Should you keep cheating a secret or tell a teacher?
But this is Mr. Brown.
Everyone knows what a strict teacher he is.
He might call the student's parents or even have him suspended!
Mr. Brown can't suspend the student yet.
He'd need more evidence than just my word.
He'll probably just give him a warning and keep an eye on him.
And what if our classmates find out you told on him?
Everyone in the class will call you a tattletale.
I don't care. I'm doing the right thing.
But I'll ask Mr. Brown not to mention my name.
I still don't see why this is such a big deal to you.
It's pretty naive to think only one person cheated on the test.
The fact is that lots of studnets cheat.
But that doesn't make it right.
And I didn't see them all.
I just saw one, and I feel I should take some action.
Furthermore, I don't think school is just about getting good grades.
It's about learning things we'll use later in life.
And, moer importantly, doing it in an honest way.
Maybe. But if I were you, I still wouldn't tell.
I really need to get going. See you tomorrow.
Bye, Angela.
Grammar Gym
word
a letter or a group of letters that are put together and mean something
a comment or statement from someont
- He'd need more evidence than just my word.
- He'd need more evidence than just my statement.
- What Henry said sounded very strange; it's hard to believe his word.
- The manager had trouble settling the dispute; there were no witnesses and it was simply one employee's word against another.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Teacher’s Pet
Hi friends, so what do you think of Nick in our lesson today?
Do you think telling the teacher about the cheater is the right thing to do?
There's always a Nick in every classroom, and we've all known him growing up.
He may not be the most popular kid, more likely he's the teacher's pet.
A teacher's pet is someone greatly favored by a teacher.
He or she is usually nicely dressed, asks a lot of questions in class, always comes prepared with homework done, helps the teacher out with classroom chores, always says hello and goodbye to the teacher, and sometimes brings a gift to the teacher.
Wow, Ken, it sounds like you really know how to become a teacher's pet. Were you a teacher's pet?
Who me? Uh.. no, of course not.
I just read a book about a teacher's pet.
Well, one thing you left out is that a teacher's pet is also a tattletale, which is someone who tattles or tells on somebody.
So, in the lesson, Nick is planning on tattling or telling on the cheater to the teacher.
Not the most popular thing to do in school.
Language Lab
suspend v.
leave a job/school
to make someone leave their school or job for a short time, especially because they have broken the rules
- Jodie got suspended because she kept skipping school.
- The football player was suspended because he attached the referee.
referee
someone who makes sure that the rules of a sport such as football,basketball, or boxing, are followed
tattletale n.
a word meaning someone who tattles - used by or to children
tattle v.
if a child tattles, they tell a parent or teacher that another child has done something bad
- Laura was called a tattletale because she told the teacher who was dating in the school.
- Kids at school don't want to play with Nicole becasue they think she's a tattletale.
naive adj.
not having much experience of how complicated life is, so that you trust people too much and believe that good things will always happen
- Annie was so naive that she signed the contract without even consulting a lawyer.
- I must have been naive to think that everyone would be happy about my promotion.
furthermore adv.
in addition to what has already been said:
further
more, or to a greater degree
- Professor Williams is a respected professor in our school. Furthermore, he is loved by his students for his wit.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131207_4a6bd.wmv
Showing posts with label Point of View. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Point of View. Show all posts
Friday, December 6, 2013
To Tell or Not to Tell (1)
Should you keep cheating a secret or tell a teacher?
Angela and Nick just finished a history test. They stop outside the classroom to talk.
Angela: That was such a difficult test! It's a good thing I studied so hard for it, or I probably would have failed.
Nick: Me, too. You go on ahead. I need to talk to Mr. Brown about something.
Angela: Oh, what about?
Nick: I saw a guy peering at a piece of paper under his desk during the test.
Angela: Really?
Nick: Yeah. I think it was a cheat sheet.
Angela: And you're going to tell the teacher? Why? He probably had a really busy week and didn't have time to study.
Nick: You and I were busy this week, too, but we still made time to study. If someone else didn't, that doesn't justify cheating.
Angela: It seems to me that this is really none of our business. After all, his cheating doesn't affect our grades on the test.
Nick: Maybe not directly, but it will affect the class ranks. It's not fair to hard-working students if someone else gets a high rank by cheating.
Angela: True. But I really feel that we shouldn't take matters into our own hands. What if he wasn't cheating?
Nick: Well, I'm just going to report what I saw to someone in authority. The teacher can take care of it.
Info Cloud
cram 填塞, 惡補, 填鴨式
burn the midnight oil 開夜車,挑燈夜戰
all night 整晚
all nighter 通宵K書或趕工作
Language Lab
peer v. [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
to look very carefully at something, especially because you are having difficulty seeing it
- Nathan peered at his watch anxiously.
- The old lady peered through her window trying to see who had rung the doorbell.
cheat v.
to break a rule or law usually to gain an advantage at something
- Tony was caught cheating on his finals.
cheat sheet n.
- The boy hid his cheat sheet in his shoe.
- The teacher found a double-side cheat sheet under the student's desk.
justify v. [just adj. agreeing with what is considered morally right or good : fair]
to provide or be a good reason for (something) : to prove or show (something) to be just, right, or reasonable
to provide a good reason for the actions of (someone)
- Mark tried to justify his tardiness with all kinds of lame excuses.
- How can your department justify spending so much money on travel?
take matters into your own hands 接手, 親自處理
- When the police failed to find the killer, the victim's dad decided to take matters into his own hands.
Angela and Nick just finished a history test. They stop outside the classroom to talk.
Angela: That was such a difficult test! It's a good thing I studied so hard for it, or I probably would have failed.
Nick: Me, too. You go on ahead. I need to talk to Mr. Brown about something.
Angela: Oh, what about?
Nick: I saw a guy peering at a piece of paper under his desk during the test.
Angela: Really?
Nick: Yeah. I think it was a cheat sheet.
Angela: And you're going to tell the teacher? Why? He probably had a really busy week and didn't have time to study.
Nick: You and I were busy this week, too, but we still made time to study. If someone else didn't, that doesn't justify cheating.
Angela: It seems to me that this is really none of our business. After all, his cheating doesn't affect our grades on the test.
Nick: Maybe not directly, but it will affect the class ranks. It's not fair to hard-working students if someone else gets a high rank by cheating.
Angela: True. But I really feel that we shouldn't take matters into our own hands. What if he wasn't cheating?
Nick: Well, I'm just going to report what I saw to someone in authority. The teacher can take care of it.
Info Cloud
cram 填塞, 惡補, 填鴨式
burn the midnight oil 開夜車,挑燈夜戰
all night 整晚
all nighter 通宵K書或趕工作
Language Lab
peer v. [intransitive always + adverb/preposition]
to look very carefully at something, especially because you are having difficulty seeing it
- Nathan peered at his watch anxiously.
- The old lady peered through her window trying to see who had rung the doorbell.
cheat v.
to break a rule or law usually to gain an advantage at something
- Tony was caught cheating on his finals.
cheat sheet n.
- The boy hid his cheat sheet in his shoe.
- The teacher found a double-side cheat sheet under the student's desk.
justify v. [just adj. agreeing with what is considered morally right or good : fair]
to provide or be a good reason for (something) : to prove or show (something) to be just, right, or reasonable
to provide a good reason for the actions of (someone)
- Mark tried to justify his tardiness with all kinds of lame excuses.
- How can your department justify spending so much money on travel?
take matters into your own hands 接手, 親自處理
- When the police failed to find the killer, the victim's dad decided to take matters into his own hands.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Consumer Conflicts (2)
I also like to shop in stores to support local businesses and the people who work in them. However, I have purchased a couple things from online auction sites.
Online auctions are so exciting!
What did you buy?
One time I bought an old book of myths that's not sold in stores anymore. I couldn't find it anywhere! When it came, it was just what I was expecting. I was so pleased.
That's the great thing about online shopping! You can find practically anything!
Yes. But not all my online shopping experiences have been good. Another time I bought a CD from an individual. On the website he said it was new, but it was all dirty and scratched when it arrived! I try to return it, but the person never replied to any of my emails, so I never got my money back.
What a scam artist! You do have to be careful when buying things online. I only buy from stores with good reputations. And when I buy from an auction, I only buy from sellers who have a lot of positive reviews.
Good advice! Now let me give you some advice - fashion advice! Let's go to the mall, and I'll drive!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Going Local
go local (local adv.)支持本地的企業
go local的好處是讓錢留在本地，使本地的民眾、社區、學校及公共設施受惠，並增加在地的工作機會。研究顯示：每五次消費中，只要一次是go local，就足以抵銷外地消費，因此，只要不超過這個比率，就可以幫助在地企業
- I also like to shop in stores to support local businesses. 指go local
Language Lab
auction n.
a public sale at which things are sold to the people who offer to pay the most
- I bought this painting at an auction.
我在一個拍賣會上買到這幅畫
put something up for auction
The house is being sold at auction. = The house is up for auction.
- The couple put all their furniture up for auction because they are moving.
這對夫妻因為要搬家，將所有的家具拿去拍賣
practically adv.實際上、幾乎、事實上
almost or nearly
- Practically everyone in the company was at the boss's wedding.
公司裡，幾乎所有的人都去參加老闆的婚禮
practical adj.實用的、可行的
relating to what is real rather than to what is possible or imagined
- Unfortunately, this invention has no practical use.
不幸地，這個發明並沒有實用性
scam n.騙局、詭計 scam artist騙子、詐騙高手
/ˈskæm/
a dishonest way to make money by deceiving people
- This insurance scam involves many people.
這個保險詐騙事件涉及許多人
- Alex's pathetic scam was soon discovered by his parents.
Alex可憐的騙局很快的就被父母發現
- The scam artist always targeted elderly people.
這個詐騙高手總是以老年人為目標
reputation n.名聲、名譽
the common opinion that people have about someone or something : the way in which people think of someone or something [count]
- The law firm has a very good reputation.
這家法律事務所有非常好的聲譽
- As a teacher, Tanya has a reputation for being strict.
身為老師，Tanya以嚴格著稱
- The charity campaign successfully promoted the company's reputation.
這項公益活動，成功地提昇了公司的聲譽
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131119_98f3a.wmv
Online auctions are so exciting!
What did you buy?
One time I bought an old book of myths that's not sold in stores anymore. I couldn't find it anywhere! When it came, it was just what I was expecting. I was so pleased.
That's the great thing about online shopping! You can find practically anything!
Yes. But not all my online shopping experiences have been good. Another time I bought a CD from an individual. On the website he said it was new, but it was all dirty and scratched when it arrived! I try to return it, but the person never replied to any of my emails, so I never got my money back.
What a scam artist! You do have to be careful when buying things online. I only buy from stores with good reputations. And when I buy from an auction, I only buy from sellers who have a lot of positive reviews.
Good advice! Now let me give you some advice - fashion advice! Let's go to the mall, and I'll drive!
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Going Local
go local (local adv.)支持本地的企業
go local的好處是讓錢留在本地，使本地的民眾、社區、學校及公共設施受惠，並增加在地的工作機會。研究顯示：每五次消費中，只要一次是go local，就足以抵銷外地消費，因此，只要不超過這個比率，就可以幫助在地企業
- I also like to shop in stores to support local businesses. 指go local
Language Lab
auction n.
a public sale at which things are sold to the people who offer to pay the most
- I bought this painting at an auction.
我在一個拍賣會上買到這幅畫
put something up for auction
The house is being sold at auction. = The house is up for auction.
- The couple put all their furniture up for auction because they are moving.
這對夫妻因為要搬家，將所有的家具拿去拍賣
practically adv.實際上、幾乎、事實上
almost or nearly
- Practically everyone in the company was at the boss's wedding.
公司裡，幾乎所有的人都去參加老闆的婚禮
practical adj.實用的、可行的
relating to what is real rather than to what is possible or imagined
- Unfortunately, this invention has no practical use.
不幸地，這個發明並沒有實用性
scam n.騙局、詭計 scam artist騙子、詐騙高手
/ˈskæm/
a dishonest way to make money by deceiving people
- This insurance scam involves many people.
這個保險詐騙事件涉及許多人
- Alex's pathetic scam was soon discovered by his parents.
Alex可憐的騙局很快的就被父母發現
- The scam artist always targeted elderly people.
這個詐騙高手總是以老年人為目標
reputation n.名聲、名譽
the common opinion that people have about someone or something : the way in which people think of someone or something [count]
- The law firm has a very good reputation.
這家法律事務所有非常好的聲譽
- As a teacher, Tanya has a reputation for being strict.
身為老師，Tanya以嚴格著稱
- The charity campaign successfully promoted the company's reputation.
這項公益活動，成功地提昇了公司的聲譽
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131119_98f3a.wmv
Monday, November 18, 2013
Consumer Conflicts (1)
Is shopping online better than buying things in a store?
Laura and Nellie are hanging out at Nellie's house. Nellie is browsing some online stores from her laptop.
What are you looking for, Nellie?
I'm shopping for a new pair of jeans, Laura. And maybe I'll buy some shoes.
You buy your clothes online?
Aren't you afraid they won't fit? It seems pretty risky to me.
Not really. If they don't fit, I'll just send them back.
That sounds really troublesome. You have to pay the cost of shipping both ways. I would rather try on clothes in the store. Then I'll know right away if they fit or not.
That's true. But the mall is pretty far from here. It takes gas to get there, and that's expensive. If I buy something online, it comes right to my house.
Yes, but you have to wait for it. When I buy something, I want to have it right away! I'd rather drive to the mall and pay for the gas than have to wait a week or longer!
But I feel so excited when my things finally arrive! And a lot of sites offer free shipping. Not to mention, when I go to the store, I end up buying things on impulse. I just buy what I need online.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Toponyms
A toponym is the name of a place. Boston, Spain, and Ontario are all toponyms.
A toponym can also be a word derived from the name of a place.
There's one word in today's dialog that comes from a location's name.
It's the word "jeans."
This English word has its origin in the old French word "John," which is what the French called the Italian city Genoa.
Genoa is where the special cotton jean material was first manufactured in the mid 1500's.
Other places that gave their name to things people wear include tuxedo, formal clothing for men, from Tuxedo Park, New York.
And bikini, that two-piece bathing suit for women, named after the Bikini Islands, which are located in the Pacific ocean.
There are dozens of toponyms. If you remember earlier this year, we talked about Marathon, a Greek town's name that's become the English word for long distance foot races.
The word "china," with a lower case c, is also a toponym.
Originally, "china wear" or "wears made in china," the shortened version of china now refers to fine porcelain bowls, cups, and plates that are made, not just in China, but all over the world.
Grammar Gym
end up = in the end = resulting
- Not to mention, when I go to the store, I end up buying things on impulse.
- Although Kim and her roommate had agreed to divide the house chores, Kim ended up doing all the house chores herself.
- Ellie's original plan was to be in town for three days, but she ended up staying for a week.
Language Lab
consumer n.
a person who buys goods and services
- The new refund policy has attracted criticism from many consumers.
- To stay competitive, companies need to be responsive to consumer demand.
consume v.
to use (fuel, time, resources, etc.)
- This hybrid car consumes less gas than traditional ones.
troublesome adj.
causing problems or worry : causing trouble
- I find balancing my checkbook to be very troublesome.
not to mention
used when referring to another thing that relates to what you have just said
- Cathy is one of the kindest, not to mention one of the most beautiful girls I know.
impulse n.
/ˈɪmˌpʌls/
a sudden strong desire to do something
- I had a sudden impulse to walk out of the meeting.
on impulse/on an impulse
To do something on (an) impulse or on a sudden impulse is to do it suddenly and without thinking about it first.
- I bought this expensive handbag on an impulse.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131118_f06aa.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131118baa52ec6a313b4b401ca111dddeaaa55fcd7b73ade004cbb74fd70182a166ed23be.wma
Laura and Nellie are hanging out at Nellie's house. Nellie is browsing some online stores from her laptop.
What are you looking for, Nellie?
I'm shopping for a new pair of jeans, Laura. And maybe I'll buy some shoes.
You buy your clothes online?
Aren't you afraid they won't fit? It seems pretty risky to me.
Not really. If they don't fit, I'll just send them back.
That sounds really troublesome. You have to pay the cost of shipping both ways. I would rather try on clothes in the store. Then I'll know right away if they fit or not.
That's true. But the mall is pretty far from here. It takes gas to get there, and that's expensive. If I buy something online, it comes right to my house.
Yes, but you have to wait for it. When I buy something, I want to have it right away! I'd rather drive to the mall and pay for the gas than have to wait a week or longer!
But I feel so excited when my things finally arrive! And a lot of sites offer free shipping. Not to mention, when I go to the store, I end up buying things on impulse. I just buy what I need online.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Toponyms
A toponym is the name of a place. Boston, Spain, and Ontario are all toponyms.
A toponym can also be a word derived from the name of a place.
There's one word in today's dialog that comes from a location's name.
It's the word "jeans."
This English word has its origin in the old French word "John," which is what the French called the Italian city Genoa.
Genoa is where the special cotton jean material was first manufactured in the mid 1500's.
Other places that gave their name to things people wear include tuxedo, formal clothing for men, from Tuxedo Park, New York.
And bikini, that two-piece bathing suit for women, named after the Bikini Islands, which are located in the Pacific ocean.
There are dozens of toponyms. If you remember earlier this year, we talked about Marathon, a Greek town's name that's become the English word for long distance foot races.
The word "china," with a lower case c, is also a toponym.
Originally, "china wear" or "wears made in china," the shortened version of china now refers to fine porcelain bowls, cups, and plates that are made, not just in China, but all over the world.
Grammar Gym
end up = in the end = resulting
- Not to mention, when I go to the store, I end up buying things on impulse.
- Although Kim and her roommate had agreed to divide the house chores, Kim ended up doing all the house chores herself.
- Ellie's original plan was to be in town for three days, but she ended up staying for a week.
Language Lab
consumer n.
a person who buys goods and services
- The new refund policy has attracted criticism from many consumers.
- To stay competitive, companies need to be responsive to consumer demand.
consume v.
to use (fuel, time, resources, etc.)
- This hybrid car consumes less gas than traditional ones.
troublesome adj.
causing problems or worry : causing trouble
- I find balancing my checkbook to be very troublesome.
not to mention
used when referring to another thing that relates to what you have just said
- Cathy is one of the kindest, not to mention one of the most beautiful girls I know.
impulse n.
/ˈɪmˌpʌls/
a sudden strong desire to do something
- I had a sudden impulse to walk out of the meeting.
on impulse/on an impulse
To do something on (an) impulse or on a sudden impulse is to do it suddenly and without thinking about it first.
- I bought this expensive handbag on an impulse.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131118_f06aa.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20131118baa52ec6a313b4b401ca111dddeaaa55fcd7b73ade004cbb74fd70182a166ed23be.wma
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Skipping School (2)
Vi: Well, we don't have a family emergency or anything urgent going on. And I don't think our teachers would appreciate us skipping to study for a test. Besides, the only reason I would ever feel OK about missing school is if I were sick.
Mi: OK, OK. But for me, other things take priority over school attendance.
Vi: Like what?
Mi: Sometimes people want to stay home for a mental health day or because they're dealing with some emotional problem. Maybe they're being bullied and have to get out of the situation. Just because someone skips school doesn't mean they don't think their classes are worthwhile.
Vi: Maybe for some people those are good reasons, but I think it's good to be in class as much as possible. Besides, what if we have a pop quiz in one of the classes we skip? That wouldn't be good.
Mi: Well, that's true. OK, if you really feel uncomfortable missing school, I guess I can stay awhile longer before going home.
Vi: Thanks! We might not agree on whether or not to skip school, but we can always agree to help each other.
Grammar Gym
just because....doesn't mean...
- Just because someone skips school doesn't mean they don't think their classes are worthwhile.
- Just because a person looks tired when you're talking to them doesn't mean he isn't interested in what you're saying.
- Just because your friend forgets your birthday doesn't mean he doesn't care about your friendship.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: What English Really Needs
With all its rich vocabulary and fun quirky slang, there's still one thing that's sorely missing in the English language: a singular, gender-neutral pronoun.
OK. We're reminded of this deficiency again in today's lesson, when the singular "someone" gets paired up with the the two plural words, "they" and "their."
If we were to rewrite this sentence, keeping all the pronouns consistent, it would read, "Just because someone skips school doesn't mean he or she doesn't think his or her classes are worthwhile."
Now, that's solves the problem, but communicating like this is just really awkward.
So, for many years, the solution was to use "he" and "his" as the default gender-neutral pronoun.
The thinking was inaccuracy in gender was less troublesome than inaccuracy in number.
That's why you've heard it said, "When someone helps you, tell him thanks."
But today, this style is considered prejudice.
How can we be so sure the person who helps us in the future will be a male.
Right! We can't.
So, until something better, comes along, we'll continue to make "they", "them", and "their" work double duty.
That's why it's still OK to say, "When someone helps you, tell them thanks."
這裡的文法主詞someone+單數名詞skips，後面應為單數的he/she，跟單數的所有格his/her，才能保有主詞和代名詞一致性。但是本句用複數的they/their，這是因為用he/she太累贅了，如果用he/his則女性會抗議性別歧視，所以，後來口語的講法，就採用複數代名詞they/them/their，雖然不符合文法，但這是一個實用的妥協。
Language Lab
attendance n.出席、參加、出勤
the act of being present at a place
- Attendance at this course is compulsory.
這門課程規定一定要出席
the number of people present at an event, meeting, etc.
- Attendance at the amusement park is dropping.
這個主題公園的進場人數正在下降
emotional adj.情緒的、情緒上的；表達強烈情感的、感情脆弱的
relating to emotions;
showing emotion — used especially to describe someone who is crying because of strong;
causing a person to feel emotion
- The book introduced the emotional development of a child.
這本書介紹小朋友的情緒發展
- Mandy gets really emotional when she is criticized.
當Mandy被批評時，會變得非常情緒化
uncomfortable adj.令人不舒服的、不自在的
not feeling physically comfortable, or not making you feel comfortable
- The sofa looks nice, but it's actually very uncomfortable.
這張沙發看起來很好，但實際上非常不舒服
- Irene felt uncomfortable when she was questioned by her boss.
當Irene被老闆詢問時，她覺得很不自在
awhile adv.一下子、片刻
for a short time
- After resting awhile, the mountaineers continued their climb.
休息片刻後，登山客們又繼續爬山
- Patricia talked awhile to her kids and then rushed back to the office to work.
Patricia和孩子們談了一下，然後匆匆趕回辦公室上班
Mi: OK, OK. But for me, other things take priority over school attendance.
Vi: Like what?
Mi: Sometimes people want to stay home for a mental health day or because they're dealing with some emotional problem. Maybe they're being bullied and have to get out of the situation. Just because someone skips school doesn't mean they don't think their classes are worthwhile.
Vi: Maybe for some people those are good reasons, but I think it's good to be in class as much as possible. Besides, what if we have a pop quiz in one of the classes we skip? That wouldn't be good.
Mi: Well, that's true. OK, if you really feel uncomfortable missing school, I guess I can stay awhile longer before going home.
Vi: Thanks! We might not agree on whether or not to skip school, but we can always agree to help each other.
Grammar Gym
just because....doesn't mean...
- Just because someone skips school doesn't mean they don't think their classes are worthwhile.
- Just because a person looks tired when you're talking to them doesn't mean he isn't interested in what you're saying.
- Just because your friend forgets your birthday doesn't mean he doesn't care about your friendship.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: What English Really Needs
With all its rich vocabulary and fun quirky slang, there's still one thing that's sorely missing in the English language: a singular, gender-neutral pronoun.
OK. We're reminded of this deficiency again in today's lesson, when the singular "someone" gets paired up with the the two plural words, "they" and "their."
If we were to rewrite this sentence, keeping all the pronouns consistent, it would read, "Just because someone skips school doesn't mean he or she doesn't think his or her classes are worthwhile."
Now, that's solves the problem, but communicating like this is just really awkward.
So, for many years, the solution was to use "he" and "his" as the default gender-neutral pronoun.
The thinking was inaccuracy in gender was less troublesome than inaccuracy in number.
That's why you've heard it said, "When someone helps you, tell him thanks."
But today, this style is considered prejudice.
How can we be so sure the person who helps us in the future will be a male.
Right! We can't.
So, until something better, comes along, we'll continue to make "they", "them", and "their" work double duty.
That's why it's still OK to say, "When someone helps you, tell them thanks."
這裡的文法主詞someone+單數名詞skips，後面應為單數的he/she，跟單數的所有格his/her，才能保有主詞和代名詞一致性。但是本句用複數的they/their，這是因為用he/she太累贅了，如果用he/his則女性會抗議性別歧視，所以，後來口語的講法，就採用複數代名詞they/them/their，雖然不符合文法，但這是一個實用的妥協。
Language Lab
attendance n.出席、參加、出勤
the act of being present at a place
- Attendance at this course is compulsory.
這門課程規定一定要出席
the number of people present at an event, meeting, etc.
- Attendance at the amusement park is dropping.
這個主題公園的進場人數正在下降
emotional adj.情緒的、情緒上的；表達強烈情感的、感情脆弱的
relating to emotions;
showing emotion — used especially to describe someone who is crying because of strong;
causing a person to feel emotion
- The book introduced the emotional development of a child.
這本書介紹小朋友的情緒發展
- Mandy gets really emotional when she is criticized.
當Mandy被批評時，會變得非常情緒化
uncomfortable adj.令人不舒服的、不自在的
not feeling physically comfortable, or not making you feel comfortable
- The sofa looks nice, but it's actually very uncomfortable.
這張沙發看起來很好，但實際上非常不舒服
- Irene felt uncomfortable when she was questioned by her boss.
當Irene被老闆詢問時，她覺得很不自在
awhile adv.一下子、片刻
for a short time
- After resting awhile, the mountaineers continued their climb.
休息片刻後，登山客們又繼續爬山
- Patricia talked awhile to her kids and then rushed back to the office to work.
Patricia和孩子們談了一下，然後匆匆趕回辦公室上班
Monday, October 21, 2013
Skipping School (1)
Is it ever OK to skip school?
Miranda is at Violet's home, studying for a test.
Vi: Hey, Miranda, would you please help me with this last problem?
Mi: Sorry, Vi. It's pretty late. I'd better head home.
Vi: But I really need your help. The algebra test is tomorrow at 1:00.
Mi: Here's an idea. Why don't we both skip school until lunch, so we can study more tomorrow?
Vi: Skip school! Where did you get the idea that it's OK to skip?
Mi: Well, we'd be skipping for a good reason. We're going to study for a test, and it's not like we're doing poorly in the other classes. We can miss a class period or two.
Vi: But if we do skip, we might miss a lot of really important information in the other classes.
Mi: We can just get the notes from our study partner, Tessa. You know she takes really thorough notes.
Vi: I know she does, but our absence would be noticeable. I don't want our teachers to get upset.
Mi: They won't get upset. It's not like we skip school all the time. After all, sometimes there are good reasons to skip. What about when someone has a family emergency? I think teachers understand when someone has to miss class.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: It’s not like …
As humans, when we feel like someone is challenging or criticizing us, we tend to want to justify ourselves.
Right! And what better way to do that than to compare ourselves to people we think aren't as good as we are.
And, this is what Miranda does in today's dialog two times.
And, she does it using the phrase, "it's not like."
Miranda feels like Violet is challenging her, so she tries to justify herself by saying "It's not like we skip school all the time."
Here, what she's really saying to Violet is, "If we did skip school all the time, like the bad students do,
then, and only then, would you have reason to challenge my idea."
Now, let's pretend a man is dieting and his wife catches him eating a piece of chocolate cake.
So, she scolds him.
The man, wanting to justify himself, might say, "Well, it's not like I ate the whole cake!"
Similar phrases which are used for the same purpose include "at least" and "it's not as if."
Right! At least I'm not like them. And, it's not as if I did what he did.
又不是說.....
- It's not like we skip school all the time.
又不是我們一天到晚翹課
- Just because someone skips school doesn't mean they don't think their classes are worthwhile.
通常和不如己者比較，因此容易滿足現狀，不付出努力，下場往往就是被淘汰
Language Lab
skip school phrasal verb.逃學、翹課
skip [past tense and past participle skipped, present participle skipping]
to not do something that you usually do or that you should do [= miss]:
- The boy skipped school today and was caught by his parents.
這個男孩今天翹課，被父母逮到
- Skipping school might be a warning sign of a trouble teenager.
翹課可能是一位青少年出狀況的警訊
algebra n.代數、代數學
a branch of mathematics that uses numbers and letters that represent numbers
- Algebra wasn't my favorite subject.
代數並非我最喜愛的科目
- Many of my classmates are having trouble solving these algebra problems.
我的許多同學都沒有辦法解答這些代數問題
thorough adj.詳細的、徹底的
/ˈθɚroʊ/
including every possible part or detail
- The police did a thorough investigation of the incident.
警方對這個事件作了詳細的調查
thoroughly adv. [=completely]
- The lawyer studied the case thoroughly.
這位律師將這個案子詳細地看過
noticeable adj.顯而易見的、明顯的
able to be easily seen or noticed
- There has been a noticeable improvement in Victor's health.
Victor的身體狀況最近有明顯的進步
- The differences between the twins are hardly noticeable.
這兩個雙胞胎的差異非常不明顯
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131021_a62c0.wmv
Miranda is at Violet's home, studying for a test.
Vi: Hey, Miranda, would you please help me with this last problem?
Mi: Sorry, Vi. It's pretty late. I'd better head home.
Vi: But I really need your help. The algebra test is tomorrow at 1:00.
Mi: Here's an idea. Why don't we both skip school until lunch, so we can study more tomorrow?
Vi: Skip school! Where did you get the idea that it's OK to skip?
Mi: Well, we'd be skipping for a good reason. We're going to study for a test, and it's not like we're doing poorly in the other classes. We can miss a class period or two.
Vi: But if we do skip, we might miss a lot of really important information in the other classes.
Mi: We can just get the notes from our study partner, Tessa. You know she takes really thorough notes.
Vi: I know she does, but our absence would be noticeable. I don't want our teachers to get upset.
Mi: They won't get upset. It's not like we skip school all the time. After all, sometimes there are good reasons to skip. What about when someone has a family emergency? I think teachers understand when someone has to miss class.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: It’s not like …
As humans, when we feel like someone is challenging or criticizing us, we tend to want to justify ourselves.
Right! And what better way to do that than to compare ourselves to people we think aren't as good as we are.
And, this is what Miranda does in today's dialog two times.
And, she does it using the phrase, "it's not like."
Miranda feels like Violet is challenging her, so she tries to justify herself by saying "It's not like we skip school all the time."
Here, what she's really saying to Violet is, "If we did skip school all the time, like the bad students do,
then, and only then, would you have reason to challenge my idea."
Now, let's pretend a man is dieting and his wife catches him eating a piece of chocolate cake.
So, she scolds him.
The man, wanting to justify himself, might say, "Well, it's not like I ate the whole cake!"
Similar phrases which are used for the same purpose include "at least" and "it's not as if."
Right! At least I'm not like them. And, it's not as if I did what he did.
又不是說.....
- It's not like we skip school all the time.
又不是我們一天到晚翹課
- Just because someone skips school doesn't mean they don't think their classes are worthwhile.
通常和不如己者比較，因此容易滿足現狀，不付出努力，下場往往就是被淘汰
Language Lab
skip school phrasal verb.逃學、翹課
skip [past tense and past participle skipped, present participle skipping]
to not do something that you usually do or that you should do [= miss]:
- The boy skipped school today and was caught by his parents.
這個男孩今天翹課，被父母逮到
- Skipping school might be a warning sign of a trouble teenager.
翹課可能是一位青少年出狀況的警訊
algebra n.代數、代數學
a branch of mathematics that uses numbers and letters that represent numbers
- Algebra wasn't my favorite subject.
代數並非我最喜愛的科目
- Many of my classmates are having trouble solving these algebra problems.
我的許多同學都沒有辦法解答這些代數問題
thorough adj.詳細的、徹底的
/ˈθɚroʊ/
including every possible part or detail
- The police did a thorough investigation of the incident.
警方對這個事件作了詳細的調查
thoroughly adv. [=completely]
- The lawyer studied the case thoroughly.
這位律師將這個案子詳細地看過
noticeable adj.顯而易見的、明顯的
able to be easily seen or noticed
- There has been a noticeable improvement in Victor's health.
Victor的身體狀況最近有明顯的進步
- The differences between the twins are hardly noticeable.
這兩個雙胞胎的差異非常不明顯
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20131021_a62c0.wmv
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Cellphones in School (2)
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Look Up
You know Steve, I think it's great being an English teacher here in Asia.
Why do you say that, Ken?
Because students look up to me. They respect me.
That's true. I agree. Friends, let's take a look at that simple phrase "look up to someone." When you look up to someone, you respect or admire that person. I hope you all look up to your teachers.
OK. Let's now change that a little. "Look someone up" has a different meaning.
Very different. When my friends from the U.S. plan on visiting Asia, I always tell them be sure to look me up. If you look someone up, then you go visit that person when you are in the area they live in.
OK. Now let's replace a person with a word, "look up a word." When you come across an unfamiliar word, you can look it up.
When you look up a word, you search for information on that word. You find out what it means, and how it is used. When I ask Ken, what a certain word means, he usually tells me, "Look it up." Look it up where? Look it up in the dictionary, the encyclopedia, or on the internet.
look up
1. Search for in a book or other source, as in I told her to look up the word in the dictionary.
2. Call on or visit, as in I'm going to look up my friend in Chicago.
3. Become better, improve, as in Business is finally looking up.
4. look up to. Admire, respect, as in The students really looked up to Mr. Jones.
Language Lab
ban v.
bans; banned; banning
to forbid people from using (something) : to say that something cannot be used or done
- The protester's writings were all banned by the government years ago.
- The banning of imported beef will begin next week.
occasionally adv.
sometimes but not often
- Shirley visits her grandparents in Texas occasionally.
occasional adj.
happening or done sometimes but not often : not happening or done in a regular or frequent way
- George made occasional business trips to mainland China last year.
bully v.
/ˈbʊli/
to frighten, hurt, or threaten (a smaller or weaker person) : to act like a bully toward (someone)
bullies; bul·lied; bul·ly·ing
- The senior was caught bullying a freshman in the gym.
bully n.
someone who frightens, hurts, or threatens smaller or weaker people
- The bullies were expelled from school.
enforce v.
en-使如何如何/ force 力量
to make (a law, rule, etc.) active or effective : to make sure that people do what is required by (a law, rule, etc.)
- Several new tax polices will be enforced in certain regions.
- The speed limit is strictly enforced in this country.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130911baacc90cdb8fa4b979f42be13890a1120bcd1921b7d20d135c42c9abc38f0b4cd45.wma
Teaching Topic: Look Up
You know Steve, I think it's great being an English teacher here in Asia.
Why do you say that, Ken?
Because students look up to me. They respect me.
That's true. I agree. Friends, let's take a look at that simple phrase "look up to someone." When you look up to someone, you respect or admire that person. I hope you all look up to your teachers.
OK. Let's now change that a little. "Look someone up" has a different meaning.
Very different. When my friends from the U.S. plan on visiting Asia, I always tell them be sure to look me up. If you look someone up, then you go visit that person when you are in the area they live in.
OK. Now let's replace a person with a word, "look up a word." When you come across an unfamiliar word, you can look it up.
When you look up a word, you search for information on that word. You find out what it means, and how it is used. When I ask Ken, what a certain word means, he usually tells me, "Look it up." Look it up where? Look it up in the dictionary, the encyclopedia, or on the internet.
look up
1. Search for in a book or other source, as in I told her to look up the word in the dictionary.
2. Call on or visit, as in I'm going to look up my friend in Chicago.
3. Become better, improve, as in Business is finally looking up.
4. look up to. Admire, respect, as in The students really looked up to Mr. Jones.
Language Lab
ban v.
bans; banned; banning
to forbid people from using (something) : to say that something cannot be used or done
- The protester's writings were all banned by the government years ago.
- The banning of imported beef will begin next week.
occasionally adv.
sometimes but not often
- Shirley visits her grandparents in Texas occasionally.
occasional adj.
happening or done sometimes but not often : not happening or done in a regular or frequent way
- George made occasional business trips to mainland China last year.
bully v.
/ˈbʊli/
to frighten, hurt, or threaten (a smaller or weaker person) : to act like a bully toward (someone)
bullies; bul·lied; bul·ly·ing
- The senior was caught bullying a freshman in the gym.
bully n.
someone who frightens, hurts, or threatens smaller or weaker people
- The bullies were expelled from school.
enforce v.
en-使如何如何/ force 力量
to make (a law, rule, etc.) active or effective : to make sure that people do what is required by (a law, rule, etc.)
- Several new tax polices will be enforced in certain regions.
- The speed limit is strictly enforced in this country.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130911baacc90cdb8fa4b979f42be13890a1120bcd1921b7d20d135c42c9abc38f0b4cd45.wma
Friday, September 13, 2013
Cellphones in School (1)
Does having access to cellphones at school help or hurt students?
Mrs. Lee's son Jake is in high school. His teacher Mr. Brown caught Jake taking his cellphone out during class and took it away. Now Mrs. Lee is at the school to get her son't phone.
Thank you for coming, Mrs. Lee. Here's Jake's cellphone.
Thank you. What was Jake doing with it in class?
I don't know, but as you know, our school has a zero tolerance policy for cellphones. If I see one during school hours, I'm supposed to take it away and ask a parent to pick it up.
That seems a little extreme. Why do you have such a strict rule?
Well, one reason is that cellphones make it hard for students to pay attention.
Because students are tempted to play with them and not pay attention?
That's part of it.
Also, if a phone makes noise during a lesson, it distracts the whole class.
But students can just put their phones on silent mode. As a parent, I feel better knowing my children have cellphones with them. It allows them to contact me if they need something. Or I can call or text them if there's an emergency at home.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Contact, the Noun and the Verb
Language Lab
access n.
1 a way of getting near, at, or to something or someone — often + to
2 a way of being able to use or get something
- Her access to the files was denied because they are confidential.
- The hotel offers easy access to the train station by shuttle bus.
zero tolerance n. [noncount]
a policy of giving the most severe punishment possible to every person who commits a crime or breaks a rule
- The company has a zero tolerance policy for defective products.
- The company's zero tolerance policy regarding discrimination in the workplace has received high praise.
tempt v.
to cause (someone) to do or want to do something even though it may be wrong, bad, or unwise
- The elaborate window displays tempted shoppers to go inside the store.
- I was so tempted to buy the latest platform computer, but they're too expensive.
mode n.
the state in which a machine does a particular function
- James set the machine in automatic mode.
- The camera was set in manual mode.
a particular way of doing something
- Emails are an efficient mode of communication.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130910_709f6.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130910baaa7fd2ed1b34dced11e19223eba82c5f7465fc74d0f0476ca5adca8a8f408eb66.wma
Mrs. Lee's son Jake is in high school. His teacher Mr. Brown caught Jake taking his cellphone out during class and took it away. Now Mrs. Lee is at the school to get her son't phone.
Thank you for coming, Mrs. Lee. Here's Jake's cellphone.
Thank you. What was Jake doing with it in class?
I don't know, but as you know, our school has a zero tolerance policy for cellphones. If I see one during school hours, I'm supposed to take it away and ask a parent to pick it up.
That seems a little extreme. Why do you have such a strict rule?
Well, one reason is that cellphones make it hard for students to pay attention.
Because students are tempted to play with them and not pay attention?
That's part of it.
Also, if a phone makes noise during a lesson, it distracts the whole class.
But students can just put their phones on silent mode. As a parent, I feel better knowing my children have cellphones with them. It allows them to contact me if they need something. Or I can call or text them if there's an emergency at home.
Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: Contact, the Noun and the Verb
Language Lab
access n.
1 a way of getting near, at, or to something or someone — often + to
2 a way of being able to use or get something
- Her access to the files was denied because they are confidential.
- The hotel offers easy access to the train station by shuttle bus.
zero tolerance n. [noncount]
a policy of giving the most severe punishment possible to every person who commits a crime or breaks a rule
- The company has a zero tolerance policy for defective products.
- The company's zero tolerance policy regarding discrimination in the workplace has received high praise.
tempt v.
to cause (someone) to do or want to do something even though it may be wrong, bad, or unwise
- The elaborate window displays tempted shoppers to go inside the store.
- I was so tempted to buy the latest platform computer, but they're too expensive.
mode n.
the state in which a machine does a particular function
- James set the machine in automatic mode.
- The camera was set in manual mode.
a particular way of doing something
- Emails are an efficient mode of communication.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130910_709f6.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130910baaa7fd2ed1b34dced11e19223eba82c5f7465fc74d0f0476ca5adca8a8f408eb66.wma
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Travel Troubles (1) (2)
There's always someone that you end up waiting for which slows down the whole tour. And in Europe you get dragged around to 16 different countries in one week and only get to visit tourist traps.
That's a slight exaggeration. There are some great tours out there. I choose ones that go to the places I want to go and do off-the beaten-path things.
But there's still the problem of following a strict itinerary.
I really appreciate that the tour company plans everything out. They help you make the most of your time.
True. But we want to explore on our own schedule.
Exploring at your own pace is nice, but what if you run into trouble?
We won't. I've traveled alone to many different places without any problems.
Traveling on my own seems dangerous to me. Besides, don't you get kind of lonely traveling and going sightseeing by yourself?
Not really. I've met a lot of very interesting people on my travels. Maybe you should join the trip that I'm planning with my friends. Then you can try traveling without a tour group.
Thanks for the invitation. But I'll have to think about it.
Grammar Gym
They help you make the most of your time.
to make the most of:
to get the most out of something
- You would need to budget carefully so you can make the most of your allowance.
- Make the most of your opportunity while you are overseas.
Info Cloud
contractions 簡縮, 省略的用法
I have- I've
do not- don't
that is- that's
will not- won't (早期拼法是用 wonnot; 沒加'wont 變成另一個單字:習慣)
Language Lab
exaggeration n.
to think of or describe something as larger or greater than it really is [+ obj]
ex- prefix: former, over
- To say this film is a disaster might be a slight exaggeration. It is just not very entertaining.
exaggerate v.
- I'm not exaggerating - the job interview was horrible.
itinerary n.
/aɪˈtɪnəˌreri/ 重音在ti
the places you go to or plan to go to on a journey
- Our itinerary was arranged by our travel agent.
- The next stop on our itinerary is Paris.
pace n.
the speed at which someone or something moves
- The fast pace of the city is too overwhelming for a new kid in town.
pace v.
to walk back and forth across the same space again and again especially because you are nervous [+ obj]
- Victor paced the waiting room while his wife was in labor.
sightseeing n. [noncount]
the activity of visiting the famous or interesting places of an area
- We joined a one day sightseeing tour in Tokyo.
- I wanted to go sightseeing, but my husband wanted to stay in the hotel.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130823baa84f5e87029489e5e3afb3ee26c4e057ab14ebeed5e44262637e27b0938abee03.wma
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130824_9e98b.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130824baa02572c1e86a18904822d9eb35ee625ef35b583fd090f61724c46204002284dac.wma
That's a slight exaggeration. There are some great tours out there. I choose ones that go to the places I want to go and do off-the beaten-path things.
But there's still the problem of following a strict itinerary.
I really appreciate that the tour company plans everything out. They help you make the most of your time.
True. But we want to explore on our own schedule.
Exploring at your own pace is nice, but what if you run into trouble?
We won't. I've traveled alone to many different places without any problems.
Traveling on my own seems dangerous to me. Besides, don't you get kind of lonely traveling and going sightseeing by yourself?
Not really. I've met a lot of very interesting people on my travels. Maybe you should join the trip that I'm planning with my friends. Then you can try traveling without a tour group.
Thanks for the invitation. But I'll have to think about it.
Grammar Gym
They help you make the most of your time.
to make the most of:
to get the most out of something
- You would need to budget carefully so you can make the most of your allowance.
- Make the most of your opportunity while you are overseas.
Info Cloud
contractions 簡縮, 省略的用法
I have- I've
do not- don't
that is- that's
will not- won't (早期拼法是用 wonnot; 沒加'wont 變成另一個單字:習慣)
Language Lab
exaggeration n.
to think of or describe something as larger or greater than it really is [+ obj]
ex- prefix: former, over
- To say this film is a disaster might be a slight exaggeration. It is just not very entertaining.
exaggerate v.
- I'm not exaggerating - the job interview was horrible.
itinerary n.
/aɪˈtɪnəˌreri/ 重音在ti
the places you go to or plan to go to on a journey
- Our itinerary was arranged by our travel agent.
- The next stop on our itinerary is Paris.
pace n.
the speed at which someone or something moves
- The fast pace of the city is too overwhelming for a new kid in town.
pace v.
to walk back and forth across the same space again and again especially because you are nervous [+ obj]
- Victor paced the waiting room while his wife was in labor.
sightseeing n. [noncount]
the activity of visiting the famous or interesting places of an area
- We joined a one day sightseeing tour in Tokyo.
- I wanted to go sightseeing, but my husband wanted to stay in the hotel.
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130823baa84f5e87029489e5e3afb3ee26c4e057ab14ebeed5e44262637e27b0938abee03.wma
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130824_9e98b.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130824baa02572c1e86a18904822d9eb35ee625ef35b583fd090f61724c46204002284dac.wma
Monday, July 8, 2013
Handwriting: Necessary or Not? (1)
Is the pen mightier than the keys?
Jim writes down the name and address of a restaurant he is recommending to Jack and gives it to him.
Jack: Thanks, Jim. I can't wait to go. Wow-- your handwriting is so beautiful!
Jim: Thanks! You know many school can't spend much time instructing students in handwriting anymore. It's kind of that, isn't it?
Jack: I've herad about that, but handwriting isn't as valuable now that everything is done by computer. When I write, I use a keyboard much more often than a pen.
Jim: Call me old-fashioned, but I still write letters and cards by hand. Besides everyone needs to write things by hand sometimes, so it's important to make sure your writing is legible.
Jack: Yeah. But I think most people's writing is legible already. At least it's good enough for the small amount they have to write. For anything long, printed papers usually look neater. Plus, when we type we can use spell check to make sure our spelling and grammar are correct.
Jim: That's exactly why students should write by hand! How can they learn to spell it the computer always does it for them?
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130708baa9802f6f2e31c6d6995e99dac920fc7ae4c137ad510b673f975377678717252b2.wma
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130709baaaee9f38f161ac686713a52e92681b3c448f551c8fa518204ff24bf7df2e90a71.wma
Jim writes down the name and address of a restaurant he is recommending to Jack and gives it to him.
Jack: Thanks, Jim. I can't wait to go. Wow-- your handwriting is so beautiful!
Jim: Thanks! You know many school can't spend much time instructing students in handwriting anymore. It's kind of that, isn't it?
Jack: I've herad about that, but handwriting isn't as valuable now that everything is done by computer. When I write, I use a keyboard much more often than a pen.
Jim: Call me old-fashioned, but I still write letters and cards by hand. Besides everyone needs to write things by hand sometimes, so it's important to make sure your writing is legible.
Jack: Yeah. But I think most people's writing is legible already. At least it's good enough for the small amount they have to write. For anything long, printed papers usually look neater. Plus, when we type we can use spell check to make sure our spelling and grammar are correct.
Jim: That's exactly why students should write by hand! How can they learn to spell it the computer always does it for them?
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130708baa9802f6f2e31c6d6995e99dac920fc7ae4c137ad510b673f975377678717252b2.wma
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130709baaaee9f38f161ac686713a52e92681b3c448f551c8fa518204ff24bf7df2e90a71.wma
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
The Ups and Downs of Diets (2)
Ellie: But not right away. Skipping meals will help me accomplish my goal. If I'm not eating. I'm not gaining!
Daniele: I appreciate the fact that you want to lose weight quickly. But isn't there a better diet you can try?
Ellie: Lost of them. One guaranteed that if I would just eat cabbage soup for a week, I'd lose around 10 pounds. But I don't like cabbage.
Daniele: Good thing. That's a bad diet, and it's really unhealthy.
Ellie: Well, if it works, I don't care. I need a short term fad. But as I said, I don't like cabbage.
Daniele: Don't you get hungry skipping meals?
Ellie: Yes. I'm ravenous right now. I didn't have breakfast.
Daniele: Why don't you still eat meals but just eat smaller ones?
Ellie: I'd lose weight too slowly that way. I don't have a lot of time to reduice my hunger, I'm going to take diet pills.
Daniele: Those aren't good for you in the long term.
Ellie: I don't intend to take them forever! I just need something to help me for a few weeks.
Daniele: OK, whatever. But when you do eat, be sure to eat food that's good for you!
Daniele: I appreciate the fact that you want to lose weight quickly. But isn't there a better diet you can try?
Ellie: Lost of them. One guaranteed that if I would just eat cabbage soup for a week, I'd lose around 10 pounds. But I don't like cabbage.
Daniele: Good thing. That's a bad diet, and it's really unhealthy.
Ellie: Well, if it works, I don't care. I need a short term fad. But as I said, I don't like cabbage.
Daniele: Don't you get hungry skipping meals?
Ellie: Yes. I'm ravenous right now. I didn't have breakfast.
Daniele: Why don't you still eat meals but just eat smaller ones?
Ellie: I'd lose weight too slowly that way. I don't have a lot of time to reduice my hunger, I'm going to take diet pills.
Daniele: Those aren't good for you in the long term.
Ellie: I don't intend to take them forever! I just need something to help me for a few weeks.
Daniele: OK, whatever. But when you do eat, be sure to eat food that's good for you!
Info Cloud
In one academic survey, “Whatever!” was voted the most annoying expression in conversation two years in a row.
It’s no wonder. “Whatever” is impolite and way overused.
“Whatever” is rude because it often communicates a feeling of apathy. It basically says: I don’t care what you say.
So obviously, this isn't something you’d ever want to say to your teachers, parents or your boss.
Right. When talking to her friend, however, Danielle gets away with saying it because she uses “whatever” in a related but slightly less offensive manner.
Right. She senses her discussion with Ellie is going around in circles, so she’s frustrated. She feels she’s wasting her time and energy talking with Ellie about the dangers of dieting.
So she says, “OK, whatever,” which, in this situation, means you’re not really listening to what I’m saying, so I’m going to end the discussion.
OK. Our last usage of “whatever” is more cowardly than impolite. Let’s say you’re arguing with someone, and it’s becoming clear that you’re losing the argument.
Saying “Whatever!” is an effective way of ending the argument and acknowledging defeat without actually having to say I’m wrong.
whatever 隨便、無所謂、不在乎 (不太有禮貌的用詞:最好不要用)
- What do you want to eat?
Whatever. [= I don't care.]
Grammar Gym
Hello, friends. Welcome to the Grammar Gym. My name is Liz. And in today’s article we see this sentence: Those aren’t good for you in the long term.
Our focus is on the phrase “long term.” Sometimes you’ll see it written with a hyphen between “long” and “term,” long-term. So, what is the difference?
In today’s sentence, “long term” is a noun phrase meaning a long period of time. When “long term” is used as a noun phrase, there is no need for a hyphen, and you will usually see “the” appear in front of it.
For example: Unlike his past business trips that last for a few days, Mr. Lee’s current assignment is a move for the long term.
Or: The farmer stored a lot of grain and is prepared for the long term.
But if “long-term” appears before a noun, it’s an adjective phrase, and a hyphen is needed.
For example:
The long-term effects of this drug are unknown.
Or: Tracy values her business relationships – especially the long-term ones.
If you have a copy of this month’s magazine with you, be sure to check out today’s Grammar Tip section for more examples. This is Liz from the Grammar Gym. See you next time.
long term : long-term : a long period of time
In one academic survey, “Whatever!” was voted the most annoying expression in conversation two years in a row.
It’s no wonder. “Whatever” is impolite and way overused.
“Whatever” is rude because it often communicates a feeling of apathy. It basically says: I don’t care what you say.
So obviously, this isn't something you’d ever want to say to your teachers, parents or your boss.
Right. When talking to her friend, however, Danielle gets away with saying it because she uses “whatever” in a related but slightly less offensive manner.
Right. She senses her discussion with Ellie is going around in circles, so she’s frustrated. She feels she’s wasting her time and energy talking with Ellie about the dangers of dieting.
So she says, “OK, whatever,” which, in this situation, means you’re not really listening to what I’m saying, so I’m going to end the discussion.
OK. Our last usage of “whatever” is more cowardly than impolite. Let’s say you’re arguing with someone, and it’s becoming clear that you’re losing the argument.
Saying “Whatever!” is an effective way of ending the argument and acknowledging defeat without actually having to say I’m wrong.
whatever 隨便、無所謂、不在乎 (不太有禮貌的用詞:最好不要用)
- What do you want to eat?
Whatever. [= I don't care.]
Grammar Gym
Hello, friends. Welcome to the Grammar Gym. My name is Liz. And in today’s article we see this sentence: Those aren’t good for you in the long term.
Our focus is on the phrase “long term.” Sometimes you’ll see it written with a hyphen between “long” and “term,” long-term. So, what is the difference?
In today’s sentence, “long term” is a noun phrase meaning a long period of time. When “long term” is used as a noun phrase, there is no need for a hyphen, and you will usually see “the” appear in front of it.
For example: Unlike his past business trips that last for a few days, Mr. Lee’s current assignment is a move for the long term.
Or: The farmer stored a lot of grain and is prepared for the long term.
But if “long-term” appears before a noun, it’s an adjective phrase, and a hyphen is needed.
For example:
The long-term effects of this drug are unknown.
Or: Tracy values her business relationships – especially the long-term ones.
If you have a copy of this month’s magazine with you, be sure to check out today’s Grammar Tip section for more examples. This is Liz from the Grammar Gym. See you next time.
long term : long-term : a long period of time
Language Lab
guarantee v. n.保證、擔保
- The company guarantees a full refund if their customers are not satisfied with their products.
這家公司保證，如果顧客不滿意他們的產品，就可以完全退費
- There's no guarantee that this policy will work.
沒有人能保證這個政策可以成功
fad n.一時的流行一時的風尚
/ˈfæd/
something that people like or do for a short time, or that is fashionable for a short time
- Mandy's zeal for tennis proved to be just a passing fad.
Mandy對網球的熱衷，證明只是一時的狂熱
- Miniskirt's were a fad back in the 60s.
迷你裙在六O年代時風行一時
ravenous adj.飢腸轆轆的
/ˈrævənəs/
very hungry
ravenously adv.飢餓地
- The boys were ravenous after the soccer game.
這群男孩在足球賽結束後，都餓壞了
- Theo is in his teens and has a ravenous appetite.
Theo在少年時，胃口好得不得了
- Lawrence looked ravenously hungry when he was eating.
Lawrence吃飯時，看起來餓得不得了
intend v.打算、計畫
to plan or want to do (something)
- Ray intended to buy a new car, but he bought a second hand one instead.
Ray本來要買一部新車，後來卻買了一部二手車
- Pamela is intending to go back to college this fall. Pamela計畫今年秋天要回大學讀書
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130625_d78ea.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130625baa96233fed9510c9606c723e5f525c8060e13feeefd71b9a167e6ed9bdf69ab90a.wma
- The company guarantees a full refund if their customers are not satisfied with their products.
這家公司保證，如果顧客不滿意他們的產品，就可以完全退費
- There's no guarantee that this policy will work.
沒有人能保證這個政策可以成功
fad n.一時的流行一時的風尚
/ˈfæd/
- Mandy's zeal for tennis proved to be just a passing fad.
Mandy對網球的熱衷，證明只是一時的狂熱
- Miniskirt's were a fad back in the 60s.
迷你裙在六O年代時風行一時
ravenous adj.飢腸轆轆的
/ˈrævənəs/
very hungry
ravenously adv.飢餓地
- The boys were ravenous after the soccer game.
這群男孩在足球賽結束後，都餓壞了
- Theo is in his teens and has a ravenous appetite.
Theo在少年時，胃口好得不得了
- Lawrence looked ravenously hungry when he was eating.
Lawrence吃飯時，看起來餓得不得了
intend v.打算、計畫
to plan or want to do (something)
- Ray intended to buy a new car, but he bought a second hand one instead.
Ray本來要買一部新車，後來卻買了一部二手車
- Pamela is intending to go back to college this fall. Pamela計畫今年秋天要回大學讀書
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130625_d78ea.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130625baa96233fed9510c9606c723e5f525c8060e13feeefd71b9a167e6ed9bdf69ab90a.wma
Monday, June 24, 2013
The Ups and Downs of Diets (1)
What should you do when you want to lose weight?
Ellie and Daniele meet at a coffee shop, place their orders and take a seat.
Daniele: Ellie, why are you just having coffee? I thought we were meeting for coffee and dessert.
Ellie: I'm not eating dessert these days. I'm going to Florida on vacation, and I need to lose about 15 pounds. Otherwise I won't be able to fit into any of my summer clothes.
Daniele: When do you leave?
Ellie: In less than a month. In order to lose one pound of fat, you have to eat 3,500 fewer calories a week than you usually eat. So I'm on a diet.
Daniele: What diet are you on?
Ellie: I'm skipping at least one meal a day, and I'm not eating any snacks.
Daniele: That is not a good idea. And it won't help you lose weight.
Ellie: Why not? I'm consuming fewer calories.
Daniele: True. And you may think you're losing weight, but you're not. You're just losing water.
Ellie: Who cares? I'll still weigh less and be able to fit into my clothes!
Daniele: Yes, but as soon as you start to eat normally, the weight will come right back. Your body will replenish the water, and you'll be right back where you started.
Info Cloud
In our Viewpoints lesson this month, we meet Ellie, who is determined to lose 15 pounds fast.
And it seems she’ll do anything to reach her goal, even if it means doing something unhealthy.
Yes, because she’s more concerned with the final result than she is with the method used to achieve that result.
We could say: For her, the end justifies the means.
Meaning the correctness of an action is based on the outcome of the action, not the action itself.
It doesn’t matter if the action is illegal, unfair, cruel, immoral, evil, or in Ellie’s case, unhealthy.
If it gets the desired result, then it’s considered OK.
OK. Cheating on a test or being dishonest on a college application is a good example. Some students feel the wrongness in doing these things is excusable because the outcome for them is good.
More complicated examples emerge during times of war. One well-known example from history asks:
Is bombing two cities and killing 250,000 people justifiable if that action ends a war, and, thereby, saves the lives of one million others?
Well, it’s certainly a beneficial end, but a cruel means. Friends, what do you think?
the end justifies the means prov. 為了目的，不擇手段
[end 目的/ means 手段/ justify 使他合理化 ]
Language Lab
place an order 下訂單、訂貨 [order 訂購, 訂單]
to submit an order
- I just placed an online order for a pair of boots.
我剛剛才在網路上下訂單，買了一雙靴子
- We placed the order to buy this sofa a month ago, but we still haven't received it.
我們一個月前訂了一套沙發，但是到現在還沒收到
otherwise adv.否則
used when saying what bad thing will happen if something is not done
- You'd better get up early, otherwise you'll be late for school.
你最好早起，否則上學會遲到
otherwise adv. 不同地、相反地
to say, think, or decide something different
- Becky trusted in her husband's loyalty 100%. She had actually never thought otherwise.
Becky原來是百分之百相信先生的忠誠，事實上，她從來沒有懷疑過
normally adv.正常地、通常地、一般地
normal adj.正常的
usual or ordinary : not strange
- Charlie normally reached home by 7 p.m.
Charlie通常七點前會到家
- Normally it takes an hour to reach the airport form downtown.
正常而言，從市中心到機場要一個小時
- A person's normal blood pressure is between 120 and 90.
一個人正常的血壓是介於120和90之間
replenish v.補充、重新裝滿 [re字首- 再一次]
/rɪˈplɛnɪʃ/
to fill or build up (something) again
- The waiter kept replenishing our glasses with water.
服務生一直來為我們的杯子加水
- We replenished our food stock when we went to the supermarket.
我們去超市時，補充了我們的食物庫存
Review Skit
I’m home, and I’m starving. What’s for dinner?
We’re having cabbage soup tonight.
But we had cabbage soup last night and the night before.
Well, that’s because I’m on a diet. I can lose 10 pounds if I eat cabbage soup for a week.
This is a fad diet. It probably won’t work.
Yes, it will. It’s guaranteed.
Besides, it’s unhealthy.
Well, if it works, I don’t care.
It’s nice you’re trying to lose weight. But isn't there another way?
Well, I could skip meals, but I’d be ravenous all day.
You could eat meals but smaller ones.
No. I won’t lose weight fast enough… unless I use diet pills.
No. Diet pills aren't good for you.
I don’t intend to take them forever, just until I lose 10 pounds.
Why is losing weight so important?
We’re going to the beach this summer, remember? I want to look good in my swimsuit.
I have an idea. Let’s go to the mountains this summer.
Good idea. Then I won’t have to lose weight.
And I won’t have to eat cabbage soup.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130624_3936d.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130624baaa736a2ffd75ebe7a1e6940465554d351613cef07bc76b369c545b8adc3dc1d29.wma
Ellie and Daniele meet at a coffee shop, place their orders and take a seat.
Daniele: Ellie, why are you just having coffee? I thought we were meeting for coffee and dessert.
Ellie: I'm not eating dessert these days. I'm going to Florida on vacation, and I need to lose about 15 pounds. Otherwise I won't be able to fit into any of my summer clothes.
Daniele: When do you leave?
Ellie: In less than a month. In order to lose one pound of fat, you have to eat 3,500 fewer calories a week than you usually eat. So I'm on a diet.
Daniele: What diet are you on?
Ellie: I'm skipping at least one meal a day, and I'm not eating any snacks.
Daniele: That is not a good idea. And it won't help you lose weight.
Ellie: Why not? I'm consuming fewer calories.
Daniele: True. And you may think you're losing weight, but you're not. You're just losing water.
Ellie: Who cares? I'll still weigh less and be able to fit into my clothes!
Daniele: Yes, but as soon as you start to eat normally, the weight will come right back. Your body will replenish the water, and you'll be right back where you started.
Info Cloud
In our Viewpoints lesson this month, we meet Ellie, who is determined to lose 15 pounds fast.
And it seems she’ll do anything to reach her goal, even if it means doing something unhealthy.
Yes, because she’s more concerned with the final result than she is with the method used to achieve that result.
We could say: For her, the end justifies the means.
Meaning the correctness of an action is based on the outcome of the action, not the action itself.
It doesn’t matter if the action is illegal, unfair, cruel, immoral, evil, or in Ellie’s case, unhealthy.
If it gets the desired result, then it’s considered OK.
OK. Cheating on a test or being dishonest on a college application is a good example. Some students feel the wrongness in doing these things is excusable because the outcome for them is good.
More complicated examples emerge during times of war. One well-known example from history asks:
Is bombing two cities and killing 250,000 people justifiable if that action ends a war, and, thereby, saves the lives of one million others?
Well, it’s certainly a beneficial end, but a cruel means. Friends, what do you think?
the end justifies the means prov. 為了目的，不擇手段
[end 目的/ means 手段/ justify 使他合理化 ]
Language Lab
place an order 下訂單、訂貨 [order 訂購, 訂單]
to submit an order
- I just placed an online order for a pair of boots.
我剛剛才在網路上下訂單，買了一雙靴子
- We placed the order to buy this sofa a month ago, but we still haven't received it.
我們一個月前訂了一套沙發，但是到現在還沒收到
otherwise adv.否則
used when saying what bad thing will happen if something is not done
- You'd better get up early, otherwise you'll be late for school.
你最好早起，否則上學會遲到
otherwise adv. 不同地、相反地
- Becky trusted in her husband's loyalty 100%. She had actually never thought otherwise.
Becky原來是百分之百相信先生的忠誠，事實上，她從來沒有懷疑過
normally adv.正常地、通常地、一般地
normal adj.正常的
usual or ordinary : not strange
- Charlie normally reached home by 7 p.m.
Charlie通常七點前會到家
- Normally it takes an hour to reach the airport form downtown.
正常而言，從市中心到機場要一個小時
- A person's normal blood pressure is between 120 and 90.
一個人正常的血壓是介於120和90之間
replenish v.補充、重新裝滿 [re字首- 再一次]
/rɪˈplɛnɪʃ/
to fill or build up (something) again
- The waiter kept replenishing our glasses with water.
服務生一直來為我們的杯子加水
- We replenished our food stock when we went to the supermarket.
我們去超市時，補充了我們的食物庫存
Review Skit
I’m home, and I’m starving. What’s for dinner?
We’re having cabbage soup tonight.
But we had cabbage soup last night and the night before.
Well, that’s because I’m on a diet. I can lose 10 pounds if I eat cabbage soup for a week.
This is a fad diet. It probably won’t work.
Yes, it will. It’s guaranteed.
Besides, it’s unhealthy.
Well, if it works, I don’t care.
It’s nice you’re trying to lose weight. But isn't there another way?
Well, I could skip meals, but I’d be ravenous all day.
You could eat meals but smaller ones.
No. I won’t lose weight fast enough… unless I use diet pills.
No. Diet pills aren't good for you.
I don’t intend to take them forever, just until I lose 10 pounds.
Why is losing weight so important?
We’re going to the beach this summer, remember? I want to look good in my swimsuit.
I have an idea. Let’s go to the mountains this summer.
Good idea. Then I won’t have to lose weight.
And I won’t have to eat cabbage soup.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130624_3936d.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130624baaa736a2ffd75ebe7a1e6940465554d351613cef07bc76b369c545b8adc3dc1d29.wma
Friday, May 24, 2013
To Post or Not to Post (2)
Susan: Oh, I do that, too. There are so many different social networks and blog sites available. It’s easy to stay in touch with people you don’t see very often.
Julie: In some cases, maybe. But I don’t really want people I don’t talk to regularly to know what I’m doing or where I’m going. That’s just creepy.
Susan: Then you can be more particular about who you friend and who can see your updates. But I like keeping large numbers of people in the loop by posting a single message.
Julie: I guess. But that doesn't mean I want everyone I’m friends with to see what I post. Besides, some people respond a little too quickly to my posts, and it makes me uncomfortable.
Susan: Oh, that just shows that your friends are interested in what you are doing or thinking. You shouldn't let that bother you. These sites are great for sharing so many things.
Julie: I guess so, but sometimes people share too much information. They post pictures that are inappropriate or uninteresting, or they share things that are unimportant.
Susan: Well, that’s one opinion. Maybe what you think is unimportant is actually really interesting to someone else.
Julie: Maybe. But I think I’ll stick to just posting what I think is important.
Info Cloud
Like all languages, English is constantly changing. New words are born. Old words die out. And existing words change form and meaning.
That’s right. Like the word “friend,” for hundreds of years, it was a noun. Just eight years ago, it became a verb.
Turning nouns into verbs is called verbing, which is funny because the word “verb” itself is a noun.
Right.
One reason verbing happens is because of new technology. With certain new inventions, we discover we need to describe an action that previously did not exist.
For example, using a microwave oven. When the appliance came out in the 1950s, there was no quick and easy way to tell someone you were going to heat or cook something in one.
Right. But people are practical. And it didn’t take long before someone took microwave, the noun, and turned it into a verb.
So now if you want a quick snack, you just throw something, like a bag of popcorn, into the microwave and “microwave” it.
Right. Technology is a huge driving force behind verbing. Consider some of the other nouns we've recently turned into verbs, words like text, bookmark, access and, of course, Google.
Grammar Gym
How you doing today, friends? My name is Liz, and thanks for joining me here at the Grammar Gym. In our article today we see this sentence: But I think I’ll stick to just posting what I think is important. That’s our Grammar Tip sentence. Our focus today is on the phrase: stick to.
Normally we use “stick to” to talk about how things are connected together on the surface, like:
When gum sticks to the bottom of your shoe, it’s not easy to get it off. But in today’s sentence, there are no objects with surfaces that are connecting to one another. Instead, “stick to” is an informal way to say “to focus on one activity and not on other activities.”
For example, parents might tell their kids: Just stick to your homework; don’t waste time on other things. Or: It’s not healthy to stick to your computer all day and not to other things. If you turn to today’s Grammar Tip section in your magazine, you’ll find more example sentences there.
And that’s it for today. This is Liz from the Grammar Gym. See you next time.
Language Lab
creepy adj.令人緊張不安的，令人毛骨悚然的
- Ellen couldn't fall asleep after hearing those creepy stores.
creep n. 指毛骨悚然的感覺
- The dark corner of the building always gives me the creeps.
particular adj.詳细的，特别的，指定的，講究的
particular about 特别講究在某方面要用 "about"
- Martha is very particular about food.
- In our training, particular emphasis will be put on self-expression.
我們的訓練會特別看中自我的表達
inappropriate adj.不合適的,不恰當的 [in 字首-否定/ appropriate 合宜的, 恰當的]
- It's inappropriate to cut into other people's conversations.
appropriate -合宜的，合適的，恰當的
- Is it appropriate to call him directly?
stick to something phrasal verb 對某件事堅持不變的
1 to do or keep doing what you said you would do or what you believe in, even when it is difficult [= keep to]
- Jennifer decided to stick to her story no matter what.
stick to something -緊跟著
2 to keep using or doing one particular thing and not change to anything else
- Make sure that you stick to the trail.
緊跟著登山路徑
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130525_e3be2.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130525baa3d2c3a458ff3041ecb37234e8d0b0c38.wma
Julie: In some cases, maybe. But I don’t really want people I don’t talk to regularly to know what I’m doing or where I’m going. That’s just creepy.
Susan: Then you can be more particular about who you friend and who can see your updates. But I like keeping large numbers of people in the loop by posting a single message.
Julie: I guess. But that doesn't mean I want everyone I’m friends with to see what I post. Besides, some people respond a little too quickly to my posts, and it makes me uncomfortable.
Susan: Oh, that just shows that your friends are interested in what you are doing or thinking. You shouldn't let that bother you. These sites are great for sharing so many things.
Julie: I guess so, but sometimes people share too much information. They post pictures that are inappropriate or uninteresting, or they share things that are unimportant.
Susan: Well, that’s one opinion. Maybe what you think is unimportant is actually really interesting to someone else.
Julie: Maybe. But I think I’ll stick to just posting what I think is important.
Info Cloud
Like all languages, English is constantly changing. New words are born. Old words die out. And existing words change form and meaning.
That’s right. Like the word “friend,” for hundreds of years, it was a noun. Just eight years ago, it became a verb.
Turning nouns into verbs is called verbing, which is funny because the word “verb” itself is a noun.
Right.
One reason verbing happens is because of new technology. With certain new inventions, we discover we need to describe an action that previously did not exist.
For example, using a microwave oven. When the appliance came out in the 1950s, there was no quick and easy way to tell someone you were going to heat or cook something in one.
Right. But people are practical. And it didn’t take long before someone took microwave, the noun, and turned it into a verb.
So now if you want a quick snack, you just throw something, like a bag of popcorn, into the microwave and “microwave” it.
Right. Technology is a huge driving force behind verbing. Consider some of the other nouns we've recently turned into verbs, words like text, bookmark, access and, of course, Google.
Grammar Gym
How you doing today, friends? My name is Liz, and thanks for joining me here at the Grammar Gym. In our article today we see this sentence: But I think I’ll stick to just posting what I think is important. That’s our Grammar Tip sentence. Our focus today is on the phrase: stick to.
Normally we use “stick to” to talk about how things are connected together on the surface, like:
When gum sticks to the bottom of your shoe, it’s not easy to get it off. But in today’s sentence, there are no objects with surfaces that are connecting to one another. Instead, “stick to” is an informal way to say “to focus on one activity and not on other activities.”
For example, parents might tell their kids: Just stick to your homework; don’t waste time on other things. Or: It’s not healthy to stick to your computer all day and not to other things. If you turn to today’s Grammar Tip section in your magazine, you’ll find more example sentences there.
And that’s it for today. This is Liz from the Grammar Gym. See you next time.
Language Lab
creepy adj.令人緊張不安的，令人毛骨悚然的
- Ellen couldn't fall asleep after hearing those creepy stores.
creep n. 指毛骨悚然的感覺
- The dark corner of the building always gives me the creeps.
particular adj.詳细的，特别的，指定的，講究的
particular about 特别講究在某方面要用 "about"
- Martha is very particular about food.
- In our training, particular emphasis will be put on self-expression.
我們的訓練會特別看中自我的表達
inappropriate adj.不合適的,不恰當的 [in 字首-否定/ appropriate 合宜的, 恰當的]
- It's inappropriate to cut into other people's conversations.
appropriate -合宜的，合適的，恰當的
- Is it appropriate to call him directly?
stick to something phrasal verb 對某件事堅持不變的
- Jennifer decided to stick to her story no matter what.
stick to something -緊跟著
2 to keep using or doing one particular thing and not change to anything else
- Make sure that you stick to the trail.
緊跟著登山路徑
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130525_e3be2.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130525baa3d2c3a458ff3041ecb37234e8d0b0c38.wma
Thursday, May 23, 2013
To Post or Not to Post (1)
How much do you share online?
Julie and Susan are eating lunch together at a cafe. Susan takes out her phone and starts taking pictures of her food.
Julie: Wow, you sure are taking a lot of pictures. You must really like the presentation of the food.
Susan: I do! The heart-shaped sandwich is really cute. I want to update my status so my friends can see it, too. Do you want me to take pictures of your food for you?
Julie: No, that’s OK. I don’t usually post stuff like that online. If people really want to know what I have for lunch, they can ask me.
Susan: But posting your meals is a great way to start conversations with your friends. And it helps you find new places to eat as well.
Julie: Maybe. But to me, that sort of information isn't worth my while. It’s a waste of time for me to post about it. Not to mention that it wastes my friends’ time when they scroll through their updates.
Susan: It’s not a big deal. If people don’t want to see my posts, they can just skip it. What sort of things do you like to share online?
Julie: Well, I don’t post many updates. I like to check what my friends are doing. But me – I usually just post about major events or things that catch my interest.
Info Cloud
Hey, Steve, let me ask you this. What do you think of when you hear the word “bug”?
I think of insects.
OK. That’s one meaning. Another meaning of bug is a person who has an interest or enthusiasm for something.
Ah, yes. When tacked on at the end of certain words, a fun, new descriptive word is created.
OK. Let’s tack “bug” on to the end of the word “shutter,” which is that mechanism that lets light into a camera.
Perfect example. The new word is “shutterbug.” And it describes an amateur photographer who has a lot of enthusiasm for taking pictures, just like Susan in today’s lesson.
OK. We all know what “litter” is, right? It’s the trash and garbage that you see on the streets or in parks. Add the word “bug” to “litter,” and you get “litterbug,” which is a person who wouldn't think twice about throwing trash in public places.
OK, one more. What happens when we place “bug” at the end of the word “cuddle,” which means to hold close in an affectionate way for comfort or warmth.
We get cuddle-bug. We sometimes use “ cuddle-bug” to describe an infant who delights in being hugged and held by mom and dad.
And if your pet dog or cats display this kind of behavior, you can call them cuddle-bugs, too.
bug n.
1 a usually small insect 蟲
2 the bug a sudden, strong interest in a particular activity 對什麼狂熱的人
shutterbug 熱愛照相的人
litterbug 愛丢纸屑的人
cuddle-bug 喜歡被擁抱的人, 大多对小孩或小猫，小狗
Review Skit
Wow, this restaurant is really nice.
Yes, it is.
Let me take some pictures.
OK. I’m smiling.
Well, I don’t want a picture of you.
I want a picture of the pizza.
What for?
I want to update my status online, and I want all my friends to see it.
Why?
Well, so they’ll know about the pizza here. And maybe they’ll want to start a conversation.
I don’t post things like that.
Why not?
It’s a waste of my time and my friends’ time.
Who wants to scroll through all those updates?
My friends do. And if they don’t, it’s not a big deal. They can just skip it.
That sort of information isn't worth my while.
So what kinds of things do you post online?
Actually, I don’t post many updates. I only post major events.
Only major events?
Sometimes I post things that catch my interest.
Oh. OK.
Of course, I do check to see what my friends are doing.
Well, that’s good. So what are your friends doing now?
Hmm. Well, Jim is eating spaghetti. And Betty is eating a sandwich. And Mike is having noodles.
How fun!
And we are eating pizza.
Yeah!
Language Lab
presentation n. [noncount] 顯示, 呈現; 表現; 描述 [present v.展現]
the way in which something is arranged, designed, etc. : the way in which something is presented
- The presentation of a dish determines how the customers perceive it.
菜餚的擺盤決定客人如何看這道菜
presentation n. 介紹,報告
- Jonathan prepared a lot of charts for his presentation.
Jonathan 為了他的報告準備了很多個圖表
status n. 狀態 (本文指個人在社群中的狀態)
Patrick constantly checks the status of his friends on Facebook.
Patrick 不斷的Facebook 檢示朋友們的狀態
status n. 狀況
- The financial status of the company is getting worse.
這家公司的財務狀況越來越糟
worth one's while 值得自己花時間的 [worth值得/while 一段時間]
- I like shopping on-line. I think shopping at department stores isn't worth my while.
- Come with me to the gym! I promise I'll make it worth your while.
值回票價
scroll v. (在電腦螢幕上) 滾動, 滑動
- I scroll down and found the file.
- Sam scrolled down to the end of the document.
scroll n.卷軸
- The archaeologists found some scrolls with an ancient language when they were working at that site.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130524_175b7.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130524baaed98947a687d15b58cef887ef4ffe8b6.wma
Julie and Susan are eating lunch together at a cafe. Susan takes out her phone and starts taking pictures of her food.
Julie: Wow, you sure are taking a lot of pictures. You must really like the presentation of the food.
Susan: I do! The heart-shaped sandwich is really cute. I want to update my status so my friends can see it, too. Do you want me to take pictures of your food for you?
Julie: No, that’s OK. I don’t usually post stuff like that online. If people really want to know what I have for lunch, they can ask me.
Susan: But posting your meals is a great way to start conversations with your friends. And it helps you find new places to eat as well.
Julie: Maybe. But to me, that sort of information isn't worth my while. It’s a waste of time for me to post about it. Not to mention that it wastes my friends’ time when they scroll through their updates.
Susan: It’s not a big deal. If people don’t want to see my posts, they can just skip it. What sort of things do you like to share online?
Julie: Well, I don’t post many updates. I like to check what my friends are doing. But me – I usually just post about major events or things that catch my interest.
Info Cloud
Hey, Steve, let me ask you this. What do you think of when you hear the word “bug”?
I think of insects.
OK. That’s one meaning. Another meaning of bug is a person who has an interest or enthusiasm for something.
Ah, yes. When tacked on at the end of certain words, a fun, new descriptive word is created.
OK. Let’s tack “bug” on to the end of the word “shutter,” which is that mechanism that lets light into a camera.
Perfect example. The new word is “shutterbug.” And it describes an amateur photographer who has a lot of enthusiasm for taking pictures, just like Susan in today’s lesson.
OK. We all know what “litter” is, right? It’s the trash and garbage that you see on the streets or in parks. Add the word “bug” to “litter,” and you get “litterbug,” which is a person who wouldn't think twice about throwing trash in public places.
OK, one more. What happens when we place “bug” at the end of the word “cuddle,” which means to hold close in an affectionate way for comfort or warmth.
We get cuddle-bug. We sometimes use “ cuddle-bug” to describe an infant who delights in being hugged and held by mom and dad.
And if your pet dog or cats display this kind of behavior, you can call them cuddle-bugs, too.
bug n.
1 a usually small insect 蟲
2 the bug a sudden, strong interest in a particular activity 對什麼狂熱的人
shutterbug 熱愛照相的人
litterbug 愛丢纸屑的人
cuddle-bug 喜歡被擁抱的人, 大多对小孩或小猫，小狗
Review Skit
Wow, this restaurant is really nice.
Yes, it is.
Let me take some pictures.
OK. I’m smiling.
Well, I don’t want a picture of you.
I want a picture of the pizza.
What for?
I want to update my status online, and I want all my friends to see it.
Why?
Well, so they’ll know about the pizza here. And maybe they’ll want to start a conversation.
I don’t post things like that.
Why not?
It’s a waste of my time and my friends’ time.
Who wants to scroll through all those updates?
My friends do. And if they don’t, it’s not a big deal. They can just skip it.
That sort of information isn't worth my while.
So what kinds of things do you post online?
Actually, I don’t post many updates. I only post major events.
Only major events?
Sometimes I post things that catch my interest.
Oh. OK.
Of course, I do check to see what my friends are doing.
Well, that’s good. So what are your friends doing now?
Hmm. Well, Jim is eating spaghetti. And Betty is eating a sandwich. And Mike is having noodles.
How fun!
And we are eating pizza.
Yeah!
Language Lab
presentation n. [noncount] 顯示, 呈現; 表現; 描述 [present v.展現]
the way in which something is arranged, designed, etc. : the way in which something is presented
- The presentation of a dish determines how the customers perceive it.
菜餚的擺盤決定客人如何看這道菜
presentation n. 介紹,報告
- Jonathan prepared a lot of charts for his presentation.
Jonathan 為了他的報告準備了很多個圖表
status n. 狀態 (本文指個人在社群中的狀態)
Patrick constantly checks the status of his friends on Facebook.
Patrick 不斷的Facebook 檢示朋友們的狀態
status n. 狀況
- The financial status of the company is getting worse.
這家公司的財務狀況越來越糟
worth one's while 值得自己花時間的 [worth值得/while 一段時間]
- I like shopping on-line. I think shopping at department stores isn't worth my while.
- Come with me to the gym! I promise I'll make it worth your while.
值回票價
scroll v. (在電腦螢幕上) 滾動, 滑動
- I scroll down and found the file.
- Sam scrolled down to the end of the document.
scroll n.卷軸
- The archaeologists found some scrolls with an ancient language when they were working at that site.
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130524_175b7.wmv
mms://203.69.69.81/studio/20130524baaed98947a687d15b58cef887ef4ffe8b6.wma
Friday, April 12, 2013
How Do You Choose a Career? (2)
Helen: You should think about this more seriously. What if you go to
medical school and discover that you don't like studying medicine?
Robert: I'll just deal with it and be a doctor anyway. My parents have really high expectations for me, so I don't want to let them down.
Helen: Would you really want to work at a job you don't enjoy? A career test can help you determine what you like and are good at.
Robert: Hmm....Well maybe that is a good idea. Then maybe I could make a list of potential career options and talk to my parents about them.
Helen: You should also consider what kind of work environment you like and how much money you want to make. You also need to think about how easy it would be to take time off and how much education you need.
Robert: That's a lot to think about. Well, I'm pretty good at math, and I really love to sketch pictures of buildings. That sounds more interesting to me than being human bodies. I just don't want to upset my parents.
Helen: I know, but it sounds like you're interested in architecture. My dad knows some architects. He could introduce you to some so you could find out more about that field. Then you could make an informed decision.
Robert: I guess it wouldn't hurt to talk to them.
Helen: Well, think about it, and let me know.
Grammar Gym
to deal with it: handling a situation
"I'll just deal with it and be a doctor anyway."
- People have to deal with morning traffic.
- Passenger has to deal with long lines.
Info Cloud
helicopter parents 直升機父母
a parent who is overly involved in the life of his or her child
指過度保護子女的父母，像直升機 hover (盤旋)，盯著子女。
Language Lab
let someone down 讓某人失望
having a bad opinion of someone or something
- Annie felt that she had let everyone down because she got divorced.
Annie因為離婚了，覺得自己辜負了每個人的期待。
- David worked hard to make sure that he wouldn't let his boss down.
David認真工作，為了確定不會讓老闆失望。
potential adj.可能的、潛在的
capable of becoming real
- Rita sees everyone around her as a potential client.
Rita視她的身邊的每一個人都是她的潛力顧客
n.潛力
an ability that someone has that can be developed to help that person become successful
- Ricky has the potential to become a great actor.
Ricky有成為優秀演員之潛力
sketch v.速寫、素描
to make a quick, rough drawing of (something)
- The painter is sketching a beautiful cathedral.
這位畫家正在速寫這座美麗的教堂
n.
a quick, rough drawing that shows the main features of an object or scene
- A sketch of a ballerina by this artist is now on display.
這位畫家所畫的芭蕾舞者的素描，正在展示中。
informed adj.有見識的；了解情況的、消息靈通的
having information; based on information
inform v.通知
- This lecture will help you make an informed choice about investments.
這場演講將會幫助你在投資上做明確的選擇
- Only a few informed people know the company's financial situation.
只有少數了解狀況的人知道公司的財務狀況
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130413_debee.wmv
Robert: I'll just deal with it and be a doctor anyway. My parents have really high expectations for me, so I don't want to let them down.
Helen: Would you really want to work at a job you don't enjoy? A career test can help you determine what you like and are good at.
Robert: Hmm....Well maybe that is a good idea. Then maybe I could make a list of potential career options and talk to my parents about them.
Helen: You should also consider what kind of work environment you like and how much money you want to make. You also need to think about how easy it would be to take time off and how much education you need.
Robert: That's a lot to think about. Well, I'm pretty good at math, and I really love to sketch pictures of buildings. That sounds more interesting to me than being human bodies. I just don't want to upset my parents.
Helen: I know, but it sounds like you're interested in architecture. My dad knows some architects. He could introduce you to some so you could find out more about that field. Then you could make an informed decision.
Robert: I guess it wouldn't hurt to talk to them.
Helen: Well, think about it, and let me know.
Grammar Gym
to deal with it: handling a situation
"I'll just deal with it and be a doctor anyway."
- People have to deal with morning traffic.
- Passenger has to deal with long lines.
Info Cloud
helicopter parents 直升機父母
a parent who is overly involved in the life of his or her child
指過度保護子女的父母，像直升機 hover (盤旋)，盯著子女。
Language Lab
let someone down 讓某人失望
having a bad opinion of someone or something
- Annie felt that she had let everyone down because she got divorced.
Annie因為離婚了，覺得自己辜負了每個人的期待。
- David worked hard to make sure that he wouldn't let his boss down.
David認真工作，為了確定不會讓老闆失望。
potential adj.可能的、潛在的
capable of becoming real
- Rita sees everyone around her as a potential client.
Rita視她的身邊的每一個人都是她的潛力顧客
n.潛力
an ability that someone has that can be developed to help that person become successful
- Ricky has the potential to become a great actor.
Ricky有成為優秀演員之潛力
sketch v.速寫、素描
to make a quick, rough drawing of (something)
- The painter is sketching a beautiful cathedral.
這位畫家正在速寫這座美麗的教堂
n.
a quick, rough drawing that shows the main features of an object or scene
- A sketch of a ballerina by this artist is now on display.
這位畫家所畫的芭蕾舞者的素描，正在展示中。
informed adj.有見識的；了解情況的、消息靈通的
having information; based on information
inform v.通知
- This lecture will help you make an informed choice about investments.
這場演講將會幫助你在投資上做明確的選擇
- Only a few informed people know the company's financial situation.
只有少數了解狀況的人知道公司的財務狀況
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130413_debee.wmv
Thursday, April 11, 2013
How Do You Choose a Career? (1)
There are many considerations when deciding on a career
Robert sees Helen sitting at a computer in the library and strikes up a conversation.
Robert: Hi, Helen.What are you working on?
Helen: I'm taking a quiz to help me decide the kind of career I should have.
Robert: A career quiz? You need to take a test to choose your career?
Helen: Well, you don't have to take a test.
Robert: Whew! I got a little anxious there thinking that I needed to study for another test.
Helen: No. The issue is that I have no idea what career I should pursue. I can see myself doing so many things. I need help figuring out what is best for me based on my interests and personality.
Robert: Good luck. But I don't need to worry since I already know what I'm going to do.
Helen: Really? But we're only juniors in high school! How can you be so sure about your future career?
Robert: Simple - my parents want me to be a doctor, so I'm going to go to medical school.
Helen: That's a lot of time and money. You might want to talk to a career counselor before you make suck a big decision.
Robert: No. I trust my parents' judgment - especially when it's something as important as deciding my future.
Info Cloud
What year are you in? What grade are you in?
你現在讀幾年級, 英文該怎麼問,
grade 年級 What grade are you in? 這句通常只用在小學生
因為grade 會讓人連想到小學 grade shchool 小學
讀到中學, 大學, 就會用year 來問,
What year are you in? 你是幾年級的?
在美國高中是四年制:
freshman year 第一年
sophomore year 第二年
junior year 第三年
senior year 第四年
課文中提到: But we're only juniors in high school!
可是我們才高二耶!
高二可以用 junior 也可以用11th grader 十一年級生
Language Lab
strike up 開始交談, 開始交往, 開始演奏
strikes; struck ; struck
to begin to play (a piece of music); to cause (an orchestra, a band, etc.) to begin playing
to begin (something)
- The backpackers struck up a conversation on the train.
這群背包客在火車上開始談話
- These boys struck up a friendship after joining the same team.
這些男孩加入了同一隊之後開始了之間的友誼
issue n.問題
- The accuracy of the data is not an issue.
這些資料的正確性是沒有問題的
- There are issues about our marketing strategies.
我們的行銷策略有問題
issue n. 議題
- Tax reduction is one of the major issues of this election campaign.
減稅是這次選舉討論的議題之一
base (something) on/upon (something)
to form, make, or develop (something, such as an opinion, decision, or calculation) by using (something, such as information) as a basis, starting point, etc.
counselor n. 顧問, 輔導老師
a person who provides advice as a job : a person who counsels people ;
someone whose job is to help and support people with problems
career counselor 職務選擇輔導
guidance counselor
= lawyer 律師 = lawyer, attorney, solicitor, barrister, counsel
- This talented young counselor has never lost a case.
這位有才華又年輕的律師打官司從來沒有輸過
judgment n.判斷, 判斷力 [judge評斷, 評判]
an opinion or decision that is based on careful thought;
the ability to make good decisions about what should be done
- The mistake in the news report was caused by the anchor's poor judgement.
這個新聞報導的錯誤是因為主播的判斷力不足引起的
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130412_66c35.wmv
Robert sees Helen sitting at a computer in the library and strikes up a conversation.
Robert: Hi, Helen.What are you working on?
Helen: I'm taking a quiz to help me decide the kind of career I should have.
Robert: A career quiz? You need to take a test to choose your career?
Helen: Well, you don't have to take a test.
Robert: Whew! I got a little anxious there thinking that I needed to study for another test.
Helen: No. The issue is that I have no idea what career I should pursue. I can see myself doing so many things. I need help figuring out what is best for me based on my interests and personality.
Robert: Good luck. But I don't need to worry since I already know what I'm going to do.
Helen: Really? But we're only juniors in high school! How can you be so sure about your future career?
Robert: Simple - my parents want me to be a doctor, so I'm going to go to medical school.
Helen: That's a lot of time and money. You might want to talk to a career counselor before you make suck a big decision.
Robert: No. I trust my parents' judgment - especially when it's something as important as deciding my future.
Info Cloud
What year are you in? What grade are you in?
你現在讀幾年級, 英文該怎麼問,
grade 年級 What grade are you in? 這句通常只用在小學生
因為grade 會讓人連想到小學 grade shchool 小學
讀到中學, 大學, 就會用year 來問,
What year are you in? 你是幾年級的?
在美國高中是四年制:
freshman year 第一年
sophomore year 第二年
junior year 第三年
senior year 第四年
課文中提到: But we're only juniors in high school!
可是我們才高二耶!
高二可以用 junior 也可以用11th grader 十一年級生
Language Lab
strike up 開始交談, 開始交往, 開始演奏
strikes; struck ; struck
to begin to play (a piece of music); to cause (an orchestra, a band, etc.) to begin playing
to begin (something)
- The backpackers struck up a conversation on the train.
這群背包客在火車上開始談話
- These boys struck up a friendship after joining the same team.
這些男孩加入了同一隊之後開始了之間的友誼
issue n.問題
- The accuracy of the data is not an issue.
這些資料的正確性是沒有問題的
- There are issues about our marketing strategies.
我們的行銷策略有問題
issue n. 議題
- Tax reduction is one of the major issues of this election campaign.
減稅是這次選舉討論的議題之一
base (something) on/upon (something)
to form, make, or develop (something, such as an opinion, decision, or calculation) by using (something, such as information) as a basis, starting point, etc.
counselor n. 顧問, 輔導老師
a person who provides advice as a job : a person who counsels people ;
someone whose job is to help and support people with problems
career counselor 職務選擇輔導
guidance counselor
= lawyer 律師 = lawyer, attorney, solicitor, barrister, counsel
- This talented young counselor has never lost a case.
這位有才華又年輕的律師打官司從來沒有輸過
judgment n.判斷, 判斷力 [judge評斷, 評判]
an opinion or decision that is based on careful thought;
the ability to make good decisions about what should be done
- The mistake in the news report was caused by the anchor's poor judgement.
這個新聞報導的錯誤是因為主播的判斷力不足引起的
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130412_66c35.wmv
Friday, March 15, 2013
Sitting Alone (2)
Mary: Why not us? If I were Sally, I'd want someone to befriend me. Wouldn't you?
Jane: I guess so, but I don't think we're doing anything wrong by not befriending her. We're not mean to her, and not going out of our way to talk to her is understandable. We can't be best friends with everyone.
Mary: Maybe not, but we can show compassion to one person. It's not that hard to have one more friend.
Jane: We're already pretty busy. Where will we find time?
Mary: We can invite her to join us our other friends - like to a party or something. And we have lots of time to chat between classes. Besides, if we get to know Sally, we'd probable discover things about her. She might be really interesting and fun to be around.
Jane: Well, lunch is over anyway.
Mary: I guess it's too late for her to sit with us today. But maybe I'll invite her to hang out with us at the mall on Saturday.
Jane: Ah... I don't think I'll join you, but have fun.
Info Cloud
有人說: Latin is dead. 拉丁文是個死的語言,
但其實英文裡還是會用到拉丁文的片語,
像是 status quo 現狀, 原來的狀況
維持現狀可以用 maintain, keep
keep the status quo 要注意前面要有定冠詞 the
persona non grata 指的是不受歡迎的人
本文的 Sally 就可以用 persona non grata
但是 persona non grata 比較常用在外交的領域,
被某個國家, 因為某種原因而被拒絕入境
Language Lab
befriend v. 和某人做朋友
to behave in a friendly way towards someone, especially someone who is younger or needs help
- I love to befriend people from different backgrounds. I can learn many things from them.
我喜歡和不同背景的人交朋友, 我可以從他們身上學到好多
- I was befriended by a lovely old lady on my flight home.
在回程的航班上, 有一位可愛的老太太對我像朋友一樣和善
going out of (one's) way
to inconvenience oneself in doing something beyond what is required
understandable adj.
easy to understand; understandable behavior, reactions etc seem normal and reasonable because of the situation you are in
compassion n.[uncountable] 憐憫; 同情
a strong feeling of sympathy for someone who is suffering, and a desire to help them
com 一起/ passion 熱情
- The doctor shows great compassion to his patients.
這位醫生對帶病人相當的有同情心
- The girl's heart was filled with compassion for the starving kids.
這女孩的心中充滿對饑餓孩子的憐憫之情
hang out [phrasal verb] 一起玩
to be or stay somewhere for a period of time without doing much.
hang out with (someone): to spend time relaxing, talking, or doing something with (someone)
- Richard and his buddies love to hang out at his place.
Richard 跟他朋友喜歡在他家一起玩
- After school we usually hang out at the cafe for a while.
下課後我們通常會去這間咖啡廳坐一坐
discover v. 發現
to find information, a place or an object, especially for the first time
dis離開/cover 遮蓋
- The scientists discovered that the plant's leaves can soothe muscle pain.
科學家發現這種葉子可以減刑肌肉的疼痛
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130316_29bbe.wmv
Jane: I guess so, but I don't think we're doing anything wrong by not befriending her. We're not mean to her, and not going out of our way to talk to her is understandable. We can't be best friends with everyone.
Mary: Maybe not, but we can show compassion to one person. It's not that hard to have one more friend.
Jane: We're already pretty busy. Where will we find time?
Mary: We can invite her to join us our other friends - like to a party or something. And we have lots of time to chat between classes. Besides, if we get to know Sally, we'd probable discover things about her. She might be really interesting and fun to be around.
Jane: Well, lunch is over anyway.
Mary: I guess it's too late for her to sit with us today. But maybe I'll invite her to hang out with us at the mall on Saturday.
Jane: Ah... I don't think I'll join you, but have fun.
Info Cloud
有人說: Latin is dead. 拉丁文是個死的語言,
但其實英文裡還是會用到拉丁文的片語,
像是 status quo 現狀, 原來的狀況
維持現狀可以用 maintain, keep
keep the status quo 要注意前面要有定冠詞 the
persona non grata 指的是不受歡迎的人
本文的 Sally 就可以用 persona non grata
但是 persona non grata 比較常用在外交的領域,
被某個國家, 因為某種原因而被拒絕入境
Language Lab
befriend v. 和某人做朋友
to behave in a friendly way towards someone, especially someone who is younger or needs help
- I love to befriend people from different backgrounds. I can learn many things from them.
我喜歡和不同背景的人交朋友, 我可以從他們身上學到好多
- I was befriended by a lovely old lady on my flight home.
在回程的航班上, 有一位可愛的老太太對我像朋友一樣和善
going out of (one's) way
to inconvenience oneself in doing something beyond what is required
understandable adj.
easy to understand; understandable behavior, reactions etc seem normal and reasonable because of the situation you are in
compassion n.[uncountable] 憐憫; 同情
a strong feeling of sympathy for someone who is suffering, and a desire to help them
com 一起/ passion 熱情
- The doctor shows great compassion to his patients.
這位醫生對帶病人相當的有同情心
- The girl's heart was filled with compassion for the starving kids.
這女孩的心中充滿對饑餓孩子的憐憫之情
hang out [phrasal verb] 一起玩
to be or stay somewhere for a period of time without doing much.
hang out with (someone): to spend time relaxing, talking, or doing something with (someone)
- Richard and his buddies love to hang out at his place.
Richard 跟他朋友喜歡在他家一起玩
- After school we usually hang out at the cafe for a while.
下課後我們通常會去這間咖啡廳坐一坐
discover v. 發現
to find information, a place or an object, especially for the first time
dis離開/cover 遮蓋
- The scientists discovered that the plant's leaves can soothe muscle pain.
科學家發現這種葉子可以減刑肌肉的疼痛
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130316_29bbe.wmv
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Sitting Alone (1)
How should you treat an unpopular student?
Mary and Jane are eating lunch in their school cafeteria.
Mary: It looks like Sally is sitting by herself again today. Let's invite her to eat with us.
Jane: I think our table is full.
Mary: We could pull up a chair and make some room.
Jane: Yeah, but people might notice and think we're friends with her.
Mary: What's wrong with that?
Jane: She's so weird. If we sit with her, people will think we're weird, too. And won't want to be friends with us.
Mary: I don't think everybody will quit being our friends just because we're nice to her.
Jane: But if we invite her to join us, we may never get rid of her! She'll tag along with us all the time.
Mary: What do you have to against?
Jane: Well, she's unpopular. She's not very pretty; she's painfully shy; she doesn't excel in any subjects, and she doesn't belong to any clubs.
Mary: Maybe she just feels nervous around people she doesn't know. She might be less shy and more willing to participate if someone reached out to her a little bit.
Jane: Maybe. But why does that someone have to be us?
Grammar Gym
to have against someone/ something
What do you have against her? Our focus is on the phrase "to have against someone or something." It's an expression you'll hear native speakers use to talk about disliking someone or something because of a certain reason. So, if you're wondering why your friend hates watching foreign films, you can ask, "What do you have against foreign films?" Or, if you want to explain why your classmate won't join everyone for dessert: "She has something against sweets." And if you want to explain how you honestly don't dislike somebody, you can say, "I have nothing against that person."
- What do you have to against?
- What do you have against foreign films?
- She has something against sweets.
- I have nothing against that person.
Info Cloud
wallflower 璧花, 指的是很害羞的女孩,
a person who is shy or unpopular and who stands or sits apart from other people at a dance or party
參加舞會的時候, 都是跟其他害羞的女孩坐在靠在牆角, 沒有男朋友, 也不擅長與人互動
本文的 Sally就可以用 wallflower 來形容
social butterfly 社交花蝴蝶, 交際花
Someone who is VERY social and easygoing; can be either a male or a female. Usually these people don’t belong to a particular group, but rather jump from one group to another. They are somewhat accepted in all of them, but don’t really have any deep friendship connections in any of them.
Language Lab
unpopular adj.不受歡迎的
not liked by many people : not popular
- Increasing taxes is an unpopular proposal, but it will solve the problem.
增稅是個不受歡迎的提案, 但卻能解決問題
- The movie star used to be unpopular in high school.
這位電影名星在高中時不受歡迎
make room (for someone or something)
to provide space for someone or something
- Make room for Sam. He needs a place to sit. Can you make room for this package?
- Americans always make room for dessert.
weird adj. 奇怪的, 怪異的
very strange and unusual, and difficult to understand or explain
- The homeless guy's weird behavior is kind of scary.
這個流浪漢怪異的舉止有點可怕
- Security followed this weird looking guy to see what he was up to.
保全跟著這個樣冒怪異的人看看他要做什麼
get rid of
to do something so that you no longer have or are affected or bothered by (something or someone that is unwanted)
1 後面的受詞如果是事物的話, 指的是丟掉, 丟棄某個東西
- It's time to get rid of [=throw away] our old computer and buy a new one.
- We have to get rid of the junk in the garage. It takes up too much space.
我們得把車庫裡的東西丟掉, 太暫空間了
2 後面的受詞是人的話, 指的是擺脫, 甩掉某個人
- Irene finally got rid of the guy who was following her.
Irene 終於擺脫那個跟蹤他的人
tag along [phrasal verb] 跟隨, 緊跟
a person who follows or goes somewhere with another person or group often in an annoying way
- “I'm going to the store.” “Would you mind if I tagged along with you?”
- Pamela loves to shop, and she wants her husband to tag along.
Pamela 喜歡逛街, 而且她喜歡先生跟著
跟著誰...介系詞用with
- Promise you'll let me tag along with you when you go out.
當你出去玩的時候答應我一定要帶我去
painfully adv.
very - used to emphasize a bad or harmful quality that someone or something has
- They made it painfully obvious/clear that we were not welcome. [=they made it very clear in a way that was rude or upsetting that we were not welcome]
excel v.
to be better than others — usually + at or in; to be or do better than (others)
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130315_04fcc.wmv
Mary and Jane are eating lunch in their school cafeteria.
Mary: It looks like Sally is sitting by herself again today. Let's invite her to eat with us.
Jane: I think our table is full.
Mary: We could pull up a chair and make some room.
Jane: Yeah, but people might notice and think we're friends with her.
Mary: What's wrong with that?
Jane: She's so weird. If we sit with her, people will think we're weird, too. And won't want to be friends with us.
Mary: I don't think everybody will quit being our friends just because we're nice to her.
Jane: But if we invite her to join us, we may never get rid of her! She'll tag along with us all the time.
Mary: What do you have to against?
Jane: Well, she's unpopular. She's not very pretty; she's painfully shy; she doesn't excel in any subjects, and she doesn't belong to any clubs.
Mary: Maybe she just feels nervous around people she doesn't know. She might be less shy and more willing to participate if someone reached out to her a little bit.
Jane: Maybe. But why does that someone have to be us?
Grammar Gym
to have against someone/ something
What do you have against her? Our focus is on the phrase "to have against someone or something." It's an expression you'll hear native speakers use to talk about disliking someone or something because of a certain reason. So, if you're wondering why your friend hates watching foreign films, you can ask, "What do you have against foreign films?" Or, if you want to explain why your classmate won't join everyone for dessert: "She has something against sweets." And if you want to explain how you honestly don't dislike somebody, you can say, "I have nothing against that person."
- What do you have to against?
- What do you have against foreign films?
- She has something against sweets.
- I have nothing against that person.
Info Cloud
wallflower 璧花, 指的是很害羞的女孩,
a person who is shy or unpopular and who stands or sits apart from other people at a dance or party
參加舞會的時候, 都是跟其他害羞的女孩坐在靠在牆角, 沒有男朋友, 也不擅長與人互動
本文的 Sally就可以用 wallflower 來形容
social butterfly 社交花蝴蝶, 交際花
Someone who is VERY social and easygoing; can be either a male or a female. Usually these people don’t belong to a particular group, but rather jump from one group to another. They are somewhat accepted in all of them, but don’t really have any deep friendship connections in any of them.
Language Lab
unpopular adj.不受歡迎的
not liked by many people : not popular
- Increasing taxes is an unpopular proposal, but it will solve the problem.
增稅是個不受歡迎的提案, 但卻能解決問題
- The movie star used to be unpopular in high school.
這位電影名星在高中時不受歡迎
make room (for someone or something)
to provide space for someone or something
- Make room for Sam. He needs a place to sit. Can you make room for this package?
- Americans always make room for dessert.
weird adj. 奇怪的, 怪異的
- The homeless guy's weird behavior is kind of scary.
這個流浪漢怪異的舉止有點可怕
- Security followed this weird looking guy to see what he was up to.
保全跟著這個樣冒怪異的人看看他要做什麼
get rid of
to do something so that you no longer have or are affected or bothered by (something or someone that is unwanted)
1 後面的受詞如果是事物的話, 指的是丟掉, 丟棄某個東西
- It's time to get rid of [=throw away] our old computer and buy a new one.
- We have to get rid of the junk in the garage. It takes up too much space.
我們得把車庫裡的東西丟掉, 太暫空間了
2 後面的受詞是人的話, 指的是擺脫, 甩掉某個人
- Irene finally got rid of the guy who was following her.
Irene 終於擺脫那個跟蹤他的人
tag along [phrasal verb] 跟隨, 緊跟
a person who follows or goes somewhere with another person or group often in an annoying way
- “I'm going to the store.” “Would you mind if I tagged along with you?”
- Pamela loves to shop, and she wants her husband to tag along.
Pamela 喜歡逛街, 而且她喜歡先生跟著
跟著誰...介系詞用with
- Promise you'll let me tag along with you when you go out.
當你出去玩的時候答應我一定要帶我去
painfully adv.
very - used to emphasize a bad or harmful quality that someone or something has
- They made it painfully obvious/clear that we were not welcome. [=they made it very clear in a way that was rude or upsetting that we were not welcome]
excel v.
to be better than others — usually + at or in; to be or do better than (others)
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130315_04fcc.wmv
Friday, February 15, 2013
Free Lunch? (2)
I still feel like you're mooching off the restaurant.
If they don't want people to stay awhile in the restaurant, why do they offer free Wi-Fi?
Well, it's for paying customres.
That's what I'm saying.
I'm a paying customer - I bought a drink. I'm also a regular.
It's not like I'm trying to get a free lunch!
But you only bought one drink and you finished it a long time ago!
Are you saying you would be more comfortable sitting here if I had a pile of trash stacked around me on the table?
I just don't think the purchase of one drink entitles you to hours of free Wi-Fi, seating and air conditioning.
If you think about it, though, the restaurant is paying for Wi-Fi and air conditioning whether people are here or not.
Frankly, using this table is more environmentally friendly than sitting at home running my air conditioner just for myself.
That's all well and good, but you are still inconveniencing other people when the restaurant is packed.
As far as I am concerned, if my sitting here were a problem, the restaurant wouldn't offer services to bring me here.
Well, I'm going to eat and get out so someone else can have my seat.
Info Cloud
loiter v. 消磨時間, 混!
* No loitering! You must to consider other customers who don't have seat to eat food.
loiterer n.無所事事的人, 遊手好閒的人
* be considerate 為人著想
Grammer Gym
That's all well and good.
=> You mean that although it is good in some ways, it is bad in some ways too (usually + but ).
* Electric heating is all well and good, but what happens if there's a power cut?
Language Lab
mooch v. 索取, 佔便宜
mooch off 佔誰的便宜
* Alex is 30 years old. He should leave home and stop mooching off his parents.
Alex 已經30歲了, 他應該搬離父母的家, 不要再佔父母的便宜了
* Billy tried to mooch a free lunch off me.
Billy 想要我請他吃中飯
stack v. 堆成一疊
* All the books were stacked neatly on the shelves.
所有的書都整整齊齊的堆在架子上
* The workers used forklifts to stack the heavy boxes.
工人們使用起重機來堆疊這些很重的箱子
stack n. 一疊, 一堆
* The stack of clothes on the floor are waiting to be sorted.
成堆成堆的衣服擺在地板上等著被分類
entitle v.
en 有使如何...如何
title 職份, 地位
entitle someone to something 某個人有資格享有某種權利或特權
* A membership entitles you to discount prices and free valet parking.
這個會員製可以讓你享受折扣和免費代客停車
environmentally adv. 有關環境方面, 就環保的考量
enviornment n. 環境
* The plant is considered to be environmentally hazardous.
這家公廠被認為是對環境有害的
environmental adj. 環境的, 環保的
environmental groups 環保團體
Link:
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130216_09b8e.wmv
If they don't want people to stay awhile in the restaurant, why do they offer free Wi-Fi?
Well, it's for paying customres.
That's what I'm saying.
I'm a paying customer - I bought a drink. I'm also a regular.
It's not like I'm trying to get a free lunch!
But you only bought one drink and you finished it a long time ago!
Are you saying you would be more comfortable sitting here if I had a pile of trash stacked around me on the table?
I just don't think the purchase of one drink entitles you to hours of free Wi-Fi, seating and air conditioning.
If you think about it, though, the restaurant is paying for Wi-Fi and air conditioning whether people are here or not.
Frankly, using this table is more environmentally friendly than sitting at home running my air conditioner just for myself.
That's all well and good, but you are still inconveniencing other people when the restaurant is packed.
As far as I am concerned, if my sitting here were a problem, the restaurant wouldn't offer services to bring me here.
Well, I'm going to eat and get out so someone else can have my seat.
Info Cloud
loiter v. 消磨時間, 混!
* No loitering! You must to consider other customers who don't have seat to eat food.
loiterer n.無所事事的人, 遊手好閒的人
* be considerate 為人著想
Grammer Gym
That's all well and good.
=> You mean that although it is good in some ways, it is bad in some ways too (usually + but ).
* Electric heating is all well and good, but what happens if there's a power cut?
Language Lab
mooch v. 索取, 佔便宜
mooch off 佔誰的便宜
* Alex is 30 years old. He should leave home and stop mooching off his parents.
Alex 已經30歲了, 他應該搬離父母的家, 不要再佔父母的便宜了
* Billy tried to mooch a free lunch off me.
Billy 想要我請他吃中飯
stack v. 堆成一疊
* All the books were stacked neatly on the shelves.
所有的書都整整齊齊的堆在架子上
* The workers used forklifts to stack the heavy boxes.
工人們使用起重機來堆疊這些很重的箱子
stack n. 一疊, 一堆
* The stack of clothes on the floor are waiting to be sorted.
成堆成堆的衣服擺在地板上等著被分類
entitle v.
en 有使如何...如何
title 職份, 地位
entitle someone to something 某個人有資格享有某種權利或特權
* A membership entitles you to discount prices and free valet parking.
這個會員製可以讓你享受折扣和免費代客停車
environmentally adv. 有關環境方面, 就環保的考量
enviornment n. 環境
* The plant is considered to be environmentally hazardous.
這家公廠被認為是對環境有害的
environmental adj. 環境的, 環保的
environmental groups 環保團體
Link:
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130216_09b8e.wmv
Free Lunch? (1)
Does buying one drink earn you a day of free Wi-Fi and air conditioning?
天底下真有白吃的午餐？
買杯飲料就能享用整天免費Wi-Fi無線上網和吹冷氣？
It is lunchtime, and Blaine is looking for a seat in a fast food restaurant.
Suddenly, he sees his classmate Matt.
Hey, Matt! What are you doing here?
Oh, hi Blaine. I'm just doing some work and writing my blog.
Do you mind if I join you?
There aren't any other tables available.
Sure. Be careful you don't get hooked on my charger cable though.
Thanks. So do you study here often?
Yeah, I'm here most days.
It's a great way to save money on air conditioning and the restaurant has free Wi-Fi.
Aren't you eating anything?
I had a drink earlier this morning. I'll probably eat something later.
No offense, but it's pretty busy in here. Don't you feel guilty about taking up space for nothing?
Not really. It's not like I NEVER buy anything here. I am a loyal customer, and I eat here all the time.
Yeah, but you're not a customer now. You are occupying space that paying customers need.
Anyone is welcome to come and share my table. You did.
And besides, this is a fast food restaurant. Seating is first come, first served and people who don't get seats do have other choices. They can get their food to go.
Info Cloud
first come, first served 先搶先贏
* The early bird gets the worm. 早起的鳥兒有蟲吃 (American)
* You snooze, you lose. (American:典故來自龜兔賽跑; snooze 睡個小覺)
* The morning time has gold in its mouth. 早晨的嘴裡有黃金(German)
* He who sleeps doesn't catch any fish. 睡覺的人捕不到魚(Italian)
* First to the mill gets to grind first. 先抵達磨坊的人可以先使用石磨(Swede)
* The quick a foot, the first ascend. 捷足先登(Chinese)
這先革言都是在提醒我們要積極不要懶惰
Language Lab
hook v. 勾住, 纏住
* The worker hooked the ladder over the edge of the roof.
這個工人把梯子固定在屋子的邊緣上
* Pamela hooked her arm around her husband's
Pamela 把她的手臂勾住她先生的手臂
hook n. 勾子, 釣勾
* Britney hung her coat on the hook.
Britney 把大衣吊在掛勾上
charger cable n. 充電器, 充電線
charger 充電器; a battery charger 電池充電器
cable 電線
* The charger cable is compatible with several brands of cell phones.
這個充電器可以用在幾個不同廠牌的手機上
no offense 沒有冒犯你的意思, 我無意冒犯
offense 冒犯, 得罪
* "Uh, no offense. I'm sorry that I was late this morning, but you're not my boss."
我無意冒犯你, 我很抱歉我今天早上遲到了, 但你不是我的上司
occupy v. 佔據, 佔用
* The project occupies most of Charlie's time. He doesn't even have time to sleep.
這個案子佔據了查理大部份的時間, 他連睡覺都沒有
* All the restrooms are occupied now. You have to wait in line.
所有的厠所都有人, 你得排隊等候
Link:
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130215_feaf9.wmv
天底下真有白吃的午餐？
買杯飲料就能享用整天免費Wi-Fi無線上網和吹冷氣？
It is lunchtime, and Blaine is looking for a seat in a fast food restaurant.
Suddenly, he sees his classmate Matt.
Hey, Matt! What are you doing here?
Oh, hi Blaine. I'm just doing some work and writing my blog.
Do you mind if I join you?
There aren't any other tables available.
Sure. Be careful you don't get hooked on my charger cable though.
Thanks. So do you study here often?
Yeah, I'm here most days.
It's a great way to save money on air conditioning and the restaurant has free Wi-Fi.
Aren't you eating anything?
I had a drink earlier this morning. I'll probably eat something later.
No offense, but it's pretty busy in here. Don't you feel guilty about taking up space for nothing?
Not really. It's not like I NEVER buy anything here. I am a loyal customer, and I eat here all the time.
Yeah, but you're not a customer now. You are occupying space that paying customers need.
Anyone is welcome to come and share my table. You did.
And besides, this is a fast food restaurant. Seating is first come, first served and people who don't get seats do have other choices. They can get their food to go.
Info Cloud
first come, first served 先搶先贏
* The early bird gets the worm. 早起的鳥兒有蟲吃 (American)
* You snooze, you lose. (American:典故來自龜兔賽跑; snooze 睡個小覺)
* The morning time has gold in its mouth. 早晨的嘴裡有黃金(German)
* He who sleeps doesn't catch any fish. 睡覺的人捕不到魚(Italian)
* First to the mill gets to grind first. 先抵達磨坊的人可以先使用石磨(Swede)
* The quick a foot, the first ascend. 捷足先登(Chinese)
這先革言都是在提醒我們要積極不要懶惰
Language Lab
hook v. 勾住, 纏住
* The worker hooked the ladder over the edge of the roof.
這個工人把梯子固定在屋子的邊緣上
* Pamela hooked her arm around her husband's
Pamela 把她的手臂勾住她先生的手臂
hook n. 勾子, 釣勾
* Britney hung her coat on the hook.
Britney 把大衣吊在掛勾上
charger cable n. 充電器, 充電線
charger 充電器; a battery charger 電池充電器
cable 電線
* The charger cable is compatible with several brands of cell phones.
這個充電器可以用在幾個不同廠牌的手機上
no offense 沒有冒犯你的意思, 我無意冒犯
offense 冒犯, 得罪
* "Uh, no offense. I'm sorry that I was late this morning, but you're not my boss."
我無意冒犯你, 我很抱歉我今天早上遲到了, 但你不是我的上司
occupy v. 佔據, 佔用
* The project occupies most of Charlie's time. He doesn't even have time to sleep.
這個案子佔據了查理大部份的時間, 他連睡覺都沒有
* All the restrooms are occupied now. You have to wait in line.
所有的厠所都有人, 你得排隊等候
Link:
mms://webvod.goodtv.tv/SC/20130215_feaf9.wmv
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