F2F Class Notes (Raph)

Vocabulary

Rehearsal (n): 1- a time when all the people involved in a play, dance, etc. practice in order to prepare for a performance. (v: Rehearse)
E.g.: They didn’t have time for (a) rehearsal before the performance.
E.g.: Before they started filming, they rehearsed countless times.

Abroad (adv): 1- in or to a foreign country or countries.
E.g.: He’s currently abroad on business.
E.g.: What’s the most difficult part about living abroad?

Strike (v): 1- to refuse to continue working because of an argument with an employer about working conditions, pay levels, or job losses.
E.g.: Workers  have the right to strike and join a trade union.
E.g.: We’re striking for better pay and improved safety standards.

Cap (v): 1- to put a limit on the amount of money that can be charged or spent in connection with a particular activity.
E.g.: The company needs to cap its spending in order to get out of this bad financial situation.

Inflation (n): 1- a general, continuous increase in prices.
E.g.: The control of inflation is a key component of the government’s economic policy.

Iconic (adj): 1- very famous or popular, especially being considered to represent particular opinions or a particular time:
E.g.: John Lennon gained iconic status following his death.

Q: How was your day / week / weekend / holiday / trip?
A: It was ________.

I’m glad you’re back. We’ve missed you around here.

Bank of England staff to go on strike
(Source: breakingnewsenglish.com/1707/170705-bank-of-england-4.html)

The Bank of England voted to strike for four days for higher pay. It will be the first strike by the Bank’s staff in 50 years. Over 95 per cent of bankers who voted chose to strike. The Bank offered its workers a one per cent pay rise. However a third of staff may get no pay rise. The workers’ union said that because the bank was unwilling to talk fairly, its offices in the City of London would not be able to work properly during the strike.

The Bank of England was set up in 1694. It is the world’s second oldest central bank. Its workers are suffering financially. Their annual salary increase is capped at one per cent. Inflation is 2.9 per cent. The workers are taking action, “because of the bank’s total refusal to accept that its workforce is struggling to meet their costs of living”. It said it was “shameful” that an “iconic symbol of financial services is ignoring…hardworking staff.”

Grammar

How to express my happy? – How to express my happiness?

Five sets of shoes. – Five pairs of shoes.

Pronunciation

Barrier: /ˈber.i.ɚ/

Corduroy: /ˈkɔːr.də.rɔɪ/

Polyester: /ˌpɑː.liˈes.tɚ/

Moisture: /ˈmɔɪs.tʃɚ/

Abrasion: /əˈbreɪ.ʒən/

Damaged: /ˈdæm.ɪdʒd/

America: /əˈmer.ɪ.kə/

American:  /əˈmer.ɪ.kən/

Colleague: /ˈkɑː.liːɡ/

College: /ˈkɑː.lɪdʒ/

Financially: /faɪˈnænʃəli/