tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54827234929731876562024-03-21T20:04:15.039-07:00Every Day EnglishEnglish just for youUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-9455624379378849492012-11-21T04:16:00.000-08:002012-11-21T04:18:21.475-08:00Idiom #20: Get your head in the game<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Get your head in the game</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> To concentrate/focus.</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Aiko: Hey, Mark let's play basketball again!</li>
<li>Mark: Ok, but I have to teach class in 15 minutes.</li>
</ul>
<i>5 minutes later: Mark: 5 points, Aiko: 56 points</i>
<ul>
<li>Aiko: Come on Mark! <b>Get your head in the game!</b></li>
<li>Mark: I'm trying!</li>
<li>Aiko: You have to stop worrying about class.</li>
<li>Mark: Ok...</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://world.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/dogpaper3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://world.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/dogpaper3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a dog concentrating very hard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> This is a sports idiom, but of course you can use it outside of sports. If you are playing a basketball game, don't think about school, or cute girls/boys, or dinner. If you do, your body is <b>in the game</b>, but your mind (your <b>head</b>) is somewhere else.</p>
<p>You can see this idiom used in the video below!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/v0Nz1Rlh1wo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<center><i>High School Musical 1</i></center>
<p></br><i>Questions? Comment below please!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-30621923271386678142012-11-15T07:46:00.001-08:002012-11-15T07:46:55.908-08:00Idiom #19: Hit the nail on the head<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Hit the nail on the head</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> to do the right thing <i>exactly</i>; to <i>exactly </i>describe a situation.</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Mary: I want to go to Japan!</li>
<li>Shelly: Is it to visit all our friends?</li>
<li>Mary: Yeah, that's important, but...</li>
<li>Abby: I bet it's to see some CUTE guys!!!</li>
<li>Mary: ... *silent* ...</li>
<li>Shelly: I think you <b>hit the nail on the head</b> Abby.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40dPgURSPGjd5Y7_k9VT2yUeGIGgE0sYunVNNgftgosI3RVfMZ9BdABgpsAB56TIIP2TPsVcq0zR2VlruGIxAECLDA3RjUsWoTwP9MW6S4CDML9ZU3yoYEB_JnnJRK0rl0tQ2yfSxALw/s1600/hammer_hits_nail_with_sparks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40dPgURSPGjd5Y7_k9VT2yUeGIGgE0sYunVNNgftgosI3RVfMZ9BdABgpsAB56TIIP2TPsVcq0zR2VlruGIxAECLDA3RjUsWoTwP9MW6S4CDML9ZU3yoYEB_JnnJRK0rl0tQ2yfSxALw/s1600/hammer_hits_nail_with_sparks.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hammer hitting a nail on the nail's head</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn3.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/rekuru/blog/2010/04/tvfan090828-0930_arashi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://cdn3.mixrmedia.com/wp-uploads/rekuru/blog/2010/04/tvfan090828-0930_arashi.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some cute Japanese guys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> In English, the top of a nail is called a "head". To say that you <b>hit the nail on the head</b> means that you did something really, really great! Or, in Abby's case, you said the exact truth. :)</p>
<p></br><i>Feel free to comment below. Until Next time~</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-25910831138508079702012-11-09T17:08:00.002-08:002012-11-09T17:08:56.088-08:00Idiom #18: Eyes are bigger than your stomach<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Eyes are bigger than stomach</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> someone wants more food than they can eat</p>
<u>Example:</u>
</br>At McDonald's
<ul>
<li>Taka: I'll have 5 cheeseburgers, 2 large fries, 1 drink, and 1 ice cream!</li>
<li>Taito: You can't eat all of that!</li>
<li>Taka: Yes I can. I haven't eaten breakfast yet.</li>
<li>Taito: Hmmm...I think your <b>eyes are bigger than</b> your <b>stomach</b>. </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.myhappyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Eyes-Are-Bigger-Than-My-Stomach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://blog.myhappyenglish.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Eyes-Are-Bigger-Than-My-Stomach.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">awww...cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Extra Info:</u> This is usually used to scold someone who usually cannot finish all of their food. This has been used for a long, long time. Some people also use "belly" instead of "stomach".</p>
<p></br><i>Questions? Post them below!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-22127050665194598622012-11-08T05:02:00.000-08:002012-11-08T05:02:22.724-08:00Idiom # 17: Suit Yourself<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Suit yourself</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> Do whatever you want (I don't mind).</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Victor: Hey Taito, I'm going to the mall. Do you want to come?</li>
<li>Taito: Really? Oh...um...I don't know. I kind of want to watch TV...</li>
<li>Victor: You can watch TV any time! Let's go!</li>
<li>Taito: Ah...but...um...</li>
<li>Victor: Yes? No? I have to leave soon.</li>
<li>Taito: Um...well...ah...maybe, no...</li>
<li>Victor: Ok, <b>suit yourself!</b> I'll go without you!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CRd0H-1XPHK-WsDIM5R2WwyIzeWWq-AAhtz7lBFC1Lr3SdMZquaP2GmdOEA3L0bB0nkV_A2_QcnqmY_sewoZIPK10Q-7ZXfuH_tJM4lwT939qEqyxWodCnEV0RTLiON_yVsxRpBOuYkl/s1600/victor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3CRd0H-1XPHK-WsDIM5R2WwyIzeWWq-AAhtz7lBFC1Lr3SdMZquaP2GmdOEA3L0bB0nkV_A2_QcnqmY_sewoZIPK10Q-7ZXfuH_tJM4lwT939qEqyxWodCnEV0RTLiON_yVsxRpBOuYkl/s1600/victor.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I get my suits from China</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> In the old days, if someone said <b>"suit yourself"</b> it would mean to put on your own <i>clothing </i>(that you own) instead of going to a tailor and getting a new one made.</p>
<p></br><i>Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Leave a post!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-29698683514411111272012-11-06T20:34:00.000-08:002012-11-06T20:34:08.677-08:00Idiom #16: Between a Rock and a hard place<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Between a rock and a hard place</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> You are in the middle of two or more hard choices.</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Mary: Shelly, <b>I'm between a rock and a hard place!</b></li>
<li>Shelly: Why? What's wrong?</li>
<li>Mary: I have plans to go to Japan next month, but...</li>
<li>Shelly: But...!?</li>
<li>Mary: One of my good friends just told me she's getting married next month too!</li>
<li>Shelly: Oh no!!! Those are two hard choices huh?!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ttoes.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/rock-and-a-hard-place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://ttoes.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/rock-and-a-hard-place.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">help me...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> Some people say "between a rock and a hard spot"; they both mean the same thing. "Rocks" are hard, and of course, "hard places" are hard! Please imagine yourself in this situation. You want to get out, but wherever you go is "hard" and maybe "hurts".</p>
<p></br><i>Questions? Comment below!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-60182306020993293632012-11-04T01:00:00.001-07:002012-11-04T01:00:47.511-07:00Idiom #15: In the nick of time<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>In the nick of time</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> at the last possible time/moment</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Victor: Where is Taito? I've been waiting for 10 minutes!</li>
</ul>
5 minutes later...
<ul>
<li>Victor: Ahh! I can't wait any longer, I have to go!</li>
<li>Taito: I'm here!!!!</li>
<li>Victor: Ah, you came <b>in the nick of time</b>. One more minute and I would have left.</li>
<li>Taito: I'm sorry!!!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFodI132MBujMTZu-nNrcZQgKUF2hrBuCZu-R8G1O3CWhys4YsdyN_SAjfOsGpVZjgvQUyTuKU91SC2WlqPPPjatJzhxElyIIh-4nz4k-bRitTIJOpOHgGDmdKOaNtiGcyE3jqyaRqBuo/s1600/Time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFodI132MBujMTZu-nNrcZQgKUF2hrBuCZu-R8G1O3CWhys4YsdyN_SAjfOsGpVZjgvQUyTuKU91SC2WlqPPPjatJzhxElyIIh-4nz4k-bRitTIJOpOHgGDmdKOaNtiGcyE3jqyaRqBuo/s1600/Time.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">woah, time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> A nick or notch is a small cut made into something. Nicks used to be used to keep score or count something. Nicks are precise and small; So to say "in the nick of time" means that an event happened at a precise or exact time.</p>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://i748.photobucket.com/albums/xx122/50ft-trad/P1010837.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a nick in a stick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p></br><i>Comment below if you have a question, please!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-56322466822767454372012-10-28T06:06:00.000-07:002012-10-28T06:06:00.211-07:00Idiom #14: Bite the dustSorry I haven't been "on the ball" recently, but here's today's phrase:
<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Bite the dust</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> To fail; to lose; to die</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Mark: Oh no, I think this old car is about to <b>bite the dust</b>...</li>
<li>Mami: What!? Why? How old is this car?</li>
<li>Mark: I've had it for 5 years.</li>
<li>Mami: Nooo, it's too young to die!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://christianfinanceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/bitethedust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://christianfinanceblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/bitethedust.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> This phrase comes from the days of the cowboys. If a rider fell off his horse, he was said to have <b>"bit the dust"</b>. And of course the cowboy would find himself with a mouth full of dust/dirt/sand. The words were made even more famous when Queen used it in their song "Another One Bites the Dust". You can watch it here below!</p>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rY0WxgSXdEE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<p></br><i>Questions? Suggestions? Comment below please!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-49136244261624727932012-10-25T06:38:00.000-07:002012-10-25T06:38:28.285-07:00Idiom #13: A toss up<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>A toss up</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> a decision between two choices/options.</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Abby: Jimmy, what should we do tomorrow?</li>
<li>Jimmy: Well, I think it is <b>a toss up</b> between going to the beach, or watching a movie.</li>
<li>Abby: Why can't we do both?</li>
<li>Jimmy: Ok, let's watch a movie at the beach!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCJsIIoYuEiP_vodC8IYOVwet5eDDIPv9Be6Uj6ntDTPpUODnTIZJyNPsm4Mm3fthVewIlvMz0SH3oYeSjvFeuHLhe2ZM_olLd5cBxwnxJmUIbR58rvQhyphenhyphenLCPS6vXb56CjR8Gh3rFTuEt/s200/jimmy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCJsIIoYuEiP_vodC8IYOVwet5eDDIPv9Be6Uj6ntDTPpUODnTIZJyNPsm4Mm3fthVewIlvMz0SH3oYeSjvFeuHLhe2ZM_olLd5cBxwnxJmUIbR58rvQhyphenhyphenLCPS6vXb56CjR8Gh3rFTuEt/s200/jimmy2.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it beach time?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> A toss up comes from the "game" of flipping (or <b>tossing</b>) a coin into the air. Before it falls down, one person will call "heads" or "tails". If it lands correctly, then that person wins! Many people will flip a coin to make decisions as well. Maybe they will say something like, "if it is <i>heads</i>, I will go to the beach. And if it is <i>tails</i>, I will go to the mall". Or something like that. </p>
<p></br><i>If ya have any questions, comment below!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-67581376506154764562012-10-23T06:57:00.000-07:002012-10-23T06:57:12.661-07:00Idiom #12: Couch Potato<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Couch Potato</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> A really lazy person. He/she usually sits down on the couch all day and watches TV </p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Jimmy: Mark can you help me learn Japanese?</li>
<li>Mark: Not right now, I'm watching Naruto!</li>
<li>Jimmy: You've been watching Naruto all day...stop being a couch potato!</li>
<li>Mark: Ahhh!! Chotto matte tebbayo!!!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYDn5EaWU5HI4XHCsA5mazohiEyJzUseYNlhuydj7T3jKCfYjejvsFEhk76E390qxtm2dEAsXgav5OYgTL0FU6c7ZzBlYd8R_cqn5gKlDG7FNNGFjjzY5ypdViNCQj3HthY9gVGmTc37W/s1600/couch-potato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYDn5EaWU5HI4XHCsA5mazohiEyJzUseYNlhuydj7T3jKCfYjejvsFEhk76E390qxtm2dEAsXgav5OYgTL0FU6c7ZzBlYd8R_cqn5gKlDG7FNNGFjjzY5ypdViNCQj3HthY9gVGmTc37W/s1600/couch-potato.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Mr. Potato to you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> Think of a potato. It is fat and doesn't move. So when a person watches TV all day, he usually doesn't exercise and doesn't move around a lot.</p>
<p></br><i>I love potato chips! If you like them too, comment below! :)</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-44990156185839427082012-10-21T06:49:00.000-07:002012-10-21T06:59:57.558-07:00Meaning/Pronunciation: Their, There, They're?<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Their VS There VS They're</b></p></span>
<p>On my last pronunciation post, my friend brought up these words. I thought about them and wanted to share what I learned.</p>
<u>Meanings:</u>
<ul>
<li>Their: Plural possessive <a href="http://englishlangctk.blogspot.jp/2008/05/is-their-possessive-pronoun-or.html">adjective/pronoun</a></li>
<li>There: Represents a location; opposite of "here".</li>
<li>They're: Contraction of "They + are".</li>
</ul>
<u>Examples:</u>
<ul>
<li>Their: That is <b>their </b>car.</li>
<li>There: Walk over <b>there</b>.</li>
<li>They're: <b>They're </b>going to school.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/School-kids-going-to_school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ae/School-kids-going-to_school.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're going to school in that?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Tricky:</u> People know the meaning of these words, but because they sound similar, they tend to spell them wrong (even native English speakers). So...watch out.</p>
</br><hr /></br>
<p>Ok, now for pronunciation...<b><u>Warning:</u>This part will be a little <u>advanced</u></b>.</p>
<p>I say advanced, because this is how <i>I</i> pronounce these words in a normal/fast speed conversation. If I give <i>emphasis </i>to these words, or if I read slowly, then these words sound the same. However, when I am not really concentrating on pronunciation, this is what I notice:</p>
<u>Pronunciation:</u>
<ul>
<li>Their: <b>TH</b>e + <b>AIR</b></li>
<li>There: sometimes <b>TH</b>e + <b>AIR</b> and sometimes <b>D</b> + <b>AIR</b> (or <b>DARE</b>)</li>
<li>They're: <b>D</b> + <b>EAR</b>th* and in some cases <b>D</b> + <b>AIR</b>*</li>
</ul>
<u>IPA:</u>
<ul>
<li>Their: /ðeɹ/or /ðeIɹ/</li>
<li>There: sometimes /ðeɹ/or /ðeIɹ/ and sometimes /deɹ/or /deIɹ/</li>
<li>They're: /dɚ/* and in some cases /deɹ/or /deIɹ/* </li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size:small;">(/e/ or /eI/? I think it depends on the speaker)</span>
<p>To sum this up, I think "Their" and "There" are pretty similar. I tend to hear a /ð/ sound more when I say "Their", but I could be wrong.</p>
<p>*"Their" can be pronounced two ways depending on the sentence. If used as a function word, then the <i>are</i> in "Their" loses its stress and is a "supporting" verb. This can be seen in the sentence "They're going to the store". Here, the main verb is "going", and the "are" supports it, and thus stress is dropped.</p>
<p>If used as a content word, then the <i>are</i> in "They're" gets more emphasis, hence getting more stress. This can be seen in the sentence "They're pretty smart". Here, the main verb is "are" and so stress falls upon it.</p>
<p>One last thought. If you put emphasis on all these words, I honestly think that they will all be pronounced the same. However, I think if you give emphasis to "They're" it would end up reverting to "<i>They are</i>". Fair enough, don't you think?</p>
<p></br><i>Confused? Disagree? Comment below please! I'd like to hear your arguments!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-87270624100344964282012-10-19T06:50:00.000-07:002012-10-20T00:17:57.533-07:00Pronunciation #1: Were, where, war?<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Were VS. Where VS. War</b></p></span>
<p>A lot of students have a hard time with pronouncing these words. A lot of students say, "they all sound the same!!!" So, let's try to do it right!</p>
<u>Meanings:</u>
<ul>
<li>Were: The past tense of the verb "are" used with "you" or "we".</li>
<li>Where: Question word used to find location/places.</li>
<li>War: Fighting, battle.</li>
</ul>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Were: We <b>were </b>tired yesterday.</li>
<li>Where: <b>Where </b>is Disneyland?</li>
<li>War: My dad fought in the <b>war</b>.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://scm-l3.technorati.com/12/10/12/72561/disneyland-paris-vacation.jpg?t=20121012114237" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://scm-l3.technorati.com/12/10/12/72561/disneyland-paris-vacation.jpg?t=20121012114237" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where is Disneyland?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Pronunciation:</u>
</br>All the W sounds are the same. Try saying the words like this:</p>
<ul>
<li>Were: <b>W</b> + <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/The_Earth_seen_from_Apollo_17.jpg/270px-The_Earth_seen_from_Apollo_17.jpg"><b>EAR</b>th</a></li>
<li>Where: <b>W</b> + <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/images/j0395972_86320_7.jpg"><b>AIR</b></a></li>
<li>War: <b>W</b> + <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eengvMh_9fc/TrSxW3hDmDI/AAAAAAAAAxI/YGJVlooyNEE/s320/this%2Bor%2Bthat.png"><b>OR</b></a></li>
</ul>
<p></br>Try it, you'll hear a big difference! I promise~<
</br>When you're ready try to say "Where were you in the war?"</p>
<p><i>Still don't understand? Comment below!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-18882116609098231272012-10-17T05:40:00.000-07:002012-10-20T00:17:50.097-07:00Idiom #11: Turn your back on<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Turn your back on</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> To leave someone when they need your help.</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Shelly: Mark can you help me with my homework?</li>
<li>Mark: Sure, no problem!</li>
<li>Mark: . . .</li>
<li>Shelly: What's wrong?</li>
<li>Mark: This is Math...not English...sorry...bye bye</li>
<li>Shelly: Wait! Don't go!!!</li>
</ul>
The next day...
<li>Shelly: Mark...I really needed your help, but you <b>turned your back on</b> me!</li>
<li>Mark: Sorry...</li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLxu5DXVVQjwK8Qb0YOH6669iw2scHOKz1WLsEPcQxqZLQPHPFjzy_dlWWxG1L8lggF-2dH5fkSPGJuB5fRdn_Q8Y7AJKJSQpgqUag2uHIE-Z1fxWxhyphenhyphenwGQ6_9WaeUmZAIGhu2AMl_08j/s1600/shelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLxu5DXVVQjwK8Qb0YOH6669iw2scHOKz1WLsEPcQxqZLQPHPFjzy_dlWWxG1L8lggF-2dH5fkSPGJuB5fRdn_Q8Y7AJKJSQpgqUag2uHIE-Z1fxWxhyphenhyphenwGQ6_9WaeUmZAIGhu2AMl_08j/s1600/shelly.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">teacher, please help me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> This one is simple. When a person can't help you, they turn around and walk away. Well, what do see when someone walks away? You see their back! So just think about that!</p>
<p>By the way, <u>never</u> <b>turn your back on</b> a friend. Ok!?</p>
<p></br><i>If you have any questions, comment below!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-14958546232189640972012-10-16T06:58:00.000-07:002012-10-20T00:17:40.342-07:00Random word #1: Underwater<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Underwater</b></span><br />
<br />
<u>Meaning:</u> To be underneath the water. <br />
<u>Example:</u>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Carl: I want to hold my breath <b>underwater!</b></li>
<li>Mark: Ok, do it! I'll count.</li>
<li>Carl: *splash*</li>
<li>Mark: One...two...three...</li>
<li>Carl: *splash* Ah!!! I just saw a shark! Run!!!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYHgEPoM1WPDOu_euIsIlQpB9i7QViPh7Abi_3FpKwgGfMuR1AAYSC-1UJ_XY-IkBUhMfqnc6QGy4LNgcNmWaf8KhRDwUHqW2dVUpzHTRivWzdtdR53gyCt2iS4VPdkx_dQwr6KPQxpjr/s400/underwater_hawaii_001p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOYHgEPoM1WPDOu_euIsIlQpB9i7QViPh7Abi_3FpKwgGfMuR1AAYSC-1UJ_XY-IkBUhMfqnc6QGy4LNgcNmWaf8KhRDwUHqW2dVUpzHTRivWzdtdR53gyCt2iS4VPdkx_dQwr6KPQxpjr/s320/underwater_hawaii_001p.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oh, it was just a turtle...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u>How to use this word:</u> Use this word/adjective when someone or something is <u>TOTALLY</u> inside the water. If everything is <u>NOT</u> inside the water, then it is <u>NOT</u> <b>underwater</b>.
</br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://webhelpaustralia.com/assets/img/half-underwater-man-smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="360" width="240" src="http://webhelpaustralia.com/assets/img/half-underwater-man-smaller.jpg" /></a></div>
<p>This man is <u>IN</u> the water, but he is <u>NOT</u> <b>underwater</b>.</p>
<p>But, you can still say that his mouth <u>IS</u> <b>underwater</b>.</p>
<i>Ok, I don't know if it helps, but if you have any questions, comment below please!</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-42876471239453597362012-10-14T07:44:00.000-07:002012-10-20T00:16:50.861-07:00Idiom #10: Bump in the road<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>A bump in the road</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> an obstacle/hindrance in a process or task.</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Rika: Oh, Sayuriiiiii our three weeks in Hawaii is almost done! :(</li>
<li>Sayuri: Yes, there were a few <b>bumps in the road</b>, but we've really learned a lot.</li>
<li>Rika: I know, classes were so hard, but we're at the end now.</li>
<li>Sayuri: Yes, many hardships, but we will miss Hawaii a lot.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoP18u83TcBBfIO43waRFUlp_4eyKJO3fvrEjB1x6p-uHL8gyFMHaZAUDXNo_XKy_B82IGd9sLhiQyaUNsPUdhyZJhkTSMtmrUXlQt14cr6zvb_kfYsERapbmCYoZhkModaMaUCbkhAPm/s1600/sayuri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPoP18u83TcBBfIO43waRFUlp_4eyKJO3fvrEjB1x6p-uHL8gyFMHaZAUDXNo_XKy_B82IGd9sLhiQyaUNsPUdhyZJhkTSMtmrUXlQt14cr6zvb_kfYsERapbmCYoZhkModaMaUCbkhAPm/s1600/sayuri.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love Hawaii~</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> When driving (or biking) down the road sometimes you run into some bumps. However, bumps aren't big enough to stop a car or bike. So people usually use this phrase to talk about small problems that have happened when doing a task.</p>
<p></br><i>Have an English question? Want to have it answered on this blog? Comment below!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-84189580749104621612012-10-13T05:45:00.000-07:002012-10-20T00:16:24.925-07:00Idiom #9: Bite the hand that feeds you<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Bite the hand that feeds you</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> To do bad things to someone (or something) that has helped you.</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Mami: Ok, Rara do you want some food?</li>
<li>Rara: Wan, wan!!</li>
<li>Mami: Alright here's your food!!!</li>
<li>Rara: WAN, WAN!!!!!! *bite*</li>
<li>Mami: Ahhhh, itai!!! Ouch!!!</li>
<li>Mami: Rara! Don't <b>bite the hand that feeds you!</b></li>
<li>Rara: ...</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibt0TtAlyGb8Gn_-DFZWgLXl6pfNF6codu2gpvvvZPyoxM8osKVe2C3uHO8LUWYDpMY-gEiKaGrtKUP10mjFmD38YflhVNsd_Yb4-7KPrwsAUZhk0c4iFIzK8Vc73LeDtOJ5ajpIjPSwiW/s1600/rara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibt0TtAlyGb8Gn_-DFZWgLXl6pfNF6codu2gpvvvZPyoxM8osKVe2C3uHO8LUWYDpMY-gEiKaGrtKUP10mjFmD38YflhVNsd_Yb4-7KPrwsAUZhk0c4iFIzK8Vc73LeDtOJ5ajpIjPSwiW/s1600/rara.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">she is so innocent looking!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> This is another simple phrase to imagine. If you have a dog, think about him or her. You feed your dog everyday, take care of her, play with her, wash her, and buy lots of wonderful things for her...and then she bites your hand! How would you feel? So, in real life, if someone (a boss, a friend, a teacher) or something (a church, a school, a company) does something good to you, don't do something bad to them...or say bad things about them to someone else!</p>
<p></br>By the way, Rara is my wife's family's dog~</p>
<p></br><i>If you liked this phrase or have a question, comment below!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-88916137232897597762012-10-10T06:53:00.001-07:002012-10-20T00:16:17.429-07:00Idiom #8: The early bird catches the worm<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>The early bird catches the worm</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> Basically means, "if you work hard and prepare you will be great!", but it can be taken more literally to mean, "if you wake up early (and work hard) you will be successful".</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Taka: Yoshihiro, let's wake up at 4:00am tomorrow and practice playing baseball!</li>
<li>Yoshihiro: I agree! You know what they say, <b>"the early bird catches the worm!"</b></li>
<li>Taka: We will be the best baseball players ever!</li>
<li>Yoshihiro: Ok, I'll see you tomorrow morning!</li>
</ul>
The next day...
<ul>
<li>Yoshihiro: uhhg...it's too early...</li>
<li>Taka: zzz zzz</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCyxkRcVSSbRiSQaYMgS6pNkt1ZQGDjYdNF3G1WWgDAOY5p81ZjXYipq11qEVv0E219-XkMmn4aGnBr10u8hpH30MjeMU-nhwBSo6gecj8DLA67NLiVsCLAEIY-mkYoR2tatGXN0y20ZM/s1600/taka-sleepy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="150" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCyxkRcVSSbRiSQaYMgS6pNkt1ZQGDjYdNF3G1WWgDAOY5p81ZjXYipq11qEVv0E219-XkMmn4aGnBr10u8hpH30MjeMU-nhwBSo6gecj8DLA67NLiVsCLAEIY-mkYoR2tatGXN0y20ZM/s200/taka-sleepy.jpg" /></a></div>
<p><u>Origin:</u> When you hear this, try to imagine birds catching worms. The bird that wakes up the earliest has a better chance of catching worms. </br>This is a very old proverb that dates all the way back to 1670 in England.</p>
<p></br><i>Sorry this is late! Comment below please~</i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_5LWnPM_eb_-JvfQbyyJk52_eaFVEAIWcwucuEx7EO0DhJp2jjiDEALM0a83U52iqI_69vSn4hTXCcUAYS5jzcjnNi2v_kQB3Lcu0_NkUJY4TQwIZ78Dpjg99Od2-e9oWzNeeQnlyaiN/s1600/bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="80.5" width="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_5LWnPM_eb_-JvfQbyyJk52_eaFVEAIWcwucuEx7EO0DhJp2jjiDEALM0a83U52iqI_69vSn4hTXCcUAYS5jzcjnNi2v_kQB3Lcu0_NkUJY4TQwIZ78Dpjg99Od2-e9oWzNeeQnlyaiN/s200/bird.jpg" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-43090125299912533172012-10-07T05:18:00.000-07:002012-10-20T00:16:10.665-07:00Idiom #7: Cut Corners<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Cut corners</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> To do something as quickly as possible. This is usually done to save time or money, but often results in lower quality. </p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Sayuri: Aiko, let's make pancakes again.</li>
<li>Aiko: Ok, but if you <b>cut corners</b> like last time it will taste so bad!!!</li>
<li>Sayuri: Don't worry I won't, I will remember the sugar this time!</li>
<li>Aiko: Yay~</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDr58YUCtWn5sDJNIWO1OB8x46L_keyxIRbkY_KdKsLvVXOly2JeU_rz57lYsnzmJx03fXkdpmOdT4iOYAZR8uBA3Xkbc2klHo0JYP3kgpkt8XBiaOZkguO8ZhsY86U9CXEgfRClC0dFS/s1600/aiko-pancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDr58YUCtWn5sDJNIWO1OB8x46L_keyxIRbkY_KdKsLvVXOly2JeU_rz57lYsnzmJx03fXkdpmOdT4iOYAZR8uBA3Xkbc2klHo0JYP3kgpkt8XBiaOZkguO8ZhsY86U9CXEgfRClC0dFS/s200/aiko-pancake.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love pancakes too</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> This phrase comes from driving. Sometimes when people come to a sharp turn in the road, instead of gong all the way to the corner and then turning, they go diagonally across and "cut through the corner". This can save time, but can result in accidents.</p>
</br>
<p>Just in case, here's a picture of a <i>corner:</i></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hotzmats.com/images/4_way_uncontrolled_Image0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="225" width="300" src="http://www.hotzmats.com/images/4_way_uncontrolled_Image0003.jpg" /></a></div>
<p></br><i>Questions? Comment below please!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-76302479389932262022012-10-06T07:14:00.000-07:002013-12-13T22:52:12.907-08:00Japan Classrooms VS American Classrooms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, my wife and I had a discussion regarding the Japanese classroom. As most people know, my wife is from Japan; born and raised in the Land of the Rising Sun. She began by describing that in most middle schools and high schools, students went to one classroom and stayed there the whole day. Throughout the day, various teachers would enter that one room to teach their lessons to the students. In a nutshell, students stayed in the room, while teachers moved.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGGtGjpF_3f_1PVHT8YWtMaXfY9qFzYqEgrX_HtiIP1bp1ElE98TbqfoObKRFXip2UoIOY9we875Q6TLXXgjePt57lk6vj9WmgwhnI2uFWWfCd53zmLXlrK6KgrIN0Eufy2Acax8er1s/s1600/img21385471e13d66dcf2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGGtGjpF_3f_1PVHT8YWtMaXfY9qFzYqEgrX_HtiIP1bp1ElE98TbqfoObKRFXip2UoIOY9we875Q6TLXXgjePt57lk6vj9WmgwhnI2uFWWfCd53zmLXlrK6KgrIN0Eufy2Acax8er1s/s320/img21385471e13d66dcf2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I then related my American school experience, which of course, was quite opposite---students in America move from classroom to classroom while teachers primarily stayed in the same spot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After this, we compared Japan and America's college experience and found out that it was relatively similar (no homerooms; both students and teachers move to different classrooms). This brings us then to my blog thought: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>What advantages can be found in the Japanese classroom? If universities are the "role model", how come the middle schools and high schools are "sticking to their guns"? Why don't they change? </i>And of course, a hundred more questions that basically fall under the umbrella of the first.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Obviously, if I knew the answers I wouldn't be blogging about this topic. So, I will do some more research and do a follow-up post in the future. For now, I believe a simple pros and cons list will help settle the mind.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pros:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Students are more organized</li>
<li>Less traffic in the hallways</li>
<li>Students have everything they need in one place (their desks)</li>
<li>Students get familiar with one another</li>
<li>Assigned seating and unchanging student groups</li>
<li>Less confusion on scheduling and logistics</li>
<li>Teacher is walking into the "student's territory"</li>
<li>A sense of belonging for each student</li>
<li>Lower costs (no room for each teacher) ?????</li>
</ul>
<div>
Cons:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Students can get sick and tired of one another</li>
<li>Less diversity</li>
<li>Teacher cannot set up the room to enhance education</li>
<li>Teacher is walking into the "student's territory"</li>
<li>Assigned seating and unchanging student groups</li>
<li>If you don't like your peers, there's no other options</li>
<li>Sitting in the same seat all day</li>
<li>One bad experience may mean that you have to recall it everyday until the end of the year (when your class changes)</li>
<li>Stagnant environments</li>
</ul>
<div>
OK, sorry if the list is repetitive or subtopics or etc...it was more of a brainstorming session. And there are probably tons of other points to add on to the list. The thing to keep in mind after looking at (and perhaps adding to) this list is of course, do the pros outweigh the cons? Are these "good" reasons really good enough? And, are these pros actually working (do students really feel more comfortable, build better relationships, and have a sense of belonging)?</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Please leave a comment. If you disagree with anything, by all means, comment below as well. I would like to know your thoughts.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cheers,</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-45975972502251291682012-10-06T05:45:00.000-07:002012-10-20T00:15:12.961-07:00Idiom #6: Speak of the Devil<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Speak of the devil</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> This phrase is used when a person you have been talking about unexpectedly appears</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Mark: Awww....Kevin is so small!</li>
<li>Yoko: Yeah, he is so cute isn't he?</li>
<li>Mark: I know..oh, doesn't he look like Conan, from Detective Conan!?</li>
<li>Yoko: Yeah!! Oh my goodness!!!</li>
<li>Mark: Hahah! Oh, <b>speak of the devil</b>, here he comes now!!!</li>
<li>Kevin: Aloha teachers~</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RTGOHM7LycRoLYMYnRqCPkuwjciaHyWJ3frAaLNTZmnSELTd12uyOy_kfC3z-5fj6ou1Q5vDYr1a9UIElmaIMQjDL-HUKiKT8-YUF9KhSc5rRwLiN70og0ysZ8OluZVvhNTohhtSM73m/s1600/kevin-conan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RTGOHM7LycRoLYMYnRqCPkuwjciaHyWJ3frAaLNTZmnSELTd12uyOy_kfC3z-5fj6ou1Q5vDYr1a9UIElmaIMQjDL-HUKiKT8-YUF9KhSc5rRwLiN70og0ysZ8OluZVvhNTohhtSM73m/s200/kevin-conan.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I drew Kevin in Conan's clothes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> Nowadays this phrase is used in a fun and joking way. It is not used in a mean or evil (sinister) manner.
The original 1600's phrase went, "speak of the Devil and he will appear" and was probably said so that people wouldn't
say the Devil's name too often (maybe like <a href="http://images.wikia.com/harrypotter/images/c/c8/Voldemort_and_his_followers_at_the_Battle_of_Hogwarts.jpg">Voldermort</a>...He-who-must-not-be-named...)</p>
</br><p>By the way, if you don't know who Detective Conan is, <a href="http://webpub.allegheny.edu/employee/I/iroy/weblogcmrt260fa2010/detective%20conan.jpg">click here</a>!</p>
<p></br><i>Comment below please!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-86164587422137793622012-10-05T06:03:00.000-07:002012-10-20T00:15:04.494-07:00Idiom #5: On the ball<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>On the ball</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> To be ready, prepared, or alert</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Mark: Ok, today's lesson is a little tricky so I need you all to be <b>on the ball</b> today!</li>
<li>Mark: Ok! Bob, name one country in Polynesia!</li>
<li>Bob: Hawaii.</li>
<li>Mark: Good. Lee, how about another country??</li>
<li>Mark: Lee....LEE???</li>
<li>Lee: zzz...zzz...zzz</li>
<li>Bob: Oh no. Lee's not <b>on the ball</b> today.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUujgrivsMDd3DxYzSqY0pxgG-jAaLxIYn5VC8pt0BH_znXoy5UEYIPKNNTM_FIlBfVx4NvDkuAjA8ReuOzEv7BpAuJXOG1G0QjbFuyzNZgaXXPhpWgN77tFHh-WR-NSQ9wZZkN_dPUR5L/s1600/lee-sleeping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUujgrivsMDd3DxYzSqY0pxgG-jAaLxIYn5VC8pt0BH_znXoy5UEYIPKNNTM_FIlBfVx4NvDkuAjA8ReuOzEv7BpAuJXOG1G0QjbFuyzNZgaXXPhpWgN77tFHh-WR-NSQ9wZZkN_dPUR5L/s200/lee-sleeping.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how I remember Lee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<p><u>Origin:</u> This idiom comes from sports, most likely from Baseball. In sports, players should always keep their eyes on the ball so that they can catch or hit it better.</p>
<p></br><i>Comment below please!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-54487904155928724462012-10-04T05:47:00.001-07:002012-10-20T00:14:53.846-07:00Idiom #4: Feeling Under the Weather<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Feeling under the weather</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> To be sick. To feel ill.</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Mary: What's wrong Marina?</li>
<li>Marina: Uhhhh....I'm <b>feeling</b> a little <b>under the weather...</b></li>
<li>Mary: Oh no! We should go see a doctor!</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWXxcIXF00UDmSvvFNX1aVw9H61c03KkeqMojh2kW_abJC8DvdIhwmo4b9z-zMdV8ydmTpQ7_zr_gPwTIf9X_olrmEFYAeWdJEMgiR774SRQ91QWC4t4U6iBESiph97WHa6YFvRSgk_GU/s1600/marina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWXxcIXF00UDmSvvFNX1aVw9H61c03KkeqMojh2kW_abJC8DvdIhwmo4b9z-zMdV8ydmTpQ7_zr_gPwTIf9X_olrmEFYAeWdJEMgiR774SRQ91QWC4t4U6iBESiph97WHa6YFvRSgk_GU/s200/marina.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<p><u>Origin:</u> This phrase was originally used by sailors (people who sailed boats). In the old days, when a sailor was sick, he was sent downstairs (below deck) so he could rest and get better. He went under and away from the bad weather.</p>
<p></br><i>Comments? Questions? Just click down here!</i></p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-29274648574505940932012-10-03T04:57:00.002-07:002012-10-20T00:14:23.902-07:00Idiom #3: Miss the boat<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Miss the boat</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> Having a really big opportunity in front of you, not doing it,
and then realizing that you may never have it again (or may not have the opportunity again for a really long time).</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Mary: Abby, let's go to Japan!!!</li>
<li>Abby: Ok, let's check the prices of plane tickets!</li>
<li>Mary: Wow, only $700!! Let's buy it tomorrow morning!!!</li>
</ul>
<i>The next day</i>
<ul>
<li>Mary: Let's buy the tickets now!</li>
<li>Mary: (checking the computer) Oh no, the price is now $1000!!!!</li>
<li>Abby: Awww...looks like we <b>missed the boat</b> on that one...</li>
<li>Mary: Nnnnnnnnoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBWI-MLEg8lZBRby5-U-eEVlkgM1Y-RY4CZCh0eNRu-FuTcUftvid102yQERDN8Ka9PNx61NH2XnGTrc36LrK8VtQ7eqn30hffaXyQJPkv0-DDVFMPsZkFgXaLbdjzYHQe6KTEKOdGW8F/s1600/abby2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBWI-MLEg8lZBRby5-U-eEVlkgM1Y-RY4CZCh0eNRu-FuTcUftvid102yQERDN8Ka9PNx61NH2XnGTrc36LrK8VtQ7eqn30hffaXyQJPkv0-DDVFMPsZkFgXaLbdjzYHQe6KTEKOdGW8F/s1600/abby2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<p><u>Origin:</u> This one is easy to imagine. Imagine that you have tickets to go on a boat ride; you get a taxi,drive to the place where the boat is (the dock)...but you're late! When you get there, you see the boat already sailing away. You missed your chance.</p>
<p></br><i>As always, if you have a question put it in a comment below!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-39363508679774547902012-10-02T19:51:00.000-07:002013-12-13T22:51:52.170-08:00The Perfect SyllabusFor language teachers (well, at least for me) the words "perfect syllabus" sound mystical, as if from inside the pages of a fairy tale or a magical quest. In fact, the perfect syllabus may indeed be compared to the linguists' Holy Grail or Fountain of Youth.<br />
So, the question arises: <i>is it real? Or otherwise, can it actually be created.</i> I, for one, have developed a fancy in this topic and lean towards the affirmative. Simply put, the study of language, Linguistics, is only a few decades old and is now only beginning to reach a juvenile age. I believe that there is still much to learn, and much to discover about languages, in particular the English language.<br />
One person, who's views I have become acquainted with, is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Processability_theory">Manfred Pienemann</a>. Again, since Linguistics is so relatively new, we can genuinely say that he is at the forefront of a great discovery. In a nutshell, his research indicates that the English language is learned in stages, and that all students pass through the same stages when learning English; these stages include correct utterances as well as interlanguage and many errors. For more information see the document titled <u>Second Language Acquisition: A First Introduction</u> by Manfred Pienemann.<br />
At the moment, I am acquiring more of Pienemann's works as well as researching what other Linguists have to say in regards to his studies. But, I believe that this is definitely a great stepping stone towards discovering the perfect syllabus.<br />
If you have read Pienemann's studies and have some input, please comment below. Or if you have your own theories regarding a perfect syllabus please do not hesitate to comment.I am eager to know your thoughts.<br />
Cheers!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-2396996058760308202012-10-02T04:48:00.001-07:002012-10-20T00:13:53.469-07:00Idiom #2: Cost an arm and a leg<p>This is in response to Abby's request on facebook.</p>
<span style="font-size:x-large;"><p><b>Cost an arm and a leg</b></p></span>
<p><u>Meaning:</u> Something is really expensive!</p>
<u>Example:</u>
<ul>
<li>Abby: I want to buy a house in Hawaii...</li>
<li>Carl: Ok! First you need about $300,000! (about 8,785,500 TWD)</li>
<li>Abby: Oh no!!! It will <b>cost an arm and a leg</b> to buy a house in Hawaii!!!</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYaXoGptEAaqIso-HbEDiQEZ1kUYhigbcuoq4LUDPoP6Szyx8Q62ur0-XgMydG8JNHRiAcxD40uqnQYO_7sgKxgJViHwDXbQX6_lgsNw6QO4U6hebXyjzPvxXblB0QgJgunaEj3jiU_4M/s1600/abby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYaXoGptEAaqIso-HbEDiQEZ1kUYhigbcuoq4LUDPoP6Szyx8Q62ur0-XgMydG8JNHRiAcxD40uqnQYO_7sgKxgJViHwDXbQX6_lgsNw6QO4U6hebXyjzPvxXblB0QgJgunaEj3jiU_4M/s200/abby.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<p><u>Origin:</u> After a war many soldiers would come home missing arms or legs. Many people would say that the price of war cost many people their arms or legs.</p>
<p></br><i>Don't forget to comment if you have any questions or have a request!</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5482723492973187656.post-63207761025218063632012-09-30T19:59:00.000-07:002013-12-13T22:47:17.231-08:00The first post<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Why start an English blog?</b></span><br />
<br />
I can still recall one of my first linguistics classes in college. The professor posed a very simple question: <br />
<blockquote>
what makes humans different from other animals?</blockquote>
<br />
I won't begin to list the <i>wonderful</i> answers that came from the mouths of my peers, instead I'll jump to the conclusion: Language is mankind's special skill. Yes, birds do have their songs, dogs have their barks, and other animals have their calls, but they never change; only humans have the ability to create and use languages.<br />
Well, I won't give a textbook explanation, that's not the point of this blog. Simply put, language is amazing, and I want to explore the English language (since I am an English teacher) by posting thoughts that I have in regards to teaching it to speakers of other languages. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to address them below or through other channels of communication.<br />
Cheers!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0