Note: Let's apply the techniques we learned in Lesson #01-199 to some real English sentences from the newspaper. Do you have what it takes?
Get Ready: Can you name (and explain) the four techniques for understanding words from context, as we saw in Lesson #01-199?
Note: One good way to learn vocabulary is to find the meaning yourself--without a dictionary--by taking clues from the context. Learn four different ways to do this!
Get Ready: What are some ways you can figure out the meaning of a word from its context, without using a dictionary?
Note: SQ3R stands for "Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review." It's an excellent way to build vocabulary as you read a newspaper or other text. In this lesson we'll do the last three steps, "Read, Recite, and Review."
Get Ready: Have you ever studied using flash cards? If not, what kind of system works best for you?
Note: SQ3R stands for "Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review." It's an excellent way to build vocabulary as you read a newspaper or other text. In this lesson we'll focus on the second step, "Question."
Get Ready: Think about the last thing you read. What questions might someone ask about it? How would you answer those questions?
Note: SQ3R stands for "Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review." It's an excellent way to build vocabulary as you read a newspaper or other text. In this lesson we'll focus on the first step, "Survey."
Get Ready: As you glance at a page in a newspaper, what are the "parts" you see, such as a headline, etc.?
 |
| Shenzhen, the Boomtown (Wikipedia) |
Note: Between Lesson #01-128 and #01-208, I wrote 72 lessons explaining expressions in articles published in the Shenzhen Daily. Read more about "Reading Boomtown Chronicles."
Get Ready: Can you think of any word that is so straightforward that it is almost all denotation, with little or no connotation? How about the opposite: a word with little or no concrete meaning, but a lot of "feeling"?
 |
| "I suppose it's under the middle one..." (Wikipedia) |
Note: The word "suppose" can be used for guessing, or for softening, or for "hypotheticals," or for reluctance. Learn how to use this versatile word!
Get Ready: How many ways can you think of to use the word "suppose"?
 |
| A little kindness goes a long way. (Wikipedia) |
Note: Poking fun at people is always... well, fun. But it may be more fun for us than it is for them. Learn more about talking nice.
Get Ready: Do you ever tease or joke with your friends? Have you ever made a mistake and hurt someone's feelings?
 |
| Statue of a member of the paparazzi, who are often accused of stalking (Wikipedia) |
Note: There's a fine line between being helpful, and harassing someone! Learn how to press a point without going too far in this lesson.
Get Ready: When you disagree on something with a friend--which movie to go to, perhaps, or how to pay for lunch--how do you settle the matter?
 |
| One nobleman insults the corpse of another (Wikipedia) |
Note: Today, even "politicians" call people names--one of the first things we were taught not to do in Kindergarten!
Get Ready: Have you ever had your feelings seriously hurt by name-calling? Have you ever called someone else a name--and regretted it?
 |
| A Jack Sparrow imitator (Wikipedia) |
Note: Another ship, another pile o' plunder, as we continue learnin' the tongue o' Long John Silver and his mates!
Get Ready: Have you ever watched a pirated movie, listened to pirated music, and so on?
 |
| The founders of International Talk Like a Pirate Day (Wikipedia) |
Note: Ahoy, there, me hearties! Be ye able to talk like a pirate, ye lubber? Ye'd do well to lend an ear!
Get Ready: Have you ever noticed the way pirates talk in movies? What's unusual about it?
 |
| "Nice to meet you, Mr. Gates. My name is Fat Cat." (Wikipedia) |
Note: Some celebrities choose outrageous names to get attention. Politicians seem to go more for respect. Let's look at the effect of silly names.
Get Ready: Do you expect other people to accommodate difficulties in communication, or do you try to "meet them halfway"?
 |
| A McDonald's worker wearing the prescribed uniform (Wikipedia) |
Note: One little-discussed aspect of cross-cultural relations is the choice and use of names that put people at ease. Let's take a closer look.
Get Ready: Do people find your name easy to use? Is that important in how they treat you, especially the first time you meet?
 |
| Jetliners (Wikipedia) |
Note: Once we get onto the plane there are still a few things to know--and then there's the arrival procedure! Learn what to do in this lesson.
Get Ready: Are you afraid of flying? What can a person who is afraid do to make her- or himself feel better?
 |
| Inside a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (in my hometown!) (Wikipedia) |
Note: There's lots to know about getting through the airport before we ever board the plane! Learn the process of checking-in.
Get Ready: Have you ever been in a big airport? What was the atmosphere like? Did you check in and go through security?
 |
| A book about Tom Swift, namesake of the "Tom Swifty" (Wikipedia) |
Note: Here is the first-ever "Tom Swifty": "We must hurry," said Tom swiftly. Hundreds of bad jokes (called "groaners," because they make us groan instead of laugh) have followed!
Get Ready: What is an adverb? Make a list of a few examples.
 |
| There she goes! (Wikipedia) |
Note: "Why did the chicken...?" "How many people does it take...?" "What's the difference between...?" Three classic types of jokes in one lesson!
Get Ready: Do you know any jokes that start with the above questions? If so, tell some.
 |
| A door knocker in Spain (Wikipedia) |
Note: "Knock Knock!" "Who's there?" "Buzz!" "Buzz who?" Learn how to tell, reply to, and understand this classic form of joke.
Get Ready: Do you know any "Knock Knock" jokes? If so, tell a few.
 |
| A rich duke's family tree (Wikipedia) |
Note: You may know how to talk about your grandfathers and your grandmothers. But what about the people before them? Learn more exact terminology for discussing your ancestors.
Get Ready: How many of your ancestors can you name?
_Daytime.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
