Topics: Genetic Engineering
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Dear Daddy-Long-Legs,
Is it snowing where you are? All the world that I see from my tower is draped in white and the flakes are coming down as big as pop-corns. It's late afternoon--the sun is just setting (a cold yellow colour) behind some colder violet hills, and I am up in my window seat using the last light to write to you.
Your five gold pieces were a surprise! I'm not used to receiving Christmas presents. You have already given me such lots of things-- everything I have, you know--that I don't quite feel that I deserve extras. But I like them just the same. Do you want to know what I bought with my money?
I. A silver watch in a leather case to wear on my wrist and get me to recitations in time.
II. Matthew Arnold's poems.
III. A hot water bottle.
IV. A steamer rug. (My tower is cold.)
V. Five hundred sheets of yellow manuscript paper. (I'm going to commence being an author pretty soon.)
VI. A dictionary of synonyms. (To enlarge the author's vocabulary.)
VII. (I don't much like to confess this last item, but I will.) A pair of silk stockings.
And now, Daddy, never say I don't tell all!
It was a very low motive, if you must know it, that prompted the silk stockings. Julia Pendleton comes into my room to do geometry, and she sits cross-legged on the couch and wears silk stockings every night. But just wait--as soon as she gets back from vacation I shall go in and sit on her couch in my silk stockings. You see, Daddy, the miserable creature that I am but at least I'm honest; and you knew already, from my asylum record, that I wasn't perfect, didn't you?
To recapitulate (that's the way the English instructor begins every other sentence), I am very much obliged for my seven presents. I'm pretending to myself that they came in a box from my family in California. The watch is from father, the rug from mother, the hot water bottle from grandmother who is always worrying for fear I shall catch cold in this climate--and the yellow paper from my little brother Harry. My sister Isabel gave me the silk stockings, and Aunt Susan the Matthew Arnold poems; Uncle Harry (little Harry is named after him) gave me the dictionary. He wanted to send chocolates, but I insisted on synonyms.
You don't object, do you, to playing the part of a composite family?
And now, shall I tell you about my vacation, or are you only interested in my education as such? I hope you appreciate the delicate shade of meaning in 'as such'. It is the latest addition to my vocabulary.
The girl from Texas is named Leonora Fenton. (Almost as funny as Jerusha, isn't it?) I like her, but not so much as Sallie McBride; I shall never like any one so much as Sallie--except you. I must always like you the best of all, because you're my whole family rolled into one. Leonora and I and two Sophomores have walked 'cross country every pleasant day and explored the whole neighbourhood, dressed in short skirts and knit jackets and caps, and carrying shiny sticks to whack things with. Once we walked into town--four miles-- and stopped at a restaurant where the college girls go for dinner. Broiled lobster (35 cents), and for dessert, buckwheat cakes and maple syrup (15 cents). Nourishing and cheap.
It was such a lark! Especially for me, because it was so awfully different from the asylum--I feel like an escaped convict every time I leave the campus. Before I thought, I started to tell the others what an experience I was having. The cat was almost out of the bag when I grabbed it by its tail and pulled it back. It's awfully hard for me not to tell everything I know. I'm a very confiding soul by nature; if I didn't have you to tell things to, I'd burst.
We had a molasses candy pull last Friday evening, given by the house matron of Fergussen to the left-behinds in the other halls. There were twenty-two of us altogether, Freshmen and Sophomores and juniors and Seniors all united in amicable accord. The kitchen is huge, with copper pots and kettles hanging in rows on the stone wall-- the littlest casserole among them about the size of a wash boiler. Four hundred girls live in Fergussen. The chef, in a white cap and apron, fetched out twenty-two other white caps and aprons-- I can't imagine where he got so many--and we all turned ourselves into cooks.
It was great fun, though I have seen better candy. When it was finally finished, and ourselves and the kitchen and the door-knobs all thoroughly sticky, we organized a procession and still in our caps and aprons, each carrying a big fork or spoon or frying pan, we marched through the empty corridors to the officers' parlour, where half-a-dozen professors and instructors were passing a tranquil evening. We serenaded them with college songs and offered refreshments. They accepted politely but dubiously. We left them sucking chunks of molasses candy, sticky and speechless.
So you see, Daddy, my education progresses!
Don't you really think that I ought to be an artist instead of an author?
Vacation will be over in two days and I shall be glad to see the girls again. My tower is just a trifle lonely; when nine people occupy a house that was built for four hundred, they do rattle around a bit.
Eleven pages--poor Daddy, you must be tired! I meant this to be just a short little thank-you note--but when I get started I seem to have a ready pen.
Goodbye, and thank you for thinking of me--I should be perfectly happy except for one little threatening cloud on the horizon. Examinations come in February.
Yours with love,
Judy
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
idioms:
get your act together informal
to organize your activities so that you do things in an effective way
If these people could ever get their act together, they could produce unbeatable wines.
You'd better get your act together and start looking for a job.
get your hands on sb informal
if you say you will kill someone when you get your hands on them, you mean you will be very angry with them
You wait till I get my hands on her - I'll kill her!
pour/throw cold water on sth informal
if you pour cold water on opinions or ideas, you criticize them and stop people believing them or being excited about them
Margaret Thatcher poured cold water on the idea of a European central bank.
sour grapes
if you say that something someone says is sour grapes, you mean that they said it because they are jealous
I don't think it's such a great job - and that's not just sour grapes because I didn't get it.
clean up your act informal
to stop doing things that other people do not approve of and start to behave in a more acceptable way
There's a very strong anti-press feeling at the moment. A lot of people think it's time they cleaned up their act.
Words:
endeavour UK , US endeavor verb [I + to infinitive]
to try (to do something)
Engineers are endeavouring to locate the source of the problem.
I endeavored to explain the legal consequences of his action.
endeavour UK , US endeavor noun [C or U]
an effort or attempt to do something
In spite of our best endeavours, it has proven impossible to contact her.
Crossing the North Pole on foot was an amazing feat of human endeavour.
artistic endeavour
Writing is a very different endeavor than teaching.
inflame verb [T]
to excite (someone's) strong feelings or make them stronger
Reducing the number of staff is certain to inflame the already angry medical profession.
Pictures of the bombed and burning city inflamed
The defense objected to the graphic pictures, claiming they were meant merely to inflame the jury.
These brutal attacks have inflamed passions in a peaceful country.
delusion noun [C or U]
something a person believes to be true because they want it to be true, when it is actually not true
We have no delusions that these kids are going to play pro basketball, but they are having fun.
[+ (that)] She is under the delusion that her debts will just go [+ that] He's under the delusion that he will be promoted this year.
delusive adjective ( ALSO delusory )
false
delusively adverb
self-delusion noun [C or U]
when you allow yourself to believe something that is not true:
It's self-delusion if he thinks he'll be offered a better contract.
labour under the delusion/illusion/misapprehension, etc.
to wrongly believe that something is true:
At the time I was still labouring under the delusion that the project might be a success.
pitfall noun [C usually plural]
an unexpected danger or difficulty
The store fell into one of the major pitfalls of small business, borrowing from suppliers by paying bills late.
There's a video that tells new students about pitfalls to avoid .
Who knows what kind of pitfalls they're going to run into.
the pitfalls of buying a house
mosaic noun [C]
a pattern or picture of many small pieces of colored stone or glass
a beautiful 10th century mosaic
FIGURATIVE The country is now a cultural and social mosaic (= mixture) due to the influx of several different ethnic groups.
a mosaic floor
impose
verb [T]
1 ORDER OFFICIALLY to officially order that a rule, tax, punishment, etc will happen
to impose a ban/tax
She's always imposing on people for favors.
I hope I'm not imposing by staying another night.
The judge imposed the death penalty on both men.
Very high taxes have recently been imposed on cigarettes.
Judges are imposing increasingly heavy fines for minor driving offences.
The council has imposed a ban on alcohol in the city parks.
Are you sure it's all right for me to come tonight? I don't want to impose.
She's always imposing on people - asking favours and getting everyone to do things for her
Settlers often imposed their culture on the peoples of the countries they conquered.
2 FORCE TO ACCEPT to force someone to accept a belief or way of living
I don't want them to impose their religious beliefs on my children.
I don't want them to impose their religious beliefs on my children.
We must impose some kind of order on the way this office is run.
impose on sb phrasal verb
to ask or expect someone to do something that may give them extra work or trouble
I hate to impose on you, but could I stay the night?
impose sth on/upon sb formal
to force a group of people to accept something, or to give someone a punishment [e.g. fine, ban]
Strict financial controls were imposed on the BBC.
The settlers imposed their own culture and religion on the native people.
The court imposed a £10,000 fine on the newspaper for printing the story.
impose on/upon sb
to expect someone to do something for you or to spend time with you when they do not want to or when it causes them problems
I think Alex imposes on you too much - he's perfectly capable of doing his own cooking and washing.
Are you sure it's alright if I come and stay? I don't want to impose
when someone imposes on another person:
the imposition of the death penalty/martial law/sanctions
Would it be too much of an imposition to ask you to pick my parents up from the airport?
on you.
steep (MAKE WET) verb [I or T]
to cause to stay in a liquid, especially in order to become soft or clean or to improve flavour:
Leave the cloth to steep in the dye overnight.
We had pears steeped in red wine for dessert.
This stain will come out if you steep the cloth in cold water.
Let the tea steep for five minutes.
To be steeped in something is to be filled with it or knowledgeable about it: The college is steeped in tradition.
steep sth/sb in sth phrasal verb
If something or someone is steeped in something, they are completely surrounded by or involved in it, or they know a lot about it:
The college is steeped in history/tradition .
These ancient scholars were steeped in poetry and painting, as well as maths and astronomy.
The town is steeped in history.
Steep adjective INFORMAL
1 SLOPE A steep slope, hill, etc goes up or down very quickly.
a steep slope
It's a steep climb to the top of the mountain, but the view is worth it.
The castle is set on a steep hill/hillside .
The hill was too steep to cycle up.
The train slowed as it went up a steep incline.
A steep rise or fall is one that goes very quickly from low to high or from high to low: Yesterday's steep decline in the value of the dollar was unexpected.
2 CHANGE A steep increase or fall in something is very big and quick.
a steep rise in prices
There has been a steep increase/rise in prices.
3 PRICE INFORMAL very expensive
Hotel prices are steep at $300 for a room.
They are having to face very steep taxes.
We enjoyed our meal at the restaurant, but the bill was a bit steep.
The membership fees at the golf club are pretty steep.
We enjoyed our stay at the hotel, but the charges were a bit steep.
steepen verb
1 [I or T] to become steeper, or to make something do this:
The trail began to steepen near the top of the hill.
2 [I] If something such as a cost steepens, it increases:
Our costs have steepened since we began this project.
steeply adverb
The beach slopes steeply down to the sea.
The value of the land has risen steeply.
Food prices have risen steeply.
The beach slopes steeply down to the sea.
steepness noun [U]
It's/That's a bit steep! British & Australian
something that you say when you think something is not fair
Keith, calling me boring? That's a bit steep!
voracious adjective
very eager for something, especially a lot of food:
He has a voracious appetite (= he eats a lot) .
He's a voracious reader of historical novels (= He reads a lot of them eagerly and quickly) .
Wolves are voracious eaters.
As a child, I had a voracious appetite for books.
She has a voracious appetite.
a voracious reader of historical novels
voraciously adverb
voraciousness noun [U]
voracious
adjective
wanting to do something a lot, especially wanting to eat a lot of food
voracity noun [U]
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Everyday Life in America
Introduction
Every country has different everyday ways. To get to know Americans, it pays to know certain mannerisms and habits most Americans share.
Greetings. Americans shake hands firmly with each other when first introduced, or when they meet again, but rarely when they part (a more European custom). Social kissing, as a greeting, is also sometimes acceptable between men and women who know each other well and between women. American men rarely embrace each other or kiss on both cheeks.
Distance and Eye Contact. When two Americans are standing and talking to each other they stay at least 16 inches away from each other, yet they do make eye contact.
Etiquette and Behavior
Introductions. If you meet someone you know on the street while you are with someone else, it is polite to introduce the people to each other.
Foreign Languages. If you are with a group of mainly English-speaking people and the conversation is going on in English, it is not polite to speak in your own or another foreign language for more than a few sentences. Whatever language you speak in, try to avoid swear words. Of course, you should avoid "dirty," "off-color," or sexually explicit stories or jokes.
If you are in a movie theater or at a concert or play, it is never polite to talk during the performance, even in a whisper.
Formal and Informal Events
Social events and parties can pose bewildering problems for Americans and foreigners alike. You'll have to determine how formal the party or event is, what kind of food or drink will be served (if any), whether or not a gift is expected, and, if so, what type of gift is appropriate.
Formal and Informal. For some people and in some regions, "informal" means blue jeans and T-shirts. For some others, it can mean sports jackets and ties. It pays to ask specific questions about how you should dress when someone invites you ("Do I need to wear a dress? jacket and tie?"). Even if informal clothing is in order, keep your clothes clean. The phrase "formal" (also referred to as "Black Tie") means tuxedos for men and evening dresses for women.
Bringing Gifts
If you are invited to someone's home for dinner, you may bring a small gift like a bottle of wine, candy or flowers. If there is no special occasion, a very expensive gift might embarrass the host or hostess.
Bringing Refreshments
Some parties are "pot luck" or "covered dish" affairs. The idea is that everybody brings something. Sometimes the person giving the party will assign various types of food (breads, beverages, pasta, dessert) to different people to assure a variety. If a party is given on a B.Y.O.B. basis (it means "bring your own bottle") you'll be expected to bring a beverage, often alcoholic.
Card and Game Parties
Card and game parties are common in America. Bridge and poker are the two most popular card games, usually played for money, though often for very small amounts. Men's poker nights and women's bridge nights on a regular or weekly basis are common (though mixed groups also play these games). Americans may also invite you to a get-together to play "parlor games" such as charades, or commercial boxed games such as perennial favorite Monopoly.
Entertaining Outside
Americans like to entertain outside in good weather, either in back-yard barbecues or at picnics. For any get-together, it is perfectly polite to ask "May I bring something?" Even if they say "no", bring something tasteful like a delicacy or a fine candy.
Celebrations
Should you be asked to someone's birthday, retirement or graduation celebration, just ask if gifts are going to be given to the person honored. Again, even if the answer is "no" you can bring something small and tasteful. When Americans give gifts, they often enclose a signed gift card.
Showers and Weddings
If you are invited to a wedding, a "bridal shower" or a "baby shower," you will be expected to bring a substantial gift. The "showers" are gift-giving events. If you need to buy a wedding gift, there is a peculiar--and very practical--American custom you should know about: the "bridal registry." The couple to be married will register at a particular store, choosing the household goods, china, silver and other items they would like. You can then contact that store and purchase one of the items, knowing all the time that you'll be getting the couple something they really want, instead of their fourth automatic toaster. Many registries of this type are now computerized, and some are appearing on the Internet.
Being a Good Guest
Don't overstay your welcome. Whenever you are invited somewhere, try to find out in advance how long the event will last. It is also important not to be late. If it is a large party-- not a sit-down dinner party--you might have flexibility of an hour or two as to when you may arrive.
When You Entertain
When you entertain Americans in your own home, treat them as they would treat you. Offer them something to eat or drink. Offer to take their coats and hang them up somewhere properly and neatly. Take them on a short tour of your home and make sure they see where the toilets are located so they don't have to ask you when that critical moment arrives-- Americans are often embarrassed to ask.
Manners
Table manners are important in America, and may be different from those of your country. They are complicated, and you should consult a good guide to etiquette for a complete view.
In general Americans try to eat neatly, without making a lot of noise. If something on the table is out of their reach, they politely ask someone to pass it to them. Food should be lifted up to the mouth. Do not bend over to eat it. Sit up as straight as you can without being uncomfortable. Do not talk with your mouth full.
Table napkins are placed on your lap, folded in half if they are very large. If you are in a small group, it is polite to wait to start eating until the host sits down and begins. With larger groups, you may begin after noting that a few people have begun. You may also begin if the host urges you to.
Use your fork, knife and spoon to eat your food. There are some exceptions, like lobster and corn on the cob, cookies, shrimp, and fried chicken and other foods. Better watch what other people do. If you do eat with your hands, don't lick your fingers to clean them. Use the napkin carefully. If you have to take food out of your mouth, such as a pit or bone, do it carefully and quietly. It is not polite to pick your teeth at the table to remove trapped food. If you must do this before the end of the meal, excuse yourself and go to the restroom.
Making Conversation
Americans can become fairly intimate and personal in conversation, though controversial subjects like sex, religion, and politics are often best avoided, at least until you get a good idea of the views of the people you are talking to.
It is permissible for an American to start a conversation with a stranger but the conversation should be immediately ended if the person does not seem to want to talk. Be especially careful not to force your attention on someone in a plane, train or bus.
An accepted conversation starter is "What do you do?" meaning "What do you do for a living?" "Do you have any brothers or sisters?" is also a safe question. Americans also love to talk about their children. Since Americans are not particularly open about the subject of death, you will want to make sure a person's parents are alive before referring to them or asking about them.
Some Americans can spend a great deal of time in casual social circumstances talking about astrology. You can be sure that sooner or later you will be asked "What's your sign?" in a friendly manner. If you don't know your "sign" you can find it in any newspaper's astrology column. Even if you don't believe in astrology, it is often a good, non-controversial subject of conversation among people who do not know each other well.
Unless you know an American very well, it is not a good idea to criticize American society, apparent social injustices in America, or American ways of doing things. Americans usually think their way of doing things is either the best way or the only way. They have little exposure to or knowledge of other cultures. You might be 100% right in your criticism, but you won't get the point across to someone unwilling to consider it. In a social setting with people you have just met, starting such a political argument is undiplomatic. With people you already know, you can take some chances with controversial subjects.
If someone starts a conversation with you on a subject you consider tactless, improper or offensive, it is best to try to change the subject rather than making the problem worse by asking the other person embarrassing or personal questions. Don't lower yourself to the other person's level.
Accepting Compliments
If someone pays you a compliment, do not protest or deny the truth of the statement (as is required in many other cultures). Accept the compliment graciously and with thanks.
Phrasal Verb
1. For three days the wind blew hard and strong, but on the fourth day it died down.
2. I thought John and Mary were happy, but they recently got a divorce; how did it come about?
3. My old car has a very bad engine; it will probably break down and need repairs.
4. If you want to get ahead in life, you have to work hard and save your money.
5. His poor clothes really stood out at the meeting because everyone else was wearing a suit and tie.
6. Since you don’t have a car or motorcycle, how do you get around?
7. Our plans for a trip to Europe fell through because we hadn’t saved enough money for the plane tickets.
8. Please hold on; I’d like to ask a question before you continue your lecture.
9. He told me all of his marriage problems, from beginning to end; he really opened up.
10. Because several students didn’t understand the teacher’s ideas, many questions came up.
11. While I was talking, Tom broke in to tell me that he disagreed.
12. After I spent two hours trying to explain the difficult idea, John finally caught on.
13. While his friends were playing football, poor Joe, who had a broken leg, could only look on
14. At first the students in my class were too noisy, but eventually they settled down to work.
15. It’s already 10 o’clock and Bill hasn’t come yet; if he doesn’t show up soon, our meeting will fall through.
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III. EXPLANATION OF THE IDIOMS
You probably have a good idea what each idiom means by now. Study the following explanations so that you can understand them completely.
1. to die down – to become more quiet; to diminish, to subside
Usual subjects; feelings (excitement, nervousness, anger, love/hatred); natural events (storm, wind, fire); sounds (music, voices, noises).
My anger at him has died down since he apologized to me.
After the storm, the strong winds died down .
The loud music died down after the police came.
2. to come about – to happen, to occur, to be caused
Usual subjects: events (accident, death, failure/success, defeat); situations (problem, discussion, argument).
This idiom is most often used in a How-question, when we want to know the cause of something.
How did the automobile accident come about?
His success came about after he started working harder.
The argument came about because they were talking about politics.
3. to stand out – to be noticeable, to be prominent, to be clearly seen
Usual subjects: color, tone, figure, shape; people
With this subject, there is a contrast with something else.
A very tall man wearing a big hat stood out in the crowd of people.
The large black letters on this small white sign really stand out .
Joe is so intelligent that he stands out in class.
4. to break down – to fail to function, to stop working properly.
Usual subjects: machines (typewriter, engine, air-conditioning);
Vehicles (car, truck, plane, train, etc).
The travelers were delayed because the bus had broken down .
It would be very regrettable if the air conditioning broke down on a very hot day.
5. to fall through – to fail to occur, not to happen
Usual subjects: plan, project, arrangement, agreement, contract.
If your new contract agreement falls through , the workers in your company will go on strike.
The plan for a new part fell through because no citizen wanted higher taxes.
The project is so well planned that it couldn't possibly fall through .
6. to get ahead – to make progress, to succeed
Usual subjects: people
Anyone can get ahead in life if he or she really tries hard.
Can a criminal get ahead by stealing money from a bank?
The dream of most politicians is to get ahead in national politics.
7. to get around – to travel, to move about
Usual subjects: living things (people, animals); information (news, ideas, secret, gossip)
It's difficult for a person with a broken leg to get around.
Everyone knows him well; he really gets around
How did my secret get around to all my friends so quickly?
8. to hold on – to wait, to pause
Usual subjects: people
This idiom is usually used in a polite command form or in indirect speech. It is commonly used when asking someone to wait on the telephone.
Please hold on ; I'll see if the doctor is in. (polite command)
I asked him to hold on before he finally left. (indirect speech)
Unusual: He held on before he left.
It is usually followed by a time expression such as “a second, a minute”.
Please hold on a second!
Cold you hold on a minute? (A question form is possible).
9. to open up – to talk honestly and freely; to reveal a secret.
Usual subjects: People
This idiom basically means that one doesn't hide his true feelings.
Their marriage plans fell through because neither one of them could ever open up to the other.
In court, you are expected to open up about what you know.
10. to come up – to arise
Usual subjects: a problem, question, issue
A serious problem came up after the project had been started.
Many questions came up about the quality of the project.
A political issue came up which embarrassed the candidate.
11. to break in – to interrupt (someone who is already speaking)
Usual subjects: people
While I was explaining my point of view, he broke in to argue with me.
During the regular TV programme, the newsman broke in to tell about the recent disaster.
When your teacher is speaking, you shouldn't break in .
12. to catch on – to finally understand
Usual subjects: people
This idiom means that someone had difficulty in understanding something, but finally was able to understand.
After two hours of trying to learn the new game, he caught on .
The lady in the back of the room repeated her question several times but I still couldn't catch on .
13. to look on – to watch, to observe, to be a spectator
Usual subjects: people
I looked upon as they tried to fix the machine which had broken down.
The shopkeeper could only look on as the armed robbers stole all of his money.
When people are playing sports, I don't enjoy looking on ; I would rather play also!
14. to settle down – 1) to become calm, quiet, or peaceful
2) to begin a normal, stable life
Usual subjects: living things (people, animals)
#1 – The children settled down when their teacher entered.
The barking dogs settled down after the loud truck passed by.
#2 – Many young people are now getting steady jobs, getting married, and
settling down in their own homes.
Many people settle down in San Diego because of the fine weather.
15. to show up – to arrive, to appear
Usual subjects: people
This idiom is often used when someone appears somewhere late.
He finally showed up an hour late.
I hope our teacher doesn't show up so that we can leave.
Ceremony: fill in the blank
1- these are the mayor's cermonial duties.
2- it is an occasion for public ceremony.
3-the offending documents were ceremonially burnt.
4-why did he have a ceremonious treatment in the party ?
5-she was forced to stand on ceremonially all long the seminar.
6-he wished me good luck in the future and left without further ceremonious.
7-the largely ceremonial past of president!.
8-we tried our best to get to the openning ceremonious of Olympic Games.
9-have you ever seen the Native American cereminilal robes?
change the following sentences into indirect speech
1:paul:I'm trying to get a taxi.
2-he said :when i saw them they were playing tennis.
3- she said :I decided not to buy the house because it was on the main steer.
4- the children said :we wish we didn't have to take exams.
5-"If my children were older I would emigrate" said andrew.
6-"If i were you I would wait " I said.
7- "I would be very gratful if you'd keep me informed "he said.
8- Ann said : you must read the book, it's much better than the movie.
9-"the children had better go to bed early" Tom said.
10-He said : I'll be here again tommorow .
11- andy said : I bought these pearls for my mother.
12- Magee said " he is coming this week.
13- he said: where does she live?
14- mom saod: did you see the accident?
Faith: fill in the blank
1- he remained faithful to his principles to the last.
2- the first thing which counts is their faithfulness to the system.
3- he still receives the support of the party faithfuln
4- the bells are calling the faithful to evening prayer.
5- she faithfully vowed to tell the truth.
6- it is going to be a faithful reproduction of the original picture .
7- he wrote faith in his journal every day.
8- they're going to take the fattally sick person to a faith healer.
9- i could never rely on him he seems so unfaithful.
10-he has had years of faithful service to the company.
11- a handful of old faithful cane to the meetong.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Indirect Speech - Reported Speech
Reported Speech - Indirect Speech
Indirect Speech (also referred to as 'reported speech') refers to a sentence reporting what someone has said. It is almost always used in spoken English.
• If the reporting verb (i.e. said) is in the past, the reported clause will be in a past form. This form is usually one step back into the past from the original.
For example:
• He said the test was difficult.
• She said she watched TV every day.
• Jack said he came to school every day.
• If simple present, present perfect or the future is used in the reporting verb (i.e. says) the tense is retained.
For example:
• He says the test is difficult.
• She has said that she watches TV every day.
• Jack will say that he comes to school every day.
• If reporting a general truth the present tense will be retained.
For example: The teacher said that phrasal verbs are very important.
Changing Pronouns and Time Signifiers
When changing from direct speech to indirect speech, it is often necessary to change the pronouns to match the subject of the sentence.
For example:
• She said, "I want to bring my children." BECOMES She said she wanted to bring her children.
• Jack said, "My wife went with me to the show." BECOMES Jack said his wife had gone with him to the show.
It is also important to change time words (signifiers) when referring to present, past or future time to match the moment of speaking.
For example:
• She said, "I want to bring my children tomorrow." BECOMES She said she wanted to bring her children the next day.
• Jack said, "My wife went with me to the show yesterday." BECOMES Jack said his wife had gone with him to the show the day before.
Indirect Questions
When reporting questions, it is especially important to pay attention to sentence order. When reporting yes/ no questions connect the reported question using 'if'. When reporting questions using question words (why, where, when, etc.) use the question word.
For example:
• She asked, "Do you want to come with me?" BECOMES She asked me if I wanted to come with her.
• Dave asked, "Where did you go last weekend?" BECOMES Dave asked me where I had gone the previous weekend.
• He asked, "Why are you studying English?" BECOMES She asked me why I was studying English.
The following chart includes sentences changed from quoted speech to reported speech using a past form. Note Simple past, present perfect, and past perfect all change to past perfect in the reported form. Check your understanding with this reported speech quiz:
He said, "I live in Paris ." | He said he lived in Paris . |
He said, "I am cooking dinner." | He said he was cooking dinner. |
He said, "I have visted London twice." | He said he had visited London twice. |
He said, "I went to New York last week." | He said he had gone to New York the week before. |
He said, "I had already eaten." | He said he had already eaten. |
He said, "I am going to find a new job." | He said he was going to find a new job. |
He said, "I will give Jack a call." | He said he would give Jack a call. |
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Pronounciation
Low ,law ,loud ,laud
Leather , leader , ladder ,latter ,letter ,liter ,louder ,litter
Spouse, spousal
House ,housing , houses
Today, tomorrow , together ,tonight
Origin , original
Hour ,tower ,sour ,sore ,coward ,now ,shout ,mouse ,mouth ,power ,shower
Man ,woman ,men , women
Tour ,tourism ,realism ,naturalism ,communism ,socialism
Evil ,devil
Europe , european
Cathedral ,church
Evening ,event ,evident ,eventually
Care,tear,pair,pear,share,shore,sure,poor,pour,sore,more,core,corn,normal
Compare ,comparison
History ,historical
Again ,against
Pool ,pull ,fool ,full ,boot, book , look , luck ,lock ,luke
Sew ,so, chew , sue
Metal ,medal , city , CD, atom , adam
Photograph , photographer
Calf , laugh , rough , tough , though , thought , taught , through , dough
Them ,father , mother , they , that , these ,those
Calf , half , palm , calm , come
Low , law
Torch , porch , coach ,joke , no , know , show , morning
Rebel (n) , rebel (v)
Gallery , figure final , finally ,fiancé , financial , finance
Education in America
Colleges and Universities
Some Definitions. The terms "college" and "university" are often used interchangeably. A university is a larger institution often having more than one college, law, medical, and dental schools, or business or other specialized schools. The term "campus" refers to the land the college sits on and the buildings on it. Colleges range from huge state-supported university systems, to small "liberal arts" and religious schools.
Two year colleges, often called community colleges, usually award the Associate of Arts degree (A.A.). They accept most applicants, are often public supported, and have lower tuition than four-year schools.
Four year colleges, called "undergraduate" schools, form the mainstream of American "higher education." Admission requirements, courses offered, residence facilities and other features will vary widely. These colleges give "bachelors" degrees, usually a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or a bachelor of science (B.S.).
Private colleges can be extremely expensive. Students with financial difficulties have access to a well-developed system of financial aid, however, which can dramatically reduce costs through a combination of grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Types of Colleges. The most prestigious colleges in the eastern part of the United States--like Harvard, Princeton and Yale--are known as the "Ivy League" because of the characteristic ivy plants that frequently grow on the sides of their beautiful old buildings. (The term "Ivy League" also refers to the type of people who have traditionally attended such universities, as well as certain clothing styles associated with them.) Other colleges, especially some of the large state schools, are known as football or basketball schools due to their emphasis on athletics. Most colleges are co-educational ("co-ed"), meaning that they accept both men and women, though many single-sex colleges still exist. (The term "a co-ed" refers to a female student at a co-educational college. It is not popular with feminists.)
Colleges and universities with religious affiliations are widely found in America. Some, though not all, give or require religious instruction along with academic subjects. Most major religious groups in America have their own systems of sponsored colleges.
Colleges are Bureaucratic
All colleges are bureaucratic. You'll have to learn how to satisfy their rules in order to assure admission, financial aid, or academic survival after enrollment. High school guidance counselors can advise students about all this. The college's admission office can also be very helpful. Foreign students should be especially careful about deadlines since getting transcripts and translations of foreign educational records can add extra time to the admissions process. The best advice: plan ahead.
Courses of Study
Undergraduate colleges vary widely, but most require certain core courses (like mathematics, science, English literature and a foreign language) plus a "major". If you were an "economics major," for example, you would take your required core courses, then a certain number of required courses in economics. You would fill out the rest of your college education with "elective" courses, which you choose according to your own interests. Most colleges allow students to major in common areas such as English, philosophy, political science and mathematics. A student who wants to major in a more obscure subject, like oceanography or Bolivian-Belgian relations, has a more limited choice of potential schools.
The American College Credit System
Over the four years, students are required to take a certain minimum number of course hours (credits), usually 128. Each school year is divided into two semesters: the fall semester and the spring semester. Summer sessions exist for students who wish to make up for failed work or accelerate their academic progress. Thus the student will take 32 credits each year, or 16 per semester. An individual course might be 2, 3, 4 or more credits, depending on the number of hours of instruction per week. Courses could require examinations, the writing of term papers, or both, depending on the school and the individual professor teaching the course. A college class in America could have anywhere from three to three hundred students.
State University Systems
State university systems are often huge, and you might find certain classes so big, that some students have to watch the lectures on closed-circuit TV in the hallways. Unlike public elementary and secondary schools, they are not free, though tuition is lower than for private colleges, especially for in-state students. All state university systems are feeling the cost crunch; they are getting more expensive. The best state university systems, like those of New York and California, are as highly regarded as many of the finest private colleges. More than three-fourths of all college students attend state or public universities.
Distance Learning
Distance learning, particularly over the Internet, has become increasingly popular. Most major universities have instituted some kind of distance learning program in which students do not have to be physically present on campus to take their classes and earn their degrees.
Social Life and Sports
College social life is an important part of the university experience. College dormitories, now often co-ed, may operate as independent communities. College athletic rivalries bring students together under one cause--to beat the other school. Fraternities (for men) and sororities (for women), are special clubs of college students. They customarily identify themselves by using combinations of ancient Greek letters. These organizations may provide housing for their members, hold dances and social events, and frequently have exotic (and sometimes dangerous) initiation procedures. Some colleges do not allow fraternities and sororities.
College sports can be big business for the institutions concerned, especially in football and basketball. There have been occasional recruiting scandals in which supporters of college teams have illegally given money to promising high school athletes in order to convince them to play for particular schools.
Culture. In many communities, colleges act as cultural and entertainment centers, providing everything from art shows and ballets to film and theater festivals. Life on a college campus can be vital. Many Americans prize their college years the most fun they ever had. Others take the college experience quite seriously.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Don't let him get your goat
Don't let him get your goat. =Don't let him get you upset.
1-"They gave me a backhanded compliment when they said I was smart for a girl."
Back handed compliment - A compliment that also insults or puts down at the same time.
Back-handed is synonymous with left-handed. For example in tennis, a backhand stroke is a strike by a right-handed player from the left side of the body.
The left side of the body has always been deemed sinister. The Latin word for left is sinister. Hence, back-handed means round-about, indirect, or devious.
2- He is a true workaholic who has misguided priorities, when he wants to blow off some steam he comes to work on Saturday wearing blue jeans.
Blow off some steam= To enjoy oneself by relaxing normal formalities. "Blowing off steam" prevents explosions by relieving the pressure in a boiler by venting excess steam and pressure.
Boilers are commonly used in steam heating systems and steam engines such as those used in a steam locomotive. The boilers contain water that is heated by burning some fuel such as oil. The heated water turns to steam, which is then sent through a system of radiators (in the case of heating systems) or harnessed by a steam engine.
The steam creates considerable pressure in the boiler. If the pressure becomes too great, there is a danger of the boiler exploding. Hence boilers are equipped with safety valves called blow off valves that open if the pressure becomes to great.
3- Do you really want to buy this car or are you just blowing smoke?
Blowing smoke= To be boasting without being able to back it up, talking about action without intent to follow through
Magicians often use smoke in their performance to obscure your view and conceal a bit of trickery.
A person who is "blowing smoke" is tricking you and attempting to cover it up.
4-He'll weasel out. = He'll back out of all agreements.
5- You might as well junk that car, the engine is dead as a door nail.
Dead as a door nail= To be dead, with no chance for recovery.
Nails were once hand tooled and costly. When an aging cabin or barn was torn down the valuable nails would be salvaged so they could be reused in later construction.
When building a door however, carpenters often drove the nail through then bent it over the other end so it couldn't work its way out during the repeated opening and closing of the door. When it came time to salvage the building, these door nails were considered useless, or "dead" because of the way they were bent.
6- You and your father are cut from the same cloth; fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life son.
Cut from the same cloth = To be similar, usually in terms of behavior.
If you're making a suit, the jacket and trousers should be cut from the same piece of cloth to ensure a perfect match, since there may be differences in color, weave etc. between batches of fabric. Only if the whole suite is cut from the same piece of cloth can we be sure of the match.
7- It's time to face the music on your donut addiction.
Face the music= To accept the truth.
Comes from the British military. When someone was court marshaled, there would be a military drum squad playing, hence face the music. The term "drummed out of the military" came from this practice....
8- If you choose to live high on the hog, you will be low in the wallet.
High on the hog= Extravagantly.
The best meat is on the upper portion of the pig. Rich people have always been afforded this luxury while the servants, slaves and poor have always had to eat pig's feet, chitterlings, cracklings, etc. - low on the hog.
9-He rolled snake eyes. =His dice had two ones.
Topics :Brain Gym
Brain Gym ® is the registered trademark for an educational, sensorimotor program. It grew out of clinical studies started in 1969 Dr Paul E. Dennison, Ph.D an educational therapist, who was looking for ways to help children and adults who had been identified as having learning difficulties.
Dr Paul Dennison began researching as founder and director of the Valley Remedial Group Learning Centres in California. These eight learning centres offered Dennison the opportunity to actively explore the effects of specific movements on the ability to learn various academic skills. During this time he studied the sensory integration work of Newell Kephart and Jean Ayres, he worked with Dr Louis Jacque, a leading pioneer in vision training. For his Doctoral Dissertation he drew on brain research including that of Sperry and Ornstein to research the relationship of covert speech to the acquisition of beginning reading skills. He also researched “kinesiology” the science of body movement and the relationship of muscles and posture to brain function.
Brain Gym ® is a movement based programme which retrace developmental movements that a child will naturally do as part of their growth when there is no stress, injury or interruption. Children are born with a fully developed physical brain but only partially developed neurological connections. As they progress through childhood they make these connections through movement “developmental stages” such as crawling which develops simultaneous use of both cerebral hemispheres for integrated use of the senses and whole body movement. Sometimes these stages are not completed or missed due to stress, lack of movement in early years, illness or reflexes which have not been fully activated, developed or integrated.
Brain Gym Concepts
Specific body movements stimulate particular aspects of brain function. An example is "Dennison Laterality Repatterning", (taught only in the Brain Gym ® Course) which achieves neurological integration between the vestibular system, the gross-motor movements of the cerebellum, and the basal ganglia, as well as equal activation of the left and right hemispheres of the neocortex - particularly the sensory cortex of the parietal and motor cortex of the frontal lobes. The Brain Gym ® movements are designed to activate different cognitive functions, including communication, comprehension (reptilian brain and frontal lobes) and organisation (limbic system and frontal lobes).
Stress can inhibit learning
Under stress, activity in the mind/body system is centred in the sympathetic nervous system, which prepares the body for fight/flight (aggression/fear) reaction. As a result, activity in the limbic system, and in the neocortex of the cerebrum, are minimised.
In addition, the learner who is stressed in a learning situation can go into a homolateral learning state, in which the dominant brain hemisphere takes over most mental processes. As a result, the learner may no longer have full access to the functions of the non-dominant hemisphere. One-sided learning can occur, thus affecting performance.
The Brain Gym® movements consciously activate the whole mind body system, stimulating nervous-system activity equally in all parts of the brain and lessening the flight/fight reaction. When learning is easy and stress-free the learner regains his/her innate interest in learning and is again motivated to achieve learning goals.
Brain Gym in Early Years 2
Early Years / Nursery/ Infants - Brain Gym ® can be used in the an early Years learning environment in a number of ways:
• As a set up for the beginning of the day, after snack and lunch.
• Incorporating the Brain Gym ® activities into 3 – 5 Curriculum.
• Developmentally preparing children for the transition to reading and writing in the classroom. As a way of helping children work through key developmental stages in their early years such as primitive and postural reflexes and motor patterns which are the basis for later learning. Integration of these reflexes can help develop balance and co-ordination, gross and fine motor control, attention and focus, speech, visual processing and self esteem.
• Way of managing the learning environment - transitions, breaks, windy days and a calmer down.
How to integrate Brain Gym in the Primary Classroom
Primary - Brain Gym ® can be used in the learning environment in a number of ways:-
• To prepare children for learning.
• As a classroom management strategy eg. to calm children down and help them focus.
• To enhance performance eg. before creative writing or mental arithmetic, as part of a writing programme.
• To develop self esteem.
• To help those children who are finding learning challenging.
How to integrate Brain Gym in the Secondary Classroom
Secondary – Brain Gym ® can be used as:-
• A set up at the beginning of each period.
• Part of an exam study programme.
• “Brain Breaks” during double periods.
• Part of programmes for children who are finding learning challenging.
Brain Gym for Early Intervention
Early Intervention- Brain Gym ® can be an integral part of an Early Intervention programme. It can assist in targeting individuals who need assistance and developing the key skills for reading and writing. With training early intervention teams find Brain Gym ® a useful tool in working with children.
Out Where the West Begins
Out where the handclasp's a little stronger,
Out where the smile dwells a little longer,
That's where the West begins;
Out where the sun is a little brighter,
Where the snows that fall are a trifle whiter;
Where the bonds of home are a wee bit tighter;
That's where the West begins.
Out where the skies are a trifle bluer,
Out where the friendship's a little truer,
That's where the West begins
Out where a fresher breeze is blowing,
Where there's laughter in every streamlet flowing,
Where there's more of reaping and less of sowing,
That's where the West begins.
Out where the world is in the making,
Where fewer hearts with despair are aching;
That's where the West begins;
Where there's more of singing and less of sighing,
Where's there's more of giving and less of buying,
And where a man makes friends without half trying,
That's where the West begins.
Arthur Chapman
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