Some friends invite you over and serve you a delicious dinner. Someone loans you his car while yours is being repaired. You are sick, and a friend brings you a meal and cares for you. How do you show your gratitude?
Sometimes simply saying thank you is enough. Other times, it is thoughful to say thank you in a more specific way. Be sure to tell that person what it is you appreciate and why you appreciate it.
Here are some common ways to say thank you. You can write a thank-you note. People are very busy theses days. A handwritten note shows you took the time to tell someone you appreciate him or her. Or you can call and thank the person. You would be surprised how this can make someone's day. Another idea is to send a thank-you e-mail or e-card. This is not quite as personal, but it still shows your appreciation.
vocabulary:
1.gratitude 2. specific 3. handwritten 4. make one's day
my thinking:
Using "Thank You", it is polite to people. For example, treat a friend to a movie, meal, snack or coffee. Or presents the with a basket of fresh fruit or a homemade treat. Or select some flowers from your garden or the florist. Attach a thank-you note.
As you can see, there are many ways to say thank you. Think of some ways of the ideas, and the person being thanked will feel good too. It's a win-win situation.
2008年1月6日 星期日
2008年1月4日 星期五
Where in the World Did You Learn to Speak English?
A Global Language
If someone told you, "Let's grab a jumper,throw the Esky in the boot, and hit the frog and toad," would you know what they were talking about? You would if you were Australian. The same suggestion in the United States would be, "Let's grab a sweater, throw the cooler in the trunk, and hit the road!"
If you can speak English, you can get by in just about any country in the world. That is what we are told. But oftentimes when you arrive in the foreign land of your choosing, the people there speak an entirely different type of English from what you are used to! You may find youself confused, misunderstand, or --worse yet--laughed at.
Over 370 million people the world speak English as a native language and even more speak it as a second language. Not surprisingly, numerous English dialects have developed.These variations have been heavily influenced by the other language spoken in each region, by geographic isolation, and by modern technology and lifestyles. And when it comes to English slang and colloquialism in a particular place, you had better consult a dictionary to avoid embarrassment.
The Queen's English
After settling in North America, British colonists' English began to change.
Many of the changes can be attributed to Noah Webster, who wrote a dictionary with spellings based on the simplest possible pronunciation of words and his own personal choices.Centre became center, color became backyard. American English also differs in its syntax, or the way sentences are put together. Speakers of British English would say that were going away "at the weekend," while Americans would say they were going away"on the weekend."
Modern invention and innovations also played their part in shaping American English, as popular brand names such as"Kleenex," "Band-Aid," and "Frisbee" have become part of the vocabulary.
Adapted froms of British English are spoken outside the UK in most countries that were part of the British Empire, such as Australia and New Zealand, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, and the Caribbean. Canadian English is usually British in its spelling, but many of the pronunciations and usuages are strongly influenced by French and by Canada's American neighbors to the south.
All of these variations in English may be intimidating, but remember: a friendly smile is part of the universal language.
vocabulary:
1.jumper 2.toad 3. dialects 4. geographic 5. slang 6.colloquialism 7.colonist 8. syntax
my thinking:
English is an important language all around of the world. We should use it to communicate with foreigners. Maybe, I should not feel scared; instead, We must speak English bravely because of going forward to the international stage. We aren't only to stay Taiwan. Therefore, we must strengthen our English because it is like our bridge to connect to the foreginers. Although, some country which use English differ from some country, I think it is ok.
It makes no difference to care about the English details. It's for us enough to communicate with people who understand. Most of important thing is we must let our English get better.
If someone told you, "Let's grab a jumper,throw the Esky in the boot, and hit the frog and toad," would you know what they were talking about? You would if you were Australian. The same suggestion in the United States would be, "Let's grab a sweater, throw the cooler in the trunk, and hit the road!"
If you can speak English, you can get by in just about any country in the world. That is what we are told. But oftentimes when you arrive in the foreign land of your choosing, the people there speak an entirely different type of English from what you are used to! You may find youself confused, misunderstand, or --worse yet--laughed at.
Over 370 million people the world speak English as a native language and even more speak it as a second language. Not surprisingly, numerous English dialects have developed.These variations have been heavily influenced by the other language spoken in each region, by geographic isolation, and by modern technology and lifestyles. And when it comes to English slang and colloquialism in a particular place, you had better consult a dictionary to avoid embarrassment.
The Queen's English
After settling in North America, British colonists' English began to change.
Many of the changes can be attributed to Noah Webster, who wrote a dictionary with spellings based on the simplest possible pronunciation of words and his own personal choices.Centre became center, color became backyard. American English also differs in its syntax, or the way sentences are put together. Speakers of British English would say that were going away "at the weekend," while Americans would say they were going away"on the weekend."
Modern invention and innovations also played their part in shaping American English, as popular brand names such as"Kleenex," "Band-Aid," and "Frisbee" have become part of the vocabulary.
Adapted froms of British English are spoken outside the UK in most countries that were part of the British Empire, such as Australia and New Zealand, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, and the Caribbean. Canadian English is usually British in its spelling, but many of the pronunciations and usuages are strongly influenced by French and by Canada's American neighbors to the south.
All of these variations in English may be intimidating, but remember: a friendly smile is part of the universal language.
vocabulary:
1.jumper 2.toad 3. dialects 4. geographic 5. slang 6.colloquialism 7.colonist 8. syntax
my thinking:
English is an important language all around of the world. We should use it to communicate with foreigners. Maybe, I should not feel scared; instead, We must speak English bravely because of going forward to the international stage. We aren't only to stay Taiwan. Therefore, we must strengthen our English because it is like our bridge to connect to the foreginers. Although, some country which use English differ from some country, I think it is ok.
It makes no difference to care about the English details. It's for us enough to communicate with people who understand. Most of important thing is we must let our English get better.
2008年1月2日 星期三
Beijing's Olympic Volunteer Team
Planning on checking out Beijing's 2008 OLympic Games? If so, keep your eyes open for one special team. The members of this team won't rowing, wrestling or canoeing. Instead, they might be found greeting fans at the airport, directing pedestrian traffic in Tiananmen Square, or perhaps even selling Beijing duck at a concession near the Olympic Stadium. Who are they ? They're the team of Olympic volunteers.
For Beijing's 2008 Olympic Games, a staggering number of vounteer are needed to help make the Games a success. Never before has such a large vounteer drive been con-ducted in China. Recruiting and coordinating all those vounteers presents a big challenge for BOCOG(Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad), the administrative body in charge of planning China's Games. The good news is that BOCOG has already developed objectives for its vounteer drive. After the summer Olympics in Athens concluded, Advanced magazine tapped sources close to BOCOG, getting an early insight into the recruitment process.
Help wanted
First , BOCOG needs an astounding 100,000 volunteer for Beijing alone. Smaller volunteer teams are also needed for China's other Olympic venue cities: Qingdao, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang and Qinghuangdao have room for another 17000 volunteers in total.
What kind of jobs will the Olympic volunteers do? They will handle security, traffic control, computer support, first aid, and just about every imaginable task in between.
Volunteers with specific skills can apply to the professional category, taking position such as IT specialists, nurses, engineers or translators. Volunteers without special training can apply to the common category, where ticket takers, greetsers, guards and other support staff are needed.
Higher, faster, stronger
Beyond demonstrating a particular ability, Beijing's Olympic volunteers must have a good attitude and a commitment to their jobs. Acting as ambassadors for the Games, the volunteers will need to learn basic Olympic history, facts about Beijing, and most importantly, basic English competency will be a fundamental expectation of all the volunteers.
The training commitment required for each Olympic volunteer is 80 hours of instruction over a two-week period. Volunteers aren't remunerated for their service, but they do gain useful experience. Moever, the chance to participate in China's biggestever sporting event is perhaps its own reward. After the 2008 Games, all volunteer names will be permanently memorialized in a sculpture called the "road of volunteer."
Becoming an Olympian
Who can apply to be an Olympic volunteer? Almost anyone! Though university students in Beijing are the most desirable applicants, BOCOG's volunteer drive will extend across China and also the world. Chinese in other provinces, overseas Chinese and even foreigners have an apportunity to take part. If you'd like to become an Olympic volunteer, keep your eye on the BOCOG Web site:en.beijing2008.com Starting in the summer of 2006, BOCOG will begin its volunteer drive in earnest. Further details will be presented at that time.
Unsung heroes
No Olympic Games would succeed without the contributions of its volunteers, and we acknowledge and appreciate them. It's a noble thing for them to offer their time and effort to take part in something important, especially if their work is behind the scenes. As modern Olympic Games founder Baron Pierre de Coubertin said, "The most importmant thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part."
vocabulary
1.pedestrian 2.staggering 3.astounding 4. competency 5.remunerate 6.memorialize
7.in earest
My thinking
I'm pleased because Beijing's Olympic will be coming. I love sports so I want to understand about the Olympic. According to this article, I can know the China's Government wants to look for the volunteers who can serve people. Although, they have no salary, I think they can learn how to serve people and how to help people. Ithink it's a good way to let us grow up. What's best, we can have a great experience. We can cherish the experience even though we can share it for everyone who want to know.Beijing Olympic is a important activity. It needs to help by all around the world. I want to join the volunteer team. I can't wait.
Let the recruiting begin
For Beijing's 2008 Olympic Games, a staggering number of vounteer are needed to help make the Games a success. Never before has such a large vounteer drive been con-ducted in China. Recruiting and coordinating all those vounteers presents a big challenge for BOCOG(Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the 29th Olympiad), the administrative body in charge of planning China's Games. The good news is that BOCOG has already developed objectives for its vounteer drive. After the summer Olympics in Athens concluded, Advanced magazine tapped sources close to BOCOG, getting an early insight into the recruitment process.
Help wanted
First , BOCOG needs an astounding 100,000 volunteer for Beijing alone. Smaller volunteer teams are also needed for China's other Olympic venue cities: Qingdao, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shenyang and Qinghuangdao have room for another 17000 volunteers in total.
What kind of jobs will the Olympic volunteers do? They will handle security, traffic control, computer support, first aid, and just about every imaginable task in between.
Volunteers with specific skills can apply to the professional category, taking position such as IT specialists, nurses, engineers or translators. Volunteers without special training can apply to the common category, where ticket takers, greetsers, guards and other support staff are needed.
Higher, faster, stronger
Beyond demonstrating a particular ability, Beijing's Olympic volunteers must have a good attitude and a commitment to their jobs. Acting as ambassadors for the Games, the volunteers will need to learn basic Olympic history, facts about Beijing, and most importantly, basic English competency will be a fundamental expectation of all the volunteers.
The training commitment required for each Olympic volunteer is 80 hours of instruction over a two-week period. Volunteers aren't remunerated for their service, but they do gain useful experience. Moever, the chance to participate in China's biggestever sporting event is perhaps its own reward. After the 2008 Games, all volunteer names will be permanently memorialized in a sculpture called the "road of volunteer."
Becoming an Olympian
Who can apply to be an Olympic volunteer? Almost anyone! Though university students in Beijing are the most desirable applicants, BOCOG's volunteer drive will extend across China and also the world. Chinese in other provinces, overseas Chinese and even foreigners have an apportunity to take part. If you'd like to become an Olympic volunteer, keep your eye on the BOCOG Web site:en.beijing2008.com Starting in the summer of 2006, BOCOG will begin its volunteer drive in earnest. Further details will be presented at that time.
Unsung heroes
No Olympic Games would succeed without the contributions of its volunteers, and we acknowledge and appreciate them. It's a noble thing for them to offer their time and effort to take part in something important, especially if their work is behind the scenes. As modern Olympic Games founder Baron Pierre de Coubertin said, "The most importmant thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part."
vocabulary
1.pedestrian 2.staggering 3.astounding 4. competency 5.remunerate 6.memorialize
7.in earest
My thinking
I'm pleased because Beijing's Olympic will be coming. I love sports so I want to understand about the Olympic. According to this article, I can know the China's Government wants to look for the volunteers who can serve people. Although, they have no salary, I think they can learn how to serve people and how to help people. Ithink it's a good way to let us grow up. What's best, we can have a great experience. We can cherish the experience even though we can share it for everyone who want to know.Beijing Olympic is a important activity. It needs to help by all around the world. I want to join the volunteer team. I can't wait.
2007年11月29日 星期四
Grazy Festivals Around The World(part two)
Songkran Festival-Thailand
Thai people believe water washes away people's bad luck from the previous year. Therefore, their New Year begins with bathing the Buddha. After that, everyone's bad luck away. Even elephants join in the fun by showering people with their trunks!
words:
1.previous 2.soaked 3.splash
thinking:
I'm curious about many culture's activities. By this articles, I can realize the difference between one country and one country. You can follow me to understand many culture.
Thai people believe water washes away people's bad luck from the previous year. Therefore, their New Year begins with bathing the Buddha. After that, everyone's bad luck away. Even elephants join in the fun by showering people with their trunks!
words:
1.previous 2.soaked 3.splash
thinking:
I'm curious about many culture's activities. By this articles, I can realize the difference between one country and one country. You can follow me to understand many culture.
2007年11月7日 星期三
Crazy Festivals Around the World (part one)
One thing that brings people together is a good festival. The basic ingredients include food, family, and friends. But some cultures add extra ingredients to spice up their celebrates. The result is a unique mixture of culture and fun!
Hornet festival-Yenshui, Taiwan
In Yenshui, Taiwan, the Chinese New Year ends with a bang! from a distance, the event look like a alien attack~~low-flying fireworks shoot in every direction! Up close, however, there are no aliens--just thousands of people running for cover. Over one hundred years ago, a deadly disease struck Yenshui. Thinking evil spirits caused the disease, the residents lit fireworks to scare them away. Today there is no disease to worry about. Everyboody just wants to have a good time!
words
1.ingredient 2. attack 3.resident
thinking
Every country has every custom so that we can take part in their activity. we can enjoy their exciting activity. By the special festival activity, we can realize the culture clearly.
Hornet festival-Yenshui, Taiwan
In Yenshui, Taiwan, the Chinese New Year ends with a bang! from a distance, the event look like a alien attack~~low-flying fireworks shoot in every direction! Up close, however, there are no aliens--just thousands of people running for cover. Over one hundred years ago, a deadly disease struck Yenshui. Thinking evil spirits caused the disease, the residents lit fireworks to scare them away. Today there is no disease to worry about. Everyboody just wants to have a good time!
words
1.ingredient 2. attack 3.resident
thinking
Every country has every custom so that we can take part in their activity. we can enjoy their exciting activity. By the special festival activity, we can realize the culture clearly.
2007年11月6日 星期二
What's Up with Those Musical
Think about your favorite song. How does it make you feel? perhaps it inspire a happy memory. Or maybe it makes you feel sad, reminding you of a bittersweet experience. Have you ever wondered how music is able to do this? Why does music have such a strong effect on our emotions?
Near the center of your forehead is the part of your brain that analyzes music. Interestingly, it's behind the region that's responsible for memory and emotions. It's no wonder music and emotions are so closely tied.
Your reactions to music depend on your personal experience. Music often awakens memories from our past. The close physical connection between memory, emotion, and music creates these feelings. In a sense, the songs you know provide the soundtrack to your life!
A famous example is composer Gustav Mahler. When he was a child, his parents had a terrible argument. Gustav ran out of the house to escape the noise. He immediately heard a brass band playing. After that experience, brass music always reminded Mahler of intense emotions.
I think music has impact on our life. Near the center of your forehead is the part of your brain that analyzes music. It result in music and emotion connected. So, music can let us remind of many experience. We can't live without music.
Near the center of your forehead is the part of your brain that analyzes music. Interestingly, it's behind the region that's responsible for memory and emotions. It's no wonder music and emotions are so closely tied.
Your reactions to music depend on your personal experience. Music often awakens memories from our past. The close physical connection between memory, emotion, and music creates these feelings. In a sense, the songs you know provide the soundtrack to your life!
A famous example is composer Gustav Mahler. When he was a child, his parents had a terrible argument. Gustav ran out of the house to escape the noise. He immediately heard a brass band playing. After that experience, brass music always reminded Mahler of intense emotions.
I think music has impact on our life. Near the center of your forehead is the part of your brain that analyzes music. It result in music and emotion connected. So, music can let us remind of many experience. We can't live without music.
2007年11月5日 星期一
A Spicy Korean Feast
An authentic Korean meal is truly a feast for the senses. One delicious, lively dish is bibimbap, which is usually served in a stone bowl. Brown beef, red peppers, and white bean sprouts make bibimbap very coloful. And as the steaming food is stirred, white rice touches the hot bowl, making a loud popping sound. But don't dig in too quickly! Korean foods like bibimbap are very spicy.
Korean cooks often use strong-tasting ingredients like ginger, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spicy red pepper. Many people think such spicy, rich food matches Koreans' personality: strong and fiery. Koreans also believe that spicy food helps warm their bodies during Korea's long, harsh winters.
To ensure that they'd have food for the winter, Koreans long ago learned the art of perserving foods. This is how Koreans' national food, kimchi,was developed. Kimchi is rich in vitamins and good for the in intestines, but it's popular worldwide mainly because it's delicious. Many Koreans eat kimchi with every meal.
I don't like spicy food but every country has their culture and their food. I like to understand what the country food is like that. Although, I hate spicy food,the article describe theses food . It let me want to give a try. Maybe, it is really delicious. When you taste them, you will love them.
Korean cooks often use strong-tasting ingredients like ginger, garlic, green onion, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spicy red pepper. Many people think such spicy, rich food matches Koreans' personality: strong and fiery. Koreans also believe that spicy food helps warm their bodies during Korea's long, harsh winters.
To ensure that they'd have food for the winter, Koreans long ago learned the art of perserving foods. This is how Koreans' national food, kimchi,was developed. Kimchi is rich in vitamins and good for the in intestines, but it's popular worldwide mainly because it's delicious. Many Koreans eat kimchi with every meal.
I don't like spicy food but every country has their culture and their food. I like to understand what the country food is like that. Although, I hate spicy food,the article describe theses food . It let me want to give a try. Maybe, it is really delicious. When you taste them, you will love them.
訂閱：
文章 (Atom)