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.
Join me on FACEBOOK at Anna Fromacupofenglish; you're all invited. Download my app that's in iTunes for instant downloads, and send questions and comments to acupofenglish@hotmail.com.
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.
Join me on my FACEBOOK page at Anna Fromacupofenglish; you're all invited. Do you need an instant download? Get my app in iTunes called A Cup Of English. If you have questions or comments, or need Skyped lessons to improve your English, let me know at acupofenglish@hotmail.com
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.
Send your questions, suggestions, or your request for Skype lessons to acupofenglish@hotmail.com. Need an app for your smart phone or iPad? My app of A Cup Of English is in iTunes.
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.
Join me on FACEBOOK at Anna Fromacupofenglish; you're all invited. Check out the app A Cup Of English in iTunes for convenience. Questions? Comments? Do you want to have lessons via Skype with me? Let me know at acupofenglish@hotmail.com.
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.
Join me on FACEBOOK; you're all welcome to join me at Anna Fromacupofenglish. Need an app? A Cup OF English is in iTunes. Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email me at acupofenglish@hotmail.com and I will email you back.
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.
Join me on FACEBOOK at Anna Fromacupofenglish; you're all invited. Questions? Comments? Do you want to have lessons on Skype? Email me at acupofenglish@hotmail.com and I'll email you back.
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.
Join me on my FACEBOOK page Anna Fromacupofenglish; you're all welcome. If you have questions or suggestions, or if you'd like to get information about Skyped le ssons, email me at acupofenglish@hotmail.com.
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.