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Business before Pleasure



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Do you always take care of work (say, housework) before having fun?

READ THIS:

James sees his friend, a woman named Patricia, on the subway.

James: Hey, Pat.
Patricia: Oh, hi James.
James: Where are you off to?
Patricia: Ugh! The office.
James: What the...? But it's Saturday! Your boss must be a real slave driver.
Patricia: My boss? No, I run my own business.
James: So what keeps your nose to the grindstone?
Patricia: Well, you know, "Business before pleasure."
James: I guess. But can't you ease up even a little?
Patricia: Oh, I get my licks in. But sometimes you just have to knuckle down and do it, you know?
James: OK. I'll quit hassling you.
Patricia: Here's my stop. Gotta go.
James: Ok. Don't work too hard!
Patricia: Thanks. Have a nice day.

NOTES:
Some proverbs are always true. The value of others changes, depending on the situation.

"Business before pleasure" is one of those. Sometimes, we must do "pleasure before business." For example, at a business lunch, we should take time to make small talk and cultivate friendship with the person we're doing business with.

In other cases, though, as in today's dialogue, we must put work before play, drudgery before fun, "business before pleasure."

More notes:
  • Where are you off to?: This just means "Where are you going?" in an informal way.
  • Ugh!: This sound indicates that Patricia finds working on Saturday disgusting
  • What the...?: An expression of surprise. The last word (left out) is usually a rude or vulgar one; we leave it unsaid, as James did, for a stronger effect.
  • a real slave driver: someone who makes his or her workers work hard, like slaves
  • to keep one's nose to the grindstone: to work hard, without a break
  • to ease up: to cut back on something, or (in this case) work less
  • to get one's licks in: "licks" here means "hits," like in the sport of boxing. A boxer tries to hit his opponent as much as possible; the more "licks" he "gets in," the higher his score. Patricia here means that she occasionally has time for fun; she doesn't miss every opportunity.
  • to knuckle down: This comes from the sport of shooting marbles. One puts the knuckle of one's pointer finger directly on the ground, before shooting the marble with the thumb. So someone who "knuckles down" is actively in the game.
  • to hassle: to give someone a hard time, to bother them

PRACTICE:

Use the above terms in one of the following sentences. Be sure to use the correct form.

1. When I was a kid, my mom was __________. She always made us do our homework before we could play.
2. It's time to __________ and get serious about studying; the test is tomorrow!
3. I'm __________ the store. Do you want to go with me?
4. Don't __________ me, Mom; I'll do my homework when I'm ready!
5. Don't push Johnny so hard. He's just a kid! __________ on him a little.
6. __________? Who stole my ice cream from the freezer?
7. If you __________, without letting up, you're sure to be a success.
8. A: Wow! You really know how to hit a golf ball! B: Yeah, I __________.
9. __________! What's that smell?

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Have you ever had a boss, teacher, or parent who was a "slave driver"?
2. Do you usually "knuckle down" and "keep your nose to the grindstone," or do you prefer to "play now, work later"?
3. Would you rather be your own boss, or work for someone else? Why?

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. a real slave driver; 2. knuckle down; 3. off to; 4. hassle; 5. Ease up; 6. What the...?; 7. keep your nose to the grindstone; 8. get my licks in; 9. Ugh

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."


Mini-Lessons from Thursday, May 31, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Science: laser: a machine that makes a fine point of light, which may be used to cut something, or to "read" information as on a DVD.
  • Language Study: syntax: order of words in a sentence. Important in English: "A dog bit a boy" is very different from "A boy bit a dog."
  • Business: flexible: able to change when the situation changes. "In this market, we must be flexible, and change to meet the customers' needs."
  • Literature: pluralism: having many different types of groups (religions, races, political groups), all living side-by-side in one society.
  • New Words: channel-hop: move quickly between TV channels with a remote control. Also "channel surf." "Stop channel hopping! Let's watch the news."
  • Slang: Why the long face?: "Why are you so sad?" When one is sad, the face looks longer. A: "Why the long face?" B: "My grandma is sick."
  • Modern History: secession: 11 southern states left the US in 1860 and 1861. They started the Confederacy, which led to the American Civil War.

NOTES:
  1. Except for the Slang words, all the words in these Mini-Lessons came from lists either on the Oxford University Press site or in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  2. The Slang words are from my own list, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

The Buck Stops Here



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Do you ever try to get out of doing your job?

READ THIS:

James sees his student, a boy named George, who has been studying the life of American president Harry Truman.

James: Georgy-porgy!
George: Hi, James. Hey, I'm glad I saw you. Got time for a question?
James: Sure. What's up?
George: I was just reading about President Truman, and I saw a picture of him with a sign on his desk that said, "The buck stops here."
James: Oh, yeah. That's pretty famous.
George: So, what does it mean?
James: Well, there's another expression, "to pass the buck." It probably comes from poker, something about changing the dealer.
George: So...?
James: So, when the dealer changed, one dealer would "pass the buck" to the next.
George: I'm still not following you.
James: Patience, George! From this idea of "passing the buck" in poker, the phrase came to refer to the idea of "shifting responsibility," not always in a good way. So in business for example, when someone says, "That's not my job; ask so-and-so," we say he's "passing the buck."
George: OK, I'm starting to get it. So Harry Truman was saying that he had the ultimate responsibility, right?
James: That’s right. As the man at the top, he had no one to "pass the buck" to, so it stopped with him.
George: Got it! Thanks, James.
James: Sure. Phew! That was a tough one!
George: But I knew you could do it!

NOTES:

The best student is the one who goes beyond the assignment.

Often, while studying a particular topic, we encounter words or expressions that, while not essential to understanding the topic we are studying, will enlarge our understanding of English language and culture in general. It's good to dig deep, past what is required, to find gems of greater meaning.

More notes:
  • Georgy-porgy!: James makes a joke with George's name. This comes from a rhyme: "Georgy Porgy, puddin' and pie/Kissed the girls and made them cry..."
  • something about changing the dealer: There are several theories on this. Some say the dealer had a buck knife (a type of hunting knife) in front of him; others say it was buckshot (something used in a shotgun). Whatever it was, it was referred to as the "buck" that would be passed to the next dealer.
  • Phew!: This is how we write the sound made when someone exhales noisily; here it means James is relieved.

PRACTICE:

Some people think that the term "passing the buck" is based on the meaning of "buck" as a slang term for a kind of American paper money. Below I have listed the nicknames of six kinds of American paper money. Match each one to the amount it describes.

1. buck
2. C-note
3, double sawbuck
4. fin
5. grand
6. sawbuck

a. $1
b. $5
c. $10
d. $20
e. $100
f. $1000

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. What would people think of a leader who tried to "pass the buck"? Has anyone you trusted ever "passed the buck"? If so, what happened?
2. Have you ever been ultimately responsible for something, with no one to "pass the buck" to? If so, how did it make you feel?
3. Do you know the story of "Georgy Porgy, puddin' and pie/Kissed the girls and made them cry..."? Look it up. How do you feel about "Georgy Porgy"? Would YOU want to be called this?

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. buck: (a) $1; No one is sure why a dollar is called "a buck" (and 50 d0llars "50 bucks" etc.), but it may come from the days when hunters used the skin of a male deer--a buck--as a kind of money.
2. C-note: (e) $100; "c" is the first letter in Latin words relating to 100 (like a century=100 years). You may even hear "century note."
3. double sawbuck: (d) $20; see "sawbuck" below; 20 is 2 x 10.
4. fin: (b) $5; in Yiddish (a language related to both German and Hebrew), "five" is "finf." So in English, "fin" is close enough.
5. grand: (f) $1000; the word "grand" can mean "great, elegant," etc. So to have a thousand dollars would be "grand"! It's also sometime abbreviated to "G" or "gee," so "My car cost thirty gees" means it cost $30,000.
6. sawbuck: (c) $10; people who cut trees or wood sometimes stand it up on a cross-shaped stand to cut it; this is called a "sawbuck." And the cross-shape (X) is the Roman numeral for "10."

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Wednesday, May 30, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Link: Writing Business Letters in English: http://www.englishclub.com/business-english/business-letters.htm
  • Ancient History: Lucrezia Borgia: (1480-1519) Member of Borgia family of Renaissance Italy; sister to Cesare. Accused of plotting, tricks, poisoning.
  • Irregular Verbs: I retake pictures that turn out poorly. I retook one yesterday. I have retaken quite a few since my camera broke!
  • Idiom: buy a pig in a poke: buy something you haven't seen. A: "I never shop online." B: "Why?" A: "I don't like to buy a pig in a poke."
  • Pop Culture: Muhammad Ali: (born 1942 as Cassius Clay) African-American boxing champion, famous for his boxing style and his BIG personality.
  • Slang: 'Sup?: Short for "What's up?" A: "Hey, Moe. 'Sup?" B: "Not much. 'Sup with you?" A: "Nothing much."
  • Government: moratorium: a delay or stopping agreed on by two sides. If A owes B money, they can agree on a "moratorium" on payment, delaying it.

NOTES:
  1. The Idiom, the History and Government words, and some of the Pop Culture words, are from lists in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  2. The Link was found online; the Slang words, the Irregular Verbs, and some of the Pop Culture words are from my own lists, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Brevity Is the Soul of Wit



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Do you know what it means to be "concise"? Why do you think this is important?

READ THIS:

James talks with his student, a girl named Helen, about a paper she has written on Shakespeare's "Hamlet."

James: Good morning, Helen.
Helen: Good morning, James. I wanted to ask you about this paper.
James: Sure. Let's see...oh, yeah, see the comments in the margin? "Wordy," "Redundant," and so on?
Helen: Yes, I see them, but I don't know what the problem is.
James: The problem is, you often use more words than necessary.
Helen: For example?
James: Well, look at this sentence: "The reason why Hamlet died was because he couldn't make a decision."
Helen: What's wrong with that?
James: Try saying it this way: "Hamlet died because he was indecisive."
Helen: Oh, I see. Same idea, fewer words.
James: Exactly. Don't forget what Polonius said to Claudius and Gertrude: "Brevity is the soul of wit."
Helen: I remember that! It was funny, because in the speech where he said it, he used too many words too.
James: That's right. He didn't follow his own advice. But as he says, brevity, or "being brief," is one mark of intelligent speaking.
Helen: And writing!
James: You got it.

NOTES:

There are two issues to be considered when using a language. The first is communication. In other words, can you be understood?

The second is respect. You want people not only to understand you, but also to respect how well you use the language.

One of the markers of a sophisticated English speaker is how briefly he or she can state an idea. Look at these examples:
"my mother's house" instead of "the house of my mother"
"My friend and I are happy" instead of "My friend is happy, and I am happy, too"
These and other such expressions set apart the great speakers from the good ones.

While this is especially difficult when speaking, there is more opportunity to shape and condense language when writing.

More notes:
  • Wordy: This describes the use of too many words
  • Redundant: This is when a speaker or writer repeats things unnecessarily. In the example, "The reason why" equals "because"; a sentence doesn't need both.
  • indecisive: Note that James recommends using a pointed adjective instead of the phrase, "he couldn't make a decision."

PRACTICE:

Re-write the following sentences using fewer words. Suggested answers are below.

1. The majority of the people who wanted to visit were not allowed to go in.
2. When I want to know what you think, I'll ask you what you think.
3. You shouldn't use the word "never" in a sentence.
4. There's going to be a rainstorm tomorrow.
5. When I have some extra time, I like to read fiction books that tell the story of someone's life.
6. Please walk across the room and put the chair in the place where two walls join.
7. It is not difficult to drive a car.
8. She didn't tell the truth.
9. Write something on your calendar to remind you.
10. You are prohibited from smoking in the hallway.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Why is it important to use fewer words when possible?
2. Look at the exercise and the answers. How does each answer improve the original sentence?
3. Do you think it's important to learn to speak in a way that people respect? Why or why not?

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

These are just possible answers; there are many ways to make the sentences shorter.

1. Most of the visitors were turned away.
2. When I want your opinion, I'll ask for it.
3. Never say "never."
4. It's going to rain tomorrow.
5. I like to read novels in my free time.
6. Put the chair in the corner.
7. Driving is easy.
8. She lied.
9. Mark your calendar.
10. Don't smoke in the hallway.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Tuesday, May 29, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Tip: Record yourself. Use your phone or an MP3 recorder to playback and listen to your speech. Compare it to a native speaker!
  • Proverb: Live and let live: Don't interfere with others. Take care of your own needs, and let them take care of theirs.
  • Academic Vocabulary: portion: part of something. "A large portion of my morning is spent reading emails."
  • Literature: Sherwood Forest: a forest in England. Legend says Robin Hood lived there with his men. He "robbed from the rich and gave to the poor."
  • Art: Rorschach test: a test made of inkblots (messy marks on paper); the person tested looks at them and says what they make him think of.
  • Slang: You bet: absolutely, for sure. A: "Would you like to come over for dinner?" B: "You bet! What can I bring?"
  • Geography: Beverly Hills: city near Los Angeles. Known for being the home of rich people, movie stars. Also famous for TV teen drama "90210."

NOTES:
  1. Academic Vocabulary is the Academic Word List from Oxford University Press. This is "a list of words that you are likely to meet if you study at an English-speaking university."
  2. The Proverb, and the Literature, Art, and Geography words are from lists in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  3. The Tip and Slang words are from my own lists, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Monday, May 28, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Science: thermostat: control used to set the temperature of a room. For instance, when the room gets cool, the thermostat turns the heater on.
  • Language Study: biography: story of someone's life. If the person in the story writes it, it's an "autobiography."
  • Business: assembly line: line where machines or workers assemble (put together) parts made elsewhere in the company into finished products.
  • Literature: Was this the face that launched a thousand ships?: Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" on seeing Helen of Troy, whose beauty caused Trojan War.
  • New Words: mwah: sound of a kiss, especially when written. "Counting the days until I see you! Until then, a big kiss! MWAH!"
  • Slang: nope: casual way to say "no." A: "Would you like a snack?" B: "Nope. Just ate." May seem impolite; here, "No, thanks" is better.
  • Modern History: divine right of kings: idea that God gives power to kings and queens. So to work against them is a sin. Common until the 17th century.

NOTES:
  1. Except for the Slang words, all the words in these Mini-Lessons came from lists either on the Oxford University Press site or in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  2. The Slang words are from my own list, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Boys Will Be Boys



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Do you think it's okay for a child to behave badly, just because he's a child?

READ THIS:

James sees his student, a girl named Nancy, eating alone in a restaurant.

James: Hey Nancy, where's Chuck? I though you guys would be out tonight?
Nancy: You mean "Yuck," don't you?
James: Whoa! What's the deal?
Nancy: Can you say, "Peter Pan Syndrome"?
James: He won't grow up, huh?
Nancy: He stays out all night drinking beer with his friends, sleeps all day, and plays computer games in the evening. He's in a net café right now, and I'm eating alone.
James: Would it be any better if I said, "Boys will be boys"?
Nancy: Nope. Doesn't cut it.
James: How about, "You're only young once"?
Nancy: That works both ways. I'm only young once, too. This is my youth he's wasting here.
James: I see what you mean. Have you talked about it?
Nancy: Only about a million times. I think I'm going to have to dump him.
James: Well, lots of luck.
Nancy: Thanks.

NOTES:

Some people will excuse any behavior because of a proverb. Others challenge this "ancient wisdom" and expect something better.

For many years, people accepted all sorts of behavior from young (and not-so-young) men because "Boys will be boys." Not anymore.

More notes:
  • "Yuck": Nancy makes a bitter joke; "Yuck" is a sound we make when we think something is disgusting, and it rhymes with "Chuck."
  • Whoa!: An expression of surprise, which can also mean "stop" or "wait a second."
  • What's the deal?: A slangy way to say "What's happening?"
  • Can you say...?: This is a humorous (or sarcastic) way to introduce an expression, or to comment on something. For example, if one of your friends were acting foolish, you might turn to another friend and say, "Can you say 'circus clown'?"
  • "Peter Pan Syndrome": In the book "Peter Pan," Peter was an "eternal youth"--that is, he never grew up. Nancy is saying that Chuck is immature, and will never grow up. "Peter Pan Syndrome" is a mock illness in pop psychology.
  • Doesn't cut it: Properly "That doesn't cut it," it means that something is not sufficient to explain a question or solve a problem. Nancy is saying that "Boys will be boys" doesn't justify her boyfriend's behavior.
  • That works both ways: Nancy means that the expression "You're only young once" applies to both her and Chuck. As she explains, his behavior is keeping her from having fun while she's young.
  • a million times: an obvious exaggeration, but commonly used to mean "many, many times."
  • to dump someone: to break up with someone.

PRACTICE:

Use the above terms in one of the following sentences. Be sure to use the correct form.

1. My friend never wants to pay for dinner. __________, "Cheap"?
2. A: You need to talk nicer to your students. B: __________. They need to behave better.
3. A: You're a great guy, but... B: Oh my God! Are you __________ me?
4. __________! There's something stuck on the bottom of my shoe!
5. A: Hi, Susan. Those are unusual shoes. __________? B: Oh, these are special running shoes. I'm going out for some exercise.
6. A: I promise I'll never do it again. B: That __________. Don't just TELL me, SHOW me.
7. A: I'm only going to pay you half of what I promised. B: __________! When did you change your mind?
8. I've told you __________: DON'T BE LATE!
9. Robin is 45 years old but acts like a little boy. He's a clear example of __________.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Do you know anyone with "Peter Pan Syndrome"? Is it common in your culture? Is it acceptable?
2. Have you ever been "dumped"? Have you ever "dumped" anyone? Why do people do this? What is the best way to do it?
3. What do you think "You're only young once" means? Do you believe it? How will people live differently if they accept this idea?

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. Can you say; 2. That works both ways; 3. dumping; 4. Yuck; 5. What's the deal; 6. doesn't cut it; 7. Whoa; 8. a million times; 9. "Peter Pan Syndrome"

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Blood Is Thicker than Water



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Is there anything more important to you than family? Why?

READ THIS:

James sees his friend, a man named Donald, moping around at a party

James: Hey, Don. Why the long face?
Donald: Oh, my girlfriend's making me crazy.
James: As they do. What is it this time?
Donald: Well, she was supposed to come with me to the party tonight, but her aunt is in town, and her mother wanted her to go to dinner with them. So it's, "Adios Donnie" and "Hello Auntie."
James: Why not? I mean, blood is thicker than water.
Donald: But we plan to get married next year.
James: Then I guess you'd better get used to this!
Donald: Isn't there anything I can do?
James: Have you told her how you feel?
Donald: Sure.
James: Calmly and lovingly?
Donald: Oh...uh, well, not exactly...
James: That's what I thought. Wait for the calm between the storms, and talk it out with her.
Donald: OK, I'll try it.

NOTES:

Long before there was any understanding of DNA and other elements of the science of genetics, people felt that what joined family members together was blood. We still speak of "blood relatives" or people related "by blood," as opposed to "in-laws" or people related by law.

This gives a clue to the meaning of the expression, "Blood is thicker than water." The expression means that family is more important than anything.

That's not always a good thing, though, as it can lock some people out, especially in-laws.

More notes:
  • moping around: This describes someone who's sighing, rolling his eyes, hanging his head, etc. It's the kind of behavior that begs someone to ask why you're sad.
  • Why the long face?: When people are sad, it seems that their face becomes longer (try it). So this question means, "Why are you sad?"
  • As they do: An expression of agreement. When someone says that someone has done something, using an expression like this (with the appropriate pronoun) is like saying, "Yes, they always do that" or "That's what they usually do."
  • "Adios Donnie" and "Hello Auntie": "Adios" is Spanish for "goodbye." So this means that Donald's girlfriend has told him goodbye (for the night) and told her aunt hello.
  • the calm between the storms: James plays on a common expression here, about "the calm before the storm." "The storms" in his expression would be Donald's fights with his girlfriend; James suggests that Donald discuss this sometime when they're not fighting.
  • talk it out: discuss it until the problem is solved.

PRACTICE:

Use the above terms in one of the following sentences. Be sure to use the correct form.

1. Don't __________! Go out and have some fun!
2. What happened, Susannah? __________?
3. If Ken can't do the work expected of him, it will be __________ and "Hello, replacement."
4. The day before school starts, the campus is so quiet. It's like __________.
5. A: A policeman gave me a speeding ticket. B: __________.
6. If my boyfriend and I can't agree on something, we usually __________.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. When a woman gets married, is her main responsibility to her parents, or her spouse? Why do you think so? What about when a man gets married?
2. When a relative visits from out of town, do you cancel your regular activities (dinner with friends, etc.) to spend more time with him or her?
3. How do you settle disputes with a loved one?

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. mope around; 2. Why the long face; 3. "Adios, Ken"; 4. the calm before the storm; 5. As they do; 6. talk it out

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Sunday, May 27, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Link: Be a Tour Guide!: http://www.englishclub.com/english-for-work/tour-guide.htm
  • Ancient History: Incas: residents of South America before the Spanish came, centered in modern Peru. Empire was conquered by Pizarro.
  • Irregular Verbs: New opportunities arise daily. One arose for me this morning. Many have arisen in the past.
  • Idiom: pay the piper: accept the results of one's actions. A: "Oh, my head! I got drunk last night." B: "So now you have to pay the piper."
  • Pop Culture: polka: a type of dance and music. Polka bands in America often sound like "OOM-pa, OOM-pa" so called "oompa bands."
  • Slang: to be nosy: to be too interested in other people's business. A: "What's in your bag?" B: "None of your business. Don't be so nosy!"
  • Government: American Dream: the idea that in America (supposedly), anyone can become richer than they started, and have a more comfortable life.

NOTES:
  1. The Idiom, the History and Government words, and some of the Pop Culture words, are from lists in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  2. The Link was found online; the Slang words, the Irregular Verbs, and some of the Pop Culture words are from my own lists, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Birds of a Feather Flock Together



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. What do you have in common with most of your friends? Do you have any friends with whom you have nothing in common?

READ THIS:

James sees his student, a girl named Lisa, sitting alone in the cafeteria.

James: Hi, Lisa. Where's Betty? Don't you guys usually sit together?
Lisa: Well, we did, but not anymore.
James: What happened? Did you have a fight or something?
Lisa: Not exactly. We just kind of...drifted apart. We were best friends in high school, but when we came here, she kind of found new friends.
James: That's too bad.
Lisa: Yeah, she got into the drama club, and now she spends all her spare time just hanging out with the other actors.
James: Well, you know what they say, "Birds of a feather flock together."
Lisa: Yeah, I guess so, but it still sucks.
James: So, why don't you go find some "birds" of your own? Isn't there a club you could join?
Lisa: I've been thinking about the tennis club.
James: Go for it!

NOTES:

This saying has a rather strange construction in it. "Of a feather" is unusual; it's still found in a few other expressions, like "of a piece" or "of a color"; the idea is "of the same" feather, piece, or color.

In fact, some even say "Birds of the same feather..."

The meaning is simple: we usually spend most of our time with people who are similar to us. This is despite the other well-known saying, "Opposites attract."

Most of the time, these "birds" who are "flocking together" have a positive effect. Other times, though, someone gets left out, as we saw in the dialogue.

More notes:
  • you guys: The plural of "you" is "you." To make it clear that we mean "you plural," we might say "all of you" or "both of you." Here, James uses a common West coast expression (now found elsewhere as well), "you guys." This can be used for men, women, and mixed groups.
  • kind of: Lisa uses softening expression this twice, because she doesn't want to sound like's she's accusing Betty of anything.
  • something sucks: This rather vulgar expression is a strong way to say that it's bad, or distasteful. It's young people's slang, and can't be used in polite circumstances.
  • why don't you: a gentle way to suggest something. James is trying not to intrude too much in Lisa's personal affairs.
  • Go for it!: An expression of encouragement, meaning, "Don't hesitate! Jump right in!"

PRACTICE:

Use the above terms in one of the following sentences. Be sure to use the correct form.

1. I hate this song. It __________!
2. Susan! Jane! I haven't see __________ in forever!
3. A: I'm thinking about changing jobs. B: __________! I know you hate the one you have.
4. You look tired. __________ come in and sit for a while?
5. Could you please stop smoking? It's __________ annoying.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Have you ever lost a friend because your interests changed? Talk about it.
2. What are your interests? How can you find other people with the same interests as you?
3. Do you belong to any clubs or other social groups based on your interests? What are they?

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. sucks; 2. you guys; 3. Go for it; 4. Why don't you; 5. kind of

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Saturday, May 26, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Tip: Listen to music, and sing along. Words are easier to remember in sentences, especially with rhythm and rhyme.
  • Proverb: Once bitten, twice shy: When we've had a bad experience with someone or something, we are less comfortable with it next time.
  • Academic Vocabulary: virtual: only a little different from. "My son is a virtual genius on piano." Also used for digital versions of things.
  • Literature: Promised Land: area of land that God promised to Abraham and his descendants. Considered to be Israel, conquered many years later.
  • Art: renaissance: a time when art and learning were revived in Europe in the 14th-17th centuries. Also, any "rebirth" of art or learning.
  • Slang: Nice shot: compliments shooting in video games or basketball. Also, good photography. A: "Look at my picture." B: "Ooo, nice shot!"
  • Geography: Santa Fe Trail: important 19th-century route from Independence, Missouri, to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Largely replaced by the railroad.

NOTES:
  1. Academic Vocabulary is the Academic Word List from Oxford University Press. This is "a list of words that you are likely to meet if you study at an English-speaking university."
  2. The Proverb, and the Literature, Art, and Geography words are from lists in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  3. The Tip and Slang words are from my own lists, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

A Bird In the Hand Is Worth Two in the Bush



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Have you ever had to give up something "good" to get something "better"?

READ THIS:

Last time, James's student Daniel was nervous about an upcoming interview with Microsoft. Now it's a few weeks later, and James asks Daniel what happened.

James: So, Dan, how'd it go?
Daniel: James, you were dead on. That interview was a cinch!
James: Told you so! But, you still look worried. What's going on?
Daniel: Well, I still haven't heard from Microsoft. But meanwhile, I have a couple of other really good offers. One of them is from IBM.
James: Yikes! I see the problem. What are you going to do?
Daniel: I don't know. My dad said to take the IBM offer. He says, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
James: Yeah? What do you think?
Daniel: He's probably right. It's a great offer, and since I have zero experience, I should snap it up.
James: But?
Daniel: But, on the other hand, I really really want the Microsoft job.
James: Yeah. Sounds like you’re between a rock and a hard place.
Daniel: Uh-huh. I don't have to decide on the IBM thing 'til tomorrow, though, so I'm going to sleep on it one more time.
James: Good idea.

NOTES:

"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" dates all the way back to ancient Greece, and has been used in English for over 500 years. It's so familiar that we sometimes shorten it to just, "A bird in the hand..." It means: What we have is twice as valuable as what we might get.

This can really become important in situations where we have to choose between a certainty and a potential benefit, as when we start getting job offers.

More notes:
  • how'd it go: short for "How did it go?"
  • dead on: exactly right
  • a cinch: From the Spanish "cincha," a cinch is type of belt. It is also the strap that goes around a horse's belly. To cinch something means "to tie it tight." So something that is cinched is certain, a sure thing. That is where the idea of "easy" comes from. When a sports team is sure to win, we call the game "a lock," a similar meaning.
  • Told you so: "I told you so" means "Things came out as I predicted." It's also sort of taunting to say this to someone, like "I was right and you were wrong."
  • What's going on?: Although it simply means "What's happening?" it usually has a negative feeling.
  • Yikes!: An expression of surprise, or possibly pain.
  • zero experience: "zero" is used here to mean "absolutely no"
  • to snap something up: to grab something before it's too late
  • between a rock and a hard place: between two equally difficult places (a rock is a hard place).
  • to sleep on something: to think about something overnight

PRACTICE:

Use the above terms in one of the following sentences. Be sure to use the correct form.

1. A: __________? I thought I told you to clean your room! B: Sorry, Mom. I forgot.
2. My parents want me to stop seeing my boyfriend because he's 10 years older than me. But I love him so much! I'm __________.
3. My teacher was __________ when he said that the reading assignment would be tough. It almost killed me!
4. A: Do you want to go to France with us this summer? B: Let me __________ and I'll tell you tomorrow.
5. A: You were right: the test was easy. B: __________!
6. A: You had a test yesterday. __________? B: I think I passed.
7. A: __________! What happened to your face? B: I was in a car accident.
8. You'd better __________ those cookies before someone else eats them.
9. I'm not worried about tomorrow's test; it'll be __________!
10. You can't get a job with __________ qualifications.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Have you ever been "between a rock and a hard place"? What is the best way to make a decision in that kind of situation?
2. What would you do if you were Daniel: take the job at IBM, or wait for Microsoft? Why?
3. Do you have a "bird in the hand" that you don't want to risk for some "bird in the bush"? What are these things?

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. What's going on?; 2. between a rock and a hard place; 3. dead on; 4. sleep on it; 5. Told you so; 6. How'd it go; 7. Yikes!; 8. snap up; 9. a cinch; 10. zero

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Friday, May 25, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Science: hormones: chemicals made by the glands in the body. They are "messengers" telling the other organs what to do, and when.
  • Language Study: phrasal verb: verb + adverb or preposition, making a single verb with its own meaning. "Get up" is very different from "get," etc.
  • Business: regulator: person or group (often from the government) that controls the way an industry does business, like banking regulators.
  • Literature: "The Divine Comedy": Dante's 14th-century poem describing Hell (Inferno), Heaven (Paradiso), and between them, Purgatory (Purgatorio).
  • New Words: babe: attractive person, usually of the opposite sex. Also a form of address. "Look at that babe!" or "Hi, Babe." But may be rude.
  • Slang: As they do: (mainly British) joking agreement, says "That's how they are (he is, etc.)" A: "Mike and Kim came late." B: "As they do."
  • Modern History: I have a dream: a speech by Martin Luther King, Jr., given in Washington, D.C., in 1963. Key moment in the civil rights movement.

NOTES:
  1. Except for the Slang words, all the words in these Mini-Lessons came from lists either on the Oxford University Press site or in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  2. The Slang words are from my own list, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

The Bigger They Come, the Harder They Fall



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Do you like big challenges?

READ THIS:

James sees his student, a boy named Daniel, pacing nervously by the bus stop.

James: Oh Danny Boy! What's wrong?
Daniel: Oh, James. I'm really nervous. I have a humongous interview this afternoon; I'm just on my way there now.
James: Really? What's so special about this one?
Daniel: It's Microsoft! If I land this one, I'll be set for life.
James: Yeah? Well, don't worry. You've got what it takes.
Daniel: I know, but did you hear me? IT'S MICROSOFT!
James: Relax. You know, "The bigger they come, the harder they fall."
Daniel: What's that supposed to mean?
James: Uh...It's something people say before a fight. You know about David and Goliath?
Daniel: Oh, where the kid has just a sling and five rocks, and kills a giant?
James: Right. So in situations like that, we can say, "The bigger they are..."
Daniel: OK, I get it. But I don't want them to fall! I just want them to hire me!
James: Relax. You'll knock 'em dead!

NOTES:

This is one of those proverbs that seems to go against common sense. One wise guy said, "The bigger they come, the harder they hit"!

While it's true that something big will "fall harder" than something small, it's also true that it's harder to make a big thing fall!

In fact, the original meaning may have been exactly that: The bigger they are, the harder they are to make fall. But now we use the opposite meaning.

More notes:
  • Danny Boy: a beautiful old Irish song; James uses the title here as a familiar way to address Daniel. "Dan" and "Danny" are both common nicknames for "Daniel."
  • humongous: a slang term for "huge" or in this case "very important." Remember that "big" can mean "important." If you're meeting Bill Gates tomorrow, you might say "I have a big meeting" even though there may only be two people there!
  • to land something: to get something, like landing a fish when it's on one's line. Here, Daniel means "get this job." Boxers talk about "landing a punch," meaning hitting their target, too.
  • to be set for life: to not have to worry about money ever again
  • to have what it takes: to be qualified for something, to have the right qualities or skills.
  • knock 'em dead: often used in show business, this means to impress someone. We also say "to knock [someone's] socks off."

PRACTICE:

Use the above terms in one of the following sentences. Be sure to use the correct form.

1. A: I have an audition for a play tomorrow. B: __________!
2. Mike wants to be an NBA star, but he isn't sure he __________.
3. The salesman was pleased when he __________ a new account.
4. His name is Daniel, but I call him "__________."
5. If I can write a bestseller I'll be __________.
6. We ate at a fancy restaurant last night. The bill was __________!

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Have you ever had a "big interview"? If so, what happened? If not, how about ANY interview?
2. What company would you like to interview with? Why?
3. How could Daniel deal with being nervous?

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. Knock 'em dead; 2. has what it takes; 3. landed; 4. Danny Boy; 5. set for life; 6. humongous

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Thursday, May 24, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Link: How to Start an English Club: http://www.englishclub.com/english-clubs/english-club.htm
  • Ancient History: Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: famous ancient buildings and statues. From the best-known list, only the pyramids still stand.
  • Irregular Verbs: I dig holes to plant trees. I dug one yesterday. I have dug many in my life.
  • Idiom: Achilles' heel: weak point. "That player handles the ball well, but he never makes a basket. Shooting is his Achilles heel."
  • Pop Culture: Oklahoma!: a play (later a movie) with several famous songs, including "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning" and the title song.
  • Slang: Shoot: "go ahead." A: "May I ask you a question?" B: "Shoot!" Can also be a mild swear word. "Oh, shoot! I forgot my keys!"
  • Government: common law: law based on custom, rather than on legal decisions by government.

NOTES:
  1. The Idiom, the History and Government words, and some of the Pop Culture words, are from lists in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  2. The Link was found online; the Slang words, the Irregular Verbs, and some of the Pop Culture words are from my own lists, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Do you feel that when most people give gifts, they expect something in return? Or do you think most people give gifts freely?

READ THIS:

In today's dialogue, James will play a bit with this expression. He sees his friend, a woman named Dorothy, sitting at Starbucks.

James: Hi, Dot! What's up!
Dorothy: Oh, hi, James. I don't know. I'm just waiting for this guy...
James: Oh, a new boyfriend?
Dorothy: No, just a guy from work. But I think he thinks he's my boyfriend.
James: Why's that?
Dorothy: Well, he's always sending me gifts. Flowers for Valentine's Day, chocolates last week. It's kind of creepy.
James: Yeah, I guess you should "Beware of geeks bearing gifts."
Dorothy: "Geeks"? It's "Greeks," isn't it?
James: Yeah, but, I made a little joke. The expression was originally about the Trojan Horse, but I turned it into something about the creepy guy from work.
Dorothy: Aaanyyywaaaay, he asked me for coffee, and he's been so nice, I couldn't say no. But since you're here, will you stay and have coffee or something? I'd rather not meet this guy alone.
James: Sure! No problem. Let me just go get some tea.
Dorothy: OK, but hurry, please! He'll be here any minute.


NOTES:

The story of the Trojan Horse is well known. The Greeks had been fighting the men of Troy. Unable to beat them by fair means, they hid some men in a large wooden statue of a horse and, leaving it as a gift at the gates of Troy, seemingly departed. When the statue was taken inside the gates, the men came out at night and let the attacking Greeks in.

So today a "Trojan horse" is a kind of virus that hides in your computer, and the proverb "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts" has become popular.

More notes:
  • Dot: a nickname for "Dorothy," as is "Dotty." All of these names are somewhat old-fashioned.
  • sighs: Dorothy lets out a lot of air to show she's blue. The phrase "I don't know" gives the same feeling.
  • creepy: weird, or making someone uncomfortable
  • geeks: this is a word that's used of make fun of people with poor social skills. "Nerds" and "wonks" might be synonyms.
  • Aaanyyywaaaay: This drawn-out pronunciation of "anyway" is used after a bad joke to say, "I'm not going to laugh; let's continue the conversation."
  • coffee or something: Dorothy realizes that not everyone drinks coffee; she adds "or something" to make her suggestion less specific.
  • any minute: at any time, meaning "soon, but I'm not sure when."

PRACTICE:

Use the above terms in one of the following sentences. Be sure to use the correct form.

1. I don't mind if you call me a __________; at least it means I'm smart!
2. Would you like a cookie __________?
3. What's wrong? Why are you __________?
4. I have to go; my bus will be here __________.
5. That __________ guy in the office makes me uncomfortable.
6. A: Do you know why 9 was afraid of 7? Because 7 8 9! B: __________, seen any good movies lately?

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Have you ever felt pressured by someone who gave you gifts? Talk about it.
2. If you can, tell the story of The Trojan Horse. If you don't know it, look it up (even in your language), then tell it in English.
3. James made a corny joke. Do you know any corny jokes, either in English or in your own language? Tell some.

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. geek; 2. or something; 3. sighing; 4. any minute; 5. creepy; 6. Aaanyyywaaaay

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Wednesday, May 23, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Tip: Listen to (or read) English news. Many websites tell current stories in simple language. Even better, discuss the news with a friend!
  • Proverb: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure: It's better to stop a problem before it happens than to have to fix it later.
  • Academic Vocabulary: differentiate: see or show that two things are not the same. "Can you differentiate a cow from a bull?"
  • Literature: an eye for an eye: idea in law saying that punishment should be equal to the crime: not more, not less.
  • Art: Moonlight Sonata: a piece of music for piano, written by Beethoven. Called "Moonlight" for its peaceful beginning.
  • Slang: the love department: the romantic side of life. "I'm making a lot of money, but I'm not doing so well in the love department."
  • Geography: Southern Hemisphere: half of Earth located south of equator. Includes Australia, Antarctica; most of South America; part of Africa.

NOTES:
  1. Academic Vocabulary is the Academic Word List from Oxford University Press. This is "a list of words that you are likely to meet if you study at an English-speaking university."
  2. The Proverb, and the Literature, Art, and Geography words are from lists in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  3. The Tip and Slang words are from my own lists, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Better Safe than Sorry



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Are you like the first speaker, always making sure of things?

READ THIS:

James is leaving the classroom building, and sees his colleague, a woman named Margaret, walking back in.

James: Hi, Margaret. Did you forget something?
Margaret: Maybe. I was talking to some students as we left, and I can't remember if I locked the classroom door.
James: Ah, so you're going back to double-check it?
Margaret: Yeah. You know, "Better safe than sorry."
James: Good thinkin', Abe Lincoln. The old "precautionary principle."
Margaret: What's that?
James: Oh, it's a legal idea. It takes this common-sense idea, that it's better to do the safer thing than to take a risk, and turns it into a principle of law.
Margaret: So, you mean, governments or institutions have an obligation to establish safe practices, and prevent problems for the people under their care?
James: Exactly.
Margaret: Cool. Well, that door isn't going to lock itself. Gotta run.
James: Alright. Take it easy, Margaret.
Margaret: You too, James.

NOTES:

Like the expression "Better late than never," today's expression "Better safe than sorry" is compressed from a longer expression, "It is better to be safe than to be sorry."

This idea was stated beautifully by Benjamin Franklin, who said: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." An ounce is a small part of a pound, 1/16th to be exact. So a little bit of prevention is better than a lot of "cure" (repair, fixing, etc.)

It turns out that this is more than just an old-fashioned proverb. It's a principle of law and government, as we see in this dialogue.

More notes:
  • double-check: This just means to check for sure, not necessarily twice.
  • Good thinkin', Abe Lincoln: "Good thinkin'" means "That's smart." Then James adds a silly rhyme.
  • The old "precautionary principle": Sometimes "old" doesn't mean old. Here, it might mean "familiar" or "great." If I say, "I had a good old time," I'm using "old" to intensify the idea of "good." And if I say, "That's a big old cat," I'm just making the "big" stronger. "Old" can also mean "dear," as in "good old Bob."
  • a common-sense idea: something that everyone (or almost everyone) knows or believes; something that doesn’t
  • Cool: nice, great. It can also mean "I understand," as in "I'm cool with that."
  • that door isn't going to lock itself: We say this when we have to do something ourselves. A mother might say, "Sorry, I'm busy. Dinner isn't going to cook itself." Or a salesman's boss might say, "Get out there; this product isn't going to sell itself."
  • Gotta run: A very informal way to say, "I have to go."

PRACTICE:

Here is some vocabulary from the story and the notes. Match it to its meaning.

1. a common-sense idea
2. Good thinkin', Abe Lincoln
3. Gotta run
4. I'm cool with that.
5. It isn't going to do itself.
6. the old [something]
7. double-check something

a. I agree.
b. something familiar
c. That was clever of you.
d. something everyone agrees on
e. I have to go.
f. look at it again
g. I have to do it.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Can you think of examples of the "precautionary principle"? When has "an ounce of prevention" been useful in your life?
2. Do you think "common sense" is really common? That is, are there things that almost all people agree on? If so, give some examples. If not, explain why you think so.
3. Give some examples of how laws protect people by preventing problems.

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1.d; 2.c; 3.e; 4.a; 5.g; 6.b; 7.f

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Tuesday, May 22, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Science: instinct: behavior passed on by genes, not learned after birth. Some animals use instinct to hunt and are not "taught," for example.
  • Language Study: elegy: poem expressing sadness at losing something or someone. Similar but not the same as "eulogy," a speech spoken at a funeral.
  • Business: debt: money someone owes to another; also, the situation of owing money. "The company had a large debt (or was in deeply in debt)."
  • Literature: "Kubla Khan": an unfinished poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It tells of a dreamlike place called "Xanadu," a sort of Shangri-La.
  • New Words: fashion-forward: design that's ahead of its time. "I'm not sure if I could live in that house; the décor is a little fashion-forward."
  • Slang: How's that?: may mean "say it again" or "explain it to me." A: "I can't help you tomorrow." B: "How's that?" A: "I have to work."
  • Modern History: Napoleon Bonaparte: (1769-1821) French general and emperor. Conquered much of Europe; failed in Russia and at Battle of Waterloo.

NOTES:
  1. Except for the Slang words, all the words in these Mini-Lessons came from lists either on the Oxford University Press site or in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  2. The Slang words are from my own list, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

The Best-Laid Plans of Mice and Men Often Go Awry



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Do you always get what you want?

READ THIS:

In today's dialogue, James sees his friend, a woman named Susan, at the supermarket.

James: Suzie Q! How are you?
Susan: Oh, hi James. Pretty good.
James: How was your picnic Sunday?
Susan: Oh, we cancelled Saturday night, because the weather report said it was going to pour buckets. By Sunday morning, we realized the weatherman was wrong. But it was too late.
James: You know what they say: "The best-laid plans of mice and men..."
Susan: Yeah, I know. Hey, the ending I know for that saying is, "often go awry." But I heard someone say another one.
James: Yeah, the original was in a Scots poem by Robert Burns.
Susan: Scotch?
James: No! My Scottish friends say, "Scotch is a whiskey." Scots is a language related to English.
Susan: So Burns wrote in Scots?
James: Sometimes. But he also wrote in English. In this case, what he actually wrote was, "The best-laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley," but we usually just say it in a paraphrase.
Susan: Got it. Thanks. Oh! Look at the time! I have to go. See you around, James.
James: OK, take care. And better luck with the next picnic!

NOTES:

One thing we can be sure of is that we can seldom be sure of anything.

The expression "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry" comes from the poem "To A Mouse," by the Scottish poet Robert Burns.

Although a poet, Burns actually made his living as a farmer. One day he was plowing the field and disturbed a mouse's nest. This, he says, is like the things that happen to us.

These lines occur in the seventh of eight stanzas; paraphrased, they read:

But Mouse, you are not alone,
In proving foresight may be vain:
The best laid schemes of mice and men
Go often awry
And leave us nothing but grief and pain,
For promised joy!

More notes:
  • Suzie Q! How are you?: "Suzie Q" is a cute nickname for Susan; here, James rhymes it with "How are you?" to make it even cuter.
  • to pour buckets: We seldom say "Raining cats and dogs"; this is a more common expression. You can imagine what it would be like if someone "poured buckets" of water on your head!
  • the weatherman: We commonly personify the weather report by saying the information came from "the weatherman," a person (male or female) who reports the weather on TV.
  • to go awry: to go wrong; to not go as planned
  • Scots: a language used in the lowlands of Scotland
  • to paraphrase: to say something in other words; to restate
  • Oh! Look at the time!: Susan uses the expression to explain why she has to leave.
  • Better luck: Often "Better luck next time," we can say this when someone tells us they have failed at something.

PRACTICE:

Use the above terms in one of the following sentences. Be sure to use the correct form.

1. I don't understand what you said. Can you __________ that?
2. A: Are we going hiking tomorrow? B: That depends on __________.
3. Wow! It's __________ out there! I'm soaked!
4. I was planning to bake you a birthday cake, but then everything __________.
5. A: We lost the game! B: That's too bad; __________.
6. My grandpa's from Edinburgh, and when he speaks __________ I can't always understand him.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Give some examples of times your plans have "gone awry."
2. Do you know anything about Scots, or other languages of the British Isles? Talk about them. (If you don't, look them up!)
3. Has "the weatherman" ever spoiled your plans? If yes, talk about it; if not, imagine some ways that could happen.

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. paraphrase; 2. the weatherman; 3. pouring buckets; 4. went awry; 5. Better luck next time; 6. Scots

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Monday, May 21, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Link: Read Proverbs (with meanings and vocabulary): http://www.englishclub.com/reading/proverbs-meaning.htm
  • Ancient History: Middle Ages: European era between ancient and modern times. The Church was all-powerful; little new knowledge was developed.
  • Irregular Verbs: Some students often oversleep. One student overslept yesterday. He has overslept three times this semester.
  • Idiom: touch and go: not certain. A: "Did you finish the race?" B: "It was touch and go for a while, but I finally crossed the finish line."
  • Pop Culture: kitsch: art and furniture that are expensive but ugly. Some people like it because it's unusual.
  • Slang: to get canned: to be fired. A: "Why are you so upset?" B: "I got canned! Now I have to look for another job."
  • Government: Scholastic Aptitude Test: standard test for entry to American universities. Some feel the test is unfair to minority students.

NOTES:
  1. The Idiom, the History and Government words, and some of the Pop Culture words, are from lists in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  2. The Link was found online; the Slang words, the Irregular Verbs, and some of the Pop Culture words are from my own lists, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

The Best Things in Life Are Free



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Do you think the second speaker is right? Can you be happy without money?

READ THIS:

James sees his student, boy named Charles, just after graduation.

James: Congratulations, Chuck! What's next?
Charles: I don't know exactly. But one thing's for sure: I'm gonna be rich!
James: That's it? That's your whole life plan?
Charles: Why not?
James: Well, haven't you heard? "The best things in life are free."
Charles: Like what?
James: Love? A beautiful sunset? Uhh, a baby's smile? A…
Charles: Blah blah blah. I'll need money to find a wife who loves me, and get to a resort where I can see a sunset. And kids? Sheesh! Mega-expensive!
James: Wow, you've really thought this out. Well, I hope your dreams come true!
Charles: Thanks, James. See ya around.
James: Yeah, keep in touch.

NOTES:

In today's economic climate, we sometimes lose sight of the idea that "Money isn't everything." We're often told it "can't buy love." And one old saying tells us: "It can buy a bed, but not sleep; it can buy a clock, but not time; it can buy a book, but not knowledge" and so on. However, lots of people these days have other ideas.

More notes:
  • Chuck: Like "Charlie," this is a nickname for Charles.
  • What's next?: James is asking Charles his plans for the near future; it's like saying, "What's the next step in your life?"
  • That's it?: James is shocked that Charles has only one goal: money. Not "happiness," or "helping others," or "raising a family," but just to "be rich."
  • Why not?: Charles challenges James's disbelief. "Why not?" is a way to ask what's wrong with his plan.
  • Blah blah blah: Charles interrupts James and indicates that James's words are meaningless. This would be very rude in most cases, but can be done with humor in the right circumstances.
  • Sheesh!: An expression of surprise or (as in this case) annoyance.
  • Mega-expensive: Properly, "mega" is a prefix that means "large," sometimes a million (or thereabouts). "Megabyte," for instance, means "(about) one million bytes" (actually 1,048,576). So we sometimes use it in slang terms to magnify something. "Mega-expensive" would just mean "very expensive."
  • See ya around: Properly "See you around," a casual way to say "goodbye."
  • keep in touch: Although it's often said, this is especially appropriate when someone is, say, leaving a company or, as here, leaving school. Since James and Charles won't be seeing each other at school anymore, they'll have to make an effort to keep contact with each other.

PRACTICE:

Use the above terms in one of the following sentences. Be sure to use the correct form.

1. A: Want to see a film? B: __________? I love a good movie.
2. I can't afford to buy a Mercedes; they're __________.
3. It was nice seeing you. Please __________ and maybe we can meet again soon.
4. You asked me to do four things, and I've finished two of them. __________?
5. __________! Can you believe that guy? He thinks he's so wonderful!
6. You're only paying me $10 for this? __________? I expected more!
7. I have to go now. __________!
8. A: I don't feel like working today. B: What else is new? __________!

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Do you think Charles's plan (to get rich) is a good one? Why or why not?
2. James says "The best things in life are free." Agree or disagree? If you agree, what are some of those "best things"? If you disagree, what's better than the free things?
3. What are YOUR "dreams"?

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. Why not; 2. mega-expensive; 3. keep in touch; 4. What's next; 5. Sheesh; 6. That's it; 7. See ya around; 8. blah blah blah

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Sunday, May 20, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Tip: Make your own mnemonics. Learn ways to remember new words, lists, etc. "Go, went, gone" isn't enough. Make associations!
  • Proverb: Familiarity breeds contempt: When we get too close to someone or something, we lose respect for it.
  • Academic Vocabulary: minimum: the smallest amount possible. Also "minimize" (make as small as possible) and "minimal" (adj.)
  • Literature: Groundhog Day: Feb. 2 US holiday (not a day off) when legend says a groundhog (a rodent) wakes up from his winter's sleep.
  • Art: genius: once, a spirit that inspired artists and others. Now, a very intelligent person. Once "He HAS a genius"; now "He IS a genius."
  • Slang: to wash up: clean up before dinner. "Kids! Dinner's ready! Come in and wash up!" Also, to do the dishes after dinner.
  • Geography: Mid-Atlantic states: a description of the US region containing New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland.

NOTES:
  1. Academic Vocabulary is the Academic Word List from Oxford University Press. This is "a list of words that you are likely to meet if you study at an English-speaking university."
  2. The Proverb, and the Literature, Art, and Geography words are from lists in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  3. The Tip and Slang words are from my own lists, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

The Best of Friends Must Part



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Do you think it's possible to stay with a friend forever?

READ THIS:

James sees his student, a girl named Jennifer, leaving the Student Activities office with a box under her arm.

James: Hey, Jen. Got your cap and gown?
Jennifer: Yeah...
James: Why so glum, chum?
Jennifer: It's almost Graduation Day.
James: So you should be happy, right? Reaching your goal? The end of four years of hard work? All that?
Jennifer: Sort of. But it's also the end of four years of hanging with my friends.
James: Oh, I see. You're going to miss them.
Jennifer: Of course. It kind of snuck up on me. I guess I thought I'd be with them forever.
James: You forgot the old saying, "The best of friends must part."
Jennifer: Uh-huh. I guess some part of me knew it, but I just didn't want to deal with it.
James: I understand. But chin up, kiddo! The best is yet to come!

NOTES:

One of the hardest lessons to learn in life is that everything changes. Nothing stays the same. This is especially important for students who are graduating from school.

More notes:
  • Student Activities office: Most schools have a special office for planning "extracurriculars," the activities that students do aside from study and classes. This office takes care of those.
  • cap and gown: The traditional clothes for graduation, usually a flat hat and a long robe or gown. These date back to the medieval universities of Europe.
  • Why so glum, chum?: "glum" means sad; "chum" means pal or friend. So this is a humorous rhyming expression to ask someone what's wrong.
  • All that?: This is another way to say "et cetera" or "and so forth."
  • hanging with someone: To "hang" or "hang out" means to spend time (usually with friends), not doing anything in particular.
  • It kind of snuck up on me: Something that "sneaks up" approaches quietly, without being seen. When a date or obligation comes and we are not ready, we might say it "snuck up" on us.
  • forever: Not literally, of course, but for a long time.
  • some part of me knew it: Jennifer is indicating that "deep down" she knew that she would have to leave her school friends someday, but she never allowed herself to think about it very much.
  • chin up: Like "cheer up." Instead of looking down and sad, look up, eyes forward on the future.
  • kiddo: A form of "kid," a friendly way to address a person, usually younger.
  • The best is yet to come!: A well-known expression reminding people that, although they may be sad that something is over, the future holds many more opportunities for happiness.

PRACTICE:

Use the above terms in one of the following sentences. Be sure to use the correct form.

1. Don't be so sad! __________!
2. Sorry I didn't get you a present; your birthday kind of __________.
3. A: __________? B: My best friend is moving away.
4. I'm graduating next month. I can't wait for __________ time!
5. Nice to see you, __________.
6. A: I feel like my happy days are over. B: Nonsense! __________!
7. When you graduate, are you going to get married, have a kid, __________?
8. I haven't seen you in __________.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Have you ever had to leave school or work friends? How did you feel?
2. Who do you "hang with" these days?
3. Do you believe "The best is yet to come"?

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. Chin up; 2. snuck up on me; 3. Why so glum, chum; 4. cap and gown; 5. kiddo; 6. The best is yet to come; 7. all that; 8. forever

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Mini-Lessons from Saturday, May 19, 2012

These Mini-Lessons are posted on Twitter, and in China on Weibo, throughout the day. You can follow them there!

To get the most from them, you should try to use them in sentences, or discuss them with friends. Writing something on Twitter or Weibo is a great way to practice!
  • Science: database: collection of information in a computer, arranged so it's easy to find a particular piece of information.
  • Language Study: suffix: one or more letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning, like "-ly" in "friendly," "-s" in "books," etc.
  • Business: consumption: use of something. Users are called "consumers," verb is "to consume." "Consumption of beer goes up in summer."
  • Literature: romanticism: 19th-century artistic movement based on personal feelings, free imagination, fewer rules. Opposite of "classicism."
  • New Words: light pollution: too much light in a city making it hard to see the stars. "The light pollution made it hard to see the meteor shower."
  • Slang: Gotta run: "I have to go (quickly)." A: "Can you help me with my homework?" B: "Not now. Gotta run. Maybe tomorrow!"
  • Modern History: I cannot tell a lie: legend says George Washington chopped down his father's cherry tree, then admitted he did it with these words.

NOTES:
  1. Except for the Slang words, all the words in these Mini-Lessons came from lists either on the Oxford University Press site or in the Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. I wrote the definitions and examples myself.
  2. The Slang words are from my own list, and I wrote the definitions and examples myself.

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."

Beggars Can’t Be Choosers



GET READY:

1. Can you guess the meaning of this saying?
2. Why do you think the second speaker says, "You should be happy with what they gave you"?

READ THIS:

James sees his student, a girl named Elizabeth, walking toward class. She's making a face.

James: What's the matter, Liz?
Elizabeth: My car broke down last week, right? And the garage said it won't be ready 'til next Tuesday.
James: Bummer.
Elizabeth: Well, one of my friends offered to pick me up this week.
James: Cool.
Elizabeth: But he smokes! In the car!
James: Yuck!
Elizabeth: Yeah, I can smell it in my hair and my clothes all day.
James: Have you said anything about it?
Elizabeth: No, I'm afraid if I do, he won't drive me anymore.
James: Yeah, I guess beggars can't be choosers.
Elizabeth: How's that?
James: I mean, if that's the only way for you to get here, you can't really afford to tick him off, can you?
Elizabeth: Nope.
James: So just open a window and deal with it. You'll be back in your own ride soon enough.
Elizabeth: Yeah, I suppose so.

NOTES:

One of the most famous rock bands ever, The Rolling Stones, sang, "You can't always get what you want."

That's another way to say today's proverb, "Beggars can’t be choosers."

The word "beggar" here is not, of course, literal. It means "someone who is depending on another" or "someone receiving help or a gift." This can often put us in awkward situations.

More notes:
  • Liz: This is one of the many nicknames for "Elizabeth." Others include Lizzie, Betty, Beth, and Bess (as in Elizabeth I of England, often called "Good Queen Bess").
  • right?: Elizabeth uses this to check if James is following the story, or perhaps to check if he knew this already. It's commonly used in telling stories.
  • Bummer: somewhat old-fashioned slang for "That's too bad." Very informal.
  • pick someone up: give someone a ride.
  • Cool: slang for "That's wonderful." Also very informal.
  • Yuck!: A sound that indicates disgust.
  • How's that?: This can sometimes mean Elizabeth didn't hear (like "What did you say?") or, like here, "What does that mean?"
  • to tick (someone) off: to make someone angry. It is a nicer version of a more vulgar expression.
  • nope: a very informal way to say "no."
  • deal with (something): take care of or see to something. Sometimes, when asked for help, a person might say, "I'm busy now. Just deal with it yourself."
  • ride: Here, "ride" means "car" or "vehicle." When James says, "your own ride," he means "your own car." Someone who wants to drive might say, "Let's take my ride."

PRACTICE:

Here is some vocabulary from the story. Match it to its meaning.

1. bummer
2. cool
3. deal with
4. How's that?
5. nope
6. pick up
7. ride
8. right?
9. tick off
10. Yuck!

a. no
b. car
c. That's great.
d. That's disgusting.
e. That's too bad.
f. You know what I mean?
g. take care of
h. make angry
i. Please explain.
j. give a ride to

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR WRITING:

If you can, try to talk about these questions in English with a friend. If not, try writing your answers.

1. Have you been in a situation where you received a gift, but you had hoped for something better? Talk about it.
2. What would you do if you were Liz: accept the ride and the smoke? Talk to your friend about the smoking? Find another way to get to school? Something else?
3. Have you ever had transportation problems? Talk about a problem, and how you solved it.

ANSWERS TO THE PRACTICE:

1. e; 2. c; 3. g; 4. i; 5. a; 6. j; 7. b; 8. f; 9. h; 10. d

This lesson is ©2012 by James Baquet. You may share this work freely. Teachers may use it in the classroom, as long as students are told the source (URL). You may not publish this material or sell it. Please write to me if you have any questions about "fair use."