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Idiom Focus: Animal Idioms 18

Posted on 2012/04/21
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Every Saturday I’ll give you a couple of idioms to learn. An idiom is a saying or phrase whose meaning cannot be taken from the literal meanings of the words.

in a pig’s eye:    hardly, unlikely, not so

Example:  

Bob pay for dinner?  In a pig’s eye!  If I were you, I’d take some money, because you’ll no doubt have to pay your own way.

in the doghouse:    in disgrace or disfavor

Example:  

Marty couldn’t make it to our weekly poker game.  He’s in the doghouse because he didn’t take care of his “honey-do” list last weekend.

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Writing Assignment: At a Birthday Party (Solution)

Posted on 2012/04/21
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Birthday Fun

1.    Where was this picture taken?
This picture was taken at a birthday party.

2.    What is on the table?
On the table is a tablecloth, along with paper plates, paper cups, napkins, party favors, noisemakers, candy, and a cake.

3.    How is the table decorated?
The table is decorated with a colorful tablecloth and festive paper plates and paper cups.

4.    How is the cake decorated?
The cake is decorated with pink and white frosting, sprinkles, and birthday candles.

5.    How would the room be decorated for a typical birthday party?
For a typical birthday party, the room would be decorated with balloons, streamers, and confetti.

6.    What is the girl at the end of the table doing?
The girl at the end of the table is blowing out the birthday candles.

7.    What song is usually sung before the birthday child blows out the candles?
Before the birthday child blows out the candles, the song “Happy Birthday” is typically sung to the birthday child.

8.    Which child is the birthday child?
The child at the end of the table blowing out the candles is the birthday child.

9.    What are the other children doing?
The other children are watching the birthday child blow out the candles, to see if she blows all the candles out in one breath.

10.    What do the children have on their heads?
The children are wearing party hats.

11.    What might children eat and drink at a birthday party?
Children might eat cake and ice cream at a birthday party, and they might have punch to drink.

12.    What else might children do at a birthday party, besides eating?
Other things that children typically do at a birthday party are singing, playing games, and opening presents, for the birthday child.

13.    What kind of games might children play at a birthday party?
There are many different kinds of games that children might play at a birthday party, but the most common ones are “pin the tail on the donkey,” “musical chairs,” and “clothespin drop.”

14.    What else might children play with at a birthday party?
The children might play with toys, balloons, or party favors at a birthday party.

15.    What do the children bring for the birthday child?
The children each bring a birthday present for the birthday child.

16.    What usually accompanies the birthday present?
A birthday card usually accompanies the birthday present.

17.    How is a birthday present typically decorated?
A birthday present is typically decorated with wrapping paper, and perhaps ribbons or a bow.

18.    What is the polite way for the birthday child to thank the other children for the birthday presents?
The birthday child can thank the other children in person for the presents, but it is considered polite to also send a written thank-you note acknowledging the present.

19.    How does the birthday child ask others to come to his birthday party?
The birthday child asks the other children to come to his birthday party by sending them an invitation.

20.    How does the birthday child know how many children are going to come to the party?
The birthday child knows how many children are coming to the party by requesting them to RSVP, or respond to the invitation to let the host of the party know whether or not they are coming.

Paragraph:  At a Birthday Party

At our house we had a birthday party.  There was much to do to prepare for the party.  My daughter thought about whom she wanted to invite to her party, and then we sent out invitations.  We bought some decorations, and decorated the room with streamers, balloons, and colorful paper cups and plates.  I baked a cake and decorated it with pink frosting, sprinkles, and seven colorful candles.  When it was party time, the children all came, ready for some birthday fun.  Each child got a party hat, party favors, and a noise maker.  We played pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, and drop the clothespin in the bottle.  After the games, it was time to eat.  The children sat down at the table, and I lit the candles.  The children all sang “Happy Birthday” to my daughter, and after making a wish, she blew out all the candles on her cake.  Everybody had cake and ice cream to eat, and punch to drink.  After everyone was done eating, it was time for the birthday child to open presents.  There were dolls and stuffed toys and crayons and art supplies, and all kinds of things that little girls enjoy.  The children all played with the various toys until the party was over.  Then their mothers came to pick them up and take them home.  Everybody had a wonderful time.

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Writing Assignment: At a Birthday Party

Posted on 2012/04/20
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Birthday Party

Vocabulary

Happy Birthday
cake
frosting
ice cream
present
candle
punch
party favor
party hat
party game
pin the tail on the donkey
musical chairs
clothespin drop
make a wish
birthday spankings
decorations
balloon
streamer
paper plate
paper cup
napkin
plastic ware
confetti
invitation
RSVP
noisemaker
blow out the candles
wrap a present
bow
wrapping paper
birthday card
thank-you note

1.    Where was this picture taken?
2.    What is on the table?
3.    How is the table decorated?
4.    How is the cake decorated?
5.    How would the room be decorated for a typical birthday party?
6.    What is the girl at the end of the table doing?
7.    What song is usually sung before the birthday child blows out the candles?
8.    Which child is the birthday child?
9.    What are the other children doing?
10.    What do the children have on their heads?
11.    What might children eat and drink at a birthday party?
12.    What else might children do at a birthday party, besides eating?
13.    What kind of games might children play at a birthday party?
14.    What else might children play with at a birthday party?
15.    What do the children bring for the birthday child?
16.    What usually accompanies the birthday present?
17.    How is a birthday present typically decorated?
18.    What is the polite way for the birthday child to thank the other children for the birthday presents?
19.    How does the birthday child ask others to come to his birthday party?
20.    How does the birthday child know how many children are going to come to the party?

Paragraph:  At a Birthday Party

Do you celebrate birthdays, either your own, or someone else’s?  When was the last time you were at a birthday party?  How do you celebrate birthdays?  Write a brief paragraph describing a typical birthday party.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 36 – I’d rather… (Solutions)

Posted on 2012/04/20
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Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

drink like

Would you _______ some coffee, or do you prefer _______ tea? ==> Would you like some coffee, or do you prefer to drink tea?

1.    Max would rather start university next fall.
2.    Sally would prefer to take an evening class, if possible.
3.    I’d rather watch paint dry than see that new movie – I heard it’s really boring.
4.    Would you prefer to eat chocolate ice cream or vanilla?
5.    I’d rather dry the dishes than wash them. // I’d rather wash the dishes than dry them.
6.    Would you rather have Chinese food, or Italian?
7.    I’d prefer to eat Italian food.
8.    That model car comes in several colors – which one would you rather have?
9.    I’d prefer to sit alone, thank you.
10.    They would rather go to Niagara Falls on their honeymoon.

Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  Make the sentence negative.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

go

I’d rather _______ to the wedding. ==> I’d rather not go to the wedding.

1.    I’d prefer not to work on weekends.
2.    I would rather not sleep in the same room as Uncle Tim – he snores!
3.    I would rather not spend any more money than I have to.
4.    Tom would rather not live next to the Martins.
5.    I’d prefer not to use rye bread for my sandwich.
6.    I’d rather not lie down in the sun.
7.    I’d rather not meet Jack for lunch.
8.    I’d prefer not to call Mary and ask her for a date.
9.    I’d rather not invite Sam to the party.
10.    We’d prefer not to sleep in a hotel room that is right next to the expressway.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 36 – I’d rather…

Posted on 2012/04/19
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“I’d rather (do something).” = “I would rather (do something).” is another way of saying “I would prefer to (do something).”

Pattern:  I’d rather + V (inf.) … // I would rather + V (inf.) …

I’d rather read a book.
I would rather travel by car.
I’d rather stay indoors.

Negative:  I’d rather not + V (inf.)… // I would rather not + V (inf.)…

I’d rather not say who gave me the money.
We would rather not go on vacation in June.
I’d rather not eat turkey for Christmas dinner.

Questions:  Would you rather + V (inf.)….?

Would you rather sit outside?  It’s such a lovely day.
Would you rather go out to eat tonight?
Would you rather take a hot bath?

Note:  “I’d rather …” does NOT use the infinitive marker:

I’d rather go for a walk.  (NOT I’d rather to go for a walk.)
I would rather listen to some music.  (NOT I would rather to listen to some music.)
I’d rather not have an orange.  (NOT I’d rather not to have an orange.)

But, if we use “prefer,” the infinitive marker IS necessary:

I’d prefer to go for a walk.
I would prefer to listen to some music.
I would prefer not to have an orange.

“rather” is often used in comparisons.

Pattern:  I’d rather A than B. // I would rather A than B.

I’d rather eat chicken than beef.
John would rather play cards than watch TV.
I’d rather take a taxi than ride the train to the airport.

Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

drink like

Would you _______ some coffee, or do you prefer _______ tea? ==> Would you like some coffee, or do you prefer to drink tea?

 

dry
eat
eat
go
have
have
see
sit
start
take
wash
watch

1.    Max would rather _______ university next fall.
2.    Sally would prefer _______ an evening class, if possible.
3.    I’d rather _______ paint dry than _______ that new movie – I heard it’s really boring.
4.    Would you prefer _______ chocolate ice cream or vanilla?
5.    I’d rather _______ the dishes than _______ them.
6.    Would you rather _______ Chinese food, or Italian?
7.    I’d prefer _______ Italian food.
8.    That model car comes in several colors – which one would you rather _______?
9.    I’d prefer _______ alone, thank you.
10.    They would rather _______ to Niagara Falls on their honeymoon.

Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  Make the sentence negative.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

go

I’d rather _______ to the wedding. ==> I’d rather not go to the wedding.

call
invite
lie
live
meet
sleep
sleep
spend
use
work

1.    I’d prefer _______ on weekends.
2.    I would rather _______ in the same room as Uncle Tim – he snores!
3.    I would rather _______ any more money than I have to.
4.    Tom would rather _______ next to the Martins.
5.    I’d prefer _______ rye bread for my sandwich.
6.    I’d rather _______ down in the sun.
7.    I’d rather _______ Jack for lunch.
8.    I’d prefer _______ Mary and ask her for a date.
9.    I’d rather _______ Sam to the party.
10.    We’d prefer _______ in a hotel room that is right next to the expressway.

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Culture Focus: Birthdays

Posted on 2012/04/18
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For our culture focus this week, I thought I’d take a look at how American children typically celebrate birthdays. A child’s first birthday is considered a significant milestone, so many families mark this event with a relatively big celebration, although it is not as big a celebration as in Korean households. The first birthday is largely attended by family and perhaps a few close friends, who bring gifts for the child and enjoy birthday cake and ice cream.

As the children get older, the birthday celebration focuses more on a party for the birthday child and his friends, which is generally separate from any private celebration the family may have. The birthday child invites his friends over for a party, where the emphasis is on fun and games. In addition to opening presents and having birthday cake and ice cream, the children may play party games like the following:

1. Pin the Tail on the Donkey

In this game, a poster of a tailless donkey is put on the wall at the children’s height. Each child is given a paper tail, and they take turns trying to put the tail on the proper spot. To make things more difficult, the child stands several feet away, is blindfolded and spun around several times before he is released to walk towards the donkey to put the tail on. From the spinning, the child is usually disoriented, so the child might end up putting the tail on the donkey’s head, stomach, or other place. The winner is the one who gets the tail closest to its proper spot.

2. Musical Chairs

In this game, chairs are placed in a long row, with the chairs facing alternate directions. There is one less chair than there are children. Someone begins playing music, and the children march around the chairs in a circle. As soon as the music stops, every child must take a chair and sit down. The child who is slowest doesn’t get a chair, and is out of the game. Then one more chair is removed, and the game repeats, until there is only one child left – the winner.

3. Drop the Clothespins in a Bottle

In this game, children stand over a bottle that is placed on the floor. The bottle has a narrow opening, and the child tries to put the clothespins in the bottle by dropping them from chest height. If he gets a clothespin in the bottle, he can continue until he misses. The child who gets the most clothespins in the bottle wins.

Older children (teenagers) generally do not play these types of games, and the party becomes more of an opportunity for the teenager to enjoy the company of his friends, eating, talking, and doing teen-type activity. Many teens regard the 16th birthday as a milestone, since this is the age at which teens are allowing to get a driver’s license. The 18th birthday is also significant, since at age 18 the teen is no longer considered a minor child, but an adult.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 35 – Would you like…? I’d like… (Solutions)

Posted on 2012/04/18
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Exercises:  For the following sentences, choose the right expression.

Example:

(Do you like / Would you like) tea?  —Yes, thank you. ==> Would you like tea?  —Yes, thank you.
(Do you like / Would you like) cats? —No, I’m a dog person (I prefer dogs).  ==> Do you like  cats? —No, I’m a dog person.

1.    Do you like to work? —Yes, I enjoy my job.
2.    Would you like to see a movie? —Not today.  I have an appointment at 3 o’clock.
3.    Would you like pizza? —Yes, it’s been ages since I’ve had one.
4.    Do you like ice cream? —Yes.  Cookies and cream is my favorite flavor.
5.    Do you like to live in Chicago?  —Yes, the city has a lot of interesting museums and a nice lakefront.
6.    Would you like to live in New York? —No, it’s too far away from my friends and family, so I don’t want to move there.
7.    Do you like to listen to classical music? —Yes, I find it very relaxing.
8.    Would you like to listen to classical music? —That sounds like a good idea.  I’ve had a rough day.
9.    Would you like to watch TV?  —No, I just want to read a book.
10.    Do you like to watch TV?  —Yes, especially if I’m bored.

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Grammar Basics: Unit 35 – Would you like…? I’d like…

Posted on 2012/04/17
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“Would you like…?” is a polite way of asking someone if they want something, or want to do something:

Would you like a cup of tea?
Would you like a ride home?
Would you like to see a movie?
What would you like to eat?

“I’d like…” / “I would like…” is a polite way of saying “I want…”:

I’d like orange juice, please.
I’d like to take a nap.
I’d like some more ice cream, thank you.
I’d like a new bike for my birthday.

Note:  “Would you like…?” and “Do you like…?” are different.

  •  “Do you like…?”:  Someone is asking a general question (doesn’t have to be right now).
  • “Would you like…?”:  Someone is asking if you want something right now.

Do you like cake? (a general question)
—Yes.  My favorite cake is yellow cake.
Would you like some cake? (asking about right now)
—No thank you, I’m not hungry.

What do you like to do on vacation? (a general question)
—I like to relax, or go camping.
What would you like to do on this vacation? (asking about a vacation that you’ll be taking soon, not a general vacation)
—I’d really like to go to Mackinac Island.

 

Exercises:  For the following sentences, choose the right expression.

Example:

(Do you like / Would you like) tea?  —Yes, thank you. ==> Would you like tea?  —Yes, thank you.
(Do you like / Would you like) cats? —No, I’m a dog person (I prefer dogs).  ==> Do you like  cats? —No, I’m a dog person.

1.    (Do you like / Would you like) to work? —Yes, I enjoy my job.
2.    (Do you like / Would you like) to see a movie? —Not today.  I have an appointment at 3 o’clock.
3.    (Do you like / Would you like) pizza? —Yes, it’s been ages since I’ve had one.
4.    (Do you like / Would you like) ice cream? —Yes.  Cookies and cream is my favorite flavor.
5.    (Do you like / Would you like) to live in Chicago?  —Yes, the city has a lot of interesting museums and a nice lakefront.
6.    (Do you like / Would you like) to live in New York? —No, it’s too far away from my friends and family, so I don’t want to move there.
7.    (Do you like / Would you like) to listen to classical music? —Yes, I find it very relaxing.
8.    (Do you like / Would you like) to listen to classical music? —That sounds like a good idea.  I’ve had a rough day.
9.    (Do you like / Would you like) to watch TV?  —No, I just want to read a book.
10.    (Do you like / Would you like) to watch TV?  —Yes, especially if I’m bored.

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Education Focus: Report Cards 3

Posted on 2012/04/16
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a job well done

We’ve been looking at report cards, and we’ve seen that the GPA (grade point average) is an important part of the information conveyed by the report card.  GPAs become increasingly important as a student gets older.  GPAs are used (1) to determine who is eligible for the Honor Roll, (2) to determine a student’s class rank, and (3) in college admissions.

(1)  Honor Roll:  The school acknowledges its better students by listing them on the Honor Roll for the quarter.  The exact criteria for inclusion on the honor vary from school to school, but a typical criterion might be a minimum GPA of 3.0 for Honors and a minimum GPA of 3.5 for High Honors.  In college, this acknowledgement is usually called a dean’s list.  Again, the concept is similar:  students with a GPA above a certain value are included in the list.

(2)  Class rank:   The class rank is the position of the student relative to those in his class as determined by the student’s GPA.  Thus, if a student has a class rank of 8, that means that his GPA is the 8th highest one for his class.  Of course, it is more impressive if a student ranks 8th in a class of 200 students rather than a class of only 20, so many times the class rank will also indicate how many students are in the class:  a class rank of 12/175 means that the student has the 12th highest GPA out of a class of 175 students.

(3)  College admissions:  There is much to be said about college admissions, and we will cover this in greater detail in a future Education Focus.  Here we will just note that a student’s GPA is one of the more important criteria that colleges will consider when they review a student’s college admission application.  The higher the GPA, the better, as it generally indicates that a student is a good student and will have a greater chance of success in college.

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Crossword – Irregular Verbs 3 (Solution)

Posted on 2012/04/16
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crossword puzzle solution

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