Conversation class

I attended a conversation class. We talked about festival.

Frankfurt Chrismas Market,Birmingham

The city of Birmingham,which is twinned with Frankfurt in Germany,has been the host to the largest authentic outdoor Chrismas market outside Germany and Austria. Tourists find original gifts such as candles,glasswork,texitle and lacework.The markets have become more and more popular in the UK with similar in Germany for example in Leed, York, Lincoln, Manchester and Glasgow.

We discussed about future events and organised a school trip to a Christmas Market in Birmingham.

Relative clauses

Relative clause

Defining clauses both that and which can be used with things

EXERCISE

1. The woman whose hair is long and curly is the new secretary, Mrs. Chan.
2. Nearly all the proposals that/which the committee put forward have been accepted.
3. This is the book that/which has become a bestseller in recent years.
4. Graduates who/that possess a strong academic background as well as good communication skills are favored by employers.
5. Mosquitoes, which are small two-winged insects, can spread fatal diseases like malaria and dengue fever.
6. The government officials to whom we spoke last week were completely unaware of the urgency of the matter.
7. That horrible incident occurred in 1967, when I was still a baby.
8. There’s a football match on television tomorrow that/which I think you shouldn’t miss.
9. The firm has decided to introduce a new round of pay cuts, which will doubtlessly be greeted with discontent and hostility.
10. The new MP3 player that/which is produced by Sony has many useful functions.

Preparation for fighting crime with science

Preparation for fighting crime with science

DNA database

- The Home Office report showed that 5.24% of the UK population now has a DNA profile held on the database.
- The number of crimes solved through DNA technology has quadrupled over the past five years.
- Police can now track down offenders by matching samples with other family member who may be on the database



Biometrics

- It is technologies to measure and analyze human body characteristics such as fingerprints, eye retinas and irises, voice patterns, facial patterns and hand measurements.
- 27 countries accepted that all passports must be contained a machine readable chip and a biometric identifier, such as a digital photograph of the holder. A passenger will look into a camera at border control and a computer will check the map of key points on the face with those recorded in the passport chip, confirming their identity.
- US military working in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are already using portable iris enrolment and recognition devices to record and identify suspects.
Finger biometric systems can be problematic for people with feint prints, or wet or dry hands.


CCTV

- There are already 4.2million cameras trained in UK
- Between 150 and 300 million pounds per year is now spent a surveillance industry
- Only 3% of crimes were solved by CCTV
- Sometimes CCTV cameras was switched of, did not have a film in it, was pointing in the wrong direction

Introduction

‘ We live in a world in which we are dangerously influenced by media images.’ To what extent do you agree with this statement?


Until the mid of the last century, most of the people can get information from over the world easily by using media such as television, radio, newspaper, internet, and others. It means that media has become a part of daily life and influenced the life of mankind. Media images have both beneficial and harmful effects. Some people believed that media provides all the information they need, to entertain and at the same time it helps to find more about a topic which are interested in. However, some people argued that the invasion of the media images have many negative aspects to audience. TV and the Internet destroy communication between the members of the family. Moreover, according to Tiggemann & Pickering (1996), ‘ the amount of time an adolescent watches soaps, movies and music videos is associated with their degree of body dissatisfaction and desire to be thin’. This essay will examine that to what extent effect of media images on influencing social behavior in a negative way and also mention how to evade harmful influence of the media.

Monday seminar

Television viewing habits around the world

• More than a third of Canadian households own at least three television sets.


• Canadians watch more TV in the winter, and less in the summer months.


• Children in US average 2.5 hours of TV viewing per day, compared to an average of one hour a day for homework.


• Older people spent more time in front of the tube as well. Men and women over 60% spent nearly ten more hours than the national average watching TV.


• 78 % of Asian consumers did not pay full attention to TV commercials during commercial breaks, and only 10 per cent could recall the controlled brand after watching a commercial break.


• 23.6% of people age 13-54 watched the premiere in a location other than their home.


• 35.3% of teenagers age 13-17 leaving home to see the highly anticipated sequel.


• The positive effects of TV viewing habits are :
  (1) Imaginary Skills - TV teaches you how to develop and use your imagination
  (2) Role Playing - Young people can learn adult roles by watching them on TV. We all tend to copy behaviors that are rewarded. Notice what roles and actions are rewarded on TV.
  (3) Family Values - You can learn about family values through TV viewing
  


• The negative effects of TV viewing habits are :
  
  (1) Stereotypes - TV may present roles based on race, gender, age and physical beauty. Values of youth and physical attractiveness develop based on these biases.
  (2) Violence - Young people (particularly boys) who watch TV violence are more likely to imitate more aggressive acts.
  (3) Reality Check - TV is sometimes used to tune-out others or escape from the real world. This can cause you to miss out on real world experiences.
  
  
  
  Television images
  
  · Most of the images on TV did not show reality.
  · Most of the stereotypes really reinforce the society like some of the action heroes for adolescents, superman for young children etc.
  
  
  The future for television and television viewers
  
  · Media Literacy is quite important and it should be taught in the schools
  · The main purpose of TV is to entertain and to inform. Other purposes is to sell, to show reality and sometimes to help people escape reality
  · In the future, people will watch TV by using mobile phone.
  

Media vocabulary

broadcast (n) : a programme that can be seen or heard on radio or television

(v) : to send out messages or programmes to be received by radio or television

channel (n) : a television station and the programmes that it broadcasts

prime time (n) : The time of day when most people are watching television

article (n) : a piece of writing about a particular subject that is published in a newspaper or magazine

coverage (n) : news about something on television or radio or in the newspapers

documentary (n) : a film or television programme that deals with real people and events

paparazzi (n) : photographers who follow famous in order to take photographs of them that newspapers and magazines will buy

audience (n) : a group of people who have come to a place to see or hear a film, performance, speech etc.

the limelight (n) : a situation in which you are getting a lot of interest and attention from the newspapers, television etc.

Diagnostic Language Test

I completed the quick placement test. I found many mistake, especially on the last page. It’s about collocation. I searched a good website to improve this part.

There are some mistake that I make below.

He was able to predict what was going to happen with ........ accuracy.
Answer : uncanny – strange and mysterious; that you cannot easily explain.

We need to find a new site with ........ access to the European motorway network.
Answer : ready

This will probably be the ........ achievement of her career.
Answer : crowning

We're fighting for the ........ abolition of the death penalty.
Answer : outright – without hiding anything; openly
- immediately or completely

Prepare for the further study

I will study Computer Application in Accounting next semester. The first module is Strategic Information Management. I borrowed the book (Management Information Systems:by Terry Lucey.)

This book focuses on a means of processing data, i.e. the routine facts and figures of the organization, into information which is used for decision making. It is changes in decision behavior which distinguish data from information.

What is a Management Information System (MIS)?

The meaning of MIS is no definition. The term MIS relates with computer based data processing, systems analysis, file design and various other technical aspects of computer based systems.

“Management Information System: The combination of human and computer-based resources that results in the collection, storage, retrieval, communication and use of data for the purpose of efficient management of operations and for business planning” by Kelly


Problem with MIS

- lack of management involvement with the design of the MIS
- narrow and / or inappropriate emphasis of the computer system
- undue concentration on low level data processing applications particularly in the accounting area
- lack of management knowledge of computers
- poor appreciation by information specialists of management’s ture information requirements and organizational problems
- lack of top management support

Key point of summary

- The book adopts a decision focus to MIS with an emphasis on the user’s requirement for relevant information not on the means of production.
- There are wide ranging knowledge requirements for MIS including; the nature of data and information.
- Management and MIS must concentrate on what before how.
- Areas of change include; greater competition, faster pace, new technologies and methods, globalization, employment patterns.

conversation club

5th November 2008
I attended the conversation club. We talked about household waste.

- How often is your household waste collected in your country?
In my country, municipality official keep rubbish everyday in the morning.

- Do you need to separate it or put it in one big bag?
The government campaigned to recycle waste. They set up a rule to people separate rubbish but this campaign was not successful.

A teacher gave a sample in Hackney. Hackney has a new plan to dispose waste and it is an environmentally friendly way. In 2020, the North London Waste Authority will increase recycling 50% and cut the amount of waste sent to landfill from 36% to 15%. They will establish two sorting plants for recyclables; facilities for composting and turning waste into biogas to create electricity
Finally, the students were divided into 3 groups and prepared to talk about recycling proposals in Hackney.

NEW WORDS

dispose (v) : to get rid of sb/sth that you do not want

landfill (n) : a place where waste is buried in large amounts

amenity (n): sth in a place that makes living there enjoyable and pleasant

Greenwich visit

I went to Greenwich last week. Greenwich has many attractive places that tourists should visit such as National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory Greenwich, etc. Personally, the Fan Museum is the most interesting place. This museum is the first and only museum in the world to preserve fans from many countries. It is home to more than 3,500 fans and the excellent Helene Alexander collection. I was very surprised when I arrived at the museum. Ithought it was a small place but I went inside I had to say small is beautiful. I saw the vivid fans around the room. They are divided into two parts. The ground floor is permanent and introductory display. The Orangery room is decorated with a mural which makes the room a wonderful atmosphere. From the French windows you can look out at a Japanese style garden with a fan-shaped parterre, a pond, and a stream. The next floor displays theme exhibitions. This month features an exhibition called Fashion in the Palm of your Hand. However, the exhibitions are changed approximately three times a year. Some type of fan had disappeared and difficult to find them.I wanted to take some pictures but the staff would not allow to flash photography because it will destroy the surface of fans. The Fan Museum’s staffs were pleased to answer my questions and gave a free audio while visiting the permanent exhibition. There were also labels on the walls to give further information. I wanted to join a fan workshop but fees are quite expensive and I changed my mind to buy some gifts to my friends. I went back home in evening.

Say Hi and analyse

I’m Siripet. I come from Thailand, land of smile. My friends call me ChingChing. It means something pure or clear. Many friends of mine wondered why I have a Chinese name. Grandfather and grandmother moved from China to Thailand. My grandmother given this name that it was one of her favorite Chinese actresses. My family has settled in Northeast of Thailand for many years. I was born and grew up there. Although, I have studied English since I was 12 years old, I haven’t improved it as well. To learn a foreign language is not easy. Specially, I have no chance to speak to a foreigner but I didn’t mind I thought it wasn’t necessary. Unfortunately, I worked for an overseas company after graduated. The significant purpose in the working world is to achieve in career and personal life. Employees need to present their skills. In addition, I found that English is very important for my job. I can’t get promoted if I lack of English skills so, I decided to study English course and Msc. Computer Application in Accounting.

I have been studying English in London Metropolitan University for three months. Personally, I think I can improve listening skill more than other skills. At first time, it is difficult to understand British people speak but I tried to listen to the radio everyday. My speaking skill isn’t good I still speak not fluently. I attend the conversation class every week to practice this skill. I take long time to write a paragraph. This month I learn new vocabulary that it is more important than last month. Finally, I think all of them are getting better soon

Phrasal verb and words from background reading

contribution (n) : something that you give or do together with others; the act of giving your share.

potential (adj) : (only before a noun) that may possibly become sth, happen,be used,etc.

sustainable (adj) : capable of continuing for a long time at the same level.
:using methods that do not harm the environment.

modify (v) : to change sth slightly.

figure out (v) : to be able to understand sth or to solve a problem..

rely on (v) : to trust someone or sth to do sth for you.
: to need sth in order to continue living , existing ,or operating

Relative clauses

There are two types of relative clause.

Type 1: Defining

Tells you which person or thing (or what kind of person or thing) the speaker means:

• The woman who lives next door is a doctor.
• Barbara works for a company that makes furniture.
• We stayed at the hotel (that) you recommended.

Don't use commas (,)

Type 2: Non-defining

The relative clauses do not tell you which person or thing the speaker means. We already know which thing or person is meant.

• My brother Rob, who lives in Australia, is a doctor.
• Colin told me about his new job, which he's enjoying very much.
• We stayed at the Park Hotel, which a friend of ours recommended.

Use commas (,)

In both types of relative clause we use who for people and which for things. except;

Type 1: can use that:

• Do you know anyone who/that speaks French and Italian?
• Barbara works for a company which/that makes furniture.

can leave out who/which/that when it is the object.

• We stayed at the hotel (that/which) you recommended.

Type 2: cannot use that:

• John, who (not that) speaks French and Italian works as a tourist guide.
• Colin told me about his new job, which (not that) he's enjoying very much.

cannot leave out who or which:

• We stayed at the Park Hotel, which a friend of ours recommended.

There are some mistake that I make below:

There was a strike at the car factory. It began ten days ago. It is now over.

• The strike at the car factory, which (that) began ten days ago, is now over.

The new stadium will be opened next month. (It can hold 90,000 people.)

• The new stadium, which (where) can hold 90,000 people,will be opened next month.

7th September 2008

I reviewed grammar,vocabulary. (1a - 1c ) and listened to BBC news.

6th September 2008

I reviewed grammar and listened to BBC News. It was about missing father. I learned new words.

NEW WORDS :

living rough : living outside, not in a house, and sleeping on the streets; having no fixed address
amnesia : memory loss
to come forward : to be willing to offer help or, as in this case, to give information
disfigured : changed, different in appearance

5th September 2008

I listened to BBC Learning English. It was about English breakfast. Strangers to England have a vague vision, an unclear picture in their minds, of what that traditional British breakfast is. A traditional English breakfast is bacon,eggs,and chips. Becon is meat from a pig that has been salted and dried, and it is fried for a traditional English breakfast. The eggs are usually fried too and there is also usually some kind of bread, chips, pototoes.

NEW WORDS :

a vague vision : an unclear picture in your mind, or idea
chips : fried potatoes

4th September 2008

I reviewed the vocabulary and grammar passive form.

3rd September 2008

I listened to BBC Learning English. It was about intelligence. The word intelligence comes from the Latin verb " intelligeri ", it mean: to see,to know,to understand. We can use adjective which have a similar meaning such as : bright,smart,clever,sharp,or quick. other words are quite useful that are ability and skill.

2nd September 2008

Today I attended the conversation club. We talked about travelling.

Preparations before travelling : clothes , money , how to get to the airport , insurance , camera, etc.

1st September 2008

I listened to BBC Learning English. It was about a mobile phone. Mobile phone is called a cell phone or a cellular phone in Canada and USA. Could you live without your mobile phone?

For some people a mobile phone is very important because it organises everthing they do in work and in their private life. But some people love leaving it behind because it means they won't be bothered at all.

NEW WORDS :

mobile (n) : a small phone that you can take anywhere

private life (n) : the things you do away from work, e.g. at home

31st August 2008

I practiced pronunciation from ship or sheep.com and reviewed the vocabulary.

30th August 2008

I listened to BBC Learning English. It was about the entertainment.

The 65th Venice Film Festival opened on 27th August 2008. Burn After Reading is a comedy to kick off with this year. But it is not actually in competition. The juries chosen the films in the main competition.


NEW WORDS :

to kick off : to get sth started , to begin

29th August 2008

I practiced pronunciation from ship or sheep.com

28th August 2008

I read newspaper.

Police plan to enter the burned-out home of a missing family as soon as the structure is safe.

Christopher Foster, 50, wife Jillian, 49, and daughter Kirstie, 15, have not been seen since Tuesday's fire at the mansion near Maesbrook in Shropshire. Three horses were found dead in the stables after the arson attack. Two dogs are also missing. Police said they were "following every line of enquiry" to trace the family. Officers have already carried out searches at the outhouses belonging to the property and remain at the scene scouring the evidence.

27th August 2008

I listened to BBC Learning English. It was about cost of living. We use it to talk about our everyday expenditure such as cost of food,accommodation,fuel. They examined a wide range of possible expenditures in everyday life and decide whether each item or service was essential or luxury.
Essential: mobile phones,television and DVD player,a holiday
Luxury: access to the internet

26th August 2008

I attended the conversation club. It talked about globalisation. I learned some new words.

globolisation (n) : the idea that the world is developing a single economy and culture as a result of improved technology and communications and the influence of very large multinational companies.
welfare (n) : the help and care that is given to people who have problems with health,money,etc
compensate (v) : to pay somebody because you have injured him/her or lost or damaged his/her property
prosperous (adj) : success and rich
volnerable (adj) : easily harmed,hurt, or attacked
splendid (adj) : excellent/beautiful or impressive

25th August 2008

I listened to BBC Learning English. They talked about the housing market in Britain. The price of property has been growing very quickly. Prices have been risen higher than salaries. The prediction is that prices will fall again very quickly.

NEW WORDS

the credit crunch : a term that has recently become common to describe the situation when it becomes difficult to borrow money at low interest rates. This situation applies to banks and other organisations as well as individuals

the bubble has burst : a period of time when something that has been very successful has come quickly to an end

24th August 2008

I reviewed grammar. How to use present participle.
I practiced pronunciation from ship or sheep.com.

23th August 2008

I listened to BBC Learning English .

It was about healthy eating. Some people enjoy healthy food but other people think food taste is important.


NEW WORDS :

dietitian (n) : someone whose job is to give people advice about the kind of food they should eat
diet (n) : food or drink taken by a person or group of people
to be on / to go a diet
(v) : to eat less or eat only particular foods in order to lose weight

fat (adj) : describe someone who overweight
(n) : a substance that is under the skin of people and animals, that helps keep them warm
fatty (adj) : containing a lot of fat

Action plan (23 Aug-10 Sep 2008)

Action plan

- listen to the radio
- read newspapers
- practice pronounciation
- review grammar

10th August 2008

I read a newspaper.


A three-year-old boy left his house while his parents were sleeping. Max McGrath grabbed some money and unlocked the front door to head to a supermarket. He dressed in pyjamas and his big brother’s shoes. A van driver saw him as he eyed up his favourite snacks through the window of store at about 3 pm. The delivery driver asked Max where he lived and took him home but could not wake his family so called the police at 4 am on Wednesday. His mother said I am grateful that the driver stopped and brought him home safely to us.



NEW WORDS

grab (v) : to quickly take an opportunity to do sth
grateful (adj) : feeling that you want to thank someone because of sth kind that s/he has done

9th August 2008

Today I practiced the pronunciation.


How to pronounce /b/ and /p/


The mouth is in the same position for both sounds, but the sound /b/ there is voice from the throat. In /p/, there is no voice from the throat. Instead, there is a small explosion of air when the lips open.

8th August 2008

I read a newspaper.

I saw Maddie in Belgium days after she vanished


Madeleine Madeline disappeared from her parents’ apartment 12 days. In Brussels ,a woman saw a girl looks like Madeleine with the man and woman who did not seem to know her well. At the point, she had never seen a picture of Maddie but was shown on later that day. This was passed to the Portuguese officers investigating Madeleine’s disappearance, but it is unclear whether any action was taken.



NEW WORDS :

vanish (v) : to disappear suddenly, especially in a way that cannot be easily explained
disappearance (n) : to become impossible to see; to go away

7th August 2008

Today I practiced the pronunciation.


How to pronounce /d/ and /t/


In the sound /d/ there is voice from the throat. In /t/ , there is no voice from the throat. Instead, there is a small explosion of air out of the mouth when the tongue moves away from the ridge behind the teeth.

In some accents. For example in some parts of London, the T between two vowel sound is made not with the tongue but by stopping the air at the back of the throat to make a short silence. So in these accents, butter is pronounced bu’ er . In fast speech, many speakers drop the /d/ or /t/ when they come between two other consonant sounds. So facts /faekts/ sounds like fax /fakes/.

6th August 2008

I read a newspaper.

Thugs throw commuter on train line

It happened at Farningham Road station near Darford in Kent. A woman commuter was thrown onto rail tracks today after she challenged two men who was smoking on the platform. She has suffered burns and possibly a broken collarbone. The woman was taken by ambulance to hospital. The British Transport Police launched an appeal for witnesses and closed circuit television is being studied.

NEW WORDS :

thug (n) : a violent person
commuter (n) : someone who travels regularly to and from work
collarbone (n) : one of a pair of bones that go from the base of your neck to your shoulders
appeal (n) : an urgent public request for money,information etc.
circuit (n) : the complete circle that an electric current travels

5th August 2008

Today I attended the conversation club. I learned new words.

obesity (n) : a condition in which someone is too fat in a way that is dangerous for their health
obese (adj) : too fat , in a way that is dangerous for your health
fussy (adj) : only satisfied if things are exactly as you want them to be
philosophy (n) : the study of what it means to exist, what good and evil are, what knowledge is, or how people should live
disorder (n) : a situation in which things or people are very messy or not organized
crisis (n) : a time when an emotional problem or illness is at its worst (plural-crises)

4th August 2008

Today I learned the meaning of crime. This is a murder victim.

Newly married Ben Mullany flown home to Britain in an air ambulance, fighting for his life and suspected robbers killed his doctor wife at their Antigua honeynoon hotel.
The 31-year-old physiotherapist, who has a fractured skull and broken leg, is feared to be brain dead and is on life support. He was taken to a hospital for assessment and treatment. Mr.Mullany's doctor wife are bringing her body home separately.

NEW WORDS:

robber (n) : someone who steals things
physiotheropist (n) : someone whose job is to treat injuries using special physical exercises
assessment (n) : the act of judging or forming an opinion about sb/sth

2nd August 2008

Today I reviewed reported speech and vocaburay.

1st August 2008

Today I read a newspaper.

How China plans curb pollution.

Beijing has spent around 10 million pounds to control pollution. Hundreds of factories in northern China are already on an enforced two-month holiday in an attempt to improve air quality. Most lorries are banned in the city while car with odd-numbered licence plates can drive only on odd-numbered dates, and even plates on even dates.

NEW WORDS:

curb (v) : to control or limit sth
enforce (v) : to make sure that laws , etc are obeyed

31st July 2008

Today Belinda said all students should practice the pronunciation because we had progressed slowly. Personally, I think it is difficult to pronunce some words correctly and clearly. Thai pronunces every syllable. Some sounds in English do not exist in my language and others are similar but not exactly the same. So, I read English Pronunciation in Use to improve the skills.

30th July 2008

I think it is good news for people who love coffee.

Coffee chain Starbucks gives free refill to customers because of the credit crunch. The company is worried about the exodus of customers since the financial squeeze. It will run indefinitely in all UK and Irish outlets. Sales were in decline because customesr are avoiding a luxury product. Until then , the company plans to close 600 branches in the US. But Starbucks said it still looked on Britain as a growing market. It plans to open 100 more shops here before the end of September. It is to close 61 of its 84 Australian shops.

NEW WORDS

exodus (n) : a situation in which a lot of people leave a particular place at the same time
squeeze (n) : a situation in which wages,prices,borrowing money etc.are strictly controlled
indefinitely (adv) : for an indefinite period of time (= you do not know how long it will last)

29th July 2008

I read a newspaper.

Three primary schools have sacked their school dinner supplier after the CfE company was having financial problems. Ambler,St.Joan of Arc and Pakeman schools chose Caterling last September. But relationship with CfE turned sour that they were being managed by the company. Before easter Ambler's Headteacher severed the contract with CfE because he was not satisfied with the service and had heard the conpany was having trobles. St.Joan of Arc and Pakeman followed suit last week.

NEW WORDS

sack (v) : to say that sb can no longer work for you (because of bad work,bad behaviour,etc)
go/turn sour (v) : to stop being enjoyable or satisfactory
sever (v) : to end a relationship or agreement with someone

28th July 2008

I read a newspaper.

Eddy Grant was born in Guyana. His father moved the family from the Caribbean in the 1950s. He started at Acland Burghley when was 12 years old and there were two black kids in the school. Acland Burghley was the most famous school for art,music,and drama in the state. He and friends started a shool magazine that become quite notorious. They set up a lot of societies and had active school orchestra that won competitions. Alan Breed , the teacher who encourage him to play trumpet. Eddy and friends set up a group , Eddy and the Equals , playing lead guitar,singing and producing the band. They scored three top-10 hits in 18 months in mid-1960s .
Eddy returned to Guyana in 1971 after a serious chest infection that attacked his heart and lungs. He immersed himself in the musical culture after finding the misic he loved was rapidly being lost. He stopped working on his own music and set out to catalogue the Calypso of the 20th century. He tracked down old record companies and musicians and bought their back-catalogues.
The return to London and shown at the Jazz Cafe is emotional for Eddy. He felt like he come home and he is enjoying playing live. On Saturday he is heading to the Womad festival in Berkshire. At 60 he feels he wants to see what his music means to others.

NEW WORDS

notorious (adj) : famous for something bad
immerse yourself in sth (v) : to spend most of your time doing something or thinking about it

27th July 2008

Today I did not go outside. I stayed in the room all day and thought about London and Bangkok. Two cities are very different. These reasons are like and don't like.

I like
: There are many the old historical and beautiful places.
: Taxis can be hailed anywhere in the street. ( but it is expensive)
: Transport network is a convenience that people can travel around London.


I don't like
: The tube is very dirty. People always litter rubbish on the ground.
: The weather in London varies often.
: Food is tasteless.

26th July 2008

I read a book. ( the rest of chapter 1)

Punctuality and organisation
The British take appointments seriously , whether they are for work or for pleasure. Person arrives late without an apology , or doesn't turn up at all, then they will probably not want to meet them again.

Some tips to make your visit to London safe and enjoyable :

DO : use a zebra when crossing the road.
: use a pelican crossing instead of a zebra crossing if there's one nearby.
: use the bookstyle street atlas , called an A-Z , which usually includes a tube map.

Linguistic variations
There are many the Britain's regional accents , for example : a south Wales accent is generally thought of as being musical, even rather sing-song; a Birmingham accent is nasal and rather drawling; and a London (or ' cockney') accent tends to be lazy, the speaker dropping some consonants.

Football culture
This is national sport: football. They do this partly through their national teams. They will dress up in the team's 'color' - a scarf or hat made in the same color as the team's shirts, or a replica of the shirts themseleves.

NEW WORDS

turn up (v) : arrive
pelican crossing (n) : a place for crossing a road where you can stop traffic by pushing a button to operate a set of traffic lights
linguistic (adj) : relating to languages , words , or linguistics

25th July 2008

I read a book. ( Dos & Don'ts in the United Kingdom)

Chapter 1 : Character traits

The United Kingdom includes four separate countries, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern of Ireland. The island of Ireland contains a fifth state , the Republic of Ireland , which is not part of the United Kingdom.
British society is changing rapidly. But despite this , the British character still has many recognisable feature. This chapter describes some of them.

Reserve : When people talk about the British character, they usually mention the famous " British reserve " . There's a restaurant with one table occupied by the British , another by the Fresh, Chinese, and so on. And there'll probably be someone on it who's trying, without success.
DO: to catch the waiter's eye and doesn't like to shout across the room.

Tolerance : The British capacity for tolerance is linked to their reserve their shyness, if you prefer. Because they dislike complaining publicly, the British will endure considerable inconvinience in stoical silence.

DO : If you're waiting for food or for the bill. Try not to lose your temper : it will only make the other person embarrassed and they will become even more unhelpful.

NEW WORDS

occupy (v) : use a place , be in control of place , have a job/position , keep sb busy , regularly think about sth
tolerance (n) : the attitue of someone who is willing to accept someone else's beliefs , way of life etc. without criticizing

stoical (adj) : accepting thing without complaining