English Conversation (video teaching): September 2015

Advanced English for Advanced Hair Cutting Techniques

source: Jon English 2011年1月25日

English lesson - Common Past Time Expressions

source: Learn English with Let's Talk 2015年9月12日
Take the quiz : http://www.learnex.in/common-past-tim...
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Time Expressions usually go at the end or at the beginning of a sentence.
Below are the most common Past Time Expressions

1. Yesterday - Previous day / One day before today
Example - I took an off yesterday

2. The day before yesterday - Two days before today
Example - Jane delivered a baby the day before yesterday.

3. Last night - It is used when speaking about the previous night.
Example - We had a blast last night

4. This morning - An earlier time on the same day.
Example - I skipped my breakfast this morning.

5. One week ago - Talking about a specific period of time / x number of days/weeks/months/years
Example - I spoke to her 10 days ago.

6. In 1990 - To talk about a specific point in the past.
Example - I graduated in 2003.

10.1 Let's Talk in English DVD 10 part 1/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

source: Q Channel / Produced by StudioClassroom (空中英語教室)
# Learn English free at StudioClassroom: http://www.studioclassroom...
* pre-intermediate level: Let's Talk in English http://lt.studioclassroom...
* intermediate level: Studio Classroom http://sc.studioclassroom.com/
* advanced level: Advanced http://ad.studioclassroom.com/default.php

10.2 Let's Talk in English DVD 10 part 2/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

10.3 Let's Talk in English DVD 10 part 3/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

10.4 Let's Talk in English DVD 10 part 4/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

10.5 Let's Talk in English DVD 10 part 5/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

10.6 Let's Talk in English DVD 10 part 6/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

10.7 Let's Talk in English DVD 10 part 7/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

10.8 Let's Talk in English DVD 10 part 8/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

Speaking English: 7 Phrases You Can Use Today!

source: Espresso English 2015年9月6日
http://www.espressoenglish.net/everyd...

#1 – a pain in the neck
If something is very annoying, you can describe it as “a pain in the neck” or simply as “a pain.” Remember, this idiom in context refers to something that bothers or annoys you, not to literal physical pain.
“Going through security at the airport is a pain in the neck – you have to take off your belt, keep all liquids in a bag, take out your laptop… it’s so inconvenient.”
“You can get a student visa in this country – but it’s a real pain. There are tons of forms to fill out, and the whole process takes at least six months.”
Describe something in your own life or experience that is a pain in the neck.

#2 – back to the drawing board
back to square one
If you do a project that tries to accomplish a goal, but it isn’t successful, then you’ll have to go back to the drawing board or back to square one – this means to start over with a new project/attempt, because the previous project didn’t work.
“The architect didn’t approve the plan for our new house, so it’s back to the drawing board.”
“I thought I’d get the job after my great interview, but I didn’t. Now it’s back to square one.“
Talk about a time you had to go back to the drawing board.

#3 – call the shots
Someone who calls the shots is the person who makes the decisions. This person has the power to decide things without needing permission or approval from anyone else.
“I make the money, but my wife is the one who calls the shots when it comes to financial decisions.”
Who calls the shots at work? Who calls the shots in your family?

#4 – down to the wire
If something is down to the wire, it means there is extremely little time left to finish it before the deadline.
“The paper was due at 4 PM and I worked on it right down to the wire – I handed it to my teacher at 3:55.”
Describe a time when something you were working on was down to the wire.

#5 – have time to kill
To have time to kill means you have extra time before something happens, so you need to find some way to occupy or entertain yourself.
“We got to the airport five hours early, so we had time to kill before the flight.”
When was the last time you had time to kill?

#6 – rack your brain
When you’re trying very hard to remember something, and having difficulty remembering or thinking of it, you are racking your brain.
“I racked my brain trying to recall the name of the book.”
When was the last time you racked your brain?

#7 – smooth sailing
Smooth sailing means easy progress, without any major problems or difficulties.
“It was a little tricky finding the right highway, but once we were on it, then it was smooth sailing.” (= easy to drive to the destination)
Talk about a time that a process was smooth sailing.

Slang words to express disappointment. (Advanced English Lesson)

source: Learn English with Let's Talk 2015年9月8日
Blog : http://www.learnex.in/slang-words-to-...
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1) Bummer / Bummer Days - Something that depresses or disappoints you is a bummer or any unpleasant situation or disappointing experience you face for couple of days are called as bummer days.
Example - I have been sick all week,bummer days!
Example - Getting stranded at the airport was a real bummer.

2) Boohoo - An exclamation to represent the sound of someone crying noisily or sobbing.
Example - Boohoo,nobody loves me!

3) In a funk - To be sad
Example - I'm in a funk today.

4) Burst one's bubble - To be disappointed because of something.
Example - We had planned to go for camping but the rain burst our bubble.

5) Soul sucking - Depressing
Example - I need a break from the soul sucking job.

6) In the dumps - Feeling sad or depressed
Example - He's been in the dumps since she dumped him for another guy.

7) Butt-hurt - to be upset , usually by a friendly insult
Example - I was just kidding,don't get butt-hurt.

8) Depressica - Refers to a female who is depressed over a guy
Example - Mary has been a depressica after she broke up with John.

Vocabulary IDEAS and BELIEFS (upper intermediate and advanced) Lesson 19

source: MrSkypelessons 2015年9月2日
http://www.skype-lessons.com/blog/

to adhere to (an adherent of)
to believe in
to assume (make an assumption)
to deduce
to convert to
fanatics / radicals
reactionaries
bigots
prejudices
postulates / tenets
to exaggerate

give/lend/add credence to
give s.o the benefit of the doubt
(im)plausible
(ir)rational
(il)logical
(in)credible
(un)likely

to dissuade
to discriminate against

to put (get) across
to put forward an idea
to talk s.o round / into / out of
to weigh s.t up
to point out
to take in
to run ideas by s.o

to side with / against
to come out in favour of
to come out against
to stand for / against
to stand up for / up against
to stick by
to cheer on
to egg on

to defer to the experts
to cave in to demands / public opinion

Phrasal Verbs with BACK: "back up", "back off", "back out"...

source: English Lessons with Adam 2015年9月9日
quiz at http://www.engvid.com/
# Click this line for relevant grammar videos: phrasal verbs

9.1 Let's Talk in English DVD 9 part 1/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

9.2 Let's Talk in English DVD 9 part 2/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

9.3 Let's Talk in English DVD 9 part 3/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

9.4 Let's Talk in English DVD 9 part 4/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

9.5 Let's Talk in English DVD 9 part 5/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

9.6 Let's Talk in English DVD 9 part 6/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

9.7 Let's Talk in English DVD 9 part 7/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

9.8 Let's Talk in English DVD 9 part 8/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

Vocabulary CRIME and PUNISHMENT (upper intermediate and advanced) Lesson 18

source: MrSkypelessons 2015年8月15日
http://www.skype-lessons.com/blog/

commit a minor offence
break the law
petty / juvenile crime
search s.o / the premises / a vehicle

investigate
arrest
interrogate
charge
go to court

trial
to convict
the accused
to adjourn
to remand in custody
to make a plea (to plead guilty)
witness, judge, jury, prosecution, defence
verdict
prove beyond reasonable doubt
trumped up charges
false accusations
to acquit
to sentence
to award damages to
a miscarriage of justice
mitigating (extenuating) circumstances

punishments
community service
on the spot fine
suspended sentence
2 year sentence
capital punishment
corporal punishment
not fit to stand trial

Crimes
blackmail
bribery
drug dealing
fraud
hijacking
kidnapping
murder
rape
smuggling
vandalism
tax evasion
theft
burglary
shoplifting
pickpocketing
mugging
robbery

phrasal verbs
clamp down on
turn s.o in (inform on, grass s.o up)
to bring s.o to justice

08 Toxic Words to avoid in a Job Interview

source: Learn English with Let's Talk 2015年9月6日
Blog : http://www.learnex.in/08-toxic-words-...
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1. No.
First of all, if asked even a simple question, you don’t want to give a single word answer (yes or no). But when the answer is no, definitely don’t leave it there! For example, if asked if you know a particular computer program, and you don’t, you could say, “I haven't yet had a chance to learn it but would be interested to do so,” rather than simply saying “No.”

2. Er… Um…
That old saying, “If you don’t have anything to say, don’t say anything at all,” applies here a big. Rather than hemming and hawing while you try to think up an answer, just be silent and think. Saying er or um too much could make you seem unprepared or as though you’re not paying attention.

3. Whatever
Lose the slang when talking to an interviewer. You want to come across as polished and professional, and you don’t want them to have to dig out their urban dictionary to understand you.

4. Sure, cool, kinda…
These kinds of words are just too casual, even in a casual workplace. You should be presenting the best version of yourself, not the sloppy, casual version.

5. Dedicated, motivated, team player...
Lose the resume speech and jargon. Besides the fact that these words are incredibly overused in interview situations, they’re also better demonstrated than just stated. If you want to convey your dedication or motivation, share an example from your past work experience; examples will go much further to making your claims believable.

6. Hate
I can’t think of a single instance when saying you “hate” something in a job interview is appropriate, but it’s exceptionally inappropriate to say anything about hating your former job, co-workers, boss, etc.

7. Perfectionist
It’s become almost a cliché in and of itself to answer a question like, “What’s your biggest flaw?” with a positive flaw like, “I’m a perfectionist.” Any good interviewer will see right through that, so just don’t do it.

8.1 Let's Talk in English DVD 8 part 1/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

8.2 Let's Talk in English DVD 8 part 2/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

8.3 Let's Talk in Ensligh DVD 8 part 3/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

8.4 Let's Talk in English DVD 8 part 4/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

8.5 Let's Talk in English DVD 8 part 5/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

8.6 Let's Talk in English DVD 8 part 6/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

8.7 Let's Talk in English DVD 8 part 7/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

8.8 Let's Talk in English DVD 8 part 8/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

Business English Lesson - Using Diplomatic English at work

source: Learn English with Let's Talk 2015年9月10日
Blog ://www.learnex.in/using-diplomatic-english-at-work
This Business English lesson deals with using diplomatic English language in a work environment to avoid coming off as too direct or rude or offensive and to tone down the harshness /unpleasantness of certain statements.
Youtube : http://www.youtube.com/learnexmumbai
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Tips & Tricks :
# Using Softeners : These "softeners" lessen the impact of a negative statement that may otherwise sound too direct .
Ex: Using "softeners" like " I'm afraid " or "to be honest " or "with all due respect " before a negative statement

# Using Modal Verbs :
These verbs lessen the impact of a command or request ; make it polite.
Ex: using modal verbs such as would , could , may or might in a command or order to lessen its impact .

# Rephrasing a negative sentence :
To make it sound more positive and acceptable to the work environment
Ex: Replacing words such as "can't " or "won't " with words such as " unable to "
Or
replacing words such as " am unhappy " with " not entirely happy " in a sentence to make it sound more positive .

Vocabulary SHOPPING and CUSTOMER SERVICE (upper intermediate and advanced) Lesson 17

source: MrSkypelessons 2015年7月19日
http://www.skype-lessons.com/blog/

prompt delivery
responsive to complaints
obliging staff
ready and willing to help
impeccable service
immediate dispatch
take complaints seriously
2 year warranty / guarantee
a full refund
meet health and safety requirements
satisfied customer

a sterile (impersonal) atmosphere
substandard service
shoddy work, products, services
incompetent staff
uncooperative shop assistants

a stain
to be ripped / torn
to be scratched
something is missing
didn't respond to my query

Phrasal verbs
get back to s.o
put s.o through
put s.o on hold
hang up
kick up a fuss (moan, groan, grumble, whinge, whine)
shop around
fork out on
splash out on
stock up on
rip s.o off
mug s.o off

bargains
discounts

Vocabulary ENVIRONMENT and CONSERVATION (upper intermediate and advanced) Lesson 16

source: MrSkypelessons 2015年7月6日
http://www.skype-lessons.com/blog/

Potential threats

smog (air pollution)
deforestation
overpopulation
overconsumption (of finite resources)
extinction (of endangered species)
anthropogenic climate change
global warming
dumping of toxic (nuclear) waste
burning of fossil fuels
widespread flooding
genetically modified food
reduce carbon emissions (footprint)
carbon dioxide (CO2)
disposal of household waste (recycling)
(non) biodegradable
dire consequences
run out of coal, gas, oil
alternative (renewable) energy sources
solar power
wind farms
eyesore
tidal power

SEA
tide comes in / goes out (high/low tide)
coast
shore
estuary
peninsula
cove / bay / gulf

RIVERS
mouth
source
tributary
valley / ravine / gorge

MOUNTAINS

foot
peak / summit
ridge
glacier

Learn English Phrases with the Word TIME

source: Espresso English 2015年9月10日
English Idioms Course - http://www.espressoenglish.net/englis...
Free English lessons & e-book - http://www.espressoenglish.net

7.1 Let's Talk in English DVD 7 part 1/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

7.2 Let's Talk in English DVD 7 part 2/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

7.3 Let's Talk in English DVD 7 part 3/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

7.4 Let's Talk in English DVD 7 part 4/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

7.5 Let's Talk in English DVD 7 part 5/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

7.6 Let's Talk in English DVD 7 part 6/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

7.7 Let's Talk in English DVD 7 part 7/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

7.8 Let's Talk in English DVD 7 part 8/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

Vocabulary ANIMALS (upper intermediate and advanced) Lesson 15

source: MrSkypelessons 2015年6月22日
http://www.skype-lessons.com/blog/

mammal
rodent
reptile
insect

carnivore
herbivore
omnivore

predator
prey

wing
beak
claws
feathers
nest

scales
gills
fins

whiskers
claws
fur
tail
paws

mane
hooves

a habitat
mating season
to breed (a breed of)
droppings
poachers
blood sports
animal shelter
lay an egg

docile, tame / savage, fierce
domesticated / wild
stray

feed on, prey on
dig up
die out (go extinct, endangered species)
wolf down
fish out
rabbit on
chicken out
beaver away

6.1 Let's Talk in English DVD 6 part 1/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

6.2 Let's Talk in English DVD 6 part 2/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

6.3 Let's Talk in English DVD 6 part 3/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

6.4 Let's Talk in English DVD 6 part 4/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

6.5 Let's Talk in English DVD 6 part 5/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

6.6 Let's Talk in English DVD 6 part 6/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

6.7 Let's Talk in English DVD 6 part 7/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

6.8 Let's Talk in English DVD 6 part 8/8 [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

Difference between - 'Clean out', 'Clean off', 'Clean up' & 'Clean away'...

source: Learn English with Let's Talk 2013年7月23日
Spaces and messes
When you talk about cleaning, you're talking about two different things:

the space that you're cleaning
the mess that's in that space

You can use each form of "clean" to talk about either cleaning the space:
eg. We need to clean up the living room.
ORcleaning the mess that's there:
eg. We need to clean up those dirty dishes.

The different forms of 'clean'
You "clean out" the inside of a space that has a large mess in it:

clean out the refridgerator
clean out your car
clean out your desk
You "clean off" a flat surface:

clean off the counter
clean off the whiteboard
clean off your windshield
You "clean up" a room or a larger area:

clean up your bedroom
clean up the city
clean up after the concert
clean up your hard drive
"Clean away" is different from the others because you only use it to talk about the messy things that you're cleaning, not the space that those things are in:

clean away the dishes
clean away the mud
clean away the broken branches
'Clean' by itself
What about just using the word "clean" by itself?

It usually means to clean the most obvious part of something. For example:

clean the toilet
This means to clean the inside of the toilet bowl.

clean the floor
This means to clean the surface of the floor.

If using the word "clean" by itself would lead to any confusion, use one of the other phrases instead. For example, instead of saying "clean the cabinets", say:

Can you clean out the cabinets?
Or:
Can you clean off the cabinets?

Vocabulary WEATHER and CLIMATE (upper intermediate and advanced) Lesson 14

source: MrSkypelessons 2015年6月3日
http://www.skype-lessons.com/blog/

FREEZING COLD
chilly
frosty
sleet
snow melts / settles
ice thaws (out)
a blizzard
slippery
10 degrees below zero
to shiver
His teeth were chattering

SCORCHING HOT
a heatwave
an arid climate
a drought
humid (humidity) (moisture in air)
a stifling day
a stuffy room
to sweat
perspiration

SOAKING WET
a (thunder) storm
to be struck by lightning
hailstones / hail
damp
drizzle
a light shower (it's spitting)
heavy rain (it's pouring down, chucking it down)
torrential rain
floods
overcast (cloudy)

A STRONG WIND
a breeze (a draft)
a light/cool wind
a blustering wind
gale force winds
a hurricane / tornado

PHRASAL VERBS
chill out!
cool down
The sun/rain was beating down
The clouds blot out the sun
His face clouded over
I slipped over
The pipes have frozen up
I soaked up the sunshine
The wind blew the tree over
He stormed out of the meeting

5.1.Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

source: Liberty Đặng / Produced by StudioClassroom (空中英語教室)
# Learn English free at StudioClassroom: http://www.studioclassroom...
* pre-intermediate level: Let's Talk in English http://lt.studioclassroom...
* intermediate level: Studio Classroom http://sc.studioclassroom.com/
* advanced level: Advanced http://ad.studioclassroom.com/default.php

5.2.Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

5.3 Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

5.4.Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

5.5 Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

5.6.Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

5.7.Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

5.8.Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

Vocabulary TRAVEL and TOURISM (upper intermediate and advanced) Lesson 13

source: MrSkypelessons 2015年5月18日
http://www.skype-lessons.com/blog/

self catering
half board
full board
all inclusive

package tour
transfer from...to...

hotel facilities
travel insurance
pack your suitcase
weigh your suitcase
wrap up your luggage
go to terminal 2

book a window/aisle seat
fly with a budget airline
cancel a booking
pay a cancellation fee
get a trolley for baggage
dash to the check in desk
grab your boarding pass
head for the departure lounge

a 2 hour delay
go to gate 14
declare your goods at customs

Interfere / tamper with your luggage
go to baggage reclaim
air crew / flight staff
flight attendant

a thirst for adventure
get itchy feet
go trekking in the wilderness
find a place 'off the beaten track'

go sightseeing / sunbathing
get sunburn
go for a paddle

an arduous journey

Vocabulary DRIVING and TRAFFIC (upper intermediate and advanced) Lesson 12

source: MrSkypelessons 2015年5月5日
http://www.skype-lessons.com/blog/

get stuck in heavy traffic
skid on a bend
step on the brakes/ accelerator
overtake the car in front
face the oncoming traffic
have a head-on collision
a hit and run
a 2 year driving ban
put points on your license
pay a fine
drink driving, take a breathalyser
exceed the speed limit
a manual car / automatic car
put it into reverse

windscreen wipers
get a flat tyre or puncture
handbrake
steering wheel
the engine is giving off smoke
put s.t in / take s.t out of the boot
change gear
motorway
rush hour
pavement
bear left / bear right

run out of petrol
fill up with petrol
pull out
pull over
flag down
slow down / speed up
get in / out a car
get on / off (all other transport)
pick s.o up / drop s.o off
run s.o over
knock s.o over
rev up your engine
cut s.o up
traffic is building up
traffic is tailing back
traffic is easing off
traffic is dying down

10 abbreviations you should know

source: Learn English with Emma [engVid]2014年2月25日
quiz: :http://www.engvid.com/learn-english-a...
Hello. My name is Emma, and in today's video, we are going to talk about 10 abbreviations you should know.

So first of all, what is an abbreviation? Well, here's a clue in the word. You have the word "brev". "Brev" -- in other words, "brevity" -- it means to be short. So abbreviations are words or sentences that we have made short, usually to save time. So for example, ASAP, RSVP, RIP, BYOB, BBQ -- you see the pattern? We have capital letters, and they all stand for something that's longer. So it's a short form of a word or a sentence. So let's look at ten common abbreviations.

So the first one we have, "ASAP". What does this mean? "As soon as possible", okay? We use this a lot when we're writing emails, letters, sometimes in conversation. "As soon as possible" is long, so when we don't want to say "as soon as possible", we can shorten it to "ASAP". What are some examples? "Email me ASAP." "Take our quiz ASAP." "Go see the principal ASAP." So it just means to do something as quickly as you can. And this is a very common expression.

Our second abbreviation, "RSVP". What does it mean, "RSVP"? It means, "Please reply." Okay? So we often use this if you're invited to something. If, for example, I'm having a birthday party, and I want all of you to come, I would ask you to RSVP. "Please RSVP by Friday." This means, "Please reply. Please tell me you're coming by Friday." "Please RSVP as soon as you can." "Please RSVP by next Saturday." So it means, again, "Please send me a reply so I know you're coming." You, again, see this on invitations, any type of invite, you will see this.

Our next common abbreviation, RIP. You may have seen this before. It means, "Rest in peace." So when somebody passes away -- when somebody dies -- often on their tombstone, you'll see "RIP", which stands for, "Rest in peace". If you're on Facebook, and someone you know, maybe they lose a member of their family, they will often write, "RIP Fluffy" if it's a cat; "RIP whoever it is". And it means, "Rest in peace." Okay? So this one has to do with dying and death.

No. 4, "BYOB". This is common when we're talking about parties. And it means, "Bring your own beer" or "bring your own booze". Beer, booze -- they're both alcoholic drinks. So "booze" is any drink with alcohol in it. And so what that means is if you're invited to a party, maybe the host doesn't have any alcoholic drinks, so they will tell you, "Bring your own drinks." "Bring your own beer." "Bring your own wine." "BYOB" means "bring your own alcohol". Okay? So it's a very common expression for parties.

No. 5, "BBQ". "BBQ" means "barbecue". What's a "barbecue"? It's a way we cook meat. It's a way we cook food. You usually have a grill. You put maybe hamburgers, hot dogs on the grill. You barbecue them. You can eat barbecued chicken, different types of barbecue. So "BBQ" refers to a type of food or a party where they will serve hamburgers and hot dogs. So let's check out five more abbreviations.

Vocabulary FOOD and COOKING (upper intermediate and advanced) Lesson 11

source: MrSkypelessons 2015年4月22日
http://www.skype-lessons.com/blog/

Boil / simmer (in the saucepan)
Fry (in the frying pan)
Bake / Roast (in the oven)
Put in / take out (the oven)
Put on/take off the hob
under the grill
Mix (the ingredients)
Stir (the sauce)
Pour (the mixture into a bowl)
Chop (the onions/carrots)
Peel (the potatoes)
Grate (the cheese)
Sprinkle (some herbs on the food)
Drain (rice in a sieve)

Utensils
chopping board
sieve
ladle
whisk
baking tray
casserole dish
spatula
cheese grater

dip bread in your soup
heat/warm up
fills you up
eat out
wolf/gulp down
knock over
spill over
boil over
spit out
to bite off more than you can chew

Recipes
scrambled eggs
burnt to a crisp
dripping with butter
dumplings
pastry
beef and pork mince
Bay Leaves, dill, parsley

4.1 Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

4.2 Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

4.3 Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

4.4 Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

4 5 Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

4.6 Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

4.7 Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

4.8 Let's Talk in English [大家說英語] (pre-intermediate level)

Vocabulary: The people you will meet at UNIVERSITY

source: Learn English with Emma [engVid] 2015年8月31日
Basic English vocabulary class – What is the difference between a "freshman" and a "sophomore"? What exactly is a "dean"? In this lesson, I will teach you words to describe different people you will encounter in college and university. These words are very important to know if you plan to go to university or if you are taking the IELTS or TOEFL. You will learn vocabulary like "junior", "senior", "TA", "RA", "grad", "undergrad", "prof", and many more. After watching the video, come take my quiz to see how much you learned from the lesson at http://www.engvid.com/english-vocabul...

TRANSCRIPT

Hello. My name is Emma, and in today's video, I am going to teach you a lot of university language. I'm going to teach you specifically about the people you will see at university. I've used, here, the word "uni", this is very British English. "Uni" means "university". In American English, we would call it "college"; in Canadian English, we would call it "university". Okay? And I don't know about Australian, but I would assume it's probably "uni" also.

So, there are many different words we use when we talk about people at the university. I'm going to tell you what we call students, what we call professors, what we call the boss of the professor. Okay? So you will learn a lot of words today.

So let's get started. I have here a pyramid. This pyramid represents power at the university. Okay? It represents position at the university, and also, the number of positions at a university. So, if you notice... We'll start at the bottom. I have here "freshman". A freshman is a first-year student. Okay? So, when you get to university, you will be a freshman. It means you are in your first year of university. There are a lot of freshman at university.

Then what happens? Second year comes along. When second year happens, you become a "sophomore". This means you are in the second year of your program. We don't say "sophomore". Okay? We don't say "sophomore", no, no, no. "Sophmore", so it's almost like this "o" we spell with, it's silent when we say it. "Sophomore". And you'll notice the "ph" is a "f" sound: "sofmore". So your second year is your sophomore year.

Then, some people will continue on in university, and they'll get to their third year. Okay? In your third year, you will be called "a junior". "Junior". Okay? So I want you to say these words: "freshman", "sophomore", "junior".

If all goes well, after your third year, you're going to be in your last year or your final year, and you will be-so fourth year-a "senior". So this means you are the top of undergrad. You will be a senior in your fourth year. So all of this, these "freshman", "sophomore", "junior", "senior", this all refers to undergrad students or undergraduate. Okay? So for short, we say "undergrad". In the long, we say "undergraduate students". Okay? So when I was an undergrad, I started as a freshman; then my second year of undergrad, sophomore; third year of undergrad, junior; and finally, in my fourth year, I was a senior. Okay? If you finish and you finish your senior year, you get a bachelor's. Okay? So you get a bachelor's degree. You do four years of university, you get a bachelor's degree.

Now, some people, after their fourth year, after they're a senior, they're tired of university, they're so happy they're finished, you know, it's finally over, so they go and they start working, and they forget all about university. Other people want to do more university. They stay in university, and they continue studying. We call these people "master's students". Okay? Usually a master's is a two-year program. It can be a one-year program, but it happens after undergrad. So we call these students "grad students", we can also say "graduate students" or "master's student". Okay? So, again, usually these people are in a program for one or two years, they are grad students, master's students; it means the same thing.

From this point, you'll find that some grad students get a job at the university. Okay? So they're still a grad student, but they get a job. The job they get at the university is a "TA" job or a TA position. A "TA" is a person who is a teaching assistant. So, a TA is the same thing as teaching assistant; it's just the short way to say it. A teaching assistant works for a professor. They help the professor teach freshman, sophomore, junior, and seniors. So, the TA is the assistant to the professor, and they help the professor teach these people. Sometimes they mark. Okay? Essays, they might... If you write a test, it might be a TA who marks your test because the professor is too busy. So it's the professor's assistant.

Vocabulary BOOKS and LITERATURE (upper intermediate and advanced) Lesson 10

source: MrSkypelessons 2015年4月7日
http://www.skype-lessons.com/blog/

a riveting / engrossing novel
a poignant tale
an evocative journal
touching memoirs
a comprehensive anthology
an instruction manual
an enigmatic account
implausible scenes (contrived)
a fast moving plot
a gripping chapter
a haunting prologue
a macabre epilogue
an intriguing setting
a heavy going explanation
a thought provoking narrative

to build up suspense
narrator (3rd person, omniscient, unreliable)
a plot / literary device (a twist, a red herring)
a flashback
an irregular timeline
an allegory
an analogy
alliteration
assonance
a euphemism
a metaphor
a simile
a pun
a paradox
oxymoron
onomatopoeia
antagonist
protagonist
anti hero
satire
personification
startling originality
gloomy atmosphere
vivid description
colourful characters

5 'KEEP' Idioms

source: AlexESLvid
http://www.engvid.com/ If you are interested in improving your vocabulary and conversational ability, you should keep this lesson in mind. In it, you will learn five very common English idioms that use the verb 'keep.' The idioms in this video include 'keep your word,' 'keep someone posted,' 'keep an eye out,' 'keep a straight face,' and 'keep something/someone in mind.' Check it out! http://www.engvid.com/5-keep-idioms/

TRANSCRIPT

Hi, guys. I'm Alex. Thanks for clicking, and welcome to this lesson on idioms with "keep". So in this lesson, we will look at five very common idioms which all use the word "keep" in some way, and just like my lessons on idioms with "out", you have some definitions at the bottom. So you can try and figure out the meaning of the idiom if you have never heard it before.

So let's begin. The first sentence says, "Don't trust him. He never keeps his word." Now, I know in some other languages you probably have a similar idiom already. So if you can translate this from your own language, or if you can try and guess what the meaning of "keeping your word" is, I think you can guess the definition. So is it "to remember and think about something" or "to watch for the arrival or appearance of someone or something"? "Is it to uphold a promise"? Yeah, that's right. It is "to uphold a promise". Okay, so No. 1, if you can keep a promise, you can "keep your word". So if I say, "I always keep my word. Don't worry." That means I always keep my promises. If I say I will do something, I do it.

Okay. No. 2, "Keep me posted about your decision." So again, imagine that you are somebody who is giving a job to someone, and you offer them a new position, and they say, "Well, I need a few days to think about it." And if you say, "Keep me posted about your decision", this means, "Make sure that I know" or "Give me information." "Make sure -- keep me updated." So this means -- what do you think? "Keep someone informed", right. So if you "keep someone posted" about something, it means you keep them informed -- give them regular updates. They always know what's happening, okay?

The next one, "Keep an eye out for a red van." So imagine that you are at the airport, and maybe you called a friend, and the friend said, "Okay, I'll pick you up in 30 minutes." And you're with someone who doesn't know your friend. So you tell this person, "Keep an eye out for a red van." We're looking for a red van so we can go home from the airport. Well, if you're "keeping an eye out", what are you doing? You're "watching for the arrival or appearance of something or someone", okay? So again, think about it logically: "Keep an eye out." So you're looking for something, you're paying attention. So, "keep an eye out" for -- if you have a friend, and you're expecting their arrival. Or "Keep an eye out for Josh" or John or whoever it is.

Okay, guys, No. 4 says, "She can never keep a straight face -- keep a straight face -- when she talks to her boss." Maybe her boss is a funny guy, or maybe she always feels that -- well, maybe she doesn't like her boss and she wants to laugh in his face for some reason. So if you "keep a straight face", this means that you keep yourself from laughing. You hold your laughter inside because in this situation, maybe it's not appropriate to laugh. So if you can -- "remember and think about something"? No. You "keep your face from laughing". Sorry about that. There we go. Okay. So what are some situations where you have to "keep a straight face"? Anything where it's serious or formal. If you're at a funeral, number one, you generally have to "keep a straight face", be serious, not laugh. If you want to be sarcastic towards your friends and make them believe something, you might want to say something with a "straight face". And they're like, "Really?" And if you laugh, they know you're lying, or you're trying to play a trick or a joke on them.

Okay, finally, we have, "If you need an extra person on the team, keep me in mind." There's only one left, so "remember and think about something". So if you "keep someone in mind" -- you can keep something or someone "in mind". If you keep a person "in mind" for something, it means that you're remembering them or thinking about them based on whatever decision you're trying to make or based on whatever the situation is. You can also keep something "in mind", not only a person "in mind". So if I say -- okay, let's say that we make plans, and you're normally late. You're a person who's usually late, but for this movie -- let's imagine that it's the opening day of the movie, and you can't be late or you will not get a seat. So your friend tells you, "Keep in mind that it's the opening night." "Remember. Keep in mind it's the opening night. Be there early. You have to."

Vocabulary POLITICS (upper intermediate and advanced) Lesson 9

source: MrSkypelessons 2015年3月29日

bring in new laws / legislation
cut / reduce / slash the defence budget
raise (increase) taxes or interest rates
ease (loosen) or tighten monetary policy
vote for a candidate
a general election
a by election
a referendum
declare independence / war / a ceasefire
seize (take) power
hostility / violence / disease / war breaks out

military coup
rebellion
bring down / overthrow / topple the regime (a dictator)
abolish / restore the monarchy
enter into (launch) negotiations
broker a ceasefire / an agreement
settle a dispute
bow to pressure
issue a statement
decline to comment
clarify your position
mislead the electorate
leak a story to the press

run for president / parliament
stand for lower taxes
stand up for the poor
stand down as (minister of foreign affairs)
Objective / biased reporting
Conservative (Tory) = right wing
Labour (socialist) = left wing
Liberal Democrats = centre
UKIP = independence party

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