VIP Class Notes (Raph)

Vocabulary

Overwork (v/adj): 1- to (cause someone to) work too much. 2- working too much.
E.g.: You look exhausted – I hope they’re not overworking you.
E.g.: Amy quit her job because she said her company was overworking her.
E.g.: Amy quit her job because she felt really overworked.
E.g.: He got sick because of overwork.

Overtime (n): 1- time spent working after the usual time needed or expected in a job.
E.g.: They’re doing/working overtime to get the job done on time.
E.g.: Everyone is on overtime (= being paid extra for working after the usual time) this weekend.

Uncertainty (n): 1- a situation in which something is not known, or something that is not known or certain.
E.g.: There’s a lot of uncertainty about the company’s future.
E.g.: Life is full of uncertainties.

Collective (n/adj): 1- of or shared by every member of a group of people.
E.g.: This was a collective decision.
E.g.: We have a collective responsibility to solve this problem.

Individual (n): 1-  a single person or thing, especially when compared to the group or set to which they belong.
E.g.: Every individual has rights which must never be taken away.
E.g.: Like many creative individuals, she is very shy.

Maternity Leave (n): 1- a period in which a woman is legally allowed to be absent from work before and after she gives birth.
E.g.: She was on maternity leave for three months after having her daughter.

Aisle (n): 1- a long, narrow space between rows of seats in an aircraft, cinema, or church, or between the rows of shelves in a large shop.
E.g.: Would you like an aisle seat or would you prefer to be by the window?
E.g.: You’ll find the shampoo and the soap in the fourth aisle from the entrance.

Grammar

At the middle noon. – At midday / At noon.

I see a picture a few years ago. – I saw a picture a few years ago.

This is a traditional of China.  – This is a tradition of China.

In a few years, when I was young.  A few years ago, when I was young.

Pronunciation

Uncertainty: /ʌnˈsɝː.tən.ti/

Occupied: /ˈɑː.kjə.paɪd/

Collective: /kəˈlek.tɪv/

Collectivism: kəˈlek.tɪ.vɪ.zəm/

Individual: /ˌɪn.dəˈvɪdʒ.u.əl/

Individualism: /ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəlɪzəm/

Child: /tʃaɪld/

Aisle: /aɪl/