FEEL LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS

Sean: I bumped into Nick at the salon yesterday. He looked great, but I noticed that he had a slight limp when he walked.I guess you didn't know that he had an operation on his knee.

Lea: No, I didn't. How's he feeling ?

Sean: He says he's feeling like a million dollars now. Apparently the pain in his knee is all gone.

Lea: It's good that he's feeling so wonderful. It must be a refreshing change not having to put up with all that discomfort.

Idiom

Knock the socks off !!!
Jack	Rachel, I'm pleased with the way you turned things around.
Rachel	Thank you, Jack. It's only because I have a great team.
Jack	You're an excellent manager, and your department is number one.
Rachel	Thanks! Next quarter I really want to knock the socks off the competition.
Jack	I know you can do it.
Rachel	I won't let you down.

Breaking News English

Apple Inc. is suing Korea’s Samsung Electronics Co. for copying the design, look and even the packaging of its iPhone and iPad products. Apple alleges that Samsung’s Galaxy phones and tablet computers infringe the patents of its products. Included in the list of infringements are the use of the hand gestures used on Apple’s touch screens, the colour and shape of Samsung’s devices, and even the design of the boxes in which Samsung’s gadgets are sold. Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, accused Samsung of violating Apple trademarks and patents. He included the Korean tech giant in a list of companies making tablets that would make 2011 the “Year of Copycats.” Steve Dowling, an Apple spokesperson, said the company had to protect its intellectual copyright.

Samsung executives are not happy at having to fight Apple in court. The two companies are dependent on each other in many ways. Samsung supplies many of the parts for Apple’s iPhone. A Samsung spokesperson said his company’s “development of core technologies and the strengthening of our intellectual property portfolio are keys to our continued success.” He added: “Samsung will respond actively to this legal action taken against us through appropriate legal measures to protect our intellectual property.” The courtroom battle is set to last months, perhaps years. A lot is at stake. Industry analysts predict tablet computers will soon overtake personal computers in global sales. Apple is determined the iPhone, introduced in 2007, and the iPad, which came in 2010, will continue as market leaders.

EXERCISE QUESTIONS:

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if  a-h  below are true (T) or false (F).

a.	Apple is suing Samsung for copying the way it boxes its products.	T / F
b.	Apple is also suing over the use of its touch-screen hand gestures.	T / F
c.	The Apple SEO has not yet accused Samsung of copying.	T / F
d.	An Apple spokesperson said Apple didn’t need to protect its copyright.	T / F
e.	Samsung executives are very happy to fight Apple in court.	T / F
f.	Apple makes all its own parts for the iPhone.	T / F
g.	It is expected the trial could take several years.	T / F
h.	Tablets like the iPad could soon start outselling personal computers	T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

1.	suing	a.	abusing
2	alleges	b.	step on
3.	infringe	c.	reliant
4.	violating	d.	representative
5.	spokesperson	e.	taking to court
6.	dependent	f.	suitable
7.	core	g.	says
8.	appropriate	h.	carry on
9.	last	i.	basic
10.	continue	j.	continue for

EXERCISE QUESTIONS: Four Main Layers of the Earth

Please answer the questions below carefully.


1. According to the article, how many years ago was the planet earth formed?


2. What are the four main layers of the earth?


3. What is lithosphere? What is the other name for "lithosphere"?


4. The largest layer of the earth is the mantle. What is it made up of?


5. What do you call the third layer of the earth?


6. Which do you think among the four layers of the earth is the thinnest layer?


7. What layer of the earth can be regarded as a ball of very hot materials?


8. What do you call the innermost layer of the earth?


9. How thick is the inner core?


10. The earth is enveloped by atmosphere. What are the five major layers of the atmosphere?

Breaking News English

INTERNET ACCESS IS A HUMAN RIGHT

Most of the world’s Internet users believe Internet access is a basic human right. This is according to a new poll conducted for the BBC. A survey of more than 27,000 adults in 26 different countries found four out of five people believed access to the World Wide Web was a right everyone in the world needs and should have. The chief of the International Telecommunication Union, Dr. Hamadoun Toure, told the BBC World Service: "The right to communicate cannot be ignored. The Internet is the most powerful potential source of enlightenment ever created." Dr. Toure believes online access should be available everywhere, just like roads and water. In some countries, this has already happened. Finland and Estonia have laws saying access is a human right.

The survey also showed how the Internet is quickly becoming a vital part of our life, all across the world. Over 75 per cent of Japanese, Mexican and Russian people said they could not live without it. It is easy to see why. Almost everything we do in our life today, from communication, study, work and leisure, needs the Internet. Without access to the Web, many people would feel helpless and powerless. Almost 80 per cent of those who took the survey believe the Web had a positive impact, with nearly four fifths saying they have greater freedom. Other people were worried about the dangers of using the Internet. One big surprise was that the majority of Germans felt it was not safe for them to express their opinions online.

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if  a-h  below are true (T) or false (F).

a.	The article says the UN has made Internet access a human right.	T / F
b.	A poll questioned 27,000 adults in 126 countries.	T / F
c.	A telecommunication chief said the Web was important for light.	T / F
d.	There are at least 2 countries with laws saying the Internet is a right.	T / F
e.	Three-quarters of Mexicans cannot live without the Internet.	T / F
f.	The Internet makes it easy for us to see.	T / F
g.	Four fifths of people said they feel the Web is a positive thing.	T / F
h.	Most Germans surveyed were worried about freedom of expression.	T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

1.	believe	a.	learning
2	chief	b.	possible
3.	ignored	c.	weak
4.	potential	d.	free time
5.	enlightenment	e.	disregarded
6.	vital	f.	effect
7.	leisure	g.	think
8.	helpless	h.	talk about
9.	impact	i.	head
10.	express	j.	necessary

Breaking News English

INTERNET ACCESS IS A HUMAN RIGHT

Most of the world’s Internet users believe Internet access is a basic human right. This is according to a new poll conducted for the BBC. A survey of more than 27,000 adults in 26 different countries found four out of five people believed access to the World Wide Web was a right everyone in the world needs and should have. The chief of the International Telecommunication Union, Dr. Hamadoun Toure, told the BBC World Service: "The right to communicate cannot be ignored. The Internet is the most powerful potential source of enlightenment ever created." Dr. Toure believes online access should be available everywhere, just like roads and water. In some countries, this has already happened. Finland and Estonia have laws saying access is a human right.

The survey also showed how the Internet is quickly becoming a vital part of our life, all across the world. Over 75 per cent of Japanese, Mexican and Russian people said they could not live without it. It is easy to see why. Almost everything we do in our life today, from communication, study, work and leisure, needs the Internet. Without access to the Web, many people would feel helpless and powerless. Almost 80 per cent of those who took the survey believe the Web had a positive impact, with nearly four fifths saying they have greater freedom. Other people were worried about the dangers of using the Internet. One big surprise was that the majority of Germans felt it was not safe for them to express their opinions online.

Conversation

That really makes my blood boil !!!
Georgina	That's the last time we'll give a party. It'll take ages to clean up this mess and get back to normal.
Greg	Yes, look at these wine stains on the carpet and the scratch marks on the table.
Georgine	I know, they'll be almost impossible to get rid of completely.
Greg	Oh no! Look here, people have been stubbing their cigarettes out on the sofa.
Georgina	I can't believe it ! That really makes my blood boil.
Caroline	This is going to cost us a fortune.

EXERCISE

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if  a-h  below are true (T) or false (F).

a.	Hundreds of thousands of protestors gathered in Damascus on Friday.	T / F
b.	Security forces did not use tear gas or batons on the crowds.	T / F
c.	This is the largest protest in Syria since unrest began in mid-March.	T / F
d.	The police used their guns but did not shoot into the crowds.	T / F
e.	America’s Secretary of State asked Syria’s leader to stop the violence.	T / F
f.	The Secretary did say Syria had addressed Syrians’ needs.	T / F
g.	Syria’s leader has promised his people some reforms.	T / F
h.	Every arrested protestor is still in prison.	T / F

Attending ESL Classes

I attend English classes at a language program in my city because I want to improve my communication skills. English has become the international language around the world, and I might be able to get better employment and make more friends if I learn to speak fluently. I take four classes a day that all focus on different language skills including reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar. I think that some people have a natural ability to pick up a language and master it, but I don't think I fit that group. Actually, learning to speak English well requires a great amount of effort, patience, and practice. Too often, students speak English in their classes, but they go back to using their native language after school ends. In fact, if you want to adjust to a new culture, you should make it a point to study, review, and practice everything you are studying. Otherwise, you will never learn and fit into any group.

1.
a. The class can’t finish in half an hour.
b. The class won’t be finished for an hour.
c. The classes will take at least an hour.
d. The class can finish it in less than an hour.




2.

a. Are they fixing the car?
b. I’m fixing the car.
c. Why aren’t they fixing the car?
d. The car has been fixed.


3.

a. While I was waiting for my sister, she got the news.
b. While my sister was waiting for me, she got the news.
c. I was waiting for my sister to get the news.
d. I was waiting for my sister when I got the news.


4.

a. He didn’t go to the gym.
b. He explained how to use the gym.
c. He told us to get to the gym.
d. He didn’t know how to get to the gym.


5.

 a. Bill has one brother and one sister, and so does Jane.
b. Bill has one brother and a sister named Jane.
c. Bill and Jane are brother and sister.
d. Bill’s brother and sister like to be with Jane.


6.

a. By the summer those plants will be much taller.
b. Those tall plants should be cut back when it’s warm.
c. Once it’s cold the plants won’t grow any taller.
d. The taller plants keep growing all summer long.


7.

a. Aren’t you going to bring your coat?
b. Why didn’t I bring my coat?
c. Doesn’t that coat look warm?
d. Is it too warm to wear a coat


8.

a. Jorge can’t come over because he has a piano lesson.
b. comes over less often since he started playing the piano.
c. Jorge played the piano when he came over.
d. Jorge’s piano lesson is over, but he’s still not coming over.


9.
a. Few people were on the beach during the storm.
b. storm did a lot of damage along the beach.
c. Many people had already left the beach before the storm.
d. Most people did not think there would be a storm.


10.

a. You will have to read that book soon.
b. You ought to fi nish that book on time.
c. You should have allowed more time to fi nish that book.
d. You could ask someone if they saw that book

16th April, 2011

Syria Protests Getting Bigger

Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters demonstrated in the Syrian capital, Damascus, and other cities on Friday. There were many clashes with security forces, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds. The demonstrators called for reforms and greater freedom, including the end of the five-decade-old emergency law, which bans public gatherings of more than five people. Some demanded the overthrow of President Bashar Al-Assad. Friday’s unrest is the biggest since people first took to the streets in the southern city of Deraa on the 15th of March. Unlike in earlier protests, Syria’s security forces did not use lethal force. They fired their guns into the air instead of on crowds.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called on President Assad to stop using excessive force against protesters, saying: "We call on the Syrian authorities once again to refrain from any further violence against their people….The Syrian government has not addressed the legitimate demands of the Syrian people. It is time for the Syrian government to stop repressing their citizens and start responding to their aspirations." Mr Assad has promised some concessions and formed a new government on Thursday. He also announced an amnesty for many protestors detained in the past month. The Syrian leader blames the recent violence on armed gangs and has vowed to clamp down on any further unrest.

Stretch out and catch some z's !!!
Malcolm	They've just announced that our flight will be delayed by six hours.
Deirdre	What ! Oh no ! That means it won't be leaving until 3:30 in the morning.
Malcolm	I'm afraid so. What shall we do in the meantime ?
Deirdre	Let's find some seats in a quiet part of the terminal where we can stretch out and catch some z's.
Malcolm	Sounds like a good idea. We've had a hectic day and I'm pretty tired.
Deirdre	Me too. Look, there are some in that corner over there. Let's go before somebody else gets to them.

Conversation

	Hit The Sack!
Kenny	I stayed up most of the night studying for today's exams, and I'm really beat. As a matter of fact, I don't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep.
Carroll	When you were a baby ?
Kenny	Ha-ha! Very funny! Anyway, going to bed early is for the birds. I never hit the sack before midnight if I can help it.
Carroll	Just for the record, it's been proven that if you deprive yourself of sleep, your ability to focus on mental tasks drops. In fact, not only does sleep deprivation compromise high-level thinking ability, it also is linked to hormonal changes that may cause obesity.
Kenny	You don't say. Well, I think I'll take a short nap.
Carroll	That's a step in the right direction. Sweet dreams.

Reading Comprehension

I WANT TO BE A FIREFIGHTER

My name is Terry. I want to be a firefighter. Why do I want to be a firefighter? I have many reasons. I like all the important things that firefighters do. Firefighters are heroes.


Sometimes buildings catch on fire. Firefighters put out fires. I want to put out fires.


If someone is trapped in a burning house, firefighters save them. I want to save people.


Sometimes people have accidents. Sometimes people get sick. Firefighters help them. I want to help people.

Firefighters drive big trucks. Fire trucks have loud sirens. I want to drive a big truck.


Firefighters put out fires. Firefighters save people. Firefighters help sick people. I want to be a firefighter and do all those things. Then I would be a hero, too!






Questions:


1 Why does Terry want to be a firefighter?


a. Terry wants to put out fires.
b. Terry wants to help people.
c. Terry wants to drive a big truck.
d. All of the above.


2. What do fire trucks have?


a. loud sirens
b. televisions
c. dogs
d. whistles


3. Terry thinks firefighters are...


a. busy
b. heroes
c. good looking
d. popular


4. Do you want to be a firefighter? 

Sample Passage and Questions

Complete the passages by selecting the appropriate words or phrases from among the choices below. Select the letter of your best answer.

1. Sound is something we _____.
a. hears
b. hearing.
c .heard.
d. hear. 


2.  It comes to your ______  in different ways.
a.  eyes
b.  nose
c.  ears
d.  mouth
  
3.  It might be pleasant, like the voice of a friend, ___ unpleasant, 
a. when
b. as
c. or
d. since


4.like the screech of a train’s wheels on a railroad ______. 
a.  station.
b.  track. 
c.  light.
d.  conductor.


5. Some sounds are loud, and some are soft; some are high, and some are ____. 
a.  full.
b.  low. 
c.  quiet.
d.  big.


6.Sound is very____________to us because it is the basic  means of communication.
a.  importance
b.  importantly  
c.  important
d.  import
      

Work Behavior that Keeps Your Boss Happy, and Makes Him Like You

HOW TO MAKE YOUR BOSS HAPPY?

The ABC's of Work Behavior


1. Attentive
2. Bold
3. Calm
4. Depend
5. Energy






1. ATTENTIVE


- Learn to be attentive at work.
- Listen to instructions.


2. BOLD


- Being bold means being able to face your fears.
- This also means you are willing to fail and learn from failure.


3. CALM


If your personality is quite naturally a calm one, this working behavior is easy. If you have a tendency to panic or you have the tendency to be temperamental then you need to work harder.


Remember if something tough is for you to tackle, create a plan to solve it. Everything else short of solid action will be inefficient use of your energy. Your bosses want someone who can help to clean the mess. You shouldn’t be part of the mess. Remain calm and composed at all times. This behavior will have your boss take a second look at you. Soon you will become someone he can depend on.


4. DEPEND


When you become a competitive advantage for your boss, your boss will like you. He/she will become dependent on you. Strive to become someone your boss can depend. How do you make this work? For starters, be a good listener and be someone your boss can trust.


Do not be tempted to get involved in office politics. The best way to stay away from office politics is to shut up.


5. ENERGY


This work behavior isn't just about physical energy. It also means mental energy. It also means infectious energy. This means you have a work behavior that can energize your unit. You are passionate about your work. People like working with you, as you seem to have endless energy. Ever noticed how a person in the office that has energy always gets the better assignments? That’s because their energy is the boss’s competitive advantage.

THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM

Person #1:  Marc, the lines for the rock festival are going to be miles long! If you expect to get tickets for you and Mary, remember that old saying,  " The early bird catches the worm ".

Person #2: I guess you're right. Mary is looking forward to the concert, and I'd hate to disappoint her. I'll get up real early to get a place at the head of the line.

That way I'll get the tickets I want, for sure !