F2F Class Notes (Raph)[S][R]

Vocabulary

Evaluate (v): 1- to judge or calculate the quality, importance, amount, or value of something:
E.g.: It’s impossible to evaluate these results without knowing more about the research methods employed.
E.g.: We shall need to evaluate how the new material stands up to wear and tear.
E.g.: The effects of the drug on patients’ behavior is extremely difficult to evaluate.

Case (n): 1- a particular situation or example of something.
E.g.: Over a hundred people were injured, in several cases seriously.
E.g.: Jobs are hard to find but in his case that’s not the problem because he has so much experience.
E.g.: I wouldn’t normally agree but I’ll make an exception in this case.

Annual (adj): 1- happening once every year.
E.g.: Companies publish annual reports to inform the public about the previous year’s activities.

Theme (n): 1- the main subject of a talk, book, film, etc..
E.g.: The theme of loss runs through most of his novels.
E.g.: The theme of freedom recurs throughout her writing.
E.g.: The father-daughter relationship is a recurring theme in her novels.
E.g.: On the surface it’s a very funny novel but it does have a more serious underlying theme.

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.

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.

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.

Original:

I will have a important interview next month. If I pass it I will take a three years further education, from 2018 to 2021. I will have a very important examination in May. I must pass it, and I’m planning to learn piano in September. And I want to find a new apartment this year. I have no plans because I’m not sure if I will have a trip because I have no time. The new year I will be on duty, so I need to stay in Shanghai.

Edited:

I believe 2018 will be a busy year. I will have an important interview next month, and if I pass / get accepted, I will join a three-year further education program, from 2018 to 2021.  Besides that, I will also have a very important examination in May, and I must pass it. Furthermore, I’m planning to learn piano, starting in September, and to find a new apartment before the end of the year. I currently have no travel  plans because I’m not sure if I will have time. During Chinese New Year I will be on duty, so I need to stay in Shanghai.

Grammar

It’s no meaning to me. – It’s meaningless to me.

I don’t care it – I don’t care about it.

I want to have a rest yesterday. – I wanted to rest yesterday.

Pronunciation

Attend: /əˈtend/

Team: /tiːm/

Theme: /θiːm/

Diabetes: /ˌdaɪ.əˈbiː.t̬əs/

Believe: /bɪˈliːv/

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/

Specialization: /ˌspeʃ.əl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ | /ˌspeʃ.ə.ləˈzeɪ.ʃən/