Global English Assignment 8

Global English Assignment 8

1.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

2.

put yourself in someone's shoes (verb phrase)

to see things from someone else's perspective

Before you criticize her, you should put yourself in her shoes.

3.

put your foot in your mouth (verb phrase)

to say something you immediately regret saying because it causes embarrassment

I put my foot in my mouth when I asked her when her baby was due. She wasn't pregnant.

4.

like a fish out of water (prepositional phrase)

feeling awkward in an unfamiliar environment

Because soccer is my sport, I felt like a fish out of water when I first played golf.

5.

It's not easy to bridge the gap between cultures.

6.

It's a matter of cost versus convenience.

7.

Prior to this job, I worked in sales.

8.

It takes time to fit in at a new company.

9.

stiff (adjective)

not soft or bending, OR formal and not relaxed

You look so stiff. Why don't you take off your tie and relax?

10.

Use the simple past to show that an action began and ended at a definite time in the past. Use the present perfect (have/has + past participle) to show that an action happened one or more indefinite times in the past. The present perfect is often used with the time words ever, never, already, still, and yet.

Mr. Wilde has been to Africa many times. (Indefinite time)

He went to Kenya four years ago. (Definite time)

Use the simple past to show that an action was completed in a finished time period. Use the present perfect to show that an action was completed in an unfinished time period or that an action was completed recently. Note the time expressions that are often used with the present perfect.

Like the present perfect, the present perfect progressive (have/has + been + V-ing) is used for actions that began in the past and continue to the present. But the present perfect progressive emphasizes duration, while the present perfect emphasizes completion and repetition. With certain verbs (live, work), the tenses have the same meaning.

I've been looking for the right person for two months. (Duration)

I've interviewed more than 40 people. (Repetition)

I've just found our new tour guide. (Completion)

剑6 Test1 Section4

剑6 Test1 Section4

In the last few weeks we've been looking various aspects of the social history of London. And this morning we’re continuing with a look at life in the area called the East End. I'll start with a brief history of the district and then focus on life in the first half of the twentieth century.

Back in the first to forth centuries A.D. when the Romans controlled England London grew into a town of 45,000 people. And what's now the East End the area by the river Thames and along the road heading north-east from London to the coast - consisted of farmland with crops and livestock which helped to feed that population.

The Romans left in 410 at the beginning of the fifth country and from then onwards the country suffered a serious of invasions by tribes from present-day Germany and Denmark, the Angles, Saxons and Jutes many of whom settled in the East End. The technology they introduced meant that mental and leather goods were produced there for the first time. And as the East End was by the river ships could transport goods between there and foreign markets.

In 11th century in 1066 to be precise the Normans conquered England. And during the next few centuries London became of one of the most powerful and prosperous cities in Europe. The East End benefited from this and because there were few restrictions there than in the city itself, plenty of newcomers settled there from abroad bringing their skills as workers, merchants or money-lenders during the next few hundred years.

In the 16th century the first dock was dug where ships were constructed, eventually making the East End the focus of massive international trade. And in the late 16th century when much of the rest of England was suffering economically, a lot of agricultural workers came to the East End for alternative work.

In the 17th century the East End was still a series of separate, semi-rural of settlements. There was a shortage of accommodation so marshland was drained and built on to house the large numbers of people now living there.

By the 19th century London was the busiest port in the world and this became the main source of employment in the East End. Those who could afford to live in more pleasant surroundings moved out and the area became one where the vast majority of people lived in extreme poverty. And suffer from appalling sanitary conditions.

That brief outline takes us to the beginning of 20th century and now we’ll turn to housing.

At the beginning of the century, living conditions for the majority of working people in East London were very basic indeed. Houses were crowded closely together and usually very badly built because there was no regulation. But the poor and needy were attracted by the possibility of work and they have to be housed. It was availability rather than condition of the housing that was major concern for tenants and landlord alike.

Few houses had electricity this time so other sources of power were used like coal for the fires which heated perhaps just one room. Of cause the smoke from these contributed a great deal to the air pollution for which London used to be famous.

A tiny damp unhealthy house like this might well occupied by two full families possibly including several children, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Now, before I go on to health implications in this way of life I'll say something about food and nutrition. 

Global English Assignment 9

Global English Assignment 9

1.

You know, from my point of view, neither side will have to overcome any major disadvantages.

2.

Say hello to everyone for me.

3.

out of your element (prepositional phrase)

in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation

The children felt out of their element at the formal party.

4.

assertive (adjective)

acting in a clear, strong, and direct way

She had an assertive personality and was able to state her feelings easily and clearly.

5.

come on too strong (verb phrase)

to behave or speak in a way that is too forceful

The salesman came on a little too strong in his efforts to sell the copy machine.

6.

tone down (phrasal verb)

[used with an object; separable]

to make something less strong or dramatic

He decided to tone down his behavior after his colleagues complained about him.

7.

project (verb)

[used with or without an object]

to speak so that your voice can be heard at a distance

Without a microphone she was unable to project her voice to the back of the room.

8.

dry run (noun phrase)

[countable]

a practice before a real event

He had two dry runs before he felt ready to give the presentation.

9.

rapport (noun)

[countable or uncountable]

a friendly relationship between people

She seems to have a natural rapport with the audience.

10.

Excuse me, but I'd like to point something out.

Could I just finish my thought?

As I was trying to say before, ...

To return to what I was saying, ...

Tips for avoiding cross-cultural pitfalls

Tips for avoiding cross-cultural pitfalls

Each year the number of expatriates sent on foreign assignments increases substantially. Here are a few tips that may help you avoid making serious cultural blunders if you are planning to live abroad. If you follow these suggestions, your cultural transition will be smooth sailing!

1. Put yourself in others' shoes and show sensitivity. Try not to offend anyone, but if you do, apologize politely and explain the cultural differences that may have led to the misunderstanding.
2. If you encounter an unfamiliar situation and aren't sure what to do, ask others for advice instead of acting prematurely. You may receive some excellent suggestions about how best to bridge the culture gap.
3. Watch carefully to see how others do things. The more you observe and listen, the more quickly and successfully you'll learn how to do as the Romans do.
4. Use discretion when it comes to directness. Sometimes the straightforward approach is more desirable and effective. In other situations, it may be wiser to act with tact, finesse, and diplomacy.
5. Be careful not to broach inappropriate subjects of conversation. While certain topics--such as family, politics, or religion--may be acceptable for social business discussions in some cultures, they may be too personal in others. Let your business associates initiate conversation about such topics. Make sure you establish a rapport with people before asking them delicate questions.
6. Don't ignore behavioral signs that might indicate your host's disapproval. People often say one thing but mean another. Their subtle body movements may reveal what they are truly feeling.
7. If someone offends you by accident, maintain your composure and don't overreact. Keep in mind that the person does not intend to upset you and, in fact, may be completely unaware of cultural differences.

Global English Course 10 Assignment 1

Global English Course 10 Assignment 1

1.

Mixed blessing: something that is beneficial but also has some negative points

Owning a pet is a mixed blessing. Pets are good company but require a lot of care.

2. correspondence

Jill, what type of __________ do you prefer? Email or snail mail?

3.

She prefers email to snail mail.

4.

find (noun)

[countable]

something good or useful, often a bargain

Mariko's apartment was a great find because it is within walking distance of her office.

5.

object (noun)

[used without an object]

to be opposed to something or someone

If no one objects, I'd like to continue this discussion in our next meeting.

6.

have something to your credit (verb phrase)

to have accomplished something that required effort

Janis, the first applicant, has several magazine articles to her credit.

7.

get in on the ground floor (verb phrase)

to be involved in something at its beginnings

Julia got in on the ground floor and has played a significant role in the company's success.

8.

single-handedly (adverb)

by yourself

Carla was proud that she had single-handedly finished the complex project.

9.

That doesn't really surprise me.

10.

That was bound  to happen. When I last saw him, he was buried in work.

11.

You may find this hard to believe, but this is actually the best company party I've been to.

12.

scrutinize (verb)

[used with an object]

to examine or observe something carefully

Of course you'll find mistakes if you scrutinize every detail!

13.

groundbreaking (adjective)

very original and revolutionary

The new government uses a groundbreaking approach to help the poor.

14.

Greg made Johnny take out the garbage.

Use the causative verb make to show that one person forces another person to do something. It is followed by an object and the base form of a verb.

Patty had Fernado translate the article.

Use the causative verb have to show that one person asks another person to do something and that person does it. Use have especially when the two people have a close relationship or the person asking has some authority over the other person. It is followed by an object and the base form of a verb.

Paul got sharon to lend him some money.

Use the causative verb get to show that one person persuades another person to do something. It is followed by an object and the infinitive form of a verb.

I got my tattoo last week.

You can use the verbs have and get followed by an object and a past participle (V-ed) to show that one person caused something to be done to something by another person. There is almost no difference in meaning between these verbs in this situation. Remember many verbs have irregular past participles.

15.

Isn't it a bit of a contradiction to talk about institutionalizing innovation?

16.

One of the most important is understanding what the customer needs. This often means having the foresight to know what customers want before they even know they need it.

17.

This idea has my full support.

My initial reaction is favorable, but...

I'm fully in favor of ...

I'm afraid I can't give it my backing.

18.

institutionalize (verb)

[used with an object]

to adopt or implement something as a standard part of an organization

My company was among the first to institutionalize a 32-hour workweek.

19.

draw on (phrasal verb)

[used with an object; inseparable]

to use resources from something for something else

We try not to draw on our savings account except in emergencies.

20.

status quo (noun phrase)

[uncountable]

the condition that exists at present

Suzie quit her job because she was tired of the status quo.

21.

catch on (phrasal verb)

[not used with an object; inseparable]

to become well liked or successful among a group of people

It took a long time for recycling to catch on in the U.S.

22.

edge (noun)

[countable]

an advantage over someone or something

His height gives him an edge on the basketball court.

23.

account for (phrasal verb)

[used with an object; inseparable]

to be a particular portion of something

Business people account for 60 percent of Internet users.

24.

bounce back (phrasal verb)

[not used with an object; inseparable]

to start doing something better after some difficulties

The team bounced back in the second half of the match.

25.

booming (adjective)

thriving or successful

I'm glad your business is booming.

boom (noun)

26.

incentive (noun)

[countable or uncountable]

something that encourages someone to do something

Offering shares in the company to employees is a good incentive.

27.

If you had asked me earlier, I could have fit it into my schedule.

American Accent Training note

1. This is meant with the best of intentions, but it is exactly the opposite of what a student really needs to do.

2. better is pronounced bedder.

3. pool-pull feel-fill

4. When you have a word ending in an unvoiced consonant-one that you “whisper” (t,k,s,x,f,sh)-you will notice that the preceding vowel is said quite quickly, and on a single stairstep. When a word ends in a vowel or a voiced consonant -one that you “say” (b,d,g,z,v,zh,j), the preceding vowel is said more slowly, and on a double stairstep.

English collection

Work out

1. Huw works out in the gym two or three times a week.

2. It's about time we started working out details.

3. I think a hotel will probably work out rather expensive.

浓咖啡: black coffee

强硬政策: tough policy\

在校园里：on campus

吹牛： talk horse

亚洲四小龙： the four tigers of Asia

cheers在英国就是thank you.

Tough people rise to the top in hard times

End coversation

Is that all or anything else?

No. Thank you.

Cheers. mate 

overlook objective/ignore

Appreciate->distance

Execuse me. What do you mean by "tropical" 

Execuse me. What's USP?

English conf tips:

can you explain what that is...?

Well. it's .... Okay?

Right, I understand now. thank you.

    Do you mean ...?

Sorry, I don't catch up with you. Do you mean ...?

If something can't go on forever, it will end.

Plot thickens!