The Decision

I’m going to America!

In ninth grade I was preparing for the Basic Competence Test for Junior High School Students. Life was busy but not interesting. Then one day, my parents asked if I would be interested in attending an exchange program sponsored by Ayusa. This organization offers high-school students the opportunity to study abroad for one year. The students stay with host families.

So I obtained some information and decided this would be a great chance to improve my English. I could also experience different cultures and broaden my vision.

But first I had to pass the SLEP (Secondary Level English Proficiency Test). Then I had to fill out many forms and get a health check. That helps the families decide which student to host. Ayusa helped with other procedures like flights.

There was some fun during the process, too. For example, Ayusa held a prom. We practiced asking girls to dance. At first, we were all shy, but eventually everyone tried and had a great time! Now, off I go!


Info Cloud
Teaching Topic: You Reap What You Sow
種瓜得瓜，種豆得豆 [reap v. 收割/sow v. 播種]
今天課文說到作者有機會去交換學生,
而且是跟接待家庭一起住, (host families)
這是一個難得的機會!
許多人到國外讀書, 卻跟自已國家的人住在一起,
這樣失去了學英文的好機會,
如果可以跟host family 住在一起,
決對可以提升英文程度,
因為你在花時間sow,
之後你得到的reap一定會比跟花時間跟同鄉混在一起的多


Grammar Gym
At first, we were all shy, but eventually everyone tried and had a great time! 
1. At first we were all shy.
2. Eventually everyone tried and had a great time.
- We can go to the beach to watch the sunset, or we can drive into the mountains instead.
- Timothy will handle the guest list, and Maurice is in charge of the food and decorations.


Language Lab
competence n. 能力, 技能
/ˈkɑ:mpətəns/
the ability to do something well : the quality or state of being competent
- Every new student is required to take an English competence test before the semester begins.
學期開始前, 每位新生都必需考英文學力測驗
- Bob's professional competence in computer software is unquestionable.
Bob在電腦軟體的專業是無庸置疑的

broaden v. 變寬, 變闊; 擴大 [broad寬大的]
/ˈbrɑ:dn̩/
to make (something) wider or more general
- The trip to Europe really broadened my horizons.
歐洲之旅擴展了我的視野
- Brad's voluntary work in Afirca broadened his life experiences.
Brad在非洲志願服務擴展了他人生的閱歷

procedure n. 程序; 手續; 步驟
a series of actions that are done in a certain way or order : an established or accepted way of doing something
- All of the procedures required to apply for college are quite complicated.
申請大學一切的程序還滿複雜的
a medical treatment or operation
- This minor surgical procedure took only an hour.
這個非常小的外科手術只花了一個小時的時間
proceed v. 進行
to continue to do something
- The meeting proceeded after the short break.
短暫的休息之後, 會議繼續進行

eventually adv.最後, 終於
at some later time : in the end
- After months of practicing, Timothy eventually was accepted by the team.
經過幾個月的苦練Timothy 終於進入球隊
- Even though the couple is apart now, they believe they will be together eventually.
即使這對情侶是分開的, 但是他們相信他們終究會在一起


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