Peter: Hi Liz, I see your cast is off.
Liz: Yes, finally! Life is so much easier without one.
Peter: You had some bad luck breaking your arm.
Liz: Yes I had two lots of bad luck: breaking my arm and losing my job.
Peter: Wait a minute. You lost your job?
Liz: Yes, well not exactly. I quit.
Peter: Because of the lady you were working with.
Liz: Yep. I told the boss that I was doing my work, and most of hers.
Peter: And what did she say?
Liz: She told me that the woman denied it. What could I do? I hate confrontation, and I don't like complaining, but I couldn't take it any more.
Peter: That's too bad.
Liz: Well, never mind. I'll take some time off before looking for another job. My parents are going to visit soon, so I'll job hunt after they leave.
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It's 8:45 at Tom, Dick, and Harry's. The coffee's hot, the door's unlocked, and that corner table - the one by the jukebox(1), is gathering a familiar crowd. They're retired farmers, contractors, businessmen, a few old law enforcement guys(2), a former postmaster(3) and more. There are about 17 in all, with ages ranging(4) from the early 70's to 90. They meet daily, but show up(5) in greatest numbers on Fridays, when they take turns(6) bringing doughnuts. They've been around the block once or twice(7), and they love talking about it. In fact, they love talking in general, about everything from football, to politics, to how best to plant tomato seeds. "Sometimes there are three or four stories going on at once and you can't hear anything," says Kenny. "Put it this way," adds Bill, "when I started coming here I didn't have hearing aids(8). Now I do." Another of them adds, "We enjoy each other's company. We don't always agree, but we don't get too annoyed at each other." There is a real diversity of opinions and life experiences in this group. "We have a vast table of knowledge," says Sackman, a retired state trooper. His comment provokes snickering(9) and eye rolling from his friends. The first members of this group started getting together 35 years ago. When asked if wisdom does really come with age, half of the members say "yes", and the other half, at the same time say "no". And then there's more laughter.
1. 'Jukebox' is a typically American word which describes something that is very important in American culture. It is a machine which plays different pieces of music when money is put in it.
a. This jukebox takes quarters. You need to put a quarter in it before you can choose a song.
b. The diner is very retro; it has 60's style decoration and even a jukebox.
2. 'Law enforcement'/ 'a law enforcement officer' basically means a policeman.
a. He's taking his law enforcement class in order to become a policeman.
3. 'Postmaster' is the same as a postman or a mail man.
4. 'With ...ranging from ....to ....' when comparing ages, weights, sizes, colors, or other characteristics.
a. The shop has antiques with prices ranging from $50 to $3000.
b. The concert has performers from countries ranging from India to South America.
5. 'To show up' means the same as 'to turn up' which means to arrive, appear, or be present. Both imply that the opposite would be possible.
a. I'm glad that you finally showed up!
b. They didn't show up until the party was over.
6. 'To take turns' is fairly self explanatory. In a game or arranged activity of some sort, one person will have a turn, then another, and so forth.
a. When we play cards, we have to take turns.
b. If you don't take turns, it's not fair for everybody else.
7. 'To go around the block' or 'to have been around the block' means to have lived a long life. 'A block' refers to a block of houses, or a square formation of homes around 4 streets.
a. He speaks from experience; he's been around the block a few times.
b. He's too young, he hasn't been around the block yet.
8. 'A hearing aid' is a small device that you put in your ear to help you hear.
a. My hearing test showed that I need a hearing aid.
b. His hearing aid is so small that you can hardly see it.
9. 'To snicker' is a way of laughing. There are many verbs for different types of laughter, 'to chuckle', 'to chortle', 'to snigger', 'to giggle'. The most common ones are 'to giggle' and 'to chuckle'. 'To snicker' is more American, and implies that you're laughing at someone or disagreeing with what has been said.
a. The children giggled while they mixed the mud with water, and wiped it on the dog.
b. He snickered at my comment. I knew that he disagreed with me.
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At the clinic:
Doctor: So, how have you been getting along with this arm?
Liz: Fine. I can get around alright, but it has definitely slowed me down.
Doctor: Have you had any pain?
Liz: At first I had some at night, but that only lasted a few days.
Doctor: We'll take the cast off today, so you will be almost back to normal. I need to take an X-ray first, to make sure that the bone has healed completely.
Liz: Will my arm be back to normal once the cast comes off?
Doctor: Not immediately. If you have no pain, and a good range of motion, you can slowly start to use the arm, but you have to take it easy. You might have some swelling, or loss of muscle.
Liz: Okay, I'll make sure I'm careful with the arm.
In a study in The Harvard University Gazette called 'Social Activities Found to Prolong Life', scientists talk about the great importance of socializing as we get older. A healthy diet and regular exercise are the foundations of good health, but scientists now say that socializing is just as important. Thomas Glass, an assistant professor at the Harvard School of Public Health says, "Social and productive activities that involve(1) little or no physical fitness lower the risk of all causes of death as much as exercise does." So, how did the scientists reach this conclusion(2)? They studied 2,761 elderly(3) men and women for 13 years. Activites such as going to church, restaurants, and sports events, taking short trips, playing cards, gardening, cooking for others, community work, and paid employment can all impact a person very positively. Ideally, the elderly would also exercise, preferably(4) with friends or in small groups. That way they would get double the benefits(5). It is best to do both: to exercise and to socialize. Scientists admit they don't know exactly why socializing is so beneficial. Glass says he believes that keeping social and busy causes, "changes in the brain that protect against damage and keep the immune system healthy." Knowing this affects not only the individual, but also society(6) because in most societies people are living longer. Programs are developing in the U.S. to keep the elderly active in society, helping in schools, volunteering, and exercising. This way, society benefits from the wisdom and experience of the elderly, and the elderly benefit by staying healthy and happy.
1. 'To involve' is a concise verb that means 'to have something to do with' or 'to work with'.
a. Teaching involves preparing, communicating, and correcting.
b. The community project involves hundreds of people, lots of money, and lots of time.
2. 'To reach a conclusion' can also be expressed as 'to come to a conclusion'.
a. They came to the same conclusion/ they reached the same conclusion.
b. We came to the conclusion that the house had to be pulled down.
3. 'Elderly' is a polite way of saying 'old' when we are talking about people. 'Old' can give a negative impression.
a. The elderly are a great source of wisdom for the community.
b. She is elderly now and needs extra help.
4. 'Preferably' is like saying 'ideally'.
a. Arrive at the office for the interview prepared, and preferably 10 minutes early.
b. I need an internet connection for my home, preferably a wireless one.
5. 'Double the + noun' is similar to saying 'twice as much .......'
a. In his new job, he'll get double the pay that he gets now/ twice as much pay as he gets now.
b. Compared to that computer, this one has double the speed/ is twice as fast.
6. 'Not only..., but also...' remember we had this the other day; it's worth practicing again.
a. Encouraging the elderly not only affects their feelings, but also how active they are.
b. Socializing not only improves the brain, but also the immune system.
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Hi Liz, what happened to your arm?
Oh, you won't believe it. I was coming out of the cellular phone store the other day, and I slipped on something and landed on my arm. It's broken in two places!
You're kidding?
No, I wouldn't joke about something like this. It's a pain!
What did the doctor say about the break?
Well, he said it's a bad one, and it'll take about two months to recover.
Is that your writing hand?
Yep!
So, what will you do for writing?
The professors all said that I can dictate my essays, or type with my other hand. That'll be interesting!
Hey, if you need help typing, I can do it for you.
That's really sweet of you. I might just ask you for some help. Thanks.
I listen to podcasts nearly every day. Not only do I love the fact that I am learning each time I hear one, but I also(1) love the fact that they are free and accessible. It's interesting to consider(2) the differences between one podcast and another. What makes one better than another? What are the elements of a good podcast? One that I've been thinking about for a while is sound quality. For years, I have used a cheap, skinny microphone that is really basic. It has done a reasonable(3) job, but you can't expect very much from a cheapo(4) product. At times I have been editing, and have realised that the microphone records not only my voice, but also the noise of my dog barking at the cat, my children arguing in the kitchen, or even the general creaking(5) of the house. So, I've upgraded. I went on-line and looked up(6) the company called 'Blue'. I had heard that they make quality microphones. And they do. I ordered a 'Snowball' which arrived just a few days later. I was so excited to receive it; I opened its box like a child opening a Christmas present. It works beautifully, and gives digital quality sound. I'm so glad. And it's so cute! It has a big, round head, and a tripod underneath, like a mini-robot. And it's retro(7) style, so it has personality. It's my prized possession(8), and nobody is allowed to go near it apart from me. It's like my new pet, but a useful one that doesn't bark or scratch the furniture. So I'm motivated to continue podcasting. Good job Blue!
1. 'Not only....but also' is a great sentence structure which enables you to show two ideas.
a. Not only does he work all day, but he also cleans homes every evening.
b. Not only can you speak commands to the new phone, but also it can lock and unlock your house when you are far away.
2. 'To consider' is a verb that means 'to think about'.
a. Consider your options, and then make a decision.
b. Consider the differences between the two candidates; one is more experienced, the other is more personable.
3. 'Reasonable' is like saying 'logical' or 'rational'. It also means 'just okay' when you are judging a performance.
a. He made a reasonable argument; it really made sense.
b. The car's performance was reasonable, but not great.
4. 'Cheapo' is slang for cheap. It also adds the idea of something being poor quality as well as cheap.
a. This cheapo can opener broke the first day I got it.
b. Don't buy those shoes; they're cheapos and will hurt your feet.
5. 'Creaking' comes from the verb 'to creak' which means to make a noise like an old door opening.
a. I heard footsteps and then a door creaking open; who was there?
b. I can't play football anymore; my bones are too creaky.
6. 'To look up' means to search either on-line, or in a directory or list.
a. I looked up her name in the phone book, but it didn't show her address.
b. I looked up the website and bought an item.
7. 'Retro' or 'retro style' means a fashion that is no longer in fashion, but that is considered good taste, or perhaps is coming back into fashion.
8. 'My prized possession' is self explanatory. It is an item you own which you really value. If something is prized, it is considered as important as a prize even if it isn't one.
a. My grandmother's books are my prized possessions.
b. The flowers she grew from seed are her prized possessions.
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In the cellular phone store.
Customer service assistant: Hello ma'am, how can I help you today? Would you be interested in one of our 4G phones with voice command?
Liz: Oh, no thanks. Actually I came in because my phone isn't working. I dropped it in the sink, and I think the battery got wet.
C.S.A: Could I have a look?
Liz: Sure.
C.S.A: I'll have to take it in the back and open it to see what I can do.
Liz: Ok.
A few minutes later.
C.S.A: Here you are ma'am. It's working fine. We had to replace the battery, but I believe your insurance covers that.
Liz: Great! That's a relief!
C.S.A: You know, you've had this phone for two years, so you are entitled to a free upgrade. Would a smart phone interest you? You can access email, the web, and do word processing on it.
Liz: How much is it per month?
C.S.A: It depends on the model. Between thirty and a hundred dollars.
Liz: Well, I'll have to think about it.
C.S.A: Of course. Here's my card. Just give me a call if you're interested.
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The Spring season brings all sorts of life and activity to this valley. You see people out on the streets, walking their dogs, in the parks with friends, and the school fields are full of sporting activities. For the first time, my daughter is in soccer. There was a big build up to this(1) as we had to register a long time ago, and she has been waiting, counting the days(2), for the sport to begin. It's also her first time playing a team sport. Previously, she has done swimming, gymnastics, and tennis. But her excitement for soccer is much greater than anything else. Being the youngest(3) in the family, she has watched her brothers play team sports for years, and has cheered for them. But now, finally, it's her turn. She made her debut(4) yesterday with her team, The Blue Bees. And gosh, are they cute! You can imagine a team of little eight year old girls, in a blue uniform, with their hair in ponytails(5), running around and trying to score goals. They played against a green team, and they won. It was a wonderful first experience for Domini; she even scored two out of(6) the winning four goals. I jumped up and down, and cheered and clapped so much that my husband moved about ten metres away from me. But I didn't care; it was so much fun to watch. One thing that I realized, is that all the girls were polite, and would kick the ball, then allow others to have a chance. Unfortunately, that gave the opposing team lots of chances to take the ball. The girls haven't learned to be aggressive yet, but they will. Judging by(7) the older girls who were playing soccer close by, they will learn to be aggressive quite soon.
1. 'A build up' is like saying 'anticipation', 'excitement', 'expectancy' when you are waiting for something to happen.
a. There is always such a build up towards Christmas; you can feel it in the air.
b. There was an orchestral build up to the main speaker.
2. 'Counting the days' also adds to the idea of a 'build up' of emotions. When you are impatient for something to happen, you count the days that are left before the event. We also use the expression 'to be on the count down.' A count down is said before a rocket takes off into space 5-4-3-2-1 blast off!
a. It's his birthday in three weeks, and he's counting the days/ he's on the count down.
b. They'll marry in May, so they're counting the days/ they're on the count down.
3. 'Being the youngest, ....' Using a gerund at the beginning of a sentence allows you to make a 2 part sentence and avoid an 'and'. Listen to the two sentences:
She's the youngest, and for years has watched her brothers play sports.
Being the youngest, for years she has watched her brothers play sports.
Both are perfect sentences, but it's worth noting the use of the gerund to create variety in your sentences.
a. Being an honest man, he gave the lady the money that she had dropped.
b. Seeing the bus in the distance, he ran fast to the bus stop.
4. 'Debut' is used in English, as are many other French words. It means 'the beginning' or 'the first show'.
a. The magician made his debut performance last night in Las Vegas.
b. The singer's debut album will come out in July.
5. 'Ponytail' is a hair style. All the hair is pulled up towards the back of the head, and held by an elastic band at the scalp, the hair hanging down freely. It looks like the tail of a pony or horse.
Another common hair style is a braid or platt. The hair is divided into 3 parts which are woven together to make one rope-like patter.
A 'bun' is also a common hair style. All the hair is placed near the top of the head in a secured, round shape, like a bread bun.
6. 'She scored two (out) of the winning four goals.'
a. He ate seven (out) of the ten cookies that I had made.
b. We saw three (out) of the six houses that were for sale.
7. 'Judging by' economises your sentences. It enables you to make one sentence out of two:
I saw that the older girls were aggressive. I think the younger girls will learn to be aggressive soon.
Judging by the older girls, the younger ones will learn to be aggressive soon.
This second sentence sounds more fluid and natural.
a. Judging by the restaurants popularity, the food or prices must be good.
b. Judging by his behavior yesterday, we won't invite him to dinner.
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Liz:How are you feeling today?
Maria:Oh, much better. Thanks so much for taking care of me. The soup you made, and the medicine you bought me really helped.
Liz: I'm glad.
Maria: Are you working today?
Liz: Yes, unfortunately.
Maria: What do you mean?
Liz: Well, I'm having some problems with the lady I work with.
Maria: Oh yeh? What's going on?
Liz: Well, I have to do my work, and some of hers, and she's started to leave early.
Maria: It sounds like you need to talk to the boss.
Liz: Yes, I do. I'll do it today.
"Clunk, clunk. Clunk, clunk," it was time to have the wheels looked at(1) and the tires changed from winter tires to summer tires. For a few weeks I had felt something bump and rattle(2) under the car; it must be the wheels. So, I took the car down to 'Dick's tires' and left it there for an hour. I walked out of the office, and headed to the shops. As I left, something caught my eye. It was a huge pile of wheels, hundreds of them. They looked like they had already been used. I don't know if they were going to be reused, but they reminded me of dinosaur bones, big, dry, heavy things. I thought about wheels in general, how we take them for granted(3), and how old they are. They have been around for a long time, in their most basic form since the Paleolithic Era. Then came the clever Mesopotamians, or Iraqis. In around 3,500BC they made the first wheels for chariot transportation. Then the Egyptians and the Greeks improved upon the first models(4) for better and faster transportation with spokes, and the H-type wheel. The first iron rims(5) around the wheels were seen in 1000 BC on Celtic chariots. Then, for a long time no great changes were made until the 1800's when Dunlop invented the pneumatic tire. Since Karl Benz's 1885 Motorwagen, wheels have changed dramatically, using greater technology, and new materials. It's amazing what a "clunk, clunk" can lead you to, a trip back in time, and a look at distant history.
1. 'To have ... looked at' is like saying 'to have ...checked'. It is used for people's health as well as items.
a. You need to have your tooth looked at; it might have a cavity.
b. I need to have those pipes looked at; there might be a leak.
2. 'To rattle' is an intermittent sound; it sometimes indicates that something is loose that shouldn't be.
a. That window is rattling again; I'll need to fix it.
b. The snake rattled its tail; there was no mistake about its identity.
3. 'To take for granted' means to not value a person or thing when you should.
a. He takes her for granted, eats her cooking without saying thank you, and borrows money without paying it back.
b. It's easy to take our modern comforts for granted. When they're gone, then we realize how useful they improve our lives.
4. 'To improve upon something' means to take something and make it better.
a. They took our idea and improved upon it.
b. He improved upon his previous exam results.
5. 'A rim' is usually the top edge or lip of a circular item, like a cup, or a volcano.
a. He ran his finger over the rim of the wine glass and it made a loud note.
b. We walked around the rim of the volcano.
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In the supermarket, Liz is on the phone:
Liz: Maria, I'll get the stuff for the soup. I'm in the supermarket right now.
Maria: Oh, thanks Liz. But you really don't have to bother yourself.
Liz: Listen, you've got a really bad cold, so you need sleep, medicine, and some good soup. I'll be back at the appartment soon.
Maria: Okay, see you then. And thanks again.
Liz: Excuse me, can you tell me where the chicken stock is?
Assistant: It's on aisle five with the spices.
Liz(to herself): Okay, what's next on my list? Celery, garlic, chicken, and potatoes. There they are. This soup will be ready in no time.
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I love to discover good places to eat. I know what it is to cook a lot, and clean up afterwards. So, if I stumble across(1) a place that can do all of that for me, and do it well, then I am happy. Sissy's diner(2) is just that kind of place. It is an American style diner, with decor from the '60's, and large, fresh portions. I discovered it a week ago after I left my car at the mechanic's(3); he was changing the tires, so I was without(4) a car for about an hour. I walked along the main street in Wenatchee and window shopped, until I became hungry. As I looked along the street, I could only see furniture, clothes, and appliance shops. But then, I noticed, right on the corner, a colorful building with 'Sissy's diner' written at an angle. When I walked in, the first thing I noticed was that it smelled really good, like fresh bread. At a glance(5), I could see that it was clean, and the people who were eating there were happily talking and eating at the same time.These were all good signs. I ordered a beef and vegetable sandwich, sat down, and checked my emails. A few minutes went by, and a friendly waitress put a plate in front of me. "Gosh!" I said. The plate was full. The sandwich was huge. "That's a good choice," said the waitress smiling. "There is no way that I can eat all of this," I said to myself. But I did. I ate every crumb, every last bit of it(6). After the first bite, I realised that the bread was fresh from the oven and light. The meat was lean(7), and the vegetables were perfectly cooked. And when I finished, I felt satisfied but not bloated(8).Oh Sissy! I should have discovered you years ago!
1. 'To stumble onto/across' means 'to discover', 'to come upon', 'to find by chance'.
a. I stumbled across some good silver in a yard sale, and I bought it for just a few pennies.
b. The detective stumbled across some new information.
2. 'Diner' is a word from American culture for a simple, often 50's or 60's style cafe. It is often long in shape, has a bar that you can eat at, and serves simple, American style food.
3. 'The mechanic's' is short for 'the mechanic's shop/workshop'. The apostrophe followed by an 's' shows that something belongs to the mechanic, but we don't have to say what. Why? Because from the context we know that we're talking about: the mechanic's workshop.
a. Pick up the cake from the baker's, and I will get the meat from the butcher's.
b. I love the vegetables from the grocer's; they're always fresh.
4. 'To be without ....' is another way of saying 'to not have something'. Instead of saying 'I didn't have my car for an hour', you can say 'I was without my car for an hour.'
a. My husband went hunting yesterday, so I am without a husband for a week.
b. I dropped my cell phone in the toilet, so I am without a phone until I get a new one!
5. 'At a glance' means 'with a quick look'.
a. At a glance the policeman could see that the man had a gun in his pocket.
b. At a glance she didn't like the shop.
6. 'Every last bit' means 'every final piece'. We often use this phrase when talking about food, but it can be used in other contexts.
a. You need to eat every last bit of that meat, or you won't get any dessert.
b. I picked up every last bit of the rubbish that the wind had blown on the lawn.
7. 'Lean' means 'with no fat'. It can be used with food or animals and people.
a. They are opposites. He is fat, and she is lean.
b. I can't eat fatty meat; it has to be lean.
8. 'To bloat' is to 'blow up' or 'inflate'. We describe feeling too full as 'bloated'.
a. I ate too much cake and felt bloated afterwards.
b. Stop eating before you get too bloated.
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Hey Peter, fancy meeting you here!
Hi Liz, I've come to book a holiday.
Really?
No, I'm only joking. I'm a poor student, remember? I can't afford a holiday yet. Carl told me that you work here, so I thought I'd pop in to see you.
What a lovely surprise!
So, how is the job so far?
So far so good. The people here are really nice, and helpful. I'm learning a lot.
It sounds like the perfect part-time job for a student.
I think so.
As a parent(1), I think a lot about my children's education(2). Is it good or bad? Is it varied, hands-on(3), relevant? The only way to really(4) find out, is to look at their text books, go to their schools, and talk to their teachers. And then, we have to remember that each person is unique; each has different preferences, ways of learning, and abilities. Some people are comfortable with academics, and others are not(5). Some students are good at taking exams, and others prefer to demonstrate their knowledge in other ways. Recently, my son Robert has been at home with a bad cough. He has been bugging me to buy him an electrical circuit. So, we shopped around until we found the perfect 'kit'(6). It has batteries, a light, a motor that spins, sound devices, and connecting wires. There is also a booklet(7) that gives instructions and warnings, pictures, and general advice. So Robert has spent hours connecting, fiddling(8), and creating, and every minute that goes by he learns something. Play and imagination are great teachers. And learning doesn't necessarily happen on paper, or on a computer screen. When I asked Robert what was so good about his kit, he said, "It's the energy hook-ups(9), and seeing what you can do with them."
1. 'As a parent' this kind of phrase is used with different nouns/titles.
a. As a teacher, I try to understand how my students learn best.
b. As a policeman, he tries to be observant.
2. 'I think a lot about my children's education'. This is a good format for other sentences.
a. We think a lot about our father's health.
b. They think a lot about their safety because they live in Hurricane Valley.
c. He thinks a lot about buying land in the future.
3. 'Hands-on' refers to activities that involve touch and manipulation.
a. The new children's museum in Spokane is hands-on; the kids can really touch, feel, and play with the displays.
b. Babies and toddlers learn most of their lessons in a hands-on way.
4. 'The only way to really +verb..., is to ...' another great format for a sentence.
a. The only way to really make money, is to work hard for a long time.
b. The only way to really make a point, is to speak intelligently.
c. The only way to really understand a culture, is to live in that country.
5. 'Some people are comfortable with academics, and others are not.' In this sentence, the adjective doesnot have to be repeated at the end.
a. Some people love chocolate, and others don't.
b. Some laws are fair, and others aren't.
c. Some people work eight hours a day, and others don't.
6. A 'kit' is usually a set of objects that all fit together or work together for a common purpose. Like Robert's kit, all the parts in the box can be used to build different electrical circuits.
a. I bought a kit to build a bird house for the garden. It had wood, nails, glue, and paint.
b. My husband always has a tire repair kit with him when he goes biking.
7. A 'booklet' is a small, soft book, similar to a pamphlet but bigger. We usually receive booklets with new appliances for instruction.
a. The booklet that came with my new vacuum cleaner is not clear.
b. You need to read the instructions that came in the booklet so you know how to put the drawers together.
8. 'Fiddling' comes from the verb 'to fiddle' which means 'to manipulate with your hands', 'to mess about', and 'to experiment physically with something'. Kids are good 'fiddlers'.
a. Someone has been fiddling with my alarm clock, and now it doesn't work.
b. I wish you wouldn't fiddle with my make-up; it's all untidy now.
9. A 'hook-up' is often used generally for a connection of some kind, especially electrical or metallic.
a. Where is the hook-up to the power supply?
b. We need the correct hook-up to connect the boat to the truck.
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Hello Mrs Fontaine.
Oh, hello Liz. Welcome back to Fontaine's Travel Agency, and this time as an employee.
Thanks, I'm excited to start.
Well, we're glad to have you.
What would you like me to do first?
I think if you sit at Angie's desk, she'll tell you what to do. Just watch her use the computer system, and maybe you can help her with paper work.
That sounds like a good plan.
Join me on FACEBOOK at Anna Fromacupofenglish; you're all welcome. Feel free to email me questions and comments to acupofenglish@hotmail.com. And if you're interested in Skyped lessons with me, let me know, and I'll send you the details.
Sales of low-priced(1) homes here continue to feed(2) a housing market that has buyers eager(3), sellers satisfied and some real estate agents scrambling(4) to keep up the pace."Put an entry-level home on the market and - wham! It’s gone in no time," said a broker in Wenatchee. "They go almost as fast as we can list them. Sure, we’d like to see prices rising and more sales of higher-end(5) homes, but these low-end sales can be a good thing— sell a lot of entry-level homes now and, down the road, you’ll likely have a lot of second-home buyers."
Looser credit and some of the lowest interest rates in recent history(6), this week at 3.875 percent, have juiced(7) sales and spurred activity across the market, regardless(8) of price. "We’re seeing more interest, more showings in the $400,000 range than we’ve seen in years.“ It’s welcome activity. "Buyers are also wiser in their preparations to buy a home," said Paine, another broker. "They come to the table with cleaner credit, higher incomes and better documentation —They’ve got their ducks in a row and are ready to purchase."
1. 'Low-priced homes' is the opposite of 'high-priced homes'. 'Low' and 'High' can be added to other nouns as well.
a. Low-priced land is selling quickly in our area.
b. High-priced furniture is finally on sale.
2. 'To feed a housing market'. When it comes to markets, we say that they are 'fed' by sales or demand. 'To feed' is used figuratively in many situations.
a. What you say will only feed the fire of his anger.
b. Play feeds the imagination of children and adults.
3. 'Eager' is the same as 'keen' or 'very willing to'.
a. They're eager to find jobs and a home in their new town.
b. I'm eager to meet my new boss.
4. 'To scramble' means several things. We scramble eggs (beat them and add milk). It can also mean to hurry, or to run with both hands and feet on the ground, usually up hill, in an uncontrolled fashion.
a. The cat scrambled up the tree to get away from the dog.
b. I was late! I scrambled to get all of my things, and then I ran to catch the bus.
5. 'Higher-end' is similar to 'high-cost'. It is usually to describe property.
a. The higher-end houses are around the golf course.
b. The company party is always at a higher-end restaurant (high-end).
6. 'In recent history' the word 'recent' can be put in front of other nouns, such as 'years', 'months', 'governments' etc.
a. In recent weeks, demonstrations have increased.
b. In recent years, there has been less rainfall.
7. 'Interest rates have juiced sales' the word 'juiced' here is American terminology. It is the same as saying 'encouraged' or 'fed'.
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So, tell me about your job hunting.
Well, I needed something part-time. So, I tried several places.
And what did you end up with?
Believe it or not, I'm going to work on Saturdays in a travel agency.
Wow, that's interesting. You'll probably learn a lot.
Yes. I've done waitressing before, so I think this should make a nice change. Plus it leaves my week days free for studying.
Congratulations!
Thanks.
How was your night out?
Great, thanks. We went to dinner and then went to a club called 'Shapiro's'. We danced for hours.
You look tired.
I am. It was really loud, but we had a great time. What have you been up to?
I've been looking for a part-time job.
Really? Had any luck?
Yes, I'll tell you about it after class.
Those of you who have followed my podcast for a few years will know that I'm obsessed with gardening. Trees, bushes, flowers, vegetables, seeds, and even soil get me all excited. After a long, dull winter, it's time to spring into(1) life. People have been telling me, "Anna, it's too early to dig; the ground is still too cold," "you can't transplant anything now," "you have to wait to put (2)seeds in the ground." But, I've been doing all of that. I don't always 'go by the book'(3), sometimes feelings and instinct can be more accurate. Anyway, about one month ago, I got out the chainsaw. You know, a woman can have a wonderful time with a chainsaw. Using a chainsaw is usually the domain of men, like war, and boxing. However, as I told my husband, "It's not rocket science(4), you know." It really is quite simple, if you're careful. I cut down a large area of 30 year old bushes, then dug up(5) the huge roots. I've transplanted blueberry bushes there, and planted a lot of bulbs. My plan is to have a mass of flowers. Also, I've started flower seeds in containers on my kitchen window. They have all sprouted(6), and look like happy, little faces, all in a row. When they are bigger, I'll put them in this newly planted area and show you photos of all the pretty and colorful growth.
1. 'To spring into life' means to jump or leap into life. The verb can be used by itself to imply enthusiasm.
a. I had a good night's sleep, so when I woke up, I sprang out of bed.
b. The basketball players will spring into action when the game starts.
2. 'You have to wait to put...' this is a string of three verbs, as you can see. The sentence could have been written as 'You have to wait before putting...'. We often use the phrase 'to wait to + verb'.
a. You need to wait to go outside; it's still raining.
b. They'll have to wait to order their meal; the restaurant is very busy.
3. 'To go by the book' is a set phrase that means to follow the normal pattern of behavior, or what is generally recommended or taught.
a. The strategies for taking exams that we learn are helpful. It's best to go by the book to get a good result.
b. The artist doesn't go by the book when he uses color.
4. 'It's not rocket science' is also a set phrase that means 'It's not very difficult'.
a. I can build a shed; it's not rocket science.
b. Of course you can make dinner; it's not rocket science.
5. 'To dig up' the preposition 'up' implies that you're not just digging a hole, but you are removing, 'pulling up', 'lifting up' something from the ground. If you were digging a hole without removing anything, we would just use 'to dig'.
a. We must dig up the rocks before we can plant the trees.
b. I accidentally dug up a water pipe!
6. 'To sprout' is similar to 'to spring' but it refers to a plant emerging from a seed. It can be used figuratively.
a. The onions have sprouted.
b. Those children have really sprouted; they're getting big!
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What did you find out about retakes?
Oh, we can retake small tests, but not end of term finals.
That makes sense.
Thankfully, I did ok on the last test, so I won't need to.
Yes, my result wasn't too bad; I got 85%.
Good job! I got 80%.
Are you going to the library later?
No, I'm going to a club with friends; I need a break!
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What do you do when you have time to kill? It's a bit of a violent phrase, isn't it? It really means to use up spare time, or extra time. That is just(1) what I was doing this weekend, while I was waiting for my son's basketball game to start. We had a break of three and a half hours in between(2) games which is a long time. My thoughts were(3): lunch, a walk, Facebook, and maybe a podcast. And surprisingly enough(4), I got all of those things done. Robert and I went down to the lake for a walk, and watched the ducks and geese land on and take off from the water. It was there that I found the fox statue. Later in the gym I searched the web for info(5) on the statue. Well, that wasn't so easy. You know how web searches go(6); often they take you all around the world, and you end up with unimaginable(7) results. I ended up reading about a famous German sculptor called Julian Voss-Andreae who does sculptures about physics. One of his sculptures called 'Quantum Man' is here in Moses Lake, of all places(8). I looked through the list of his works and was amazed at his uniqueness(9). So, I'm glad I had time to kill because it led me to a lake, which led me to a fox, which led me to a very unusual German sculptor.
1. 'That is just what I was doing'. 'Just' here means 'exactly'. It can also mean 'only' or 'almost'. Let's see examples of it used as 'exactly'.
a. It's funny what you said. It's just what I was thinking!
b. They look just the same.
2. 'In between' can often be replaced with just 'between'. Both are correct.
a. You've got food in between your teeth. You've got food between your teeth.
b. I parked in between the bus and the truck. I parked between the bus and the truck.
3. 'My thoughts were...' is a short way of saying 'what I was thinking was....'/'what I was planning was'/ 'my thoughts about the matter were../. The use of 'thoughts' to express plans and ideas can be used with any person and in any tense.
a. The company needs to invest. What are your thoughts?
b. They were thinking: eat, play basketball, sleep. Those were their plans.
4. 'Surprisingly enough' in this phrase you can miss out 'enough'. The meaning of 'enough' is quite vague, and not always necessary. It's meaning when following an adverb is 'quite' or 'somewhat'.
a. Interestingly enough, he works nights and studies during the day.
c. Oddly enough, she works and he stays at home.
5. 'Info' is often substituted for 'information'.
6. Adding 'you know' at the beginning of a sentence is good practice, and there are many examples of this usage.
a. You know how much work it is.
b. You know when they're coming, don't you?
c. You know the teacher won't allow that.
d. You know what he's like.
7. Un-imagin-able un-imagin-able un-imagin-able un-imagin-able
8. 'Of all places' means 'it is really unlikely to be here'/'this place even though it is unexpected'. 'Of all' can be put in front of other nouns to show a similar 'surprise'/'disappointment'/'sense of irony'.
a. Of all people, I bump into my ex-husband in the middle of Tokiyo!
b. Of all places, we had to have a flat tire here (e.g in the middle of the desert).
c. Of all things, you had to lose your passport!
9. 'Uniqueness' is the state of being unique.
Join me on my FACEBOOK page at Anna Fromacupofenglish; you're all welcome. Remember, basic pronunciation practices are on Monday's and Wednesday's.
That test was really hard. How do you think you did?
Alright, I suppose. I'm glad I studied all of the notes that the teacher gave us.
Yes, me too.
When do we get the results?
Next Monday, I think.
Can we retake it?
I'm not sure. You'll have to ask the teacher. I know she let's us retake some of them. Let me know what she says.
Sure, I will.
Technology being(1) developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory could put(2) explosive-sniffing(3) dogs out of business. Just like dogs, the technology can 'sniff' the air to detect vapors from explosives. Unlike dogs, it doesn't need to be fed, exercised, rested, and given breaks(4). It also shows promise(5) to accurately detect minute(6) amounts of explosives. It takes in a sample of air from around an object and examines that air. An explosive called RDX does not easily vaporize, and so it is difficult for dogs to detect it. However, this new technology can detect vapors of RDX from a fingerprint when there are less than 25 parts per quadrillion. "This technology is more sensitive than anything out there(7) now," said a senior research scientist. The technology could be used to screen(8) passengers or luggage at airports or large containers at ports.
1. 'Technology being developed' is a shorter than 'technology that is being developed'. Both are accurate and work in the sentence. There are many other occasions when you can miss out the pronoun 'that' and the verb in the first half of the sentence, and simply use the second verb in the gerund form.
a. The teacher helping students every day can make a difference.
b. Clouds gathering show the promise of rain.
c. Flowers appearing show us that Spring is around the corner.
2. 'To put someone out of business'. We use the verb 'put' here when referring to a business or a person who is being forced to stop work, usually because of competition.
a. The bigger shops have put the smaller shops out of business.
b. High prices put the shop out of business.
3. 'Sniffing' comes from the verb 'to sniff'. I love this verb; it is onomatopeoic, which is a fancy way of saying that it sounds like its meaning.
a. "I have lost my last penny," sniffed the sad old lady.
b. The dog sniffed the air; someone was cooking bacon.
4. 'It doesn't need to be fed, exercised, rested, and given breaks.' This sentence shows how adjectives, or past participle verbs can be used in a list.
a. The car was washed, dried, waxed, and driven to my house.
b. The document was signed and delivered to the office.
5. 'To show promise' means that the subject gives signs of usefulness, hope, health, or some kind of positive capability.
a. He shows promise of becoming a great chef.
b. She always showed promise of singing success.
6. 'Minute' is spelled the same as 'minute'. The first means 'tiny'.
a. The shells are minute; you can hardly see them.
b. There was just a minute amount of bacteria left.
7. 'Anything out there' means 'anything available/ that can be found/on the market'.
a. This is the most powerful motorbike out there.
b. I don't think you'll find a cheaper computer out there.
8. 'To screen' is 'to examine for substances'.
a. All the passengers in the airport were screened before boarding the plane.
b. Screening luggage keeps us all safe.
That was a really good lecture.
Yes, it was. That professor keeps it interesting.
Well, I have a lot to study for the next test.
Me too.
Do you need a study partner?
That would be nice.
Okay, let's go to the library.
Join me on my FACEBOOK page at Anna Fromacupofenglish; you're all welcome. If you have questions or comments, email me at acupofenglish@hotmail.com. And remember that my app is available in iTunes called A Cup Of English.
Xylitol is a wood sugar that I've been using for a few years. It has many benefits. A dentist friend(1) told me that because its molecular structure(2) is different to normal sugar, plaque bacteria cannot absorb it; they try to, but they can't. Because of this, the plaque dies, and our teeth stay healthier. It might sound strange if you're unfamiliar with it. I'm impressed with it, and so I thought I would share(3) it's description as it is written on the packet that I buy.
Xyla has 40% fewer calories than processed sugar, and 75% less carbohydrate(4). Xyla is a natural sweetener derived(5) from 100% North American hardwood. With many benefits, it is a popular sweetener widely(6) used in Europe, Scandinavia, and many other countries for its similarity to sugar in taste and texture. It is a low-glycemic sugar, and is safe for diabetics or anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle. It is perfect for coffee, tea, and cereal. It doesn't promote(7) cavities, and it leaves no after taste, and dissolves quickly.
1. 'A dentist friend' this is a quick way of mentioning the occupation of a friend; you simply put the job title next to the word 'friend'.
a. An electrician friend of mine told me that our garage is electrically unsafe.
b. A plastic surgeon friend of mine told me that he can change my nose.
2. 'Molecular structure' is a great thing to say to impress people, so let's practice the pronunciation:
mol-ec-ular struc-ture mol-ec-ular struc-ture mol-ec-ular struc-ture
3. 'To share' here has a second, less common meaning. Normally it means 'to give what you have', 'to pass out to people'. It can also mean 'to tell' or 'to open up(in conversation)'.
a. He shared with me that he's having a lot of trouble at work.
b. She shared some difficult secrets with me.
4. 'Carbohydrates' is often shortened to 'carbs'.
a. They're eating a low-carb diet.
b. These growing kids need more carbs.
5. 'Derived' means 'to come from', 'taken from', 'produced from'.
6. 'Widely used', are two words that go together. When talking about a large usage, such as state-wide, nationally, or globally, we use the word 'widely' with 'used'.
a. Safety belts are widely used in Washington, but less so in Idaho.
b. Organic produce is widely used in Europe.
7. 'Promote' means to 'spread', 'accelerate', 'encourage'. In this podcast it means 'to cause'.
a. Schools are promoting the consumption of vegetables.
b. His words will promote a disturbance.
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