輕鬆學英語
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
Today's Special: Brian's Mailbox (Questions regarding life issues) Please try to answers those questions as the following. Question One: Do you consider yourself a confident person?Why or why not? Yes, I do. Because I had failed in things several times from childhood to adulthood. Since then, I have been practicing a lot for almost everything, including my work and some professional techniques over and over again. Therefore,I've improved my relationships with others and embraced my life as well as moments for solitude. I am now leading a confident life. What about you? Question Two: What's the most efficient approaches to making friends with strangers? Under the circumstances of socializing with a bunch of strangers, I might withdraw from the crowds and therefore cringe at the corner for observing people who might be attracted to me or admiring my thoughts. Perhaps I could be acquainted with friends who share a lot in common with me and we should hit it off then. We can strike up a conversation regarding fashion, work, and the campus life. Question Three: Have you identified your passion yet in life? Is it possible to realize your dream at the early stage of your career? Most people are pursuing richer lives full of luxury enjoyments and parties as if they were the centers of the world crowning them as the King or Queen entitled to privileges. In my case, I'd rather do whatever at will; However, I haven't found one for my ideal job or dream by far, but I am firmly convinced that there'll be one in the future. Question Four: Why did you plan on raising children instead of remaining single with more freedom in hand? People born with the ability of loving others and expecting to be loved in return are showering others with great affection, such innate ability ingrained in human nature and solidified in further education. For instance, I've been learning how to be a mother and re-experiencing a brand-new childhood as an adult. It's simply pure and lovely to feel loved and give it at the same time. And all of a sudden, you've found reasons fighting for your life and his/hers. It's a miracle from the above, a grand scheme of things beyond our scopes. Familiarity breeds contempt. Whenever having quarrels with my baby daughter, I felt torn for hurting her feelings. I wish I could protect her as long as humanly possible. Questions Five: What's the longest hours have you waited for someone? What's the occasion? Last month, on my way home around the dusk, I felt really exhausted that day after meeting up my friends at a tea house so that I phoned my family to pick me up at the station. Little did I know why my mother who answered the call and promised to give me a ride didn't show up as scheduled, I had thought she was supposed to be there for me, but there's no soul as I could spot. After having been stood up for half an hour, I gave up the idea of being treated as a fool in public. Yes, I went home on foot and felt terribly betrayed or abandoned like a stray dog unleashed by my owner who never returned to fetch me at the community park. Question Six: What kind of people do you feel repulsive about? Why? I really dislike the smell of cigarettes because the passive smoke can not only be tickle my throat, pollute the whole living environments but also killed people around you, especially your family. Question: Seven: What have I learned from the trip to New Zealand? ( A boy student went on a study tour by himself for the first time traveling abroad) I have learned to travel alone and deal with all problems in the process of taking my flight from Taipei to New Zealand via Wellington. It was my first time with no one familiar to me starting the trip so desperately and nervously. Before I arrived there, I was helped by a great number of strangers and that made feel so eager to learn English well as soon as possible. I did grow more independent on my way home after the whole program. It was truly rewarding but appalling to me. Let's book myself on the next flight to somewhere. I will do much better than the first time. < Being Self-Conscious is Not my Fault but a Downfall!> You might hear the similar things from your beloved ones, coworkers, or family quite repetitively like "How come do I get so vulnerable to get myself stressed out and ride on the roller-coaster of the mood swings in just a day?" "All encounters shall be wonderfully rewarding and positively sweet, but NOT in my case." The truth is that we might consider walking on the street with our chins-up, but somehow the glimpses or unexpected eye-contact can be really offensive as if those pedestrians or bus drivers behind the windows could possibly see through my souls, leaving me totally naked in their brains and studying me like the physicians checking the patients' limbs or doing the knee's reaction test. Being ''paranoid'' is an understatement. You might wonder why I took so many information or ''seemingly existing criticism'' so seriously that I am shackled to it so vulnerably. Let me walk you through the whole thing from the very start. We were all born in a society full of CONTRAST. Which category do you fall into, top performers or underachievers whose criteria mainly depend on subjective observation or collective awareness of an individual? You parents always appeared so dissatisfied with your academic performance at school no matter how much you've progressed. It's another nightmare when all the relatives were gathered together during Chinese New Year in Chinese culture or the Christmas time family members have your neighbors or whoever is able to make it to the celebrations. When a gang of strangers barged into your premise, they started to point their fingers at every single thing in sight, trying all means of degrading your achievements after long-year efforts and putting you into a difficult position when compared with your siblings, cousins, or someone you've never heard of. They just knew how to belittle you in the bone. Perhaps they can put'' Mentally Abuse others'' on the resume which might be a selling point during a job interview. Human nature simply works like that and you just cannot run away from them. Recently, one of my best friends, Emily, was in a total dilemma with her fianc?, a mild-tempered and caring person willing to clean the whole house without any complaint. Everything seemed perfect in the process of dating each other. Something went wrong that she started being invited to his fianc?晹's family reunion every weekend. That's terribly annoying! Any Citizen Digital Certificate IC card holder can apply for「Entry/Exit Dates Certificate」online As long as aged 18 or above and holding a chip-embedded Alien Resident Certificate card issued by MOI, an alien can apply for 「Alien Citizen Digital Certificate」.(hereafter referred to as 「Alien Certificate」) National Immigration Agency, MOI announced that the service of 「Alien Certificate」officially kicks off on Apr. 25 and the applicant can visit any service center of NIA for application. Once obtaining the「Alien Certificate」, the foreigner living in Taiwan can enjoy the e-government services through the internet and appreciate the convenience and friendliness in Taiwan even more. National Immigration Agency was quoted as saying: "For a long time, the foreigners based in Taiwan usually have had to visit government offices in person and could've done the business after their identities having been verified. It was an extremely onerous and time-consuming ordeal for them. However, from now on, thanks to the service of 「Alien Certificate」which can verify the identity of its owner through the internet, the foreigners can cut back a lot of their time going through the procedures and will be entertained with the convenience, swiftness and high security provided by the infrastructure of Taiwan government." It is estimated that NIA's service centers around Taiwan will launch the service of application for「Alien Certificate」since Apr. 25, 2016. Any alien aged 18 or above can apply at any service center of NIA with his/her chip-embedded Alien Resident Certificate card. The holder of 「Alien Certificate」 IC card can utilize the 「Certificate of Entry/ Exit Dates Online Application」service at NIA's website. The application procedures of 「Alien Certificate」are as follow: 1.Apply in person: The applicant must bring his/her Alien Resident Certificate card. 2.Pay online: The applicant must go to the "Alien Customized Page" at MOICA's website and make the payment(IC card fee NTD250 +postage NTD25) with credit card within 15 days of application. 3.Activate IC card: The Alien Citizen Digital Certificate IC card will be mailed to the applicant's address. Once receiving the IC card, the applicant shall go to the "Alien Customized Page" at MOICA's website to activate the IC card online. The validity of「Alien Certificate」is 5 years. The IC card will show the name of its holder and expiration date and can be used as ID on the internet. It will take 10 working days to mail the IC card on Taiwan mainland and take another 2-3 working days to offshore islands.(only domestic mail is available) If an alien acquires citizenship and still needs the Citizen Digital Certificate, he/she must go to Household Registration Office personally to apply for the certificate all over again as Taiwan citizen. For more information, please go to MOICA's website(http://moica.nat.gov.tw) for reference. Customer service hotline: 0800-080-117; business hours: 07:00~23:00. 平日走到街上,感覺地面都在冒煙,真的是有幾分夏天氣息。要是太久沒有補充水分,身體狂sweating(正在流汗的)就很快dehydrated(身體缺水或幾近脫水的狀態),這可是很危險的!Heat這個單字大家都常看到,但同學卻很少學習相關的用法!開頭就要跟大家來好好分享:「HEAT」! 1. It's heating hot out there and you could scorch an egg on the hood. 外頭快熱暈人了,根本就可以在車蓋上把蛋給烤焦了! 2. Turn off the heater, or it might cost you an arm and a leg. 把暖氣關了,不然總費用可是所費不貲。 3. If you cannot stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.(人生劇場警語) 待不下這麼熱烘烘的廚房,就別來這邊工作了!(意指:一個人要是沒有能耐,就提早離開職場吧!)請同學務必背起來這個五星級超好用佳句! A:You never know how my supervisor has been treating me with such heavy workload and demand that no one in the office be allowed to leave earlier if work done. What a world!(我那個上司老是丟給我繁重工作,還命令每個人工作完成也不能先離開辦公室!太扯了!) B:To level with you, it's how the society works. If you cannot stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. Talent shouldn't be confined with such humble compensations, right?(平心而論,這個社會不就是這樣嗎?如果你真的受不了這種狀況,就辭職好啦!像妳這樣優秀的人才真是被虧待了,對吧?) 4. Please heat the baguette and the chicken roll for me, thanks.(想加熱剛剛點的法式麵包和雞肉捲,謝謝!) 5. The recent studies indicated that the heat wave in Europe had claimed at least dozens of people in the past years; what's worse, approximately five hundred locals in Pakistan succumbed to(屈服於…) the heat wave this year. 最近研究指出:歐洲過去幾年的熱浪至少奪去二十多人性命;更嚴重地,在巴基斯坦最近有五百多人死於今年的這場熱浪中。 6.The heating debate over the development project in one of Taipei's nature reserve.關於台北自然保育區改建案引起極大的爭議。 &以上同學可以看到HEAT本身有不同的搭配詞語並且也可以用很活潑的語氣用在不同交談場合和時機。 <文法測驗題目>請找出句中不符合文法的句子喔!別急著看答案 1. The modern (A)skyscrapers, though (B)visually pleasing, (C)they have been heating and cooling systems that required closed windows and additional cost of maintenance and (D)consequently waste money. 現今高樓大廈雖然看起來挺壯觀,緊閉窗戶額外定期維修的費用,來配合暖氣及冷氣設備運作,這筆花費會相當的驚人。 2. Most commuters in Europe tend to go to work by undergrounds. 大多在歐洲的通勤族都會搭地鐵上下班。 3. The prestigious university that founded in 1971 with few resources have been advocating equal right for education and liberty. 在1971年創立知名校院起初資源短缺,不遺餘力倡導教育平權及自由平等。 4. This program will offer you with great opportunities of operating multi-media learning materials. 這個課程會提供實際操作多媒體教材機會。 5. Among all candidates, Cathy overshadowed others with her witty talks and exhibition of professional skills. 在眾多面試者中,凱西憑著慧黠言談和專業技能技壓群雄。 6. This typhoon had left many residents to be homeless and desperately starved.這次颱風讓許多居民無家可歸且飢寒交迫。 7. This restaurant has a good reputation for hospitability service and intricate cuisines which my colleagues highly recommended.' 這家餐廳令人感到賓至如歸和提供精緻菜餚,同事大推! 8. You might consider Harvard University as the best school for advanced educations. <文法測驗題目Answers> 1.(C)→have been 2.undergrounds →underground 3. founded →was founded 4. with →X (offer sb. sth.) 5. Among →Of 6. to be →X 7. hospitability →hospitable 8. as →X
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
Monthly Talk﹕
Shifting one's career is never an easy task. Considering my observation upon friends around randomly enrolling in some departments in universities or colleges uninteresting or less self-driven to them due to the overall scores they'd earned at the exams, they again landed jobs as most did with monotone shifts boring them to the bones. How many of you have given up the long-held dreams and ambitions during stressful academics, the multitude of studies almost crashing your back all coming to you at once. This year, there's an English writing test guiding students to pen down their thoughts regarding a tough call for a graduate school student to be a waste collector (or in a better term as a "Hygiene Inspector")after earning the diploma. It might seem insane after investing considerable amount time and money into his studies and future supposedly on the path of landing a decent job with high-paying job entailed with greater responsibilities and higher social status. But to me, there's nothing wrong or right about this choice. Every job has its own underlying significance and functions we could hardly grasp. It's easy to judge others without looking at our own issues on the plate. What I felt appalled when people sneezed at this important and challenging task of cleaning the streets and collecting leftovers, wastes from many households was our ungrateful and condescending attitude. You think you are better than any of us﹖ Yes, you may be in possession of abundant wealth which gets some jealous but it doesn't entitle you to despise anyone you've met or are about to encounter. Who disposed of your gross dumps on a daily basis﹖ Who drove the plane when you were laidback watching the great in-flight films﹖ Who educated you to use forks and knives politely in order when dining at the restaurants﹖ Who remained patience with your muddy shoes stained the floor a janitor spent hour-long cleaning, mopping and waxing﹖ Who prepared your take-outs for meals when you are in a rush for grabbing food for meals so as to resume your work for returning home earlier for a good rest﹖ You needn't please them but respect them with conscience and consideration. What you have enjoyed in a day didn't come from nowhere but hands of those sweating so hard to provide those services. No contempt to any occupations which always worth my sincerest salutation and a pat on the shoulder for such amazing jobs they've collaborated with to create tons of miracles for a great society. You are proud in whatever you choose to do and I can fully love the idea to have your back. You might like some others out there always seeking methods of entertaining, pleasing others for the whole life. As a student, you might try all means of scoring high at the tests and win the smiles from your parents, teachers, and admiration from your peer. But while being showered with all the glorious moments, you felt genuinely happy deep within there and so sure of your life﹖ Years after, you'll be stuck in the idea of seeking employment in some successful enterprises or organizations which can reflect the higher social status and handsome salary, measuring up to the picture your family have long expected you to be. Aren't you tired of the game like so﹖ Perhaps you already fell victim to those vicious cycles for long and started to get used to it without any more struggles which might ambush and then catch you off guard at numerous sleep tights you thought to yourself," Is this what my life is all about﹖ Shouldn't I deserve a better life﹖" Don't be hard on yourself, please﹗ Even if you get to the top of the class during schooldays, get accepted by some global firms well-known in your industry, or settle down in the beautiful residence of your neighborhood. Are you currently satisfied with your life and planning to pursue higher goals there﹖ Don't be silly, I was there and then. Having a quick flashback on my life, I sometimes dwell on the past where I took a great fall and how I got on my feet again. The answer was ridiculously simple and almost dropped my jaws. When you want it the most, there's no easy way out, right﹖ You can totally apply this theory to all situations there. Sometimes you might get fatigued about marching on your own and really need some assurance from your pals or some authorities. But here is the thing you need to note that you are the only person responsible for the consequences of those decisions made at the very first place and you cannot expect to live someone's life forever all the time. I always told myself and beloved friends still active and responsive on social networks or in regular contacts, we all have done a whole lot of things in life and sometimes stumbled for foolish acts before getting to know the knack of being a happy individual with peace of mind. Chin up and always take extra interest in things around. You won't regret doing what I've just said. Still glue your face to the screen of the smartphone like a drug addict to this cocaine﹖ Take a stroll at the park and heave your head up for the shimmering moonlight and you'll get really surprised how long you haven't laid eyes on such beautiful wonders surrounding us. 1.貴店最晚幾點關門呢﹖ A. When will your shop be closed﹖ B. How late are you open﹖ 2. 本周我們合約就會到期了。 A. Our contract will expire this month. B. Our contract will finish this month. 3. 我的筆記型電腦當機了。 A. My computer didn't move at all. B. My laptop freezes. 4. 這份薪水不算高。 This is not a good salary. This is not a high salary. 5. 這個工作內容有哪些﹖ A. What does this job entail﹖ B. What does this work include﹖ 6. 我從來沒有來過這裡。 A. I have never been here before. B. I had been to this place before. 7. 恭喜您榮陞。 A. Congratulations on your promotion﹗ B. Congratulations for your promotion﹗ 8. 他的工作獲得全體長官的肯定。 A. His work was highly agreed by all supervisors. B.His work has gained the recognition of all supervisors. 9. Don't get me involved in this case. A. 不要把我拖下水﹗ B. 這真是一件不小的挑戰啊﹗ 10. She was really cross with me yesterday. A .昨天她很真心地祝福我。 B. 昨天她對我真的很火大。 1.貴店最晚幾點關門呢﹖ (B) 正確答案為B.How late are you open﹖最晚會營業到哪個時候呢﹖因為A.When will your shop be closed﹖的CLOSE意思"營業結束或歇業了"﹐這樣可是會引起不小的誤會喔﹗所以仔細用字還是很重要的。 2.本周我們合約就會到期了。(A) 正確答案為﹕A. Our contract will expire this month.大家都答對了嗎﹖各位同學不妨把自己的信用卡或護照拿出來﹐上頭的有效期限和發證日期﹐大家都有認真地看過是怎樣表達嗎﹖其實這是很簡單的。因為在英文裡只要是"核發"相關的商業用字就是ISSUE﹐沒錯就是我們常見到的議題﹐還記得老師苦口婆心提醒大家﹐其實英語世界裡很少直接把PROBLEM掛在嘴上﹐反而用ISSUE來表達目前有件"需要處理的議題"在進行當中。 3.我的筆記型電腦當機了。(B) 正確答案就是B. My laptop freezes.就好像整個螢幕放進冰箱﹐一動也不動﹐是否很生動的形容方法呢﹖而不是大家看到的A. My computer didn't move at all.(我的電腦動彈不得)﹐聽起來真的很搞笑。同學也特別在課堂上會反映﹐老師我的電腦壞掉了﹐如果用My computer is broken可以表達我的意思嗎﹖但其實這句的意思是﹕我的電腦支離破碎。老師更常聽到的是"I want to open the computer."(我要把電腦大卸八塊)﹐聽起來挺像無敵破壞王的行為。 4.這份薪水不算高。(A) 正確答案為A.This is not a good salary.也可以說成"This is a big salary."如果要加強說明這份工作是很高薪的﹐可以完整地用"This is a high-paying job."來表達﹐所以B句也可以如上述這樣來做修改就可以使用了。 5. 這個工作內容有哪些﹖(A) 正確答案就是A.What does this job entail﹖這句可以說是職場英文經典名句喔﹗這可是在工作面談前﹐自己就要先做的功課﹗可別等主管面試當場confront(直接質詢)受試者﹐才在一問三不知就糗大了喔﹗另外﹐在多益聽力第二大題問答題型和第三大題對話也是出現的熱門考點﹐或許聰明的你已經發現本句中的TAIL有'尾巴'的意思﹐通常用來介紹工作職稱的延伸職責內容(比如﹕需要短期出差和不定期加班等要求)。另外﹐大家對於英文單字的字源常接觸後﹐也不難發現英文裡的動詞多有EN-作為字首, 或字綴--EN來做'加強'或'使變為', EX.﹕ strengthEN(使增強"系統能力"), ENhance(讓提升"能力"), frightEN(使"誰"驚嚇)﹐ENdorse(讓"名人"代言商品), eye-widENing(讓眼睛瞪大驚人事情)﹐ ENvision(能夠猜想預想)等等。而B.What does this work include﹖會讓雇主認為是偏向工作福利(benefit package﹕ 員工旅遊incentive trip, 年終獎金annual bonus, 特休annual leave, 紅利分配dividend, a raise, 醫療保障medical coverage)部分去詢問。 6. 我從來沒有來過這裡。(B) 正確答案為B. I had been to this place before.意思為"我之前就來過這裡了"﹐但老師要特別提醒學生在翻譯的時候有文法had been過去完成式的時候﹐必須要配合一個"簡單過去式"來表示過去發生的後續事情﹐不如就來帶大家看看例句﹕Fiona went to Macau after she had paid a visit to Denmark.(費歐娜參訪丹麥後﹐後來又去了澳門。) 7. 恭喜您榮陞。(A) 正確答案為A. Congratulations on your promotion﹗其實在各項英檢選擇題都常會有"挑戰習慣用語"的題型﹐講到"要為一件事情負責任"的時候﹐考生都會直接反應出be responsible for +N/NP(多半為負責固定或某件事務)﹐而碰到be responsible to work under sb(工作在誰的團隊裡)這類的表達﹐就會非常錯愕甚至感覺陌生。其實這都是來自於平時的閱讀量過小﹐面對介係詞的定義太過於模糊。老師再舉個例子給大家練習﹕ The chandelier is ____ the ceiling.(水晶燈掛在天花板下方。)這時候同學都會被中文語意直接影響甚多﹐而忘了其實介係詞"ON"的定義是"在物體的表面之上"﹐所以這題的答案還是ON而不是第一時間反應出來的UNDER。 8. 他的工作獲得全體長官的肯定。(B) 正確答案為B. His work has gained the recognition of all supervisors.說到被某人認同確實是件很辛苦的事情﹐因為起初只有自己努力不懈和堅持前進﹐結果也不見得如期發生﹐但就是要有信心去達成﹐而且也要從自己建立信心﹐進而說服身邊的人﹐才能嚐到甜美的果實呢﹗ &各種『同意』表示﹐程度不同﹐時機也相當固定喔﹗ A.approval﹕(supervisor subordinates)上司對下屬批准動作, approval of personal leaves。同學最近也很常提到﹐「我最近在放假(沒上班)」到底要怎麼表達呢﹖I am on vacation是正在度假中﹐時間上性質上都很廣泛﹐所以不適合。最正式的說法應該為I am taking leaves.可以完整的表達這句話﹗ B. admission﹕獲得進入某場所的資格﹐比如admission ticket入場﹖be admitted to + school入學許可﹔be admitted to the hospital(by a doctor) 正式獲准入院 C.permit﹕ 官方許可證legal authorization fishing/ work/study/hunting + permit(捕漁/工作/就學/打獵許可證) D.permission﹕口頭上許可 Why did you fumble through my stuffs without my permission﹖ (為什麼可以不經過我的允許﹐這樣亂翻我的東西﹖) That's so-called "theft", you know﹖ (這是偷竊你不知道嗎﹖) E. agreement﹕ 兩方協議 (TOEIC Standardized Test) The Fox Engineering and Construction Corp. has some issues with the terms of the contract(契約內容細目) F.consensus﹕ 經過磋商(negotiation)或妥協(reconciliation)後﹐兩造獲得共識reach a consensus 9. Don't get me involved in this case. (A) 正確答案為A.不要把我拖下水﹗ 10. She was really cross with me yesterday. (B) 正確答案為B.昨天她對我真的很火大。這是非常可愛的說法﹐而且是氣到把對方老放在心上﹐好像在折磨自己又一邊想著對方﹗ -
英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
自從韓劇「藍色生死戀」在亞洲爆紅後,男男女女都萌發愛戀的情愫,也渴望有「來自星星的你」的都敏俊教授來搭救,可以擺脫一成不變的生活;同時,也可以擁有「屋塔房上的世子」穿梭時光的永恆承諾,暖男風潮再現,總是想終結單身卻又天人交戰(war with oneself)是否該這麼快把自己交給另一半,"沒關係這是愛情啊!"。從青澀校園時期,許多人都憧憬(fantasize)著浪漫的戀情和甜蜜時光,印象中大家會選擇到山上欣賞夜空星光滿佈(The sky is scattered with stars.);到電影院感動主角的深情不悔;到夕陽絕美的海邊踏著細沙,雙雙緊靠的足跡,好像就會這樣一直走下去。以上的微美場景彷彿撥放著無限回憶,當初的山盟海誓猶然在耳。 每當情人節(Valentine's Day)到,花價突然供不應求(Demand is higher than supply)又水漲船高時,就會讓單身的朋友默默竊喜(smirk),但同時又發現許多餐廳在這特別的節日不提供"單身用餐",於是在人類世界裡就發明出的"太閃了"相關表達,甚至朋友在社群網路貼上情侶照,大家會直接說" 給我墨鏡,閃到看不到路了。" 在歐洲國家,情侶在街上公然擁抱(cuddle)、親吻,都不用太大驚小怪(make a fuss),因為這種"閃給大家看"的態度是從小父母就相當地開明,而且認為"天天說愛"是很重要的事情,如果老公上班出門前沒跟太太說" I love you, babe."回家可能就要跪"漢堡"了(Just kidding!) 1.天啊!你快看,他們也太"閃"了吧! Hey, Take a look at them! They are displaying affection to each other publicly. (沒錯就是用"公開表情感來說",算挺客觀的評論。各位忠實的讀者也知道老師介紹過display有: 1.展示物件:The jewelry is on display on the shelves. (珠寶在架上展示中) ;2. 展示能力:This athlete has displayed incredible strength in freestyle stroke. (這位運動員在自由式項目展現驚人表現。而同學天天盯著3C的螢幕就是display screen!) ※同學在信中提到:老師之前提過看電影要用go " SEE" the movie,可是在自修國外影集的時候,外國人會跟其他用手機的觀眾說"Excuse me, could you turn off the phone, we are trying to WATCH the film here."所以到底要用SEE還是WATCH? <解答>同學說得都是對的,看電影是"前往的動作",故使用"go see the movie",在只要進去電影院觀賞"大銀幕"就等著是"在家裡"觀看的同樣行為,我們就會用"watch the film/movie"。所以如果你要表達:「我這週五去了電影院看電影。」可以這麼說:「I went to see the movie this Friday./ I watched a film at the cinema(=movie theater)。」如果第二句沒有特別說明地點,外國朋友也可能會錯意"是在家裡觀看"的喔!請同學多多注意用法和表達的時機點。 2.我真不敢相信,那對情侶公然"喇舌",這也太"閃了"吧! To my disbelief, that couple was French-kissing there. Please, GET A ROOM! (這邊用到belief的異義字disbelief,甚至妳可以用"Over My Dead Body"『太扯了啦!要是我沒親眼看到我絕對不信) 。而如果你用到了"Get A Room"那可就是只對方在大庭廣眾之下實在親暱到有點有礙觀瞻,讓你非常地不舒服,只好低吼一聲:「可以去旅館開房間嗎?」,這很明顯帶有負面( negative)和挑釁( provocative)的語氣喔!所以,如果你膽敢當著別人前面說這句話,接著就是"腳底抹油",瘋狂揮起手刀逃命吧! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! 』 <生活觀察家&飲食文化=時尚ICON?> 從歐美電視劇中時尚男女身上看到不僅是巴黎時尚伸展台上的新款配件和提包,更是手上那印有鮮明的帶有深綠飄逸長髮的美人魚商標:星巴克咖啡飲品。這樣的印象從好萊塢電影中放送全球,變成人類共通語言,甚至產生共鳴和走到異鄉有著歸屬感的品牌,至今全世界已有九千多家門市。或許您從未想過這波咖啡潮為何只有星巴克獨享市場大餅,難道是單純外國品牌催化下的虛榮心,還是咖啡豆的特殊風味呢?以下就有國外心理學家和行銷團隊為您揭密,這巨大商機背後的消費心理學和消費者為何會一而再地上門消費而不會動搖的品牌忠誠度表現。提示:並不是因為咖啡本身讓星巴克大行其道。 Is Starbucks Coffee of Better Quality?星巴克咖啡較為優質? When Starbucks launched, there were not very many places in the US where you could get espresso-based coffee like Lattes or Cappuccinos. this was a big part of Starbucks' novelty.當星巴克咖啡推出時,在全美提供以濃縮咖啡基底的飲品(像是拿鐵或卡布奇諾)的商店其實並不多,這也是星巴克出奇制勝的一步。 Starbucks takes pride in their own roast, which is darker than most coffee shops - in between normal roast and French (espresso) roast which results of more of the oils coming out of the bean and caramelizing but also slightly more bitter taste. Just recently Starbucks started selling its blond roast, which offers a more traditional flavor.星巴克以自身的烘焙風格為榮,比市面上販售的咖啡更濃郁,介於一般烘焙和法式烘焙(濃縮咖啡),可以逼出更多的油脂和呈現焦糖化狀態,帶有略微苦口感。就在近期販售了黃金烘焙,可以在飲用時享受純粹香氣。 BLONDE ROAST黃金烘焙系列咖啡豆!共有兩種新口味-星巴克閑庭綜合(Veranda)和輕柳綜合(Willow)咖啡豆。 Coffee Experience is more Important than Actual Coffee Quality. 購買咖啡的經驗比咖啡品質重要許多 1.Coffee Buying Experience. Howard Shultz (Starbucks Founder) spent a lot of effort not only in the beverage itself but in the entire coffee buying experience. This is why Starbucks locations around the world consistently have a good atmosphere, indirect lighting, relaxing music in the background, great aromas, and friendly 'baristas'. 1.購買咖啡的經驗:星巴克的創始人霍華‧蕭茲花了許多力氣在飲料部分外,也很注重購買咖啡的過程感受。這就是全世界的星巴克可以持續提供良好環境,舒適照明,和放鬆背景音樂,美好香氣,和友善"咖啡師傅"。 This is also why their coffee has unique names. At Starbucks you don't order a simple black coffee, you order a Pike Place blend venti. Rites, names and processes are important part of customer experience.這也是他們提供的咖啡都有個特殊的名稱。在星巴克你不會用"黑咖啡"來點,而是用大杯派克調和。這樣儀式般的過程、點出咖啡名稱和整體過程都是消費經驗的重要環節。註明:星巴克位於西雅圖的創始店就在Pike Place Market ( 派克市場 ) 內,連圖騰商標都不同於目前所見的! 2. Personal Reward . Psychologists believe a big part of Starbucks' success comes from the desire to reward yourself. Before a long day of work, you deserve to treat yourself to a nice Grande Cappucino. It's a little daily splurge that most people can afford. 2.獎勵自我: 心理學者相信星巴克的成功源自於獎勵自我的慾望。一天辛勞工作前,你是該好好招待自己一份大杯卡布奇諾。這點每日振奮劑算是普羅大眾還能買得起的。 Behavioral psychologist Dan Ariely has proven how our brain tricks us into enjoying things more if we believe they are better. This means that even if the coffee at Starbucks is not actually scientifically better than the average coffee, the combination of the brand, the experience and your belief that it is probably better makes your brain actually taste it as better coffee and enjoy it more than an average coffee. This is why blind tests are important, because your taste buds will go with your brain bias. In other words, perception is reality.行為心理學者丹已經證實我們的大腦會欺騙自己去更享受某些事物,只因為我們相信那是較好的抉擇。這也意味著即使從實質檢驗來看星巴克的咖啡並不超越其他品牌咖啡,但因為品牌、飲用感受,和你認為星巴克就是比較好喝的信念的種種原因結合後,你的大腦就會感受到嚐起來的味道就是比其他咖啡品牌更加美好。這也是盲飲很重要的原因,因為你的味蕾會跟著你的大腦偏見而有所改變。(此份報告指出在盲飲測試感受各牌咖啡飲品後,測試員表示麥當勞和多那滋的咖啡飲品部分評價高出他牌許多。) 3. Familiarity - When you are running to work, and you need your morning Joe, it is hard to think about multiple coffee shops, evaluate them and decide on one. The default answer to 'morning coffee' is 'Starbucks'. This is the power of branding and positioning. 3.熟悉度:當你匆忙趕去上班時,你早晨需要來一杯咖啡。這時候很難去回想好幾家咖啡商店,再一一評估比較選擇最後要去哪裡購買。通常說到"每日咖啡"就會立刻想到"星巴克"。這就是品牌和產品定位的魅力。 When you are in a different city, going to Starbucks is lower risk: you know the coffee is OK (at least, or at least you think that), you know what to expect, you know they probably also have pastries and other items you may be looking for. It is a decision with lower risk than going to an unknown place that may or may not have good coffee.當你在不同城市,走進星巴克可以承擔比較小的風險:因為你知道那裡提供的咖啡是有一定水準的,你也可以預料買到的產品狀況,也不難想像那邊有著哪些餐點或其他選擇項目你可以先行決定。這樣一來,這個低風險的決定就會比去不知名的地方點咖啡來得安全,也不會去輕易踩到地雷。 So no, Starbucks does not have better coffee, but it will taste better for you if you believe it. I drive an extra 5 minutes to get to the best coffee I can find, but I am as susceptible to my brain driving and my emotions driving my buying decisions as anyone else.所以,星巴克的咖啡並非優於其他品牌,這是不用懷疑的。但如果它喝起來比較美味也是因為你如此深信著!當然我也可以多花個五分鐘開去我所知道較好的地方買咖啡,但我的大腦驅使著我的心情,進而也影響了我的購買意願,最後就像其他人一樣又走進了星巴克。
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英文原來這樣說(EnglishIsAPieceofCake)
< Sometimes Things just Don't Go as Planned.> A few weeks ago, I've received a call from one of my family members, the auntie who looked after me for a while during childhood when my parents were too occupied with their work or in some evening when there's no sign of me returning home. There's only one place they would find me and my auntie's place is a corner house at the end of a dark alley but lined with exuberant trees towering high, flowers in full blossom with rainbow-like colors dazzling all the pedestrians happening to make their way into there. With the tone of urgency and great sorrow, I could smell things didn't go well and here came after the demise of my second uncle who was quite distant from our family since he'd been busy climbing the corporate ladder and buying his way up to secure his position at the company. Sorry to defame a deceased individual like so; what's more, he's one of my closest relatives in life in the same neighborhood when I was in primary school. Throughout his life, he had been pursuing a multitude of interests for family and himself, but it ended up going to the drain after he's diagnosed with the lymph cancer at the final stage, the terminal type. Surprisingly, he rejected all plausible treatments to save him some torments or excruciating complications after the chemo. And the days after he was admitted to the hospitalization, things came to pretzel-like twists and his health condition dramatically deteriorated, worse than the physician had previously predicted according to the spread of the malignant tumors into other internals. I have tried to avoid the occasions like this: Funeral is the occasion full of people swarming into the space embellished with floral decorations and long strips of sheets in white printed with honorary languages to glorify a person's achievement in his or her prime time(despite the fact that the person could do very little to the benefits for the society)paying the last respect for the deceased on the cause of courtesy or the traditional value that people given with the same family name shall be gathered together to show their grief to one's family and relatives. But as the member of relatives, you were expected to greet a great number of people strange to you or oddly standing beside you with no idea who the elderly lady kept weeping with tissue papers(by the way, she could be the professional "Funeral Mourner" to moan and sob dramatically walking around the wooden coffin loaded with the body sealed by the nails as the Taoism doctrine stipulated. In brief, it's a chaos and very few understood what to do and how to act when bunches of people looked terribly pale, weary, and almost fainted in the middle of the ritual. I also burst into tears when the well-trained host guided the family members to bow to the people coming all the way to our deceased family members or relatives. It's just like the repetitive scenes in the movie: People arrive at the shrine with the photo glued up there for you to tell whose funeral is, you need to hold the burning incense for seconds with three nods as the way of communicating with his or her spirit in heaven. My elder brother told me to say " Farewell, uncle, this is Brian, I am here to help you settle down for what you've left behind. We'll be watching over you remaining wife, children, and relevant business when you were away in heaven." That crept me over, but I still did it without hesitation. That's what we've been proclaiming " Our family Stick Together Regardless!" When we were born, we came to the world with nothing in hand. Since we've been working so hard to earn our share of benefits, it's widely acknowledged nothing can be taken away when we took the last breath." My heart sank in the whole process of participating in my second uncle's funeral and it served as wake-up call: What I've been doing in my life and whether I've brought joy in my family's life or not?" I couldn't help but ponder over it. Life is short, and how long have we spent dwelling on the past living in someone's life without realization. Things don't always go as the way we've thought about for long, right? Embrace what you are already have, and love people walking past you. You never know what will befall on us until the day God decides to take us back in the great heaven above. Don't be mad if you are not a Christian, I love your belief, and your God in all names. 「可以幫我去銀行跑跑腿嗎?」、「借錢?我都泥菩薩過江-自身難保了。」、「你拋棄式眼鏡不要戴太久! 」、「老是熬夜,難怪妳老是眼睛紅通通喔!」、「這杯咖啡也太燙了,我可是貓舌頭耶!」、「我真不敢相信那個歌手在演唱會對嘴。」、「千萬不要跟黃牛買票,這樣會助長歪風!」,這些標註字彙和片語都是同學已經學會的了嗎? (A)跑跑腿: run an errand for something She ran some errands in the bank during lunch break. (她趁午休時間到銀行處理點事情。) (B) 泥菩薩過江: be caught up in someone's dramas. After getting married, I found it really hard to talk to friends about my concerns because they were all caught up on their own dramas. (結婚後,要找到可以傾吐困擾的朋友少之又少,因為他們自己都有一堆事情要處理,根本自身難保。) (C)拋棄式眼鏡: disposable contact lenses There're a wide variety of disposable contact lenses available in the shops but it's a different story in American, for all consumers need to receive a formal eye-examination before an optometrist hands you the prescribed contacts. (在商店裡都有各式各樣的拋棄式眼鏡可選購,可是在美國你必須接受正式的驗光步驟,才可以拿到有度數的拋棄式隱形眼鏡。) (D) 眼睛紅通通: blood-shot eyes This year drew near to an end and most workers might either take work home or work overtime in their own cubicles till midnight. (今年要進入尾聲,許多上班族不是把工作帶回家繼續忙,不然就是在辦公室隔間裡奮鬥到半夜才回去。) (E) 黃牛:scalper Taiwanese tend to wait in the long line for some tickets, especially for concert tickets. Unfortunately, some scalpers attempted to purchase tickets in bulk and resell them on the internet with exorbitant prices. (台灣人常大排長龍買票,特別是演唱會的票; (F) 做作: pretentious People in Belgium consider French accent in Paris relatively pretentious. (比利時人認為法國人的法文腔調相當做作。)還記得老師在"薯條"的由來提到:比利時其實才是薯條的故鄉,而且也因為以法語為官方語言,才會有後來誤傳的現象呢!(rumor has it that the origin of French fries were rooted in Belgium instead of France. It's a controversial issue for long!) <名人英文開講時間>:一向爭取人權和種族平等權力文明的美國社會,對於同性婚姻和相關法案仍存在相當大的爭議。目前為科技龍頭蘋果公司首席執行長公開出櫃,認為自己身為公眾人有其必要來為真正的平等和正義發聲,在許多人心中投下了震撼彈! Throughout my professional life, I've tried to maintain a basic level of privacy. I come from humble (卑微的) roots, and I don't seek to draw attention to(吸引目光) myself. Apple is already one of the most closely watched companies in the world, and I like keeping the focus on our products and the incredible things our customers achieve with them.(回顧我的專業生涯中,我總對基本隱私相當重視。出身清寒,我也並不尋求太多關注,而蘋果電腦公司早已是世界上前景看好的公司之一,我也很喜歡專注於公司產品和客戶使用後能獲得的絕妙效果。) At the same time, I believe deeply in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, who said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" I often challenge myself with that question, and I've come to realize that my desire for personal privacy has been holding me back from doing something more important. That's what has led me to today.(在同時我也深信馬丁路德‧金恩博士曾說過::「在人生最需持續和努力關注的問題就是"你曾為別人做過些什麼嗎?"」) 我常這麼自省且問著自己這件事情,也同時意識到在渴望更多個人隱私,讓我退怯而不去做更有意義的事情。這也是今天讓我站在這裡的原因。 For years, I've been open with many people about my sexual orientation (性取向). Plenty of colleagues at Apple know I'm gay, and it doesn't seem to make a difference in the way they treat me. Of course, I've had the good fortune to work at a company that loves creativity and innovation (創新) and knows it can only flourish (繁盛) when you embrace (擁抱) people's differences. Not everyone is so lucky. While I have never denied my sexuality, I haven't publicly acknowledged (承認) it either, until now. So let me be clear: I'm proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me.(多年來我都和許多人公開我的性向,許多在蘋果公司的同事也知道我是同性戀者,但這並不改變她們對我的態度。當然,我也是非常幸運可以在這個熱愛創意和創新的公司上班,而且在包容彼此間的差異下更加壯大。但並不是每個人都像我這樣幸運。我從不否認我的性向,但我也從未公開承認,直到說話的這個當下。我想說的是:身為同性戀者我相當的驕傲,而且我認為身為同性戀者是上帝給我最棒的禮物之一。) Being gay has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the minority (少數) and provided a window into the challenges that people in other minority groups deal with every day. It's made me more empathetic (有同理心的), which has led to a richer life. It's been tough and uncomfortable at times, but it has given me the confidence to be myself, to follow my own path, and to rise above adversity (困境) and bigotry (偏執). It's also given me the skin of a rhinoceros (犀牛), which comes in handy when you're the CEO of Apple.(這讓我體察到少數族群的身分也可以讓我多了份挑戰去感受其他少數族群每日所經歷過的掙扎。這讓我變得更有同理心,也導向我更豐富的人生。每每感到人生的艱苦和難過,我也從中拾獲自信,去走出自己的道路,從困挫中學會堅強和些頑固。我常戲稱在擔任蘋果首席執行長時,這一切一切的過去讓我可以像有著犀牛皮般百毒不侵。) The world has changed so much since I was a kid. America is moving toward marriage equality, and the public figures who have bravely come out (出櫃) have helped change perceptions (觀感) and made our culture more tolerant. (從孩提時期開始,這世界變了很多。美國社會也提倡平等婚姻權和許多公眾人物勇敢出櫃改變社會觀點,也讓我們的文化更兼容並蓄。)Still, there are laws on the books in a majority of states that allow employers to fire people based solely on their sexual orientation. There are many places where landlords can evict (驅逐) tenants (房客) for being gay, or where we can be barred from visiting sick partners and sharing in their legacies. Countless people, particularly kids, face fear and abuse every day because of their sexual orientation(性向).(現行律法中有許多州,讓雇主可以僅因性向開除員工;甚至有些房東可以"依法"驅離同性戀房客,甚至也不能探視生病的伴侶或得到任何遺產。無數的人們,尤其是孩子每天都因為自己的性向而活在恐懼和暴力中。)I don't consider myself an activist, but I realize how much I've benefited from the sacrifice (犧牲) of others. So if hearing that the CEO of Apple is gay can help someone struggling to come to terms with (接受) who he or she is, or bring comfort to anyone who feels alone, or inspire people to insist on their equality, then it's worth the trade-off with my own privacy. The company I am so fortunate to lead has long advocated (倡導) for human rights (人權) and equality for all. We stood for marriage equality in our home state of California. We'll continue to fight for our values, and I believe that any CEO of this incredible company, regardless of (不顧) race, gender, or sexual orientation, would do the same. And I will personally continue to advocate for equality for all people until my toes point up.(公司可貴地倡導平等,而加州國會也如同我們支持同性婚禮立法及通過任何不受歧視的平等法案。在我們公司中任何的高級主管都會做一樣的事情,不管種族、性別、或性向,全力支持人權和提倡平等,直到盡了最後一份力氣。) 『本專刊內容由王軒老師提供,並與本社編輯部共同策畫製作』
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英文原來這樣說(EnglishIsAPieceofCake)
It's a warm beautiful day out there, but why you sighed alone in your study with a notebook written with your wishes and expectations of a great life? Why do we tend to frown on things instead of taking great pleasure in what we are doing and have been engaged into? The answer is quite plain to see.We are insecure about the current life, thus growing anxious about the future days full of variables.The sense of uncertainty almost engulfed our bravery, numbed our sensual feelings, and deprived our power to dream beyond those in hand, the possibilities we dare not to envision. Those fears stemmed from our long-held education as well as the parenting profoundly affected by our traditional values.The saying goes that your being too carried away by great joy will incur the bad luck imposed by the God of Fate giving humans the lesson of feeling content with the present, leading to dire consequences or the contributing factor to one's failure. So, despite all the rewards earned from strenuous work and persistence in achieving great success, we should remain modest and humble ourselves in front of others who could be likely to undermine your plans out of jealousy or discourage you from where you are heading to. Something really awkward is right here:We cannot help but feel or take some comments or judgments too personal though they didn't mean us no harm. In the world of comparison and contrast, it is commonplace the standard of distinguishing one winner from other underachievers helped us get stuck in the train of thoughts ranking ourselves in certain categories or labelling yourselves as the sociopath just because you hate jumping on the bandwagon,like wearing the pairs of socks in the same color, talking nonsense regarding some ridiculous topics in making the presentation which your Prof. dozed off all the term, feeling lifeless with his own syllabus and materials chosen by himself. I am a proclaimed "Narcissist"or "Attention Freak", and never cease to be a spotlight in crowds and act indifferently to careless stares I have been intensively longing for. Who am I lying to?Probably, that explains why I can be traumatized like so only by a grump bus driver scolding me for putting the EasyCard tattoo early before my stop on the sensor machine deducting the fare.What he said made sense but I still felt hurt ,right?Why?I have a hard time swallowing my pride when confronted with dissents.Well, being humble,again, along with understanding others on occasions really got on my nerves.Nothing can tame me but some wake-up calls with links to the matter of life and death really urged me to stay out of the comfort zone and to shift the perspectives where I thought I might be right all the time. 英文電影經典臺詞整理:好上手表達句 1.There's nothing I can do but watching the time tick away.我只能眼睜睜看著時間流逝,對現況愛莫能助。 2.People tend to chew me up and spit me out.(=People just take me for granted.)人們都會把你利用完後,把你踢開。 3.When it comes to dating the opposite sex, it's better not to rush it or act too eagerly for the relationship.That'll make you look too desperate.提及和異性交往,最好別表現太操之過急,或很急迫想跟對方在一起,這樣讓你自己看起來很沒行情。 4. You don't have to hide from me because I am on your side.你不用躲著我,我是站在你這邊的。 5.Tell your mom that she can expect a visit from me this week.轉告妳母親,我這週會去拜訪她的。 6.Stop grilling the innocent child whose family just got murdered.在他們全家經歷了謀殺案後,別在拷問這個不知情的孩子了。 7.We cannot handle the truth so that grabbing some scapegoats might make things easier to process.That's how we got guys behind bars for years without valid excuses.我們不能面對事實時,抓幾個代罪羔羊來結案好像簡單點。這也是為什麼有這麼多人沒有合理實證下,還蹲牢房坐冤獄好幾年。 8.That's exactly what you have to do. Please don't put me in such difficult position.你就得這麼做,不要讓我難為。 9.Why did you look so distraught when running out of the villa that night?Driven by the sense of guilt?那晚你為什麼看起來這麼急躁地離開那棟別墅。因為罪惡感所故? 10.You happened to be in New York on business when the terrorist attacks arose in Paris the night before your flight.That's really close and you literally dodged a bullet在你搭機前晚巴黎剛好經歷恐怖攻擊,剛好你在紐約洽公。 11.Look at me!I am still one piece together after the bungee jumping. It totally gave me the adrenaline rush and so much thrills.如你所見,我在高空彈跳後毫髮無傷。這真的給我腎上腺素激升和超級興奮的感覺。 [ Is it too late to apologize for something we've done before?] Let me get straight with this. If you don't mean it, don't bother showing anyone the gestures which might suggest or denote your generosity or kindess. What's the word for that? Yes, Phony. Jane, a reserved but intelligent girl wearing braces, always impressed others with her bright smiles, closely navie she wasn't consicous of. What's more, it's beautiful for her to fit in different groups of discussion, mingling with strangers or old acquiantance in the same party without any issues bothering her or others. She's the center of life on social occasions, beloved by the crowds. Little did I know that she's never shown the dark side of her human nature until the day someone forwarded the conversation between my friends and she on Line, the group chat for some bunches of besties or close pals from school(definitely not taking the co-workers into consideration regarding private chats.) or some friends' friends there. I couldn't believe my eyes at those filthy languages, among those I was accused of being the black sheep or bossy person when it comes to a new party or some gatherings in our leisure time. That really killed me when I saw those in person and couldn't take it as the truth: The girl always greeting me with " Hey, I miss you so bad. How's everything going?" all the time now backstabbing for a long time. {Hitting on people when wandering in the city is reaching for the stars?} Street experiments are really fun and you can have the first-hand experience with someone walking past you or even ignoring you with something on their minds, darting toward somewhere with vacant stares on their botox-injected faces. Here comes some good news:Greeting others first might be a good way of receiving positive responses in various situations.Complicating things in life is never my forte. Striking a conversation with some irrelevant topics shall be a soft start for the first-time talk. And, please note that your attitude really matters. As usual, I was heading to the language center for my morning sessions in which participants are a group of inquisitive learners either intending to work abroad with American Dream, sorry, no longer existing(hates to tear their picture-perfect plan apart)or attending courses for rumor exchanges, what's worse, killing time during such scorching summer days.(why not?The air-conditioning is available and they are people covering the utility fee on the two words:Bill Shock.Oh, we need to go back to the moment this morning at the station station where passengers scanning their suspicious eyes on all living creatures as the warning of self-defense,(the truth is I have been really paranoid about standing too close to the platform and it's likely for some psychopath shoved you down meanwhile the train was unstoppable and so ready to make a big juice human pizza out of you. Yes, I am a person of crowdphobia and easily intimidated by squeaky noises coming from any direction. Interestingly,a beefy guy carrying his backpack just took his canned drink from the vending machine looked pretty amiable so that anyone near could say hi to him without being taken as a perpetrator or some pedophiles out there.When the moment our eyes locked, he smiled and greeted me with "Ni Hao"(meaning as "how's going" in Chinese)and we shared some cultural insights in terms of our experiences living outside Taiwan. Raised in a diverse upbringings, Edo is currently learning Chinese in Taiwan where his Italian father and Taiwanese mother are spending summer break together. What I am going to say might urge you to engage in the working holiday program.Yes, you nailed it.Edo's parents met in Australia while his father relocated to Perth office for some architecture &property development project while his mother was flying to Australia for the working holiday adventures Believe it or not, they just loved each other at the first sight.Their romantic encounter so melted me away.Did you feel the same way?Who can expect such wonderful talk in only sixteen-minute ride on my way to work?Yeah,it's not like reaching for the stars, and you should treat yourself like one because there's something special about you and something unique about others. Don't let your preoccupation get in your way getting to know others.Check my story, and my hunch never failed me.Go give it a shot in a polite and genuine way. You will have fun as I did. 生活有大小節日,所以常有朋友互相準備禮品,別看西方國家的朋友都很豪邁和熱情,遇到這種情況也會有中式客套出場,比如" You don't have to"(你真是太費心了)," Sorry for causing you so many troubles"(真抱歉給您添麻煩)," You may come all the way to the shop for this special select, right?"(你肯定是跑了老遠去買這個精挑細選的禮品) ," That's exactly what I need."(這就是我最想要的禮物呢!), " I don't know how to describe my gratitude for you."(真不知道怎麼謝謝你)都可以表達你收到禮品的驚喜心情溢於言表,而收到的朋友也相當開心!但英文中常提到的Indian Gift(a gift that the receiver is bound to return to the giver because the latter will, for sure, demand that the gift be returned sometime in the future. Also called Indian present),就是當收到禮物時,必須要回贈等值禮品,而在現在社會帶有"關說送禮或有所求"的概念。有一回,學生突然上課前買了杯飲料放在我桌上,當下挺開心學生這麼懂事了解老師上課的用心付出。下一秒,班上同學立刻表示希望老師可以幫他翻譯學校的作業,後來我戲稱這是"鴻門飲",可讓我收到心驚膽跳啊!下次不知道又有何事相求?其實源頭是印地安人見到歐洲新移民時,主動贈送禮品以表友善,但因為在部落的傳統就是禮尚往來,後來還被這些移民族群誤解"相當陰險的交易手段"。所以同學學習語言,更要去認識其中的文化意涵,才能精準掌握用字和拿捏使用的時機和語調喔! Elbow One's Way 推擠(手肘)出人群 EX.:In China, there're millions of commuters elbowing their ways to board or disembark the trains every morning so that you may get injured and stuck in the huge crowds like that.(在中國地區,每天早上都有好幾百萬的通勤乘客上下車,要不是被推擠到受傷,就是卡在像沙丁魚般的人群中動彈不得。) Get On Sb's nerves(惹怒某人) EX:Angela kept checking me from the head to toe with hostile attitude. Rumor has it that I will get promoted to the managerial position which she has been dying for. No wonder her eyes are green with envy toward everyone all the time. (安潔拉老是用一種敵意的眼神從頭到尾打量我。有謠言指出:因為我即將要升到經理職位是她不擇手段也想要的目標。難怪她看每個人都是一副忌妒到不行的臉。) What's The Rush?(你到底在急什麼啊!) A:Get out of my way and get my car key RIGHT NOW! (別擋住我的路,快去拿車鑰匙!) B: What got into you? And what's the rush,uh?(你在發瘋喔!到底在急著做什麼啊!) A:Are you blind or what? I need to rush my wife to the hospital now because her water broke two minutes. The baby cannot wait to see the world. (你是沒帶眼睛出門還是有事啊?我急著要送我老婆去醫院,她羊水二分鐘前才剛破了。小寶寶迫不及待要看看這個世界了。) Has/Have The Tantrum(鬧脾氣) EX.:During our laid-back afternoon tea time, I really considered Alice's three-year-old daughter a total drag, for she had the tantrum all the time and totally ruined our lovely moments of classmate reunion. (在休閒的午茶時光,愛麗絲的三歲女孩真的是個大拖油瓶,因為她老是哭鬧不停,根本毀了我們的同學聚會美好時光。) Safe And Sound平安健康的(狀態) Recently, there have been so many missing jets en route to various countries and we should cross our fingers, hoping those passengers to return safe and sound in spite of the slim chance. (最近有許多飛往各國卻中途失蹤的客機,我們要為這些乘客祈禱,即使希望渺茫,但希望他們平安歸來。) Carried Away太得意忘形 EX.:Janice, please don't be too carried away for scoring so high in the math test because you just failed the English and Geography tests. (珍妮絲,妳不要數學考高分在那邊囂張,妳的英文和地理考試已經被當掉了!) Don't Push Your Luck別用光你的好運(要求更多更好的事情) Mom:Jennifer, you'd better return home before 10pm. after the count-down party Daughter: No way, the party won't reach the climax until 11pm. and you expect me to leave so early? Have a heart, okay? You were my age before and should totally understand what I'm doing now, right? Mom:Girl, I can relate to you but as a mother, I can't let you out like that without worries. And don't push your luck, your curfew is either 10pm. or 9pm.. You call! 『本專刊內容由王軒老師提供,並與本社編輯部共同策畫製作』
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
每次講到要學到教訓,身邊學生都會大聲疾呼說:「就是當初沒有好好念英文,現在薪水高的、有外派機會的、有升遷職缺的機會,通通都沒有自己的份了。」許多工程師朋友也分享其實在相關領域也有機會可以去找到合理工作時間,而且公司福利相當好,也有機會在多年累積職場經驗躍升到管理階層。但是英文這道門檻就是太晚發現其重要性,本來以為是加分的科目,現在卻變成了職場決一勝負的關鍵。你的臨門一腳就差在英文學習成果了,不是嗎?除了要打開自己的心胸去接受新的語言和自己的母語有所不同。 The Best Lesson I've Learned in Life(人生學到最慘痛的教訓) 1. A decade ago, I had done something I have felt regretful since then. One of my best friends from China told me he's totally money-strapped and desperate for cash after having lost great sum of money in gambling games. What's worse, he was threatened that his life would be at stake if he failed to make the payment he owned the private casino owner.(十年前,我做了一件讓自己後悔莫及的事情。有個從中國來的好朋友告訴我,他因為在賭局裡輸了一堆錢,導致現在阮囊羞澀而且被錢逼到絕境了。屋漏偏逢連夜雨,如果無法付清倩私人賭場的債務,他生命安全就會有顧慮。) 2. By the urgency in his tone, I could tell it should have been quite a critical issue which must have been tackled in a timely manner. Considering the emphasis on the time-sensitive and life-threatening extortions with the interests of the debt rolling bigger and bigger, there's no way I could say no in his face and whoever was in my position would have done the same thing. Yes, I did lend him some money euqalivalent to NT$ 100,000 to rescue him from all the hunting and chasing of the loan shark.(從他說話的急迫性,我可以判斷這一定是緊急到要馬上處理的事情。考慮到這有時效性而且會威脅到他的生命安全又利滾利的債務,我怎麼可以能拒絕他,而且如果你是我,你肯定會做出一樣的決定。是的,我借他台幣十萬塊來償還這些殺人不眨眼的地下錢莊,救他脫離苦海。) 3.Even though we still kept in touch with each other for a couple of months, he suddenly disappeared and afterwards changed his cell number without any earliler notices or hints. I tried to hold my horse and instead got from worries to anxiety because all my friends and family around told me I totally fell for his tricks. Little did I know that human can stoop so low as to lie to your best friend and take advantange of his/her trust after the year-long relationship.(雖然我們還是有保持聯絡好幾個月,但他突然人間蒸發也沒有任何通知,而且還換了手機號碼根本打不通。我試著不要這麼焦急,但我身邊的親友都說我真的被他的伎倆騙了,這才讓我的擔心變成嚴重焦慮了。我根本不相信世界上有這種人會墮落到要欺騙多年的好友和長久以來建立的信任度。) 4. All in all, I've learned from the hard way: Money can spoil any forms of relationships and being innocent will do me no good.(總之,我學了很大的教訓:金錢往來往往讓關係都變質了,傻傻好天真並不是件好事!) *English Phrases and Expressions*就是要你好好說英文<好英文就是要說第二遍!ENGLISH BOOT-CAMP> S:Student T: Teacher 1.我希望理想的男友可以很幽默而且在朋友聚會時都樂於發言。 S:I hope my boyfriend can be really humorous and talk-active in socials. T:The sense of humor and engagement in conversations with friends are the qualities an ideal boyfriend requires. 2.我覺得跟別人相處很挫敗的地方是:通常都會接受到很虛假的回應。 S:I find it frustrating to socialize with others sincerely because they gave me some fake responses. T:It happens. Sometimes the feedback we've received was not as genuine as anticipated. [But what we can do is being more accommodating and forgiving, and that'll make us feel better.但我們能做的就是要多包容多寬恕,這會讓我們自己比較好過。 3.空閒的時候,我都會努力奉獻於教會,藉由當義工或是帶朋友到我們的聚會裡。 S:In my free time, I always contribute a lot to the church by working as a volunteer bringing friends to our gatherings. T:I've been dedicated to church services as a volunteer who welcomes friends with open arms. 4.樓下工程發出的噪音超級惱人的,我快抓狂了啦! S:The nose from the construction down there was so noisy that I almost went crazy. T:The construction noise downstairs was really annoying and it really got on my nerves. 5. 我今天感覺棒極了,因為我暑假不用去上課了! S:I feel good today because I don't have to go to school during summer vacation. T:I feel fabulous because I have no school during summer break. 6.外頭熱得要命,我真想待在家裡不要去上班。 S:It's really hot outside and I would like to stay at home than go to work. T:The heat out there is almost unbearable and I would love to stay put rather than leave for work. 7.從用字來看的話,這個創意寫作十分優秀。 S:This creative writing is very excellent from the words used. T:This creative composition is considered excellent in terms of wording. 8.我不想現在喝咖啡呢! S:I don't feel about drinking a cup of coffee right now. T:I don't feel like drinking coffee right now.=Not in a mood for coffee now. 9.我現在飽到無法再吃下另一塊披薩了,謝囉! S: I am so full that I cannot eat pizza anymore. Thanks. T: I just cannot take another bite of the pizza. Thanks. 10.謝謝你幫我拿回前幾天我在圖書館掉的書。 S:Thanks for taking the book back which I dropped in the library a few days ago. T: I really appreciate your help of bringing me back the book I lost the other days. Recently, some love-struck(為情所困的) friends will come to me for their dwelling on the past romance and suffering which they've seemed quite vulnerable(無能為力的)There's no such rule or regulation to specify that you should stop giving, loving, or cherishing the relationship. Instead, most people simply have the wild goose chase around someone who didn't even bother take a glimpse of (無意間看到)him/her. I am not the love expert or the witch cooking some magic portion in the cauldron turning your fantasy to reality. The truth is that I used to one of you, weeping on the roadside when the person at the other end of the phone breaking up with me in a seemingly dead and indifferent tone as if we were never ever being together. And it's lovely to quote Ms. Taylor Swift's hit single" We will never ever get back together" as the reference of my last relationship with the date now fully carrying out her dream in France in pursuit of(追求追尋) her dream and we both find it awkward to reconnect each other after all the years of zero contact, but affection for each other still lingers there I bet.(or just the thinking on my side) Remember this: It's nothing RIGHT or WRONG to fall in love or have a crush on someone as long as you won't literally jump on the your prey like most vicious and blood-craving(嗜血的) creatures in the concrete jungles. Tip :You're supposed to move out of the apartment as soon as possible if that unit is not in possession of your ownership. It's better to not leave some traces of your garments in the shared closet or the washroom. You know it will kinda make the other's new life get off a rough start,right? Having a heart for your ex could have impressed him/her with your conscience and caring thoughts as you decided to put an end to this relationship. It will definitely be OVER like the way it sounds. Again, clean up and pack your belongings, it's an official closure between you two but between Tyra Bank and those dramatic models in American Next Top Model, not as fierce as it should have been. Crying out his name in the pouring rain is like putting on a good show(自導自演的劇碼) which you are the only person to give the standing ovation while the rest remains numb. Poor you, my dear. You should pull yourself together(振作起來)and don't cling to the horrible emotions which make you a monster you could recognize anymore. Take a look of your reflection in the mirror, you deserve a better life with your glamour shining and dazzling the crowds around. You are never alone in the category of Heart-Broken or it's likely to key in some words like " Why do I end up being a loser since I've been working so hard to be a giver with nothing in return?", " How to train your lover with more appreciation or at least gratitude in the slightest(至少表示一點感激)?", or even worse the " The best way of turning a lost relationship back to your life?" Dear, those messages you might find pathetic because you are making yourself so. Okay, I am fully aware I might sound cruel, but no one should spend months, or years in self-pity while the one you clung to now is leading a new life with new company in a new city. AND THERE'S NO SIGN OF YOUR IMPROVEMENT in mental growth or getting more sophisticated in some challenges.
俏皮英文時間 1.There're millions of people in the washroom and I cannot wait for one more second. 洗手間那裡擠到水洩不通,我根本等不下去了。 2.If it weren't for John's help, my laptop would totally crash now.要不是當時約翰幫忙,我的筆記型電腦或許就報廢了。 3.My children are glued to the TV over the weekends and don't show a sign (有......跡象)of fatigue at all.我的孩子一到周末就整個佔住電視不放,好像精力無窮。 4.Due to the severe snow storm, most vehicles are dead on the road with frozen engines.由於大風雪的緣故,讓許多車輛的引擎故障而在路上拋錨了。 5.It takes you like forever to get ready before going out, what exactly are you doing there?你每次出去前都要弄了老半天,到底在忙什麼啊? 6.The genesis of this whole accident was the physical confrontation.這整件意外的源頭就是肢體衝突。 7.A:Dear, I can totally eat a horse now after three-hour meeting. B:Hey, hold your horse. Didn't you just determine to lose some weight? A:天阿,在這三小時開會後,我現在完全可以大吃一頓。 B:好了,你也別急著大吃。你不是之前說要下定決心減重嗎? 8.The flood of shoppers made the beeline to the department stores in the anniversary sale, which looks as if the hungry crowd rushed to the canteen after class.這波百貨週年慶的人潮鎖定目標往前衝,看起來真像下課後餓很久衝到食堂的學生。 9.OMG! Mom and dad are coming back tonight. They will be so mad seeing all these people trashing our house at the party. God, please don't rain on my parade.真不敢相信!我爸媽今晚要回來了,他們要是看到這些來家裡狂歡作亂的朋友會氣瘋掉。天啊!你不要這樣毀了我的派對呀。 10.Trista reminded me of the imminent job interview next month and told me to level with the interviewer without exaggerating too much about myself.崔斯塔提醒我下個月的工作面談,還告訴我要跟面試官誠實應答,千萬不要誇大其詞。 【精彩文章選讀輕鬆一下】 One day after work, a clown wearing green suspenders and floppy red shoes stopped at a red light on his scooter. While he was waiting for it to turn green, a new Crovette pulled up next to him. The clown had ever seen a Corvette before, so he looked inside, which bothered the driver. When the light turned green, the Crovette burned rubber as he left the intersection. To the driver's surprise, the clown was still right behind him. The driver then shifted into sixth gear and stepped on the gas. When he looked in his rearview mirror, the clown was still right there. Shocked, the driver pulled off the side of the road, " Great job, you won the race," the driver said. " What race?" the clown asked, " I was just trying to get m suspenders of your side-view mirror."你知道台灣的特色小吃有哪些?你知道台灣哪讓外國遊客留下特別印象?台灣髮廊洗頭文化和釣蝦場竟讓波登主廚大吃一驚嗎?In another episode, Bourdain touches down in a familiar spot, the famed Keelung Night Market. There, he experiences some of Taiwan's local foods such as an oyster omelet(蚵仔煎), and also samples some of the port city's other famous seafood." No matter where Bourdain goes, he peppers his conversations with brutally honest remarks (殘酷誠實的評論) about the city and culture he is surrounded by. With Bourdain, the only things that are sugarcoated as the desserts. For those who love food, travel, and truthful comedy, The Layover 2 is just what the doctor ordered. -
英文原來這樣說(EnglishIsAPieceofCake)
上期老師特地整理了多益閱讀考題,讓各位同學習慣出題的模式和抓重點的訣竅,想必大家都如獲至寶吧!要多多複習和接觸不同英文的題材,讓自己對語言更敏銳接受度更高,久了你也會用英文來思考問題和句型結構了。說到這裡很多同學可能都要腦子過熱燒起來了,英文中的My brain is fried就是累到焦頭爛額的狀態,完全虛脫。好的,暑假能不開冷氣的同學就是跟超馬林義傑拼個高下,在家不沖個無限次冷水澡也很難了;而步出家門或公司,就是要口罩(mouth mask)、陽傘(parasol)、袖套(arm sleeve;咖啡杯的杯套是:cup sleeve很可愛吧!)上身,一秒變開喜婆婆的姿態了;請注意,要是帶小朋友到泳池千萬不要忘記擦上防曬乳(sunscreen/sun-proof lotion),燙傷(sunburn)和曬成古銅色(suntan)可是天差地別的,要是leave your children unattended(讓孩子沒人看顧)也是相當危險的事情,在機場如果看到沒人看顧的行李(unattended luggage/possessions)可就是大事了,萬一是爆裂物(explosives)就會釀成一場大混亂(turmoil/chaos)了。 出門就需要來杯涼快的礦泉水才能消暑是嗎?其實除了大家常見的霜淇淋或台灣特產剉冰(shaved ice),也可以多多嘗試台灣好吃又有文化底蘊的小吃。讓你的國外友人也可以好好享受在夏天時期也可以飽餐一頓呢!給我冷氣其餘免談!天氣炎熱而且外國朋友都紛紛到台灣這個美食寶島來大快朵頤了,除了用英文介紹美食來做國民外交也可以讓辛苦的老闆們輕鬆介紹用心美味的商品喔。那麼台灣小吃的英文拼法,大家知道哪幾個呢?讓Brian老師來小小分享一下: 1.仙草冰 Grass Jelly黑糖剉冰Brown Sugar Shaved Ice 2.滷味 Heated Braised Snacks→滷肉飯Braised Pork Rice(braise滷製) 3.大腸蚵仔麵線 Oyster and Pork intestine vermicelli(vermicelli義大利細麵) 4.大腸包小腸 Taiwanese sausage with sticky rice→Chinese sausage臘腸 5.鹽酥雞 Taiwanese Fried Chicken→炸雞排:Fried Chicken Fillet( fillet片;塊) 6.筒仔米糕 Rice tube pudding(沒錯:pudding不見得是甜點而是用口感棉密而得名)→英國餐廳赫赫有名的black pudding=豬血腸,韓國小吃糯米血腸雷同。 7.草仔粿herbal cake with sliced radish(sliced radish蘿蔔絲)→享譽國際挑戰性極高的「豬血糕」:pig blood cake with peanut powder(花生粉) 8.水餃 dumpling(dumpling只要皮包餡的食材都可以這樣稱呼。台灣水餃通常有韭菜"leek"或泡菜"kimchi",外國友人可能會怕怕!要先說明。) 9.蒸餃 steamed dumpling→煎餃Pan-fried sticker(sticker就是包黏起來的食材,可別翻成"貼紙"囉。) 10.肉包 steamed bun with pork(飛機上的小餐包就是bun,注意尾音別閉起嘴說bum,這會變成炸彈啦!英文世界很常開玩笑說別在飛機上跟別人打招呼,特別是名字為傑克的朋友,因為"Hi +Jack=hijack(v.)劫機",這可是有理說不清的窘境。 最近媲美台灣PTT的美國鄉民發表論壇Reddit提出一個很新奇的想法,我們來看看國外朋友的想法吧!問問自己你的抉擇和背後動機是什麼呢? Red pill makes you fluent in every spoken language. Blue pill makes you a master of every musical instrument in the world. Which do you swallow? (如果吃下紅色的藥丸可以讓你流利講出各國語言,而藍色藥丸可以讓你精通這世上每種樂器。你會選擇哪一個呢?) Red pill, travel the world. Listen to music played by people that swallowed the blue pill. It's a win-win situation for me (紅色藥丸,旅行全世界,聽著由那些吞下藍藥丸的演奏家們所表演的音樂。) You take one, have a friend take the other, travel together. (你吃一顆,朋友吃另一顆,一起出發吧!)→真是太聰明了吧! &還記得有明確兩者的文法嗎?one….and the other…… Chinese people can articulate 'l' and 'r' as separate sounds because their language also has these two sounds. You're thinking of Japanese people when you make this joke, as Japanese people have only one sound for both 'l' and 'r' and have trouble differentiating the two. (華人都可以明顯發清楚'l'和'r'的發音因為本身語言中就有這兩個音。但反觀日本人就無法做出區別了。)→強調互通語言後可以了解彼此的幽默笑點。 The language pill, obviously. Imagine all the opportunities. You apply for a job at some place where you know they speak different languages. You claim to speak ALL languages fluently. They took you in for an interview just to test and tease you a little. (當然是語言藥丸,想想這些好機會:你申請的工作地點大家都說著不同語言。但是如果你聲稱你會流利地說"所有"的語言,大概會被找出去面試然後讓他們好好挖苦一翻)→這是反諷美國社會對於種族差異和文化接受度還有很大進步空間。 <閱讀短文時間>:神奇小鎮 請同學仔細閱讀故事並且讀完!請在最後回答這個問題:What do you think that town could be? <相識的緣分> We've never seen Alex for ten years. Alex, Nate, Helen, Jack and I were best friends in high school. Alex was like the leader or the center of us. I mean, he was that kind of guy born to be a CEO, you know. He was too mature to be a high school student like us. His behaviors, his remarks…, everything he did was more like a father. And also, he was mysterious and…weird. He'd never mentioned about himself, his family or his past. He seemed to know nothing about baseball games, TV series, even news. <特殊見解和生活型態> And, he had no cell phone! He said that'd be not convenient. I remember we were all puzzled when hearing that. How could a cell phone be not convenient? Most strange thing was that he never explained to us how he could find those places and how he knew the "rules". Even until now, I still don't know how he could do that. Anyway, he was a nice guy, we respected him and trusted him, without knowing him too much. <舊時探險活動經驗> I doubt if anyone has the same experience as we do. When we were in high school, out of some silly blind bravery, we loved adventures. And Alex was the one who took us to different places for adventures. On a very early Saturday morning, we met up and headed to an unfamiliar direction to a town for, you know, an adventure. Alex said that town was over a tunnel. That reminded me of Silent Hill, a film just released at that time. Less an hour driving in woods, the tunnel was in our sight, Alex asked Jack to stop in front of it. We guessed he was going to tell us the rules. He always told us before really arriving those places. <行前遊戲規則說明> Normally there were just two. But this time, there was one more. Rule no.1: Keep yourself in team. Rule no.2: Don't mess up with those people and anything there. (That means no eye contact, no touching and no answering/talking back, etc.) Rule no.3, which, is the most important one: Don't think of ghosts! NEVER, EVER! This was definitely hard to Nate. We all knew that and Nate, himself, knew that too. He loved ghost stories, but weird thing was, he was actually not that brave. (sorry to say that.) <旅程開始:未知的隧道> As cars driving in the tunnel, I found it was actually shorter than I expected because the end of it was not very far from us. There were already many cars in the tunnel, and they were oddly all still and empty, their taillights were dimmed, like abandoned for a while. Alex opened the door, got out of the car and said, "Don't worry. The town's just outside. Let's walk there." Nate and Helen got out of the car to join us. It only took us about fifteen minutes to walk out. It was cooler and humid. The town was in old style. I mean, the restaurants, the shops, the houses. People there were in that kind of old fashioned clothes like what your granny or grandpa would wear. It was amazing. "So… you took us back to the past? I mean, is all this time travel thing?" Helen asked. "No." Alex answered. Residents there were like those we'd met in other adventures before, they couldn't see us, hear us or feel us. So we had to be really careful anytime, those men, stray dogs or even cars might bump into us. And that would violate rule no.2. <踏入桃花源:時光旅行?> There was a nice house, two children were playing on the front porch, and Jack entered the house successfully without making any noise and we followed him carefully. None of them noticed us. There were a man and a woman chatting happily in the kitchen. I guessed they were the parents of kids outside. Jack went downstairs from second floor and looked bored. When we were in the living room, watching a TV show we'd never seen before, the wife suddenly bumped into Helen. She took few steps backward, intrigued while Helen was stunned with mouth opening. "We need to leave now." Alex said. <衝突與意外的發生> We quickly ran out of the house ,but we didn't learn a lesson from it. Later, Nate led us to a restaurant very close to the tunnel, and we thought that would be fun. At first, we walked around, putting hands in front of people, yelling at them, and doing something foolish. But there was something wrong, again. This time, it was Jack. A waiter bumped into Jack, and the soup was spoiled everywhere. Grumpy as Jack always was, he pushed the waiter hard. "You idiot!" We all grasped, he just violated the rule. Then the waiter became horrible right away. Sneered, his eyes became red with skin peeling. "oh…a boy…" Helen started screaming. All the others in the restaurant turned their heads and stared at her. "Beautiful." The waiter continued. It seemed that Jack and Helen were no longer invisible to them. The restaurant was crowded immediately, those people or whatever they were just suddenly appeared, the couple and their children we'd just seen were there too. They looked horrible, some of their faces or bodies are twisted in an impossible angle, some of them were even bleeding. They were all speechless and motionless. That was the first time I found Alex looked nervous. And that was the last time too. "Go!" he urged us. We ran to the tunnel as fast we could. Thos residents, the way they chased after us was different, they didn't run nor walk, they just popped up and disappeared again. But no matter how fast we ran, every time they appeared, they would be closer to us. We successfully ran into the tunnel and thought we'd be safe, but we were wrong. "Keep running!Don't stop until the other end of the tunnel," Alex yelled. "And stop thinking, just run! You hear me?" I didn't know why he said that, at that time, my mind already went blank. <脫離險境:重回現實> Jack and Nate were trying to find their own cars but there were too many cars and it was a bit dark inside the tunnel. "I said 'keep running!' Drop your cars! Now!" Jack and I gave up and followed after Alex but Nate and Helen didn't. We kept calling them as running. "Here it is!" Then Jack and I heard a laughter echoing. We got goosebumps right away because it was low and so creepy, not from one of us. Terrified, Helen cried out loud, starting running to us, leaving Nate alone. When we finally got close to the end of tunnel, we heard the car and thought Nate might drive out just right after us. We turned around when we got out from tunnel, only to find rows of cars were quickly disappearing from distance. Nate must have seen that too because he was backing his car and screaming. Just in second, his car vanished too. It was hard to take this. We'd never been in this kind of situation before. I was stunned just as Jack, hearing Helen sobbing. Everything was so unreal. Alex cursed and walked toward the tunnel. "You guys just go home. Just go along the road." "No, no, no, what the fuck are you doing?" Jack said. He followed up trying to stop him. "I'm gonna get Nate back." Alex just stepped into the tunnel. That was the last time I saw him."What are we supposed to do now?" Not until Helen asked did we find the sky was a bit dark. Our phones told it was about five. Nate was found unconscious and fortunately, unharmed in school next Monday morning. He didn't remember anything on that weekend. His mom was very angry with us. Despite believing what we explained, she thought we bullied her baby son and tried to make some stupid excuses! There was one thing upsetting us more than being grounded and considered nuts, Alex was gone. I wished I knew more about him so that I could report to polices and they wouldn't think he was just our imaginary friend. 哇!這篇精選短文充滿刺激讓同學都快忘了呼吸吧!今天學習到很多道地又活潑的敘述方法,這是很棒的閱讀過程,還可以了解不同文化觀點,校園故事有趣而且也重疊你我的生活經驗!下回有更多精采內容喔。
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健康議題看英文<HealthIssues>﹕用英文淺談Diabetes糖尿病
現代人缺乏規律運動和健康飲食內容,多半是周末放假整天窩在家裡,除了不想再應付許多複雜的人情事故外,也隱藏許多情緒障礙無法排解的問題,進而演變成社交障礙或與人群疏遠(SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL)的行為模式:身為外食族,要三餐取得蔬果和多纖維、低油、低鈉的飲食內容,但同時低頭看自己的預算(budget)限度後,也很難盡情地大快朵頤(eat to one's heart content),這實在很為難在外打拼的遊子。找天放假時去家裡附近傳統市場走走和水果攤(fruit stall)晃晃,可以買到比較健康物美價廉(inexpensive)的水果,而不是依賴加工過(processed)、調味過(flavored),甚至由缺乏衛生清潔環境所提供的蔬果。傳統印象許多人口中的富貴病-糖尿病,只偏重在奢侈飲食和高油、高脂攝食習慣的人們身上找到;但近年來,從國家富足度而斷定糖尿病的去向,也慢慢有了轉型,反而是從醫藥系統不發達的中低開發國家中,糖尿病反而變成常客,也是發現在基因中有了缺陷(genetic defect),最後就產生了遺傳上的病症移轉,讓人生瞬間成了黑白,也迫使讓自己的生活充滿許多不便(inconvenience)和負擔(burden)了。 接下來我們要用短句的形式讓同學可以藉由英文的表達和相關語句來描述糖尿病有關的病症,也可以再一次教育自己有關糖尿病的基本形成以及後續可能會延伸的併發症,但其實只要維持健康的生活型態就可以和國人常見的慢性病說BYE BYE了!別忘記要大聲念出來,並且確認自己有把重點單字和訊息的語調提高,讓自己可以順利的把句子分解出不同的小單位,然後朗讀中加入重音以及拉長語氣顯示重要性,長期地糾正自己的發音語調以及慢慢摸索出情緒表達的時機,要講好一口流利又有說服力的英文並非難事喔!從短句開始的累積就是將來一整篇演講的基礎,所以老師常提醒同學:就是要盡了全力,才能夠看起來毫不費力,慢工出細活,才有紮實的成就。那麼我們就開始用開放的心態來投入今天的話題Diabetes吧! 1. Diabetes is a chronically disease in which the high amount of sugar glucose can be found in the body and occurred without distinct symptoms. That's why it has been considered " silent " without obvious signs at the early stage. ◆chronical(a.)慢性的→chronical disease慢性病* (acute disease急劇疾病)?Chronicle(n.)年曆 ◆sugar glucose葡萄糖 V.S. gout 痛風V.S. osteoporosis骨質疏鬆 ◆occur(v.)發生→ Conflict can occur without any distinct reasons.(爭執的產生有時候並無明確的原因。) ◆symptom(n.)症狀→The stomach flu can bring forth some symptoms, lurking for the first few days.(潛伏期會在前幾天,腸胃炎可以引發許多症狀。) 糖尿病這種慢性病會在人體內發現較高濃度的葡萄糖,而並沒有特別顯著的徵狀。早期並沒有許多跡象可循,所以許多人們都將糖尿病視為"沉默"的疾病。 2. As diabetes progresses, there are a multitude of issues coming along, such as weight gain, elevated hunger and thirst, foot ulcers, blurred vision, which will give way to high risk of heart disease, stroke, and even eye problems. 當糖尿病開始發威的時候,許許多多的問題都會接踵而至,像是:體重增加,增加的飢餓感和口渴感,腳部潰爛,眼睛視線模糊,這些都會演變成高風險的心臟病、中風,或其他的眼睛疾病。 3. Unfortunately, diabetes is irreversible once onset has occurred.But people can avoid this disease with a healthy lifestyle. 不幸地,一旦有了開端,糖尿病是不可逆的疾病。但是如果有健康的生活方式是可以讓糖尿病不會找上門的喔! 『Daily Reminder: Get + N/Np in writing』每日專欄重要表達 經典好句:" Please get the contract in writing, or your verbal agreement wont' do you any good on court.(合約請白紙黑字地如實寫下,不然口頭協議根本在法庭站不住腳!)保障自己的權益很重要! ※verbal(a.)=spoken口說的 EX.:Our company adopted zero tolerance of verbal fights among co-workers. The hostility will poison the overall workplace morale.我們公司對於同事間的爭吵採取嚴格態度處理,因為這樣的敵對定會打擊整個的士氣。) ※physical(a.)=tend to be the structure of an organism or animal(whose ability to develop some performances)肢體的;生理上的 EX.: Don't make me get physical.= You'd better leave before I get violent. 不要逼我動粗(=在我要動手前你最好快點離開或住口。) EX.: Surprisingly, Taiwanese often feel really uncomfortable with the physical contact in public venues while foreign labors or immigrants from southeastern or western countries can always feel at ease in both spacious or crowded places.(令人驚訝地,在台灣的人們對於在公共場合的肢體接觸感到相當不適;然而,從東南亞或西方國家的外籍勞工或新移民,他們不管在寬敞或擁擠的地方都可以很從容!) ※speechless(a.)=can hardly utter a word under some circumstances out of embarrassment or rage(無言以對的) EX.: Your complaint about the awful attitude of the waitress at the restaurant really made me totally speechless. Why didn't you just inform the restaurant owner or the manager of your upset dining experience there? There's nothing I can do for you. (對於餐廳服務生惡劣的態度,這樣的抱怨讓我很無言以對。為什麼你那個時候不去通知餐廳老闆或是值班經理關於你非常不悅的用餐經驗呢?我愛莫能助!) <布萊恩的英文日記故事>:練習寫出自己的英文日記也可以交換日記增加學習生活英文的樂趣和找出更多的口語英文的延伸用法喔!英英字典是你我的好朋友! Dear Diary, Every day, life fills my days with endless wonders and some unexpected encounters. This evening, it came to me when I let my guard down while commuting on my usual trip home. It's approximately three to ten when lowering my head to check the time slipping by;meanwhile, there's no sign of my bus approaching, but the obnoxiously annoying flies kept harassing me in the stuffy humid weather. 親愛的日記,如同往常每天充滿不同的驚奇和預料不到的體驗;今天傍晚,等著回家的公車也整個人呈現極度鬆散的狀態。大約晚間九點五十七分,我看著手錶上的時間就這麼消逝而去,但我的公車卻一點影子都沒有出現,只有令人髮指討厭極致的蒼蠅在蒸溽氣候中不斷騷擾我。 When my shuttle finally arrived, I leapt upon the stairs leading to my seat where it was always my favorite in the dark corner which made it difficult for the drive to peep through me from the rear mirrors.Me, nibbling the bread, sorry for my enormously good appetite. Cannot help!Show some respect for my privacy, okay? Collapsing in my rough but acceptable seat after the long day draining all my energy, I quickly felt sleepy and yawned for more oxygen as most exhausted brains required.(sometimes a nerve wreck like me could forget breathing while gluing my face to the desktop screen at the office for hours, the stress from work was not the thing everybody might handle well.) 當我的接駁車終於抵達,我就直接跳上公車階梯上往我最喜歡的角落座位殺去,這樣駕駛才不會老是從後照鏡偷看我--偷吃麵包啦!哈,誰叫我的好胃口無上限呢!好啦!尊重一下我的隱私權好嗎?在一天困頓精疲力盡後,整個人就癱在有點硬梆梆勉強可以接受的座位上。整個人非常的睏,而且似乎大腦很需要氧氣而打著哈欠(有時候我因為在上班時候太專注在電腦螢幕上看了好幾個小時,竟然神經質到忘了喘氣,只能說工作上的壓力不是每個人都可以勝任愉快的喔!) In the middle of my evening siesta, my head remained tilted, nodding like listening to some lectures attentively or a fishing pole pulled by a starving fish in the stream; my snoring was identical to the rumbling sound from the working engines in sync with the bumpy ride I consider as the best lullaby ever rocking me to sweet dreams. Not knowing how long it had taken on the ride, I was sobered up by a wave of pungent smell from the two passengers carrying their luggage on the bus. Ironically, the seemingly fragrant but dense perfume they were wearing could turn everything in my stomach sour and gave me a hard time breathing. 在我的傍晚小睡時間,我的頭呈現微傾的狀態,打盹著邊點著頭好像專心地聽課也像是飢腸轆轆的小魚在小溪流裡咬著正在釣魚的魚竿;我的打呼聲竟跟著車子的引擎聲同步和顛簸道路進行,這就像是我聽過最令人能進入甜蜜夢鄉的搖籃曲了!不知道已經搭了多久的車子了,通常有一陣濃到反胃的香水味把我立刻喚醒了,原來是兩個拖著行李正上車的旅客。諷刺地,他們擦著濃到化不開的香水讓我整個胃腸都抗議了,而且我甚至無法好好的呼吸) No exaggeration and unfortunately all the windows were tightly sealed for the sake of passenger's safety. Actually, I was dying here and the so-called lifesaving plan could be likely to jeopardize my life at this very moment. Pinching my nose didn't do any tricks but the only thing I could do was pray for the time jumping out of the bus for some fresh air for my screaming, vulnerable lungs to such exceedingly fashionable, overwhelming pollutant turning my night into a sheer nightmare. 我可沒在誇張喔!更慘的是所有的窗戶都封死了為了"乘客的安全"!事實上我差點就死在車上了,這個所謂的安全方案事實上很有可能就在那一刻真的奪走我寶貴的性命。貼緊鼻子根本起不了任何作用,我唯一想做的事情就是快點跳出公車呼吸新鮮空氣,然後替我非常無辜的肺大叫一場,對於這種太過時尚又驚天動地的汙染味道,果然讓我的夜晚成了最大的夢魘!) 英文單字及表達大觀園 1. let one's guard down放下警戒心 EX.: Whenever traveling abroad by backpacking, you never ever let your guard if fear of being the target of robbers. 2. commute通勤→commuter通勤族(n.) EX.: As a commuter, I go for the shuttle service from my place to the airport. It's relatively safer and more convenient. It's great to catch some Zs on the bus. 3. approximately大約地(adv.) EX.: The train will arrive in approximately in five minutes. 4.time slipped away時間飛逝 EX.: The moment that I received the diploma from the school principal, the time had slipped through my fingers while pursuing my dream all alone by myself. 5.obnoxious令人感到可恨的 6.harass騷擾 7.peep through偷窺 8.yawn打哈欠 9.nerve wreck神經兮兮的人 10.identical與N相似的 11.in sync with 與N同步進行 12.siesta午休(西班牙文) 13.attentive專注的 14.snore打呼 15.pungent令人感到刺鼻的 16.lullaby搖籃曲 17.ironically諷刺地 18.fragrant充滿香氣的 19.dense濃郁的 20.sober sb up使人立刻清醒 21.passenger乘客 22.turn things in stomach sour胃部感到一陣作嘔 23.exaggeration誇飾的說法 24.unfortunately不幸地 25.for the sake of ....為了某種目的 26.jeopardize危害(生命或計畫)
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
「The heat is almost unbearable.」雖然比起東南亞國家將近快把人融化的氣溫來說,台灣還是涼爽許多,但對於長年在加拿大生活的老師實在有點"凍未著",冬天雖然是冷,但只要是室內環境都會有暖氣,但夏天來說只能靠冷氣,這時候就覺得台灣朋友很幸福,到處都有水上樂園和許多清涼的冰品可以購買。加拿大通常只有冰淇淋車會不定期出現,而台灣的便利商店也隨時有提供冷飲選購,有各國茶飲和汽泡飲品任君挑選,實在好生羨慕呀!因為目前的住處比較接近農村地區,晚上的時候其實雖然有微風,但因為還是太過於貼近隔壁大樓所以自然通風部份並沒很完善。「It's really essential to keep your room well-ventilated.」是的,房間保持通風良好是很重要的,有時候聽聞在台灣因為天氣寒冷有人緊閉窗戶,洗澡的時候熱水器放在室內而導致二氧化碳中毒,真的是令我倒抽好幾口涼氣。不過這幾天對於老師來說,真的就是一句非常動感的英文可以給大家分享和使用:「I want to jump out of my skin.」看這個句子就知道,想"JUMP"(跳出)自己的"SKIN"(皮膚),當你對於某些狀況無法忍受,像是考試的壓力快讓你喘不過氣的時候或是你真的快抓狂,熱到全身都發癢的時候,就可以大喊「I want to jump out of my skin.」是不是非常的貼切你目前的心情呢? 夏日炎炎,大家腦海中肯定浮現出許多清涼消暑的好去處。但每當出遊的日子,傳統華人家庭都會習慣先參照家裡的農民曆,甚至考慮到曾經去廟宇裡抽過的籤語是否有特別註明要注意水上活動的禁忌、出國時間是否吉利、開土入厝是否驚擾神明、生產時辰是否母子均安,這些都顯示了我們從過去老祖先智慧中擷取出的生活方式和有所遵循的模式安身立命,更重要地是建立了共同的價值觀來讓整體社區運作更有秩序也更加安定。另外在許多場合也有行為上的規範和傳統信仰上需要奉行的儀式,雖然並沒有許多的科學數據提供證實,但放眼世界各地,宗教信仰在人們心中已經有相當的份量以及不可動搖的重要性。比如長輩非常反對小孩進行夜遊的相關活動,認為晚上視線不良而且容易精神不濟發生意外機率提高,另外也在農曆七月時候有所謂的"好兄弟"會搗蛋,聽起來頗像和歐美節慶萬聖節有異曲同工之妙。對於西方國家和信仰基督或天主的朋友們就沒有這樣的疑慮了,所以來到台灣或亞洲區旅遊或探訪的時候就會意外地踩到地雷,也對於視線所及盡是初一十五擺滿供品、口中念念有詞的民眾、焚香裊裊的廟宇確實是丈二金剛摸不著頭,但其實這些都是安定人心且尋找到心靈平靜的民間心靈療癒之旅,進入這個虔誠的文化氛圍中,也不禁地慢下腳步,內心迴盪著許多反省和找到重回現實繼續努力的心靈力量。 【民俗統傳相關單字表達】: A.superstition (n.)迷信B.traditional belief傳統信仰 C. ritual(n.)宗教儀式(生活習慣必定要從事的常規,比如早起運動或是一天一杯咖啡不然會渾身不對勁也可以用ritual來強調!)D. ingrained (a.)根深蒂固的 E. generation (n.)世代(代溝就是generation gap)F.significance(n.)重要意義(a rewarding and significant journey獲益良多且對生命有重大影響的旅程)G. harmony(n.)和諧 H. liberal(a.)寬容的I taboo(n.)禁忌& Tattoo刺青 J denote(v.)隱含某種涵義K. practice(n.)習俗(原先是當作動詞的練習但是在文化中長期維持下所進行的動作,也成了習俗的一部分進而變成生活習慣和廣為接受的認知事實) L worshiper(n.)信徒 M. pilgrimage (n.)朝聖之旅 N. long-held長期奉行的(v.s. long-haul flight長途旅程) O preoccupation(n.)已有的成見 P. piercing(n.)穿洞(在身上穿環穿洞都算) Dear all, welcome to our column again: English is a piece of cake, from which we all derived great pleasure and drew inspirations. As you've noticed, summer is coming around and the heat has been building up in time gone by. But there're some traditional beliefs ingrained in our culture probably giving you some creeps (有點毛毛的感覺)and chilling you down here. Don't scream your head off before we head to today's extraordinary discovery regarding(有關) Taiwanese long-held superstitions from one generation to another. The term superstition didn't denote any negative(負面的)meaning but simply indicated something greater than human scopes. The prefix "super" stands for "something above" or the "supreme power" over our control while the root word" stitu-" represents " stand " or " exist" for some period of time in history or has appeared through a long time as recorded. The following superstitions may not be applied to all cultures in every region in Taiwan, let alone Asian regions, but it does serve as a symbol with underlying(有背後的涵義) significance there. Don't frown(皺眉) before you read through them and be open-minded before our journey of Taiwanese customs officially embarks. Brace yourself, and it's interesting to learn of some cultures different from your preoccupation or getting to know more about your own traditions in Taiwan. Did you happen to notice some superstitions quite puzzling you to the certain extent? And when walking on the street or past the alleys, you were totally suffocated(窒息的) by those burning incenses(焚燒的) oozing out from each family with their offerings(供品) on the table staked in front of their houses, lowering their heads while whispering something scared or making wishes in their mouths. And it's not a surprise to witness those rituals recurring regardless of the dates or occasions those worshipers could hardly describe why they did all these for God or spirits wandering in our world. And why preparing all these and making a scene(把某事弄得很張揚) when they were even unconvinced whether their efforts will pay off(努力有回報) or not? It's for the sense of security and peace in life which drive them to do all and also can assure them the future encounters (未來的際遇)will be smoother and positive since then. A. Refrain from pointing your fingers to the moon!(避免把手指向月亮) Believe it or not! One of my best friends, Fiona, as a Chinese-American mother residing in Seattle with her mother-in-law's family since married at the age of 25, shared with me regarding her remorse doing something against the taboos during pregnancy. One day, she felt like trimming some split ends of her long hair to the shoulder length, which made her mother-in-law super ticked-off(十分的火大) , for she has been upholding(強烈擁護) very conservative and doctrines values in her bone. It's widely understood in Taiwan that a woman carrying a baby should stay away from any sharp objects which will do harm to the unborn baby in the womb. To most westerners, the idea of holding scissors when a bun in the oven(懷孕) will do some magic tricks to baby seems rather incredibly ridiculous, with no concrete scientific evidence.Totally unaware of her reprimand, Fiona kept doing the nail-clipping or cutting some cloth for making some handicrafts or hand-made bags to kill time. When her boy baby was brought to her on the table after the very first cry, she was totally speechless spotting a unknown scar on his forehead, for which she has been suffering from the guilty sentence. Also, from then on, she dare not to tease her mother-in-law groundless sayings or talks. The stake was way too high for her to accept. Plus, in Taiwanese society, we do think two pregnant women who stand belly-to-belly against each other will "switch the genders" (性別互換)of their babies. I couldn't help but giggle over that but my family cannot overemphasize(強調) the importance of tons of rules imposed on pregnant women so as to ensure everything will be smooth and peaceful. B. Have you got any piercings? That's a big No-No!(身上有打洞你知道有什麼韓義嗎?)Alright,everyone! Please keep your hair down and put your hands up for such fun statement! I am happy with all piercings which make us shine and glow in public venues, but there're in general some superstitions going on in our community. Whenever wandering around the shopping malls in Canada, I always saw some little pretty girls sitting on the stool waited for their first ear-piercings like the symbol of maturity or some market-style "Ritual of Passage". According to the social etiquette in Europe, ladies should wear ear-rings when attending social occasions and their accessories do showcase individual charisma and professionalism. But one of the most popular religions, Buddhism, did significantly impacted many families in Taiwan and affected the way of our daily routines or religious activities, even to the dieting habits from the meal featuring richness in meat protein to more consumption of greens/veggies. If a person received the piercing, in Buddhism, it will mark you as the girl in the next life of reincarnation(輪迴). That means you will be re-born as a girl after you pass away this life and the cycle will never end until you've made some generous contributions to the impoverished(窮困的人們) or people in need of help desperately or helplessly. Even a random act of kindness will make a tremendous change in your life or the next life. In Huaren culture(華人文化), the bride after the meticulously-arranged(精心安排的) grooming tend to wear many kinds of luxury gems and more jewelry than ordinary family to boast their wealth and represent a blissful life in the coming years of marriage. C. Swimming during July of Lunar Calendar? It's more than pulling your legs.(在農曆期七月的時候游泳嗎?這可不鬧著玩的喔!) Ghost month, during July of Lunar Calendar ( the traditional approaches to calculating the dates or seasonal changes of farming or festivals( according to the shapes of the moon), has long been the period of time people would be alert of not doing this or not doing that when their parents become extra unnerving because all the spirits from the underworld(陰間) will be freely released and wandering (遊蕩)on the streets for visiting their family or meeting someone they missed most. And some earthbound spirits in water have lingered(徘徊不離開) in the darkness waiting for someone to replace his/her place by trapping you in water or getting you killed in a car accident. Even though during summer, most children will frolic near beaches or nearby rivers for cooling down from the heat. But in Taiwan, even in the public swimming pool, parents won't let children join in any water activities in an encouraging tone.Why? Be all ears(仔細聆聽) about what I am going to tell you, and you don't have to panic(不要驚慌). It's probably the way the elderly warned their future generations of the danger beneath water. D. Nail-Clipping at night is a big deal? Oh, YES!(晚上的時候剪指甲可是犯了大忌喔!)In Japanese society, it's the concept has been widespread and rumor has it that if you clip the nails at night, you will make it to past the last respect of your parents dying or in such critical moments before demise. This principle can be applied to Taiwanese society, despite the fact that it might make sense to you or my students in class, but you can also deduce the saying to the time of scarcity people in agricultural society lacked resources and thus getting very little for daily commodities. The part I can level with was chances are you might hurt yourself in dim light when clipping your fingernails, right?That's considered a reminder and genuine advice from your elderly. In a nutshell, as not to offend our wise and caring parents, grandparents, or your nosy neighbors, you can simply abide by all the regulations inscribed in family lessons, deterring yourself from all hassles. E. Avoid using " Four" or saying "Si" in Taiwan!(在台灣不要使用四或相關的發音)When we are in the market for(準備要購買) new houses, Taiwanese tend to skip the 4th floor for their condo or even for business office. Why? The word "4" is pronounced(發音近似) like " Death" in Taiwanese(or Chinese) and will bring bad luck to many in Asia, also seen in Japanese customs. That explains why most hospitals will refrain from admitting(允准某人住院) patients to the 4th floor, or the in-patients might feel really awkward staying on the "Floor of Death" and you in this way would never show any sign of recovery or improvement in your health condition. And walking along the bustling street with all vehicles swooping by, the driving plates could sometimes include the number 4 which indicated the driver's life would be doomed to some dire consequences. It does talk a lot in the abovementioned situations. Here is also a reminder for all the foreign friends ready to buy your Taiwanese friends some presents. Cross out " Alarm Clock," " Shoes,"" Watch, "Umbrella" on your shopping list, they all came along with negative meanings" Departure"(分離或散開) for people in Taiwan. *專欄更正部分 1. in public venues在公共場合中 2. hostility敵意 (VS Hospitality Management餐旅管理)
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
大家在閱讀英文專欄時,也不斷地複習許多從前生活中學習的隻字片語,也慢慢組織起來成為實用句型,進而有機會去落實在生活場景和戰勝各種英檢考試挑戰。不過聰明的你,有想過自己的用語程度夠道地嗎?比如:我們會說「這個博物館裡有好多的古董陳列出來」,大家第一時間會想There are many antiques shown in the museum,卻鮮少同學會立刻說出: The museum is home to a great number of antiques on display.這種有層次的表達句(be home to....為....的發源地);亦或是在表達不情願時後除了使用I am unwilling to do it,也可說(I feel terribly reluctant.),可以提高表達英文的深度和國際演說魅力。參照各國元首和總統候選人在競選時所發表的講話來學習用字遣詞,豐富自身文化深度觸角,增加許多在聽演講、脫口秀時了解笑點好入門捷徑。 前幾天,如同許多通勤族(Commuter)在公車站牌旁等著回家;有位非洲裔美國人很焦急地拿著紙條詢問路人(inquire the pedestrians/passers-by),並且不斷重複著"Will the bus go straight down the street?"相信其實周邊很多人都聽得懂他的意思,卻不知道怎麼引導他(Show him the directions)或是回復他的需求。老師就直接走過去問"What's your destination?"他表示要去一家運動館,不過不確定是否這邊的公車是否有直行到他去的地方。了解以後,我也詢問身邊的路人們,確認他要去的地方及方位,我們就幫助了他上公車,並且交待司機他要下車的該站。這就是國民外交的開始,也是讓國人有機會發揮自己英文實力的機會。不管是在公共場合(public benues)或是私下朋友聚會,我們都可以伸出援手幫忙他人去解決問題,這樣我們學習語言才更有意義,也更彰顯學習成果和國際觀的培養成果。也要提醒各位認真的讀者們,如果想要表達對方已經坐過站或是該在下一站下車,公車搭乘的用語應該使用bus stop 而非 bus station, 因為bus station多有公車總站的涵義。那麼老師就來讓同學複習一下相關的表達語,可以當個出色的外交小尖兵喔! 1.你已經坐過站了。你應該要在下一站下車,走回去大概五分鐘而已。 You have missed the stop. You should get off at the next one and it only takes you five minutes to walk back to the previous stop. 2.這班公車並非前往故宮博物館,下班車是三分鐘後。 This bus is not heading/headed for National Palace Museum. And the next bus will arrive in three minutes. 3.請告知公車司機你要去哪個機場航廈,並且可以選擇使用悠遊卡或現金支付車費。 Please inform the bus driver of the terminal you'll get off at. Cash or EasyCard is acceptable for paying the fare. 4.希望你在台灣旅程愉快。 I wish you a pleasant journey in Taiwan.=Hope you enjoy your stay in Taiwan. 5. 你車子來了!不要忘記下車前要先按鈴。 Here comes your bus and pleased don't forget to ring the bell before the bus approaches the stop. 現在讓各位同學動動腦一下,請問世界上最長的車子是什麼呢?可不是高級禮賓車或總統座車,答案是:塞車(Traffic Congestion)。老師可不是鬧著大家玩的,外國友人每次到台灣人都會被水洩不通的車輛壅塞情況嚇到瞠目結舌(Speechless),也大呼說"The traffic is going to kill me!"(這種車況讓我小命不保)是有些誇張沒錯!但說到人潮卡卡,老師就想到自己在另一次伸出援手幫忙國外訪客的經驗,發生在一年一度台灣燈會(Taiwan Lantern Festival)的現場,因為已經接近慶典的倒數的日子,許多來自四面八方的旅客和前往機場的旅客通通擠成一團,水洩不通的景象真是令老師不敢恭維。眼看到有兩位歐美背包客在人群中像無頭蒼蠅般尋找協助,面對機場巴士和路人都無法理解他們的英文表達,他們也感受到很難過和無奈。剛好老師經過他們,聽到其中一位男性背包客說"We're going to miss our flights and no bus can take us there right now!"高鐵人員有表達他們愛莫能助,老師幫忙緩頰解釋" We feel sorry for what you've just experienced. But as you've noticed that the traffic doesn't even move in such overcrowded places. Perhaps you could phone the airline to reschedule the flight to the next one if you can make it there"(我們對於您的處境也很遺憾,但如您所見的現場的交通確實動彈不得。或許可以先致電航空公司替您另行安排下一班接近的班機,然後趕緊趕上班機。),因為現場狀況就是連叫計程車,都沒辦法讓她們趕上當天的班機。這讓她們非常無奈(vulnerable),也很焦急於接下來安排的旅程和其他事項進行。所以這個時候就只能安慰對方,而對方也感受到我們的誠意和極力幫忙的心情。 雖然美中不足,但每次在不同時間點不同際遇中,去檢視自己學習的英文和體驗到面對不同場景的需求,這樣對自己的英文表達進步是很明顯也是有效率的!畢竟,口說能力就是要從反應現場問題和快速組織表達內容而增加熟悉度的能力,而不是要求自己說出嚴謹的文法或是高級的單字,重點為是否有把訊息順利的傳達給對方和用對方可以理解程度的說法,這才是學習實用英文過程中,訓練出來的專業而且貼心的表現。那麼還有哪些相關的場景用字可以跟大家分享呢?請用把以下的句子放在腦海中並努力在各種場合表達出來: 1. 夜市的人潮真多,我都要硬擠才可以逃出去。【foot traffic人潮:此為國際旅遊雜誌與國家探索頻道御用五星級表達法,不可不記!】There's a lot of foot traffic at the night market and I have to elbow my way out of the crowd. 2. 如果周末要跟家人出遊一定要避開尖峰時刻。You shall avoid the peak hours if you plan to hang out with family on weekends 3. 如果可以先預購電影票可以省下很多排隊排到天荒地老。Advance order for your movie tickets can save you a lot of time stuck in the queue showing no end. (★動筆時間)指考高分直通車:英檢實力檢測加油站 1. Why did you quite your previous job?(Choose the appropriate answer) A. After years of efforts at the sales department, I failed to get the promotion, B. I anticipate for taking on more responsibilities. 2. By the time Susan decided to marry John, we all can totally ___ their relationship. A. assure B. ensure C. invalidate D. guarantee 3.Before our relatives drop by our place, you children should have better ____ the stuffs scattered all over the floor before you get to embarrass yourself. A. put up with B. put off C. put away D. put aside 4. The chef devised a unique taste of ramen noodles ___ to may existing diners as well as prospective customers once he settled the root in New Year where he draw great inspiration from. A. flavorful B. favorite C. fantastic D. favorable <終極指考加油站>五星級單字TERM的各種場合及說法 1.Term (n.)學期(=semester) EX.: The final report should be submitted no later than the end of this term, or you will definitely fail this course. ▲no later than= prior to=before=ahead of 前於…熟記相關表達,幫助理解完整文意! 在學期結束前應該要繳交期末報考,不然會被當掉。 2.Term(n.)(合約)協議內容;條款(=clause/condition/provision) EX.: Make sure that you would review the terms of the lease contract thoroughly before signing on it, or you might regret omitting some details that would jeopardize your benefits. 請務必在簽下租賃契約前把相關的條約仔細看過,否然你會很後悔因為忽略一些細節而去損害自身權益了! Come to terms with+ N/ Np /V-ing=compromise(對某事物而妥協) (Compromise on reality對現實妥協/ Compromise on your profits對於自身利益妥協) EX.:Sometimes we have no choice but to come to terms with the reality, it's really unlikely for you to stick to the principles all the time in such an ever-changing society, 有時候我們沒有其他選擇餘地而向現實妥協,在這種瞬息萬變的社會中很難老是去堅守自己的原則。 3.Term期間(=the duration of some time) EX.:Learning how to swim at the beginning wasn't that fun, but you'll require such essential skills on some occasions in the long run.剛開始學習游泳並沒這麼有趣,但終究在某些場合你會需要這項技能的! 4.In terms of =from some respect of.....藉由(某情況或條件)來看的話 EX.: He's considered dynamic, committed, and conscientious worker who will be a future success in terms of his diligent attitude despite his limited experience in this field.雖然他這個領域資歷很淺,但是以他勤勉的態度一定會成大器,而且他被認為是相當有衝勁,奉獻的,而且相當負責認真的員工。 EX.: In terms of interpersonal relationships, it's better to remain patient and observant when getting to know more about an individual before deciding whether it's worthwhile to dedicate yourself to this friendship or future partnership.(由人際關係來看,要決定是否跟一個人深入交往或建立商業夥伴關係,最好保持有耐心且學著要察言觀色!) 5. Terminal(n.)電腦終端機;(機場)航廈 EX.: Passengers who disembark the plane shall proceed to the shuttle bus for the Terminal 2. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. 乘客下機後請搭乘機場接駁車到第二航廈,有不便之處請多多見諒。 6.Terminal(a.)末班的(班車);末期的(疾病) EX.: It's literally a wake-up call for my entire family that my uncle died of the terminal stage of the lung cancer due to year-long habit of smoking cigarettes. 我的叔叔因為長期吸菸而肺炎末期過世了。這對我的家族是當頭棒喝的事情。 7. Terminate(v.)=put something into closure終結(或對某事情做了結) EX.: The infringement of the contract terms is considered such tremendous loss to our company or suppliers. It is indeed the contributing factor terminating the lease contract, jeopardizing the future partnership. 違反合約規定部分對本公司和其他供應商而言是相當大的損失。這的確是讓我們之間的租賃契約終結的導因,也阻礙了未來的合作關係。 (★解答時間)指考高分直通車:解答時間 1. Why did you quite your previous job?(Choose the appropriate answer) B. I anticipate for taking on more responsibilities.(我想承擔更多重任) 2. By the time Susan decided to marry John, we all can totally ___ their relationship. C. invalidate (確認關係) 3.Before our relatives drop by our place, you children should have better ____ the stuffs scattered all over the floor before you get to embarrass yourself. C. put away(放回原位) 4. The chef devised a unique taste of ramen noodles ___ to may existing diners as well as prospective customers once he settled the root in New Year where he draw great inspiration from.D. favorable(為人所歡迎的)
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
「寶寶會說英文,但寶寶不想說。」請不要看到這句就【翻白眼Roll one's eyes】,有關這位網路紅人寶寶的流行語和聊天室貼圖(即表情貼圖EMOTICON STICKER,甚至還有相關的語音貼圖和英文對白不斷地上載中)現在可是大量下載中,有一種Make a fortune賺大錢的氣勢繼續在網路發酵。不過我們可是要回歸現實處理正事!在需要英文交談的重要時刻可不能裝蒜play deaf,這可不管用的!這在網路傳到傳輸線都燒焦的寶寶名言,差點讓大家轉台了,但許多的影音影片都瘋狂轉傳要怎麼說呢?難道是The video goes crazy?還是The film is really hot?其實大家的中文造詣都很高,只是英文句子中的用詞比較簡潔有力,而且【短片】因為經過剪輯和修改等等的手續,很像剪報的動作,選擇需要的內容整理起來,所以要用【clip=video clip】;很流行的影片在台灣用語叫"超夯",大陸用語稱"火紅",但既不是Super Popular也不是Burning Red,英文最時下的說法為"像病毒般(傳播)",所以叫做【viral】,帶有病毒Virus+螺旋狀Spiral傳送出去的概念。所以瘋狂轉傳的熱門影片就是用The clip is getting viral now.那麼就來練習怎麼使用吧!希望你的好英文也可以立刻派上用場,利用生活對話不求人! Brian和好友Sarah討論最近背著蟑螂殼在馬路上等綠燈在慢慢爬行過去的影音檔,竟然引起班上一陣討論熱潮,看看他們怎麼用英文表達自己對這個現象的意見!精彩有趣的對話你可以立刻上手,一起來運用剛剛學習內容吧! 【英文小劇場】A: Brian B: Sarah A: Have you checked on the video clip about the man crawling across the street when the traffic light turns green? That's insane.(最近你看到那個趁交通號誌轉綠燈時用爬行的方式過街的男人的影音嗎?這太瘋狂了啦!) B: Tell me about it. Everyone in my class totally fell for that freak carrying a roach shell and really a TRAFFIC STOPPER.(這還要你說!我班上都陷下去這股熱潮,竟然還是個背蟑螂殼的怪胎。他還真的是很「卡到路」) A: Yes, it has gone really viral for people of ages. Who can dislike the like that, I even felt like trying something like that. Perhaps you are one of my flash mobs some day.(一點都沒錯,不管幾歲的人都愛!不會有人會討厭這種事吧,連我自己都想玩看看了!哪天說不定我們一起來當個快閃族如何!) B: Over my dead body, please COUT ME OUT!(除非我死了,別在我身上打主意。) 所以各位優秀的讀者可以更感受到:小單字也有大用處。從一個中文的概念【超流行】事物,竟然背後有這麼多故事,甚至在對話裡面還可以延伸出這麼多的內容,是不是很有趣味、很有成就感呢?Trust me , you can make it!從原有學習經驗與知識去勾勒出更大範圍的實用內容,可以更印象深刻,更常從記憶資料庫活用豐富英文理解內容喔!其實網路上許多有趣又實用的資源中,不乏都是「生活化」、「實用化」、「簡單化」,以及「趣味化」,這在網路的YOUTUBE或VOICETUBE都有不同題材口音,以及不同專業背景知識的內容。 短時間增進聽力和延伸文化觸角的好窗口;如果對於國際議題感到興趣,希望盡一份世界公民的本份和關心,那好入門的CNN STUDENT NEWS就是你的敲門磚來立刻體會世界媒體最重視的關鍵要學語言並不是一張機票就可以等於進入學習領域。如果有這種速成班,歡迎大家介紹給老師體驗一下,我也很好奇如何從零基礎能夠一週內不了解其文化(甚至用母語說自身文化也有困難者),瞬間好像電影命運搖控器的男主角一秒轉化語言,結果卻也是人生要重頭踏實再來一遍。與其零碎又三分鐘熱度的學習,不如把握每次的學習經驗,好好努力學習當下的知識,用心感受並活用。學習並非難事,用心是不二法門。很多同學誤會,好像參加個遊學團或是背包周遊列國探訪不同大都會或古蹟(historic sites)名勝(tourist attractions),就可以瞬間深化內涵講出一口完美的英文,真的是這樣嗎?旅行其實並非只有玩樂,或是跟著旅遊書去參訪各大名勝而已!更重要的是細心觀察當地人文風俗以及從與當地人交談中,能夠理解多樣的生活價值觀;更重要的拓寬自己的文化見解和從許多國際社會的話題中能有連結也對相關事件有所呼應與反省成長。這也是為什麼每當出國遇到歐洲朋友們都很有話聊,因為他們不管對於亞洲環境發展或是經濟政治動盪都可以侃侃而談,更對於許多國家的自由多元化背後那條充滿荊棘之路肅然起敬,也因此更珍惜自己的文化歷史,也更堅定自身種族傳統,一代一代傳承下去,永遠都會和開疆闢土的先人與全球社會跨時空同步呼吸著,進而萌發出無可取代的寶貴的自我認同感與使命感。 【生活精選句】: It happens!(這種事發生總是難免的) 生活不如意十之八九,有時候樂極也會生悲,以為很絕望也有一道曙光落下。所以人生沒有絕對的悲傷,只有相對的努力和比較後的快樂成就罷了!法國人對於這種生老病死的來到,總是十分淡定看待,不認為是天垮下來了般的無助難過,反而會拍拍你說:『快嚐剛剛烤出來酸麵糰麵包,大好時光可別浪費在嘆氣,人生好壞都是順其自然,這就是人生C'est la vie。』聰明的同學看到It happens!認為老師要在動詞happen加上ED代表發生事情。你是否也有一樣的疑問嗎?其實你的文法觀念沒錯,但It happens就是代表經常發生的事情,而不是偶遇或是太過於重大的事情產生,才會如此的運用在生活中,若還有疑問,一起來看看生活用句怎麼說吧! 1. Since retirement from the army, my father has gained some weight and turned chubbier. It happens. It should be the lack of exercise and less pressure from life. (自從我爸爸從軍隊退休後就開始體重增加,也變得比較福態。這常有的事情,因為他都缺乏運動,也少了很多來自生活的壓力。) 2. Last week, my uncle, Joe, died of the heart-attack after learning that he hit the jackpot in the lottery. That's totally shocking to all in the entire family. Well, It happens.(上週在得知自己中了樂透頭獎後,我的叔叔喬死於心臟病。對整個家族來說真是太震撼了。嗯,總是多少有這種事情吧!) 3. Despite the fact that Lyn kept rehearsing before the Christmas play, she still forgot some lines on the stage and burst into tears. It happens but still a good lesson for her to learn how to take the fall.(雖然琳在聖誕節舞台劇前不斷的排演練習,但真正上台後還是忘詞,還當場痛哭。陽光下沒有新奇之事,但對她也是不錯的學習機會。) 4. Sometimes we felt really defeated when failing the exams with all-out effort. It happens but we've got nothing to lose but gain more from this fruitful experience.(有時候用盡全力準備考試但卻考砸了,或許我們會感到很挫敗。但這是發生很多人身上的事情,但我們也沒缺少損失了什麼,而是學習很寶貴的經驗。) 5. No matter how strict the law is in the city, there are still some people intended to commit some crimes without considering the dire consequences. It happens.(不管這城市的嚴刑厲法有多嚴苛,總還是會有些人沒考慮到嚴重後果而犯下罪行。這也非我們能掌控的。) 6.Helen starved herself by skipping the meals and ate like a bird months before her wedding day. However, she couldn't help but binge on some cakes three days before the big day. Guess what? She still couldn't fit in the wedding gown she wanted to put on. It happens, right?(在大婚之日前,海倫好幾餐都不吃,讓自己餓得要死,也只有吃那麼一點點。然而,大喜之日前三天,她還是忍不住跑去大吃蛋糕。結果你猜看看怎麼著?她還是擠不進去當初想穿的那件結婚禮服。這也是第一次聽到了,不是嘛?) Let The Teens Sleep In Reference: ALL+ Interactive English Is it painful to get out of bed every morning? If you feel like you can't catch up on your sleep, you aren't alone. One sleep-deprived (睡眠不足)high school student in Missouri named Jill had this problem, and she took action. Armed with research supporting her online petition(請願書), Jill successfully pushed her school's start time to 9a.m. 每天早上起床是不是很痛苦呢?如果覺得無法多睡一會,你並不孤單。在密蘇里州,一位睡眠不足的高中生吉兒斯就有這樣的困擾,於是她採取了行動。有研究資料支持她的網路請願書,成功讓學校把上課時間延到早上九點。 It turns out that teens aren't night owls by choice and may have a serious excuse for sleeping in. Around bedtime, the brain releases melatonin, a chemical which makes you sleepy. Before adolescence, children's internal clocks naturally direct them to fall asleep between 8 and 9 p.m.原來青少年並非出於選擇而成為夜貓族,他們是很有理由晚睡些。接近就寢時,大腦會釋放出褪黑激素,這是一種會讓你想睡的化學物質。青少年時期以前,孩童生理時鐘自然而然地引導他們在晚上八、九點間入睡。 After being unable to fall asleep until midnight and then getting up at 6a.m. for school, teens may find it hard not to want to sleep during class. Lack of sleep impairs memory, creativity and the ability to concentrate Without enough sleep, teen lose the ability to take in new information, and stress, depression, bad eating habits, and mood swings become worse. 午夜才能入睡,早上六點起床上學後,青少年不在課堂上昏昏欲睡是很難的。睡眠不足會損害記憶力、創造力和專注力。沒有足夠的睡眠,青少年會喪失吸收新知的能力,壓力、憂鬱、不良飲食習慣和情緒波動也會惡化。
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
【究竟學習怎樣的英文才是有用的!?】這是許多語文學習者的共同心聲。除了設定短期目標:報名英檢測驗,了解目前學習是否有需要加強文法概念或對於文化背景認知較薄弱?或單字的背誦過程需更系統化進行;中期進度更是需要藉由參加社團是出國旅遊實際體驗,修正自己口音或表達內容準確性和完整度;長期計畫是能從國際媒體中得知第一手消息,並在母語背景知識下,一併提升外語完整理解力和細節詮釋能力,讓學習語言從被動接受書面資料,變成主動搜尋各領域的場景和用字,再行深化認知和內化的艱辛但充滿驚喜與無比成就感的旅程。想必這樣各位同學在老師專欄都可以感受每一次的用心和多元主題帶來的幫助。認識語言全貌是很花功夫,但也更顯可貴。成功的路上從不擁擠,因為堅持的人不多。想必親愛讀者們有心想認識英文,才願意動動你的fingers,看看這個老師怎麼化你的英文能力為神奇。沒有任何捷徑,但持之以恆(Persistence),已經是學好語言的成功要件,你已經辦到了!所以不要只是Flip through翻翻而已,更要 Go through仔細看看內容,不要輕易說My English is through.(我的英文這科完蛋了!)哈哈,開開玩笑,也從簡單閱讀學到不少片語,AGAIN,你們都很棒喔! You are all on the right track, and please bear in mind that there's no shortcut learning English. 有一次BRIAN老師在早餐店(Breakfast Station)看到有讀者看著專欄哈哈大笑,當下其實職業病很重的我,很想請他大聲朗讀(Recite)喜歡的內容,希望藉由口說的記憶可以把喜歡的句子記起來,脫口而出就是好英文了!當時他桌上有帶著微脆口感的蛋餅(Omelet Roll)、濃郁料多快滿出來的廣東粥(Congee with Assorted Seafood and Veggies),還有一杯清甜的豆漿(Soy Bean Milk)在桌上,真是快活耶,也希望他知道這些如何英文要怎麼表達出來,謝謝我每個可愛的讀者,老師隨時會用可愛的微笑看著你讀英文喔!好像有點恐怖?好啦!娛樂大家之餘也要好好介紹英文的"NO MORE BABY ENGLISH"單元:不要老用小朋友的英文說話。在日常生活中,許多人都習慣用HAPPY來當做情緒固定用字,但在正式場合來有點掉漆,應該用Glad to meet you!遇到老闆想確認等等的會議內容,卻立刻說出" SCHEDULE"這個單字,讓長管以為你要問他私人行程,不僅很突兀也代表你對英文用字掌控與使用時機很不穩定,應該要說AGENDA,那才是讓主管一聽就懂的關鍵字!可別一廂情願又一頭熱去老闆說些不得體的BABY ENGLISH喔!所以來加強實力,邁向成熟說法,開口就加分的好機會盡在今天精彩專欄中!
: Wording Boot camp! 1.亨利在學校的田徑賽跑中弄傷了腳踝。 (動詞上的轉換,準確用字) (原句)Henry hurt his ankles in the school race contest. (修正)Henry injured his ankles in the school race contest. 2.父母有時會在公共場合大聲斥責不守規矩的小孩(動詞片語的活用和細膩度,可以達到不錯的寫作和口說效果,讓閱聽者能有畫面感受情緒張力) (原句)Parents might yell at their children who acted inapproriately in public venues. (修正) Parents might lash out on their children who acted inapproriately in public venues. 3.在現今的社會中,我們通常在處理人際關係上都會特別留意。(利用慣用語來當做點出主題關鑑字PEOPLE ISSUES,富有成熟英文底子的同學可以學習的!) (原句) In the modern society, we tend to be more careful in dealing with people issues. (修正) In the modern society, we tend to be more tactful when it comes to people issues. →When it comes to the peer pressure,……/ Speaking of a marrage,……/ As for the disposal of the stray animals…….都可以多加練習運用! 4.(超夯時事題:社會案件篇) 由於最近層出不窮的縱慾型殺人案,父母不禁對孩子的安危感到相當憂心。 (原句)Because of the recent spree killing cases, parents couldn't help but get anxious about safety of their children. (修正) Because of the recent spree killing cases ,children's safety has significantly concerned parents. Significant (a.) impact/ change in someone or something重大改變或意義 Wow, your hairstyle change is extremely significant. The meeting with the board seems significant due to recent economic recession. Requesting for a raise means a world to me and my family. But this act will significantly take a toll on my career. I gave them a good excuse to downsize the department and gave me a boot. 5.亞洲學生被迫要面對學業壓力。 (原句) Students in Asia are forced to face the academic pressure. (修正) Asian students appear vulnerable to great stress from the countless exams. 6. 喬治和莎莉之間的鬧劇是其來有自的! (原句)The unexpected divorce between George and Sally didn't happen at the snap of fingers. (修正)The unexpected divorce between George and Sally stemmed from some causes ( stem cell幹細胞) →We've been expecting your arrival我們都很期待你的到來! →We've heard a lot about you!我們久仰大名! 7.壓倒我們關係的最後一根稻草(在推特上封鎖他的原因)是即使我已經釋出善意,對方還是充滿敵意。show the gracious/ friendly gesture(釋出善意) (原句)The final reason for me to unfriend him on Twitter was his hostiltiy against everything I did though I had showed him nice gestures. (修正)The last straw for me to unfriend him on Twitter was his hostiltiy against everything I did though I had showed him nice gestures. 8. 不要只因為別人做錯一件事,就讓對方變成萬古罪人的機會。 (原句)Don't label a person just because he or she made a mistake. We all deserve a second chance.( label帶有刻板印象而對某人事物有的定論) (修正)Don't stigmatize a person only by his or her one-time wrongdoing. single out a person刻意孤立某人( stigma本為"污點"的涵意) marginalized people被邊緣化的人 :組合組語實力秒增時間 現在老師要示範是一般在做英文筆記時,最常見也最有用的方法,那就是把相關用語整理起來:運動類、飲食類、情緒表達、衣著鞋服,機場過境時等常見的場景用語。隨時可以活用,輕鬆愉快還能隨時補充新學習到的內容,或是分享筆記和讀書會的朋友定期討論自己的學習內容有哪裡要訂正和加強的,進步肯定十分神速也多了和朋友的話題,何樂而不為呢? 1. 延伸課程→Extensive Course EX.: After exposing myself to(接觸) the basic level of French lessons, I found it really intriguing(有趣的) and profound(深奧的) in not only its culture but also the elegant languages. And my advisor suggested that I take some extensive courses, such as speaking training sessions, and cultural understanding classes available at the center. I cannot wait to learn and see more about this beautiful, unique culture. 2. 密集課程→Intensive Course EX.: It's really common for Asian students to swarm into the cram schools for the big exams for College Entrance and they will receive intensive course for several subjects and be tested repeatedly, which will familiarize themselves with some key points the test places a great emphasis on. &臨時抱佛腳:cram for + N/ NP. 3. 速成課程班→Crash Course EX.: When it comes to crash course, it seemed quite stressful(充滿壓力的) and unlikely to achieve. Very few people(極少數人) would take crash course out of no reason: Some diplomats are required to take Spanish or other foreign language courses for future negotiations or talk on social occasions in order to show our concern and manners as guests, others could feel urged to(感到急迫性的) learn how to cook for family before moving to a new place or living under the same roof with their " Hard-to-pleased" parents-in-law after the marriage , and still others would spend only two weeks in a row during the summer break to learn some skills which normally take nearly half a year. Signing up for crash courses sounds quite time-saving.(省時的)→fuel-efficient省能源的 4. 主要菜餚→Main Dish EX.: As a well-educated diner, you are supposed to inquire if there's any particular dish the waiter might serve in season to cater to your need instead of giving him a hard time by being fussy during the whole meal. 5. 順其自然→Nature will take its own course. EX.: When Susan failed to reach her son for the whole night, her worries grew to be anxiety and she had kept walking back and forth in the door and looking over the window to check whether his park was on the driveway it should have been. " Nature will take its own course," said I as one of her best friends. There sometimes are things you cannot rush, right? He's a grown-up, and you should stop getting so panicked as a helicopter parent. You are smothering him with love.(妳的愛會讓他窒息!) <布萊恩老師人生座右銘時間Life Motto>: 每當聽到盪氣迴腸(MIND-BLOWING)交響樂作品,偶然讀到牽動思緒的鄉愁詩,或在閒聊時光時深入人心的話語,讓聽者能有心靈舒緩和精神得到久違的支持感!這時後可不能只是用老掉牙的NO PAIN, NO GAIN打發對方。最近很多學生剛好需要參加英文朗讀及即席演講相關的比賽,這時後肯定有"平時"不努力,"上台"獨傷悲了。所以平時累積的筆記和口說實力就見真章,英文學習努力的程度就立刻現形無所遁形。好好利用BRIAN老師整理的實用生活感觸且發人深省的好句子,寫在專用的英文筆記本上,記在你的長期記憶資料庫,這樣隨時就可以脫口而出好英文,不求人好英文就從現在開始囉! 1.Look on the bright side because the shadow is behind when we face the sunlight. 朝著人生的光明面看吧!因為面對陽光時,陰影即被甩在背後。 2.The cost of growing up is going through pains which make us realize how fortunate we are to have so much in hand. Never take things for granted. 成長的代價充滿苦痛的,藉此也了解我們慶幸能擁有許多珍貴人事物!千萬不要當做是理所當然! 3.I am fully convinced that they came to us for some causes. 我深信這些(生命中)發生的事情冥冥之中都有安排! 4. Persistence is the only quality leading on to success. 要成功就一定具備堅持不懈這項特質。 5.There's no excuses for procrastination and the only thing you earned from stealing some minutes is a trademark of " Not Trustworthy"! 凡事延宕拖延是無法合理化的!以為賺了那幾分鐘的空閒,但事實上給自己倒是多了一個"大無賴"的名號! 6. If you happen to be stuck in the Writer's Block, I need to say something to you" Living in self-pity is not enough, and you need to work HARDER." 如果你剛好有寫作上的瓶頸,我有點想法跟你說:「自怨自艾是不夠的,你得埋頭苦幹一番才是。」 7. Go easy on others, and your life will be easier. 放過別人就是放過自己。(原意:對他人寬容點,生活會比較好過些!) -
Kimmy and Kuku_A Kinmen Story Chapter I
Dear Community of Kinmen, We are a collective of Fulbright English Teaching Assistants inspired by this island. Our group includes Rebecca Lim (林芮), Andrea Hale (夏嘉蔚), Sam Jeong (鄭大鉉), Brett Burk (白瑞琪) and Ross Busch (比儒實).To share our experiences with you, we have decided to create a story series, "Kimmy and Kuku: A Kinmen Story," reflecting everything around us. We hope that you can enjoy these pieces with your friends and family and that through our imagination, we can share with you our perspectives about life on Kinmen. Sincerely, The Kinmen Collective ______________________________________________ Kimmy and Kuku: A Kinmen Story, Chapter I Kimmy was playing in the yard. She heard a little voice in the grass. Kimmy walked to the big tree. Kimmy was surprised! She found a baby bird under the tree! "What are you doing?" Kimmy asked the baby bird. "I'm learning how to fly and fell down," cried the baby bird." "Where are your parents?" Kimmy asked. "They went to the forest to find a new home." Kimmy was sad. Kimmy did not want the bird family to leave the big tree in her yard. "Why are they finding a new home?" "Because a man will cut down this big tree soon!" the baby bird cried.Kimmywanted to help the baby bird, but she didn't know what she could do. "I can talk to the man," said Kimmy. "Baby bird, can you tell me where he lives?』The baby bird flapped her wings. "I can't fly, but if you carry me up the tree, I can show you where the man lives!" Kimmy gently put the baby bird in her pocket and began to climb the tree. Up, up, up they went! When she reached the top of the tree, Kimmy put the bird back in her nest. "Thank you, Kimmy!" said the baby bird. "My name is Kuku! Look, you can see the whole town from up here!" Kimmy looked down. All the houses looked very small. She could see the mountains and the rivers, too."The house where the man lives has a red roof, a blue door, and green windows. Can you see it?" said Kuku as she flapped her wings. "A red roof, a blue door, and green windows…oh no!" Kimmy said. "That's MY house!" As Kimmy looked out over the houses below she felt sad."What can I do?" She asked Kuku. "My parents think I'm just a little girl, they don't know I can talk to animals!"Kuku looked up at Kimmy. "Just tell them about me," she chirped. "If they see that I am living here theywon't want to cut downmy home!" Kimmy looked back toward the town below her. She knew what she would have to do. Kimmy turned to Kuku and explained her plan. "When I return home later this evening, you can sing for them!Your melody will surely convince them that this tree is worth saving!" Kuku nodded as she yawned, "I hope so." Kuku's eyes closed as she fell asleep. The sun was setting and it was time for Kimmy to hurry home for dinner. "I'm home, mom! I'm home, dad!" Kimmy said as she opened the door. "Something smellsvery good," said Kuku, waking up. "Oh, it's my mom's pumpkin pie. It's sweet and very yummy," said Kimmy. "Who are you talking to, Kimmy?" Kimmy's mom asked from the kitchen. "What? Oh, no one," Kimmy said quickly. "Where's dad?" "Your father is in the living room," Kimmy's mom said."Go tell him you're home."Kimmy went into the living room. Kimmy's dad was sitting on the sofa. Next to him was a big axe. Kuku gasped. "That's the axe I saw the man with!" cried Kuku, looking scared and sad. Kimmy did not like seeing her friend scared and sad. Kimmy was angry. "Hello, dad," Kimmy said, standing in front of her dad. Kimmy's dad looked up. "Oh, hi Kimmy! How are you? How was your…" "No time for chit-chat. We have to talk." Kimmy reached into her pocket, took Kuku out, and held him in her hands. Kimmy's dad stared. "Hello!" chirped Kuku. Before Kimmy could talk, Kuku started singing a song that told the story of the one thousand year old tree where his family lived.The wind carried Kuku's song through the living room, the kitchen and out the window. Then, Kimmy's mom and dad started to sing. They walked into the rain and began to sing and dance in the street. As Kuku's song traveled, all the moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas came out of their houses and started to sing and dance to the same beautiful song. When the song ended, everyone was happy and went home to sleep. The townspeople who heard the song would wake up in morning with the song in their hearts and be happy. From that day on, no one could cut down the big trees where birds like Kuku lived and Kuku's home would be safe forever.
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
【從電影學英文】:Danish Girl(丹麥女孩)-I am entirely myself.(我是個完整的人了) 今天我們要從這個重要的跨時代跨性別的議題來一起學習英文。雖然是很深刻的議題也充滿的爭議性,但學著用英文去和朋友分享所學所聞,也是增進英文能力很重要的方法喔!學著用自己的母語去反省深思身邊的議題,不僅僅可以提升語文實力,更能幫助自己在思考英文的時候有不同的角度和感動呢!丹麥女孩(Danish Girl)-禁錮在軀體的靈魂,何時有機會尋回被認同的自我?震撼整個影壇的跨性別議題,雖然並非首次被搬上國際社會媒體討論,但這麼寫實地記錄一個傑出畫家Einar Wegener(Eddie Redmayne)從男性的角色中,喚醒內心早已經壓抑已久的女性靈魂。在面對社會現實的異樣眼光與未啟蒙的大時代環境下,加上已婚和大眾人物種種身分枷鎖,已經讓主角莉莉Lili Elbe(決定做回女性的本我的稱呼,偶然在友人探訪而以手中百合來命名)自我壓抑到極限,看似藉由變裝找回一點自己的本我,但卻也是另一種的束縛,因為這樣的身體並不是她所喜歡認同的。這部電影並非完全著眼在討論跨性別變性手術或是這一切是否由先天基因決定性取向或是後天環境觸發了某些內在的想法。更是個人對於人生有了全新體悟而走上的不同抉擇。 過程中,主角莉莉並非自私單純追尋自己的幸福生活,而斷然放棄自己現有的婚姻關係與伴侶。她也非常疑惑自己的抉擇是否正確?所以接受了妻子許多的放射性治療或身心科的諮詢等等,最後都被當作是精神病症來做治療,而非深入理解她的內心和過往的情感歷程,去當作一個重要的個案來處理與理解。許多的醫生都直搖頭,認為妻子應該把自己的衣櫃上鎖,不該縱容莉莉去惡化病情。甚至有一次莉莉隻身前往某權威身心科醫師診間,竟然發現在病歷上大大的寫著SCHIZOPHRENIC(精神分裂狀態),隨之而來就是大批的病院看護前來打算把她關起來,當作一般的病患對待,讓莉莉落荒而逃。這不單單是對所謂的科學世界極大的諷刺,也是對於人類世界對於未知的事物急於上標籤或排擠異己常有的陋習,打了一記耳光。 其實,即使現在科學或生物科技僅從基因排列或染色體樣態去做大批數據排列統計,而精神科權威多從現有理論去套用案例,很難有全面性而且不受質疑的推論。簡單來說,這一切都大眾來說都還是未知的謎題!但我們可以給的是更多的尊重和包容,能更多的討論以及結合更多專業領域去深入探討,可以消弭更多歧視,增加更多理性對話的空間,擁抱不同選擇的多元文化。 台中一中(男變女)曾愷芯老師選擇自己「想」過的生活,而不是「應該」過的生活,並在媒體公開訪問時,這不是一件好事嗎?是的,有時候個人的選擇不應該被汙名化,如果你看過這部電影,你會了解當初莉莉經歷了許多心理、生理的掙扎和非常人能忍受的苦痛,也要讓自己女性的角色得到完整的身分和自在的作回屬於自己的模樣。莉莉在童年時期早已因為怕被排擠和異樣眼光,無法理解為什麼自己會有想當女生的衝動,又在初次和男生有了親密接觸時,讓父親震怒不已,也沒有任何人可以談及內心的混亂,更找不到情感上的出口,交織矛盾與自我否認而無法找到生命的出路,只能不斷在畫作中勾勒出童年家鄉的樹林與清澈的湖泊,因為深怕自己真的被傳統價值觀淹沒了真我,走上了一條不屬於自己的道路。影片隨著那纏繞莉莉美麗身影的絲巾,被一陣強風颳走而飄盪在山谷間,好似在無限高歌生命也像在低聲泣訴充滿折磨的人生。是阿!最後生命會自己找到出口,莉莉的靈魂也在最後找到自由,在這輩子最重要的兩個人陪伴中辭世。I am entirely myself這句話花了她大半輩子去追尋,即使要失去生命也在所不惜,或許你我可以捫心自問,要有多強的動機才能夠去承受這些極大的疼痛和割捨甚至失去原本的生活?或許對於這樣的抉擇就不會只是謾罵或是指責了!倘若大眾能有更多的理解和尊重溝通,莉莉的生命旅程將會更有意義,也可以對於先天被賦予的性別身分有不同想法的朋友,能有機會在更專業與更多人性關懷的環境下,創造屬於自己的幸福人生。 《必學重點單字表達》 1. transgender surgery變性手術 " Lili Elbe is not only an inspiration for bravery but also an pioneer for transgender movements."(莉莉不僅僅賦與人們更多勇氣,更是跨性別運動重要的先驅者。) 2. trap(v.)掉入陷阱(n.)圈套→tricky(a.)狡詐的,用在生活中可能很難解的議題或是考試中出現很令人水深火熱的題目,都可以說:That's tricky! EX.: Through excruciating struggles with the reality, Lili Elbe came to realize that her soul was trapped in a male body. That's not her and it's really put her in self-denial for long.(與現實的碰撞和苦痛的掙扎,莉莉驚覺自己的身體被困在男性的軀體中。這並不是真正的她,因此也讓她活在自我否定的世界中。) 3. sexual discrimination 性別歧視V.S. sexual orientation性別取向 EX.: Human society is no stranger to sexual discrimination, especially in male-oriented communities or tribes. The glass ceiling at workplace treated women unfairly and offered them fewer chances for high-end positions with some concerns that they might switch their focus from the career to the family life instead.(特別在以男性為主社會或部落中,性別歧視隨處可見。在職場的女性升遷侷限讓女性工作者沒有得到合理的對待,也因為雇主擔心之後她們將重心從職場放回家庭生活,而提供較少的高階工作職缺給她們。) *請同學特別注意: orientation,這個單字的源頭是orient以…為導向。而在進入新環境時,學生往往需要orientation,有資深的學長姐或校方導覽人員進行『新生座談』;而在職場裡,許多菜鳥也需要orientation,快速熟悉作業流程或是公司各單位處室所在位置和相關守則規範,所以這類的『職前座談』也是很常見的。 另外常提到這個人很沒方向感就可以說:She is completely disoriented when heading to a new place(前往新的地點時,她老搞不清楚東西南北。= She has a poor sense of direction.(她方向感極差無比) 4. puzzle(n.)謎題;拼圖(v.)使…迷惑不解→piece together the fact拼湊真相 EX.: Whether transgender surgery has been officially authorized, it is apparently costly and risky to receive such an invasive operation, leading to hemorrhage and some complications afterwards.(不論變性手術是否被官方單位所認同,這很明顯地是所費不貲而且去進行這樣侵入性的手術是相當危險的,很有可能會大量出血或是引發不同併發症。) 5. schizophrenia (n.)精神分裂 EX.: Based on medical documents, schizophrenia tends to run in the family and it could attack you without early signs of warning. It's full of variables and unpredictability for many. Patients who are inflicted with such disease might suffer from delusive hearing or some hallucinations to a different extent.(在醫學文獻中,精神分裂在家族遺傳中常見,而且有時候並沒有明顯的早期徵兆。對大多數人來說,這是充滿許多變數和不確定性的病症。長期受苦於此的病患總被不同程度的幻聽或幻覺糾纏不已。)*補充:bipolar personality躁鬱性人格→depression憂鬱症 【英檢高分通關:慣用語單元整理】 Collocation Challenge: Please fill in the blanks with correct "Verbs" 超重要五顆星: 各種關於"更改"的說法及表達語 1. ____ the appointment due to the delayed flight of our clients 因為客戶班機延遲的緣故,將取消原訂事宜。 2. ____ the meeting until the president made it to the conference 會議將會延宕到董事長趕到才會開始 3. ____ the lease contract when the tenant failed to comply with the terms both agree upon.當房客未盡履約責任時,(房東)可以依合約內容向對方解約。 4. ____ your perspectives might lead to a different surprise and spark more innovative ideas.改變想法可以有不同的驚喜和激起創意的火花 5. With all numerous details there, the training sessions were therefore ____.因為細節繁多,因而延長訓練課程 6. Owing to the unexpected storm, the opening day of Four Season Hotel in Denmark will be _____ then.意外的暴風雨,丹麥的四季飯店將會延後正式開幕大會。 Answer Keys: Correct Verbs on different occasions 1. cancel the appointment due to the delayed flight of our clients 2. postpone the meeting until the president made it to the conference 3. invalidate the lease contract when the tenant failed to comply with 4. shift your perspectives might lead to a different surprise and spark more innovative ideas. 5. With all numerous details there, the training sessions were therefore prolonged 6. Owing to the unexpected storm, the opening day of Four Season Hotel in Denmark will be rescheduled then. &特別注意文法點: 通常使用[arrange a meeting] for someone,來表達替某人安排一場會議;然而我們很容易用中文母語的思維說出[arrange a person]來表達安排某些人員從事什麼事情,但 arrange是不能接"人"的特殊動詞。所以可以用"安排一場親職座談餐會" ARRANGE a banquet for the teacher-parent association. 【翻譯練習時間】Daily Sentences中文解釋下期揭曉喔 A. You shouldn't take her sacrifices for granted. B. It is high time that she were about to return home before too late. C. Memories of the past flooded into my brain. D. Persistence is the only quality leading one to success. E. Your attitude, not aptitude, determines your altitude. F. Reading some books can generate more inspirations and guide you to different choices. G. You are advised to see a doctor because you've been coughing so bad. H. ( At the clinic)What seems to be the problem today, Ms. Chen? I. Yes, I am all ears. Just fire away and don't hang me in suspense!J. You should walk the walk and talk the talk. K. Hope is always there and the only thing you should do is chin up and perk up.
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
大家最近學習英文進度如何呢?相信大家不分陰晴都是努力學習,突然很想高歌"Because when the sun shines, we'll shine together. Told you I'll be here foreverSaid I'll always be your friend. Took an oath, I'ma stick it out to the end."是雨傘天后蕾哈娜的名曲之一Umbrella。把英文歌曲朗朗上口,也可以讓你的外國友人讓你產生更多連結,對於許多話題也省略許多解釋,短時間內可以拉近彼此的距離,才不會用來跑來告訴老師,怎麼我們都不知道聊什麼!從國外音樂、電視影集,或是國際時事相關話題都可以拿出來用英文分享自己的想法,抓住關鍵字,不用擔心自己的文法是否完全正確,畢竟即使是母語人士都不見得會用完美的文法,重點在觀念的溝通和想法的交換為主,而且從傾聽對方的回答,自己也可以學習更道地的說法,把自己原本繁複的觀念用更簡潔有力的方法說出來!平時在觀看收聽電視談話廣播節目或是看電影影集中,可以準備屬於自己的英文學習小本子,記錄不錯的英文佳句,如同上期的丹麥女孩內容班延伸;重要用字用樹狀圖的概念,把大範圍的觀念整理起來,比如: 交通工具"Transportation"→Public Transportation"公共運輸工具"→Vehicles(各式車輛)→exhaust from vehicles車輛排放的廢氣→(句子)Most commuters prefer taking public transportations to and back from work.(大多通勤族偏好搭乘公共輸運工具上下班。) 而且對於英文也是在充電準備中,在關鍵的時候可以表現出自己的國際競爭力吧!工作面試或是交際溝通的場合,口說英文一直都是最重要也常被亞洲學生當作頭號敵人的項目。因為並非自己的母語,變成每每要說出口都要先在腦裡中進行翻譯,然後最後再想想文法合不合理(Make sense),才敢真正說出口。坦白說,對方可能早就跑遠了,你還在想到底要不要加ING或是ED呢!Familiarity really matters. 如同Brian老師提醒大家,學習英文一定要從句子的概念開始,光背一個單字對於聽力閱讀或是口說寫作幫助實在有限,而且顯得非常的零碎。大家都很喜歡在大眾交通工具上看英文單字書,公車上晃阿晃或是火車上搖阿搖,老師都忍不住想過去告訴她(他)說:"你都不張開嘴巴念,要是有機會說英文,到時候真的說得出口嗎?"沒錯!從例句下手就沒錯,即使是最簡單的Please hold the door for me!(請不要關電梯門;幫我撐一下大門);或是There's no shortcut learning English(學習英文是沒有捷徑的!)都是積少成多。上一期提到What seems to be the problems?是醫生看診常用句』你哪裡感覺不舒服呢?』如果直譯,反而會讓人家感覺很奇怪,或是根本不知道想表達的情形。因為problem在英文中是指"嚴重的狀況或錯誤",所以受過良好教育的母語人士會避免直接使用這個字眼,而是用issue這個成熟的中性字,表達目前有些狀況: 1. delicate issue敏感的議題→delicate cuisines精緻的菜餚 2. get issues with someone和某人有紛爭→at odds with與某人有過節 3. issue the credit card發行信用卡→issuer發行公司→card holder持卡人 4. issue the currency發行貨幣→currency exchange兌換貨幣→exchange rate匯差 5. the new issue(of publications)新一季(出版品)→Big Issue大誌(來自英國政府輔助遊民的德政,藉由向政府購滿雜誌,販賣賺差價來換取工作機會,也因此能夠來幫助失業者重新有自食其力的機會) 而且跟自己生活圈越有關係的用語,記憶才會長久,才會更感到實用和增加說英文的自信心!Taiwanese tend to be shy of speaking English.(台灣人通常比較羞於說英文),所以要多多練習朗讀或是自我對話,可以把自己的心情說出來,或是在咖啡廳把周邊的環境試著用英文表達出來,可以提醒自己的單字和片語相關用語不足之處,好好充實,才可以讓英文突飛猛進,Make Great Progress! 又到了每一次同學們最期待的整理測驗單元,可以快速檢測同學的英文體質是否有均衡飲食,快速針對大家關心的英文專業檢定和生活實用英文來著手,一定可以讓大家在短時間內,不花太多力氣,卻有滿滿的收穫和相關的知識學習喔。 《各種『弄壞』的說法》你都知道了嗎?測驗開始! 1. ___the facilities at the amusement park破壞遊樂園的公物 2. ___our plan going camping this weekend讓周末露營的計畫泡湯 3. ___the building to the ground把大樓整個拆除掉 4. ___the relationship between Henry and his girlfriend介入亨利和女友間的關係 5. ___ Sally's life by spreading the rumors at the workplace藉由在職場散播謠言來揮了莎莉的人生 6. ___the movie plot before others go watch the film別人去看電影前就去透露劇情 7. ___ the reputation of Happy Fruit Company毀了快樂水果工廠的名聲 8. ___ the current project we've worked for long since 2011從中破壞我們從2011年就開始投入的計畫案 (Answer Keys) 1. vandalize the facilities at the amusement park(vandalism n.破壞公物) 2. dampen our plan going camping this weekend(damp v.使朝詩) 3. demolish/ tear the building to the ground 4. intervene the relationship between Henry and his girlfriend 5. ruin Sally's life by spreading the rumors at the workplace 6. spoil the movie plot before others go watch the film 7. tarnish the reputation of Happy Fruit Company 8. undermine/sabotage the current project we」ve worked for long since 2011 每次檢視完,不要太執著在自己錯了幾次,重點是要把相關的內容都複習熟練,這樣才有達到學習的效果喔!以後再翻閱其他的書刊或是相關表達的資料時,就會更有共鳴,學習才可以得到更多樂趣和自我肯定呢!Feeling defeated in learning something happened in different stages of life. 【翻譯練習時間解答】Daily Sentences中文解釋下期揭曉喔 A. You shouldn't take her sacrifices for granted.你不該把她的付出當作理所當然。take…for granted把…視為理所當然;有不知感恩的意思 B. It is high time that she were about to return home before too late.現在正是她回家的時候了,不然可真是太晚了。文法點:It is (high/very/right) time that S + 過去式動詞(如were) C. Memories of the past flooded into my brain.記憶突然湧現心頭。flood(n.)洪水(v.)湧入→the flood of tourists如潮水般的觀光客 D. Persistence is the only quality leading one to success.quality品質;(人)特質→Quality outweighs quantity.重質不重量要成功的唯一特質就是要堅持不懈。 E. Your attitude, not aptitude, determines your altitude.你的態度決定你的高度,而不是天資。 F. Reading some books can generate more inspirations and guide you to different choices.閱讀書籍可以產生許多靈感而且帶領你走向更多選擇性。 G. You are advised to see a doctor because you've been coughing so bad.強調用語:The child wants the toy so bad!這孩子非常想到那個玩具!I miss you so bad!我真的好想你喔!你這陣子咳得很嚴重,我建議你去看看醫生。 H. ( At the clinic)What seems to be the problem today, Ms. Chen?(在診間)陳小姐,今天哪裡有不舒服嗎?*超重要實用句 I. Yes, I am all ears. Just fire away and don't hang me in suspense!是!我洗耳恭聽。你就直接說吧,別在那邊賣關子了! J. You should walk the walk and talk the talk. 你應該要言必行,信必果。 walk(v.)行走(n.)舉止=behavior/conduct/demeanor;talk(v.)談話(n.)words言談 K. Hope is always there and the only thing you should do is chin up and perk up.總是會有希望的,你現在所需要的就是抬頭挺胸和振作起來! perk(v.)鼓舞(n.)獎勵獎金V.S. dividend紅利(從數學中的divide『除開』的概念來記憶)→員工旅遊incentive trip 最近許多同學都非常喜歡觀看VoiceTube上的短片,短則兩分鐘,長則15到20分鐘都有,話題趣味多元而且有各國口音來讓觀賞者可以熟悉不同腔調,這樣能夠幫助許多跨國企業擔任業務朋友,讓準備國際多益考試或留學考試托福雅思朋友有更多機會不用出國就能聆聽各種素材。學習英文非難事,但要持之以恆,而且要有習慣使用的資訊來源,電腦或手機首頁轉成國際英文網或是學習APP的內容記錄,都可以有效率地讓英文成為一部分。這樣可以讓學習英文變得相當有趣呼吸間都是英文,隨著時間久了,就不會感受到學習英文是件苦差事,而是真正落實在生活像吃飯喝水般自然了! Passport Check【護照查驗檯】Travel In English旅遊實用句一點通 1. Do you carry any perishables?你有攜帶任何的易腐品(蔬菜水果肉品等)嗎? 2. What's the purpose of your visit?您來訪的目的為何? 3. Where are you going to stay in London?你會在倫敦哪裡落腳? 4. Are there any friends or relatives in the states?在美國你有任何親友嗎? 5. How much cash do you have for the trip?|這次旅程有帶多少現金呢? 6. When's your departure date?離境的時間為何? 7. Please present me the return ticket and the passport!請出示回程票券和護照 8. You look intoxicated now. It's not proper for you to board the plane now. We」ll make another arrangement for the flight you can catch later.你看起來有酒醉的樣子,現在你的狀態不適合登機喔!我們會為你安排下一班最近的班機! 9. Please don't leave your luggage unattended.請不要把行李丟著無人看管! 10. Your passport is not valid for us.你的護照失效了! 11. We have to confiscate your liquors which exceed the volume allowance.我們必須要沒收你的超量的酒類飲品。 12. Inadequate-Packaging items is not attributable to the airline.未能包裝完整的托運行李公司一概不負責。 13. The Baggage Claim is on your right hand.行李提領處在你的右手處。 14. Please take off your cap and remove the sunglasses.請脫帽和把太陽眼鏡拿下來。 15. Are you aware that the budget airlines reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the flights for which passengers should not file lawsuits against?你自己注意到廉價航空有權力取消或重新安排班機,而乘客不能因此提出法律訴訟對抗之? 16. Taiwanese passport holders can travel in most countries in Europe without travel visas.台灣護照持有者在歐洲多數國家免旅遊簽證。
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Holidays in Kinmen(II)
Are You Coming Home by Rebecca Lim "Are you coming home for the holidays?" Each time I answered "no"-to a relative, an old friend, a curious acquaintance-it became more and more real that I would not be with my family for Christmas, and I felt increasingly sad about spending the holidays away from home. Christmas is more than just a day-it's a feeling. I love the toasty smell of firewood in the cold night air, the sight of neighborhoods draped in strings of lights and candles glowing from within cookie scented homes. For me, Christmas is about quality time with loved ones, who look forward to coming together from all parts of the world to be together to celebrate and make memories. It's about appreciating the past year and reflecting on both the blessings and the hardships. And it's about Jesus Christ, the original reason for the season. This year, even as I knew that December 25th was approaching, I struggled to feel the joy and anticipation that I usually do during the holidays. Though I had mentally prepared myself for the inevitable change of scenery in Kinmen, I still underestimated how much I would miss the traditions I had taken for granted my whole life. In order to try and create a the sense of Christmas I longed for in Kinmen, I listened to Christmas music, decorated my apartment with a little tree, watched a Christmas movie, and even participated in a gift exchange. I spent several classes teaching my students about Christmas, making Christmas crafts, singing Christmas songs, and playing Christmas games. On Christmas Eve, a couple friends and I performed three songs at the National Quemoy University Christmas show, which was my first time singing publicly anywhere. We sat under a beautiful Christmas tree, dozens of dazzling lights, and the gaze of a very gracious audience. I felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and was reminded of the immense number of experiences I have only had because I am living here in Kinmen. That night, I reflected on Christmas and all the different ways I celebrated it this year. I realized that in trying to explain what Christmas means to me to my students in Kinmen, I had actually done more Christmas activities and shared the Christmas spirit with more people than I had ever done in any given year before coming to Taiwan. To be sure, Christmas in Kinmen does not feel exactly the same as Christmas in Virginia. But in many ways, it is better. Next year, I will miss cutting paper snowflakes and constructing gingerbread houses with my adorable and talented students, decorating cookies and exchanging gifts with my fellow ETAs, and learning more about Christmas by seeing it through others' eyes. As 2016 approaches, I'm excited to share my New Year's traditions with my students, and am even more excited to learn about how they celebrate. Looking back on the past year, and even just the past few months, I'm in awe of how much I've learned and how far I've come. There are so many reasons to be joyful, thankful, and hopeful. Happy Holidays, everyone! Christmas in Kinmen by Ross Busch On December 25th, I celebrated Christmas without my family for the first time. I felt a little uncomfortable, and a little homesick. Never before in my life had I been asked to work during the holidays, and I wasn't quite sure how I was going to manage my responsibility to plan Christmas events for my students as well as my responsibility to celebrate with my family. I was expecting to work through a week of stressful Christmas plans and performances, while never actually having the opportunity to relax and appreciate one of my favorite holidays. Thankfully, the week of December 25th was filled with Christmas cheer and storybook surprises. I will share one of those surprises with you below… On Wednesday the 23rd, Jhuohuan Elementary School held its annual Christmas party. That day also happened to be the last day of service for one of our great tidayis, Yuming. In preparation for the party I dressed up as Santa Claus to add to the Christmas atmosphere of our party. As a surprise, our school also gifted Yuming a Santa outfit for his "retirement from service" celebration. After Yuming reluctantly put on the overly large red pants, the goofy red hat, and plastic belt, we were ready to celebrate. Instead, our fellow teachers and tidayis demanded that we go to 7-11 and film ourselves buying a few things. They figured it would be funny, and we figured the same! While walking along the quiet roads of Small Kinmen we encountered a few fellow teachers, and some local bulls. It was only after our picture that we realized wearing red in front of a bull was not the smartest decision... Then, Donglin, the largest village on Small Kinmen, erupted with the sound of our Zhuren's voice on the public loudspeaker. She explained, "there are two Santa Clauses walking to 7-11! All kids and parents should meet them there for candy!" It was only a matter of time before the streets were filled with our students, their parents, and grandparents. Bike wheels were screeching, cars were stopping, and kids were yelling! By the time we arrived, 7-11 was packed with people and a crowd had gathered in front of the building. Yuming and I bought a bunch of candy with the help of a few other teachers and we threw the chocolate and lollipops into the crowd. Together, we took pictures with babies and adults alike. When we ran out of candy we simply broke into song (Jingle Bells) until more candy arrived. We continued to toss candy into the crowd until there was simply none left to give. Yuming and I wished everyone a merry Christmas and laughed all the way back to Jhuohuan. My family has always stressed the importance of "giving" on Christmas. We "give" our time to each other, we "give" gifts, and we "give" as volunteers. For us, Christmas was never about the gifts we received, but always about who could "give" the most. While celebrating Christmas on Small Kinmen I was able to experience the pure joy that comes from "giving." Although I was not able to celebrate Christmas with my family, I was able to give help make Christmas come alive for so many of my students and their families. To have had this opportunity to give so much to others means more to me than any gift I have ever received. I am thankful for the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in Kinmen and I will always remember the first time I played Santa Claus on Small Kinmen. I will be telling this story for a long time. My Holiday Season by Sam Jeong Growing up in Korea, exchanging presents on Christmas Day was never much of a family tradition for me. One Christmas morning in second grade, I remember waking up to find a pair of gloves by my feet and being supremely disappointed that Santa, out of all other gifts, had to pick gloves for me. I think I voluntarily stopped believing in Santa after that Christmas. Something that my family did do as a tradition nearing the New Year was sharing prayer requests for the following year. I always scribbled down my requests on a fresh sheet of white paper with a pencil. One year, I remember praying for a puppy, a trip to Africa, and for my grandmother to live until 500 years old. Maybe my prayer requests acted as Christmas lists, but I still remember what it is like to sit around my living room sipping hot milk, listening to each of my family members list off their prayer requests. It was fun, it was intimate, and it was where I first felt what being a family means. It was odd spending December in Kinmen. No biting cold, no glittering lights everywhere, no giant Christmas sale posters; no conventional preparations for a Western holiday season. But I asked my students what two things they liked most about the holiday season, and the resounding answers were: eating candy and spending time with family. I probably would have said the same thing. On Christmas, the entire school danced. From my little first graders to goofy sixth graders, it was wonderful to witness the entire 古城國小 student body come together, and even more wonderful to see the proud smiles from the parents and grandparents who came to see their 小朋友 perform. This Christmas season, I have been mulling over the idea of home and family. Since moving to the States in middle school, I have seldom gone back home to Korea for Christmas, and the five of us being together in one place has become a rarity. But once the end of the year approaches, I find myself looking for a white sheet of printer paper and a pencil and writing down my prayer requests for the next year. This year, I am praying for a puppy, a trip to Afr… no, no. I am asking for my grandmother's health, for my mom's health, for a nephew or a niece, a peace of mind as I search for jobs, and the ability for me to really love my students at 古城國小and be the best teacher I can be until the end of my time here. Perhaps you do not necessarily need to be physically at home to be home. Perhaps all you need is a paper, a pencil, a cup of hot milk, and sounds of memories from long ago. And speaking of family, my fellow Fulbright ETAs has served that role for me this year. It is hard to believe that we met as complete strangers in August, and are now greeting the New Year together as great friends. We tease each other, get mad, laugh, play games, eat inordinate amounts of food, give each other rides, and are there for each other, as siblings would be. Sure, some may argue that we are just friends, but I argue that living in Kinmen and the amount of dependability that our relationship necessitates allows you to find "siblinghood" in a friendship-Friendblings! This week, I am headed to Taipei for the New Year's Eve firework show at Taipei 101. I will be welcoming the New Year with some friendblings. I cannot wait to see what next year brings. A Happy New Year to all! (本文由學術交流基金會外師群撰寫)
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Holidays in Kinmen(I)
Christmas in July by Andrea Hale Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus, Snowmen, the Gingerbread Man and The Grinch. I sat at my desk in Jinsha Elementary School trying to think of different symbols of Christmas. The after the Director of Academic Affairs had approached me hoping that I could help the school put on a Christmas event. Most of the kids at school had heard of Christmas and already knew many traditional songs from previous years of schooling and foreign teachers. For the last couple of weeks, my English classes have taken on a different sort of character: instead of memorizing vocabulary and sentence structures, students have been using English to sing songs and explore different cultural traditions through stories. I prepared lessons on, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," or "The Gingerbread Man." I had barely known these stories or their details beforehand and found myself relearning a Christmas tradition that I had not fully understand nor had I fully explored myself growing up in the United States. On December 24th, all the kids at school dressed up and filed into the gym, watching performances and preparing themselves for their own. After a morning of dancing, singing and candy, the students went back to classes. I thought to myself afterwards that perhaps I should be an elementary school dance teacher, if such a job existed. I had a lot of fun helping the kids learn to sing and dance. Through preparation for the Christmas event, I was able to bond with many students through artistic forms of personal expression that are not always used or practical in a typical classroom setting. The Christmas time preparations have made me question traditional styles of teaching and how different methods of teaching can be creatively introduced in teaching. Out of the many Christmas songs, my main teaching objective emerged renewed and refortified: to inspire students' curiosity of the learning process so that they can find motivation in the face of anything new and different. While I set forth relatively simple images of what holidays in the United States are like in Elementary school, I also confront the question: "What do the holidays mean to me?" I find that the ways in which people celebrate the holidays are diverse and varied. For example, in the United States some of the most popular holidays are Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Years. To answer this question I turned to some family and friends and asked them what the holidays mean to them. Here are some of their responses: #1: "We celebrate Christmas and Christmas Eve for the birth of Jesus. To remember that the Kings brought Jesus presents-that's why we give our kids presents. It means family union." #2: "A way to relive older traditions. So that the kids don't lose this excitement and it's not lost to business interests and consumerism. So that they can have a feeling of something that they have learned from their parents." #3: "The holidays are a hypocrisy. I feel like it's a space that the system has made where people can get together but they don't stop being consumerist events. Maybe they began as heartfelt events but they have turned into stress and worrying about expenses. There are beautiful moments but there isn't the feeling of excitement like there was when I was younger. The holidays have lost a lot of feeling." #4: "The holiday season means that, it's a family get together. That's the important thing for me. It's a family gathering to celebrate occasions, an opportunity for the family to get together to share stories and to relax. It's important because family is the most important factor in life. I have certain expectations that my family will get together to be with each other. You can't expect other friends and relatives to be with you all the time where as you can expect your family to come together. If I could wish for something it would be that everyone will come back home and be together during Christmas and New Year's Eve." These responses reflect different cultural backgrounds and practices and the complexity of where human imagination meets human reality. But perhaps my favorite response was my mother's when we talked about Christmas and presents. I told her, "I didn't know if I should send anything." She said, "Of course not. We did not send you anything. We will celebrate Christmas in July. We will keep your presents wrapped here." I look forward to bringing my family lots of presents from Kinmen and celebrating Christmas in July. It will be a first. Can Santa Claus Read Chinese? by Brett Burk I was five years old when I found Christmas presents under the stairs labeled "To: Brett// From: Santa Claus." Instead of confronting my grandparents about my discovery, I chose to remain silent. I feared that if I told them I knew Santa wasn't real, they wouldn't let me have the Christmas presents. As a result, at home, I pretended to believe in Santa Claus. However, school was a different story. "Santa's not real," I told anyone who would listen. Some kids reacted with curiosity, but for the most part they reacted with anger and disbelief. Many of my students have approached me to both ask and confirm Santa Claus's existence. I never quite know how to respond to their questions. "Can Santa Claus read Chinese?" a student asked as she was writing her Christmas wish list in English. "I think he probably can," I replied. Another instance with three first graders at lunch left me speechless as they all agreed, with certainty, that Santa lives in Finland and doesn't come to Kinmen because it's too far away. While I can no longer confirm or deny Santa's existence here or anywhere else on Earth, Santa's presupposed existence undoubtedly sparks imaginations around the globe. The question "What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?" leaves room for unbounded possibilities while "What do you want your parents to buy you for Christmas?" doesn't seem nearly as fantastic. Santa's scope of gift giving isn't limited by a price range or practicality like that of parents. Santa has the latent ability to bring nice kids around the world ponies, monster trucks, and millions of dollars while most parents can at most manage a puppy, a toy car, and some spending money. My younger students easily came up with ideas for a wish list to Santa. But with older students, I had to change the prompt from "What do you want Santa to bring you for Christmas?" to "If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?" a rather daunting question. However, when you add "Santa", the question seems less daunting and more exciting. Santa has the perceived power to bring tangible objects like toys and candy but not good grades and future career goals. The fun part of Christmas is the creativity involved in giving and receiving thoughtful tangible gifts that in turn bring about higher order gifts like love and friendship. Santa Claus is merely the means of establishing the meaningful giving and receiving dynamic that brings brings friends, families, and complete strangers together for the holiday season. This Christmas, I participated in a Secret Santa gift exchange where I was assigned a friend for whom to buy a present, and somebody else involved in the game received my name. While I did not know exactly what the person who's name I was assigned wanted, I spent a lot of time thinking about the person and shopping for potential Christmas presents, imagining the person's excitement as they opened each prospective gift. I felt much closer to this person after spending so much time thinking about the perfect gift to give them. After I figured out that Santa Claus wasn't real, I thought more about what I was writing on my wish lists. I wanted to write down gifts that I knew my family members could afford and resultantly the imagination I channeled into my wishlist disappeared. For children, the fun of Christmas lies in dreaming up the most fantastic gifts and believing in the fun tales surrounding Santa Claus. But for adults, the creativity lies in the process of thinking up the perfect gift. So even though the fat magical man living in the North Pole may not be real (for all of us), he is the means to facilitate a creative, meaningful gift-giving holiday season.
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
1.今天你筆記了嗎?Take Notes of Your Encounters 【Make it a Routine to Pen Down Feelings小筆記大收穫】許多成功的企業家 (Entrepreneur,還記得知名電影"救救菜英文"的印度婦女在語言學校讓老師鼓勵 自己,做小甜點也是可以當生意人,是值得被肯定的!)隨身帶著口袋筆記冊 子,可以把重要內容快速瀏覽,並把可貴靈感立刻記錄下來→這就是Scan & Skim的基本閱讀技巧,快速閱覽內容並找到重點;這也是著名奇幻小說〈哈利 波特〉系列作品作者羅琳習慣汲取點子的方法,隨時有個自己的小本子jot down下來不錯的心得或學習的反饋內容,不僅僅可以檢視自己生活細節和發 現過去沒查覺的感動,也注意到自己遣詞用字。更用心的讀者們還可以順便把 支出消費(expenses)放上去,就是本簡易手帳和學習心得本,可是一舉數得呢 ! 【Recount What You've Absorbed回憶所學點滴】老師自己也很習慣在看完一本 書或是讀完一本雜誌,會回想剛剛看到了什麼印象深刻的內容,訓練腦部組織 知識的能力並篩選出重點記憶,記錄下來。凡遇機會分享或是遇到類似的話題 都可以侃侃而談。這樣印象更深刻,與腦中既存內容有更強烈的連結!現在許 多學生們紛紛都報名升學寫作班,對很多歐美國家學者或教師來說是很不可置 信的!生活的靈感不僅僅是從課堂上獲得,更是從資料中,自己發現與往常不 同的見解而有如獲至寶的喜悅;或是從體驗活動中發現自己在團體中有著獨立 作業、壓力調適、領導能力或是觀察他人互動的能力培養。這些都是在過程中 一點一滴去讓自己成長,而不是用填鴨式的方法來讓小孩背誦佳文,甚至還有 張冠李戴之嫌,最後落個拾人牙慧,反而寫出的文章只是個剪貼簿。 2.怎麼從零碎的筆記增進英文呢?Recollect Information from scratch 一趟旅程或是一場電影能帶給我們不同的感動,要怎麼做記錄呢? ★電視頻道中主角間對話,甚至英文新聞的標題,都能成為不錯的素材。然後 提醒自己要註明時間、節目名稱(流行類和社會檔案分開)、中英文解釋都可以 寫上去,等有空閒的時候可以查相關用法或是有無其他延伸意義,都可以記錄 下來。以下是老師的舉例,大家可以自己發想出更多有趣的記錄方法! Date: April 1st , 2020(2020年四月一號) Material: Fashion Stylist(流行造型師) A. That's really a big statement.這件衣服太誇張了! B. That's outlandish.這真的很特別!(破天荒的嘗試) C. Beautiful venues, stunning, it's a great willing show.這裡的場地好美,這場走秀 真的棒極了! D. The color almost eats the model. 這款顏色強烈到都照片失焦了(模特兒不需直譯出來) E. I could tell how much your audience loved it!妳的粉絲真的愛死你的設計 &不用太擔心是否是完整的文法,對話的內容以重點字為主! &相關的說法,同學可以自己補充在筆記小冊的旁邊或下方: statement除了有宣示某種態度,在生活場景也有"銀行明細表"的意思,或是某 個人的說法,所以想合理化自己的說法:She tried to justify her statements. ★運動時可以做英文筆記?Jot Down Your Thoughts While doing exercises? 其實很多同學看到這個開頭,大概都會想:「真的不會從跑步機上摔下來嗎? 」、「天啊!該不是邊游蝶式還要邊說話吧,這可不喝了一肚子水?」其實, 在用著全身肌肉神經和各關節的協調時候,腦子是很放鬆也很自由的,所以思 考上也更加能集中也更深刻地從腦中ARCHIVE調出已往的檔案內容了。以下 就是老師所示範在跑步機上快累的要死的瞬間,在心裡寫下的內容,並鼓舞了 自己身邊很多的朋友們; How often do you bring duffels to hit the gym and greet those familiar faces at the fitness center near your place? Perhaps the memory of you getting some sweat became really vague but it's really vital for me to refresh and look vibrant after all the training.平均多久一次你會提著圓筒包去住家附近的健身中心,和那些熟面孔 話家常呢?或許上次你運動到滿頭大汗的記憶已經很模糊了,但對於我來說, 在這些訓練課程之後,真的感受整個人煥然一新又活力充沛呢! As usual, I carried out my exercise routines in the afternoon when some work got accomplished and it's my way of catching some breath in a packed schedule. The process of jogging on the treadmill shall be thrilling and stimulating but somewhat froze the time like you left high and dry there. It's a battle against your will. 一如往常,在忙完手邊的一些工作後,我會開始運動的例行內容,藉此可以在 繁忙的行程中有了一絲喘息的空間。在跑步機上的時間本應非常令人亢奮又充 滿動力的!但也會有一種莫名的寂寞感,好像時間就此停住了,好像被無助感 吞沒一樣。這是一場和意志力的搏鬥! Suddenly, I was caught off guard by the sense of fatigue and there's some voice coming across my mind, " Why don't you just take a rest for a while? You've been working out so hard and people won't notice you pause a while for some water," and I thought to myself whether to withdraw from the painful training.突然間,有種無力 感襲來,傳來一些聲音說著:「為什麼不休息一下呢?反正妳都這麼努力運動 了,沒有人會發現你停下來喝口水啦!」我暗自這麼想是否要先暫停這難受的 訓練活動。 "That's why you get nowhere," screamed from within. I shocked myself with such message I've been telling myself when I made all attempts to pace myself while the heartbeat is pounding against my chest. How many of you will stop the machine and walk away to just steal some moments for relaxation?「這就是你為什麼都沒有長 進」那是從心裡吶喊出的想法。連我自己都感到極度的震驚,這不就是每當我 使盡全力要讓那奮力跳動的心臟和身體能夠達到平衡時,我一直告訴自己的話 ?有多少的你我,會這樣按下停止鈕,從機器下來,只想給自己一些休息的機 會。 Most might slack off and justify their statements by saying" I am not here for being a supermodel but getting some workout and having fun only, don't bother panting like someone chasing after me." I took a different path and felt completely inspired by my laziness.很多人或許會選擇這樣偷懶,而且面不改色的說:「我又不是要當超 級名模,我只是來動動筋骨,好玩就行了!不用把自己弄得要死要活,好像被 人在大馬路上追趕一樣。」而這次不同以往,我用了不同的心態面對,這次是 我的懶惰激勵了我! Therefore, stop drowning in your self-pity and point your fingers at others with curvy figure or muscular profiles walking past on the street or in some public venues.You were defeated by laziness and that's how you never saw improvement and became really proud of yourself. Again, I cast away my doubt and became inspired by my laziness.因此,不要再活在自艾自憐中,在大街上或公開場合中也不要老是對 著那些身材苗條或有著結實肌肉的人評頭論足。你是被懶惰擊潰的輸家,所以 你一直看不到自己努力的成效,更不用說對自己感到驕傲了!在此重申一次, 這次把自己的種種懷疑都丟開,讓我以往感到羞恥的懶惰鼓舞了現在的我。 ★從電影院出來後,感性地擦眼淚或是大笑一場,其實幾個小動作就可以讓妳 的英文實力大增,不用怕跟朋友聊天乾瞪眼,還是突然變神奇壁花囉!(這是 外來語WallFlower又稱做壁上觀,每次老師看到同學團體討論發呆,就會 說"Don't be a wallflower there, join the discussion!"): (A) IMDB:國際影評網是英文學習不可不知的好網站,不僅僅可以搜尋到最新 電影的評分,也可以大致了解在歐美市場中某些電視影集TV SERIES的評價和 重要訊息。只要打入喜歡的電影名稱(中文電影的別稱也可以),立刻就有該電 影的Summary,讓影迷可以知道大概的情節。所以想要讓口說和寫作變得非常 有梗,就是要上網去看看Summary,這樣你就可以簡單的跟朋友用英文敘述這 部電影的大概。要學好英文當然就要Storytelling囉!以下就是最近榮獲國際各 項大獎的經典影片 神鬼獵人 的IMDB劇情大要,也可以試著用同學你自己的版 本來對照一下喔!(A frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team.) (B) Quotes:看完 愛在日落巴黎時 當然就要來兩句朗朗上口的劇中對話;每次 提到侏儸紀公園(JURRASIC PARK)就要會說" Life will find a way"(生命會自己找 到出路);看了傻呼呼卻又堅持到令人動容的〈阿甘正傳〉,說到自己的母親 曾告訴過他:「Life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what you're going to get.」(人生好像一盒巧克力糖,你永遠都不知道下次會嚐到什麼滋味。);穿著 PRADA的惡魔中的愛蜜莉笑著說:「My diet really works. I am just one stomach flu away from the goal weight.」可見在時尚圈裡的壓力和對於身材要求相當嚴峻 呢! (C) Impressive Characters:從電影網站的連結你可以找到最喜愛的角色,和她( 他)演過相關的經典影片,好好的回味一番,了解一個演員要經歷多少磨練才 能走到這樣的地位,讓充滿掌聲的舞台喝采成就,讓鎂光燈簇擁著,但也可能 隨即失去焦點,而成為影壇的曇花一現。 (D)Movie Review:不僅僅可以看到影片的精彩內容簡介,還有其他犀利網友把 這部電影的精髓或是容易遺落的重點,再重新詮釋一遍。就像台灣之光李安導 演的少年Pi,如果網路專業影評的介紹,可能要了解這部影片背後的意涵,確 實有些困難呢!
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Coming to Kinmen (Ⅱ)
It is strange to think that I have been in Kinmen for four months. Time has truly passed by incredibly quickly. Each time I feel that I have begun to understand a little more about life on Kinmen, a new experience shows me that I still have a long way to go - and that's the best part! A year and a half ago I had no clue where I was going to be placed as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. In fact, I really had no idea whether or not I was even going to be lucky enough to have the opportunity to come to Taiwan! Thankfully, Fulbright Taiwan (a non-profit institution dedicated to promoting cultural and educational exchange between the United States and Taiwan) decided to give me a chance. I have grown to love Kinmen, and I cherish my moments here. When I began the Fulbright application process as a third year university student I was not sure where in Taiwan I was interested in applying to. I read about Yilan, Taitung, Taichung, and different grantee's experiences while teaching. I thought "wow, what an opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture!" To me, there is nothing more exciting than being dropped in the middle of a new culture, a new place, and a new environment. I couldn't wait to begin writing my application! ?Surfing the internet I came across a few blogs which referenced a relatively new location in Taiwan which was sponsoring Fulbright grantees, Kinmen, and I knew that I had to apply.The rich historical and cultural factors which make Kinmen so special drew me in. Thinking back to those first searches on the internet is strange. Kinmen was a small picture, a paragraph on a blog post, a location on YouTube, a tiny island on a map, and now I am here. I am living, I am teaching here - writing an English language submission for the local newspaper, and enjoying every moment. I remember when I discovered that my application had been accepted. As I read the congratulatory email I slowly smiled and laughed. I didn’t stop smiling until I fell asleep later that evening. Lives work in mysterious ways. As a kid I would have never guessed that I would be living in Taiwan after college. In fact, nothing that I could have dreamed of would have been better than coming to live and teach in Kinmen. I am precisely where I was meant to be, and where I need to be. In that way, I am glad that we often don't know what our future holds for us, because such incredible surprises are worth more than any carefully laid plans. Scooters, People, Home by Sam Jeong When I found out I was coming to Taiwan for the year, two things excited me: stinky tofu and scooters. Call me crazy, but stinky tofu is one of the best things to have hit my tongue (and my nose). I could go on, but I will save it for another article. Scooters, though… I experienced my first scooter ride in Yunnan, China, and will never forget how the wind whipped through my hair and how the lush greenery rushed past me. I could not wait to get my own scooter. In August, when time came for me to take the scooter exam, I walked in confidently to the exam room, took the written exam, and failed. Then failed again. Then failed again. I failed the scooter written exam three times. The first time, I got 68 points (85 is the passing score), then 78 points, then 84 points. Embarrassed, I bitterly vowed to myself that if I did not pass on the fourth try, I would remain forever scooter-less. For the next two weeks, I studied hard. Demerits for speeding?One.CPR ratio?15 compressions to 2 breaths. How to deal with an acid burn? Neutralize it with a strong base. No matter how odd the questions, I committed them to memory. I was determined to pass. On the day of the exam, a sweltering Friday afternoon in September, I walked into the testing center for what was hopefully the final time. I had called earlier to ask for a delayed exam in order to accommodate my teaching schedule, and I was the last person to take the exam. The examiner, Wen Hong, warmly greeted me, took my papers, and personally escorted me down to the exam room. Wen Hong had been the examiner for all of the Fulbright 外師 this year, and was known for his kindness. I was glad to have him as my examiner. For the exam, I agonized over each question and triple-checked my answers. My heart 辟里啪啦ed as I shakily clicked the review button, and when a green Congratulations! appeared on the screen, I threw up my hands up in the air and bellowed, “YES!” Wen Hong, who had been nervously waiting for me, put his face into his hands when he heard me scream, then after realizing it was a scream of victory, did a torso-twist of some sort that I had never seen before. He was genuinely excited for me—maybe even more so than me. For the driving test, Wen Hong let me practice three or four times on the actual course. He walked me through each step, gave me pointers, and shouted words of encouragement. When I passed, he grinned as he signed my papers, and proudly handed it over to me. Perhaps it is interactions like these that make me truly appreciate living on Kinmen. People actually care and are invested in what I do. I lived in Shanghai all of last year, and felt like a mere one in 24 million. Here on Kinmen, though, with the support of my 21 wonderful fellow Fulbright teachers, two fantastic coordinators, and the local Kinmenese, like Wen Hong, I do not feel alone. I am reminded of that fact every time a stranger nods and smiles at me and every time I strike up a conversation with a restaurant owner. It may not matter much to them, but it means a lot for me. Funnily enough, I decided to not get a scooter until the end of the marathon in order to keep active. If you see me, a Korean American male sweating heavily on a yellow bike, please stop and chat with me! I may ask you directions to your favorite stinky tofu joint. I am learning to call Kinmen home, and am so glad to be doing so.
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傅爾布萊特計畫簡介
傅爾布萊特計畫是依據美國國會於1946年通過的法案而設立,由美國國務院與外國政府共同推動雙邊的學術與文化交流活動,目的在透過人員、知識和技術的交流,促進美國和其他國家人民的相互瞭解。此計畫是美國最具代表性之國際學術交流計畫。 傅爾布萊特計畫之英文名稱為Fulbright Program,此項計畫共在全世界155個國家執行,其中有50個國家與美國簽約成立基金會。在學術界及國際教育文化交流領域中享有盛譽,得獎者也都視為殊榮。現今參與由美籍傅爾布萊特年度得獎人擔任協同英語教師的傅爾布萊特基金會之國家包括有韓國、泰國、印尼、香港、馬來西亞及許多歐洲非英語系國家。 學術交流基金會13年前即與宜蘭縣政府展開合作迄今,陸續與高雄市政府、金門縣政府、台中市政府、台北市政府以及台東市政府合作推動英語協同教學。今年是第四度與金門縣政府教育局合作,共薦送22名外師。加上新參與傅爾布萊特計畫的台東縣政府,共計有76名美國傅爾布萊特青年得獎人擔任美籍英語協同教學助理(分派至宜蘭、高雄、金門、台中、台北、台東之中小學),除了從事教學,其餘時間為準備課堂教學、與本地老師分享教學經驗、探索台灣文化脈絡、接受教學訓練課程﹙工作坊研習活動﹚、協助製作英語教材和支援學校其它與教學相關活動。希望能為台灣英語教學注入一份心力與活力! 製作群 本專刊由金門日報編輯部策畫,參與內容製作者包括Dr. William Vocke (李沃奇) - Managing Editor / Executive Director, Foundation for Scholarly Exchange (Fulbright Taiwan); Mr. Brett Burk(呂凱天), Ross Busch(比儒實), Sam Jeong(鄭大鉉), Ms. Andrea Hale (夏嘉蔚)& Rebecca Lim(林芮) – Copy Editor / Fulbright ETA; Mr. Sam Chiou (邱柏耘) – Editor / Executive Secretary & Multimedia Producer; Ms. Kelly Chang (張純怡) – Editor / ETA Project Lead Coordinator; Ms. Ann Peng (彭安沛) & Carrie Chen (陳律妏) – Editor / Kinmen ETA Program Assistant Coordinator
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
今年的猴年你的願望清單是什麼呢?當然不乏升官發財、平安健康順心等等的基本款。但是別人在努力奮鬥的時候,你也有努力挑戰和充實自我了嗎?機會是給準備好的人,Walk The Talk脫離舒適圈吧!從美食學歐美文化,了解更深層的料理典故。妳知道印度知名的咖哩魚頭竟然是中國傳過去的?而台灣吃的三明治是英國爵士打牌中意外產生出的下午茶餐點?學習語文,也要認識它的文化,才更有深切的感動與連結。西式料理中單單一個燒烤就有Roast、 Broil、 Grill等等的說法,那你也知道差別嗎?快看高登主廚的一百種家常料理,肯定讓你大吃一驚,也勾起你想從料理學英文的渴望和用外語說出一口好菜呢! 當然別只是Recount the past,回首過去只會讓自己有藉口偷懶,要讓自己今天比昨天更進步,今年比昨年有所突破,挑戰不同的領域與知識範疇,才能夠培養出更寬廣的生命道路。那麼「Don't count the days but make the days count!」這句話是什麼意思呢? Count在動詞裡是細數物品或數量quantity( V.S. quality品質)的意思,常在美國頻道中聽到猜謎遊戲的競賽者說出一些答案,主持人認為不合理,就會馬上說" That doesn't count",就是"這可不算數喔!";另外,大家也耳熟能詳的對話中,不難聽到如果有人要舉辦一個很炫很夯的派對,每個人無不想要受到邀請,因為可以藉此認識很多不同領域的朋友。那麼還在等什麼?你就要立刻大聲說出:Count Me In, Please!!!!!(算我一份吧!);但根據今年許多星座專家的說法,猴年也被視為水逆年,各個星座中的土象星座(魔羯Capricorn、金牛Taurus、處女Virgo)朋友們,在過往會埋頭苦幹為了美好生活且實踐自己理想的務實形象,還常被朋友貼上工作狂的標籤(Labeled as a Workaholic)。今年都有很多被算(settle the scores)或是曾隨口答應過的許許多多飯局,都要在今年內被提醒和追究呢!各位同學千萬不要因為工作升遷at the expense/cost of your health(賠上健康)!但這些朋友都是非常值得Count On(信賴)的。 所以今年本專欄的開場白就是:【Don't count the days but make the days count!別空數著日子,而是要讓每一天都過得有意義!】另外老師再補充一系列超級實用的句子,不管是在送禮或是接受贈品的時候,可以完美地化解人際關係互動中可能帶來的尷尬或誤解喔!當朋友表示這份禮物只是小意思,希望受贈者別太介意只是個伴手禮,客套的對話可別當真,以免自己變成職場裡的邊緣人種!不管對方是送大禮或是小禮,都應該要以平等且感激的態度接受,還可以用到以下的表達語喔!準備好你的筆記本和文具,一句好英文可以讓你變身職場紅人,那麼一起來學社交英文不求人的客套英文用語吧: <超優人際關係:活力英文時間> 1. You don't have to.( go through all these troubles) 您也太費心了(不需要勞煩對方花時間金錢準備!並不是拒絕對方的意思,並且略帶苦笑收下。通常是很意外情況下收到或是根本沒想到對方會有這個舉動下用。) 2. Thanks for making trips for me. 您這麼舟車勞頓過來,太感恩了!(不管是對方為了買到妳的夢幻逸品,而動用人脈或整夜排隊;抑或是,壽星的住處離親友都很遠,更顯得送禮人的真誠情感,簡單一句話就道出內心的感動!)這裡的make a trip和take a trip意思完全不同。因為前者是跑了幾趟而達到目的,而後者是前往某處去旅行或進行商務拜訪,比如:I took a trip to Kyoto for my family trip.(先前我家庭旅遊去了京都。) 3. That's exactly what I want. How did you know that? 這就是我最想要的(東西)!妳怎麼會知道呢?(代表對方與你有一定交情,而且也很用心的確認過你的偏好和喜愛選擇。當然,如果是長輩送的禮品,這麼說也是很讓對方喜悅的回應。畢竟要送對禮物才是把這個任務完美劃上句點,不是嗎?) 4. It 's the thought that counts. 心意最重要!(五顆星超實用萬用句)不管是熟人或是根本八輩子沒交談過的路人,都可以用這種句子讓對方感到安心,而不會有禮數不夠或猜忌對方是否滿意的最佳回應句!所以COUNT一個字真的是用處不少、妙用無窮呢! 5. Oh! What are friends for! 朋友可不是當假的!(不管是關心對方或是親友處境很困難的時候,有時候想伸出援手又怕對方感到困窘,或拉不下臉接受你的好意。說出這句話就可以立馬融化對方,一切一切的誤會或是曾經的恩恩怨怨都拋諸腦後了,原本很親近的關係立刻鑲金刻劃在彼此的心中!就像今年二月份在台灣台南市發生的地牛翻身事件,老師的友人用照片告知目前的狀況,整個地面都是龜裂不堪Cracks all over the place,家裡內部也是混亂不堪The floors were also zigzagged,這時候老師就立刻說出Please feel free to let me know what I can do for you! What are friends for!告訴我有什麼需要幫忙的,朋友不是當假的!對方真的感受到老師的心意,也一再把我的這句話放在心裡!)錦上添花真的不會被記住,但雪中送炭真是一世情,同學務必把這句話背下來,適時讓自己展現更溫暖的心意。 6. Hey! You read me like a book, don't you? 不會吧!妳對我瞭若指掌囉,是嗎?(這是一種很像看手面相的感覺,如果突然被解讀出來自己的真實性格,會有種措手不及的感覺。但身為妳的好友之音,肯定早就觀察你的喜好或生活習慣,挑選出最實用也適合你的產品。千萬不要像老師的朋友,去希臘買了重得要命的貝殼相框,還劃破自己的行李箱,弄到後來也只是積灰塵"Gather Dus"t=N is a white elephant沒有實際的效果。) 7. This is the best present that I've ever received. 這是我收到最棒的禮物!(SO FAKE!乍聽之下有點虛偽,但如果是真心話也稍微有點過頭!所以這句話只適合用在非常正式的場合或餐宴,而不是在溫馨的家庭聚餐或朋友週末電影之夜中使用喔!語言真的是看似簡單,但很多細節不得不注意呢!) 8. It's very thoughtful/ nice/ kind of you! 妳真的非常的貼心/友好/仁慈的!(這種常見的強調用法,就是把對象"你"擺在句尾,可以讓語氣上更顯得隆重,強調對方多麼的用心與善良!但我們偶爾在街頭上會看到很多人在販賣愛心筆或愛心募款等活動,裡面不乏有些不肖團體利用人類的憐憫心"Fish For Sympathy"或是利用弱勢團體"The Disadvantaged/Under-privileged"來達到吸金的效果,不得不防。其實從一般的捐血活動或是常在各大車站出口販賣的Big Issue大誌,都是很直接去支持想回歸正常生活、重新站起來的朋友;也有許多由政府認證的官方單位去進行捐贈金錢或是物資都會比較妥當,而不會落入歹徒的圈套喔!) 9. I will never "Re-gift " it to anyone else. You have my words. 我絕不會"轉贈"他人!我發誓!(通常最怕就是遇到對方送的馬克杯上還特製了你的大名,連想送人都沒機會。這也是送禮需要知道的常識,若不知道對方是否喜歡你的心意,至少不要讓對方難處理這份天上掉下來的禮物。以實用的生活用品或是親自詢問對方需要的用品為主,別給了超昂貴的驚喜還被嫌棄,這可就賓主難盡歡了!)所以國外都會以GIFT CERTIFICATE禮品卡,來讓對方到商場自行選購需要的東西,金額從台幣500到3000元都有呢!你也可以是朋友間的送禮達人。 10. Are you for real? A Stanto Carryall Coach bag really took my breath away! 你沒開玩笑吧!這可是COACH的十字織紋皮革手袋。(在溝通學中也很常提到,要誇獎一個人的時候,可別膚淺地說對方有多美或是氣質多好,說點實際的部位或是重點可以讓你的觀察力加分,也替你的發言多了強而有力的背書!) Daily Motto 每日生活座右銘 If you work hard, people might not pay attention to you. But if you start slacking off, people would surely bear in mind. 如果你辛勤工作,人們不見得會多欣賞;但如果你開始懈怠,這可會牢牢記在路人的心裡。 →這是很諷刺(sarcastic)的一句話,很努力的時候沒有人在意你,但開始鬆懈卻變成大家茶餘飯後的笑柄。人確實常活在這樣的不愉快 ★pay attention to對ˍ關注或留心→Keep an eye on my belongings留意我的物品 ★pick the slack for someone幫某人善後(而slack本身就有偷懶的意思) ★bear in mind謹記心中;What's on your mind?你有心事嗎? V.S. What's in your mind?你有什麼想法呢?;Never mind!不用掛心上(小事一件);Mind your own business不要管閒事(管好你自己就好) ★procrastination延宕;procrastinator喜歡延後的人事物 punctual(a.)守時的 V.S. punctuality守時 EX.: Please don't put off things you're supposed to do before the deadline.(請不要延後你應該要做的事項。) V.S. put out撲滅(火勢) in the nearby regions鄰近地區 EX.: Please prevent yourself from procrastinating things as delegated!(盡量別延後指定好的工作!) EX.: Punctuality is the best policy at workplace domestically or internationally.(不論國內或是海外,守時被認為是最重要的原則)
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
翻開自己厚厚的筆記本感到非常的驕傲,但是不知道自己的英文學習成果到底進步如何?其實大家忘記最重要的學習概念是:設定目標以及有效學習的基本原則!如何設定目標呢?其實可以從身邊的國際英文檢定開始準備起,讓自己至少有三到四個月的準備時間,然後可以給自己一點壓力,可以督促自己在這段時間內複習自己所學,更可以練習不同聽說讀寫的題型,更加深以前的學習印象。溫故知新,而且可以在一定的目標下努力,成績肯定不錯,而且更可以找到自己的學習弱點,大幅提升自己的學習效率! 如何有效學習呢?老師一直都很鼓勵同學,每天都從不同的素材去學習語言。不管是網路的影音平台,可以在短時間內接觸最新國際話題或是時下媒體或語言學習目的國家的創意作品,即使只是聽到一首喜歡的歌曲,都可能開啟一個人對於學習的意願和萌生強烈的學習動機!但老師並不是強調從報章雜誌或是電影影音上的數量累積到多少或是一定要在短時間內達到多少的效果,更重要的是"成為習慣"而且"循序漸進"。就像大家常提到的減重議題,如果突然斷食或是完全去除飲食中的碳水化合物或是糖鈉量,其實效果都是很短暫而且沒有長期持續的效果的!反而是養成健康的運動習慣,用對的方法去維持習慣,才是長期有效果的方法!有沒有把所學的內容熟悉及靈活運用在生活中,才是決定自己學習力的關鍵!舉例來說:一個在航空公司工作的員工,絕對不會因為自己學了很多建築相關的專業術語而感到學習成就;外商公司秘書也很難從天文科學相關的文章肯定自己的英文成就?WHY?雖然都是很實用的知識和專業,但要能強烈感覺到那份CONNECTION!其實就是要強調【現學現賣】而且更要與【生活領域有相關】,之後再慢慢的觸類旁通,從音樂、心理、藝術、地理,或是旅遊相關的話提前進!再來,大家一定要習慣帶自己的『單字小卡』,內容最忌諱滿滿的單字和無意義的艱難單字。以初學者來說,請在一張空白小卡上面,一面寫中文解釋,一面寫英文單字,不僅僅在通勤上或是等待朋友、客戶都可以好好利用時間,讓自己的國際競爭力提升!對於中級或高級程度的學習者們,可以採用兩個長句為單位,另外一面可以補充相關表達語及其他的衍生用字。待會,老師都會個別做示範,來讓各位同學快樂學習,有效率地學習喔!所以,Identify your learning vulnerabilities(找到學習弱點) and seek plausible approaches to learning English(尋找有效的英文學習方法)真的是兩大重點呢! 接下來,Brian老師要讓大家來測試一下自己的<生活英文力>。利用我們身邊小人物的縮影,看看莉莉小資女一天混亂的開始,到底會怎麼的收尾呢?是否可以在睡過頭的情形下,順利趕到公司而不會被冒著才過年就被解聘的危機呢!To many, " Punctuality" is the best policy!守時真的很重要,不僅僅是第一印象,更是對於自己專業和目前手上任務的投入程度!如果這是花費妳許多精力投入的計畫案,就算是重感冒也要爬到會議桌上去好好的分享一番!老師可不是在誇張的演鄉土劇呢!因為老師本身的朋友就有這種頭號頭痛人物,偏偏老師又是個急驚風,沒辦法接受人家遲到!後來只好compromise一下,我同意讓對方有十分鐘的緩衝時間或是乾脆把約會時間提早一小時,讓對方好整以暇地去摸半天,自己也可以慢下腳步去享受好不容易降臨的假期!但對於procrastinators們,老師還是敬謝不敏喔!確定你能準時嗎?那就期待有機會跟大家見面喔!接下來就是生活短文欣賞及基本用語測驗。 生活那件小事:台客ABC一起用中文看看自己的語言轉換是否流暢吧! 每次出場都打扮得很亮麗,其實莉莉是個Nine-Fiver。每天醒來,就是開始趕著整理包包裡messy的隨身用品,轉身又要找今天早上要用的folders和相關的報告內容。『天啊!我的鑰匙在哪裡啊?』是她每天的開場白!於是就瘋狂的fish for眼鏡、手機或是nail clipper這種很容易忙中亂放的小東西。Oh! My Boy!今天莉莉整個睡過頭,只好簡單整理一下,就急著出門搭計程車上班。計程車司機還忍不住一直往回看,想說這個女孩子怎麼如此sloppy就出門,而且感覺是個很disorganized的人,該不會忘了帶錢包或是想要ran out of the bill吧!邊想邊狐疑地打量著這位客人。終於到了公司門口,莉莉可以took a breath a relief了。轉身付完錢,計程車才剛離開,自己ran for life的姿態殺進一早趕著辦公的人潮裡,穿過大廳,擠進電梯,正想說可以好好注意一下自己的grooming。突然,她注意到週邊的人都在看著自己!順著大家的眼光,她也默默地將關注的目光移到自己的衣服上!『我穿著這是什麼?Pajamas!』當下她只想Buried her head in the sand! 每次出場都打扮得很亮麗,其實莉莉是個傳統上班族=朝九晚五的人。每天醒來,就是開始趕著整理包包裡亂七八糟的隨身用品,轉身又要找今天早上要用的檔案夾和相關的報告內容。『天啊!我的鑰匙在哪裡啊?』是她每天的開場白!於是就瘋狂的翻找著眼鏡、手機或是指甲剪這種很容易忙中亂放的小東西。天啊!今天莉莉整個睡過頭,只好簡單整理一下,就急著出門搭計程車上班。計程車司機還忍不住一直往回看,想說這個女孩子怎麼如此邋遢的就出門,而且感覺是個很雜亂無章的人,該不會忘了帶錢包或是想要坐霸王車(也可用在"吃霸王餐")吧!邊想邊狐疑地打量著這位客人。終於到了公司門口,莉莉可以鬆了一口氣了。轉身付完錢,計程車才剛離開,自己逃命似地的姿態殺進一早趕著辦公的人潮裡,穿過大廳,擠進電梯,正想說可以好好注意一下自己的整體儀容。突然,她注意到週邊的人都在看著自己!順著大家的眼光,她也默默地將關注的目光移到自己的衣服上!『我穿著這是什麼?睡衣!』當下她只想把頭埋進沙子裡(不願意面對現況) 看完生活場景小劇場後,對於所謂生活用語也有更深認識,可以把學習英文重點放對地方,也要準時收看本專欄,好好蒐集最實用、最完整表達語!學習貴於持之以恆呢!為什麼學習英文這麼有成就感?那也是因為這是不簡單的堅持和完全的投入才能有的豐碩成果!The long, hard road will lead you to victory!千萬不要一時貪圖悠閒,就讓這幾年的努力付諸流水了!老師都會一直守護妳們的學習熱忱,並且帶著使命和各位優秀的英文學習者一起享受這個語言所帶來的豐富知識和吸收許多面向新知的文化旅程。接下來要整理目前在國際溝通英文測驗TOEIC和國內外職場面試都最愛的單字:EDGE的各種重要用法,錯過一次真的就要後悔很久了喔!一起來ROCK IT吧! 【EDGE】不可不背的重點超夯單字集錦(Brian老師首映鄭重推出) 1.物體或情緒上的邊緣(n.)=fringe, the silhouette around objects EX.: The audience was on edge for this thrilling film in the cinema and even left their popcorns untouched a bit till the end. 這部刺激感官的電影讓在電影院中的觀眾目不轉睛,甚至連手上的爆米花碰都沒碰呢! EX.: John is already on the edge of nervous breakdown upon learning that his wife experienced a severe car accident on the highway. What's worse, the announcement of the stillborn baby from her really collapsed him. He was in a total meltdown and lost it. 一得知自己太太在高速公路上發生嚴重車禍,約翰早就已經快崩潰了!沒想到,屋漏偏逢連夜雨,醫生竟宣告自己的孩子胎死腹中,讓自己徹底瓦解崩潰,根本不知道該怎麼辦才好了! 2.靠近(離某人或某事物很近)(v.) draw near=approach=come closer to EX.: There's no sign for Sam for days since the last time his father saw him. The anxiety inside him built up and his worries were edging to panic. 自從上一次見面後,山姆的父親就好幾天沒有他的音訊。內心的焦慮感油然而生,而且更是從擔心轉成萬分焦慮。 3.優點(優勢)(n.)=strength=specialty=advantage EX.: During the interview, I was asked whether I had possessed any qualities or strengths over other prospective candidates. That really caught me off guard but I made attempts to prove myself an asset in the previous position. Therefore, I won their trust and got the offer afterwards. 在面試中,我被問及自己比起其他有機會的面試者,到底有什麼特別的特質或是優勢值得青睞。這讓我非常錯愕不已,但還是很努力證明自己在上一份工作中是個舉足輕重的角色。因此,我後來有得到他們的信任也獲得這份工作了! 今天的學習內容真的非常的豐富呢!也有吸收到很多平時念英文可能忽略的觀點或是觀念整理。職場英文更是不可錯過的精彩內容,下次等著跟各位同學分享Thank-You Note的重要性!
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
" This is 911. What's your emergency?"(這裡是報案中心,需要申報的緊急案件為?)是各位同學在影集裡或新聞現場實錄片段(FOOTAGE)耳熟能詳的開場白。接下來,就是分秒必爭(The clock is ticking./We are pushed by time.)、緊張萬分的地緣資料搜尋,確認對方目前所處環境(locate the call)及健康狀態,以及是否要提供及時的自救指導;更急迫地,接聽專員必須冷靜接聽可能的線索,處理正在進行的擄人勒贖案(abduction)或是藉由對方試圖想傳達的背景資料與第三方的談話內容來推測出可能的犯罪地點,如:附近有高聳的排煙柱(工業區附近的廢棄屋宅)、瀑布急流及樹枝拍打金屬物體表面(目前車輛在移動中並且往深山裡走)、語氣異常冷靜或過度驚嚇無法出聲(必須以引導的方式來拼湊案情,甚至可以請對方用手指tap the receiver敲打話筒,表示YES或NO來進行基礎解讀目前情勢)。不管是主被動或突發事件產生,任何一點蛛絲馬跡都不容錯過,並且要能讀出對方語氣背後的真實情感和可能的動機原因,以專業且和緩的情緒處理對方或他方遭遇不測的基本樣貌。 所以,今天一開場就以非常實用而且在國外旅居都有可能碰到的情形來跟各位同學見面。有鑑於目前坊間市面上很少類似關注的話題,但國內外社會案件卻是層出不窮。常發生自己甚至身邊朋友出遊發生了意外,卻不知道怎麼用簡潔扼要的用字處理狀況?如果平時不培養自己思考類似情景(scenario)的用語表達,遇到突發時機定會措手不及。因此,這種出外所必須具備用英文敘述場景能力,並不只是僅僅為了應考需求,更是培養危機處理的應變機制。以下報案實錄由Brian老師整理美國電視節目 漏網鏡頭Caught on Camera 所整理出貼近各位同學生活經驗且有可能發生的狀況下手。如果您是以下接聽的緊急報案中心專員,是否也可以冷靜地處理對方的需求呢?其中當然也不乏很光怪陸離或令人傻眼的報案電話,那麼就一起來學習今天的911緊急電話系列:Learning English from Emergency Calls! 對話實錄翻譯及相關字詞介紹: A: the Operator B: the Caller意外受傷事故通報 A:This is 911. What's your Emergency? B: My husband slipped and fell on the floor by accident and now he's lost his consciousness. What shall I do? B: Ma'am , please stay calm. First, please tell me where you are or the address you might know. Is he currently in massive bleeding or the blood squirting out? A: I am afraid he could hit his head on the back so seriously and that's where the blood is oozing out. I am so scared. I cannot afford to lose him…… A: Ma'am, I need your information of your place right now and that's how I can help you at first. And please find any clean cloth within your reach, directly coving the wound with pressure to stop bleeding. B: 32 Sections, Palms Street, Burt's Bee Village. Please hurry! A: I am helping you here, and take a deep breath. Is he a hemophilia or on any medication? B: None, as I've know. A: The police on patrol are on their way to your place and please don't change the cloth even though it's soaked up with blood. You can find another to keep pressing it and make sure you'll call us again if your husband experienced some seizure or some changes going on there, okay? A: Sure thing. Thanks for your help. A:這裡是報案中心,需要申報的緊急案件為? B: 我老公跌撞在地板上,現在他失去意識了。我到底要怎麼辦才好? A:女士,請保持冷靜。首先,告訴我你身處的位置或告知我大概的地址。目前是大量出血還是呈噴射狀性出血呢? B:他恐怕是嚴重撞擊到頭的後方,現在血整個一直流不停,我自己也好害怕。我真的不能失去他,我真不知道…… A:好的,太太。我現在需要妳的所在位置,這樣我才能夠立刻幫忙妳。並且在妳所能觸及的範圍內找到乾淨的布來直接施壓在傷口上止血。 B:蜂蜜老爺爺村,棕櫚樹街三十二區。請盡快! A:我會盡可能地協助妳,請深呼吸一下。請問他是血友病病患或目前使用任何的藥物嗎? B:據我所知是沒有的! A:附近巡邏的員警已經前往您所提供的位置。即使布料已經被傷口弄濕,請不要把敷住傷口的止血布做更換,可以再找其他乾淨的布塊繼續施壓(因為怕移除的過程中去再次拉扯傷口,造成更大的出血,造成病患急性出血休克,致死率風險更加提高了)。另外若發現妳丈夫有抽搐或現場情勢有變化下,請務必撥打給我們好嗎? A:好的!很感謝您們的幫忙! 重點表達回顧: 1.slip and fall滑倒→slip of my tongue說錯話→ Time slips through my fingers時間流逝中& I can only see through my fingers when seeing that movie.在電影院的時候,我根本不敢直視電影劇情。(因為太過恐懼,所以要用雙手擋住,偶爾用手指間的縫隙去看,是個非常活潑的說法喔!) 2.lost his consciousness失去意識 3.massive bleeding大量出血→hemorrhage出血(眼睛佈滿血或內出血都可使用) 4.squirt噴出V.S. squirm蠕動不安V.S. fidget (沒耐性)地躁動 5.ooze out.湧出→While cleaning the kitchen in the afternoon, Grace found it insane to find out the roaches were oozing from the sink. That really drove her to the wall。 當葛蕾絲在清洗廚房時,一堆蟑螂竟像大軍掃境從洗手槽湧出。根本逼瘋她了! 6.information of your place=your address= the details of your residence所在地址 7.within your reach觸手可及的範圍 8.hemophilia血友病(出血血不易止住,凝血因子或血小板功能異常) 9. be soaked up浸濕→I am soaking wet in the rain.我都濕透了 10.seizure抽搐(民間的羊癲瘋也是其中一種);seize the moment把握當下 11.on patrol巡邏(平常教官的巡視或老闆悠晃辦公室觀察員工都算喔) 所以其實同學不難理解,即使在生活一般的對話當中都有很多表達上的慣用句型。千萬不要認為簡單的生活對話可以一蹴可幾!如果沒有平常的勤加練習,甚至連基本的招呼語都無法順利回應,更會容易忘記貼切的用字和優雅的語調了!再熟悉的內容,都要隨時複習喔! 口袋英文實用句Practical Talks and Frequent Usages 1. Do you really want to go there?妳真的要說這麼過份嗎? A: Like mother, like daughter. Now I can figure out why Alice is being so abusive and paranoid to every single thing in life.有其母並有其女!現在我終於知道為什麼愛莉絲對人這麼暴力又愛疑神疑鬼! B: Excuse me? Are you accusing me of being a bad mother? Do you really want to go there?等等!妳現在是在說我不會教小孩嗎?妳真的要扯到這個份上嗎? 2. Hold your horse.稍安勿躁(老闆最愛用的敷衍句) 3. I slept late yesterday so that I walked into the office hollow-eyed. 我昨天睡過頭,後來兩眼無神地走進辦公室裡。 4. It's never easy to fit in a new environment. 適應新環境且和人打成一片真的很難 5. Out-patient/ In-patient門診病患/住院病患 The patient is alert.病人有意識了 The patient expired.病人過世了 The patient is critical.病人病危中 6.Don't patronize me!不要敷衍我 7. Please sugarcoat your words.說話要婉轉點 8. You pressed my button.妳踩到我地雷了 *The pressing issue really drove me nuts.這問題如燙手山芋真的逼瘋我了。 9.He just looked over my shoulders.他完全無視我 10.They chewed m up and spit me out.利用完後,就把我踢到一旁。 GEPT殺很大英文Kill用語整理 1, The designer couture dress must kill in all public venue with such premium fabrics as well as meticulously-schemed patterns.It's undoubtedly one of the kind compared with other tacky styles.這名設計師的時裝不管在任何場合一定會大紅大紫,特別以高檔材質及匠心獨具的巧思打版。比起那些庸俗的設計,無疑是獨一無二的作品。 2,Walking into the office hollow-eyed this morning was due to the fact that my migraine and buzzing ears nearly killed me for the whole night, which was insanely excruciating.今天早上恍恍惚惚地走進辦公室,還不都是昨天一整晚都被偏頭痛和耳鳴弄得生不如死。 3.My insomnia for days are killing me.=I am wasting off. 我已經好幾天沒睡了,真的快崩潰了! 4.Our rocky marriage killed both of us. 我們這段婚姻真的讓彼此都傷痕累累了! 5.Taking some pain-killers might alleviate your toothache resulting from swollen gums generated by the cold. 吃點止痛藥應該可以緩解因為感冒而導致的牙齦腫痛的牙痛感。 ◆catch a cold→I caught a cold and ran a high fever in the past two days. ◆catch sb red-handed→ Helen caught her husband red-h ◆catch fire著火了→The basement caught fire and the smoke instantly took over the room, leaving low visibility to find the way out to escape. ◆catch the train趕上火車(捷運也可以這麼說)→Luckily, I forced myself past through the door, or I might not catch the train.(錯誤行為不要學習喔!) ◆catch the point抓到重點→After thoroughly reviewing the lessons today, I gradually caught the points and had fun learning with such interesting materials. ◆catch glimpses of 不經意看到幾眼→The Betel Nut Ladies in Taiwan are quite unique to most tourists from abroad and they couldn't help but catch glimpses of them in such exposed outfits in such cold weather. ◆catch one's breath喘口氣吧!→What's the rush? There're still ten minutes to go before the movie starts. Catch your breath, dude!
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
從去年底的聖誕節前夕(Christmas Eve)感性回顧(flashback)2015到跨年(Count-Down Party)活動,緊接續攤元旦升旗活動(Flag-Raising Ceremony),尾牙(Year-End Dinner)也讓許多員工吃得開懷、老闆花得手軟;2016年也期待著好氣象,工作與學業表現都能夠猴年猴賽雷,不要忘記展望未來(Look forward to a brighter future)的時候,要繼續累積(accumulation of English vocabulary and phrases)充實相伴大家的英文好朋友。在台灣的新年拜年場合,千萬也沒有想到英文學習近況會變成打破年齡層和職業別都很關注的話題,WHY?因為這是國際競爭力和本身是否具有資格往更高階層任務和更高薪資移動的基本條件(Requirement),任何的學習都是不進則退,溫故知新,時常比較過往類似的學習內容,會進步神速,也可以讓學習變得更井然有序(well-organized=put things in order)也會有無比的成就感(sense of achievement)。 『限定口袋超威英文』 1.培養國際競爭力: develop the competitiveness on the international stage 2.超夯話題: Sensational Issues→超夯影音Viral Clips(=Video Clips) 3.令人反感的話題或人物:Eyesore→如果是空有外表的人,就可以說Eye Candy或是笑料滿點<遜咖日記>中說的Air Head,I can hear the echo by shouting in your mouth!往嘴裡叫還聽得到回音呢!真是罵人不帶髒字呀! 4.別問我這種蠢問題:Bother others with such no-brainers!( no-brainer就是根本不用費腦力就可以解決的事情,比如:綁鞋帶和算出各月份的總天數。) 5.她才沒資格擔任這個職位:She is totally inadequate for assuming this position. 6.走後門:nepotism→social netiquette網路的社交禮節 7.你在影射什麼?What are you insinuating?(是「指桑罵槐」,職場特別喜歡來這招呢!) V.S. What are you suggesting?你在暗示什麼?(通常是跟當事人說話,但有弦外之音underlying meanings) 8.最近有心儀的對象嗎?Are you seeing anyone?而不是你最近"有陰陽眼"嗎?你可別嚇死老師和身邊的朋友們喔!Patronize(敷衍)親友就好了。 所以當大家都在好整以暇(laid-back)和捧著大碗爆米花配看你千年也不厭倦的周星馳系列電影,笑著裡頭誇張的台詞和完全誇張的人物;此時,只要一個MOVE拿出妳的英文學習影片,先看看TED TALK上面來自精神科專家用詼諧的語調介紹精彩的"How to make people listen to you?"(怎麼使妳的談話更深入人心?);同時,拿出你隨身的「吉光片羽英文小本本」,寫下經典用字和強而有力的話語(eloquent talks),不僅僅可以當作寫作材料,更可以在適當的場合中致詞(make a toast,可別翻成烤土司,那就awkward了!)中使用,不僅溫馨(cozy)又令全場印象深刻(take the crowd by storm),好人緣和事業運肯定蒸蒸日上;突然間,從美國回來的大阿姨立刻拿出來自美國甜點要招待大家。雖然大家看到她那副不可一世(Stuck-up)的嘴臉,除了做做眼球(roll one's eyeballs)向上提升運動,嘴角撇一邊(twitch one's lip)和斜眼冷笑(shoot a nasty look and smirk)外,其實你有機會反將一軍。接過那看起來廉價無比的包裝往後面的CONTENT(內容物)區一掃,立刻向大家宣佈裡頭有: 1.美國明令禁止(Ban)使用且造成身體心血管極大負擔的Trans Fat反式脂肪 2.膽固醇Cholesterol還超標,有造成血栓的危險外,甚至還會引發stroke中風。 3.超高Sodium鈉,難不成想讓大家過年後一起團報掛號洗腎(dialysis)嗎? 4.裡頭根本一點膳食纖維Dietary Fiber也沒有,附贈的果汁也只是concentrated(濃縮),根本只是喝了一堆糖,讓身體碳水化合物Carbohydrates(=Carbs)爆增,運動量也沒以前多的情況下,肯定都要去各大賣場搶大尺碼了。聽起來真像電影<辣妹過招Mean Girl>的高招,讓對方吃下熱量爆表的ENERGY BAR(營養棒),最後讓對方退出校園女王的頭銜,取而代之成了女孩們間的Queen Bee,女孩真是狠Girls can sting like bitches!(bitch其實在生活中常被汙名化(smeared),其實說別人壞話,也可以說She is bitching about me!所以不要太快把學的單字下標籤,這樣會設限自己的學習機會喔!)是專給登山者或長途旅行不方便隨時取得食物,需要高熱量能短時間補充的簡便糧食選擇之一。但如果沒有一定的熱量消耗運動,這可不是吃吃消夜的等級可以比較的,知道什麼叫吹氣的概念嗎?老師聽過最狠的評論(meanest comments)就是:你是泡水了嗎?(Got soaked up in water?)Ouch!太傷人了吧! 如此,你就可以像Pitch Perfect 2(歌喉讚2)的女孩們不管經歷團員分崩離析或是失去方向後,重新找回初衷,展現最強大的信心和熱情,這樣就算再厲害的對手,也想不到妳的英文力最後成了破解對方招數的致命武器(lethal weapon)!沒錯,適時展現英文力就是增加魅力指數,更可以增加打開話匣子的機會,想要不在今年大紅大紫也難。今年最期待也可能像戰場般的新年聚會,不再當壁花或是同輩裡的LOSER,而是最後一定讓跋扈的親戚百口莫辯又羞愧萬分,眾人跌破眼鏡,父母臉上添光,You rise like a phoenix rising from the ashes!(如鳳凰重生般死灰復燃)。是的,YOU WIN!(附:國外朋友如果看到你的表現大驚地說出"You really kicked ass",可不是說你踢了誰的屁股,而是「你真的帥呆了」。電影<特攻聯盟>也因此而取了Kick Ass,講述都市裡的小人物想盡自己一份力,維護自己城市的治安和正義永存的信念而展開的冒險與挑戰故事。) 想必大家最近也是被許多的聚會和節慶包圍著,算是忙碌的生活節奏中找到一點調劑和喘息的空間,但如果不要別人Steal your thunder(搶你風頭),就要好好努力自己的英文實力,在開工前讓大家都感受到妳的深厚實力,如同鴨子划水般,在輕鬆應付許多大小國際場合時候,只有你知道平靜表面下,其實付出許多不知道多少的汗水才有的成果。如果各位同學知道許多韓國上班族早上五點起床去上中文課,七點上英文課,接著衝去上班,是這樣戰戰兢兢地度過每一天,亞洲區各國都在打造外資投入且全面開放的新氣象,瞬間就會被迎頭趕上,甚至落後許多了,不可不慎。緊抓每個學習英文的時候,化整為零,把握學習的每個機會,不管是手機上的APP測驗系統或是下載的搞笑脫口秀,都可以成為進入英文世界的敲門磚。眼見許多學生都執著於單字的背誦,老師很是憂心,因為如果不懂得單字的發音和在生活例句中的使用時機,很快這個單字就會被拋諸腦後。或許你會問起,單字力不是等於英文力嗎?你可以說英文字詞達到基本高中要求單字量後,就要開始廣讀,甚至從最基本的英文童書開始,裡頭的用字修飾和文法甚至有過去假設句或讓步子句高級的文法點,這也是許多國際英文大師推崇的概念。英文學者應該要把生活中越貼近自己,越能應付的場景對話和經典好句記下來。學習無難事,只怕沒方向和技巧。沒有基本的英文力,出國學習只是打擊信心,效果顯然不彰。想想看你連飛機登機門都找不到,要吃雞肉說成KITCHEN(廚房),最後想說吃個SUBWAY(潛艇堡),光是點客製化的蔬菜,你就大概一樣都說不出來了(還記得因為把Tomato發音發錯,而被趕出早餐隊伍的學生的故事嗎?)。在國內都無法認真學習了,你認為去國外就會脫胎換骨了?其實,決心就是一個重要的關鍵,給自己一個很明確的目標和DRIVE(動機),成功within your reach(近在咫尺)也只是浪擲歲月和金錢,這些都是Brian老師多年觀察不管是留學生和遊學生的血淚經驗談和真心提醒,因為這條冤枉路不希望許多家長和同學再前仆後繼地賠上了。所以打起精神,Rain or Shine,我們都要充滿自信的笑容,擁抱學習的機會,大方地分享和把握可以用英文交談的機會,說錯了最好,因為你會立刻深印腦海,從此也成了你英文學習分享的趣談之一。當你往成功的路上邁進時,你也逐漸使自己的學習成果臻至完美了! ※考生衝刺站<愛英檢K通關>TOEIC/ TOEFL/ IELTS/ GEPT/ BULATS -sume: 大考指數滿分五顆星 ★resume(v.)=go back to the initial state重回到前狀態或活動 EX.: He resumed his work after a short break of pottering along the nearby park. (在休息時段散散步後,他回到了崗位上繼續工作。) ★assume(v.)=take over=undertake (some tasks)承擔接下(職務) EX.: After careful deliberation, the board of committee decided to assign Henry to assume the position as an editor-in-chief for Happy Daily!(審慎考量後,董事會決議指派亨利去擔任快樂日報的主編。) ★presume(v.)= conceive an idea before things occur猜測或預想好 EX.: The clerk presumed that inadequate packaging will incur no compensation over any damage of contents during shipping.(專員認為包裝不全若在運送途中導致內容物破損,將無法進行相關索賠。) 多益考前提醒TOEIC VOCABULARY 收購:A.Acquire, to gradually acquire the potential competitors in the market to reorganize(把可能的潛在對手買下,通常是大企業對相對小型企業進行的活動,可以達到市場版圖擴展,也不會影響對方削價競爭。) 併購:B. Merge, to strategically merge the counterparts observed in the same or relevant industries (有策略地把可和實力相當的對手攜手合作,增加市占率,也可以互相支援物流和抵制大型企業的壟斷Monopoly『大富翁遊戲英文名』。)
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Coming to Kinmen
This Past August by Brett Burk This past August marks the beginning of my first year teaching English. For me, this year in Kinmen at Zhenyi Elementary School (正義國小) is the ideal opportunity to put into practice the theory I studied as a Linguistics undergraduate at the University of Iowa. I look forward to learning as much as I can from my fellow teachers and advisors abroad this year as I launch into my future career in language studies. But why Taiwan? Why not any other country in the world? My journey to Taiwan began nearly a year and a half ago upon walking into the small cramped office of Dr. Scott McNabb at the University of Iowa, as I was seeking guidance when applying for a Fulbright Taiwan grant. McNabb ushered me into his office lined with shelves of dusty books and religious figurines that I would later learn were from his dozens of trips abroad. McNabb, a tall greying man gave me a toothy grin and sat me down with little introduction. "So you like Taiwan. Why?" he started. I stumbled for words, "I've studied Chinese for three years now and studied abroad in China for a couple months." McNabb smiled, "But why? Really, why? It's okay, be honest. I won't tell anybody." I replied with something about Mandarin being an economically smart language to learn. "No, no, no! You have it all wrong. Let's try something else. Your advisor said you were a toughie to get anything out of." Dr. McNabb continued to relate to me his story of how and why he was drawn to Thailand 40 years ago. "I loved it. I loved everything about it. It was hard-it was a challenge, rather. I loved the people, the culture, and the religion." McNabb raved about Buddhism with an earnest fervor one rarely gets the pleasure of hearing. I could tell Thailand and Buddhism truly enamored this man. After a lengthy speech, urging me to be honest with myself, McNabb sent me home with a lot of things to think about in addition to a broken figurine of Guanyin, the Buddhist bodhisattva and deity of mercy. I was at a bit of a loss for one specific reason for wanting to teach in Taiwan. I wanted to delve into the rich rural traditions of Yilan and Taitung as well as immerse myself in multicultural international cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung. Taiwan seemed like logical choice given my wide array of interests in Eastern spirituality, teaching, and language studies. As for a specific county, I was flexible. In the end, Fulbright took into consideration my interests and background. They chose Kinmen for me over other locations in Taiwan. I'm incredibly grateful for their choice. Kinmen reminds me of my hometown with its close-knit community and small-town charm. The people of Kinmen have given me a home away from home and continue to amaze me with their generosity and hospitality. Kinmen is the perfect place for me to teach English, learn about teaching English, pursue my interest in writing, learn Chinese, and share American culture. Learning Styles by Andrea Hale 我的中文名字是夏嘉蔚。My English name is Andrea Hale. As a child, I grew up going to a Taiwanese-Chinese school. I only found out that it was Taiwanese years later at university when the majority of students focused on simplified characters (檢體) and I continued with traditional characters(繁體). I chose to come to Taiwan to improve my Chinese language skills. Furthermore, I am accustomed to hearing family friends talk about Taiwan-the food, the activities for young people-the richness of culture that exists and continues to transform in Taiwan. Both the language and these informal conversations sparked my interest to immerse myself in Taiwanese culture in a more holistic way, through exchange of language, one of the most fundamental means of communication. My love of learning languages is what I hope to impart to students in the classroom. Furthermore, my sense of body language and observation helps me communicate with others even when words do not translate meaning. In order to help students learn English, I believe it is important to incorporate a variety of learning styles: sight, sound and motion. One of my favorite methods of teaching and learning languages is through songs. Another method I found effective is playing visual games utilizing different vocabulary lists. Making desserts are also a fun and interactive way to learn cooking vocabulary and exchange culture through food. Finally, and most importantly, I hope to observe how the students are learning and what they are learning in other classes in order to collaborate and create an English program that is relevant, that can be integrated into their every-day life. Kinmen has been full of learning. I have loved it since the first day I came here: it's beautiful, peaceful and my neighbors are very welcoming. Getting used to teaching at school was a different story. My first week was difficult. I had never taught before and had no experience with lesson planning, class room management or point systems. I had never even played that many games before. After the first week of shock I began to adjust myself. I saw how the kids reacted to certain games and activities and tried to incorporate the different styles of learning. Outside of class I try to stay busy as well. In Jinsha, I try to join the different activities that people do on the basketball courts from 太極, to drumming, to dancing. Every day is something new and every day I meet more and more of my neighbors. I have also begun learning Guzheng with the kids at school. In the United States, I had an aunt that taught me once how to play but I never thought I'd have the opportunity to play again. I practice here hoping to one day play a song for her and make her smile. I am so impressed by the energy and activity that the Jinsha community has organized. I hope to be able to contribute to these sorts of fun activities in my own community. I am thankful for the time that I have in Kinmen and hope to continue finding new ways to give back to the community and the kids who have already taught me so much about living and learning. Before Kinmen by Rebecca Lim Before I came to Kinmen, I only knew three things for certain about my new home. First, Kinmen was a former military stronghold located just a few kilometers away from Mainland China. Almost every picture on the Internet showed tanks, beach spikes, and barracks dressed in green and brown camouflage. Second, Kaoliang liquor and knives made from bomb shells are Kinmen's famous specialties. Third, that despite my best efforts and research, I did not really know much about it at all. In college, I studied Politics and East Asian Studies with a concentration in China. I studied Chinese language and spent two summers in Mainland China, but had not yet stepped foot in Taiwan. I came here wanting to know what Taiwan is like, to experience Taiwanese culture, and to understand the Taiwanese perspective on the world. However, these goals-though well-intentioned-were bound to lead to disappointment. On some level, I believed I already had enough knowledge to form expectations for my experience. I was not prepared to be thoroughly wrong. There was a gap between what I thought I knew "Taiwan" to be and the fact that it is so much more complex and diverse than I could have imagined. In my first few weeks in Kinmen, I tried to make up for my lack of factual knowledge and cultural insight with a bottomless positive attitude and incessant questions to my local coordinators. I was hungry for experiences that would make me feel-to put it simply-experienced. My fellow teachers became my lifeblood-I sensed that they, too, felt desperate to belong somewhere in this unfamiliar place. In the process of shedding my expectations and adapting to my surroundings, I grasped for anchors but found only transience. At one point, I remember thinking ahead to what life would be like in several months and coming up blank. With so much left uncertain, the sheer number of possibilities loomed dauntingly. I've since settled into a routine at my school, become involved in the community, and familiarized myself with the surrounding environment. I can't put my finger on the exact moment when I first felt Kinmen was my home. It happened little by little, and then suddenly all at once, like the arrival of the seasons. I now know much more than three things about my new home. Taro grows in abundance and tastes excellent with beef, in ice cream, and with milk tea. Little Kinmen, where I teach, is a studded with hidden gems. One does not simply "drink" Kaoliang liquor. The list grows daily. And something about standing on a Kinmen beach watching the sunset envelop the sky makes you feel like you're here for a reason.
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
Hello, it's me!? Hello from the other side! I was wondering if after all these years. You'd like to meet, to go over everything.精彩強檔全新單元:你今天LINE了嗎?即將要揭露朋友們的小談話,以及如何在螢幕鍵盤裡秒回秒句點對方,卻不會失禮(be considered rude/impolite/vulgar/a barbarian)的英文說法。只要好好鎖定英文原來這樣說新年新內容,肯定讓你在朋友圈裡瞬間引起一陣英文好好玩的風氣。當然,接近年節卻又正逢情人節閃光無限前夕,內心是否也勾起了千萬頭緒或漾起淡淡的波紋呢?老師沒有忘記妳們的血淚煎熬。對比起到處即將暖洋洋張燈結綵,總感受內心卻吹起無奈的海波浪。來這裡一起來討拍拍(fish for sympathy)吧!我們將一起進行一場感情的療癒和自我的探索旅程;在過程中,不僅僅檢視自己的情感過往,也再一次從英文中拾起自信,大聲喊出"I will move on from now on!"沒錯,所以不管是單身族或是愛情受挫,甚至要用英文去鼓勵身邊的好友們,更不能錯過特別單元愛情的真面目Love Just Works Out Like This,有撫慰人心的談話(comforting talks helping you grieve)和連結感超強的打氣話語(pep talk),讓我們跨越時空一起感動彼此吧!。最後,不忘記本專欄忠實讀者最喜愛的單元,愛英檢K通關單元,許多在新年當中還得準備國考的公職考生們,老師沒有忘記妳(你)們喔!將整理在國內外專業英檢常用精選用字與相關表達,讓學習成為習慣,天天都有溫故知新又更上一層樓的學習進步成就感。You are not alone, roger that?回顧過往這些年的筆耕,感覺也陪伴很多朋友度過數個寒暑,是一種難以言喻的感受,每每看到大家的成長就非常地欣慰,更有動力來把最好最新的資訊和大家分享。老師很開心收到讀者來信,在去年十一月多益測驗裡一次就考取多益黃金證書的大二生Jerry也很用心分享,每次都會把專欄內容整理起來,把自己喜歡的內容給highlight起來,然後甚至會依每次內容的小單元,剪貼(clip)在自己的記事本裡。帶著出門時、通勤中(during your ride)或上班空閒( break from work)時間,都可以充分運用,達到化整為零的倍增效果。千萬不要小看這樣的聚沙成塔效果,不管對於英文學習者或是英文教學者來說,語言都是不進則退。所以,不管目前英文程度或學習成果達到任何級數,都是應該要更加的用心。學習沒有捷徑(There's no shortcut learning things.),唯有用心,還有再更用心,想要有一番成就,指日可待。而且本專欄完全沒有門檻或是程度限制來閱讀,每次都是獨立單元和重點複習,所以千萬不要替自己找藉口,就在新年新希望(New Year's Resolutions)裡,走出舒適圈(comfort zone),讓生命有新的開展、新的願景(prospect)吧! 今天出門前有先探頭看看窗外的天氣如何嗎?那麼如果要問身邊的朋友,今天的天氣如何要用Weather還是Climate比較好呢?出門前突然找不到自己的鑰匙,急著好像是熱鍋上的螞蟻,翻箱倒櫃地想趕在上班或上課前找到,那麼,各位同學知道"翻箱倒櫃"的英文,是什麼嗎?現在跑出你的腦海的大概就是research or look for something之類的單詞組合,但其實真正的道地用法有搞清楚過嗎?每次到了餐廳等了老半天,卻發現都快半小時以上,店家也沒有表示會延遲餐點的意思,這時候妳難道要大喊"Where's my food?"這可是會非常招其他用餐客人的白眼的!所以怎麼表達自己乾坐很久的無奈感呢?接下來就進行今年專欄的強檔單元系列內容囉!準備接招吧! ※你今天LINE了嗎? PB: Pencil Eyebrow Boy(粗眉弟) A: Alston(奧斯頓) Pencil Eyebrow Boy最近發現自己人緣好像變差了,於是敲了自己學校學長Alston想討拍拍,沒想到最後竟然演變成一場不愉快的談話。網路用語通常沒有附上語氣或準確的情感表達,很容易誤解訊息意涵。也要提醒大家,LINE的談話記錄是可以當做公然侮辱的呈堂證供,在網路上也要注意網路禮節(netiquette) 喔! 行前提醒:重點單字介紹 1.Just chillaxing閒閒沒事做(chill+relax)→goofing around遊手好閒 2.out of shape身體不適(別誤解成"身材變形") 3.avoid(v.)閃躲(電話、訊息或避不見面) 4.people issues人際交往問題 5.repeat the history重蹈覆轍 6.Get a life 別煩我(哪邊涼快你哪邊去) 7.feel defeated 感覺挫敗(defeated比起frustrated/melancholy/depressed更常用) 8.turn over a new leaf展開新人生 9.stop being judgmental 請別對我評頭論足 10. level with someone實話實說 11.outrageous過份的→You pushed my buttons.=You crossed the line.= You got on my nerves.= That really pissed me off. 12.Ouch!很痛(身體上或被對方說話刺傷都可以這麼使用) PB:Hey, dude! I am totally down in the dumps now.(極度沮喪) A:Hey, you don't sound right. Are you out of shape or what? PB:No, I am still alive and kicking.(健步如飛) It's about Jane and her friends who seemed to avoid me recently. No reply from Line or a " Hi" from Jane since the last time we made it quite ugly(把場面弄得難堪) at the party. A:Oh, the time you were drunk and trashed her house(搞破壞)right? PB:I am not here to be lectured. (被說教)Could you stop being judgmental? A:I am just trying to level with you. You are the person who cannot take criticism well, aren't you? PB:Get a life! People issues really bugged(糾纏) me all the time. They always complicated everything and blamed all on me. It's easy for them to say like that. We've been friends for years, that really hurt. A:Feeling defeated is not enough until you resolve to turn over a new leaf. PB:You are getting more outrageous than minutes ago. I want you to root for (挺)me other than crash me with meanness(刻薄打擊我), okay? A:Easy, man! Don't take it personally. I am here to listen to you. It's not the end of the world. PB:Fine, I will see what I could do to fix it before too late. A:Now, you sound really mellow and did get the great lesson.(變得成熟也學到教訓) 愛情的真面目Love Just Works Out Like This 付出者在英文就是叫Giver,在感情裡虧待自己(treat oneself unfairly),曾大言不慚地(blatantly)說:「我再也不想投入任何一段感情」?可是轉身看到愛情小說書名「不管你在誰的身邊,都是我心口的缺」,瞬間編織愛情的渴望和點起渴望有個人能瞭解妳,最好來個超級「壁咚」,來個跌進懷裡作結。與其急著走入下一段感情,讓自己不像LOSER,妳有好好檢視上一段關係中,學到什麼?到底發生了什麼事嗎?根據調查顯示,男性分手當下異常冷靜,甚至立刻來場鬥牛或是足球啤酒夜,外加BBQ派對狂歡,好像沒事發生過一般;而女性卻會傷心欲絕(devastated),極有可能立刻成為MV煎熬女主角的慘狀( fall victim to)。但,你知道嗎?其實男性卻會用接下來的幾年時間,偷偷的舔拭傷口(recovery from the trauma)。不但無法去以前約會場所,更不能接受對方社群網路上貼的新歡照片;甚至更打擊地,你發現去速食店習慣講出「去鹽,不加番茄醬」,是「她」最愛的點法,而且連講話都有對方的口頭禪。回想過去一段關係,約瑟夫告訴朋友,前女友逼他去考了一張專業調酒執照,因為知道那是他的夢想,也讓這段關係除了唏噓,也有了些學習和成長。別活在不甘願(reluctant)對方得到一切就轉身離去,或不情願承認在情場跌一跤。最重要的是(On top of that),認真投入一段情感,愛與被愛本就沒有對錯,只是付出和感動沒有交集。一起來用英文學習正確的愛情觀,一起走出更棒的人生! 【A】I live with someone that I want to spend the rest of my life with. He does not blindly worship me, and I don't in return. We simply love each other. We're friends with each other. We hold hands through the easy-breezy days and hug through the rough ones. We talk through the fights. (我現在和自己想度過餘生的人住在一起。他並不會盲目地崇拜我,我當然也不會。只是很單純的愛著對方,我們就像朋友。在平順怡然的日子中,我們彼此緊握對方的手;並在那些大風大浪中,會扶持著彼此;在爭執中,也向對方掏心掏肺。) 【B】We let go of grudges. We keep each other safe. We listen, we talk. We check in every day. We take care of each other so that we can take on another day in this insane, confusing world. We don't stop being individuals to be an "us," but we take care of the "us" and in turn, become stronger and better individuals.(並不會去記恨對方。學習看顧對方、傾聽也與對方溝通。對方也知道彼此的動向。每天每天愛護著對方,才得以在這瘋狂又充滿混亂的世界中存活。可以放開老是「我」為中心的念頭,而是「我們」為思考的基準。除了兼顧這一體的概念,同時,我們也不忘了讓自己變得更好、更堅強。) 1.You would choose to live in denial.你或許無法接受現狀。 2.You will be engulfed by great rage and kept asking yourself how this happened to you even after all-out efforts. 你被憤怒吞噬掉,而且老問這種事情怎會發生在自己身上,明明自己就盡了全力。 3.Identify the root of the existing issues in the previous relationship 找出在前一段關係所存在的問題。 4.Years after, some familiar scenes or music might trigger a surge of emotion inside. Close to D?晹j?羖 vu, it's more likely to be the moment you can consider this past romance a part of your life with bittersweet memories which might take you down and raise you up for the better one awaiting you. 數年之後,熟悉的場景和音樂會突然激起內心強烈的情感。好像似曾相識,但其實這個時候,妳已經能把這些苦甜參半的記憶放在生命的抽屜裡。或許讓你一時踉蹌,但也讓自己有機會爬起來,迎向未來更好的際遇。
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
曾在墨西哥擔任工程師的Steve每次請假都要跟美國籍的主管解釋半天,一下說他要take a break,轉頭想說應該要說go on a vacation,最後寫在簽呈單上的是take days off,最後還被要求要重寫並說明理由。其實不必這麼麻煩,因為台灣的同學們不太了解國家文化差異,光是一個請假的概念就和歐美的概念天差地別了!不論是全家歡樂出遊而用掉的「特休」,或是「例行休假」,甚至因為半夜睡覺踢被子而影響身體不適的「病假」,在英文裡都是一律用take leave請假。 TOEIC(Test of English for International Communication)商用英文檢定考中,聽力測驗中常會出現這類的題目;What did the man fail to take leaves for the following Tuesday?(這位男士為何無法請下週二的假呢?)大家腦海的電燈泡是否立刻亮起來了呢?沒錯,可以從這個句子去順利推論出來,肯定是因為這位仁兄「常常不假外出」(AWOL: Absence Without Leave)或是缺少「正當理由」(Valid Excuses),讓主管留下了壞印象,之後在升遷員工績效評比(Review of Employee's Work performance)上,不但無法肯定(Validate)你之前的血汗貢獻,還有可能因此而吃足大虧了或回家吃自己喔!所以老師一開場就要好好跟各位同學聊聊所謂"請假"有哪些說法?還有究竟"LEAVE"這個單字要怎麼做使用,讓你們在考場和生活職場可以名利雙收,順利地登上英語世界的高峰! (A)Leave(v.)離開→Take French Leave不告而別 (這是含有文化歧視discrimination的說法,認為法國人都太恣意行事(at will),浪漫過頭就隨興地來去。但如果放在中國歷史中,反而變成曾不吝情去留,瀟灑個性極了,莞爾一笑便罷,千萬別老掛在嘴上!下次遇到法國的朋友們,這可就有些失禮了(有時候忘了跟對方打招呼,或是忙著問對方問題,卻沒有自我介紹,就可以說Where's my manner? →我真是沒禮貌呀!,但不妨可以當茶餘飯後的小話題,也不失為認識彼此文化觀點的機會喔!) &Don't leave your luggage unattended by the boarding gate. 別把您的行李遺落在登機門旁。 Unattended luggage無人看管的行李, suitcase行李箱 & Don't leave your children unattended in the car or at home! 別把您的孩子獨自放在車裡或家裡頭(而無人照應)。 & Don't leave him even crumbs. He did nothing to our team projects. Understand? 別讓他嚐到任何甜頭,一點點也不行。他根本對我們的團體報告一點貢獻也沒有。懂嗎?*Crumbs麵包屑,指很微薄的量或一點點的好處。 EX.:It is considered rather rude to leave a party without informing the host or waving friends byes. 如果離開派對卻沒有跟主人告知或賓客道別,這會被視為相當失禮了! EX.: In general, employees 【who requested for absence of leave without valid excuses 】cannot get the approval from the supervisors. 想請假的員工沒有附上正當理由,肯定無法得到主管的核准放行! *小叮嚀:這是各項國際專業英檢常出現的句型,利用關係代名詞WHO來延續主詞EMPLOYEES的內容細節,所以同學要把主要句的主詞Employees和主要句的核心動詞Get找出來,整體句意就會一目瞭然了!說到很普遍,之前有個教授國中英文的補教老師分享,大家認為美國人都很愛煎牛肉,所以吃牛肉這件事情好像成了家常便飯了,所以煎牛肉這件事情,也就順利成章的變成很general,如果同學不小心把General大寫了,就會變成軍隊官階裡的將軍了,還記得以前學校英文課程中都有麥克阿瑟為子祈禱文"Prayer for My Son" by General Douglas MacArthur。老師節錄了中英翻譯的開頭和結尾,若想重懷或學習這篇經典文章,可以好好去翻翻以前的課本,可以學到非常多優美的詞句和富有深深關愛孩子的期盼用字,許多的排比句和對比字眼,都不失為許多英文學子的眾多經典作品之一。(classic是"經典之作"的意思,通常看到很天兵的學生問我:「老師,英文作文可以寫中文嗎?」這種問題實在太Classic,是諷刺對方的問題真的前無古人後無來者,蠢到很經典!) Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory. 主啊!懇求你教導我的兒子,使他在軟弱時,能夠堅強不屈; 在懼怕時能夠勇敢自持,在誠實的失敗中,毫不氣餒; 在光明的勝利中,仍能保持謙遜溫和。 Then, I, his father, will dare to whisper, have not lived in vain. 然後作為父親的我,才敢輕輕的說:「我這一生總算沒有白白活著」 各種請假Take Leave理由總整理 ▲病假Sick Leave→I called in sick this morning.今天早上我打電話去請病假! ▲事假Personal Leave ▲無薪假Unpaid Leave ▲教召Military Leave ▲喪假Bereavement Leave(bereave喪失) ▲陪產假Paternity Leave V.S.產假 Maternity Leave (Pa:papa V.S. Ma:mama) ▲公假Official Leave→出差要說I am on business.(不是for business喔!) ▲特休Annual leave→anniversary sales周年慶特賣 ▲AWOL(Absence Without Leave)不告而別 (B)Leave→Left→Left (pp.剩餘的=remaining→the remainder) EX.:The leftover is all in the fridge and you can heat it before dinner. 還有一些剩菜在冰箱,你可以晚餐前熱起來吃。 *Refrigerator=fridge冰箱,若要強調冷凍箱(多為上層),就要說Freezer,外頭冷到你花枝亂顫,就可以說It's freezing!或是I shiver like jello!(我像果凍般狂抖) (C)Leave(v.)使/讓+Sb/Sth: make +N/Np/V-ing + adj./pp.(state狀態) EX.:The tornado-stricken areas had left many residents deceased or starved to death in drought, accompanied with epidemic diseases. 被龍捲風肆虐過的區域中,許多居民餓死或病死於旱災或隨之而來的傳染性疾病。 EX.:Celebrate by hosting a gathering of friends and colleagues for some light entertainment. Make sure you stick your budget so that unnecessary expenses don't leave you broke. 可以藉由舉辦朋友或同事聚會,找到生活的小確幸。要注意別讓其他不必要開銷掏空錢包,不然要吃土了。) EX.:I cannot believe they did it again. John and his friends bailed on me at the last minute and totally felt like there's nothing happening here. I was left high and dry on the campsite without any help there. They are so doomed. 我真不敢相信他們又做了一樣的事。約翰和他朋友最後竟然放我鴿子,還一副事不關己的樣子。我就這樣被丟在營地,完全沒有人可以求救。他們給我走著瞧! (D)Leaf(n.)→Leaves特別比對單字"樹葉",與今天主題的LEAVE非常相似,可別再傻傻分不清楚了喔! *Turn over a new leave可別翻譯成轉成一片新葉子,這邊的Leaf是指書本的紙張,所以當你翻過新的一頁,就隱含"開啟人生新的扉頁" ,也就是Embrace a new life(擁抱新人生)。而我們常說的"各行各業"其實就是每天一張開眼睛,看到在各領域埋頭苦幹的無名英雄們,就可以說All Walks of Life,真的非常實用又好記喔!當然大家答應老師要好好學英文,也要Walk the Talk,一定要言出必行喔! *rake the leaves用耙子清理樹葉;rake in money賺錢 最近在美國知名電視節目Web of Lies(網路詐騙社會檔案)就特別鎖定(target)網路詐騙案(Internet Scam)裡,除了許多是藉由上萬未成年孩子使用者,因為誤交損友或被所謂的predator看上(原意:掠食者,如Predator→老虎tiger V.S. Prey→野兔hare的關係),讓網路安全的議題也一再受到關注。由於孩子們涉世未深又對網路眼光撩亂的繽紛世界和其神祕對象有無限憧憬,而且多半都會隱藏(camouflage)或用虛假(false)的個人資料檔案(profile),讓許多純真的未成年(underage)孩子→The minors產生偶像情節(Idolize sb),慢慢的深陷下去而不自知(unaware)。即使家長會安裝所謂的安全密碼,總會有疏忽確認的情形,導致這些Predator或我們常稱的"性侵犯"有機會得逞(walk away like that),讓許多家長最後都後悔莫及( remorse to guts)。根據警方表示,許多孩子在家裡得不到溫暖關注,就會花上許多時間在網路尋求慰藉支持系統,最後就會容易因為網路上的輿論而身心受挫,而否定自我,也不可不忽略網路霸凌(Cyber-Bullying)會帶來的影響,你的一點點關懷,可以搶救徬徨無措的孩子,給予不一樣的選擇和更光明的人生道路。守望相助不僅僅於社區的巷弄間,更擴及到數位空間的人際網絡互動,也要特別注意在網路言論發表或回應談話,一不小心就會吃上公然侮辱的官司,到時候你在想起老師說的警告(warning),就只能在牢裡(behind the bars)討拍拍了。 ★妨害名譽及信用罪 Offense Against Reputation and Credit→指妨害他人名譽及信用之犯罪。包括公然侮辱罪、誹謗罪、侮辱誹謗死者罪、妨害信用罪。)(刑法分則第27章) ★誹謗罪Offense of Criminal Defamation →依刑法第310條第1項,係指意圖散布於眾,而指摘或傳述足以毀損他人名譽之事者。同條第3項,對於所誹謗之事,能證明其為真實者,不罰。但涉於私德而與公共利益無關者,不在此限。 有鑑於許多朋友都是鍵盤名嘴或資深鄉民,今年台灣媒體廣電相關科系的教授也特地訪問老師對於網路現象的看法,對所謂的Hate黑特版或是Gossips八卦版是怎麼從空穴來風(from the grapevines)的無稽之論,變成許多人生活消息的來源指標(Newfeeds)。網路用語究竟在國外會怎麼說?怎樣才比較道地? 1. Plot Spoiler劇透(透露劇情)→Spoil yourself寵愛自己 2. Acid Netizen(Internet + Citizen=Netizen)酸民(尖酸刻薄的網路民眾) 3. Man-Hunt進行人肉搜索 4. Fish for sympathy 討拍拍 V.S. Fish for compliment尋求稱讚V.S. Fish for my key找鑰匙找半天(in a bag) 5. Chilling effect寒蟬效應 6. Marginalize邊緣化(+N)*Marginalize the cyber-bullying減少網路霸凌可能
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
許多年輕人都迷上了Take a selfie,不管和朋友出遊或是在路邊等車發呆,都一定要保持最佳狀態,然後選上最合你膚色和場景光線的filter(濾鏡),立刻拍下snapshot(快照,GET SNAPPED理智線斷掉),上傳到社群網路後,等著大家按讚。在同時,歐美地區也掀起了一股「自拍照憂鬱症」,因為不滿意自己在照片上的樣子或感覺,而一窩蜂(make a beeline for)地跑去整型診所諮詢,卻捨棄自己原有的特質和才能條件,只為了要取得很多LIKEs,來證明自己的存在價值感;同時網路世界也有新產物,就是喜歡當鍵盤酸民(acid netizen)的人們,對於別人的言論或是想法邏輯都可以批評到體無完膚,甚至最後發生許多遺憾的事情。 其實Cyber-bullying(網路霸凌)是可以避免的,也不要認為只有青少年才會fall victim to(淪為受害者)這種現象,其實許多證據也再再顯示許多公眾人物或公司企業裡,在聊天社群軟體中,被無形地歧視和無理地對待,孰不知自己可以訴諸法律來求助,因為即便是在聊天群組系統中的對話,也當然視為公然侮辱的一種,甚至對於精神傷害也可以求償,更何況有對話框的內容和時間為證,在法庭上也站得住腳,不用怕被視為flimsy evidence(薄弱證據),也要試著不要故意provoke(挑釁)對方,以免自己到時候會sustain injury(遭到傷害)後,後果就不堪設想了,應該要先保全自己,確定發生在自己身上的事情是很不恰當,讓妳也感受到很不舒服的時候,就要蒐集證據或是錄音來還原的真實情況,也可以考慮尋求社會團體或是身邊的親友來協助,千萬不要姑息養奸,也不要認為自己是一定的弱勢。每個人都值得被尊重,每個人都值得被愛和享受生活上的自由。以下是一封在辦公室裡一名女性員工對於另一位男同事,常常故意用咳嗽的噪音罵她"盧蛇"(loser),這下子她終於忍不下這口氣要寫信給上司,我們來看看她怎麼表達自己的情緒,又可以得到上司的注意和積極處理呢? Dear Anderson, I am writing this letter to inform you that I encountered something truly unpleasant going on in the office. George, one of my co-workers in the marketing division, always mocked me as " loser" intentionally since two months ago. And I have never done such things so that people could call me like that. And again no one ever treated me like before. Our company should strictly put into practice Zero tolerance for personal assault or foul languages!Though I confronted him with my discomfort, he chose to ignore it and after weeks the whole thing went even worse. His conducts really bothered me and injected negative influence on our morale, for which I do expect you to take this really seriously. My suggestion is that all evidence I've compiled shall be forward to the director of Human Resource Department and propelled them to give some physical warning upon him who must learn a lesson from what he's done to me. Thanks for patiently reading this regarding my recent anxiety and hope it can be dealt with tactfully. Your assistance is of great importance to me as well as the rest in my team. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Alice Wu, the engineer assistant 好的!這封信大家看懂了多少呢?老師接下來就好好的講解細節囉! 1.Dear Anderson,親愛的安德森(從信裡可以得知,他是Alice的上司) I am writing this letter to inform you that I encountered something truly unpleasant going on in the office. George, one of my co-workers in the marketing division, always mocked me as " loser" intentionally since two months ago. 我寫這封信是要告訴您,從兩個月前我在辦公室裡就已經遇到令人很不舒服的事情,在我們行銷部門的同事喬治不斷地故意嘲笑我是失敗者。 &go on持續發生中, EX.: The news going on like virus caught me off guard that our music teacher had been diagnosed with leukemia and she passed away three days ago. (這消息傳得沸沸揚揚地,讓我十分措手不及。音樂老師早先被診斷出得了血癌,三天前已經辭世了。) 2. And I have never done such things so that people could call me like that. And again no one ever treated me like before. Our company should strictly put into practice Zero tolerance for personal assault or foul languages!Though I confronted him with my discomfort, he chose to ignore it and after weeks the whole thing went even worse.我從未做過類似的事情,好讓別人來說嘴,甚至這麼羞辱我。我們公司應該要嚴格執行"完全禁止人身攻擊或侮蔑他人的言語"。雖然我曾親自跟本人表達我的不滿,他根本不放在眼裡,甚至還在幾周內變本加厲。 & Assault(n.v.)攻擊=verbally or physically attack or offend someone 相關字詞介紹:Sexual Assault(性侵害) Sexual Discrimination(性別歧視) Sexual Intercourse(性行為) Sexual Abuse(性虐待)→如果在 & Foul(a.)發出臭味的 EX.: Your room reeks of urine and smells terribly foul. What's wrong with you? Didn't you bother tidying it up for minutes? Totally a pig sty!(妳房間發出刺鼻的尿騷味,聞起來真的臭死人。妳真的很有事,連花個幾分鐘打掃都不會嗎?) EX.: Jane, since when you started blurting out foul languages like that. Rude and totally savage, don't you care how people think about you like that? (珍妮,妳是從哪時候學會這樣口不遮攔爆粗口。這很沒教養又粗俗,難道妳不在乎別人怎麼看待這樣的妳嗎?) & Confront(v.)對質 通常都是指和對方直接對話,並且將內心不滿的部分說出來,希望與對方協調或是某一方做些調整來改善結果。當然也可以使用compromise,來表達和對方妥協來讓事情順利解決或是讓事情能順利進行下去,這個單字裡頭不也有個承諾嗎?所以雙方在相當立足點上努力,也不失為是個好機會一起努力呢! 至於最近在法國巴黎發生不忍卒睹的槍擊案,許多的hostage(人質)性命危在旦夕,更是處於極度的驚恐之下,而默默祈禱有一絲絲生還的機會。當局也派出維安最大規模來進行追捕,在經過數小時的standoff(對峙),最後雖然也將一些恐怖份子擊斃,但也有許多無辜的性命殞落在這場混亂中,令人不勝唏噓! 3.His conducts really bothered me and injected negative influence on our morale, for which I do expect you to take this really seriously. My suggestion is that all evidence I've compiled shall be forward to the director of Human Resource Department and propelled them to give some physical warning upon him who must learn a lesson from what he's done to me. Thanks for patiently reading this regarding my recent anxiety and hope it can be dealt with tactfully. Your assistance is of great importance to me as well as the rest in my team. Look forward to hearing from you soon. 他的言行舉止真的相當令我不悅,而且讓我們辦公室裡的工作士氣大打折扣,也為此我希望您可以很嚴肅地看待這件事情。建議如下:我所蒐集的相關證據都備妥了,也將會轉至人資部來審閱,也可以加速相關懲處的程序,是時候他要為自己的行為學點教訓了!感謝您耐心閱讀對於令我焦慮的事情內容,也希冀能處理得宜。您提供的協助將是相當重要,不僅僅對我也及於其他在我團隊裡的同事們。期待您的來信。 &physical warning具體懲處 →physical address住處地址(這邊就不能回答電子郵件地址) <流行用語Taper Off的重要用法> --gradually to stop doing something or to do less and less of things until there's no more to do.(逐漸慢慢停止做某事或是慢慢的處理事情直到結束。) (A) Bob tried to taper off smoking again because quitting it cold turkey might backfire. (Bob試著要再次慢慢戒菸,因為如果一下子斷然不抽,恐怕會有產生反效果。) (B)I can barely taper off over-eating, which means I need to stop all at once by going on a strict diet.(我很難慢慢的戒掉大吃的習慣,簡單來說就是我要立刻嚴格的節時才有辦法。) (C) The rain finally tapered off and we went back outside. (雨勢慢慢變小,我們就又出門了。) (D) The doctor tapered the medication off as the patient recovered. (當他的病情好轉後,醫生也慢慢地替病患減藥了。) *英文生活篇之救救菜英文 在教學過程當中,常有機會批改學生的文章或是在口語訓練當中發覺:縱使英文學習者發現了許多有趣或有用的表達語,但往往抓不到使用時機,最後貽笑大方,反而顯得自己的用字程度太過於浮誇或是幼稚了。其實要記住一點:口語英文並不是指粗俗或是饒舌快到舌頭打結才算,而是能夠用相當程度的文法用字,然後精準地表達自己的看法,逐漸增加成就感,也可以在與母語人士對談中,取得更多道地和時尚的用語喔! 1.這裡是禁止抽菸的!你沒看到標示嗎? Student: You cannot smoke here. Don't you understand the sign? ★Teacher: 同學這邊使用逐字逐句的翻譯,但其實這樣的表達看似無誤,可是其實很容易引起誤會,甚至會讓對方感到被冒犯了!所以可以用英文中最婉轉的說法:Please refrain from smoking here. Didn't you notice a sign over there?(您剛剛沒有特別注意到那邊有禁菸的標示嗎?)之前學生把電影裡的對白拿來給老師看,讓我深吸一口涼氣,因為所謂的Can't you read the sign?,可是代表「請問你是沒長眼還是文盲看不懂標示嗎?」。還記得老師曾經提過CAN有觸及能力與否的概念嗎?所以問對方是否會說英文,應該要用Do you speak English?而您是否會游泳也可以說Do you swim a lot?來表達詢問對方經常從事某事的狀況! 2. 妳現在方便可以借我點錢嗎? Student:Will you be convenient to give me some money? ★Teacher:真的是小生活大發現對吧!大家都認為你方便嗎?就是直接把人當主詞,然後形容詞convenient緊追在後,但沒有想到的是,竟然這是錯誤的!而且聽起來也頗奇怪的,人怎麼會使大家方便呢?甚至大家天天看到碰到的便利商店,也不是convenient store,而是提供服務的convenience store。因為台北的便利商店肯定對高雄朋友很不方便。所以應該要寫說convenience store,提供服務給人民的商店,這樣了解了嗎? S(某事物)+ be convenient+ for (人) Would it be a bother to lend me some money? When is it convenient for you to meet this week?
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
什麼?Tell me about it竟然不是"多告訴我一點內容吧!",卻變成了這還要你講嗎?(=I wasn't born yesterday.別把我當三歲小孩);Like I care也不是"我似乎很在意",瞬間翻譯為我根本不想理會的意思;See you later還以為要跟我演"等一個人咖啡廳"的劇碼,結果卻是下次再見,要是剛好在國外暴風雪,一秒變成冰棒(popsicle)了;Driveway明明看起來就是大馬路(parkway),卻成了家裡車庫(garage)前面的那一小段坡道,千萬別寫成garbage(垃圾)或 baggage(行李);hamburger漢堡裡也沒有火腿出現,chicken finger還以為是中華滷味代表鳳爪,想不到是洋味十足的雞柳條;更誇張地,流沙明明就是慢慢陷入,卻成了quicksand!老天爺呀!你要我們怎麼背英文呢!(大家先別搥牆Hold your horse! Don't bang the wall!) What's up? (相當於Hi或近來如何)Got some news to fill us in? (最近有新消息嗎?) Hope this message finds you in great joy and good health! (社群網路上就可以用這樣的半正式問候)That's fast for you to reply!(諷刺對方平常回很慢,還故意說妳回得可真快耶!)我們平常在路上碰到同事、朋友或同學盡量使用簡單和清楚的詞噢,連小孩都可以朗朗上口最好,不需要用過多的字詞來開場白(strike a conversation),甚至也不需要用冗長的句子(run-on sentences)回答,因為多半亞洲學生對於連音不熟悉,又顧慮到單字和文法,把一句話說得像大娘裹腳布,完全窒息對方想溝通的意願。要特別記住:我們很少問對方What's your major?(你的主修是什麼?)而是What do you take this term?(這學期你選修了哪些課程),在加拿大和歐美大學課程是很彈性,沒有硬性規定主修一定要從大一到大四畢業無法更換,而是已累積該系所規定的學分和科目內容,就可以順利拿到文憑。另外,也有「No Penalty for Dropping Courses免責退課制度」;也就是到了學期三分之二,選課學生經過大小考和上課要求期中作業後,了解自己不管考幾分都無法通過這堂課程的最低分要求,為了避免拉低整體的GPA(學業平均分數),便可以退課而不用受到任何的處分或罰款!對於需要申請獎學金和實習生機會的學生是相當重要的! 記得有一回,加拿大正逢初雪時,從學校宿舍大廳走出來到教學大樓,雖然有近路可以走,不需要"淋"著大雪到教室,但也要快速通過大樓間的戶外走道,遇到剛認識的國外同學,整個緊張兮兮(shiver like jello冷到身體整個像果凍一樣的晃動,是不是光想像就很動感了!另外牙齒打寒顫發抖,就是chattering one's teeth),深怕自己沒有回答得體,反而做了負面的國民外交,對方一開口就是"Hey! Where are you up to?"(這麼巧,你正要上哪去?),當下就想好好的說明自己正要去上文學課,晚點還要口頭報告緊張死了。沒想到話都還沒說到一半,我那位"新同學"就用狐疑地(suspiciously)眼神看了(glimpse sideways)我一下,苦笑後快速進入自己的上課大樓裡(所以大家要學會當句點王,簡單說En route to class!就完美了)。其實除非是在學校餐廳(canteen)碰到要好好問候對方近況,或是在圖書館剛好遇到對方埋首準備報告,可以上前問候近況,並且了解對方選課的課程內容和教授授課風格等訊息,不然其實生活中都是以簡答為主!甚至你可以聽到What's up?用一樣的話What's up!?來回應就結束簡單照面的招呼! 其實大家常用到【UP】動詞片語,卻不知多半指;清醒狀態下行事 1.stay up late保持整晚清醒,這肯定就猜得出來是【熬夜】了吧! 2.leep late 昨天妳晚睡了嗎?錯,這可是代表今天【比平常晚起床】。 3.sleep-in睡覺本來就是睡在床上,怎變成裡面了?整個人癱在床上不動,即【賴床】的概念,其實這是健康的概念,起床前先動動手腳指,再側身用手臂把自己撐起來,才不會因為猛然起身,而讓腦部血管受壓過高,導致中風就糟了,但大家還是要乖乖起床上班上課,準時閱讀本專欄喔! 4.oversleep(→overslept →overslept)我的天天兒啊!【睡過頭】了,大概又要被罵! 5.ake some shuteye沒事叫我閉眼睛?原來是老祖先說的【閉目養神】或乾脆躺著休息,以免妳有兔寶寶的充血眼睛(blood-shot eyes),看起來頗可怕的呢!另外在旅行社會看到的,就是Red-Eye Flight指夜間起飛的航班,所以票價也因此稍微比一般型的便宜些! 6.puffy eyes with dark eye circles眼睛水腫還黑眼圈,這真是人間最痛苦的事情了!所以大家睡前一小時就別再補水了,好好的放鬆全身,進入夢鄉吧! 7.stiff neck 天啊!人家是號稱鬼壓床,我是象壓脖子嗎?結果是因為睡姿不良導致的"落枕",在英文就是說【僵硬的脖子】,嚴重還需要動用acupuncture,老祖先的智慧就是用細針對"穴道"下手,打通氣血循環,打開瘀結點,讓肌肉也不至於粘黏過久,而導致病情惡化。We are neck-to-neck可不是在演瓊瑤還是"會不會你也剛好愛上我"的小說情節,而是兩人目前競爭的狀態是【勢均力敵】,看來還要一陣子廝殺,才能分出軒輊,令人不禁捏把冷汗break into cold sweat! 8.toss and turn如果你晚餐沒吃?或是天氣熱到受不了?更或者你睡前喝了一杯濃茶或咖啡等等讓你亢奮的食品,那你很有可能就有【輾轉難眠】的反應。現代文明病多半都是壓力型胃腸病,不然就是高壓下的失眠症作祟,可不要忘了有空到戶外走走,別滑手機或用電腦用到鬥雞眼,視力減退可是很難恢復的,不可不慎呢! Brian老師說文解字--今天你被"刺激"了嗎? 1. provoke: 挑釁some conducts(behavior/demeanor) offensive and unnerving to someone who might engage into something or do stay against his/her willingness. EX: The attorney for the defendant made an attempt to provoke the eyewitness with some hypothesis as to misguide everything in the case.(被告的辯護律師試圖用激將法和其他假設內容,來誤導目擊證人對於整件案情的原本理解! 2. irritate:使惹怒或身體過敏反應 agitate/infuriate/upset someone by something or trigger strong biological reaction after use of medicine or substances allergic to someone. EX: Caution! This product contains nuts and dairy products which might irritate people with the history of allergy or of lactose intolerance.(警告!產品內含堅果和乳製品,可能導致有相關過敏史或乳糖不耐症的消費者產生不適反應。) 3. stimulate: spur/help push the situation forwards by some ideas input or taking drastic measures like throwing others some extraordinary questions rooted in ordinary life to inspire the audience to reflect on things EX:The brainstorming during sessions not merely deepened our understanding of global obesity but also aroused public awareness towards the feasibility of organic food applied to daily diets.(在議程中的集思廣益不僅僅讓我們對全球肥胖議題有更深的認識,也讓大眾省思是否需將有機食品納入每日飲食中。) &如果這些都無法難倒你,那就來接招老師的精選用語單元吧! 1.Sorry, I am late.抱歉,我遲到了。 由於交通阻塞或其他私人原因,導致無法準時出現,一般同學都會想到這個強而有力的說法。但其實在口說英文中最常運用到的是:Sorry to keep you waiting(抱歉讓您久候了!)以耽誤對方時間為出發點來道歉,顯得更得宜,甚至可以說My apology!(我在此致歉),來表達對該場合的主辦單位和相關與會者的尊重和歉意。所以各位大器的上流社會人士,就應該要回答Apology taken!(我接受你的道歉)就可以大事化小、小事化無了! 2. What are you from?你從哪裡來? 千萬別說出Where are you come from?這種動詞打架的句子。可以說Where are you from? Or Where do you come from?你從哪個國家或城市來的呢?其實這也牽涉到很多朋友本身就是家族移民而到新國度,德國曾因內部就業勞工人口缺乏,湧入土耳其求職者,獲取新居留權,改善孩子和故鄉親友環境!應該要問是:Where did you grow up? (妳是在哪長大的呢?)Where were you raised?(從小在哪受教育?) Where were your ancestors come from?(祖先原籍在哪裡)→Which part of England are you from?除了問到國名,也可以細問居住的的地區為何,藉以深入認識對方的文化內涵和習慣風俗等等。 3.It's too expensive!這也太貴了 走入夜市,邊大快朵頤特色小吃外,不難見到大家爭先恐後看到自己心儀的衣服就一把搶去,好像扛著幾十人貨量,失心瘋購物後,也沒注意到標籤價格(priced tag),就讓自己荷包大失血。其實面對產品太貴,可以直接跟店家說----- ★I am just looking around, thanks.(=do the windo-shopping)我只是來逛逛看看 ★I cannot afford it.我實在付不起這樣的價位。補充句→ I cannot afford to lose you!代表你非常珍惜某人,沒有辦法禁得起失去對方! ★It's out of my price range.這不在我的估價範圍。 ★It's beyond my budget.這已超出預算許多了! 4. I don't want onions in my food.我不要菜裡放洋蔥啦! 在餐廳這麼說聽起來相當粗魯(vulgar),好像把對方廚師當成僕人,而完全沒有尊重到做菜者的專業選擇和精心搭配,所以應該要說: ★Please leave out the onions, thanks!請不要幫我放入(擱著別放)洋蔥。 ★Please go easy on onions in my soup!我的湯品部份,可以盡量少放一點洋蔥!
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
「寫作固定開頭和結尾要怎麼寫?」、「一週內就改掉講英文的口音?」、「口說練習時真的不用想文法,拚命說不會積非成是嗎?」、「到底要單字先還是要閱讀先?」。這些問題萬變不離其宗(All roads lead to Rome),在學習五個歐洲語言系統的經驗告訴我,先學習該語言的:【語調】,learning the techniques of the intonation可以幫助抓到使用語言的情緒,當然你之後學習累積的字彙就可以更讓native speaker or language learner理解,才不會疑問還是肯定讓對方霧煞煞;再來,以學習【字彙】角度來看,不管是語言檢定考照或是自學興趣出發,都應該要以實用和貼近生活化為主,因為就算是聽力和閱讀不至於考到艱澀的範疇,或太過於抽象的概念,小秘訣:盡量從自我感興趣話題下手,每天準備五句生活職場常用句,呼吸間都是在學習狀態的話,要進步非難事;語言最開頭的【聽力】只要是生活中的交談、臉書上的社團交流PO文、音樂頻道平台或YOUTUBE影片分享內容,都應該是大家可以做為互相轉換和消遣的學習方式(即是不要用單一方式或教材學習,才增加廣度和深度,也可同時印證自己所學知識是實用的!),等車時間或是通勤交通發呆(chilling during transits),都可以來段TED TALK的深入淺出演講,讓自己在短短的時間內也能吸收豐富卻又集中度強的單字群組,效果加倍。 其實只要高頻率持續的接觸,就算只是每天花半小時慢跑習慣聽著朗讀文章或多益單字例句,可以化整為零來達到強大的吸收學習內化能力喔!其實從恐懼感到產生濃厚的興趣,要深入語言的內涵是不難的,有心學習的同學更別忘記要多用心思在節慶典故裡,畢竟在國外很多常聽到用到的用字,大多都跟信仰和歷史淵源有關,不可不多留心去感受;至於【閱讀】加強部分,不需要去著墨在要把每篇文章的行句中的單詞看懂,而是去用上下文(context)去推敲出來,自己可能比較不熟的單字和表達詞句。其實如果是以升學或考證為主的朋友,可以在使用學習雜誌前,利用快速瀏覽單字後,然後直接進入文章,可以抓到六成以上的意思,認為內容還有不甚理解的部分,可以用翻譯文章來參考對照,但不要逐字來去對比,因為英文和中文的語意邏輯和用字遣詞是有差異的。 你在看我嗎?從生活來【看】用字,妳知道什麼情況要用watch? Look at? 1. The passengers are _怒視_ the smoker on the platform. 2. A girl is _快速瀏覽_ the latest issue of Fashion Weekly. 3. Mary is the only girl Brian adores as we __注視_ the beauty of stars in the sky. 4. The man by the door kept _直直瞧著_ me as if there's some stain on my face. 5. In the evening, the library is full of students who _專注地看_ their reference books. *如果以上的答案妳都有相當的自信回答,那就來看看老師的詳細介紹吧! ★ watch (v.)觀賞→bird-watching(n.)賞鳥→watch pedestrian pass by看路人走過。 ★ see(v.)看到→My neighbor saw me jog in the park.我鄰居看到我在公園慢跑。 & see a movie 通常是到電影院觀賞V.S. watch a movie在電視(腦)或手機上觀賞居多→theater(=theatre)真人演出圓形劇場和movie theater電影院不同喔! ★stare at (v.phr.)直瞧著, EX.: Whenever she strolled along the street, Helen couldn't help but stare at those gorgeous dresses on window display. ★glare at (v.phr)怒視著, EX.: Why are you glaring at like that? Did I do something wrong? ★take a glimpse of匆匆一瞥, EX.: Pushed by time, I usually just took a glimpse of those products on the shelves at the duty-free shops before proceeding to the boarding gate. Therefore, you cannot blame me for not buying you anything on my way home. ★gaze at(v.)凝望, EX.: In New Zealand, college students take to lying on the grass, gazing at the shimmering full moon. 如果是想要進入進階篇的朋友,不如挑選市面上由小說所翻拍電影的文本,書店裡也會有暢銷書排行榜,不管是正面勵志類、驚悚謀殺、靈異恐怖、溫馨感人或愛情雋永的題材都有,老師建議可以先讀過書背的大意簡介,認為題材本身還算能接受,就可以進入書本的部分,試著去閱讀三頁左右,如果能夠抓到八成意思和七成的單字量,成為原文小說的起點。同學可以拿短篇集結的小說,不然人物角色複雜和時空錯置容易搞混。另外創作才子韋禮安,不僅僅誠懇深情的歌聲擄獲歌迷的心,在學識上也是有台大外文系的加持光環,也在近日分享自己在閱讀一本由電影控制Gone Girl同位作者Gillian Flynn另一驚悚力作Dark Places,講述主人翁在目睹滅門血案後,直指自己的親生哥哥就是殺人兇手,但隨著時光荏苒,當年的證詞好像也出現了動搖,到底這牽連一整個社區的可怕案件,是怎麼開始?又是怎麼影響到二十多年後的他們?一連串的蝴蝶效應全然展開,千萬不要關燈喔!?需要刺激題材才能勾起興趣的朋友,不失為一個好機會來探索本年度暢銷作家的精心勾勒出人性最幽暗的角落吧。 學習當中使用許多的聯想法來加深印象,歷史年代用口訣,數學公式反覆套用,甚至國文水調歌頭也要邊唱邊背,實境圖像或諧音方式可以從input輸入方面:1.聽覺(影音朗讀)2.視覺(圖卡影像)3.觸覺(書寫文字)等轉換媒介讓學習內容多方輸入,更可以加深學習經驗和未來的output輸入效果(聽寫能力展現)。但往往在需要英語溝通的場合中,不難發現國人在交談的理解上並沒有太困難的地方,但回應的句子結構顯得太過於矯情或是冗長過頭,過多的贅字造成溝通阻礙。R:Redunduant冗長表達 C:Concise精簡表達 1. 我女兒從和不同國家的交談可以得到很大的樂趣,這也是她決定要報考成為一名空服員的理由。 R: My daughter takes great pleasure in talking to people from all around the world and that's why she decided to apply for a position for flight attendant. C:My daughter takes to interacting with people abroad , which explained why she determined to be a flight attendant. 不僅僅把句子濃縮,也利用了強而有力的片語take to + V-ing/N/Np(對某事物產生興趣), 2.目前公司面臨員工短缺,需要更多人力來分擔工作量。在早上簡報時間過後,也決定要聘僱更多人來達成計畫中的進度內容。 R: It's clear that my company needs more workers for helping share the heavy workloads. After the morning briefing, we would consider hiring more staff to accomplish the project as anticipated. C: Our firm, apparently, is understaffed in terms of more workloads. Recruiting more staff is a must for pulling off the project as requested. 托福口說必勝寶典Brian英文家教時間 許多夢想要出國留學或工作,甚至要技術移民的朋友們,對於口說測驗的部分一直相當的畏懼。也有程度達到英檢中高級的學生會反映出自己的焦慮感,深怕自己的口音不符合評分老師的青睞,還是錄音效果品質欠佳導致失分,更或者是臨場反應沒有平常練習來得嫻熟或流暢。其實大家都多慮了,托福口說內容其實是從淺而深的去進行;個人生活經驗→文化議題討論→留學生活衝擊→大學校園規範→課堂主題學習及思辨→未來生活展望和發展。這些就囊括了托福口說最常出現的題型與範圍,也是許多要追求專業進階訓練的台灣學生們要克服的內容。不必去杞人憂天,要懂得人定勝天。一分耕耘,一分收穫,才是真理。接下來,老師要把平時就在口說課程中,其中練習的口說句型和高分範例來跟各位分享囉!不過要請大家看到以下這個題目,請自己利用20秒的時間寫下看法,順便待會對照老師的口說回答邏輯,看看有什麼出入,可以怎麼做修正,這樣就不難達到事半功倍的效果囉!Let's get the ball rolling and brace yourself for the thought-provoking challenge! {Practice}:Question : Individual Preferences and Details Some college students choose to take courses in a variety of subject areas in order to get a broad education. Others choose to focus on a single subject area in order to have a deeper understanding of that area. Which approach to course selection do you think is better for students and why? Please quickly select the preferred option and conjure up some ideas to justify your statements. &Opening:開頭經典用句 1.When it comes to + N/Np/V-in, I do hold some personal perspectives toward them. And I am in favor of _____(the idea)________當提到____相關議題,我本身確實想主張一些觀念和想法。對於本題,我對____持支持意見。 2.Speaking of _______, it has been considered quite a predicament for many. I, personally, support ______________. 3. From my own perspectives, it is such a complicated issue but I will emphasize the importance of _____________. &Supproting: 內容支持句( at least two clear reasons) 1.I am convinced that ___A___ will outweigh ___B____ in terms of...... 2. Furthermore….,/ Additionally,../ To be more specific, if I were______, I would totally take __________ because_________________. & Conclusion: 精采結尾(Repeat the main ideas) 1.Briefly speaking, the core value of ____(idea)_____ is_____________which I favor most. 2. Therefore, _____(idea)________________ wins my heart. 3. Consequently, the advantage of ___(idea)______ seems more reassuring to me. 有了方向,想必大家一定都答得不錯,老師也準備了高分範例給大家參考學習: Opening Apparently, though it might seem profound to detail it, everything has its own pros and cons. (Introduction): Be clear about your idea I, personally, hold some individual perspectives towards this issue, for which I am in favor of the idea of taking courses in a wide variety of subject areas. Supporting 1.(personal experience) During schooldays, we've been exposed to various subjects in respective field of knowledge in order to identify our passion for life. 2.(why dislike the other option) If I only took one single subject area, I might lose the broad vision and couldn't see things in a comprehensive manner. 3.(In-depth analysis : Scenario) To meet the requirement of the modern job market, a college graduate could hardly land a decent job without branching out to other skills or relevant knowledge. In short, your opportunity of seeking jobs will be limited. Conclusion 1.The time is different now and as a modern citizen I do figure that taking courses in many subject areas will outweigh the idea of taking only a single subject area. 2.Preparing myself with more chances and equipping myself with more professions for the future are a must.
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
自從美國成人繪本Secret Garden攻下全球銷售量最高的網路書店:AMAZON.COM亞馬遜書店的前十名佳績,真的讓許多大眾小說和許多讀者都大跌眼鏡了,甚至還創下極高的營業額度,連老師身邊的大學生都隨手一本,在公車就很有態度地彩繪起來,這才是走出個人的FASHION呀!有空走趟書局不難發現,琳瑯滿目的成人繪本*Adult Coloring Book就這樣攻進世界大大小小的書架上,而且也在成人的世界中吹起一股銳不可擋的潮流。目前從亞洲區為首的日韓及台灣地區和歐美系列的成人繪本目前已經超過百種的選擇,而且其中吸引這麼多大小朋友的熱烈支持的原因,可不單單只是如夢幻般的美麗圖案和充滿故事主題所勾勒出的祕密國度。更重要地是,當褪去一天的疲勞後,拿起自己的畫筆,塗滿裡頭的設定圖案和小心翼翼地完成一件作品,除了有滿滿的成就感外,還有許多驚喜等著你去發現,比如:角落的蜜蜂群或特別設計的角色在圖像中。許多使用者紛紛表示,我真的可以把煩惱拋諸腦後,而且每次都感受自己變得好開朗喔! Relive Stress紓壓 & Reduce Anxiety減輕焦慮感 & Uplift Mood心情開朗 美國的腦神經科學團隊早就發現,這登上亞馬遜河的成人繪本,最起初,原本就是由(插畫家)及(藝術治療師)所發起的放鬆治療,也是大家耳熟能詳的催眠的第一階段課程,如何幫助人群找到紓壓的管道,讓心理衛生健康有了照顧,回到了現實環境,才能更有動力積極地完成任務。也因此在英國一些城市,還發起了早晨迪斯可(Morning Disco),大家早上五點多來熱舞噴汗一番,然後整頓自己再好好去上班,發現不管是心情上或生理上,都有非常好的回饋和工作效率地大幅提升。所以成人繪本的藝術治療是沒有門檻,大家都可以隨手拿起畫筆,專屬自己的天地和色彩,可以揮灑出沒有界限的國度,更能跳脫以往畫圖的框架,把自己手邊的剪刀膠水都拿出來,更鼓勵大家寫點心情話語上去。生活嘛!就是需要創意活水和用最單純的眼光看待世界,處處都是希望,每一秒都彌足珍貴,因為這是你我開創的世界! The Adult Coloring books are not souring a little girl's magical place, making a bookclub comeback. They gave adults more outlets for tension and a brand-new experience they used to experience in childhood.(成人繪本並不是來惡搞小朋友的夢幻國度,或是鼓勵辦起嚴肅讀書會。繪本給了許多大人有紓壓的管道,和重溫小時候曾有卻也截然不同的體驗。) 重要詞語複習時間>超實用高分考照和生活英文超強句 走過、經過,或曾經錯過本專欄的朋友!好好把握這次重點內容整理喔! Review: Practial Phrases And Expressions (A)bend the rule破例(可千萬不要跑出中式英文"break" the rule) =make an exception for some situations or someone EX.: Our school adopted the zero tolerance of violence or any forms of bullying; consequently, any student who violated the regulation will be expelled immediately without dissent.(校方絕不接受任何形式的暴力行為或霸凌,因此學生一旦違反該規定,無異議地就會立即被開除退學。) (B)be in a dilemma進退兩難(通常都用在面對兩個重大抉擇的情況居多) =tend to be stuck in a situation where you're forced to make a decision between two options EX.: When it comes to reforming one's career path, it's totally put me in a difficult position while all the suggestions from all directions could cloud your judgment as well as trap you in a dilemma.(提及轉換工作跑道,這可真的讓人非常掙扎,偏偏這時候從四面八方來的意見讓你蒙蔽判斷能力,讓你在抉擇中十分為難。) (C)cross the hurdles跨越難關(障礙),屬於非常正式的商業英文範圍用語 EX.: If our firm attempted to reach high sales figures, there're a great number of ground-breaking strategies available to cross the hurdles for raking in more profits from prospective clients abroad.(倘若公司要達到更高業績,確實有很多破天荒的策略可以跨越目前的瓶頸,從許多海外潛在客戶身上撈進更多新台幣。) (D)flatter one's skin tone非常襯你的膚色 I am so flattered.我真是受寵若驚,可能是一般同學都不陌生的說法,但你還知道有其他的表達嗎? 1.This pair of jeans totally flattered your curvy figure.(這條牛仔褲也太襯托出你凹凸有致的身材了吧!) 2. Excuse me! Didn't you realize how perfectly your lip gloss flattered your lips like Angelina Jolie. No, you've gotta tell me the brand and the color first! I am terribly jealous of YOU.(等等!這隻唇蜜也太搭妳的唇了,根本就是安潔莉娜等級!不,妳得先告訴我是哪牌和什麼顏色的!我忌妒死了啦!) (E) hang the dirty laundry家醜外揚(家裡的髒衣服飛到隔壁家還不夠尷尬嗎?) 在外打拚的遊子們除了在逢年過節很感傷外,另外就是每當家裡的成山成堆的衣服等著要洗,只好通通放進洗衣籃,扛去最近的洗衣店(Laundromat),然後戴著耳機發呆將近半小時後,再等著拿去烘乾。這時候就會很想念家裡那台,好像發出巨響快要爆炸的洗衣機(My washing machine is blasted and making great noise!),至少不用跑出門,整個狼狽(shabby)出場,完全帥不起來呀! (F) sb bellow over the comment對…低吼 大概看到bellow,學生第一時間會想到mellow水果成熟,但其實我們生活中常遇到一些不如預期(unexpected)的事情發生,就會給他bellow一下。比如好不容易整裝完畢要出門去搭車,上車後快二十分鐘後發現:天啊!我的手機根本沒帶,連鞋子都是室內拖鞋!這時候就會很想瘋狂地bellow;或是到了超市或購物中心,從進大門口後鎖定要購買的商品,運用人腦計算機和熱量卡路里天人交戰後,整個人都會快腦子打結了(one's brain is fried),最後把清單(shopping list)上的項目都到手了,準備功成身退,把買了很多不相干的東西的購物車推到結帳區,自己的錢包根本沒帶!我懂!跟老師一起BELLOW一百秒吧!(要呼吸喔!) (G) blatantly(adv.)明目張膽=publicly involve things in a provocative or nearly offensive manner EX: The cereal company blatantly stole my grandmother's family secret recipe and plastered it all over the packages of their products in the market. That's outrageous! (這家賣穀片公司竟然大剌剌地偷我祖母的家傳秘方,還貼在所有放在商場販售的商品上頭。這也太過份了吧!) *Brian老師生活爆爆→最近新聞特別報導,澳洲水泥工人一天日薪達台幣三萬五,卻苦無人才可以填補空缺(fill the job vacancies),到底是出了什麼事情呢?其實除了要經過一年的專業訓練和語言鑑定外,事實上工地的環境風險不低,而且現代人都普遍走向服務業或是接觸人群相關的行業,對於之後的職場轉換也比較多機會和培養更進階的專業能力。但千萬不要小看澳洲的水泥工人(Solid Plasterer),目前消息發布出去,有許多各國想趁機移民的海外人世,可是紛紛蠢蠢欲動,想跳進這藍海高薪新環境呢!如果大家有興趣去嘗試看看,歡迎到官方網站去查詢相關訊息,對於未來想打工度假的朋友們,或許也會是個保障,也省去很多找工作和過度期的尷尬狀況喔! (H) TAKE A SELFIE來自拍吧! 這可是近幾年非常夯的表達語,除了大家喜歡出國或踏進燈光美、氣氛家的餐廳,都會記得打卡(check)外,還會把朋友的名字也給hashtag上去,有時候會引發一些小誤會,明明沒半夜出門夜唱的朋友卻被hashtag上去了,另一半以為對方偷吃了!這可就大條了!不管啦,大家一起跟老師Say Cheese and take a selfie吧! 同字不同義單元Word Usage: Ground 1. ground(n.)立場→I am losing grounds here.我沒有任何立場說話! :the reasons or excuses employed in order to justify one's statements or conducts in certain situations, esp. for some debatable topics... EX.:Most supervisors on high-end positions tend to be out-of-touch from what's going around in the office, and anyone infringing the regulations will be sacked considering we have no grounds to fight in the workplace.(一般公司的主管都天高皇帝遠,對辦公室的情況根本不關心,只要違反規定就自己走人,在職場裡坦白說根本就沒有太多立場可以去爭論!) 2. ground(v.)交通運輸停駛: Most vehicles or transportations needs to come to a halt(temporarily or permanently) due to some factors or natural causes EX.: Owing to the severe snow storm throughout Europe, most transportations will be therefore grounded indefinitely until further notice. (籠罩歐洲的強烈暴風雪導致大多交通運輸工具無限期地停擺運作,只能靜候進一步通知。) 3.ground(v.)禁足: the order or demand from parents to discourage a person from all possible socials or participation into any events available for most, for he/she might fail tests or misbehave in a way not acceptable to most. *你分的出來差別嗎?What's on your mind?和What's in your mind?天差地別 What's on your mind?你在煩惱什麼事情呢? What's in your mind?你有什麼點子嗎? TOEIC多益實戰加油站 & Daily Challenge: Text Completion(TOEIC Questions) Dear Ms. Michaels, Holiday Sale Seasons Greetings. As a _______ customer, we wanted you to be among the first to know about our upcoming holiday sale. All craft paper, specialty printer paper, and decorative envelopes will be reduced by 50% for the month of December. 1. (A) valuable (B) valued (C) valid (D) validate As per tradition at Sid's Stationery, we will be having a Christmas raffle. This year the grand prize is a 2-night stay for two at the Meridian Inn _______ Toronto Island. The winner will receive a free double occupancy stay in the penthouse suite as well as a free dinner on the moonlit patio. 2. (A) through (B) on (C) over (D) at Money from ticket sales will be _______ to The Family Foundation, a local organization that provides food and clothing to those who need it most this Christmas. 3. (A) purchased (B) donated (C) funded (D) collected We look forward to seeing you this Christmas season. Yours truly, Answer: 1. (B) 2. (B) 3. (B)
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
K完好幾本塞滿唯美風景(gorgeous scenery)和令人垂涎三尺(drooling over)盤盤美食的旅遊雜誌,不該只是癱軟在沙發上(collapse in the couch;一人座沙發的英文為"armchair",老師常這樣抱著家裡貓咪在看電視,然後就發現呆呆的喵星人就開始幸福地發出Purring的放鬆回應。)做夢,大家應該更想放下手邊的事情,立刻背起行囊,奔走壯闊又洗滌心靈的大峽谷(The Great Canyon),或是來趟瀑布(waterfall, Niagara Falls尼加拉瓜大瀑布,算是少有由兩國美加所共同管理的區塊)修行後,在以懷石料理暖暖心窩的日本舒壓行呢?不管是哪種選擇,都讓我們在周而復始的平凡日子中多了一份憧憬和動力。Stop daydreaming and embark on your journey!說了這麼多,今天還是得考考大家英文阿!不然要泛舟(rafting)『canoeing比較偏向獨木舟,不像泛舟為多人搭乘』嗎?Take a deep breath,同學們別緊張,好好看看以下老師列出的出遊必備超實用組合,檢視一下自己過往的學習和是否真的準備好要踏出國門,來趟探險和心靈奔放的體驗之旅喔! ▲Toursim Industry:觀光業;Travel Agency:旅行社;Booking Confimation:預約確認;Baggage Claim:行李提領處 ▲Budget Airline:廉價航空;Boarding Gate:登機門;Accommodation Rate:住宿房價;Vacancy:空房(Do you have any vacancies?=Are there still any rooms available?Couch-surfing沙發客旅遊(借宿) V.S. Backpacking背包客旅遊? 打工換宿WORK EXCHANGE,你考慮過了嗎? 其實在台灣各個美麗的城市中,打工換宿x另類體驗生活,也越來越流行! 可以省了住宿的費用,接觸來自世界各地的旅客,還能讓自己深入當地文化,來趟本地人的巷弄尋寶旅遊,也不必擔心打工度假的危機或是突然水土不服的種種問題呢!這非常適合家人多操煩或比較無法出遠門的朋友的選項之一! 以下的徵求內容就是從臉書上的打工換宿而截取(cropped)的一部分內容,是不是又親切又令人心動的內容呢! 時間:需2週至4週(基本2週) 工作內容:協助房務打掃(Houseskeeping)、房客接待(Reception)、活動協助(Arrangement Assistance)。 工作時間:11點至16點 ※一個週休一日,小幫手與管家自己協調休息日,好好認識Kaohsiung。 ※略通中英文。(Communication in Mandarin, English) ※對人(sociable),懷有熱情(passionate)及好奇(curious),喜歡結交朋友(people person)! ※愛乾淨(hygiene-conscious)及認真負責(conscientious)。 【旅聚居x專長換宿計畫】 時間:天數不定,需先來信履歷,再安排面談,專案核定即可錄取 專長需求:手繪明信片(sketched postcard)、手繪感地圖(以旅社周邊為主).美食地圖(gourmet map).美食攻略(Gourmet Hunting). ▲Reimbursement of travel expenses旅遊費用核銷(報公帳);Proof of purchase=receipt購買證明 V.S. Banking Statement銀行明細表(在國外不管是定期存款或是投資理財等等的交易記錄,明細內容都會在每個月進行結算,定期送到帳戶持有者指定的地址,也可以確保客戶權益及追蹤款項流向,以杜絕任何不法情事的發生。) 每當提到旅行相關話題,同學的耳朵就不禁豎直起來,說到老師在國外的趣事(hilarious anecdotes),都聚精會神地聆聽( be all ears to),從中去學習相關的表達語會更深刻(impressed)。抵達捷運站(Upon arrival at the Metro)時,看到了服務櫃台想要儲值的時候,可以自信地說出" Top up the card";逛街累了,就要趕緊找到DELI字樣的"熟食店",好好地用當地美食祭祭五臟廟,但是同學要注意在國外很多的自助餐(Buffet)餐廳,常常是一次性(once only)的提供,所以要問清楚再去排隊拿菜喔(上次去倫敦CHINA TOWN還被老闆"Glare At"怒瞪,整個完全想鑽洞躲起來);出門最怕就是身體不適(feel under the weather),一下頭痛一下又牙痛,這時候如果剛好是大節日(Major Holidays),基本上掛號費(registration fee)驚人之外,醫生大概也是意興闌珊居(sluggish)多,老師就在加拿大友人家慶祝EASTER的時候,突然感覺牙痛的要命,但正逢復活節全國放假,只能以急診來處理,本來友人的父親希望我直接服用家裡的成藥(over-the-counter medicine),但因為老師體質過敏(allergic to),不太敢在國外冒這種險。 Repeat After Brian My toothache is killing me.(牙痛到要往生了啦!) 好不容易找到家在電影院旁還開著的小診所,那名華裔籍的醫生只是問診一下,了解我本身因為感冒而鼻塞(stuffy nose),導致鼻腔壓迫到牙齦腫痛(Swollen Gums),後來花費快五千塊,卻被醫生告知最好去拿一般超市裡的開架式止痛劑就可以了!這確實讓老師相當震驚,為此許多的海外遊學朋友和旅居國外的台灣朋友,會特地飛回台灣,到最近的醫院診所來看一些需要自付部分較多的項目。 布萊恩老師藥妝小舖Brian's Drug Shop: DictionnaireA. pain-killer(n.)止痛藥→diarrhea(n.)腹瀉→constipation(n.)便祕 B. over-the-counter med. (n. phr.)開架式藥品→pharmacy藥局 C. headache(n.)頭痛 v.s.migraine(n.)偏頭痛→run high fever發高燒 D. throbbing/ pricking/ dull pain腫脹感/猛烈尖銳/隱隱發作+疼痛感 E. heart-attack(n.)心臟病→My chest is extremely tight.我胸很悶 F. stroke(n.)中風* heat stroke中暑(別和"strike罷工"搞混了喔!) G. asthma(n.)氣喘 My asthma flared up.(我的氣喘又犯了。) H. gastric ulcer(n.)腸胃潰瘍→Did you have the history of ulcer?有潰瘍記錄? I. antacids(n.)制酸劑→I got the heart-burn yesterday.昨天胃酸逆流 J. prescription(n.)處方籤→substance abuse藥物濫用(新聞常用表達) K.gas(n.)脹氣 I have too much gas in my stomach.我肚子脹的難過 在看完一些生活大小事之後,老師要特地跟大家介紹許多各種場合可以表達的句子。沒錯!學習任何語言,除了希望把書上的單字熟練再三,更是要能夠落實在生活應對會話;否則,就會像很多學生重複KK音標課,或是日文的五十音基礎班,這樣重複學習效果會打折,而沒有達到會話的效果外,也只是知其樹不見其林。簡單來說,從短句搭配複習重溫大家學過的單字,可以同時在閱讀和口說上都有長足的進步喔!
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
(A)The Elderly Account For Major Population of Our Society <日本社會中最關切議題:孤獨死> 日本官方社福(social welfare)廳官員深入訪談(in-depth interview)和進行老年人口生活品質調查報告(The survey over life quality)中,點出社會人口老年化的趨勢結構轉換外,也有為數不少的年長者選擇搬到租用公寓裡,用一生辛苦積存的退休金(pension)來照顧自己,希冀可以減少(lessen)成婚子女的家庭支出負擔(burden on expenses;同樣為支出的單字"expenditures",多用在公司企業或是公部門相關的經費支出,TOEIC中經常會考出expense reimbursement支出費用核銷=報公帳,五顆星片語喲!);令大眾所震驚的部分為:以禮教倫常來當作嚴謹教育的中心原則的日本社會裡,竟然存在許多因為另一半早逝的老年者(senior citizens)或不希望打擾成年子女生活,而形成的新型"遷徙行為"。 *生活小常識 贍養費:alimony,也是很多人遇到頗頭痛的問題;至於同學常問的:「台灣法律中是否也有合法承認如同西方社會的「婚前契約」(Pre-Nuptial=Pre-nup)?」其實只要夫妻雙方在合約中,條列清楚彼此所著重的要點和生活內容規章,加上律師的見證下,是可以成立!但要注意不能在性行為或是金錢上有失比例的硬性要求對方履行條約內容,所以以前同學在八卦小報(TABLOID)看到的豪門深似海劇情,對於女方無法順利生育,就用各種手段去脅迫,甚至去逼對方簽下離婚協議書等等,在法律上都是無法見容的!所以平常可以多注意法律知識網站和國家最新公佈的法律,不僅僅可以了解目前國內司法的變革方向,也可以保障自身的權益,以免被誣陷或替人揹了黑鍋,這可不是大家所樂見的下場了! 據社福單位表示:這些長輩們在心靈上有極大的不安感(sense of insecurity),也無法找到生活的重心和在新環境的自我價值感的建立;更由於在醫療部分也有慢性疾病(chronic disease←→acute disease急性疾病,最近在台灣南部所關注的Dengue Fever登革熱,甚至有出血性的症狀,不可不慎!)或相關醫療檢查的醫療掛號和相對的自付額部分,導致自身經濟上有極大的困境(predicament),對於不希望增加孩子所組成的小家庭的生存成本考量下,毅然決然地搬離原本的舒適圈(comfort zone)與熟悉的環境,既沒有鄰居的守望相助(look out for each other in the neighborhood)也沒有平時接觸到的生活機能模式後(coping mechanism),遭逢許多生活困難,內心的壓力(stress)和苦悶(agony)也無處宣洩。甚至目前醫療單位因為有慢性疾病患者需要長期拿藥,而有重複拿藥的狀況,而我國政府單位也建立互通網絡來追蹤藥品配給和日期,避免醫療資源浪費。其實,也不難理解,這些老無所歸和缺乏子女看顧的長者有多麼無助(helpless),深怕突然的不適感襲來,卻沒有求助的管道和人員可以提供立即的幫助(prompt assistance)。 不難預料到,為數不少的偏鄉獨居老人沒辦法及時被相關單位注意到,更缺乏援助的相關資源,就好像和社會形成了隔閡(boundaries)和無法跨越的鴻溝(gap)現象,導致今日日本社會裡頭的孤獨死現象。聽來十分駭人(appalling),但是長年在全球國家評比中,人口出生率極低的台灣環境中,早有許多學者為此感到憂心。根據行政院人口統計資料(demographic statistics)中,台灣於2016年就已經正式步入了老年化人口現象。電視上不乏老年化社會人口的相關報導,也成為多保險公司推出方案的主要訴求對象(target audience),但究竟都比不上親人的陪伴和心靈上的支持與慰藉陪伴,心理衛生健康往往影響了我們生活的許多層面。長期在外打拚的你我,想必聽到一些故事和新聞報導都會很有同感,如同台語天后江蕙所演唱的感人歌曲<落雨聲>中提到:「……你若要孝順長輩,不用等賺大錢……」,這個社會需要你我的關心,互相看顧照料,人們才有更幸福安穩的未來,不是嗎? Translation Practice翻譯練習北部聯合基本學力測驗模擬考題 不要心急去查單字,試著把自己會的部分先行翻譯出來,對照答案就會事半功倍,印象也會更加深刻囉! 1.台灣人年紀約65歲或以上佔了全部人口的百分之六十。 2.預計到2008年,台灣會步入老年化社會的階段。 掌握翻譯四大原則 &注意第一點:主詞+動詞+受詞(OR修飾語)的排列 &注意第二點:時態或主詞的主複數都會影響動詞的變化 &注意第三點:翻譯後把整句念過,再對照中文部分有無遺漏部分 &注意第四點:避免"逐字翻譯",盡量"更白話文"的陳述,讓句中意旨更突顯! Translation Practice翻譯練習解答 1.People in Taiwan aged 65 or more will account for 60 percent of the total population. 2.It is estimated that by 2008 Taiwan will gradually reach the stage/phase of an aging society. (reach也可以用"will be faced with"表示喔) (B)簡單表達.大大學問(Simple Expressions & Profound Meanings) 根據最近商業週刊特別指出,國人從接觸英文開始就知道要善用"Please, Thank you, I am sorry…..等基本用語)!但其實在語言學家的分析中了解,往往在書信往返的時候,台灣朋友都會很習慣接上這樣的用語:Please notify me of the latest information!或是Please let me know if you experience any issues.但其實PLEASE這個單字隱含"你要順著我的意思去做,才能取悅我"。這也是為什麼老師常提醒同學在使用英文的時候,要使用以 "could/would you"、「能不能」這類字眼開頭,而不是用Give me +N,很有命令口吻的說法! "Please..."是祈使句,等於是向對方宣告「你這麼做就能夠讓我高興」。在外商工作的朋友每次只要收到email結尾有"Please advise",他和同事就會笑出來,因為:"Based on the grammatical structure, you're commanding someone to do something, rather than requesting someone to do something. Doesn't set a great tone."(在文法結構上來看你是在命令別人從事什麼事情,而不是請求對方去從事某事!並沒有讓你的口吻更正式!) 而且其實在國中文法中的「使役動詞」中,常看到認真的朋友們手中拿著厚厚的參考書、嘴裡念著長長的口訣:has/have/had+人+原型動詞;has/have/had +事物+被動語態(P.P.),好像熟練都快要上台教書了!從老師的老師們一路流傳下來的最殺秘訣,看似可以解決在考卷上的文法題目,可是老師在翻譯練習答案卷上就會看到平常成績中上的學生會寫出來:The student had the teacher revise his English writing.(學生叫老師批改他的英文作文。)事實上,如果你無法在第一時間發現問題所在,代表你也「知其文,不解其意」!因為其實使役動詞動詞中的HAVE家族,帶有「Demand」命令語氣的涵義,通常都是「上對下的關係」,所以回來看上面的句子,你就會知道大錯特錯了,細節不得不慎。 那麼老師就要讓各位同學來練習,如何在詞句中如何正確使用搭配用語喔!裡頭不乏重點動詞、慣用語、量詞、介系詞、生活口語用法,範圍包羅萬象,準備好了嗎?測驗即將開始,請深吸一口氣,計時五分鐘內要解答完畢喔! <動詞填填樂> 1.______ an operation(施行手術) 2.______ the wrong number(撥打錯誤的電話號碼) 3.______ single for years(維持單身多年) 4.______ a reservation(預約) 5.______ some food from the shelves(從架上快速拿取東西) 6.______ on the report card(對著成績單皺眉頭) 7.______ the storm(搶走某人的風頭) <介詞混亂篇> 8.dance______ music(隨著音樂起舞) 9.______ the opening day(在開幕日) 10.put the call______ (to sb)把電話轉接(給某人) 11.______ you a birthday party(替妳舉辦生日派對) 12.It's better to sleep ______ the idea(我想想這個想法再回覆你) 13.You can't blame all these ___ Brian.(你不能把這些事情都歸咎於布萊恩) 14.How does this symbol stand ____?(這個符號是代表什麼意思?) <名詞混亂篇> 15.My teacher put the _____ in the drawer.(我的老師把釘書機放進抽屜裡。) 16.Thanks for your ______ during my stay.(真的很感謝在我留宿期間,您如此周到招待!) 17.What's the exchange _____ from the US dollar to euro?(現在美金兌歐元的匯率多少?) 18.How many ______ do you have in this meeting?(這次與會人士有多少人?) 19.Out of ______, I went to re-check the gas stove whether it's properly turned off.(由於太過焦慮,我跑去確認好幾次瓦斯爐關好了沒!) 20.You success lies in ______ and persistence.(成功源自於勤勉和努力不懈。) 【搭配詞語解答區】 <動詞填填樂> 1.Perform 2. Dial 3. Remain/Stay 4. Make 5. Grab 6. Frown 7. Steal <介詞混亂篇> 8.to 9 on 10. through 11. throw 12. on 13. On 14. for <名詞混亂篇> 15.stapler 16. hospitality 17. rate 18. participants/attendees 19. anxiety 20. diligence 小小的練習有沒有讓同學把腦海中所有的單字都翻攪了一遍阿?其實生活中的各種用語都可以成為大家練習的對象和努力記憶的表達語!因為你所記憶的句型用語都會很自然用在寫作和理解閱讀句意的基礎,所以千萬不要小看平常口語用的字詞,都很可能會在重要的大考中出現喔!講求實用活用的地球村裡可以體會:菜單裡有義文、西文,連法文也不放過我們!所以回到英文最基本的起點,我們就可以慢慢推敲這些來自拉丁語的發展語系有何相關,就不會覺得英文枯燥了!
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
同學的假期轉眼間就要結束(draw near to an end)了,也有許多同學如火如荼地準備大考中,大家的收心操都做好了嗎?準備考試將會是一場持久戰,好比目前全球延燒的路跑熱(Race Mania),大家都開始走出戶外(engage into outdoor activities;請一起記憶recreational activities休閒活動;leisure time=pastime休閒時光喔!),開始挑戰自己的體能極限,也多了不同生活圈的好友和舒壓管道(Channel one's anger to somewhere把某人的怒氣轉嫁到某方面)。是的!以多年觀察同學準備大考的過程,許多同學起初囫圇吞棗(shove N down one's throat)、強記硬背(cram for…),但後期就開始出現疲態而不自知,這樣是無法得到最好的效果的,反而只是虎頭蛇尾,反而與原來的計畫背道而馳(backfire)。There's no shortcut learning things on earth. 提到Brace yourself(嚴陣以待)這個生活用語,大家應該還記得在小說改編的The Chronicles of Narnia納尼亞傳奇中,由預言中的勇士們對邪惡的冰雪女王發動攻擊的時候,為了討回光明溫暖國度而組成的動物軍隊,一聽到Brace yourself,便立即拉滿弓,準備給敵方致命一擊(blow);而Brace這個單字除了「蓄勢待發」之外,還有其他的涵義,別和(擁抱embrace)混淆了,書信裡會在信尾標上XOXO,代表Kiss Hug親吻擁抱,還真讓老師臉紅(blush),好像擦上了天然腮紅(blush)。但同學要注意:別和搞混了!在飯店發現房間裡的廁所無法順利沖水,就可以打電話到櫃檯(Front Desk多益聽力第三大題熱門單詞,可判斷說話者的談話地點)說:The toilet won't flush, and please send someone up here for a checkup, please!(洗手間的廁所壞了,請派人上來處理!)大家現在都是手機不離身、奪命連環傳簡訊,跟國外的好友們LINE訊息,也可以偶而來個XOXO,表達很關心對方。那麼聰明你知道『傳』簡訊的動詞嗎?當然不是SEND這麼簡單囉!這可是需要點生活常識或是從電影中看到了,在西方社會資訊本多由PRINT印刷相關的出版品為主,但後期服務業興盛,講求速度效率和即時性流通,原本的"文字"(TEXT),就被網路電腦取代了,但傳簡訊卻延用原本文字TEXT的概念,從『文字』搖身一變成了「傳送訊息」,就好像很多同學都會用GOOGLE來當作「搜尋資訊」的用法。!所以下次你可以跟朋友說"Please bring me some chocolate from Switzerland, XOXO"(拜託妳幫我帶瑞士巧克力囉,親一個喔!)很俏皮的說法吧! 另外有些朋友因為希望自己「門面」(presentation)可以留給別人良好的印象(good impression),所以決心忍痛去綁上Braces(牙套),通常都會感覺到牙齦很酸軟外,前一週大多進食上都會挺不舒服,也要避免容易沾黏(sticky)或深色食材,像:咖哩(curry)、麻糬(glutinous rice cake)、咖啡、茶或著名綜藝節目女主持人就是經歷這樣的辛苦的矯正後,才能每每展現閃亮皓齒,說的老師自己都心動了,不過朋友常說自己的『牙縫』(Gap between teeth)過大,在中國人傳統理容易漏財或是花錢比較過於衝動( spend money on impulse),看來每件事都要有個動機(motivation, drive)才有可能更下定決心去執行吧!當各位同學可以慢慢聽懂英文流行歌曲、理解西洋電影笑點、順利進行英文交談,甚至可以用流利外語分享自己的所見所聞,那就已經相當不易了!每天讀一點,每天就進步一分,讓自己每天用不同方式接觸英文(聽力/閱讀/電影短語/招牌單詞),利用通勤或睡前來做學習,曾經有位女同學因為身為業務代表沒辦法天天來上課,所以就在晚間慢跑的時候撥放多益聽力內容,盡也讓她的聽力部分拿到高於430分(滿分為:495分)的中上分數,但閱讀的部分就落差頗大,不管任何的領域學習都是一個蘿蔔一個坑。 凡事還是要一步一腳印,學習英文不需要追求捷徑,因為最終還是得花上好幾倍的時間來補強,之前沒有徹底弄懂的部分,畢竟生活溝通中是需要全面的涉獵和深化,不然已經投入這麼多時間和體力學習,不就很可惜了(What a shame!)? Consequently,有準時來閱讀和蒐集本專欄的同學,想必在短時間內也學習很多(made significant progress),當然更是多了許多不同話題和身邊的朋友討論,也有機會在出外幫助國外朋友來指引方向(steer oneself to)。身為大家的英語領航員(navigator),Brian老師的英文課可沒讓各位鬆懈(slack off)喔,大家也一起保持學習狀態暖機中喔! &生活小單字:快看看哪些常用卻常誤用的說法吧!昇級版電腦用語英文小老師喔! 1.reboot(v)重新開機 EX.: If you find it difficult to operate your computer, you are advised to reboot it for running the program as well as scanning the potential threats on the software.(如果使用電腦過程有些障礙,建議你可以重開機,然後把系統重新跑過一遍,也可以把軟體的潛在威脅掃描抓出來!)也要記得BACKUP(備份),不然資料不見真的會欲哭無淚!下次重新開機就要說Reboot,而不是turn on the computer again喔! 2.default(n)原設定狀態EX.: Your system will resume the default mode once requested, but those documents you used to save might be erased and irreversible.(一旦輸入指示,你的系統會回復至初始設定狀態,但那些原本儲存檔案有可能被刪除和無法回復之可能。)→這個單字常在電腦非正常關機狀態下,重新開啟就會有相關字樣出現,可別一興奮就按下去,之前花的苦心就不翼而飛。) 3.buffer(v)緩衝EX.: While downloading some applications, your electronic device requires some minutes of buffering before they are fully installed for use.(當下載一些應用程式時,所使用的電子裝置設備需要一些時間緩衝,才能完全安裝成功以供使用。) 4.frozen(a)當機的EX.: I cannot believe John spilled his Apple Cider on my desktop which was later frozen and crashed.(約翰竟然把蘋果汁灑在我的桌電上頭,最後弄得當機又完全開不了機了,我整個傻眼了!) 5.virused(a)(電腦)中毒的(virus病毒+ed)EX.: You can regularly scan the hard drive in your laptop, for some hackers taking advantage of the cyberspace got your device virus-ed, invaded your Cloud Information Database and stole your private information.(你可以經常掃描筆電中的硬碟,因為有些趁「網」而入的駭客會入侵雲端資料庫,而且還竊取你的私人資料內容。)→The video clip went viral with millions of clicks and became a sensation.(這份影音在網路爆紅,一夕間成了數百萬點擊的熱門話題。)→若要說人體感染到病毒,可以說get infected with +(disease);最近很多朋友都會詢問,我有點不舒服,但可能只是沒睡好或是著涼,但沒嚴重到要看醫生,要怎麼和外國老闆說,其實很簡單喔!可以說:1)I feel under the weather=2)I come down with something.都是很道地的表達用句呢! 美國影集:紙牌屋經典用語Quotes from" House of Cards" 很明顯的這裡指的:HOUSE就是白官(WHITE HOUSE),裡頭政客的唇槍舌戰,可不輸當年諸葛亮舌戰群儒的激烈場面呢!讓我們一起來學習裡頭媒體和高高在上的掌權者之間的互動和用字巧妙之處,搞不好哪天你也會派上用場喔! 1.You just don't want to mingle with peasants.<你就是不想跟我這種粗人交往> 這是在主角法蘭克發佈不參選總統後,卻又反悔要推出美國就業計畫(AMERICAN JOB),挪用龐大經費的前提下,也引起兩院的強烈反彈,甚至剛好遇到颶風重擊國土,而不得不把這項曠日廢時又涉及權力鬥爭的美好願景喊停,也讓當權者臉上蒙上一層灰。於是有記者媒體發現,最近美國總統為了要提升自我形象,私底下接洽了熱門暢銷作家來進行這項美國就業計畫的測寫,讓國民可以從這本書的旋風來進行洗腦和提升接受度,進而讓這項能夠奠定代表性政績的機會勝券在握。但是這名作家三緘其口,就是不肯透露其中的內容和相關的細節,就被這名記者酸" You just don't want to mingle with peasants.(你就是不屑看待我這種粗人) 其實在美國的俗諺裡頭,也不知從幾何時,老拿辛苦的農民當諷刺的對象,畢竟要種好農作物要花費的力氣、時間、金錢和動用的物資人力都相當驚人,更別提現在提倡休耕和輪作等等更進階的永續發展技術。所以,老師在這邊也要向辛苦從事農業的朋友們致敬,一日之所需,百工斯為備,每當在餐桌上大快朵頤的時候,看看碗中飽滿結實的米粒,就要想到這群揮著汗、頂著風雨的偉大無名英雄,不忘初衷、竭盡心力,來用心耕耘出偉大的台灣奇蹟。 2.Were you raised in the barn?你可真沒水準 (這裡可不是禮貌問候您是打從穀倉來嗎?而是諷刺出身低下或教育水準不高的說法!通常都是指在內戰前的南方的黑人勞工,確實有歷史的背景存在而產生的歧視說法,所以千萬不要隨便脫口而出,可是相當失禮的!) Someone could be extremely savage and uncivilized without social etiquette or proper education. 3. I wasn't born yesterday.我不是三歲小孩 4. I hate to sound like a broken record.<我也很討厭說話一直跳針。> EX.: Sometimes we might cling to some specific things and show great concerns for them, it's unavoidable to sound like a broken when we emphasized the importance of them over and over again. 美妙佳句: "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth." 我們聽聞多半都是片段的評論,而非事實本身;我們所接觸的往往為個人觀點,並非真相。
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
經歷風大雨大的週末後,想必大家非常懷念開心出遊和賞海的好心情吧?這次台灣經歷這場令外國媒體稱為地表上破壞性極強的「Deadly Typhoon」,甚至國際媒體CNN在播報當中還語重心常地說:「Be safe, Taiwan!」(請千萬要小心,台灣!)。Unfortunately,在各城市傳出災情和交通阻塞等等不變的狀況。在颱風擴大影響力與周圍環流半徑時,國內媒體很快接到相關專業氣象單位資料後,就直接把英文資料中提到台灣將成為颱風蘇迪勒(Soudelor)的Dead Aim直接翻譯為「死亡目標」,讓許多民眾人心惶惶。其實在國外用到Dead Aim多表示為【鎖定目標】,也包含可能會造成相當的損失狀況;而aim這個單字可以用名詞表達<目標>,也常用動詞形式呈現在文章中,比如:All shall aim high for greater challenges from which we can explore more potentials within.(每個人都要目光遠大,從這些更為艱困的挑戰中發掘自我的潛能。)另外英文中的deadly(a.)有致命的意思,但放在不同場合的時候,我們會有相呼應的單詞來使用: (A)venomous (a.)來自動物的毒液venom而產生致命的影響力,需要抗毒血清antitoxic serum來救治受傷的人員,真的是分秒必爭(pressing)。同時也要注意記得該動物的特徵(features),才可以對症下藥,不會浪費寶貴的救治時間,對於醫療資源也不至於浪費。 (B)poisonous (a.)如果在食材裡誤加對人體有害的物質,造成身體激烈反應,也需要陪同家屬或親友將嘔吐(排泄)物採樣(vomit/feces samples),帶到醫院來做進一步檢測。老師身邊有許多的考生準備要搶上明星學校榜單,開始了日以繼夜(around the clock)地埋首念書(buried in books)。因為急需要體力而服用很多不清楚內容的藥材,這時候老師就要提醒大家一個小常識。中藥裡很珍貴的藥材人參,也有分比較燥熱或偏寒的性質,而且通常不建議和其他藥材或食物搭配食用,往往會加劇(intensify)效果,對於人體會虛不受補,造成影響。 →補充:food poisoning食物中毒→mass food poisoning集體食物中毒 (C)Lethal (a.)這可是功夫皇帝李連杰拍過的<致命武器>Lethal Weapon片名。也可以順便記憶fatal這個單字,念起來很像「肥肉」。是啊!如果大家每餐都只吃肥肉,心臟血管(cardiovascular systems)大概也會受不了,身體沒有健康飲食來打底,新陳代謝(metabolism)變慢,很難順利地運作,當然就會致命了! (D)Endangered (a.)en(make)+danger(n.)+(ed):使某種狀態瀕臨危險。台灣為孕育生態多樣性的寶島,所以也有許多珍貴的資源和動植物豐富了我們的生態多樣性(bio-diversity也是大學常考單字,好好背熟)系統,如:黑面琵鷺、台灣黑熊、台灣孤蝠(之前上過新聞遭受觀光客用石頭攻擊,造成珍貴生命喪失)、穿山甲、台灣獼猴等等。不僅僅是專家學者要投入去保育,也需要從教育和行動上來保護我們週遭難得的風景和屬於大自然的禮物。 這次國際媒體也用了以下的說法來說明台灣颱風狀況:Soudelor Batters Taiwan( It ripped up the trees and torn down the billboards, the casualties climbing within only one day)這次颱風各處肆虐,路樹吹倒、看板砸落,死傷人數在短短一天攀升中。 確實不可不慎!而也有許多民眾因為想觀浪而跑到海邊去,造成許多遺憾和執法人員疲於奔命去救助,實在很不可取!每當雨勢必大就會聽到有民眾想湊熱鬧去看看所謂的瘋狗浪(Rogue waves),或稱異常巨浪(Freak waves)是。瘋狗浪其實是海洋中的一種湧浪(又稱長浪),也就是人們常說的「無風三尺浪」。瘋狗浪對於人或船隻產生嚴重威脅,而且新聞中常有人以為漲潮的幅度並不大,但往往失去平衡就會被另一波的浪潮捲進黑潮裡,即使是游泳健將都難以擺脫這種巨大的拉扯力量。千萬不要以身試法,珍惜自己的生命! <健康一夏>:運動單元 健身似乎不只是螢幕上明星獨有的專利,更不只是在跑步機上像個倉鼠忙碌揮汗的跑著!這是許多愛護自己而且想健康舒壓的朋友又擔心運動環境安全的首選。很多人會以為走進去健身房肯定都是要拿起重如泰山的舉重槓(weight-lifting bar)或是比自己拳頭大好幾倍的啞鈴(dumbbell),事實上健身房有許多的器材提供給不同需求的朋友或不同部位的鍛鍊設備(training facility)。除了有趣的瑜珈課程(Yoga)、有氧韻律舞蹈(Aerobics)、身體平衡課程(Body Balance)、流行音樂MV、也有皮拉提斯等等輔助核心肌群(Core Masses)和身體肢體協調訓練physical coordination)系列課程。所以健身房不是猛男的專利,是每位想快樂健康的國民可以參考的運動方式,更可以促進個人社交圈的拓掌,擁有更愉快的心情和雕塑出的自信曲線,別在讓自己的"游泳圈"(Love Handle)越變越大圈,快起身動動,跟著老師MOVE YOUR BODY吧! &啞鈴:難道會有說鈴嗎?當然沒有!這是因為以前器材的雛型和BELL(鐘)的形狀很像,卻不會發出擾人的聲響,因而得其名。同學在使用的時候,也要小心緩緩抬起,也要慢慢放下,以免over-pull your muscles<扯傷了肌肉>就得不償失了! &拳擊有氧:這帶動全身的舞蹈,利用身體彈跳力搭配全身肌肉的伸展,順勢帶動每個面向的動作,跟隨專業指導來進行肌肉拉展的動作,是天龍國的燃脂神功。但本身有高血壓或是體重負荷大的朋友,為了不要傷害到關節和血管壁加壓不堪承受。可考慮速度放慢,用比較放鬆的狀況保持心跳節奏,或是跟著韓國知名的鄭多燕老師,輕鬆地重覆動作而同樣達到強身健體的效果,但要好好的補充水分和事前做好暖身活動(warm-up),才不會抽筋(cramp)。 <健身房設施聊聊>Gym Amenity你會想到哪些呢? Fitness amenities are the primary reasons why individuals become members of fitness centers. Fitness amenities include all items associated with physical and mental health. 其實Gym(=Gymnasium)在歐美校園也有體育課的意思,如:I have a gym tomorrow, and it's going to be so fun playing volleyball.但去健身房一定要自備飲用水、毛巾,和乾淨的替換衣物。為什麼呢?1.飲用水部分可以考慮三分之一的運動飲料,加入正常飲用水,達到補充電解質(electrolyte )和水份的概念;2.毛巾:除了擦乾淨自己身體的汗水,也要記得握扶器材時留下的汗漬(stain)務必擦淨才能離開,這是一種基本禮節;3.替換衣物:因為用力運動而造成大量流汗,許多身體表層毛細孔也因而打開,非常容易在冷氣房裡受寒,所以要換上乾爽的衣物,讓自己處於保暖的狀態,不會立刻有身體溫度失衡(hypothermia)的狀況,而有中暑(heat stroke)或其他不適(discomfort)的反應。那接下來看看在英文網站上會怎麼介紹關於健身房設備!好好享受原汁原味的內容和對照翻譯閱讀喔! 1. Once virtually non-existent, fitness center amenities have expanded to amazing levels. Some of the typical amenities to look for at a fitness center now include pools, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, saunas, daycare facilities, snack and smoothie bars, lounge areas, tanning beds, massage rooms, women's-only workout rooms, indoor running tracks and much more. 原本僅為計畫藍圖,如今已經付諸實現的健身中心設施都有相當水準的樣貌。原本只是配合健身需求的設施環境,現在也有涵蓋:游泳池、蒸氣室、水療池(按摩浴缸)、烤箱、日間托兒中心、零嘴、冰沙飲品店、休息區、日曬區、按摩室、女性專用健身空間、室內跑步機,還有更多等著讓前來旅客親自體驗。 2. You may find a gym's list of amenities beneficial when determining an appropriate fitness center to join. If you already belong to a fitness center, be sure to take another look at all of the amenities offered, as they will facilitate(加速行動) a broader approach to total health, fitness and mental well-being(健康). For example, if the fitness center offers yoga classes and you have never performed(學習) yoga, consider giving it a try (嘗試看看)as it is an excellent way to improve your flexibility(柔軟度) and coordination(協調性)while relaxing your mind. 考慮要加入哪家健身房時,你往往會看到有很多優質設備器材。如果你心有所屬某家俱樂部,最好親自去確認這些號稱會提供的設施,是否將來都會有拓展的趨勢可能,對於健康、塑身或心靈釋放等等資源是否充足。舉例來說,如果你所加入的健身環境有提供瑜珈課程,雖然這項課程對你很陌生,但就放手去嘗試看看這難得的機會,放鬆心情的同時,也可以進而改善自身肌肉協調和鍛鍊肢體延展性。 3. There are three predominant(具有主導性的) types of amenities at a fitness center. The first type of amenities are fitness oriented amenities, and these items are directed at meeting your fitness goals and needs. 在健身房中有三種代表性的設施:第一種就是以塑身為主要訴求的器材,這些項目都是要幫助你達到雕塑身材目標和相關內容。 4. The second type of amenities are focused on making it convenient and efficient for the member to consistently(持續地) work out at the fitness center. The final type of amenities provided by fitness centers are those directed at the member's comfort. The intent of this article is to discuss each of the three types of fitness center amenities in further details regarding Fitness Amenities 第二種基本款著眼在能讓會員持續地在場地運動,而主打「使用便利」和「有效鍛鍊」的效果。最後一款就是以舒緩使用者身心的使用器材。這篇文章也有論及除了這三種基本使用項目,還有更多深入健身房器材的探討和進一步的細節喔!Let's have a good stretch!
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英文原來這樣說 (English Is A Piece of Cake)
(旅遊英文及實用表達句)機上服務篇 你知道在飛機上只有40%的乘客拿得到毛毯? 你知道其實可以請乘務員重複叫餐或是通知休息後再稍後送餐? 你知道其實飛機上的兒童玩具100%在飛機起飛前都被成人拿光了嗎? 你知道飛機上的免稅品販售的失竊率高到後來都不推車出來了嗎? 你知道飛機除非機長通知不然起飛過程其實盡量不要關窗戶嗎? Dialogue Practice對話練習時間 Jocelyn: Excuse me, can you help me check this headset? I cannot hear anything with it. Jocelyn:不好意思,可以請你幫我檢查一下這個耳機嗎?我用它聽不到任何聲音。 Flight Attendant: Okay… I'm sorry that this headset has broken down. I 'll get a new one for you immediately. (two minutes later…) Here is the new headset. 空服員:好的... 抱歉這個耳機故障了。我馬上換一個新的給您。 (兩分鐘後...)這是新的耳機。 Jocelyn: Thank you. I am not feeling very well. It might be airsickness. Do you have anything that can make me feel better? Jocelyn:謝謝你。我覺得不是很舒服。可能是暈機的關係。你有什麼東西可以讓我好過一點的嗎? Flight Attendant: Sure, here are some pills and water. I would suggest you take a nap after taking the pills and you will feel better afterward. 空服員:當然。這是藥丸和開水。我建議您吃完藥後,稍微小睡一會兒。之後就會感覺好多了 Flight Attendant: Miss, how are you feeling now? 空服員:小姐,您現在感覺如何? Flight Attendant: That's great. Do you need to fill out the disembarkation card and declaration form? 空服員:那太好了。您需要填寫入境卡和申報表嗎? Copyright Reserved(版權所有)想必同學並不會對這個詞很陌生吧!幾乎國內外的書籍出版物或是相關的影音媒體在出售或撥放前,都會有如此的字樣提醒觀眾,這是"版權所有",不能隨意複製(reproduced/burned/copied)或非法公開播放(broadcast the works without authorization)。那如果我們在網路上指是轉貼部落客的遊記(travel journal on the blog)、放上一首好歌、貼上很滑稽的整人影片(prank video)、換上最新的星座運勢(Fates of Zodiac Signs)或心理測驗,這樣該不會也犯法了吧?其實一定要注意『獲得作者同意』+『註明出處』+『商業利益用途是否』,但也不能隨意拍路邊民眾就上傳了!所以不管是前陣子風靡各界的"自拍神器"(selfie stick)或撞上台北地標101商業大樓的"遙控飛機"(drone)其實都有相當的危險性。危險性?是的,並不是老師在大驚小怪,近日許多人因為在觀光景點使用自拍神器,導致古蹟損壞,更常有忘情的情侶就在咖啡廳裡好似旁若無人,就逕行360度無死角拍攝;後者更是最新美國總統歐巴馬進行伊斯蘭國恐怖份子偵測和攻擊的武器之一,要是一般的搖控飛機裝上了射擊武器或監錄器材,其實這都會大大威脅「人身安全」、『侵犯隱私』和公共安全疑慮「國安洩密罪」。科技固然方便,下次使用時,也不要忘了"別人的方便"是否受到干擾。不然你會注意到"有人在瞪(glare at)你了"! 泰勒絲專輯1989和強打單曲(Hit Music)Shake it off上線了!但卻跟APPLE公司表達相當的不滿,因為蘋果公司想集中串連許多音樂在共同平台,吃下流行音樂大餅外,還順便成為音樂界的合作指標廠商之一。不料,原本要吸引使用者的前三個月免費好意,卻讓國際歌手泰勒絲感受到相當不滿,甚至認為這樣的大公司怎會不顧辛苦的音樂人心血,而公開免費分享自己的作品,於是寫了一封短信給了全世界的粉絲和該公司,表達自己的立場。我們也可以從信裡學到:如何在清楚的字眼中表達自己的立場,但不失禮節喔!特別節錄三段讓同學學習,並了解為什麼這麼多人關注這則新聞和引起科技業、媒體業的迴響,甚至讓泰勒絲之後的設計服飾都委託特定網站出售,就是要杜絕被剝削或盜版等情事滋生,真是相當有智慧! 1. I write this to explain why I'll be holding back my album, 1989, from the new streaming service, Apple Music. I feel this deserves an explanation because Apple has been and will continue to be one of my best partners in selling music and creating ways for me to connect with my fans. I respect the company and the truly ingenious minds that have created a legacy based on innovation and pushing the right boundaries. 我寫這封信是想解釋為何會將專輯<1989>延後參與蘋果公司音樂串流服務。由於蘋果公司一直以來和未來都會是音樂合作和銷售上的好夥伴之一,也串連起全球的粉絲的重要媒介,為此我在這裡需鄭重解釋原委。對貴公司我也是充滿敬意,也肯定你們原創性不斷的靈感,拓展至許多領域和挑戰,才能打造出這些令人津津樂道的傳奇。 2. I'm sure you are aware that Apple Music will be offering a free 3 month trial to anyone who signs up for the service. I'm not sure you know that Apple Music will not be paying writers, producers, or artists for those three months. I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company. 可以確信的是,蘋果公司音樂將會提供註冊者免費三個月試用期。妳們是否知情這項服務並不會支付作詞人、製作人或表演者任何的費用。這讓我感到相當震驚、難過,也難以相信,這走過多年風雨也有相當改革方向的公司,在相當大器的形象中做出這些。 3. These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child. These are the echoed sentiments of every artist, writer and producer in my social circles who are afraid to speak up publicly because we admire and respect Apple so much. We simply do not respect this particular call. 這些並不是被寵壞或想惡搞的孩子寫的抱怨內容。這些都是每個音樂人心情的寫照,在我周遭的每個寫詞人和製作人的感受,而他們難以公開發聲,因為我們是如此敬重蘋果公司的付出。但我們並不樂見這次的決策。 4. But I say to Apple with all due respect, it's not too late to change this policy and change the minds of those in the music industry who will be deeply and gravely affected by this. We don't ask you for free iPhones. Please don't ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation. 恕我直言,現在並非為時已晚,還是有機會讓這些音樂界相關人士,不至於因為這項免費試用活動,而被影響重大權益。人們並不會要求貴公司提供免費手機,所以請別讓我們提供您讓大家無償收聽。 但不知道大家不只朗朗上口(catchy to many),更記得好東西與好朋友分享,就自動分享到自己的社群網絡上(social networks),卻不知道這樣『構成犯罪』的行為:重製罪!甚至連自己在網路上看完最新時事,想表達自己也是關心生活議題的朋友,不假思索地就按下"讚"(LIKE),事實上也有"批閱"、"贊同"的意思,若牽涉到虐待動物或是暴力、色情等分享新聞,也會成為犯罪的一環,不可不慎!所以臉書公司,就有打算要推出"不讚"(UNLIKE),也可以好好利用目前有的"收讚"(NEUTRAL)中性路線。看到一篇扣人心弦(strike a chord)會喚起許多複雜情緒的過往(flashbacks on the past full of sentiments),也會很想轉貼(forward)、回覆(reply),發表(address)自己的想法,讓自己的頁面瞬間刷新,好似自己也是個都市隨興自由作家(free-lancer);每每在沖澡就會開起個人演場會,手中拿著蓮蓬頭、嘴裡哼著拿手歌,又想起熱血青春的過往,就忍不住要PO(post張貼的縮寫網路用語)出來給身邊的大小朋友來感染你的心情。甚至只是一張單純的家庭照片,就算要分享,也要經過影音、照片版權(copyright)所有者的同意,也會有隱私權侵犯的問題喔! Streamline(串連)Music就是將許多音樂檔案放置公開平台上,利用讀取方式來欣賞短片、影音、教學節目,或是相關娛樂設施,都可以利用串連媒體方式進行。美國鄉村樂風格竄起又獨樹一格的泰勒絲,不只是將自己的音樂娓娓道來生命故事,也呼應了時事中許多重要青少年的反思,反霸凌、愛情中的覺醒,珍惜愛自己和他人的機會。即使很坦白刻劃中匆忙勞碌工作的冷漠,但也是告訴聽眾要有勇氣面對生活大小事,也不要忘記提醒自己:生命每件事情都有其美好之處。通常非裔美國人常有的大牙縫(Gap between teeth)也是值得欣賞的優點。是阿,自己眼中的不足之處,或許在別人的視野是種難得的特點呢!努力活出自我!
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英文原來這樣說(English is A Piece of Cake)
你認為的國際化是什麼?能夠把精品店的品牌如數家珍?戴起一只價值連城的鑽石?還是優閒地走在路上,手中拿著連鎖咖啡廳的飲品?如果是如此,可能就只是盲目流行罷了!所謂的國際化,也要多注意全球化帶來的商業商品流通和本國自身人口遷徙現象變動,這可不是穿上來自各國品牌服飾或拿起價值數千萬的珠寶可以扛起的概念,是多了『異文化的同理心和尊重』。大家口說常說族群融合和尊重多元發展和價值,但很明顯地,在各地的大眾運輸上(Public Transportation),每每聽到操著不同口音(accent)的英文或華語,多半都是竊竊私語(whisper),不然就是小聲地批評(criticize +N/Np./V-ing+ in small volume)。印象最深地,有回從台北車站下課,剛好遇到多年前班上的學生,於是我們用英文分享最近的生活小確幸;此時,對面座位的高中生們,使著疑惑又不是很友善(unfriendly)的眼神,用中文說著:「會英文了不起喔!?」但自己手中卻拿著英文單字書,這不是很諷刺(ironic)嗎?語言是打開彼此文化大門,足以一窺不同風情的生活內涵與不同生活圈的精神,並沒有驕傲或自滿的概念!反倒是,學了一種外語後,我們要利用這樣的能力去獲取新知,增進自己的能力和拓展世界;最最重要,就是幫助我們台灣朋友、亞洲朋友,甚至不熟稔英語的朋友,來解決生活大小事情。因為這也是老師到世界各地都奉行的簡單想法。語言沒有高低,只有用心觀察和找對方法,存有太多成見,是很難接受其他新的概念和知識的!所以,想把語言真正融入自己的生活、深入體驗,需要更謙卑的心態和開闊的胸襟,讓自己不只是在背誦一個接著一個生硬的字眼,而是想著在怎樣特定的情況,可以表達出自己的想法和需求,最後順利完成溝通這件美妙又快樂的事情。即是老師常提醒各位同學:立足台灣,放眼國際。 你有想過有多少華僑在國外奮鬥嗎?客家電視台的<作客他鄉>節目,不管是在法國南部小鎮生活的台灣媳婦,或是在寮國開拓個人事業的夫妻檔,這些台灣的鄉親都非常努力地在自己的生活上耕耘努力,辛苦的汗水、淚水,也在認識新文化中慢慢地落地生根,近而愛上這塊異國的土地。不僅入境隨俗地(When in Rome, do as Romans do)凌晨五點鐘起來準備零食及米飯給僧侶,也努力學習當地語言,活絡彼此的想法和溝通生活上的大小事情;更甚者,有許多新移民會主動去改善當地教育水準,興建起學堂和定期與跨國際醫療團為當地的孩子就診。每每看到這一幕就會讓我相當的感佩,也會想起在遠渡重洋來到台灣的外籍朋友們,在台灣的新生活用心地在這塊土地貢獻,進而成為我們社會富強的基礎和希望。更重要地,當深入異國文化時,會以更謙卑又寬容的心態去欣賞許多新環境的美好和驚喜。 許多電視節目上都紛紛介紹台灣新移民的生活分享,非常興奮地介紹家鄉的拿手菜,不管是顏色鮮豔可口,抑或是口感酸甜苦辣,彷彿都是這些辛苦又努力融入台灣新生活的寫照。從以前就注意到台灣許多節目紛紛邀請從歐洲、東南亞、大陸地區、香港及澳門地區,以及遠從非洲來到台灣依親,或從工作、相戀,最後以台灣配偶身分成為我們台灣社會的一分子。我國國人跨國(境) 不但與國人共同生活,並兼負家庭照顧及社會服務等重要角色,但由於語言、文化之差異,仍有生活適應等問題,政府必須負起照顧輔導之責任。 很多文化衝擊(Cultural Shock)早在申請移民時就開始了,許多的書面資料審核、曠日廢時的書件往返和面談機制、語言能力標準審核、財力證明與身體健康檢查,甚至還有規定在原國內無犯罪紀錄,到了移入國還會遭遇許多語言上或是社會中的歧見對待。有時不禁讓我們思考:所謂的國際化只是所謂迎合『主流文化』?還是鼓勵歧視(discriminate)與自身不同的人事物呢?這一刻就會了解法國人為什麼捍衛母語和其彌足珍貴的文化內涵,那並不單純是一種自傲神態,更是世代所肩負的使命和責任感。珍惜每個交流的機會和分享彼此價值觀的初衷,會學到很有趣的故事呢!在國外總會被問起:『去台灣可以從事哪些有趣的活動呢?哪裡一定要好好瞧瞧?哪些食物要好好品嘗呢?如果我只有五天可以逛逛這個寶島,搭火車是最好的嗎?』當不認識自己文化時,是最可惜的!要把台灣介紹到世界的舞台,就要從認識台灣開始,不是嗎?希望大家可以讚嘆更多美好的古蹟、歌頌歷久彌堅的傳統、聆聽長輩細數的歷史過往,共享這份洗淨鉛華又刻劃你我生命源頭的回憶,那是心靈歸屬最踏實的部分,就在人們交會中傳遞著、流動著,無形地撐起我們的天地和從未遠離的深深情懷。 由內政部移民署主辦與教育部從101年3月打造『新住民火炬計畫』,主旨:提供全國新住民及其子女完整之文教生活輔導機制與單一窗口的全方位服務,使其能於臺灣穩定生活與長期發展,更希望培養民眾對國際多元文化之了解、尊重與國際文教交流之參與推動,同時,也為建立社會和諧共榮、追求社會公平正義、增進多元文化理解並促進健康幸福家庭的目標而努力,以營造繁榮公義的社會、建立永續幸福的家園,並與全球國際接軌發展。 其實有印象同學除了很愛誤用save money(節省或財務規劃)當做make deposits存款外,老師也很常聽到學生說:『這個遊戲好fashion喔!!』那麼這就是說明在【詞性錯置】和平時口說表達的結構過於鬆散,腦中翻譯句子也忽略了最基本的細節概念。 在餐廳用餐的時候,每每看到菜單的天秤座朋友們,大概也會非常困擾,樣樣都想嚐嚐卻深怕又踩到地雷,讓用餐興致大減。感覺白醬義大利麵很濃郁可口;青醬路線也是風味十足、吮指回味;焗烤千層麵讓你牽絲到天邊,這種天人交戰肯定都不陌生吧!這時,如果同儕中有人先發難,下定決心點個風馬牛不相及的藍黴起司(既害怕又怕受傷害的口味)美國大漢堡,身為『搖動派』的老師,就會立刻說:「好吧!我也來一份好了!」誰教老師總有百點百失敗的經驗。 在國外每次只要看到APPETIZER(開胃菜),價錢也不輸主菜,但總怕點到地雷,偏偏一樣的價位,同學拿到大如碗公的沙拉雞絲總匯,送上我桌前的只有很像菜鳥廚師做壞的菜(rookie是來自於球隊稱呼對方「菜鳥」!另外,也可以用apprentice描述剛開始學習技巧或進入新團隊的成員,「學徒」的意思;同時也是美國當紅電視實境秀商業大亨川普先生(Mr. Trump)選接班人的挑戰賽The Apprentice「誰是接班人」)。遇到朋友要準備出門用餐或是有機會服務客人,就可以親切地用法文" Bon Appetit"(這是有連音的喔!發音近似Bo-Na-Pe-Ti,碰那朋踢),稍微輕柔地念出,下次在餐桌上令人刮目相看(偷偷告訴同學:其實往往選訂餐廳後,老師都會先乖乖在家裡做功課爬討論區,確認自己要點的菜是人人按讚而且也有其他隱藏菜單,只有行家才會知道的,都會讓這場聚會有不同的驚喜和值回票價,也別忘了給優秀的店家一個肯定的微笑喔!) &雞柳條(chicken fingers)小故事: →社交名媛場所,都會提供一口一個的精緻食品,比如迷你馬卡龍(Macaron)之類的小點心,在英文裡就是(Finger Food) 許多英語學習者都有機會接觸的美國詩人羅伯佛斯特(Robert Frost)所寫的The Road Not Taken ,其中分享老師很愛的片段。人生需要做出抉擇的場合多如牛毛,從衣著配件、就讀學校科系、工作選擇、未來資產分配、生老病死,各種蒜皮小事到人際關係一點小小的衝突,都可以讓我們的生活上起了波瀾。或許我們不一定會做出最正確的決定,但至少不要後悔。如果有一天,你也步入森林裡,你會選擇鮮少人煙的神秘道路,還是循著被人們踩踏過的老路徑?生活的驚喜並不是在走過別人的路而到目的地,而是需要冒險犯難的心情去打造自己的新體驗,不是嗎?Anyone who never made a mistake never tried new things.愛因斯坦都這樣說了,你還想整天待在舒適圈又惶惶不安嗎?每天都有進步,每天都有新的發現,每天都讓自己充滿新知和感動。我想,你會不枉此生的! Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood ……… Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
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Englishadventures英文冒險趣 On April 12th ,People Watch People 四月十二﹐人看人
If you have chance to talk to foreigners , you surely have to introduce the most important celebration in Kinmen ,the City God Reception Parade. 如果您有機會和阿豆啊接觸,當然要跟他介紹最夯的熱鬧大事啦!那就是迎城隍! Do you know how to say something about the City God Reception Parade in English since it's the most popular activity that everyone loves? Come on. Follow me. Let's learn together. 嘿嘿提到大家都歡喜的鬧熱(台語),您知道要怎麼說有關迎城隍活動的英語嗎?你來,來,來!阿婆甲阿公,樓下招樓頂,大家作夥來尬陰溝裡去,英語啦! 那迎城隍要怎麼說呢? The City God Reception Parade 農曆4月12日 April 12th of the lunar calendar 民俗活動 folk activity 宗教 religion 儀式 ritual 蜈蚣陣 centipede seats 藝閣 festival car 妝人Zenglan( in local language) 遊行 parade 乩童 psychic 七爺八爺 the Seventh Lord and the Eighth Lord 電音三太子 Techno Prince Nezha 打花草 Seven ring or chest slapping dance 陣頭 Parade Formation 廟宇 temple 旗 flag 鼓 drum 鈸 cymbal 鑼gong 神輦 God's palanquin 民俗技藝 folk art 公揹婆 husband carrying wife dance 十二婆姐藝陣 twelve pochie folk art performance 鑼鼓陣 cymbal and drum parade 跳鼓陣Tiaokuchen 跑旱船land boat dance 舞蛤精clam water sprite dance 神將 a holy general (or leader), the immortal or the big body 布馬陣 Buh-maajenn Do you know how to introduce the most attractive folk activity to the foreign friends? Maybe telling stories is an amazing way to start. 這個迎城隍鬧熱活動要怎麼跟阿豆啊來介紹呢?也許說故事是個粉棒的開場喔。 The most important part I assume is the role of the City God or Chenghuang Ye (城隍爺) . In ancient China , the Chinese character 城 Cheng means city walls and the Chinese character 隍huang , means moats. 最重要的部份我想應是主角-那就是城隍爺囉。城隍爺用英文說一種是國語的音直接翻過去Chenghuang Ye 直接唸城隍爺,另一個也很簡單啦,就是City God 城市的神。話說在遠古時候中國字 (城 )意思是城市的高牆。而 (隍 )這個字是護城河。 High walls and moats surroundeda city , so they could protect one under attack . Emperors worshipped them as nature gods. Later nature gods gradually became anthropomorphic gods. 高高的城牆加上護城河圍繞著城市,這樣就可保護裡頭的老百姓不受城外敵人的攻擊囉!所以古代的天子把城和隍當作神來祭拜,而慢慢的隨著時間的腳步,這個自然的神變成人格神,那就是城隍爺。 There are five levels of City gods ,according to their districts. The deities own their authority ,just like government officers. And the City God has the highest authority. 城隍爺依據祂們的區域,分為五種。祂們掌管陰間的政府,和人間的政府機構的架構一樣。以城隍爺為首,帶領底下的神將。 The city god in Kinmen is like the magistrate of Kinmen county. The city god in every city is the deity of justice in the underworld. They can guard the peace and safety of people. So city god is a traditional belief for locals.? 我們金門的城隍爺就像是縣長的地位。每個地方的城隍爺是陰間的正義守護者,保衛世間的和平和安全。所以對地方百姓來說呢,城隍爺是傳統的民間信仰。 The city god in Jincheng was from the City God temple of Jinmencheng in 1682 .Chenglon , the commander of Kinmen at that time ,moved from Jinmencheng to Houpu (Jincheng township )on April 12th of the lunar calendar. 金城鎮的城隍爺是在1682年,來自金門城(現在舊金城)的城隍廟。當時的行政長官陳龍在農曆四月十二日,把辦公室從金門城搬家,搬到了後浦(現在的金城鎮)。 Jincheng has become the center of military and politics . People in Jincheng celebrate on April 12th every year . 金城從此就成為了軍事和政治中心。後浦人每年在四月十二日這天辦慶祝活動。 This year is 335 times. The city god parade is the biggest temple fair and a hustle and bustle in Kinmen. The City God and his gods inspect and bless the town and villages when they pass through. 今年是第335年。後浦迎城隍活動是金門最盛大,最鬧熱的廟會呦。熱鬧滾滾,充滿民間活潑力量的慶典。城隍爺和祂的鬼神兵將當天出巡,四處差看追捕邪魔。在巡視路上保佑地方的平安。有保佑大家喔。 On April 12th of the lunar calendar , people in Kinmen especially in Jincheng will start a busy and exciting day. 在農曆的四月十二日,金門人特別是金城鎮的人開始了充滿興奮又忙碌的一天。 The market is full of people who are busy shopping for the feast in the evening . People in Jincheng always invite their friends and relatives for a big dinner by asking the home delivery of the restaurants or caterings. 菜市場到處都是熱鬧紛紛的買賣,為的是晚上的豐盛好料大餐。金城鎮的人會請親朋好友晚上到家辦桌請客,叫餐廳或流水席業者把菜餚送到家。
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英文原來這樣說(English is A Piece of Cake)
夏日炎炎也是旅遊旺季(Peak Season for Tourism Industry),嚮往飄著海風和椰子樹搖曳的南島風情,草裙舞與傳統敲擊樂(Percussion Music)應和翩然起舞,望著天海一線的藍天白雲,腳下有調皮的(Mischievous)海浪搔弄著(tickle)、嬉戲地告訴你:快投入大海的懷抱吧!那種清涼瞬間消暑不說還讓遊客擔心起無法在看到這種美好該怎辦呢?老師的小小抒情(melodramatic)幻想詩篇就先打住為主!其實大家往往提著行囊(luggage)、握著護照(passport)登記證(boarding pass)時,內心其實心裡內心非常激動,既期待又怕受傷害,但往往同學最擔心就是要「護照查驗Passport Check」的時候,不知道機場的官員會問什麼呢?大家常跟我說:「台灣的海關都很NICE,可是遇到歐美國家人員就會緊張到說不出話!」其實同學剛剛的談話犯了一個錯誤。其實我們走進出境大廳(Departure Lobby)後,看到的是海關(Customs)人員,因為他們最常辦理的業務內容是:Declaration(申報貨物)、課以關稅(Tariff)、退稅(Tax-Refund/Tax-Back),內容可真是包羅萬象,甚至還要去檢查商港和各大船舶裝卸貨的港口,真是太厲害了(ADMIRABLE)!所以同學常看到的是『入出國及移民署官員』(簡稱移民官Immigration Officer),而他們的重要職責就是查驗護照和出入國(境)旅客的身分和是否有違法情節,可以和司法警察單位可以有效率地防堵有心人士,進行假證件入台、從事與許可目的不符之活動或工作、虛偽而通謀之假結婚或是否有從事暴力或恐怖組織或其活動進行。雖然目前社會經濟一片繁榮、安和樂利,相關單位也不敢鬆懈為國門把關,足以讓國人豎起大拇指,給三千六百個讚(Likes)可能都不夠喔!另外老師也對不分晝夜都要維護海邊是否有偷渡人口或是從事不法人口販運、毒品走私相關情事的行政院海岸巡防署(Coast Guard Administration, Executive Yuan)除了需要相當好的觀察力與專業判斷能力,可以做出及時的登船偵查、追捕闖入法定海域的飛行器、船舶、或其他運輸工具和依法執行許多困難的任務(如:查驗非法船舶與相關人員,擁槍自重的犯罪集團),如果沒有好的體能應變、處理工作中的潛在衝突和掌握先機,是非常難以保護國家海域和人民安全的!不論是上述的海關、移民署官員,以及海巡署人員,讓你我可以入出國順利平安,不用擔心其他可能影響安全的因素,真的很感謝這些執法人員,下次看到他們,可要記得用力地幫他們打打氣甚至大家可以考慮加入國家保護的一員,如果能參與這些UNSOUND HEROES(無名英雄)大家庭,真的是很令人景仰喔! <國際話題學英文:美國最新國土安全檢討報告> 恐怖份子有特別的特徵嗎?一定是中東人士或電視上常看到的穆斯林信徒嗎?國家安全和國土安全是「沒有既定型態,但寧可錯看、不能漏看」,因為911恐怖攻擊事件衝擊全世界,包含台灣政府國安及相關高層,高度重視各種災害防救相關措施和應變組織運作,是否可以有效預防其發生可能。甚至和歐盟與西方社會建立跨國際聯繫和重要人員資料互享,可以採取先機,保護飛航船運或各項全球化下任何被滲透的犯罪行為。如果你專注宗教或種族的偏見來判斷現況,很有可能錯過許多能杜絕的危險和潛在的威脅!在國土安全歷年報告反映,在運送貨櫃中重達50噸的輪胎中,用利刃劃破後起出海洛因和各式毒品;發現身無分文的少女到了加拿大找工作;入境旅客走路很明顯不自然,竟然把大麻磚當鞋墊穿等等跡象都很需要專業和資深的調查人員去大膽假設、小心求證,防範於為然。幾年前撞死台灣孝子的英商林克穎事件,我想各位同學大概還很有印象。明明是印度籍深色皮膚的林克穎拿了白人朋友的證件,無論是年紀或是膚色完全與持照人大相逕庭,卻可以一路順利通關,從台灣出境警察、護照查驗台、機票收查地勤人員,甚至到了泰國轉機,英國入境等等,皆無人發現?想必中間的疏漏很值得相關單位的注意,並嚴令禁止這些不法之徒逍遙法外。接下來老師要介紹的就是美國國土安全部門所推出的2014國土安全檢討報告,內容由老師帶著大家看,並且用時事看國際發展的安全防衛趨勢! The 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review In this report, we conclude that we will continue to adhere to(遵守)the five basic homeland security mission (內容請參照下方五點)set forth(提出) in the first Quadreenial Homeland Security Review report in 2010, but that these missions must be refined(重新定義) to reflect the evolving landscape不斷演變的新面象 of homeland security threats and hazards(危險). The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010(2010年漏油事情), Hurricane Sandy in 2012(2012桑迪颶風), and the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013(2013年波士頓馬拉松炸彈案) illustrate these evolving threats and hazards. We must constantly learn from them and adapt. →從上方的訊息可以了解,美國今年開始的安全機制運作,不只是要加強軍事設備相關內容,也借鏡以往發生的重大歷史事件當做一個改革的基礎!以下是美國2010年國土安全部門檢討報告的核心五點內容: (A)Prevent Terrorism and Enhance Security預防恐怖主義(攻擊)及加強維安 (B)Secure and Manage Our Borders 保衛及管理國土邊境 (C)Enforce and Administer Our Immigration Laws加強執行和統籌指導移民法規 (D)Safeguard and Secure Cyberspace 鞏固和保全網絡系統 (E)Strengthen National Preparedness and Resilience增加國家防備機制和應變能力 其實非傳統國土威脅中:網路攻擊和資料竊取為大宗。大家不要認為跟妳們一點關係都沒有。曾經用網路買了LINE貼圖或是網路交易嗎?沒錯,這也是網路駭客和恐怖攻擊,竊取你我的資料,然後擾亂各界交易資料。如果各位同學看過「竊資達人」,不少有心人士利用電話或是網路偷到個人資料,進行信用卡的偽造,甚至讓對方信用破產。在法律中,遇到不正常的帳戶交易資料,通常應立刻和該金融機構(如銀行郵局)進行第一時間連絡,並且到警察局進行報案相關記錄,不然在法庭上有了糾紛,是非常難以保護自己的權力和立場;甚至,近幾年許多人的存簿或ATM被扒竊,卻沒有第一時間去報警,即使餘額不多或只是眾多帳戶中一個,都會變成洗錢集團一份子,最後可不是受害者,而是幫助犯或間接共犯,大概會比屈原還悽慘,跳到哪都洗不清了。 The terrorist threat is increasingly decentralized and may be harder to detect. Cyber threats are growing and pose ever-greater concern to our critical infrastructure systems as they become increasingly interdependent. Natural hazards are becoming more costly to address, with increasingly variable consequences due in part to drivers such as climate change and interdependent and aging infrastructure. 恐怖分子的威脅目前偏向分散型態、甚至很難去一一偵測到來源。網際網路威脅與日俱增,甚至對國家重要建設系統產生極大的威脅,因為彼此互相流通、合作互通,瞬間讓威脅擴大更嚴重了。自然災害更是無法計價的頭痛問題,這一切部分要歸因於充滿許多變數的天氣變化和年久失修的建設系統。 Safeguard and Secure Cyberspace鞏固和保全網絡系統 We must, over the next four years, continue efforts to address the growing cyber threat, illustrated by the real, pervasive, and ongoing series of attacks on our public and private infrastructure. This infrastructure provides essential services such as energy(能源), telecommunications(通訊系統), water(水源), transportation(交通運輸), and financial services(金融設施) and is increasingly subject to sophisticated cyber intrusions(精密網路攻擊滲入) which pose new risks. As the Federal Government's coordinator(互相協調聯繫) of efforts to counter cyber threats and other hazard to critical infrastructure. TRAVEL HAZARDS旅遊危機 However, the trade and travel system is also susceptible to(受到…影響) threats and hazards. When air and maritime travel (航空或海上旅遊)into and within the United States was halted(喊停) in the immediate aftermath of the attacks of Spetember11, 2001, the resulting disruptions (干擾)had tremendous(極大的) negative impacts on our economy. Short-term supply chain disruptions due to port strikes and natural disasters have also impacted flows of cargo(貨物流通). Cascading events, such as the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan that led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster(福島核災事件)and the temporary idling of auto plants in the United States, demonstrate(指出) the potential for significant(巨大影響的) disruption to the lawful trade and travel system. The increased movement of people and goods across our borders provides many opportunities but also provides more places for illegal goods(違禁品), unauthorized migrants(非法移民), and threats to hide, illicit materials, threats, and hazards may cross or between our ports of entry deliberately (蓄意地)or inadvertently(不經意地). Transnational criminal organizations(跨國集團) reply on revenues(收入)generated through the sale of illegal drugs and counterfeit goods(偽造物品), human trafficking(人口販運), and smuggling(人蛇走私), and other criminal activities(犯罪活動). These organizations continue to expand in size, scope and influence and are capitalizing on(利用…來營利) technological innovation, including new plate-forms(平台) to sell illicit goods, innovative(創新的) ways of moving money, tools for coordinating operations(整合營運系統), and a variety of other criminal and cyber activities. Transnational criminal organizations are gaining strength(勢力增強) by taking advantage of the same innovations in management and supply chain(生產線) structures that are propelling(推進促進) multinational corporations.(多國企業化經營) Nationals shall be banned from exiting the ROC if they: 1. Have been sentenced to punishments of imprisonment or greater after exhaustion of their appellate rights and have not served or have not completed the term of the sentence; 2. Have been wanted or have been restricted from exiting the ROC by the civilian or military juridical authorities; 3. Have been strongly suspected, on the basis of sufficient factual evidence, of endangering national security or social stability; 4. Have been strongly suspected of being involved in rebellion or treason and have been restricted from exiting the ROC at the request of the authorities concerned; 5. Have been strongly suspected to be involved in major economic crimes or major criminal cases and have been banned from exiting the country at the request of the authorities concerned; 6. Have yet to perform military service except for having been permitted to exit the ROC in accordance with law; or
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英文原來這樣說(English is A Piece of Cake)
最近要出國散散心,沒想到看到新聞卻讓大家更揪心!細數過去這段時間不管是核禍發展、天災變故、劫機危機、霧霾風波、伊斯蘭國崛起,以及令人聞之色變的中東冠狀病毒MERS-VoC,再再都讓世界各國草木皆兵。不僅整體經濟受到重創,也讓各國之間的外交動作顯得非常敏感又緊繃。今天老師要特別介紹各位同學經常聽到的「伊斯蘭國」與傳統恐怖蓋達組織的差異,不僅對中東國家的衝突可以有相當的認知,也可以關注到各國對於這個恐怖效應的國安機制轉變提升;更顯著地,影響國際社會間的互動和來往旅客的國境查驗差別。其實最近因應敘利亞古城被洗劫而且面對繼賓拉登後崛起的ISIS攻擊,讓人聞IS色變。新聞更指出敘利亞古城遭到攻佔,所有珍貴遺跡毀之一旦,令世界科文教組織強力譴責其殘酷又野蠻的行為,令世界文明各國撻伐與不齒。伊斯蘭國(Islamic State)指派軍隊及士兵,先行攻占古城巴邁拉(Palmyra)後,處決400多人後,並將其分屍。目前還無法立即驗證這個數字,但這符合維權人士的說法,在此數日前,伊斯蘭國也攻占鄰國伊拉克西部重鎮拉馬迪(Ramadi),不僅是因為該地有相當人口居住,造成大規模的恐慌和示威的效果,更有拓展宣教的理念,讓十字軍東征的榮耀再現。伊斯蘭國有別與傳統恐怖攻擊組織的概念,並不以改變政權為首要目標或是以金錢為手段,而是要壯大並且徹底實行「政教合一」以真主阿拉為唯一信仰的國家,並且吸引了非常多青年參加軍隊,形成一種另類的人口遷徙現象。 The Crusades were military campaigns(軍隊號召) sanctioned (准許)by the Latin Roman Catholic Church during the High Middle Ages and Late Middle Ages. In 1095, Pope Urban II proclaimed the First Crusade with the stated goal of restoring Christian access to holy places in and near Jerusalem. Following the First Crusade there was an intermittent (斷斷續續的)200-year struggle for control of the Holy Land, with seven more major crusades and numerous minor ones. In 1291, the conflict ended in failure with the fall(衰敗) of the last Christian stronghold in the Holy Land(聖地).The Byzantine Empire (拜占庭)was unable to recover territory (回復國土)lost during the initial Muslim conquests. The impact of the crusades was profound, and judgment of the conduct(行為舉止) of crusaders has varied widely from laudatory to highly critical. 其實對於傳統的恐怖主義來說,事實上古代荊軻刺秦王就是恐怖主義的其中表徵樣態,近而到了以回教號召的奧圖曼帝國(Ottoman Empire)引起許多軒然大波和衝突和古今中間之名的十字軍東征「The Crusader」,從捍衛宗教信仰轉移成政治訴求和鞏固權勢。從埃及征討回國的拿破崙的除異己行動,「合法」處決七萬多人民,甚至當時反對的貴族皇室、衛道人士,都被當作恐怖份子看待,差點被拿破崙當做宣示權力的手段。到了中階段的分離主義,也並不是以綁架或金錢為手段,而是以小規模的民族主義號召的反對團體,對抗起國家的龐大體制,宣揚獨立和文化自尊(長期分離運動之恐怖主義),如:北愛爾蘭共和軍,以統一北愛爾蘭地區為目的;斯里蘭卡東北部地區的泰米爾獨立猛虎解放組織(Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, LTTE),其中一名女性自殺炸彈客刺殺印度總理拉吉夫.甘地,讓世界相當震驚。而後就有許多關於民族恐怖主義和地方恐怖主義紛紛發展出自己訴求的黨派系統和訴求目的,而不惜犧牲無辜人民和自身的性命來達到最終目標。 由於全球化的關係,讓許多原來從事於販毒團體或是非法結社的地下化組織,有了「異業結合」機會和進一步組織化、國際化、利益化不同階段的領域征服和互通有無。哥倫比亞的販毒集團就是以行徑囂張、殺人如麻著稱,甚至當地政府都不敢與之對抗,因為此組織就是以執法人員、法官、警察等人士做為狙擊目標,甚至讓國家秩序變成黑幫執政和默許下張牙舞爪,逕行更多不法的交易。 其實同學可以稍微注意到,伊斯蘭國有幾點特色: 1.成員年輕化:網羅世界各地極端分子,甚至提供軍隊火力讓其有歸屬感。 2.營運科技化:利用網路媒體體各種宣傳手法,號召各國反社會人士積極投入,甚至定期有處決戰俘影片和境內遊行動作,近期還有推出伊斯蘭國護照和五星級飯店相關建設。 3.指導意識化:洗腦和重視輿論宣傳,吸引更多資金(小額或大量投入)和新進成員,後者更不乏利用招募菁英部隊或婚姻媒介手段達成,對於國內現況不滿或被主流排擠者的天堂。 4.組織國際化:成員來自各國城市,甚至可以有利發展出恐怖攻擊的全球在地化,利用本國人的外觀、語言、文化、地域優勢,來裡應外合展開更猛烈和當局措手不及的破壞手段,這更是國際社會最防不勝防的地方。 雖然目前我國並沒有受到恐怖攻擊的經驗,但國家單位也在權限和資源範疇中進行各項演習防範於未然;相對來說也需要更謹慎的態度來面對和應變可能的局勢,千萬不能忽略任何的細節,積極與國際社會接軌和聯合國組織及歐盟組織,在國境上的互通資訊確認、可疑人物鎖定、預防性演練,都可以大幅降低危災發生的機率,大大提升國內外重要入出口,如:商業港口、漁港、船舶停留處,飛行器靠置處。有賴相關機關通力合作,保衛國土。 大家看到這些關連和時事的趨勢並沒有這麼難懂,而是去了解很多活動的背景和意涵,不僅把關注放在國內也要投射到國際環境,在思量未來充實自己的方向和辦法。 最近國際中的難民Rohingya民族(羅興雅或洛興雅)從孟加拉移到緬甸邊境後,不僅是因為是非法難民身分被排擠,更是因為穆斯林身分不見容於佛教徒為主要群眾的緬甸,不僅僅當時想從軍政府手中救回人民的翁山蘇姬對此話題絕口不提,甚至現今總理對此現象也是用非常嚴厲的口吻說:「這七千多個人口,我們國家沒有責任養活他們。」甚至在泰國邊境發現羅興雅人的十具屍體慘遭丟棄。而國際救援組織也只能以自身資源不定期供給難民,甚至有人直接跳船只是想拚拚機會逃入其他國家。國際人口走私或人口販運一直都是國際社會很頭痛的問題,不能隨意遣送回原國,因為怕該國會以政治或宗教手段進行殘酷處決,但國家內部卻又是抗議聲浪不斷,加重許多額外的開支和後續新移民帶來的壓力和相關措施配合。如果你是該國的主要決策人員或單位,你會有怎樣的裁決和措施來因應國際社會的期望和保全國內整體利益呢?不僅僅是表面的非法運輸行為,更可以對來源國進行了解和探究推拉理論的根本道理。接下來依照老師今天介紹的ISIS內容,那我們就來搭配國際新聞一起來複習今天同學們學習到的伊斯蘭國的背景和國際令人咋舌的作為,不要急著查單字,可以試著理解喔! The aim(目的) of ISIS is to create an Islamic state(伊斯蘭國), referred to as a caliphate(哈理發=先知代理人), across Sunni areas of Iraq and in Syria. ISIS is known for killing dozens of people at a time and carrying out public executions(公開處決), crucifixions(釘上十字架處死) and other acts. It has taken over large swaths of northern and western Iraq. The group currently controls hundreds of square miles. It ignores international borders(漠視國境邊界) and has a presence from Syria's Mediterranean coast to south of Baghdad. It rules by Sharia law. Dabiq, Syria "is where the Prophet Mohammed is supposed to have predicted that the armies of Islam and 'Rome' would meet for the final battle that will precede the end of time and the triumph of true Islam," according to CNN National Security Analyst Peter Bergen. ISIS's strategy for revenue includes oil production and smuggling, ransoms from kidnappings, selling stolen artifacts, extortion and controlling crops.(收入來源有包含:產油利潤、人蛇私運、綁架贖金、販賣竊取古物、勒索和控制作物產區。) ISIS has been known to destroy valuable antiquities.Unable to serve under the new Iraq government after Saddam Hussein's military was disbanded, former Iraqi soldiers became ISIS fighters, according to Middle East expert Fawaz Gerges. Leader: Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi: Very little is known about al-Baghdadi, but a biography posted on jihadist websites in 2013 said he earned a doctorate in Islamic studies (伊斯蘭學博士學位)from a university in Baghdad.(巴格達)He formed the militant group in Salaheddin and Diyala provinces north of the Iraqi capital before joining al Qaeda in Iraq.Al-Baghdadi was detained for four years in Camp Bucca, which was a U.S.-run prison in southern Iraq. He was released in 2009.After ISIS declared the creation of the so-called "Islamic State," he began using the name Al-Khalifah Ibrahim, and now goes by that name with his followers. 背景知識:ISIS由伊拉克聖戰主義者巴格達迪領導,在伊拉克擁有6,000名戰士,在敘利亞擁有3,000至5,000名戰士,其中可能包括3,000名外國人。2011年前,ISIS主要以基地組織分支的身分作戰,但現在其目標已變為掌控領土並實施其正義及道德規範,換言之,ISIS是在未受治理的領土上建立雛形國家。敘利亞的阿薩德政權和伊拉克的馬利基政權,皆激怒遜尼派阿拉伯人,讓形勢對ISIS更加有利。阿薩德刻意忽視ISIS,正確地推測ISIS會對抗更為主流的反抗軍;馬利基解散了對抗ISIS的遜尼派民兵、清算政府中的遜尼派,促使海珊派反美反抗軍、甚至是遜尼派民兵,在絕望之中加入ISIS。
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英文原來這樣說(EnglishisAPieceofCake)
你曾經因為學習語言感到沮喪(defeated)?認為只有出國才是學好英文的捷徑(shortcut)?單字書片語書一本又一本的買,卻無法看到成效?你或許沒想過當自己被丟在完全不熟悉的語言環境,被同學奚落和惡意取笑(deride)自己『爛透了』,還能夠吞下淚水,在我們都傻呼呼天真的想討棒棒糖吃的年紀,她挑燈夜戰(stay up late)到破曉(the crack of dawn)不願意低頭屈服,只為了『證明自己可以』。學習的起步就遭逢滔天巨浪的衝擊,但卻沒因此而退卻(withdraw),人前擺出自信微笑,人後沒有一秒懈怠準備戰戰兢兢(walk on the eggshells)準備每個機會,她不是出身豪門(born with a silver spoon)或名流的子女,她是懂得把自己「歸零」的曲艾玲。有機會在簽書會中看著亮麗出場又自信萬分的艾琳,一上舞台就用相當流利的(articulate)口條和堅定的眼神娓娓道來自己對於生命中的驚喜和種種感動。從母親在韓國懷著她的時候,彷彿就開始了自己要周遊列國的命運。在台灣呱呱落地後,駐外編輯採訪記者(corresponding journalist)身分的父親便馬不停蹄地帶著家人到各國出差,三年一次的搬遷和適應新環境(adapt to the new environment),艾琳和哥哥很小就知道要靠自己的能力解決許許多多的事情。到了伊索比亞(Ethiopia)後,她便跟著非洲籍保母(babby-sitter)開始牙牙學語,也不知道自己當時含糊胡說(blabbering)些什麼話,據家人說當時自己在說伊索比亞的方言(dialect),其實這就是語言學習的第一個階段:模仿發音和學習語調。而後來到了日本的時候,她認為自己是日本人所以讀日語學校,而哥哥是中國人所以念華語小學,對於自己國籍(nationality)認定也很混亂,但她在新學期的時候,並沒有一如轉學生瑟縮在一旁,反而用著憋腳的日文說著:「喔嗨優,哇答系哇『艾琳』de su…」(大家早,我是艾琳)接著就開始用非洲語混著英文自由發揮了,日本小孩認為這個外國人好有趣,會用我們的語言但又說著『咕嚕咕嚕』的內容,讓同學都卸下心防還主動牽著她的手加入玩樂的行列,這是第二個階段:即使無法用完整句表達自己的想法,也可以用單詞分享心情,勇敢擁抱不同文化,調整心態來主動親近他人。後來中間輾轉有到美國就讀小學,在那裏享受自由的校園環境和許多課外活動的參與機會,一點課業壓力都沒有,這讓艾琳相當喜歡。但因為家中考量華語文化的重要,甚至硬性規定孩子一進門就只能說中文,就決定帶著艾琳回到台灣就讀當地小學三年級。但這是她這輩子最大的噩夢,跟美國天天沒有作業充滿讚美的歡樂天堂比起來,有著極大的落差,不知道更大的困挫正等著她。回到台灣的學習環境,艾琳發現完全跟不上進度,第一次國文測驗竟然拿了八分,還是因為有選擇題瞎矇的分數。數學裡充滿應用題和計算題目,跟以往的習慣完全不同,就讀私立小學的班級間分數比較相當激烈,甚至被老師和同學排擠,下課後還有人惡劣地賞她一巴掌,怒罵她是雜種,連中文都看不懂,那臉上火辣辣的震驚感,在艾琳的心裡瞬間轉變為沒有藉口偷懶的動力。回家後,縮著滿是藤條痕滿佈的小手,母親一問之下才知道自己原來因為考試成績太差被嚴重處罰,於是便下課後夜夜握著她的手,一筆一劃地寫著『我的爸爸愛看報紙』和其他單詞與課文內容,一遍不會,就寫一百遍,直到凌晨三點,母女兩人抱在一起痛哭。學習語言的過程本就充滿挑戰和瓶頸,這就是第三階段:持之以恆的練習(constant practice)和投入(commitment)是可以改變現況的。美國華裔的虎母(Tiger Mother)曾在西方社會造成相當大的衝擊,認為虎媽把自己孩子當作考試機器,還一味要重複練習操作各種樂器和演算題目,甚至不惜威脅孩子把玩具都燒掉來讓孩子甘願好好學習,也陪著自己的女兒練鋼琴練到早上,犧牲自己的一切一切提前拿出退休金聘請最好的大學教授,連家庭旅遊都要先預約當地的鋼琴練習間練習,有一次還把飯店大廳的鋼琴做為該日練習的進度,絲毫不給孩子和自己有一秒的鬆懈。「Our family came all the way to American, and only did we endeavor for goals and outstand others in the white society the respect will come naturally and significantly; therefore, we never cease to excel and raise our children in the same way.」(我們的家人遠渡重洋到美國來,只有當我們奮力往目標前進,才有可能在白人社會裡得到應得和富有重要意涵的尊重;因此,我們從不停止追求卓越,也用同樣的方式教育後代。)不管是從艾琳的生命經驗或是美國華人家庭中都不難見到,那份堅毅是在種種壓力下堅持和壯大的過程。而在分享會的重點中,不難發現有許多家長都很關心是否自己的孩子有機會像她可以到美國名校就讀,但她主動點醒家長:「你要讓孩子學習獨立和自我解決能力的問題,如果你在大學面試官前說要替孩子問問題,那這位考生肯定在教授心裡大大扣分,因為媽寶在任何優秀教育家眼裡都會是不及格的。」不管是英國劍橋或美國哈佛,或大家耳熟能詳的加拿大哥倫比亞大學,他們追求的並不是要會十八般武藝的學生,而是專精某個領域還能夠有Leadership, Creativity, Passion這三大元素。Leadership即是領袖特質,當初艾琳在美國林肯高中就讀時,就相當熱愛關於生物科學相關知識,後來對於孩子也相當的喜愛,結合之後竟有了想當小兒科醫師的念頭,但苦無機會參加類似的社團,猜猜看她做了怎樣的突破呢?沒錯,她自己創社了,而且還是科學博覽會呢!這讓林肯高中在舊金山更有競爭力而且也獲得很多跟其他學校合作的機會,從創社的過程她學到如何說服他人和清楚邏輯的鋪陳許多細節和勾勒出藍圖,讓不管受聘講師或是社員都能夠相當有信心一起經營這個剛萌芽的社團;而在募款活動中也展現相當的Creativity(創意力),當大家都像男女童軍們到各班去賣巧克力糖來籌募資金,艾琳想到可以多附一張小卡片,擔任大家的小小丘比特或是溫暖話語遞送員,短短幾周就募到了300美金。當然這也在申請各校當作成為一個非常重要的表現和校方重視的特質之一。其實,她是有機會去念當地的最棒的高中,但由於哥哥提醒她,如果在最棒的高中妳就很難拿到全A(Straight A)的成績,這樣是不是會讓妳將來申請之路變得更艱苦?在林肯高中好好表現,妳拿到的A跟最棒高中的第一名學生是一樣的(類似台灣繁星)。後來考慮到未來在柏克萊大學也能夠攻讀醫科相關的科目就主修財經,距離家裡也不遠,可以節省很多舟車勞頓的連帶問題。艾琳也提醒現場很多朋友,不管大學選修的科系不必和未來的職業和選擇劃上等號,讓自己的選擇變的很狹隘。因為學習許許多多的專業知識的同時,也在找尋自己的Passion(熱情)所在,這也就是為什麼外國母語人士常常把自己的職業叫成Passion而不是Job了!將來在工作上遇到挑戰和不如意,都還是能夠勇往直前和打破窠臼尋找新方向,這種續航力的展現就是Passion。即使主持過廿一年上千場的大中型表演和典禮,艾琳都保持著只要有機會出場就要以第一次上台的心情好好準備一切資料和用心投入。不管別人是否認出她是知名節目『繞著地球跑』的主持人,甚至是知名節目『康熙來了』的常客,一站在舞台上拿起麥克風,就要展現專業和自信態度處理廠商交任的內容和期望,要成為職場A咖不僅僅是口號,而是一種態度和堅持,她永遠都在追著這樣的目標前進著,不滿意現狀,永遠把自己歸零,用最謙虛的心情學習準備,沒有任何一場演出是僥倖是可以馬虎的,這就是A咖的處事態度和工作精神。不知道各位同學是不是也感受到老師在這場分享會中的感動和心情轉折呢?即使目前的你找不到努力的方向和動力,但不要忘記自己有無限的潛能等著開發,藉由改變學習方法和接觸許多的活動項目,可以幫助自己找到屬於未來耕耘的空間和喜悅。不少上班族蠢蠢欲動想要換工作。在22K仍是台灣不少人的緊箍咒之際。不知道大家有沒有注意到英國社會目前有個新現象?英國建築業卻因為面臨嚴重的技術工人短缺,只得祭出高薪策略,砌磚工人每周的薪水可能高達1000英鎊(4.9萬元台幣),這其實要回歸到底是對職業已有貴賤之分,還是專業能力不夠,源頭也是整個社會要檢討的價值觀。
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英文原來這樣說(English is A Piece of Cake)
最近在社會中很流行的飛特族(FREETER),有別於全職人員,就是講述比較享受彈性空間,並喜歡自由選擇案子來工作的兼職人員,當然大家會針對所謂的"穩定性"或"前瞻性"來做深入考量,其中也有許多因素涉入,要是工作性質截然不同,一樣的工時不見得有一樣的酬勞。但長遠來看,大家都比較關注是否有陞遷和薪資調整的幅度前提下,來做出轉換跑道或自行創業等等的決定。當然就不可能不提到日本社會裡老年化而且還有不斷成長的"尼特族"(NEET),就是指"啃老族"、"所無事事的人們",而有了這樣的嚴肅的字眼,原文是No Education, Employment, and Training,沒有進一步接受體制教育、正式工作聘用身分、參與訓練課程的人們,都可以用NEET來做稱呼。這同時也反映政府教育體系是否真正讓學子在校園生活中培養出未來職場實力並且找到自己的NICHE(利基),將來學有所成、學以致用,最後能夠回饋社會、創造更多的就業機會給優秀的國內外應徵者!另外大家在職場(workplace)工作一陣子後就會想要調整薪資,於是就要能夠使用make a" request" for a raise來建議主管,這種表達可說是基本必備句;而有些同學會用錯動詞"ask" for a raise。這樣聽起來像是命令公司來加薪,說出口後導致誤解就糟糕了,所以同學應該以適當用法為主,而不是艱澀難懂的用語。 <多益混淆句解答續集TOEIC CONFUSING SENTENCES> 5. 這個工作內容有哪些?(A) 正確答案就是A.What does this job entail?這句可以說是職場英文經典名句喔!這可是在工作面談前,自己就要先做的功課!可別等主管面試當場confront(直接質詢)受試者,才在一問三不知就糗大了喔!另外,在多益聽力第二大題問答題型和第三大題對話也是出現的熱門考點,或許聰明的你已經發現本句中的TAIL有'尾巴'的意思,通常用來介紹工作職稱的延伸職責內容(比如:需要短期出差和不定期加班等要求)。另外,大家對於英文單字的字源常接觸後,也不難發現英文裡的動詞多有EN-作為字首或字綴---EN來做'加強'或'使變為', EX.: strengthEN(使增強"系統能力"), ENhance(讓提升"能力"), frightEN(使"誰"驚嚇), ENdorse(讓"名人"代言商品), eye-widENing(讓眼睛瞪大驚人事情), ENvision(能夠猜想預想)等等。而B.What does this work include?會讓雇主認為是偏向工作福利(benefit package: 員工旅遊incentive trip, 年終獎金annual bonus, 特休annual leave, 紅利分配dividend, a raise, 醫療保障medical coverage)部分去詢問。為了避免留下負面印象,可以利用正解的問法比較妥當而且適當表現出優秀英文水準,讓自己更有優勢出線。 6. 我從來沒有來過這裡。(B) 正確答案為B. I had been to this place before.意思為"我之前就來過這裡了",但老師要特別提醒學生在翻譯的時候有文法had been過去完成式的時候,必須要配合一個"簡單過去式"來表示過去發生的後續事情,不如就來帶大家看看例句: Fiona went to Macau after she had paid a visit to Denmark.(費歐娜參訪丹麥後,後來又去了澳門。)那解答句的部分可以參考來使用。如果選擇A. I have never been here before.的同學要注意了,因為當你沒有看過或踏進某個地區過,卻用了""(曾經去過)的句子,這樣就太扯了!就好像是法文中常想的(預視經驗),好像你曾經來過這個地方,啊!在夢裡!老師又不禁哼起經典名曲甜蜜蜜,不知道大家是否也跟著去大排長龍,買了珍貴的鄧麗君紀念郵票? 7. 恭喜您榮陞。(A) 正確答案為A. Congratulations on your promotion!其實在各項英檢選擇題都常會有"挑戰習慣用語"的題型,講到"要為一件事情負責任"的時候,考生都會直接反應出be responsible for +N/NP(多半為負責固定或某件事務),而碰到be responsible to work under sb(工作在誰的團隊裡)這類的表達,就會非常錯愕甚至感覺陌生。其實這都是來自於平時的閱讀量過小,面對介係詞的定義太過於模糊。老師再舉個例子給大家練習: The chandelier is ____ the ceiling.(水晶燈掛在天花板下方。)這時候同學都會被中文語意直接影響甚多,而忘了其實介係詞"ON"的定義是"在物體的表面之上",所以這題的答案還是ON而不是第一時間反應出來的UNDER。其實對於某件事情而有了動作的表達句並不少,比如:要恭賀某人某事:compliment sb on sth./V-ing;怪罪某人某事時 blame sb on sth. ;需要特別決定人選或確認事件decide on sth/N/NP,皆是很常見的表達句喔!這樣同學的觀念應該也清楚許多了。 8. 他的工作獲得全體長官的肯定。(B) 正確答案為B. His work has gained the recognition of all supervisors.說到被某人認同確實是件很辛苦的事情,因為起初只有自己努力不懈和堅持前進,結果也不見得如期發生,但就是要有信心去達成,而且也要從自己建立信心,進而說服身邊的人,才能嚐到甜美的果實呢! 各種『同意』表示,程度不同,時機也相當固定喔! (1). approval:(supervisor?subordinates)上司對下屬批准動作, approval of personal leaves。同學最近也很常提到,「我最近在放假(沒上班)」到底要怎麼表達呢?I am on vacation是正在度假中,時間上性質上都很廣泛,所以不適合。最正式的說法應該為I am taking leaves.可以完整的表達這句話! (2). admission: 獲得進入某場所的資格,比如admission ticket入場??be admitted to + school入學許可;be admitted to the hospital(by a doctor) 正式獲准入院 (3). permit: 官方許可證legal authorization? fishing/ work/study/hunting + permit(捕漁/工作/就學/打獵許可證) (4).permission:口頭上許可?Why did you fumble through my stuffs without my permission? (為什麼可以不經過我的允許,這樣亂翻我的東西?) That's so-called "theft", you know? (這是偷竊你不知道嗎?) (5).agreement: 兩方協議?(TOEIC Standardized Test) The Fox Engineering and Construction Corp. has some issues with the terms of the contract.(契約內容細目) (6). consensus: 經過磋商(negotiation)或妥協(reconciliation)後,兩造獲得共識reach a consensus 9. Don't get me involved in this case. (A) 正確答案為A.不要把我拖下水!其實生活中很經常需要用到個人履歷或是需要展現個人特質的自傳,都會提到自己以往的社團內容和榮譽表現,但要怎樣出類拔萃呢?就是用字上的雕琢和用心。如果要提到一個人的參與經驗,多半都會用到take part in某些難忘的經驗;同時,同學也不要忘記寫上自己的所學( individual expertise)和相當有收穫的經驗(rewarding experience)細節,但如果能寫上" Engagement in local charities, I've developed the ambition volunteering the impoverished in developing countries。不論國內外都會非常看重一個申請者的社會服務體驗,這樣讓主考官可以更了解你對人群社會相關付出和堅韌的態度。 10. She was really cross with me yesterday. (B) 正確答案為B.昨天她對我真的很火大。這是非常可愛的說法,而且是氣到把對方老放在心上,好像在折磨自己又一邊想著對方!情侶也很常這樣用來逗對方用的! 比起angry來說是比較輕微的,比如:You let the cream out all night long, I felt really cross now.而大家知道的"玩命關頭"片名用的是"Furious"可是盛怒喔,更代表每個車手的無窮熱血和飆速競技的能量全開狀態! 重點國際新聞回顧:德國之翼副機師隱瞞憂鬱症病史且造成多達一百五十多人死亡;同時,國際社會也在檢討是否應該要把飛航人員或是會影響大眾生命的人員的健康狀態做一個直接而清楚的管道,來確保不會有如此的憾事重演。當然,此時也有許多人權團體認為這樣太過於忽視個人隱私和可能造成當事者許多的壓力而直接影響職場表現,那麼妳們又是怎樣想的呢?一起來回顧這件國際大事,並且大聲朗讀出來喔! On the surface, Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz seemed, in the words of those who had known him, normal, capable, even fun. But, German prosecutors(檢察官) said Friday, he was clearly trying to hide something in the days before he sent Germanwings Flight 9525 plowing into a mountain, killing himself and 149 others aboard(機上人員). Investigators(調查人員) searching Lubitz's Dusseldorf apartment said they found documents(文件) revealing he'd been declared unfit for work. The letter, Dusseldorf prosecutor Christoph Kumpa, said, was found "slashed" in a dust bin. Police search apartment警方搜索公寓 That's the question police were hoping to answer as they searched Lubitz's apartment.Police spokesman Markus Niesczery said a team of five investigators went "through the apartment looking for clues(線索) as to what the co-pilot's motivation(動機) might have been, if he did indeed bring the plane down." They didn't find a goodbye note(遺書) or anything directly explaining the crash, the public prosecutor's office in Dusseldorf said in a statement. They say it will be a few more days before they can say anything more publicly about what they found. Outside the apartment, neighbors contacted Friday said they didn't know Lubitz and are simply flummoxed(十分困惑) by all the attention to the quiet suburban neighborhood (寧靜郊區)featuring a handful of businesses, restaurants, running rails and a lake. Meanwhile, about 85 miles (136 kilometers) away in the town of Montabaur, the house where Lubitz's parents live was shuttered and guarded by police.A group of men, perhaps investigators, were the only ones granted access(獲准進入) on Thursday. On Friday, there was no activity at all.
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英文原來這樣說(EnglishisAPieceofCake)
有位老先生不辭千里扛著一堆補品到美國要給兒子補身體,便風塵僕僕地隻身從故鄉抵達大蘋果(NEW YORK),見識到五光十色的生活型態和都市人匆忙的步伐(rapid-paced),突然置身充滿英語的環境讓他充滿不安。懷抱著要見到親人的心情,便馬不停蹄地用肢體語言和兒子給的地址尋到住處,在一番盥洗(get fresh up)後,跑到了著名TIME SQUARE時代廣場晃晃,看到BUSKER(街頭藝人)表演差點忘了時間,想到天色不早要回去時,卻身體不適,就這樣暈倒在人行道上,後來有好心的路人聽到他念念有詞,幫他叫了救護車,後來醫院人員連繫上了兒子。他臉色驚恐地衝到醫院急診室裡,兒子看到父親便說:「好險你沒事,真讓我差點嚇破膽,但你怎麼知道『救護車』的英文呢?」「我?……喔!」好像領悟什麼,頑童般的笑容在父親臉上泛開「我只是跟那個路人講『俺不能死俺不能死』要死也要回家鄉死」。原來操著濃濃山東腔的父親竟巧合地說出Ambulance(救護車)的英文。Am(俺)-Bu(不)-Lan(能)-Ce(死)。同學看完這篇小故事,或許也能會心一笑,但學習英文不僅僅是為了考證或職場升遷,更重要的就是在外出遊可以自救救人,解決眼前很多棘手的問題,只要你願意學習,不是嗎? 當然學習英文的時機點也是相當重要,同學也不時提供自己學習英文上的困擾,認為寫作能力好像相當難以提升和進步。其實老師在之前有特別提醒各位同學可以利用「英文日記」、「電影台詞」、「閒聊必用句」、「廣播金句」這幾點超實用方法下手。首先「英文日記」Keeping a diary in English doesn't refer to squeezing one's brain to create a formal composition seriously formatted based on English grammar and wording. On the opposite, English learners are expected to pen down their feelings or any trivialities on a daily basis, randomly and habitually.沒錯,其實書寫日記只是要把每日的心情變化寫下或是閱讀中看到的好句都可以寫下來做紀錄,一方面可以慢慢學習用英文思考和寫作邏輯,可以當作一種心情的舒壓方式。Brian老師建議大家一天不用超過五句話 ,少量但是可以準確的寫出生活軼事或學習記錄的回顧,這樣才能持續而長期的變成生活中的好習慣。而「電影台詞」部分老師也有介紹過穿著PRADA的惡魔(Devil Wears Prada)和救救菜英文(Vinglish English)的感人台詞,這些同學不論在跟外國友人或有機會對相關話題發表感想,都是很好的基礎和想法;最重要的部分是學習看完電影或影集可以上網去查詢SUMMARY(劇情大意)和REVIEW(評論),可以得到更多資訊和如何在短時間內分享或推薦剛剛才看過的內容,是相當快速可以加深自己對題材印象和即刻將寫作用字相當道地化的方法。「閒聊必用句」不僅僅是每個學習英文的同學可以練習,更是許多國際同步或即席口譯專業人員固定的練習技巧,不管是跟著錄音帶朗讀進而調整自己的口音腔調,也可以加快自己的語速,對於聽力和口說都有相當明顯的進步效果;因此,把自己平常跟朋友、家人、同事、同學師長的對話在腦海中試著翻譯成英文,遇到有比較不熟悉的單詞可以寫在便條紙或隨身的筆記本上,有時間可以上網查詢,千萬不要用快速翻譯器,這樣反而會誤導自己,要以網路字典或簡單的上GOOGLD網頁,打入:「 新年團圓」「英文」,這兩組單詞進入系統就會開始搜尋類似的表達語,你就可以抓到最通用的說話:New Year's Reunion,而不用自己瞎猜半天或是積非成是了。學習任何事情都不能一蹴可幾,就像大家學習中文的過程也是非常紮實從發音、單詞、句子、文章,到深入的詞彙解釋和詩詞等等進階的內容,所以需要大家的Passion(熱情),Patience(耐心),and Ambition(野心)。「廣播金句」想必大家對「別走開,馬上回來」這句電視口號再熟悉不過,但其實這是引用廣播文化中的Stay in tune, we'll be right back的說法,而其實目前光是美澳英電台廣播就超過三千種選擇,大家可以利用網路隨時收聽,也可以下載相關新聞英文稿,可以不出門便知天下事;甚至大家可以下載YOUTUBE影音中的脫口秀或BBC Six-Minute English六分鐘英語,好好利用零碎的時間可是效果驚人。有位學生是國內的業務員,所以非常想外派到國外拓展見識,非常積極地準備國際多益測驗考試,但工作時間太長導致無法下班後在家有充分的體力和時間收聽。於是他利用了上下班通勤和午餐後的片段休息時間和晚上到公園慢跑的一小時中,專心地收聽廣播內容和多益相關的聽力內容,讓她從本身根本聽力300分根本難如登天的程度,到後來考到將近滿分的480(滿分495),語言確實是可以自己製造環境,而不是靠著上補習班或是買下昂貴的教材才行。但該名學生閱讀測驗的部分很明顯就是落差很大,因為還是需要相當的文法基礎和商用單詞運用,以及相當技巧性的閱讀速度應試法和勤快練習。所以英文中的聽說讀寫四個面向都是需要同學們兼顧和從以上提到的學習方法去加強和交換使用,這樣學習英文才能更有趣味更加有變化性。 大家或多或少都有在學校生活中,體驗到早起搭校車或要上學趕早自習的經驗,但偏偏前一天就是熬夜看書也沒睡幾小時,就立刻被鬧鐘叫醒,趕著去學校準備考試,這種文化在歐美人士的眼裡真的非常不可思議,甚至從國小就開始拖著行李箱裝著滿滿的教科書和學習教材到學校,甚至還有私立學校有特別設立電梯讓同學可以順利「拖行」書包到教室裡。近五年,許多國內外的教育學者都在檢討是否要廢除早自習而讓學子可以多睡幾小時,這樣不僅可以增加學習效益,在健康的部分也可以少了許多堪憂。每逢大學入學測驗,許多家長無不求神問卜,多捐點香油錢希望神明可以眷顧孩子考上理想的學校;更誇張地,怕孩子讀書太久腦袋暈眩,甚至跑到急診室要求純氧來讓孩子醒腦。其實中西醫師都相當認同:適當運動和飲食之外,充足的睡眠才能讓白天吸收的資訊存入記憶區內,讓學習和反應力增強,而長期缺乏睡眠會導致記憶力衰退,身體也會不堪負荷而出現免疫力下降的問題。是否高中應該要晚睡晚起呢?因為以過來人的經驗,光是從放學到補習班下課,其實真的很難辦到所謂的「早睡早起」,課業的壓力在台灣社會很明顯只是越來越重,而缺少對孩子的興趣科目和才能上的肯定和發展,這都是很值得我們一起來省思。閱讀文章的時候請大家要忍著不看中文翻譯和查字典的衝動,好好利用上下文猜猜看不熟悉的單詞意思,這樣才能夠慢慢習慣大量的閱讀和藉由推敲慢慢熟悉英文語言的思路方向。 Let The Teens Sleep In(讓青少年多睡點吧!)重點段落欣賞Reference: ALL+ Interactive English Is it painful to get out of bed every morning? If you feel like you can't catch up on your sleep, you aren't alone. One sleep-deprived (睡眠不足)high school student in Missouri named Jill dos Santos had this problem, and she took action. Armed with research supporting her online petition(請願書),Jill successfully pushed her school's start time to 9a.m. 每天早上起床是不是很痛苦呢?如果覺得無法多睡一會,你並不孤單。在密蘇里州,一為睡眠不足的高中生吉兒多斯桑多斯就有這樣的困擾,於是她採取了行動。有了研究資料來支持她的網路請願書,她成功讓學校開始上課的時間延到早上九點。 It turns out that teens aren't night owls by choice and may have a serious excuse for sleeping in. Around bedtime, the brain releases melatonin, a chemical which makes you sleepy. Before adolescence, children's internal clocks naturally direct them to fall asleep between 8 and 9 p.m. Puberty changes this internal clock and start delaying this release of melatonin. The result is that teenager usually don't wind down until 11p.m. or later 原來青少年並非出於選擇而成為夜貓族,他們是很有理由晚睡些。接近就寢時,大腦會釋放出褪黑激素,這是一種會讓你想睡的化學物質。在青少年時期以前,孩童的生理時鐘會自然而然地引導他們在晚上上八、九點間入睡。青春期會改變生理時鐘,並開始延緩退黑激素的釋放。結果就是青少年通常要到晚上十一點或更晚的時候才能放鬆下來。 After being unable to fall asleep until midnight and then getting up at 6a.m. for school, teens may find it hard not to want to sleep during class. Lack of sleep impairs memory, creativity and the ability to concentrate. Our brains store and organize new facts during deep sleep. Without enough sleep, teen lose the ability to take in new information, and stress, depression, bad eating habits, and mood swings become worse. 在午夜才能入睡,然後早上六點起床上學後,青少年可能會覺得要不在課堂上昏昏欲睡是很難的。睡眠不足會損害記憶力、創造力和專注力。我們的大腦在熟˙睡時會儲存和組織新資訊,沒有足夠的睡眠,青少年會喪失吸收新知的能力,而壓力、憂鬱、不良的飲食習慣和情緒波動也會更加惡化。
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英文原來這樣說(English is A Piece of Cake)
今天你ENGLISH了嗎?走過街頭許多商店招牌(signage),通常都有小小的英文字標註,大家有仔細看過嗎?經過路上不難看到房地產公司的門口,都會有清楚字樣「REALTOR(=REAL ESTATE AGENT房仲業務員)」映入眼簾,這可是多益的熱門職業考點之一(另外許多銀行和法人企業也會聘用私人遞送員courier,說是任重而道遠也不誇張,不管颳風下雨都背負著巨額的匯票和支票呢!);充滿粉紅泡泡氛圍裏頭的甜蜜精緻法式甜點櫃,征服了許多人們寂寞的心,鏡面玻璃窗上就寫著"Patisserie"就曾出現在多益廣告信件中的商業合作建議書中(memorandum),提到調度原料和資源分配(resource allocation);交通部份,人來人往的車站月台上就清楚地貼著Please refrain from smoking,剛好這是最婉轉(sugarcoat)的勸告句,而在國際商用英文檢定長篇閱讀中也是重點詞語。 Question:Due to the students with nut allergies,when bringing shared food to school, please _______ from bringing food that contains nuts of any kind. (A)benefit (B)refrain (C) succeed (D) result (當帶食物到學校分享時,因為有些學生對堅果類過敏,要避免帶類似內容的食物。)(A) benefit from +N/V-ing=derive(get)...from..從......獲得(益). EX.:Most participants in the management crisis training session seemed to benefit significantly from this informative lecture. (B)refrain from +N/V-ing =keep from.....避免去做...... EX.:Most employees are advised to refrain from leaving this position without legal excuses. (C)succeed in +N/V-ing= accomplish +N desired and =attain certain goal成功於...... EX.:I anticipate that you will succeed in this new position and get the hang of it soon. (D)result from+N/V-ing= originate from...源起於......(恆主動) EX.:This car accident resulted from carelessness of the drunk driver. 通常碰到鎮日埋首於英文學習的同學,老師就會不免例行式問個幾句:從書局暢銷榜上買的英檢閱讀測驗本寫到第幾章了?文法假設句和各種時態表現的完成式都弄懂了嗎?怎樣抓到準確的時間詞,而"over the past few years"、" the other day"所使用的時間點也清楚了嗎?能夠區分affect與 effect在句中的意思嗎?下定決心買的哈利波特原文小說看得如何呢?有想過片語dream about 和dream of使用的時機差別在哪嗎?面對這些看似簡單,但其實觀念部分都沒有釐清,所以遇到類似的問題都會很糢糊。大家多半都是scratch heads or shrug shoulders(丈二金剛摸不著頭緒)的表現來回應老師的問題。要以「生活句」而不是「生活單字」來背誦,這樣才能完整地說出一句話,而不是片面陳述想法,以免造成誤會的尷尬情況喔! 另外Brian也很常聽到要準備英教所的同學反映:He sent me a letter. V.S. He sent a letter to me.這兩個句子看似是簡化語意,但其實是句意的重點不同;前者強調所寄送的是「信件」而不是其他內容物,而後者是強調送信要給的是「我」而不是別的對象。所以不能把以前學過的內容用一樣的準則去理解,有時候也要考慮到使用的時機點和語調的輕重,表現的意思也是天差地別喔! 其實「挑選適合自己的教材才能夠讓學習語言更事半功倍」,這句話肯定各位親愛的讀者都不陌生,可是往往都無法準確地找到適合自己程度的英文學習資料,反而過於好高騖遠(aim high without considering one' ability)往艱澀國際論壇。 (international forum)或社論(editorial)來下手,這樣對於<缺乏專業背景知識>、<進階單字量不足>、<鮮少閱讀英文題材>或<本身文法程度受限>困擾的學習者來說,這樣將會花費很多時間而無法徹底吸收。避免沒有效率的學習,或是才過一段時日,成就感不高,很快動力又減退,把好不容易查好的筆記本又束之高閣,請各位一定要從生活實用句和自己生活職場最常使用的表達為主,就算只是一天五句也是會有大效果的。而且熟悉各種場合和緊急情況的實用句,才是同學要擺對的努力方向和重點,也一直是Brian老師推出本專欄的重要使命。 與其一天背40個單字,倒不如精讀10句好用又朗朗上口的實用句。就好像妳愛的英文歌曲可以朗朗上口,甚至連還沒全盤了解,就可以把連音自然而然內化,不把學習當壓力而是興趣。畢竟能夠隨時從記憶庫提取出來的訊息才是快速增進口說完整度和閱讀寫作的不二法門喔!在旅館工作的同學就會詢問如何表達「房價因旺季調漲」,這時候就把以前學過的accommodation rate (房間費用)+peak season(旺季)關鍵字抓到後,就可以組成完成的說法" The accommodation rates has been raised in peak seasons .(=The room rates will go up during the time of high season.)"那到底要怎學習好英文呢?首先同學要把握住:聽力以生活化而且簡易的內容下手,像是STUDIO.CLASSROOM的大家說英語雜誌以多樣實用話題特色,讓英文學習者可以在一篇對話中了解「相關單字片語」和「應對特定狀況的正確表達,要記得,越簡單的英文才是越難說得好!」。 老師在開頭就提到所謂的聯想法和畫面學習法,那到底是什麼呢?讓老師在此替大家舉例,比如提到節慶festival擺在眼前,就會有相關的表達語浮在眼前和腦中展出一個樹狀圖:celebration(慶祝)、take places、every four months(每四個月舉辦)、 the crowd of tourists(觀光客人潮) 、swarm in(湧入....) ,cheers spread the people(眾人歡呼)這些相關表達語出現,跟同學是否用邏輯學習很有關係,而且還要溫故知新,把從前筆記本上或是課堂上學習的內容進行比較差異,可別通通弄在一起變大雜燴了!用對方法後,還需要有更深的文化認知,進而產生出靈活運用的成效。所以不要再盲目(sheepish)買許許多多的暢銷書(bestsellers)和囫圇吞棗(cram for something)到手的資料了,把過往學習的內容拿出來同學的口說運用和閱讀速度都有相當的助益,因為語言中的連結性是相當重要的。很多同學喜歡今天學了幾樣海鮮的說法,明天再去看幾樣衣服說法,這樣的學習效果很打折,更缺乏系統化和主題性的整理。 聯想法和場景相關用字是很重要的,就好像想到餐廳裡的環境,就會想到餐桌(dining table)上的餐具說法和菜單(menu)裡的各種菜色,這樣才能夠輸入長期記憶而且不會將來需要使用而陌生。A la carte是指單點,而就式套餐居多;而從法文借來的entree就是指主菜,appetizer就是開胃菜,有時候同學想大吃一頓卻點到sidedish(配菜),這可是要哭沒眼淚了。而當你很想吃某份主菜卻又怕份量太多時,就可以跟服務人員說:I would like to have a smaller portion of pork ribs.確實,學習沒有捷徑,真的很需要功夫來好好磨利自己的語言能力。It requires constant practice to prevent your English proficiency from getting rusty.(時常練習才不會對英文生疏了。)而且要常常問自己:A這種說法和B說法有何不同呢?使用的時機又為何呢?社群網絡(Social Network)無遠弗屆,題材也相當五花八門,但是你真的有看進心裡嗎?口說的時候都能流利地使用出來嗎?APP應用程式讓許多學習英文的同學都可以在手機上看到許多有趣的影音學習或是英檢(如TOEIC)學習複習單字和考題實戰練習。市面上有許多利用圖片或諧音聯想法來增加對學習的興趣,對於初學者或是想要學習較多生活單字的朋友不失為一個好方法,但也要記得利用手邊的紙本字典或官方認可線上字典來進行發音判讀,這樣在進行英語溝通會話才不至於產生誤會喔! 在老師的教學生涯中也有碰到很多不錯的方法可以幫助學生背誦單字,以下就幫同學舉上個有趣的例子: A Strange Encounter in America "Ambulance":救護車孩子在國外唸書的老王,打算到親自去美國見見孩子,順便希望自己可以開開眼界了解一下,這人人嚮往的世界大國到底是長什麼模樣! 好不容易遠渡重洋見到自己日夜牽掛的孩子,內心也是興奮無比。孩子就帶著他逛逛時代廣場(Time Square),到處都是拿著自拍神器(Selfie Stick)的觀光客(tourist)和奇裝異服的街頭藝人(busker)們,看著像雕像紋風不動的先生,老王暗自想著:「這樣也能賺錢喔?」後來搭著TOUR BUS看到了旅遊指南(Travel Guide)中必看的自由女神(Liberty Statue)矗立在眼前,好像能夠感受到當年法國大革命後所贈與美國的賀禮,那份肯定可貴民主的激情;帝國大廈(Empire State Building),象徵美東區相當繁榮的商業區活動和政治經濟永保繁榮的精神,這讓突然跑到水泥叢林(Concrete Jungle)的老王也放空(zone out)了好久,活像個小白兔誤闖了非洲大草原;在這些既震撼又充滿紀念性的觀光景點後,老王提議自己想逛逛這「六人行」(Friends)主角間打鬧約會和充滿理想基因的吉他手Phoebe高歌的地方,通通都在 Central Park(中央公園)裡留下難忘的回憶和足跡。突然不知道為啥老王感覺到一陣頭暈目眩(his head is spinning),後來就被路人緊急送到醫院(be rushed to the hospital)去,接到電話的兒子冷汗直流(break out in cold sweat)。到了醫院後,發現老爹只是逛得太盡興中暑(heat stroke)了,但當時只是脫口而自己的山東方言俺不能死,卻成了錯誤的美麗,讓路人剛好聽成"Ambulance",這樣救了自己一條老命!
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英文原來這樣說(English is A Piece of Cake)
歐美大學的寫作課中經常提到:Be precise, correct, and concise,其實就是要達到「精確選字」、「正確語法」和「縝密組織」等重要的基本條件。其中最為困難的部分就是在精確的選字上,因為這包含了文化意義、場合禮儀,以及說話者所面對的群眾都要納入考量其中,才能有得體的表達。有時同學都會抱怨英文的文法太繁複,但在接觸日語或韓語的用法規則後,一山還有一山高,這兩種語系中很明顯的劃分出:長輩或職場長官要用敬語;平輩間也要注意基本禮貌謙詞;對於年幼或下屬傳達訊息,轉化成另一種語氣和字詞。比起前述狀況,英文的彈性和活潑性讓學習者可以在更多元的表達中,可以利用所學的單字片語,來表達自己的想法而不會輕易地踩到地雷。但因為受到華人文化教育影響,同學還是很常問:「這句話是否合乎語法和禮貌呢?怕沒符合social etiquette會留下壞印象。」連目前在亞利桑納州攻讀博士的學生都有這類問題,連寫信問教授OFFICE HOURS都要戰戰兢兢,卻忘了語言始終還是要貼近人性,以免落入了「掉書袋」窠臼。最後Brian老師告訴他,只要在信中寫"I'd like to meet you on April 4th at 4p.m.. Could you make it or let me know when you are available?"這樣就可以了,不用加上" Please inform me of your schedule at your earliest convenience."聽起來真的很像在寫給沙士比亞的公文呢! 加拿大的課堂上講師都會很注重同學的格式書寫(writing format)和邏輯思辨(logical and critical thinking),並且希望可以展現個人思維(individual perspectives)和呼應社會價值觀(Echo the sense of value within one community)。若只是單純的做轉譯(rephrase)的工作,那只是簡單的翻譯出來所看的文章段落和重述所看到的內容,雖沒有剽竊(plagiarism)之虞但仍舊是了無新意。講到Plagiarism這個單字,當時在校園裡這是相當大的禁忌,輕則論文已無效論,會強制退學處分;重則是要吃上官司,終身不得出刊論文。這樣嚴謹的學術圈生態,可的確是如履薄冰(walk on the eggshells)。 在台灣有一次擔任英語兒童演講比賽評審,開場是某分校主任打算用英文好好介紹這場賽事的重要性,才開場不到一分鐘,所有老師和評審臉綠成一片(appear astonished)。這位來自美國加州畢業的大學生,到底說了什麼讓大家錯愕連連(raise the eyebrows)?因為一開頭他就說"The speech contest is to help student speak English with confidence and learn English from plagiarism……."沒錯,這位天兵竟告訴全體師生家長,我們孩子來這場比賽是要「抄襲別人的想法來學英文」。當時我就眼光飄到旁邊(glimpse sideway)主辦單位,英國老師完全不敢置信自己聽到的句子,一個箭步地衝上台請那位主任結束發言,讓我著實冷汗直流(break out in cold sweats),不敢回憶那驚心動魄的發言。後來私底下問那位主任,究竟他想表達是什麼,結果竟然是IMITATE(模仿)母語人士的腔調,啼笑皆非。語言是小處細心,大處更要用心,才會有完滿的呈現和效果! 從歐美電視劇中時尚男女身上看到不僅是巴黎時尚伸展台上的新款配件和提包,更是手上那印有鮮明的帶有深綠飄逸長髮的美人魚商標:星巴克咖啡飲品。這樣的印象從好萊塢電影中放送全球,變成人類共通語言,甚至產生共鳴和走到異鄉有著歸屬感的品牌,至今全世界已有九千多家門市。或許您從未想過這波咖啡潮為何只有星巴克獨享市場大餅,難道是單純外國品牌催化下的虛榮心,還是咖啡豆的特殊風味呢?以下就有國外心理學家和行銷團隊為您揭密,這巨大商機背後的消費心理學和消費者為何會一而再地上門消費而不會動搖的品牌忠誠度表現。 Hint:it is probably not because of the quality of the coffee. 提示:並不是因為咖啡本身讓星巴克大行其道。星巴克咖啡是否優於他牌咖啡或是讓人們上癮的原因相當複雜但仍可一一解答。我發現這個問題有趣的地方是:咖啡本身的品質並不扮演關鍵的角色。這裡有提供給您分別為心理和情緒的理由讓星巴克可以在全世界能名利雙收。 Is Starbucks Coffee of Better Quality?星巴克咖啡較為優質? When Starbucks launched, there were not very many places in the US where you could get espresso-based coffee like Lattes or Cappuccinos. this was a big part of Starbucks' novelty.當星巴克咖啡推出時,在全美提供以濃縮咖啡基底的飲品(像是拿鐵或卡布奇諾)的商店其實並不多,這也是星巴克出奇制勝的一步。 Starbucks takes pride in their own roast, which is darker than most coffee shops - in between normal roast and French (espresso) roast which results of more of the oils coming out of the bean and caramelizing but also slightly more bitter taste. Just recently Starbucks started selling its blond roast, which offers a more traditional flavor. 星巴克以自身的烘焙風格為榮,比市面上販售的咖啡更濃郁,介於一般烘焙和法式烘焙(濃縮咖啡),可以逼出更多的油脂和呈現焦糖化狀態,帶有略微苦口感。就在近期販售了黃金烘焙,可以在飲用時享受純粹香氣。 BLONDE ROAST黃金烘焙系列咖啡豆!共有兩種新口味-星巴克閑庭綜合(Veranda)和輕柳綜合(Willow)咖啡豆。 Coffee Experience is more Important than Actual Coffee Quality. 購買咖啡的經驗比咖啡品質重要許多 1.Coffee Buying Experience. Howard Shultz (Starbucks Founder) spent a lot of effort not only in the beverage itself but in the entire coffee buying experience. This is why Starbucks locations around the world consistently have a good atmosphere, indirect lighting, relaxing music in the background, great aromas, and friendly 'baristas'. 1.購買咖啡的經驗:星巴克的創始人霍華‧蕭茲花了許多力氣在飲料部分外,也很注重購買咖啡的過程感受。這就是全世界的星巴克可以持續提供良好的環境,舒適的照明,和放鬆的背景音樂,美好的香氣,和友善的「咖啡師傅」。 This is also why their coffee has unique names. At Starbucks you don't order a simple black coffee, you order a Pike Place blend venti. Rites, names and processes are important part of customer experience.這也是他們提供的咖啡都有個特殊的名稱。在星巴克你不會用「黑咖啡」來點,而是用大杯派克調和。這樣儀式般的過程、點出咖啡名稱和整體過程都是消費經驗的重要環節。註明:星巴克位於西雅圖的創始店就在Pike Place Market ( 派克市場 ) 內,連圖騰商標都不同於目前所見的! 2. Personal Reward . Psychologists believe a big part of Starbucks' success comes from the desire to reward yourself. Before a long day of work, you deserve to treat yourself to a nice Grande Cappucino. It's a little daily splurge that most people can afford. 2.獎勵自我:心理學者相信星巴克的成功源自於獎勵自我的慾望。一天辛勞工作前,你是該好好招待自己一份大杯卡布奇諾。這點每日振奮劑算是普羅大眾還能買得起的。 Behavioral psychologist Dan Ariely has proven how our brain tricks us into enjoying things more if we believe they are better. This means that even if the coffee at Starbucks is not actually scientifically better than the average coffee, the combination of the brand, the experience and your belief that it is probably better makes your brain actually taste it as better coffee and enjoy it more than an average coffee. This is why blind tests are important, because your taste buds will go with your brain bias. In other words, perception is reality.行為心理學者丹已經證實我們的大腦會欺騙自己去更享受某些事物,只因為我們相信那是較好的抉擇。這也意味著即使從實質檢驗來看星巴克的咖啡並不超越其他品牌咖啡,但因為品牌、飲用感受,和你認為星巴克就是比較好喝的信念的種種原因結合後,你的大腦就會感受到嚐起來的味道就是比其他咖啡品牌更加美好。這也是盲飲很重要的原因,因為你的味蕾會跟著你的大腦偏見而有所改變。(此份報告指出在盲飲測試感受各牌咖啡飲品後,測試員表示麥當勞和多那滋的咖啡飲品部分評價高出他牌許多。) 3.Familiarity - When you are running to work, and you need your morning Joe, it is hard to think about multiple coffee shops, evaluate them and decide on one. The default answer to 'morning coffee' is 'Starbucks'. This is the power of branding and positioning. 3.熟悉度:當你匆忙趕去上班時,你早晨需要來一杯咖啡。這時候很難去回想好幾家咖啡商店,再一一評估比較選擇最後要去哪裡購買。通常說到「每日咖啡」就會立刻想到「星巴克」。這就是品牌和產品定位的魅力。 When you are in a different city, going to Starbucks is lower risk: you know the coffee is OK (at least, or at least you think that), you know what to expect, you know they probably also have pastries and other items you may be looking for. It is a decision with lower risk than going to an unknown place that may or may not have good coffee.當你在不同城市,走進星巴克可以承擔比較小的風險:因為你知道那裡提供的咖啡是有一定水準的(至少是,或至少你是這麼認為的),你也可以預料買到的產品狀況,也不難想像那邊有著哪些餐點或其他選擇項目你可以先行決定。這樣一來,這個低風險的決定就會比去不知名的地方點咖啡來得安全,也不會去輕易踩到地雷。 So no, Starbucks does not have better coffee, but it will taste better for you if you believe it. I drive an extra 5 minutes to get to the best coffee I can find, but I am as susceptible to my brain driving and my emotions driving my buying decisions as anyone else.所以,星巴克的咖啡並非優於其他品牌,這是不用懷疑的。但如果它喝起來比較美味也是因為你如此深信著!當然我也可以多花個五分鐘開去我所知道較好的地方買咖啡,但我的大腦驅使著我的心情,進而也影響了我的購買意願,最後就像其他人一樣又走進了星巴克。
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英文原來這樣說 (English is A Piece of Cake)
「可以幫我去銀行跑跑腿嗎?」、「借錢?我都泥菩薩過江-自身難保了。」、「你拋棄式眼鏡不要戴太久!」、「老是熬夜,難怪妳老是眼睛紅通通喔!」、「這杯咖啡也太燙了,我可是貓舌頭耶!」、「我真不敢相信那個歌手在演唱會對嘴。」、「千萬不要跟黃牛買票,這樣會助長歪風!」、「我超受不了小女生撒嬌,很做作耶!」,這些標註字彙和片語都是同學已經學會的了嗎?只要有一點點不確定,代表你在學習語言上常有片段記憶而已,活用上會有相當的困難,更遑論本能性地(spontaneous)應對各種情景對話了! (A)跑跑腿:run an errand for sth→She ran some errands in the bank during lunch break. (她趁午休時間到銀行處理點事情。) (B)泥菩薩過江;be caught up in sb's dramas→After getting married, I found it really hard to talk to friends about my concerns because they were all caught up on their own dramas. (結婚後,要找到可以傾吐困擾的朋友少之又少,因為他們自己都有一堆事情要處理,根本自身難保。) (C)拋棄式眼鏡: disposable contact lenses→There're a wide variety of disposable contact lenses available in the shops but it's a different story in American, for all consumers need to receive a formal eye-examination before an optometrist hands you the prescribed contacts.(在商店裡都有各式各樣的拋棄式眼鏡可選購,可是在美國你必須接受正式的驗光步驟,才可以拿到有度數的拋棄式隱形眼鏡。)也可以直接問朋友:Are you wearing contacts today?(妳今天帶隱形眼鏡嗎?) (D)眼睛紅通通:blood-shot eyes→This year drew near to an end and most workers might either take work home or work overtime in their own cubicles till midnight. (今年要進入尾聲,許多上班族不是把工作帶回家繼續忙,不然就是在辦公室隔間裡奮鬥到半夜才回去。)另外提到:Red-Eye Flight半夜起飛的班機。 (E)黃牛:scalper→Taiwanese tend to wait in the long line for some tickets, especially for concert tickets. Unfortunately, some scalpers attempted to purchase tickets in bulk and resell them on the internet with exorbitant prices. That's really vicious!(台灣人很常大排長龍買票,特別是演唱會的票;不幸地,這些黃牛都會大量搶購票券,然後拿去網路上高價轉賣。真的很可惡。) (F)做作:pretentious→People in Belgium consider French accent in Paris relatively pretentious. (比利時人認為法國人的法文腔調相當做作。)還記得老師在「薯條」的由來提到:比利時其實才是薯條的故鄉,而且也因為以法語為官方語言,才會有後來誤傳的現象呢!老師曾教授華語文化的比利時女孩也因此跟班上來自法國的同學爭吵不休呢!但實際聽起來,兩國口音確實差異相當大呢! 自從韓劇「藍色生死戀」在亞洲爆紅後,男男女女都萌發愛戀的情愫,也渴望有「來自星星的你」的都敏俊教授來搭救,可以擺脫一成不變的生活;同時,也可以擁有「屋塔房上的世子」穿梭時光的永恆承諾,暖男風潮再現,總是想終結單身卻又天人交戰(war with oneself)是否該這麼快把自己交給另一半,「沒關係這是愛情啊!」。從青澀校園時期,許多人都憧憬(fantasize)著浪漫的戀情和甜蜜時光,印象中大家會選擇到山上欣賞夜空星光滿佈(The sky is scattered with stars.);到電影院感動主角的深情不悔;到夕陽絕美的海邊踏著細沙,雙雙緊靠的足跡,好像就會這樣一直走下去。以上的微美場景彷彿撥放著無限回憶,當初的山盟海誓猶然在耳。 但每當情人節(Valentine's Day)到來,花價突然供不應求(Demand is higher than supply)又水漲船高時,就會讓單身的朋友默默竊喜(smirk),但同時又發現許多餐廳在這特別的節日不提供「單身用餐」,於是在人類世界裡就發明出的「太閃了」相關表達,甚至朋友在社群網路貼上情侶照,大家會直接說「給我墨鏡,閃到看不到路了。」在歐洲國家,情侶在街上公然擁抱(cuddle)、親吻,都不用太大驚小怪(make a fuss),因為這種「閃給大家看」的態度是從小父母就相當地開明,而且認為「天天說愛」是很重要的事情,如果老公上班出門前沒跟太太說聲「I love you, babe.」回家可能就要跪「漢堡」了(Just kidding!)所以我們到底要怎麼用英文表達這種「公開示愛」的狀況呢?那就來一起學習吧! 1.天啊!你快看,他們也太「閃」了吧! Hey, Take a look at them! They are displaying affection to each other publicly. (沒錯就是用「公開表情感來說」,算挺客觀的評論。各位忠實的讀者也知道老師介紹過display有:1.展示物件:The jewelry is on display on the shelves. (珠寶在架上展示中) ;2. 展示能力:This athlete has displayed incredible strength in freestyle stroke. (這位運動員在自由式項目展現驚人表現。而同學天天盯著3C的螢幕就是display screen!) ※同學在信中提到:老師之前提過看電影要用go " SEE" the movie,可是在自修國外影集的時候,外國人會跟其他用手機的觀眾說"Excuse me, could you turn off the phone, we are trying to WATCH the film here."所以到底要用SEE還是WATCH? <解答>同學說的都是對的,看電影是「前往的動作」,故使用"go see the movie",在只要進去電影院觀賞「大銀幕」就等於是「在家裡」觀看的同樣行為,我們就會用"watch the film/movie"。所以如果你要表達:「我這週五去了電影院看電影。」可以這麼說:「I went to see the movie this Friday./ I watched a film at the cinema(=movie theater)。」如果第二句沒有特別說明地點,外國朋友也可能會錯意?是在家裡觀看?的喔!請同學多多注意用法和表達的時機點。 2.我真不敢相信,那對情侶公然「喇舌」,這也太「閃了」吧! To my disbelief, that couple was French-kissing there. Please, GET A ROOM! (這邊用到belief的異義字disbelief,甚至妳可以用"Over My Dead Body"『太扯了啦!』要是我沒親眼看到我絕對不信) 。而如果你用到了"Get A Room"那可就是只對方在大庭廣眾之下實在親暱到有點有礙觀瞻,讓你非常地不舒服,只好低吼一聲:「可以去旅館開房間嗎?」,這很明顯帶有負面( negative)和挑釁( provocative)的語氣喔!所以,如果你膽敢當著別人前面說這句話,接著就是「腳底抹油」,瘋狂揮起手刀逃命吧! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! 』 記得以前國中老師特地問班上同學:「要怎麼問孕婦肚中的孩子性別呢?」大家七嘴八舌的想出各種答案「Is the baby a boy?」、「Do you know the sex of the baby?」、「Man or Woman?」讓大家都笑成一團,其實只要問" Do you have a boy or girl baby?"就可以清楚明瞭地提問;而提到「混血兒」又是另一樁笑話了,大家對於「混血兒」都會直接說mixed blood?直接聯想到米克斯"MIX"的用法,但這是相當沒有禮貌的說法,甚至在暗示是「雜種」,所以到底要怎麼問題?其實簡單的說"Where do your parents come from?"(妳父母來自哪國呢?)、" I am wondering which country your ancestors live."(我想知道你祖先定居於哪國?)。而問到寵物的混血可以簡單用cross-bred(a.)交叉繁殖的用法,顯得有文化水平也非常得體。 在教學的過程當中也常發現不管是"HE OR SHE"常弄得啼笑皆非,用"HE"說自己母親的生活經驗,或是用"SHE"說父親早上出門運動,更有同學很喜歡把"S"加在每個單字後面,也會把弱化子音念出來。比如" Definitely"(弱化T)、" And"(D不發音)、"Mountain Climbing"(弱化T和B音),音近mou-n, k-lai-ming)、" Didn't"(T省略而用鼻音共鳴N收尾)、"Student"(讀音為s-t-u-n而已)、" Her";單複數不分或動詞過去式使用轉換有困難,這也顯示課後同學缺乏練習口語和寫作的訓練,導致對於語言的掌控度不穩定,接觸的題材範疇也過小,不應該只是侷限在教科書上內容,而要"泛讀"(extensive reading),不管是時事、科學、健康、人文軼事、娛樂,都可以多多接觸和學習專業用字,和換句話說的能力,才能靈活運用語言和所學。 <時事英文:國際媒體聚焦台灣>請仔細閱讀靠上下文推敲。 The pilots of TransAsia Airways Flight GE235 grappled with problems with both engines before the plane clipped a bridge and crashed into a river, killing dozens of people, Taiwan's Aviation Safety Council said Friday. The two engines on the ATR 72 turboprop aircraft stopped producing power one after the other, leaving the plane flying without thrust for more than a minute, according to the agency. During the crisis in the cockpit, the pilots received a series of alerts, starting with an alarm related to one of the engines and followed by five stall warnings. The pilots issued a mayday alert to air traffic control, announcing an engine flameout, or power failure. They eventually managed to restart the engine, but it was too late to prevent a crash. The Aviation Safety Council said Friday it was still collecting information on the disaster, with a full analysis of Flight GE235's flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder still months away, and wasn't yet able to say why the engines shut down. Thomas Wang, the council's managing director, said investigators will look into the crew's role, including the possibility they shut off the left engine in response to a warning about the right engine. He said the left engine could have stopped working for multiple reasons. "Either someone reduced it or something else happened, a mechanical failure," Wang said. "We don't know." Eight people still missing Flight GE235 crashed into the Keelung River in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, shortly after taking off Wednesday with 58 people on board. Authorities say that so far, 35 people have been confirmed dead, 15 survived and 8 are still missing, according to Taiwan's official news agency CNA. Two people on the ground were also hurt. The reported engine problems dovetail with the account of Huang Chin-shun, a 72-year-old survivor of the crash."I thought something's wrong with the engine because I always take this flight." Stephen Fredrick, a pilot who once flew ATRs for American Airlines, told CNN this week that it looked like Flight GE235 was gliding when dashboard cameras on the ground captured the moments before it crashed into the river. TransAsia was involved in another deadly disaster in July. Forty-eight people died after an ATR 72 aircraft operated by the airline crashed as it was attempting to land in the Taiwanese Penghu Islands during bad weather. And on Friday, TransAsia ordered its 71 pilots who helm ATR aircraft to take and pass written and oral exams within the next four days in order to fly again, said an airline representative, who was not named per custom. Those pilots will have to undergo flight simulator tests sometime in the future as well.
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英文原來這樣說(English is A Piece of Cake)
許多讀者都了解英文是國際語言也是將來商業、旅遊、餐飲、科技、法律和無數的領域都需要交流和調解的關鍵工具,但誠如老師提過的「深入文化」所習得的語言才能成為「骨骼」,而學過的詞彙、文法、慣用語才有機會長成「肌肉」,而利用英文去思考生活的大小事情才賦予「靈魂」在各種表達的字句中。同學應該還記得前陣子英國交通部長Susan Barmer為表示國際外交形式上的友好,贈送了「懷錶」(Pocket Watch)卻誤觸了中華文化中「送鐘(終)」的諧音禁忌,這在國際上可是不能犯的gaffe (無心錯誤),也更突顯各國對於「禮品」的概念有所不同;另一方面,台北市長在第一時間表示可以"regift"(轉送)給其他人或是賣給收破銅爛鐵的商人(scrap metal dealer)換取現金比較實際,也引起了大眾譁然(the heated debate),認為雖然看似隨性作風但給英國政府洗臉(give a lesson)一番,也算是失言(misspeak)和成了社交失禮(social faux pas)的示範。或許這次事件也有助外國人了解華人文化不適宜送鐘錶的禁忌。就像AFP形容這是"double diplomatic gaffe",雙方都有失禮之處:外國人的報導主要聚焦於這位外賓送禮觸犯華人禁忌(外賓並已對此做出聲明表示歉意),台灣的報導則主要環繞在新市長的失言(off-the-cuff remark gaffe)今天一開場就要讓同學用國際媒體看台灣外交躍上世界時事焦點的用語和介紹囉! ★ British Minister Breaks Taboo With Watch Gift for Taipei Mayor 英國(交通)部長誤觸禁忌,贈送台北市長懷錶事件 A British transport minister on a trade visit to Taipei got a lesson in the perils of diplomatic gift giving Monday when she presented a pocket watch to the city's mayor -- a taboo act in Chinese culture.(本周一時,英國交通部長在這趟台灣的商務參訪中,確實在外交贈禮危機中學了寶貴的一課,當她正式贈與台北市長一只懷錶:恰好為中華文化中的禁忌。) Baroness Susan Kramer apologized for the inadvertently inauspicious gift -- the word for a watch or clock in Chinese sounds like "the end" and many associate it with death.(蘇珊卡門爾為這無心贈與且附有不祥意涵的禮品致上歉意,由於「手錶」或是「鐘」在中文裡都意指"終了",而且許多人都會立刻聯想到死亡。) "We learn something new each day. I had no idea a gift like this could be seen as anything other than positive: In the UK a watch is precious - because nothing is more important than time," she later said in a statement.(蘇珊表示:「我們每天都學習新事物。我並不知道這種禮物會被視為如此負面,在英國手錶是相當珍貴的,因為每寸光陰是最寶貴的。」) But the recipient, Mayor Ko Wen-je, also came under fire for his "rude" response. Ko, who was recently elected and isn't a career politician, told reporters that he had "no use" for the pocket watch.(台北市長柯文哲身為贈禮對象,卻因為自己的"魯莽"言論而遭受多方抨擊。新上任的柯市長並不是資深政客,也告知記者自己不知道怎處理這只懷錶。) "I can just regift it to someone or take it to a scrap metal dealer and sell it for cash," he was quoted as saying. On Tuesday, he apologized and said he would undertake some "diplomatic etiquette" training.(在市長的發言中提到:我大概會轉送給別人或是拿到收破銅爛鐵的商家換現金。在週二時也親自道歉並表示他會正式參加外交禮儀訓練課程。) Kramer and Ko can take comfort that it's not the first time an exchange of official gifts has stirred controversy.( 卡門爾和柯文哲都可以放輕鬆些,因為這並不是第一回官方贈禮惹出禍端了。) ※歐巴馬總統在2009年就被英國媒體大力撻伐,因為給予當時英國首相布朗一份影音光碟,竟然是完全無法在英國撥放系統上觀看。但反觀英國所贈送的筆筒就相當有水準,這可是在維多利亞時期反奴役船隻所用的木材而製,可說是意義非凡的贈禮心思。 <名人英文開講時間>:一向爭取人權和種族平等權力文明的美國社會,對於同性婚姻和相關法案仍存在相當大的爭議。目前為科技龍頭蘋果公司首席執行長公開出櫃,認為自己身為公眾人有其必要來為真正的平等和正義發聲,也在許多人心中投下了震撼彈!Apple的CEO庫克(Cook)公開表示他的性向並寫了封公開信給大眾,用字遣詞及內容十分精湛。 Throughout my professional life, I've tried to maintain a basic level of privacy. I come from humble (卑微的) roots, and I don't seek to draw attention to(吸引目光) myself. Apple is already one of the most closely watched companies in the world, and I like keeping the focus on our products and the incredible things our customers achieve with them.(回顧我的專業生涯中,我總對基本隱私相當重視。出身清寒,我也並不尋求太多關注,而蘋果電腦公司早已是世界上前景看好的公司之一,我也很喜歡專注於公司產品和客戶使用後能獲得的絕妙效果。) At the same time, I believe deeply in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, who said: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" I often challenge myself with that question, and I've come to realize that my desire for personal privacy has been holding me back from doing something more important. That's what has led me to today.(在同時我也深信馬丁路德‧金恩博士曾說過:「在人生最需持續和努力關注的問題就是『你曾為別人做過些什麼嗎?』」) 我常這麼自省且問著自己這件事情,也同時意識到在渴望更多個人隱私,讓我竟退怯而不去做更有意義的事情。這也是今天讓我站在這裡的原因。 For years, I've been open with many people about my sexual orientation (性取向). Plenty of colleagues at Apple know I'm gay, and it doesn't seem to make a difference in the way they treat me. Of course, I've had the good fortune to work at a company that loves creativity and innovation (創新) and knows it can only flourish (繁盛) when you embrace (擁抱) people's differences. Not everyone is so lucky. While I have never denied my sexuality, I haven't publicly acknowledged (承認) it either, until now. So let me be clear: I'm proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me.(多年來我都和許多人公開我的性向,許多在蘋果公司的同事也知道我是同性戀者,但這並不改變她們對我的態度。當然,我也是非常幸運可以在這個熱愛創意和創新的公司上班,而且在包容彼此間的差異下更加壯大。但並不是每個人都像我這樣幸運。我從不否認我的性向,但我也從未公開承認,直到說話的這個當下。我想說的是:身為同性戀者我相當的驕傲,而且我認為身為同性戀者是上帝給我最棒的禮物之一。) Being gay has given me a deeper understanding of what it means to be in the minority (少數) and provided a window into the challenges that people in other minority groups deal with every day. It's made me more empathetic (有同理心的), which has led to a richer life. It's been tough and uncomfortable at times, but it has given me the confidence to be myself, to follow my own path, and to rise above adversity (困境) and bigotry (偏執). It's also given me the skin of a rhinoceros (犀牛), which comes in handy when you're the CEO of Apple.(這讓我體察到少數族群的身分也可以讓我多了份挑戰去感受其他少數族群每日所經歷過的掙扎。這讓我變得更有同理心,也導向我更豐富的人生。每每感到人生的艱苦和難過,我也從中拾獲自信,去走出自己的道路,從困挫中學會堅強和些頑固。我常戲稱在擔任蘋果首席執行長時,這一切一切的過去讓我可以像有著犀牛皮般百毒不侵。) The world has changed so much since I was a kid. America is moving toward marriage equality, and the public figures who have bravely come out (出櫃) have helped change perceptions (觀感) and made our culture more tolerant. (從孩提時期開始,這世界變了很多。美國社會也提倡平等婚姻權和許多公眾人物勇敢出櫃改變社會觀點,也讓我們的文化更兼容並蓄。)Still, there are laws on the books in a majority of states that allow employers to fire people based solely on their sexual orientation. There are many places where landlords can evict (驅逐) tenants (房客) for being gay, or where we can be barred from visiting sick partners and sharing in their legacies. Countless people, particularly kids, face fear and abuse every day because of their sexual orientation(性向).(現行律法中有許多州,讓雇主可以僅因性向開除員工;甚至有些房東可以「依法」驅離同性戀房客,甚至也不能探視生病的伴侶或得到任何遺產。無數的人們,尤其是孩子每天都因為自己的性向而活在恐懼和暴力中。)I don't consider myself an activist, but I realize how much I've benefited from the sacrifice (犧牲) of others. So if hearing that the CEO of Apple is gay can help someone struggling to come to terms with (接受) who he or she is, or bring comfort to anyone who feels alone, or inspire people to insist on their equality, then it's worth the trade-off with my own privacy.The company I am so fortunate to lead has long advocated (倡導) for human rights (人權) and equality for all. We stood for marriage equality in our home state of California. We'll continue to fight for our values, and I believe that any CEO of this incredible company, regardless of (不顧) race, gender, or sexual orientation, would do the same. And I will personally continue to advocate for equality for all people until my toes point up.(公司可貴地倡導平等,而加州國會也如同我們支持同性婚禮立法及通過任何不受歧視的平等法案。在我們公司中任何的高級主管都會做一樣的事情,不管種族、性別、或性向,全力支持人權和提倡平等,直到盡了最後一份力氣。)When I arrive in my office each morning, I'm greeted by framed photos of Dr. King and Robert F. Kennedy. I don't pretend that writing this puts me in their league. All it does is allow me to look at those pictures and know that I'm doing my part(盡本分), however small, to help others. We pave (舖路) the sunlit path toward justice (公平正義) together, brick by brick. This is my brick.(每早到辦公室,馬丁路德博士和甘迺迪總統的照片總招呼著我的到來,這麼說並不代表我有如此偉大,但這讓我感受到即使能力有限,但我正在盡自己的本份幫助他人。這灑滿陽光通往正義的道路,一磚一瓦,亦步亦趨,可貴的一步。)
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英文原來這樣說(English is A Piece of Cake)
每次同學收到老師的專欄都會非常地興奮,也很好奇老師怎麼在華語圈文化中自行保持對英文的接觸和學習?你有天天問自己「這句話英文要怎麼說」的習慣嗎?來到十字路口旁,看到「紅綠燈」,是否會立刻閃出Traffic Light;到了百貨公司除了映入眼簾的華麗專櫃,都會看到「手扶梯」上下行的運載乘客,此時Escalator也脫口而出;突然購物到一半,發現自己很想上洗手間,看到"Breastfeeding Room"就知道是「哺乳室」,而不會誤闖進去;晃到餐廳旁邊時,本來看到特價餐點裡面寫著"Fresh Prawn with Oyster"字樣,也想到「明蝦和生蠔」剛好自己會過敏,而安全地避開;準備回家的路上,天色漸漸暗下來,看著路邊的日本餐廳「排著人龍」,也可以大聲讚嘆"What a long queue / line";進門前,會在「玄關」脫下鞋子,也會說聲"Take off shoes at the foyer"的習慣;最後喊出"還是家裡最棒","There's no better place than a sweet home"。是不是感受到,生活俯拾皆是英文題材和學習內容呢? 本年度也有許多的國定連假活動,除了舟車勞頓和處處人擠人,駕駛最怕的應該就是"Backseat Driver"告訴你剛剛哪裡應該要先轉彎才可以避開車潮,不然就是剛剛速度太快差點撞到旁邊的貨車,甚至語帶威脅地說「我還是頭一次坐到這種技術欠佳的車子」,好似自己就是駕訓班的考照測驗員。這種老是喜歡在後方跋扈又碎念地指揮駕駛的人,就叫做「後座駕駛」(Backseat Driver)。可怕地是,大家通常都會不自覺地開始"車內指揮交通了!這可會大大影響駕駛的心情和安全,不可不慎喔!Brian老師也在教學環境中,常看到所謂的「直升機父母」(Helicopter Parents)會帶著興趣缺缺的孩子來上課或是一週七天都報滿許多才藝班(Talent class)深怕孩子輸在起跑點上擠不進名校的窄門,卻沒想到孩子已經身心俱疲(exhausted),更不用提是否能找到人生的"熱情"(Passion也可引申為一個人想從事的"職業")。其實不難想像父母的壓力,來自社會給予的期望和許多親朋好友的比較批評等等因素所導致的行為,但這樣「盤旋」(Hover)在孩子身邊的緊迫盯人模式,是否有真正關心到孩子的「心靈狀態」和「學習吸收效果」呢?其實讓孩子多參與各主題的短期營隊(Theme Camps)或是服務活動(Volunteer Activities),可以去觀察孩子的反應和學習狀況,這樣既可以又省時又省錢,還可以讓孩子在沒有壓力的環境下學習和自我成長(self-growth)。身為師長的角色是諮詢者(advisor)和推進器(facilitator),不應該是一味地指責(scold)和打壓(suppress),「鼓勵和肯定」(Encouragement and Recognition)是人在一生中能夠勇於追求卓越的重要能源喔!這也讓Brian老師想到閱讀過的近期國際週刊發表的一篇親子文章裡頭提到「捉迷藏」是極度危險的活動,也是提高很多孩子遇害的機會,所以甚至在不少國家紛紛提起禁止「捉迷藏 Hide And Seek」之際,引起許多的迴響和反對的聲浪,讓我們一起來看看這篇文章,關心你我的教育環境和正視生活中的大小事也歡迎大家跟老師分享你的看法喔! Recently it was banned from a playground in England, the topic of a sex convict's confession in New Zealand, the subject of a child's funeral here in the United States and the reason for a 911 call in my own back yard. Can you guess what it is? Hide and Seek. Yes, hide and seek. 近期內在英國已經明令禁止在玩樂區(學校或社區)進行這項活動,這個活動不但和紐西蘭的性侵犯自白內容有關,更是美國社會眼中使兒童可能喪命的遊戲,甚至讓屋主忍不住報警通知在自家後院發生的事情。你猜到了嗎?就是「捉迷藏」。是的,就是「藏起來」(「綁票」)和「找尋」(失蹤人口)。 In our era of parenting, there are two philosophies regarding children's interactions with the world that have seemingly emerged. Philosophy one views the world as a mostly safe place that we need to allow our children to freely experience and explore, and philosophy two views the world as a mostly dangerous place that we need to protect and shelter our children from. Then there are those who fall somewhere in the middle, parents who are aware of the dangers of the world but not fearful, and are concerned about their child's safety but not obsessed. I think those are the type of parents we should strive to be.在我們世代的教育觀,對於孩子如何和這個世界互動關係中的觀念慢慢的有了些雛型。有一派的看法認為:這是個安全的世界,我們應當讓孩子去自由體驗和探索其中奧妙;而另一派卻堅信:這世界處處充滿危機,我們要極力保護孩子和隨時提供避風港;持中立的人們懷著:身為家長應該是要注意到身處的危險但不需要草木皆兵,可以關心孩子的安全但不必過度煩憂。我認為以上的這三種想法都有可能是我們成為家長會面臨的選擇。 So whether you subscribe to philosophy one or two, whether your agree or disagree that games like hide and seek should be banned from school yard, or whether you see bad things as happening to children all the time or as a rarity, it's important to try to reach middle ground and address serious dangers around seemingly harmless things.或許你會想投票給第一種或第二種想法,無論你同意與否,捉迷藏是否應該在校園裡消失匿跡,或是你曾在聽聞關於一些發生在孩子身上的憾事,或認為這些只是個案罷了!最重要的是,可以慢慢的調整心態,朝比較重要但也不失關心這些看似無傷大雅卻有隱藏危機的活動。(小檔案:西方社會發現有許多孩童在大人可能沒注意的情況下,性侵犯或綁架犯就擄走了孩童,捉迷藏從孩提時期的美麗回憶瞬間變色成黑暗夢魘。) Like hide and seek. Whether you advocate for playing hide and seek or not, there are principles of the game worth considering: 像躲藏和尋找般的,社會的價值觀也在摸索中!姑且不論是否你認為捉迷藏這個遊戲是否該被提倡,或許下面幾點的相關原則可以讓你參考。(屬各派想法) 1.Hide and seek promotes secretive play. The nature of the game is to not tell anyone where you are and what you are doing. 捉迷藏在鼓吹秘密遊戲扮演。這遊戲的本質就是:別告訴任何人你在哪或是你正在從事怎樣的活動。 2.Hide and seek asks children to hide and not come out. The nature of the game is to ask children to hide so they can't be found. 這種你躲我找的遊戲就是讓孩子去隱藏內心想法而變得不坦白。這個遊戲就是叫他們去躲起來所以不要被找到(很容易在這個時間點遭遇不測,也有延伸意涵:不願意面對或透露自己的想法)。 3. Hide and seek sends mixed messages. The nature of the game asks children to do what we've always told them not to. 捉迷藏也傳遞很多不同的訊息。遊戲本身就是告訴孩子去做平常被告誡不能去做的事情。(變得很容易反叛或表現脫序行為的導因) 4.Hide and seek requires mind skills young children may not have. The nature of the game requires you to differentiate between hiding for real and hiding for pretend play. 捉迷藏在同時也需要運用許多年幼孩童所欠缺的運用腦力的相關技巧。這個遊戲也是需要你去辨別兩者中的差別:現實中的逃避和在遊戲中的暫時藏匿。 或許會有很多同學認為這篇國外文章只是杯弓蛇影,太過於小題大作。但其實對於很注重兒童福利的西方世界卻是件大事,這也顯示文化觀念的差異和我們關懷孩子的生活作息和人身安全是否可以更用心更謹慎呢?這篇文章也提供給各位朋友更多不同面向的分享和討論,希望對於教育上可以在每個環節上都可以做到更完善,但不需要為孩子處處設限,可以在安全的環境給予更多的創意發揮的空間和許多更有自信的表現,這是家長和教育者可以一起努力的! ●Pronunciation Correction: Meanings(長短音) 1. A. The shop is red. B. The shop is raided. 2. A. Please lend me some cash! B. Taiwan is a picturesque land. 3. A. My daughters are now married! B. There are only two doctors in the clinic. 4. A. You can't just walk a dog without a leash. B. You should sign the lease contract. 5. A. After losing a few pounds, my pants get quite loose. B.Lisa's husband is a total loser who never earned a penny home. ●Phrases: Worth Memorizing 1.G.P.S. always misguides the inexperienced drivers to the unknown places miles away from the destinations. 導航系統常誤導菜鳥駕駛開到離目的地十萬八千裡的地方去喔! 2.Please keep your volume down and refrain from talking on the phone so loudly that it really inconveniences others.請把你的音量降低,也盡量不要在電話中大聲交談,這樣影響到很多人。 3.It's easy to get a cramp without adequate amount of warm-ups before swimming. 游泳前沒有做好足夠的暖身運動很容易抽筋的! 4.Hey! This is an Indian gift from Joe who always expects others to return the favor when he fails to meet the deadline. 啊!這可是從哪位很愛討人情的喬先生送的禮物,每次只要他來不及期限前完成任務,就會開始要別人還人情了! 5.Most teenagers are exposed to thrilling video games so as to cause them to have short attention span when it comes to the schoolwork. 很多青少年都大量接觸許多刺激的電玩遊戲,如此一來讓她們對學校工作都非常興趣缺缺無法集中精神。 6.Sometimes we should learn to pamper ourselves by getting what we really want and hang out with people we haven't met for long.有時候我們要學著寵愛自己,藉由得到想要的東西和許久沒碰面的友人相聚。 7.Shanny has a hard time concentrating on Brian's lectures considering that she got the whole world to worry about.珊妮很難集中注意力在布萊恩的課堂上,因為她老是杞人憂天到不行。 8.Don't badmouth others behind them because it's undoubtedly shady and disgusting!不要背後說人壞話,這可是很陰險也很令人不齒的! ●Questions for Brainstorming: A dumb man walked into the pharmacy and pointed his stomach for medicine and he got it. Question, now what should a blind man do to get the painkiller for a headache?
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英文原來這樣說(English Is A Piece of Cake)
學習英文的同學常有「風蕭蕭兮易水寒,單字一背兮不復返」的感慨。明明花了大把時間和金錢背著必考單字可卻看不到成績。其實,大家都忘記學習語言最初的重點:用耳朵習慣語言,並創造出學習的環境。妳的臉書在語言設定為英文了嗎?你知道按讚其實在英文就是CLICK" LIKE"嗎?而手機響了半天後,只發現你得了一通MISSED CALL(未接來電)?不僅僅是把英文帶入生活習慣,你甚至可以在冰箱上貼上refrigerator,或是在止痛藥上寫著pain-killer提醒自己許多的生活用語而潛移默化到自己的英文表達中。ICRT廣播人王大衛台北ICRT也是一例,就聽他悠遊於英語、台語、國語三聲帶之間,誰都佩服,但是有多少人知曉他從沒在國外居住過?常春藤學習機構賴世雄老師也是藉由大聲朗讀和不斷重複句子,來加強自己的語調變化和提升用字,把家中飼養的豬隻當作是自己的聽眾,勇敢地進行英文演講,慢慢地也可以發現自己的錯誤,進而快速提升自己的英文實力。曾經在全國中、英文演講迭獲佳績的經驗告訴我,大量背誦佳文以及注意自己的語速是否夠自然是很重要的,除了要注意自己的儀態表情,更是要讓自己的表達「有自己的呼吸節奏」,只要長期有閱讀英文刊物習慣的同學就知道,在怎樣場合使用怎樣的表達是最為適切的,就像唱歌節目中的評審常提到:不要匠氣般地使用技巧,要發自內心的感動才會是好的表演。比如說:I usually go to school by train and take the bus home. (我經常坐火車上學,搭公車回家。)這樣如此親近的句子其實在口說中是可以拿到相當的分數,但是除了習慣的句子和流利度,難道同學不想再更進一級的表達了嗎?特別是道地的表達。所以這句話我們可以使用鑽石級的單字commute(v.)通勤,EX: I tend to commute to school by train and take the bus home on a daily basis. 同學應該不難看出來Brian老師在句中使用了很高級的幾種大考頂標寫法:1. Tend to習慣於….(做某事)取代常見的頻率副詞usually/often/ frequently/occasionally/seldom/barely等等2. Commute to通勤到(某方向)3.on a daily basis以每天為基礎的(= every day)。小小的修正慢慢就會感受到自己的長足進步和充滿自信的用英文表達想法了喔!很多同學看到這裡都會raise their eyebrows發問類似問題:「我自己練習大聲說英文錯了怎辦?」、「跟朋友練習口說好幾小時也不知道是否有效果?」、「為什麼單字量老是不夠呢?」。這就是今天老師要討論的兩大重點了: (A)生活化英文與(B)如何快速記憶且活用單字。千萬要記得準備、觀察、提問、學習和你我「息息相關」的英文表達,就會是好的學習方向,不管是新聞中提到的EBOLA VIRUS(伊波拉病毒)或食安風暴中的餿水油(TAINTED OIL),甚至日幣貶值現象(DEPRECIATION OF YEN)都應該是要在同學的單字記憶範圍中。可以用外語談論自己的文化和國際的各種新聞事件,才算得是正確的學習方法;更重要地,很多同學到了國外告訴我,每次到了餐廳只知道sandwich(三明治),其他都不敢點,很怕說錯被笑。天天吃冷食,好不容易有一天看到店家寫著:Hot Sandwich Available,開心的買來大口咬下,竟然發現是「超辣三明治」,這真的是比扯鈴還扯的理解錯誤了!這讓老師想到跳上國際芭雷舞台的首席舞者:許芳宜,她在經過許多磨難、內心崩潰、自我懷疑、不眠不休練習,終於通過紐約舞蹈學校認可入學,但老天爺並沒有這樣讓她日子輕鬆點,『英文』這個噩夢讓她天天都要帶著翻譯機,在這國際大都市中感覺自己又聾又啞,快被人潮壓縮到窒息。但她知道:丟臉,是因為自己不願意面對現況、不願意學習,這才是丟臉。人如果連學習都沒有意願,那誰又能幫你?。因為在美國她最愛吃的早餐就是Cinnamon-Raisin Bagel(肉桂葡萄乾貝果),於是她就在家裡天天練習,隔天她鼓起勇氣要去路邊的店家點餐,那段路走得她雙腳發軟和冷汗直流,跟電影「救救菜英文」女主角在美國咖啡廳點餐的情況一模一樣,最後許芳宜在櫃台前準備要說的那一刻,右手卻不聽使喚地指向Cinnamon-Raisin Bagel,說This, I want this.好險,對方知道她英文不好,不然這樣的命令口吻是很沒禮貌的。最後,她花了兩天走到哪都在念著:I want a cinnamon-raisin bagel。隔天,她竟然脫口說出來了,後來幾天,她還加料了:I want a cinnamon-raisin bagel with top cream(加奶油) with a cup of coffee, please. 從此以後,她不管是試演或是專業表演中,多了更大的信心去執行自己的想法。Dare to be different, 就算跟別人不一樣的外表或國籍,我想我們更需要的更多的勇氣來證明自己也可以表現出更多更好的作品,有時候假裝勇敢,也是學習勇敢的一個過程。身為土生土長的台灣人,Brian老師更是可以感受到同學在英文學習的挫折和困惑,在國外生活求學這些時間也讓老師了解到很多生活需要的用語和校園內為了升學考試迥然不同的用語表達。 那麼我們就讓同學練習一下,判斷以下這些句子有什麼差別吧!請試著翻譯出來。 1. How did your trip to the bank go? 2. How did your project go? 3. I am not getting along with history. 4. I am not getting along well with my crew. 5. It takes you forever to figure that out. 6. He earned the six-figure salary. 不知道各位同學順利的翻譯出來了嗎?接著,我們就要好好的討論這幾個句子囉!眼尖的讀者一定發現裡頭有相似的單字或表達語,那麼希望待會你跟老師解答的內容相同喔! * 「Go」除了最常見的「前往」和「進行某動作+V-ing」=>Go ahead也是常用在討論事件中,突然有電話打來後,提醒對方:「你可以繼續說下去」或是對方必須立刻離開卻有些顧忌妳的感受,這時候你就可以體貼的說「 Go ahead」(去忙吧!沒關係的!)在(1)(2)句中要表達的還有另一層涵義: 1. How did your trip to the bank go?=你去銀行辦事路上(過程)都還順利嗎? 首先同學要了解這裡的Trip不是名詞旅遊或是動詞絆倒的意思,而是指』跑這趟』的意思。當時在加拿大的時候,住宿管理辦公室還特地問老師是否願意寒假留下來當巡邏員和處理新生事宜(當時我才大二),對於這種挑戰當然既期待又怕受傷害,於是跟宿舍主管繞了一圈自己天天穿梭的各宿舍大樓,有了不同的責任感和壓力。當前提是要去申請臨時社會安全證,透過學校發出的公文再到當地戶政事務所確認就可以了,但因為中文拼音和護照不同,導致我跑了好多趟。最後,辦事員還用憐憫地眼神看著我說「 Sir, I feel sorry for you to make several trips.」(先生,我真的很不好意思讓你跑這麼多趟。)因為從老師的學校到辦事處要經過18條大街,然後步行在小腿高度的積雪中,真的是永生難忘記的經驗啊!所以同學了解了TRIP的道地表達了嗎? 2. How did your project go?=你目前計畫案進展如何? * 「Along」:常解釋成為「沿著」某路線前往的意思,或是順著路徑而移動。所以如果要幫忙外國友人指路,就可以派上用場了:Please go along the street and turn right at the second intersection. Then, the train station will be seen on your right hand (side). Should I draw a map for you? (請沿著這條街走,接著在第二個十字路口右轉,然後車站就會在你的右手邊了。) 3. I am not getting along with history. 我歷史部分念得很少。 = I am not making any progress in history. = I am not pulling it out in comprehending history. 4. I am not getting along well with my crew.同事與我相處不是很愉快。 5. It takes you forever to figure that out. 你花超久才理解這件事情。 6. He earned the six-figure salary.他月入六位數的薪水。 <文法Even if V.S. Even though用法比一比> 「就算現在天氣很糟糕,你還是必須要上班。」 Even the weather is terrible, you still have to go to work.(×) 錢少事多離家遠,天氣又濕又冷,這是我們必須面對的事實,不過痛苦還沒結束,因為還有英文錯誤要解決。上面這個句子,我們漏掉了 even後面的though。這個句型很簡單,就是:【Even though +句子A,句子B】 這是英文常用句型,「即使A…,還是B」。所以開頭那個句子應該這麼說:Even though the weather is terrible, I still have to go to work. 「等等,老師!我記得英文裡頭還有 even if,它和even though有什麼差別呢?」這是個非常好的問題。一般來說,even though 用於實際發生的狀況;even if 用於假設和建議。比方說,你今天真的很累,可是還是要拜訪親戚:Even though I'm tired, I still have to visit my grandma today.這是真正的情況,所以你就要用 even though。再來看另一種情況。你的一個女性朋友要去一間酒吧,你得提醒她:就算一個男生很帥,妳還是不應該把電話號碼給他。這是還沒發生的事,算是假設建議的情況:Even if he is handsome, you still shouldn't give him your phone number.
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Differences : All around you
In Kinmen, what could possibly be different about going to see big Hollywood blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy, Maze Runner, and Gone Girl? The answer is quite a lot. I never expected something as simple as seeing a movie to be such an effective cure for homesickness, while simultaneously delivering subtle waves of culture shock. At first glance everything about going to the movies appears the same:the movie posters, the trailers playing overhead, and the concession counters. However, the small differences begin with a mixture of Hollywood and Taiwanese trailers. They continue when the employees aren't grumpy teenagers, but the smiling faces of adults that look genuinely happy to see you. When you walk up to the counter, major differences appear. First, you are asked where you would like to sit in the theater. This idea is innovative and I hope it appears in American theaters. Even with preordered tickets in United States, you can still end up with unpopular seats. In Taiwan, you can guarantee that if you arrive early you can pick better seats. Another benefit of the movie theaters in Kinmen is that if you add 10NTD to your ticket,you receive a small popcorn and soda. This brings your total to 290 NTD, less than 10 USD. Due to the monopolization of movie theaters in America, a single ticket costs 10-14 USD. Buying popcorn, a drink or candy is usually another 10 USD. Altogether, that's a total of 20 USD, or around 900-1030 NTD per person. At the concession countera ticket doubles as a coupon for a drink and food. There are popcorn choices of Cajun, salty, sweet, or a mixture. In America, you can only order salty popcorn, sometimes with a choice of extra butter. After making the unexpected choice of popcorn and drink,movie-goers can proceed to their seats. This can occasionally be confusing for foreigners because odd number seating is on the left and even number seating is on the right.However, this system makes sense, because it clarifies which side of the theatre people should use when they enter. From there, movie-goers can sit back and relaxand enjoy the movie, whether it is a foreign or Taiwanese film. As a foreigner in Kinmen, it was helpful to stray from the American Blockbusters. I saw movies like Coffee Waiting Love (等一個人咖啡), Accomplices(共犯), and Dream Flight (想飛) to practice my Mandarin.Seeing a Taiwanese film can be a fantastic avenue for foreigners to practice language, to learn about the culture in which they are living, and to provide them with conversation starters. With time, they may come to appreciate and enjoy the differences all around them, in and out of the theater.