ecosystem."
The architects have also seen branding opportunities behind their big idea. The design sketches feature containers sponsored by major brands such as Ferrari and Prada. Brands could certainly be interested in this increased level of exposure, due to the height of the hotel, the containers would be visible to a much wider audience than a standard billboard could offer.
Ouahes stated, "To make it financially attractive for the operator, we find that creating a link between major brands, container fit out and Hive-inn operators could be a winning scenario."
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle 環保的三個Ｒ
減量, 再利用, 回收
Language Lab
equation n.
the set of different facts, ideas, or people that all affect a situation and must be considered together:
[singular] when you consider that two things are similar or connected
[countable] a statement in mathematics that shows that two amounts or totals are equal
drainage n.
the process or system by which water or waste liquid flows away
drain v.
to make the water or liquid in something flow away
billboard n.
a large sign used for advertising [= hoarding British English]
scenario n.
a situation that could possibly happen
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141010baabd3c0a8ab5dc898bac78862eba6714714ecd7a012fa5c482c1c9c4cb952424e8.wma
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Architects Design "Jenga Hotel" With Removable Container Rooms, Hong Kong (1)
Shipping containers become the building blocks of architecture's future
Architects in Hong Kong have designed a Jenga-inspired hotel. The Hive-Inn hotel would be composed of recycled shipping containers which can be inserted and removed, depending on the needs and business of the hotel. The Jenga-like grid structure would allow containers to be slotted in and removed without disturbing the other container rooms.
The creators, Slimane Ouahes and Christophe Barthelemy, of Ova Studio believe that is is not just an innovative hotel design with space for branding. They feel the idea could also be extended as a response for emergency housing or medical-care units.
The duo explained that the design of the hotel lies in the idea of maximum flexibility and mobility. This is a trend that is embodied in our modern way of living.
Barthelemy explained, "Containers came as a natural answer to this vision; the challenge was to keep it technically feasible, mobile and fun. We wanted to keep the true nature of containers alive: containers are mobile, containers travel! It created this interesting paradox in which hotel rooms can come to you, expanding the market to residents."
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Dual, Duel and Duo
duo n. 雙人組
/ˈduːwoʊ/
- The duo will tour several cities.
dual adj. 雙倍, 雙重的
/ˈduːwəl/
- a dual purpose
duel n. 對決
/ˈduːwəl/
- They both decided that the matter be settled by a dual.
Grammar Gym
Containers came as a natural answer to this vision; the challenge was to keep it technically feasible, mobile and fun.
[Subject is a/ the] natural [something]; the challenge [is/was to+verb].
- Wanting to get first place is a natural desire for many people; the challenge is to work hard and to stay disciplined.
- Anger is a natural feeling when someone does something bad to you; the challenge is to do the right thing even when you are feeling angry.
Language Lab
slot v. past tense and past participle slotted, present participle slotting
to go into a slot, or to put something in a slot
- John slotted the card into the device, and the door opened automatically.
- The worker slotted the last tile neatly into place.
slot n.
a long narrow hole in a surface, that you can put something into:
- a slot machine
brand v.
to give a name to a product or group of products so that they can be easily recognized by their name or design
- The company branded their latest app "Dustpan". It cleans out junk mail efficiently.
branding n.
- Good branding and marketing strategies increased the company's sales rapidly.
embody v.
to represent (something) in a clear and obvious way : to be a symbol or example of (something)
- The spirit of women's independence is embodied in this author's works.
- The character embodied the strong will and perseverance of a mother.
paradox n.
a situation that seems strange because it involves two ideas or qualities that are very different:
- Sam is a paradox. He loves being alone yet longs to be understood.
- The paradox is that we fought the war thinking it would bring peace.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141009baa31cea9127016053ba806f49207ef3548be30b1ee2e086c7c1c6843f4d5e54de5.wma
Architects in Hong Kong have designed a Jenga-inspired hotel. The Hive-Inn hotel would be composed of recycled shipping containers which can be inserted and removed, depending on the needs and business of the hotel. The Jenga-like grid structure would allow containers to be slotted in and removed without disturbing the other container rooms.
The creators, Slimane Ouahes and Christophe Barthelemy, of Ova Studio believe that is is not just an innovative hotel design with space for branding. They feel the idea could also be extended as a response for emergency housing or medical-care units.
The duo explained that the design of the hotel lies in the idea of maximum flexibility and mobility. This is a trend that is embodied in our modern way of living.
Barthelemy explained, "Containers came as a natural answer to this vision; the challenge was to keep it technically feasible, mobile and fun. We wanted to keep the true nature of containers alive: containers are mobile, containers travel! It created this interesting paradox in which hotel rooms can come to you, expanding the market to residents."
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Dual, Duel and Duo
duo n. 雙人組
/ˈduːwoʊ/
- The duo will tour several cities.
dual adj. 雙倍, 雙重的
/ˈduːwəl/
- a dual purpose
duel n. 對決
/ˈduːwəl/
- They both decided that the matter be settled by a dual.
Grammar Gym
Containers came as a natural answer to this vision; the challenge was to keep it technically feasible, mobile and fun.
[Subject is a/ the] natural [something]; the challenge [is/was to+verb].
- Wanting to get first place is a natural desire for many people; the challenge is to work hard and to stay disciplined.
- Anger is a natural feeling when someone does something bad to you; the challenge is to do the right thing even when you are feeling angry.
Language Lab
slot v. past tense and past participle slotted, present participle slotting
to go into a slot, or to put something in a slot
- John slotted the card into the device, and the door opened automatically.
- The worker slotted the last tile neatly into place.
slot n.
a long narrow hole in a surface, that you can put something into:
- a slot machine
brand v.
to give a name to a product or group of products so that they can be easily recognized by their name or design
- The company branded their latest app "Dustpan". It cleans out junk mail efficiently.
branding n.
- Good branding and marketing strategies increased the company's sales rapidly.
embody v.
to represent (something) in a clear and obvious way : to be a symbol or example of (something)
- The spirit of women's independence is embodied in this author's works.
- The character embodied the strong will and perseverance of a mother.
paradox n.
a situation that seems strange because it involves two ideas or qualities that are very different:
- Sam is a paradox. He loves being alone yet longs to be understood.
- The paradox is that we fought the war thinking it would bring peace.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141009baa31cea9127016053ba806f49207ef3548be30b1ee2e086c7c1c6843f4d5e54de5.wma
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Kickstarter: Helping Creative Projects Find Support
This website helps common people support their favorite artists
More than 200 years ago, Mozart sought supporters to help pay for the cost of his concerts. Today, both new and famous artists can do the same. They can share their projects on Kickstarter, a website where creators find supporters and raise funds. Since Kickstarter began in 2009, more than 5 million supporters have funded more than 60,000 projects. Projects range from films and video games to music and technology. Creators have complete control over and responsibility for their projects.
Supporters can pledge as little as one dollar or as much as $10,000. In return, creators thank them with special rewards. Offering $20 might lead to copies of a finished book. Offering $10,000 could result in a private concert.
Last year two Kickstarter-funded projects were especially successful. The film Inocente, about a homeless female artist, won an Academy Award. And the ArduSat project launched a satellite into space! When it comes to Kickstarter, it seems the sky really is the limit!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Balanced Sentences 平衡的句子
- Creators have complete control over and responsibility for their projects.
have control over something 掌控
have responsibility for something 對一件事負責
二個片語裡都有一個介系詞 over & for,
這二個介系詞都是不能省略的,
一但省略了, 這個句子就失去了他的平衡,
一個平衡的句字可以平衡的比較二樣東西,
像某一家速食店廣告:
Buy a bucket of chicken and have a barrel of fun!
買一筒雞得一筒樂趣!
Grammar Gym
Supporters can pledge as little as one dollar or as much as $10,000.
[Subject] can [verb] as little as... or as much/many as ...
- The fisherman can catch as little as one fish or as many as twenty.
- Students in the Reading Contest can read as little as one book or as many as they want.
Language Lab
support n.
approval, encouragement, and perhaps help for a person, idea, plan etc:
- Josh's family gave him great support when he was running for mayor.
supporter n.
someone who supports a particular person, group, or plan
- The candidate's supporters all gathered in his election office.
fund v.
to provide money for an activity, organization, event etc:
- Janet's parents agreed to fund her first two years of college.
- The charity campaign was funded by Microsoft.
fund n.
[countable] an amount of money that is collected and kept for a particular purpose:
- The company tried to collect funds to develop new products.
launch v.
to send a weapon or spacecraft into the sky or into space:
- The general pressed the red button to launch the missile.
to start something, usually something big or important:
- The construction of this industrial complex will be launched next year.
the sky is the limit
used to say that there is no limit to what someone can achieve, spend, win etc:
- Because of her looks and talent, the sky is the limit for this young actress.
- Buy anything you like; the sky is the limit.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141008baa0c21766899142add0db247b1654681ffde34f575c9e1245d516370dbbf23f8a5.wma
More than 200 years ago, Mozart sought supporters to help pay for the cost of his concerts. Today, both new and famous artists can do the same. They can share their projects on Kickstarter, a website where creators find supporters and raise funds. Since Kickstarter began in 2009, more than 5 million supporters have funded more than 60,000 projects. Projects range from films and video games to music and technology. Creators have complete control over and responsibility for their projects.
Supporters can pledge as little as one dollar or as much as $10,000. In return, creators thank them with special rewards. Offering $20 might lead to copies of a finished book. Offering $10,000 could result in a private concert.
Last year two Kickstarter-funded projects were especially successful. The film Inocente, about a homeless female artist, won an Academy Award. And the ArduSat project launched a satellite into space! When it comes to Kickstarter, it seems the sky really is the limit!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Balanced Sentences 平衡的句子
- Creators have complete control over and responsibility for their projects.
have control over something 掌控
have responsibility for something 對一件事負責
二個片語裡都有一個介系詞 over & for,
這二個介系詞都是不能省略的,
一但省略了, 這個句子就失去了他的平衡,
一個平衡的句字可以平衡的比較二樣東西,
像某一家速食店廣告:
Buy a bucket of chicken and have a barrel of fun!
買一筒雞得一筒樂趣!
Grammar Gym
Supporters can pledge as little as one dollar or as much as $10,000.
[Subject] can [verb] as little as... or as much/many as ...
- The fisherman can catch as little as one fish or as many as twenty.
- Students in the Reading Contest can read as little as one book or as many as they want.
Language Lab
support n.
approval, encouragement, and perhaps help for a person, idea, plan etc:
- Josh's family gave him great support when he was running for mayor.
supporter n.
someone who supports a particular person, group, or plan
- The candidate's supporters all gathered in his election office.
fund v.
to provide money for an activity, organization, event etc:
- Janet's parents agreed to fund her first two years of college.
- The charity campaign was funded by Microsoft.
fund n.
[countable] an amount of money that is collected and kept for a particular purpose:
- The company tried to collect funds to develop new products.
launch v.
to send a weapon or spacecraft into the sky or into space:
- The general pressed the red button to launch the missile.
to start something, usually something big or important:
- The construction of this industrial complex will be launched next year.
the sky is the limit
used to say that there is no limit to what someone can achieve, spend, win etc:
- Because of her looks and talent, the sky is the limit for this young actress.
- Buy anything you like; the sky is the limit.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141008baa0c21766899142add0db247b1654681ffde34f575c9e1245d516370dbbf23f8a5.wma
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
A Failure to Communicate (2)
Tyler: I figured if I started screaming too, that would just make everything worse.
Coach: I agree. That kind of emotional release feels good at first, but it usually causes more problems.
Tyler: Exactly. It hurts people's feelings and can give you a reputation for not being able to control your emotions.
Coach: But it's still important to express your opinions. You should respect yourself enough not to let people treat you badly.
Tyler: So what do you think I should have done, Coach?
Coach: First of all, you understand he was right, so it would have shown maturity to admit that. Second...
Tyler: You think I should have apologized when Caleb was the one who was...
Coach: Second of all, you could have calmly said that you didn't appreciate his approach.
Tyler: Do you really think he listens when he blows up like that? I don't think talking to him would have done any good.
Coach: It might get him to think twice before doing it again. And if he doesn't, you're still the bigger man, and your teammates will recognize that. All right?
Tyler: Yeah. Thanks, Coach.
Coach: OK. Now hit the showers.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Enumeration 列舉
first, firstly, 口語一點: first of all, first off, first and foremost,
second, secondly
third, thirdly
fourth, fourthly
finally, last but not least, lastly
Grammar Gym
I don't think talking to him would have done any good.
Language Lab
emotion n.
a strong human feeling such as love, hate, or anger:
- Helen shows her emotions quite easily.
emotional adj.
relating to your feelings or how you control them:
- Brenda used to get very emotional when she was frustrated.
reputation n.
the opinion that people have about someone or something because of what has happened in the past
- The scandal ruined the mayor's reputation.
reputation for
- The company has a reputation for an excellent working environment.
- The singer has a reputation for forgetting his lyrics.
apologize v.
to tell someone that you are sorry that you have done something wrong:
apologize to
- Edward apologized to his girlfriend for being late.
apology n.
something that you say or write to show that you are sorry for doing something wrong
- Nichloas made his apologies to his teacher for his rudeness.
blow up phrasal verb
to become very angry with someone:
- Pam suddenly blew up at her colleagues for no reason.
blowup n.
an angry argument
- The couple had a huge blowup last night.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141007baa8fe72a414db7563815e57400ea6555fd32d66232833840a4d4b9bbe5ff153256.wma
Coach: I agree. That kind of emotional release feels good at first, but it usually causes more problems.
Tyler: Exactly. It hurts people's feelings and can give you a reputation for not being able to control your emotions.
Coach: But it's still important to express your opinions. You should respect yourself enough not to let people treat you badly.
Tyler: So what do you think I should have done, Coach?
Coach: First of all, you understand he was right, so it would have shown maturity to admit that. Second...
Tyler: You think I should have apologized when Caleb was the one who was...
Coach: Second of all, you could have calmly said that you didn't appreciate his approach.
Tyler: Do you really think he listens when he blows up like that? I don't think talking to him would have done any good.
Coach: It might get him to think twice before doing it again. And if he doesn't, you're still the bigger man, and your teammates will recognize that. All right?
Tyler: Yeah. Thanks, Coach.
Coach: OK. Now hit the showers.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Enumeration 列舉
first, firstly, 口語一點: first of all, first off, first and foremost,
second, secondly
third, thirdly
fourth, fourthly
finally, last but not least, lastly
Grammar Gym
I don't think talking to him would have done any good.
done any good
To do any good= To give a desired effect or result
- Complaining about your problem won't do any good because it certainly won't change the situation.
- Would it do any good if I call some friends to come and help?
Language Lab
emotion n.
a strong human feeling such as love, hate, or anger:
- Helen shows her emotions quite easily.
emotional adj.
relating to your feelings or how you control them:
- Brenda used to get very emotional when she was frustrated.
reputation n.
the opinion that people have about someone or something because of what has happened in the past
- The scandal ruined the mayor's reputation.
reputation for
- The company has a reputation for an excellent working environment.
- The singer has a reputation for forgetting his lyrics.
apologize v.
to tell someone that you are sorry that you have done something wrong:
apologize to
- Edward apologized to his girlfriend for being late.
apology n.
something that you say or write to show that you are sorry for doing something wrong
- Nichloas made his apologies to his teacher for his rudeness.
blow up phrasal verb
to become very angry with someone:
- Pam suddenly blew up at her colleagues for no reason.
blowup n.
an angry argument
- The couple had a huge blowup last night.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141007baa8fe72a414db7563815e57400ea6555fd32d66232833840a4d4b9bbe5ff153256.wma
Monday, October 6, 2014
A Failure to Communicate (1)
What's the best way to express your feelings?
Coach Martin is alone in a locker room when Tyler, one of his basketball players, comes in. Earlier Tyler's teammate Caleb yelled at him for playing badly.
Tyler: Coach! You're still here?
Coach: I thought you might need someone to talk to. Are you OK?
Tyler: Not really. What gives Caleb the right to yell at me like that?
Coach: I've talked to Caleb. It's never appropriate to shame another person like that, especially a teammate. An outburst is not a good way to deal with any conflict.
Tyler: Conflict? There was no conflict until he blamed me for losing the game! I admit that I probably didn't pass the ball enough. But he didn't have to act like that!
Coach: You didn't pass the ball enough. But I agree that yelling at you was wrong. And I think you should have told him, that, but you didn't say anything.
Tyler: Coach, I never thought you'd tell me to do something like that. Wouldn't yelling at Caleb just make him more defensive?
Coach: I didn't tell you to yell at him, but I think you could have stood up for yourself. I'd rather have you talk about the problem than just sit there feeling resentful.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: You Shouldn’t Have Written “Of” 為何老外會把should have寫成should of？
should 應該
should have 原本應該做什麼事, 但沒有做, 這是一種假設語氣用法, 表示某種情況與現在事實相反
- You should have told him. 你當初應該告訴他, 但沒有
口語 You should've told him. 聽起來像是 should of, 所以會拼錯成 should of
同樣的 could have, would have, might have, must have 也有同樣的情況
Grammar Gym
What gives Caleb the right to yell at me like that?
Language Lab
appropriate adj.
correct or suitable for a particular time, situation, or purpose [≠ inappropriate]
- His casual outfit is not appropriate for this formal occasion.
- We need to take appropriate measures to solve this problem.
inappropriate adj.
not suitable or right for a particular purpose or in a particular situation
- It's inappropriate to talk loudly in a library.
outburst n.
something you say suddenly that expresses a strong emotion, especially anger;
- Theo's sudden outburst of anger frightened his kids.
- Alex's constant emotional outbursts ruined his marriage.
a sudden short increase in an activity;
Coach Martin is alone in a locker room when Tyler, one of his basketball players, comes in. Earlier Tyler's teammate Caleb yelled at him for playing badly.
Tyler: Coach! You're still here?
Coach: I thought you might need someone to talk to. Are you OK?
Tyler: Not really. What gives Caleb the right to yell at me like that?
Coach: I've talked to Caleb. It's never appropriate to shame another person like that, especially a teammate. An outburst is not a good way to deal with any conflict.
Tyler: Conflict? There was no conflict until he blamed me for losing the game! I admit that I probably didn't pass the ball enough. But he didn't have to act like that!
Coach: You didn't pass the ball enough. But I agree that yelling at you was wrong. And I think you should have told him, that, but you didn't say anything.
Tyler: Coach, I never thought you'd tell me to do something like that. Wouldn't yelling at Caleb just make him more defensive?
Coach: I didn't tell you to yell at him, but I think you could have stood up for yourself. I'd rather have you talk about the problem than just sit there feeling resentful.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: You Shouldn’t Have Written “Of” 為何老外會把should have寫成should of？
should 應該
should have 原本應該做什麼事, 但沒有做, 這是一種假設語氣用法, 表示某種情況與現在事實相反
- You should have told him. 你當初應該告訴他, 但沒有
口語 You should've told him. 聽起來像是 should of, 所以會拼錯成 should of
同樣的 could have, would have, might have, must have 也有同樣的情況
Grammar Gym
What gives Caleb the right to yell at me like that?
What gives [somebody] the right to [verb]?
- What gives the neighbor the right to park his car in front of my house?
- What gives the losing team the right to complain to the judges like that?
Language Lab
appropriate adj.
correct or suitable for a particular time, situation, or purpose [≠ inappropriate]
- His casual outfit is not appropriate for this formal occasion.
- We need to take appropriate measures to solve this problem.
inappropriate adj.
not suitable or right for a particular purpose or in a particular situation
- It's inappropriate to talk loudly in a library.
outburst n.
something you say suddenly that expresses a strong emotion, especially anger;
- Theo's sudden outburst of anger frightened his kids.
- Alex's constant emotional outbursts ruined his marriage.
a sudden short increase in an activity;
- The new working mode contributed to an outburst of creativity by the team.
defensive adj.
used or intended to protect someone or something against attack [≠ offensive]:
- Charles becomes very defensive whenever he is criticized.
offensive adj.
very rude or insulting and likely to upset people [≠ inoffensive]:
- The show host's offensive remarks irritated many viewers.
resentful adj.
feeling angry and upset about something that you think is unfair
- Jack was resentful toward his parents when he was young.
resent v.
to feel angry or upset about a situation or about something that someone has done, especially because you think that it is not fair
- Olivia resents those who flattered her after she got rich.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
The Mix-Up (Part 6 of 6) (2)
First, my name is not Erica. It isn't amusing to keep calling me by my character's name off camera. And secondly, what is your issue?
Be nice to him, Sally. It's not his fault you got into his taxi and not the prop one.
You mean he isn't the actor you hired to be the driver in the movie?
No, but I'm going to offer him a job here.
A job, sir?
Your driving skills really made an impression on me. We need another stunt driver. Would you be interested in working for our company?
You're offering me a job as a driver? Really? Uh... I would love to. I need to talk to my wife first, though.
No problem. Take your time.
Leo walked away to an area where no one could overhear what he was saying. Pulling out his cellphone, he called his wife and explained the situation to her. She was excited. He had been so tired of his job for so long, and this sounded perfect. He could take all the skills he had and use them in a fresh way. Leo grinned. He couldn't think of anything that could possibly be better.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: -ed or -ing? (-ed與 -ing字尾的差別)
-ed 字尾形容詞通常表達一個人的感覺
-ing 字尾形容詞用於表達一個人事物的特徵
Language Lab
amusing adj. [amuse v.]
funny and entertaining :
- It's amusing to see my daughter walking around the house in my heels.
- The movie is both amusing and educational at the same time.
stunt n.
a dangerous action that is done to entertain people, especially in a film;
something that is done to attract people's attention, especially in advertising or politics:
- The stunts in the movie were done by professionals.
stunt man n.
a man who is employed to take the place of an actor when something dangerous has to be done in a film
- The stunt man almost got hurt when he jumped out of the truck.
overhear v.
past tense and past participle overheard
to accidentally hear what other people are saying, when they do not know that you have heard:
- I overheard the couple's private conversation.
- The boy overheard his classmates saying bad things about him.
cellphone n.
cellular phone
- HTC's latest cellphone is quite popular among young people.
- Diana is on her cellphone now.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141004baa356f52d64240ffba9ce1947a8ac2655db109f22031ceb9cd1df129f2f7cf1e31.wma
Be nice to him, Sally. It's not his fault you got into his taxi and not the prop one.
You mean he isn't the actor you hired to be the driver in the movie?
No, but I'm going to offer him a job here.
A job, sir?
Your driving skills really made an impression on me. We need another stunt driver. Would you be interested in working for our company?
You're offering me a job as a driver? Really? Uh... I would love to. I need to talk to my wife first, though.
No problem. Take your time.
Leo walked away to an area where no one could overhear what he was saying. Pulling out his cellphone, he called his wife and explained the situation to her. She was excited. He had been so tired of his job for so long, and this sounded perfect. He could take all the skills he had and use them in a fresh way. Leo grinned. He couldn't think of anything that could possibly be better.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: -ed or -ing? (-ed與 -ing字尾的差別)
-ed 字尾形容詞通常表達一個人的感覺
-ing 字尾形容詞用於表達一個人事物的特徵
Language Lab
amusing adj. [amuse v.]
- It's amusing to see my daughter walking around the house in my heels.
- The movie is both amusing and educational at the same time.
stunt n.
a dangerous action that is done to entertain people, especially in a film;
something that is done to attract people's attention, especially in advertising or politics:
- The stunts in the movie were done by professionals.
stunt man n.
a man who is employed to take the place of an actor when something dangerous has to be done in a film
- The stunt man almost got hurt when he jumped out of the truck.
overhear v.
past tense and past participle overheard
to accidentally hear what other people are saying, when they do not know that you have heard:
- I overheard the couple's private conversation.
- The boy overheard his classmates saying bad things about him.
cellphone n.
cellular phone
- HTC's latest cellphone is quite popular among young people.
- Diana is on her cellphone now.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141004baa356f52d64240ffba9ce1947a8ac2655db109f22031ceb9cd1df129f2f7cf1e31.wma
Friday, October 3, 2014
The Mix-Up (Part 6 of 6) (1)
What was this wild taxi ride really about?
"Cut!" Suddenly Leo was hauled to his feet. He staggered around briefly. When he finally caught his balance again, he realized that the police weren't paying any attention to him. He scrambled out of the way of a man carrying a ladder. Looking around, he noticed that a lot of people were walking around with headsets on. A couple of them were giving him strange glances, but most were just completely ignoring him. Leo nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt Erica tap him on the shoulder.
How did you get away? And why did the police just let me go?
You're funny. I was just coming over to tell you that you did a good job.
Well, thanks. I told you I would help you.
Very funny, but we're not acting anymore. You can lighten up on the personality there.
Wait. What are you talking about?
I'm talking about the movie we've been filming for the last few months!
Where have you been?
Movie? I'm utterly confused. Erica, what does any of this have to do with a movie?
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Watching Movies to Learn English 看電影學英文
看電影可以增進聽力, 發音, 增加英文字彙,
電影是一種情境, 可以學習在什麼時候用什麼字,
另外可以從演員的表情, 手勢等, 來猜測字的意思,
如果聽力還不夠好, 可以先依賴字幕,
等到英文進步許多, 可以拿掉字幕
Grammar Gym
What does any of this have to do with a movie?
have to do:
I have to do some work.
have to do with: relating or connecting to
- What does Egyptian cotton have to do with the American Civil War?
- The boy's behavior has to do with the kind of family environment that he's from.
Language Lab
stagger v.
to move or cause (someone) to move unsteadily from side to side
- The drunk man staggered toward his home but fell on the ground.
- Marci had to lean on the wall as she staggered up the stairs.
- The homeless guy staggered down the street in the cold wind.
scramble v.
to move or act quickly to do, find, or get something often before someone else does
- Alex scrambled out of bed when he realized he was late for work.
to move or climb over something quickly especially while also using your hands
- We scrambled to the top of the mountain to see the sunrise.
lighten up v. [phrasal verb]
to become more relaxed and informal : to stop being serious, worried, etc.
- Lighten up! It's just a game.
- Come on, lighten up! I was just kidding.
utterly adv.
complete and total
- The actor utterly captivated the audience's attention.
- Nathan is utterly devoted to his career.
utter adj.
- To my utter surprise, my son bought me a bouquet of flowers for my birthday.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141003baa9168f1c501e9b8414a2e869f9f0974f0d8ecbb5c3a3cc686fe55c33dcd13d5e9.wma
"Cut!" Suddenly Leo was hauled to his feet. He staggered around briefly. When he finally caught his balance again, he realized that the police weren't paying any attention to him. He scrambled out of the way of a man carrying a ladder. Looking around, he noticed that a lot of people were walking around with headsets on. A couple of them were giving him strange glances, but most were just completely ignoring him. Leo nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt Erica tap him on the shoulder.
How did you get away? And why did the police just let me go?
You're funny. I was just coming over to tell you that you did a good job.
Well, thanks. I told you I would help you.
Very funny, but we're not acting anymore. You can lighten up on the personality there.
Wait. What are you talking about?
I'm talking about the movie we've been filming for the last few months!
Where have you been?
Movie? I'm utterly confused. Erica, what does any of this have to do with a movie?
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Watching Movies to Learn English 看電影學英文
看電影可以增進聽力, 發音, 增加英文字彙,
電影是一種情境, 可以學習在什麼時候用什麼字,
另外可以從演員的表情, 手勢等, 來猜測字的意思,
如果聽力還不夠好, 可以先依賴字幕,
等到英文進步許多, 可以拿掉字幕
Grammar Gym
What does any of this have to do with a movie?
have to do:
I have to do some work.
have to do with: relating or connecting to
- What does Egyptian cotton have to do with the American Civil War?
- The boy's behavior has to do with the kind of family environment that he's from.
Language Lab
stagger v.
to move or cause (someone) to move unsteadily from side to side
- The drunk man staggered toward his home but fell on the ground.
- Marci had to lean on the wall as she staggered up the stairs.
- The homeless guy staggered down the street in the cold wind.
scramble v.
to move or act quickly to do, find, or get something often before someone else does
- Alex scrambled out of bed when he realized he was late for work.
to move or climb over something quickly especially while also using your hands
- We scrambled to the top of the mountain to see the sunrise.
lighten up v. [phrasal verb]
to become more relaxed and informal : to stop being serious, worried, etc.
- Lighten up! It's just a game.
- Come on, lighten up! I was just kidding.
utterly adv.
complete and total
- The actor utterly captivated the audience's attention.
- Nathan is utterly devoted to his career.
utter adj.
- To my utter surprise, my son bought me a bouquet of flowers for my birthday.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141003baa9168f1c501e9b8414a2e869f9f0974f0d8ecbb5c3a3cc686fe55c33dcd13d5e9.wma
Thursday, October 2, 2014
A Good Night's Sleep (2)
Your body produces a chemical called melatonin that helps you sleep. Light affects the amount of melatonin your body makes. It produces more in the evening and less in the daytime. So at night turn off your TV and computer. Also, don't read from a backlit device like an iPad. Some scientists think that the light from those devices stops your body from making melatonin. So turn those screens off at least an hour before bedtime.
Maybe you can't sleep or you wake up in the middle of the night. Don't just lie in bed. Get up and do something relaxing elsewhere. Then go back to bed when you feel drowsy. If you worry a lot, make a list of things you need to do the next day. Do that an hour before ed. That way you get your worrying out of the way before you go to bed.
After a good night's sleep, you'll be able to face a new day.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Circadian Rhythm (生理時鐘)
不管是動物或植物, 都有生理時鐘,
人類是日行性動物,
幫助調整生理時鐘可以靠日照陽光和飲食!
Grammar Gym
That way you get your worrying out of the way before you go to bed.
get your worrying out of the way
To get [something] out of the way
- Somebody should get that tree branch out of the way so traffic is not blocked.
- Get your homework out of the way before your favorite TV show starts.
Language Lab
affect v.
to do something that produces an effect or change in something or in someone's situation:
- The change in the personnel policy will only affect a limited number of people.
- His bad temper greatly affects his relationships.
to make someone feel strong emotions: 打擊
- Breaking up with her boyfriend affected Joyce deeply.
backlit adj.
illuminated from behind:
- The backlit window display makes the merchandise more appealing.
- The computer tablet's backlit screen was made in Japan.
elsewhere adv.
in, at, or to another place:
- The couple couldn't find an affordable place in this area to rent, so they have decided to look elsewhere.
- Living expenses in New York City are higher than elsewhere in the country.
drowsy adj.
tired and almost asleep [= sleepy]:
- The cough syrup make me feel really drowsy.
- I felt drowsy after lunch, so I took a short nap.
drowsiness n. [uncountable]
- Cold medicine sometimes causes drowsiness.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141002baa9067e98d8149594cdd43fe886cc666a200aecef299cd7787cbc31abfb889cf98.wma
Maybe you can't sleep or you wake up in the middle of the night. Don't just lie in bed. Get up and do something relaxing elsewhere. Then go back to bed when you feel drowsy. If you worry a lot, make a list of things you need to do the next day. Do that an hour before ed. That way you get your worrying out of the way before you go to bed.
After a good night's sleep, you'll be able to face a new day.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Circadian Rhythm (生理時鐘)
不管是動物或植物, 都有生理時鐘,
人類是日行性動物,
幫助調整生理時鐘可以靠日照陽光和飲食!
Grammar Gym
That way you get your worrying out of the way before you go to bed.
get your worrying out of the way
To get [something] out of the way
- Somebody should get that tree branch out of the way so traffic is not blocked.
- Get your homework out of the way before your favorite TV show starts.
Language Lab
affect v.
to do something that produces an effect or change in something or in someone's situation:
- The change in the personnel policy will only affect a limited number of people.
- His bad temper greatly affects his relationships.
to make someone feel strong emotions: 打擊
- Breaking up with her boyfriend affected Joyce deeply.
backlit adj.
illuminated from behind:
- The backlit window display makes the merchandise more appealing.
- The computer tablet's backlit screen was made in Japan.
elsewhere adv.
in, at, or to another place:
- The couple couldn't find an affordable place in this area to rent, so they have decided to look elsewhere.
- Living expenses in New York City are higher than elsewhere in the country.
drowsy adj.
tired and almost asleep [= sleepy]:
- The cough syrup make me feel really drowsy.
- I felt drowsy after lunch, so I took a short nap.
drowsiness n. [uncountable]
- Cold medicine sometimes causes drowsiness.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141002baa9067e98d8149594cdd43fe886cc666a200aecef299cd7787cbc31abfb889cf98.wma
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
A Good Night's Sleep (1)
Get the sleep you need
When the morning sun looks in through your bedroom window, do you jump out of bed? Or do you roll over and groan? An adequate amount of sleep can make the difference between a great day and a terrible one!
A good night's sleep doesn't just happen. You need to prepare for it. Various experts have given tips to help. First, go to bed at the same time very day, and get up at the same time. If you haven't gotten a good night's sleep, don't oversleep the next morning. Get up at your regular time. Sleeping late for just a couple of days can change your body clock to a different cycle. You don't want that if you have a set daily schedule!
Also, avoid big meals at night. Eating heavy, rich food within two hours of bedtime can keep you awake. Your stomach works hard to digest those fatty foods, and that may keep you up.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Various Functions of the A- Prefix 字首A的功能
sleep/ asleep
asleep 加了字首a 變成副詞, 表示正在睡覺
字首a有不同的意思: 正在, 屬於, 沒有, 加強功能
Language Lab
groan v.
to make a long deep sound because you are in pain, upset, or disappointed, or because something is very enjoyable
[intransitive and transitive] to complain about something [= moan]:
- I'm tired of him moaning and groaning all the time.
various adj.
if there are various things, there are several different types of that thing:
variety n.
a variety of something a lot of things of the same type that are different from each other in some way
awake adj.
not sleeping
wake v.
to stop sleeping, or to make someone stop sleeping
digest v.
to change food that you have just eaten into substances that your body can use;
to understand new information, especially when there is a lot of it or it is difficult to understand
digestion n.
the process of digesting food
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141001baa5e9b69bf176633671d254cc4e9669fe8d00b9742e32d519fef83000b2bb3df80.wma
When the morning sun looks in through your bedroom window, do you jump out of bed? Or do you roll over and groan? An adequate amount of sleep can make the difference between a great day and a terrible one!
A good night's sleep doesn't just happen. You need to prepare for it. Various experts have given tips to help. First, go to bed at the same time very day, and get up at the same time. If you haven't gotten a good night's sleep, don't oversleep the next morning. Get up at your regular time. Sleeping late for just a couple of days can change your body clock to a different cycle. You don't want that if you have a set daily schedule!
Also, avoid big meals at night. Eating heavy, rich food within two hours of bedtime can keep you awake. Your stomach works hard to digest those fatty foods, and that may keep you up.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Various Functions of the A- Prefix 字首A的功能
sleep/ asleep
asleep 加了字首a 變成副詞, 表示正在睡覺
字首a有不同的意思: 正在, 屬於, 沒有, 加強功能
Language Lab
groan v.
to make a long deep sound because you are in pain, upset, or disappointed, or because something is very enjoyable
[intransitive and transitive] to complain about something [= moan]:
- I'm tired of him moaning and groaning all the time.
various adj.
if there are various things, there are several different types of that thing:
variety n.
a variety of something a lot of things of the same type that are different from each other in some way
awake adj.
not sleeping
wake v.
to stop sleeping, or to make someone stop sleeping
digest v.
to change food that you have just eaten into substances that your body can use;
to understand new information, especially when there is a lot of it or it is difficult to understand
digestion n.
the process of digesting food
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20141001baa5e9b69bf176633671d254cc4e9669fe8d00b9742e32d519fef83000b2bb3df80.wma
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