F2F Class Notes (Raph)[R]

Vocabulary

Ostrich (n): 1- a very large bird from Africa that cannot fly. 2- 鸵鸟.
E.g.: The ostrich is the fastest animal on two legs.

Poll (n): 1- a study in which people are asked for their opinions about a subject or person:
E.g.: We’re carrying out/conducting a poll to find out what people think about abortion.
E.g.: The latest opinion poll puts the Democrats in the lead.

Pollster (n): 1- an organization or a person who does opinion polls.
E.g.: The interviews were conducted by one of the country’s most respected pollsters.

Pertinent (adj): 1- relating directly to the subject being considered:
E.g.: Your question is interesting, but isn’t pertinent to the subject we’re supposed to be talking about.
E.g.: Chapter One is pertinent to the post-war period.

Optimistic (adj): 1- hoping or believing that good things will happen in the future. (n: Optimism)
E.g.: I’m very optimistic about our future together.
E.g.: There was a note of optimism in his voice as he spoke about the company’s future.

Pessimistic (adj): 1- thinking that bad things are more likely to happen or emphasizing the bad part of a situation. (n: Pessimism)
E.g.: The doctors are pessimistic (= not hopeful) about his chances of recovery.
E.g.: There is now a lot of pessimism about the economy.

Resounding (adj): 1- loud. 2- very great
E.g.: Supporters gave the team three resounding cheers.
E.g.: The plan was a resounding success/failure.

Hearten (v): 1- ​to make someone feel happier and more positive about a situation. (Adj: Heartening)
E.g.: Anti-government protesters have been heartened by recent government promises of free and fair elections.
E.g.: It was heartening to see so many people at the meeting.

Dishearten (v): 1- to make a person lose confidence, hope, and energy. (Adj: Disheartening)
E.g.: I was disheartened by his bad behavior.
E.g.: The new injury, after he had come back from the last, was disheartening.

Procrastinate (v): 1- to keep delaying something that must be done, often because it is unpleasant or boring.
E.g.: I know I’ve got to deal with the problem at some point – I’m just procrastinating.

Fortune (n): 1- luck, chance and the way they affect your life. 2- a large amount of money, goods, property, etc.:
E.g.: He had the (good) fortune to train with some of the world’s top athletes.
E.g.: The family’s fortunes changed overnight.
E.g.: He lost a fortune with this bad business decision..
E.g.: Her dress costs a small fortune.

Prosperity (n): 1- the state of being successful and having a lot of money.
E.g.: A country’s future prosperity depends on the quality of education of its people.
E.g.: The war was followed by a long period of peace and prosperity.

Vice President (n): 1- 副总统

2018 To Be A Great Year
(Source: www./breakingnewsenglish.com/1801/180102-2018.html

The year 2018 is just days old, but already there are indications it will be a great 12 months. This is according to a poll conducted by the international news service BNE. The service’s top pollster asked pertinent questions about whether people were optimistic or pessimistic about the year ahead. A resounding 100 per cent of survey participants responded positively. They all thought 2018 would be a wonderful year, both in their personal lives and in terms of national and global issues. All those who took part in the survey were of the opinion that 2018 would be significantly better than the year 2017. A BNE spokesman said he was heartened by the responses and wished everyone good fortune.

The survey questioned participants’ views on their hopes for their own life, as well as for the fate of the Earth. An overwhelming majority of people were convinced they would carry out their New Year resolutions. In particular, people were determined to get in shape, stop procrastinating, save money, and improve their English ability. Others said they would use their smartphones less often, eat less fast food and chocolate, and make sure their homes are always very, very tidy. Most participants were positive about the world in 2018. They thought there would be fewer wars, less pollution and an increase in goodwill shown to the less fortunate. Everyone hoped for more peace, love, happiness and prosperity.

Grammar

In China has a writer named Antonio. – There is a writer in China who is named Antonio. / There’s a writer named Antonio in China. 

In Monday. – On Monday.

Pronunciation

Ostrich: /ˈɑː.strɪtʃ/

Garbage: /ˈɡɑːr.bɪdʒ/

Booked: /bʊkt/

Significantly: /sɪɡˈnɪf.ə.kənt.li/

Determined: /dɪˈtɝː.mɪnd/

Tidy: /ˈtaɪ.di/

During: /ˈdʊr.ɪŋ/

Pollster: /ˈpoʊl.stɚ/

Pertinent: /ˈpɝː.tən.ənt/

Resounding: /rɪˈzaʊn.dɪŋ/

Participant: /pɑːrˈtɪs.ə.pənt/

Positively: /ˈpɑː.zə.t̬ɪv.li/

Overwhelming: ​ /ˌoʊ.vɚ.ˈwel.mɪŋ/

Resolution: /ˌrez.əˈluː.ʃən/

Shape: /ʃeɪp/

Procrastinate: /proʊˈkræs.tə.neɪt/