2012年6月28日 星期四

需要給 tip?

說法比一比:★★★★學校:Here's a tip for you.
   (這是給你的小費。)
老外:This is for you.
   (這是給你的。)


實境對話
A:That'll be $35.
 (一共35美元。)
B:OK, and this is for you.
 (好,另外這是給你的。)



老外還會這麼說
ex:Please, keep the change.
 (麻煩不用找了。)
ex:Thank you very much. 
 (非常感謝。)

It sounds like 麻煩 to me!

技術挑戰指數:★★★某天上facebook時,遇到好久沒聯絡的國小同學,稍微聊了一下之後發現,我們居然在同一間公司上班耶!因為在不同部門,平常也沒有交集,所以才沒發現,真的是好巧喔!而且還是在差不多的時間進公司!不過聊到後來,他想打聽我的薪水,可是這可以說嗎?It sounds like trouble to me!


來聽老美怎麼說?
Gary:I'm going to go tell Ken about the sweet buns. Stash these last few so that there are none
    left when he gets here.
  (葛瑞:我要去告訴肯恩有關甜麵包的事。把最後這幾個藏起來,這樣他到這裡的時候,就一
   個都不剩了。)
Sophie:That sounds like trouble to me.
  (蘇菲:對我來說,那聽起來像會有麻煩。)
Gary:It's hitting below the belt, I know.
  (葛瑞:我知道,這就是以犯規手段攻擊對方。)
Sophie:I'll do it. Here, just eat one more quick before you go.
  (蘇菲:我會照做。來,在你走之前,快再吃一個。)


俚語小解析It/That sounds like ..... to me. 對我來說,那聽起來像是....。
此一句型可以用來提供一種簡單的評估。如果你認為某件事是個餿主意,你就可以說:”Sounds like trouble to me.”。在這個句型中,”like”之後亦可以使用形容詞。

2012年6月26日 星期二

Big Fun with the Dragon Boat Festival

As one of the major summer celebrations, the Dragon Boat Festival is a special time for families and communities. It is observed on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, and this year, it falls on June 23. The holiday got its name because it is celebrated around the summer solstice, the day with the longest period of sunlight. The sun is associated with the dragon, which is one reason why these mythical creatures are linked to the festival.
作為夏季重大的節慶之一,端午節對各個家庭和社區群體來說都是個特別的時節。人們會在農曆五月五日這一天來慶祝這個節日,而今年的端午節則是落在國曆六月二十三日。這個節日之所以得名是因為它落在夏至的前後,而夏至就是日照時間最長的一天。太陽又和龍有關,這也就是為什麼這些神話中的生物會和這個節日產生關聯的原因之一(編按:因為太陽從東邊升起,而在中國傳統裡,龍是代表東方的聖物,所以兩者常被牽扯在一起)。
  There are many methods to celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival. One of the primary ways is to eat zongzis, savory rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. They can be found in markets and restaurants or prepared at home as part of a family tradition. Another fun pastime that children especially love is standing eggs on end. During this particular time of year, eggs will stand straight up on their widest ends at noon. Doing this is said to bring good luck for the year. For adults, realgar wine is enjoyed. Realgar is a mineral that was regarded as the antidote for all poisons. The wine is drunk for good health.
慶祝端午節的方式既豐富又多元。這當中最主要的一種方法就是吃粽子,也就是一種包在竹葉裡的可口飯糰。這種食物常常可以在市場和餐廳裡看到,或是於家中為人們所準備,作為家庭習俗的一部份。另一項深受孩子們喜愛的有趣消遣就是立蛋。每年在這個特別的時節裡,人們可以在正午時分用蛋最圓的那一端將蛋豎直起來。據說這麼做會為一整年帶來好運。成年人則會品嚐雄黃酒。雄黃是一種礦物,被人們視為是一種可以化解所有毒素的解毒劑。人們正是為了健康的因素而飲用雄黃酒。



@Word & Phrases
1. major a. 主要的,非常重要的
Smoking is one of the major causes of lung cancer.
抽菸是導致肺癌的主因之一。
2. community n. 群體;社區
Residents are working together to keep the community clean and safe.
住戶們都同心協力維護社區的整潔和安全。
3. primary a. 首要的,主要的
Finding other sources of green energy is our primary goal right now.
尋找其他種類的綠色能源是我們現在的目標。
4. wrap vt. 包,裹
Terry gave me a gift wrapped in paper with a beautiful pattern on it.
泰瑞送我一份禮物,是用印有漂亮圖案的包裝紙包起來的。
5. pastime n. 娛樂,消遣
Vincent's favorite pastime is playing video games at home.
文森最愛的娛樂活動就是在家裡打電動。
6. particular a. 特定的
The travel agent asked Mark if he had any particular needs for the in-flight meal.
旅行社人員詢問馬克對於機上餐點是否有任何特別的要求。
7. be said to + 原形動詞  據說……
This home remedy is said to stop pimples from forming.
這種居家療法據說能夠抑制青春痘的形成。
8. be regarded as...  被認為是……
This statue is regarded as one of the artist's masterpieces.
這座雕像被視為是該位藝術家的傑作之一。



@Extra Words
1. lunar calendar n. 農曆,陰曆
2. summer solstice n. 夏至
3. savory a. 美味可口的;鹹味的
4. rice dumpling n. 粽子
5. realgar n. 雄黃(本文中作形容詞用)
6. mineral n. 礦物
7. antidote n. 解毒劑



@Tips In Use
Stand作及物動詞stand 在本文中作及物動詞,表『使站立』之意,以下介紹 stand 當及物動詞時的其他意思及用法:
1. 表『忍受,容忍』,常用於否定句或疑問句。
I can't stand Sam's negative attitude toward everything.
(我無法忍受山姆對任何事都表現出負面的態度。)
2. 意指『禁得起』。
These plants can stand extremely hot and dry climates.
(這些植物禁得起極度炎熱和乾燥的氣候。)
3. 用於片語"stand + 人 + up"中,指『放某人鴿子,爽約』。
Tom's girlfriend was upset because he stood her up last night.
(湯姆的女友很生氣,因為他昨晚放她鴿子。)

2012年6月22日 星期五

Money‏

Can money buy happiness? Many Americans think so—at least they act like they do. Americans believe in the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." And just what does the pursuit of happiness mean? For many, it means pursuing money. Success- oriented Americans often measure people's worth by how much they have. For that reason, keeping up with the Joneses has become almost a fulltime occupation.
金錢能夠買到快樂嗎?許多美國人認為可以——至少就他們的表現來看,他們是這麼認為。
美國人相信「生命、自由以及追求快樂的權利。」但是到底追求快樂的意思是什麼?對許多人
而言,它代表的是追求金錢。追求成功的美國人常以一個人擁有的多寡來衡量他的價值。基於
這個理由,大家比來比去幾乎成了全天候的職業。
Why do Americans emphasize money so much? Well, this “land of plenty” has long enjoyed abundant natural resources, and people have gotten used to material wealth. Besides that, Americans believe that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. People aren't bound by social class. They can work hard and improve their status. Many immigrants have come to this land of opportunity for that reason— to seek a better future. This belief in equal opportunity has produced a spirit of competition. lt's like a race to the top of the success ladder.
為什麼美國人這麼強調金錢?嗯,這塊「豐富之地」長久以來享受著豐富
的自然資源,而人們也習慣於豐富的物質生活。除此之外,美國人相信每個人
都有公平的成功機會。人們不會因出身高低而受限制。他們可以努力工作以改
變社會地位。許多移民正是為此原因而來到這塊充滿機會的土地上——為要追求
一個更好的未來。這個機會均等的信念,造成了競爭的精神,它就像一場通往成功
之梯頂端的比賽一樣。
On average, Americans save around 5 percent of their income. Some find ways to invest their money. Investments range from individual retirement accounts (lRA's) to stocks and bonds. Not all Americans are rich, but most are concerned about money.
平均而言,美國人大約會將其收入的百分之五儲蓄起來。有些人會找投資的管
道。投資的範圍自個人退休儲金( IRA'S )到股票和債券都有。並非每個美國人都
很有錢,但是大部分人都在乎錢。
Interestingly, though, “money” doesn't mean just cash—dollar bills and coins. The United States is fast becoming a cashless society. Nowadays, checks and credit cards work just as well as “real money,” if not better. A checking account has become almost a necessity for most Americans. Stores accept checks drawn on local banks as payment for purchases. People send checks through the mail as a saferalternative to sending cash.
雖然如此,有趣的是,「錢」不是僅指現金——紙幣和銅板。美國正在快
速成為一個無現金的社會。今天,支票和信用卡如果沒有更好用,至少也和
「真正的錢」一樣好用。大部份的美國人已經都需要有一個支票戶頭。一般商店
會接受附近銀行的支票來付購物的款項。人們則以較安全的寄支票方法代替寄現金。
Credit cards symbolize American shopping habits: “Buy now, pay later. ” Loan companies—such as VISA and MasterCard—as well as gas companies and stores issue credit cards to people with a good credit record. Even teenagers have their own credit cards. This “plastic money” allows people more spending freedom. But it also gets them into a lot of debt! Moreover, just as with cash, there are still dangers from loss or theft. With checks and credit cards, Americans can be cashless, but they still can't afford to be careless.
信用卡代表了美國人購物習慣:「現在買,稍後付款。」貨款公司——例
如:VISA 和Master Card——以及天然瓦斯公司和其他的商店,會對信用好的人
發給信用卡。即使是年輕人,也擁有自己的信用卡。這種「塑膠貨幣」為人們
帶來了更大的花費自由。但是它同時也使他們負債累累。更有甚者,正如使用
現金一樣,它們也會有丟失或遭竊的危險。使用支票和信用卡,美國人可以不
用現金,但是卻不能毫無節制。
Even a casual observer would notice that America is a consumer society. The media bombard people with advertisements. Commercials interrupt TV and radio programs with catchy appeals to go out and buy. Shopping has almost replaced baseball as the national pastime. Still, Americans realize that life is more than having things. Volunteering and giving to charity organizations occupy part of
Americans' time and money, as well. Deep down, they realize that happiness can't be bought, but it can be given away.
即使是一個非專業的觀察家,也會留意到美國是個消費者社會。媒體中充
滿了各樣動人心弦的廣告。電視或收音機節目常會被那些動人的讓你想出外購
買的廣告打斷。購物幾乎已經代替了棒球而成為全國性的消遣。但是,美國人
仍然明白生活不僅只是擁有物質。做義工以及對慈善機構的捐贈仍然佔去了美
國人部份的時間和金錢。在內心深處,他們明白快樂不能用金錢購得,但是卻
是可以跟人分享的。



@Word Bank
pursuit (n) 精通的
oriented (adj) 以?為導向的;以?為目的的
keep up with the Joneses (v phr) 在物資上和別人比較、競爭
emphasize (v) 強調
ladder (n) 進身階梯 
invest (v) 投資
bond (n) 債券
draw (v) 支領;提取
alternative (n) 另一可選擇之事物
credit record (n phr) 信用記錄 bombard (v) 攻擊;轟炸
catchy (adj) 引誘人的;動人的
appeal (n) 吸引力



@The Day's Phrase
Knowing what people want is the first step in creating the next great product
知道人們究竟想要什麼,是創造下一項絕佳產品的第一步
Aren't you going a little fast? The speed limit here is 40 km/h.
你會不會開得太快了一點?這裡的速限是每小時四十公里耶。
The same old stories take on brand new expression when you can step inside of them
流傳已久的故事有了全新的表現手法,讓人們可以進入故事中一窺堂奧
You got 100% on the test! Good for you.
你考試得了滿分耶!了不起! 
Is it possible to duplicate the artistry and sound of a 300-yearold
musical masterpiece using x-ray machines?
利用X光機複製出有三百年歷史的音樂傑作是否真有可能?
What are you up to? Nothing, just reading my email.
你在忙什麼呀?沒事,只是在讀我的電子郵件而已。
Life down under can be sweet, especially in one of these breathtaking vacation spots!
在澳洲度過甜蜜美好時光,尤其如果能造訪令人歎為觀止的觀光景點就更
You're right!Aren't I always?
你是對的。我什麼時候錯了?
Sorry about that. I didn't know you wanted to keep that food.
對不起。我不知道你想留那些菜。
I'm angry with you today. What did I do?
我今天很氣你。我做了什麼了?

2012年6月21日 星期四

Step by Step 1 + 1 > 2:重組家庭的歡樂與哀愁

by Marcus Maurice
Divorce is hard on parents and kids.

  The harsh reality of marriage is that nearly half of them end in divorce. This is extremely difficult for all parties, especially when there are children involved. The youngsters usually have to adjust to one parent becoming the primary caregiver and seeing the other parent a lot less. This usually coincides with emotional disagreements between the parents, which take a heavy toll on the kids. Sooner or later, one or both of the parents may find someone else to spend their lives with. These families must find ways to co-exist with each other, and a lot of times, it ends up being a bumpy road.
  Children don't automatically take to their stepparents right away. Therapists have a few suggestions to make the reconstituted families' lives easier. For parents, the number one rule is to be positive about the previous marriages. Kids don't want to hear about how great the new stepparents are, while their real parents are openly criticized. Another way is for the stepparents to form bonds with their stepchildren by going on outings together. These can be as simple as trips to the grocery store, going for walks, or watching movies together. Soon, the stepparent and stepchild will have their own stories and jokes to share with each other.
  Being a stepparent or a stepchild is never simple, and every situation is very different. The things that both sides need to remember are never to give up on each other and that things will work out in the end.

1. According to the article, what happens to kids when their parents get divorced?
(A) They become much more difficult to get along with.
(B) It is difficult for them to get used to seeing less of one parent.
(C) They usually despise their new stepmother or stepfather.
(D) They have a hard time finding true love later on in life.

2. What does "which" in the first paragraph refer to?
(A) The cost of a divorce.
(B) The harmony in a household.
(C) Two parents quarreling.
(D) The parent they choose to live with after a divorce.

3. What is something a stepparent should NOT say to a stepchild?
(A) "Stop playing with your food."
(B) "You should remember to flush the toilet after using it."
(C) "You need to cut down on the amount of sugar you eat."
(D) "I am a much better cook than your mother, who doesn't even know how to boil water."

4. What is the author's purpose for writing this article?
(A) To help families blend together.
(B) To warn children about the evils of divorce.
(C) To show that children can easily adapt to new family members.
(D) To teach parents how to live without their children after a divorce.



@單字小舖
1. divorce n. 離婚 & vt. 和……離婚
2. primary a. 主要的
3. caregiver n. 照顧孩子的家人
4. disagreement n. 爭吵;意見不同
5. co-exist vi. 共存
6. stepparent n. 繼父,繼母
stepchild n. 繼子女
stepmother n. 繼母
stepfather n. 繼父
stepson n. 繼子
stepdaughter n. 繼女
7. therapist n. 治療師
8. reconstituted a. 重新組成的
a reconstituted family  重組家庭
9. openly adv. 公開地
10. outing n. 外出
11. household n. 家庭
12. flush vt.(用水)沖洗
13. blend vi. 交融,融和

淡定期盼翱翔樂

旅途中穿山越嶺, 飛天跨海, 花樣繁多. 這些過程使用的交通類型 ( transport type ), 可透過航空. 道路行駛車輛. 火車或海陸的途徑 ( by air, road, rail or sae ), 而其中經由航空方式的履行或許昂貴, 但不可否認確是最快速的方式 ( Air travel is probably expensive, but it is undeniably the fastest of the transport modes. )
空中飛行載客工具有飛機. 噴射機. 超音速飛機. 直升機等 ( Air vehicles are airplanes, jets, supersonic aircrafts, and helicopters. ). 等待翱翔天際之餘, 你曾有過必須久候機場的經驗嗎? ( Have you ever had to wait a long time at an airport? ) 旅客在機場可以怎樣打發時間呢? ( How can passengers pass time / kill time while waiting at the airport? )
為了不讓等待交息旅遊熱忱且淡定, 或許可以考慮以下建議: 閱讀書. 報紙. 雜誌或小說 ( read a book, newspapers, magazine or novel ); 傾聽音樂 ( listen to music ); 打盹, 小憩一番 ( take a nap ); 上網 ( surf the internet / Net ); 傳簡訊或打電話給家人或朋友 ( text / call your family or friends ); 瀏覽商店櫥窗或購物 ( go window shopping / go shopping ); 喝杯咖啡或吃頓飯 ( have a cup of coffee / have a meal ); 與附近的旅客聊天 ( talk to passengers around ), 但視情況並適可而止; 時間許可的話甚至來趟腳底按摩或休閒式水療 ( enjoy a foot massage or a spy ).
至於過往人群與起降的扳機, 那更是一幅最植德欣賞的動人畫面! 畢竟, 再機場裡就像深楚一個小世界呢! ( After all, in an airport, it's a small world! )

@本文轉載自2012/06/12
    自由時報D10旅遊版

    撰文 / Gwen

2012年6月20日 星期三

謹守機上禮儀非"奧客"

縮短跨國或遠距的旅途時間, 飛行是最佳方式. 雖而致伸高空且侷限於有限空間 ( limited space ), 難免有些不便性, 因此每個旅客需謹記機上禁忌, 遵守機上禮儀 ( airplane eiquette ), 話不便為便利, 享有愉快的旅程.
首先, 勿成為快速後仰的乘客 ( Don't be a fast recliner ): 就後座, 為多些空間而調整可後仰座位 ( reclined seat )時, 切忌以快速往後靠, 甚至調整到最極限造成後座乘客的不便.
其次, 勿霸佔全部的共用座位手把 ( Don't hog the entire arm rest ): 您與鄰座乘客都有權使用此公用把手,謹守分寸以避免成為所謂的 "獨占停靠手臂手把的土匪" " arm rest bandit ". 接著, 勿當座位掠奪者 ( Don't be a seat grabber ): 起身或坐下時避免手扶前座位置而驚動前座乘客.
第四, 勿將鄰座陌生乘客的肩膀當枕頭靠 ( Don't slip your head off onto a stranger next to you while sleeping ): 盡量控制自己的睡姿, 勿干擾別人.
第五, 選走道座位  Choose an aisle seat ): 若需經常使用洗手間的乘客 ( a passenger who needs to pay frequent visits to the bathroom ), 劃位時最好要求走道座位.
第六, 勿飲酒過度 ( Don't get drunk ): 狂喝酒的人 ( boozer ), 酒氣沖天會造成隔鄰不舒適感, 因此黃湯下度須適量.
最後, 父母須管校調皮或哭鬧的隨行孩童, 勿讓他們踢前座位置或喧嘩, 管教時也要避免大聲吼叫, 以免造成其他乘客的困擾.

@本文轉載自2012/06/19
    自由時報D10旅遊版

    撰文 / Gwen

He dumped me! 他甩了我!

"三國演義"云: "話說天下大勢, 分久必合, 合久必分", 感情亦如是, "分手"的英文怎麼說? 可以說: " He broke up with me. He left me. " 都是 "他跟我分手" 之意.
此外也可以說: " He split up with me. " 這裡 split 是指 "分手. 絕交" 之意. 更鸝雨的說法還有: " H3 dumped me. " (他甩了我) " He ditched me. " ditch 口語上有 "拋棄" 之意. 都可以傳神的表達那種被甩時的椎心之痛!

A: Why haven't I seen your cute boyfriend recently?
     最近怎麼都沒看見妳那個帥哥男朋友啊?
B: Don't mention it. He dumped me last month for a rich widow!
    別提了. 他上個月甩了我去追一個有錢的寡婦了.

@本文轉載自2012/06/04
    自由時報A10教育最前線版

    資料來源: 台科大應用外語系助理教授 黃玟君

He's from a rich family! 他是小開!

有錢人家或企業家第二代, 都可稱為 "小開", 但英文中並沒有直接比對的說法. 用字, 因此我們只可以用 " He's from a rich family. " 或者 " He's an heir to fotune. " ( 他是大筆財富的繼承人 ) 來表達小開的概念.

A: He's short and bald - so why are there girls around him all the time?
    他長得又矮又禿頭, 可是為什麼總有一堆女生天天黏著他咧?
B: Don't you know? He's form a rich family - his father is the owner of a listed company!
    你不知道嗎? 他是上市公司的小開耶!

@本文轉載自2012/05/28
    自由時報A8教育最前線版

    資料來源: 台科大應用外語系助理教授 黃玟君

You're so retarded! 你很豬頭耶!

中文說一個人 "豬頭", 就是說這個人很笨. 不用大腦, 英文也有類似用語, 有人會說: " You're so retarded! " 或者 " You're such a retard! " 這裡的 retarded 是形容詞 "致力遲緩的", retard 則是名詞.
此外也可說: " You are brainless. " ( 你沒大腦 ) 或者更狠一點: " You are a moron. " ( 妳白痴. 低能 ), 都很能讓被罵的人了解他有多欠罵. 只不過罵人畢竟不好, 因此這些字還是少用的好!

A: I locked my keys in the car and had to call a locksmith to open the door. Then when I was going to pay
    him I realized I left my wallet at home.
    我把車要石鎖在車裡, 只好請鎖匠來開鎖, 結果要付他錢時, 才發現忘了帶皮夾出門
B: You're so retarded!
    你很豬頭耶!

@本文轉載自2012/05/21
    自由時報A10教育最前線版
    資料來源: 台科大應用外語系助理教授 黃玟君

My face is covered with zits. 我滿臉豆花

曾有調查顯示, 年輕人日常生活當中最擔心的不是學業, 也不是感情, 而是 "豆花"! 也就是 "青春痘. 面皰",  那英文怎麼說呢? zit 和 pimple 是也!
若要說一個人滿臉豆花, 便可以說:  " His face is covered with zits. " " He has pimple all over his face. " 或 " His face is breaking out. " 還可以說 " He has terrible acne. " acne在醫學上是 "座瘡. 粉刺". 當然也可以用老派說法: " He has a pizza face. " 怎樣? 十分傳神吧!

A: Why were you so shy on your blind date yesterday? You kept looking down at the table.
     妳昨天相親的時候幹麻裝害羞, 頭一直低著看桌子?
B: Please! My face was covered with zits.
    拜託! 我滿臉豆花耶!

@本文轉載自2012/06/11
    自由時報A10教育. 生活版

    資料來源: 台科大應用外語系助理教授 黃玟君

Let's place a group order for these cookies! 我們來團購餅乾吧!

古人說 "團結力量大", 這句話用在科技發達的今天也沒錯, 現今許多公司行號流行團購, 網路上甚至有人將團購當成全職工作! 至於 "團購" 的英文怎麼說? place a group order! 此外也可以用 put in a big order 表達 "團購; 大量購買", 例如: " We are putting in a big order online so we can get a discount. " 意思就是指一堆人一起購買某項產品, 以求打折!

A: What are you guys gossiping about over there? Are you talking about the boss?
     你們在那邊嘰嘰喳喳的做什麼? 在聊老闆的八卦嗎?
B: No, we're placing a group order for egg rolls. Do you want in?
    不是啦. 我們在團購蛋捲. 要不要參一腳啊?
@本文轉載自2012/05/14
    自由時報A12教育最前線版

    資料來源: 台科大應用外語系助理教授 黃玟君

Don't be so indecisive! 別三心兩意!

說一個人 "三心兩意", 通常是指此人常改變心意, 做了決定又一直更改. 對付這種人我們可以說: " Don't be so indecisive! " 這裡indecisive是從decision ( 決定 ) 來的, 意為 "無決斷力的; 優柔寡斷的", 此外可說: " Don't be so fickle. " 是 "易變的; 反覆無常的". 如果講了這些還是無法讓此人 "一心一意", 這時便可以接對他說: " Please make up your mind! " (下定決心吧!)

A: I don't know what we should have - Japanese or French food? Hot pot or Korean barbecue?
    日本料理好, 還是法國菜好? 火鍋好, 還是韓式烤肉好?
B: Don't be so indecisive! I'm starving; just choose something!
    別三心二億了. 我快餓斃了, 隨便選啦

@本文轉載自2012/05/07
    自由時報A8教育.生活版
 
 資料來源: 台科大應用外語系助理教授 黃玟君

He is a womanizer. 他喜歡到處留情

用英文形容喜歡與女生搭訕.與不同女生發生關係的男性,可以說: " He is always messing around with women. " 這裡的 " mess around " 是 "勾搭.調情" 之意. 也可以說: " He is a womanizer. " ( 沉溺於女色的人 )
若一個男人婚後不守 "夫道", 則我們可以說: " He's a cheat. " ( 騙子.不忠者 )
A: He got divorced again? Isn't it the third time for him?
    他又離婚了? 這是第三次了吧?
B: He deserves it. He's always messing around with women while he's married. he's such a womanizer!
    他活該! 誰叫他婚後還到處拈花惹草,處處留情!

@本文轉載自 2012/06/18
    自由時報A11教育最前線版
    資料來源:台科大應用外語系助理教授 黃玟君

今晚 stay at 喜來登?

說法比一比:★★★★學校:We're living at the Sheraton.
   (我們要住宿喜來登。)
老外:We're staying at the Sheraton.
   (我們要住宿喜來登。)


實境對話
A:Where to, ma'am?
 (要去哪,女士?)
B:We're staying at the Sheraton.
 (我們要住宿喜來登。)



老外還會這麼說
ex:The Hilton, please.
 (麻煩去希爾頓。)
ex:Do you know where the Hyatt is? 
 (你知道凱悅在哪裡嗎?)

上個月 budget 超支了?

技術挑戰指數:★★★大家都想變有錢人,變有錢的關鍵就是要開源節流、控制開銷,這個道理講起來容易,執行起來卻不容易!每天記帳是個不錯的方法,首先要了解自己把錢花到哪裡去,哪些是不需要的開銷。再來就是控制預算、限制每個月的非必要開銷,這樣就可以積少成多的省很多錢喔!


來聽老美怎麼說?
ex:We have a tight entertainment budget this year.(我們今年的娛樂預算很緊。)
ex:We are on a limited production budget.(我們的生產預算有限。)
ex:They cut departmental budgets in an effort to control spending.
  (他們削減了部門預算,以藉此控制開銷。)
ex:We need to reduce budgets for the second half of the year.
  (我們需要縮減今年下半年的預算。)



單字小補充
budget 預算(可數名詞) 
 .可搭配動詞:have、be on、cut、reduce
 .可搭配形容詞:tight、limited、departmental、entertainment、production

2012年6月14日 星期四

suitcase 被偷了!

說法比一比:★★★★學校:I lost something from my suitcase.
   (我的手提箱裡有東西掉了。)
老外:Something was stolen from my suitcase.
   (我的手提箱裡有東西被偷了。)



實境對話
A:What seems to be the matter, sir?
 (怎麼回事,先生?)
B:Something was stolen from my suitcase.
 (我的手提箱裡有東西被偷了。)


老外還會這麼說
ex:I was robbed.
 (我被搶了。)
ex:My bags haven't arrived. 
 (我的袋子沒有到。)
ex:My luggage is damaged. 
 (我的行李有損壞。)

截止日提前了!I kid you not.

技術挑戰指數:★★★這幾個月來,全班同學都在忙”畢業製作”的事! 從去年10月分組後,每組依據各自的主題,找好指導老師後,只要有課餘時間,各組都聚在一起討論,包含連絡廠商、設計商品、輸出成品.....等事項。今天上課時教授忽然宣佈,主任決定提前各組上台報告的日期,I kid you not!


來聽老美怎麼說?
Gary:You'd better take an extra bun for yourself. You're going to need the energy.
  (葛瑞:你最好再多拿一個甜麵包給自己。你將會需要氣力。)
Sophie:The energy? For what? You don't mean the deadline was...
  (蘇菲:氣力?做什麼?你該不會是說期限被....)
Gary:Un-huh. I kid you not.
 (葛瑞:是的。我不騙你。)
Sophie:Ugh. I think I'd better take three.
  (蘇菲:呃。我想我最好拿三個。)



單字小補充I kid you not. 我不騙你。  
上面對話中如果葛瑞說”I'm not kidding.”就太呆板了。把”not”放在句尾,形成”I kid you not.”的句子,或是如”I think not.”的句子,可以讓這些句子有一種很典雅、世故的感覺。

The Beauty of Food 重視內在美,英國成立『醜食物』公司

by Rebecca A. Fratzke
Some people today are just as obsessed with the way their food looks as the way they look.
重視內在美,英國成立『醜食物』公司
今日,有些人很執著他們的食物要跟自己的外表一樣,看起來光鮮亮麗。
  At any market, it's common to see vendors carefully choosing produce that is good enough to sell. Everyone wants the best of what is _(1)_. However, when does worrying about the appearance of food go too far? For one woman in the UK, the answer is clear—when it makes us wasteful. Laura Sandys has a big idea that could change the way we look at food and ourselves. She wants to start selling food that would _(2)_ be considered too ugly to be sold in stores. An example would be an apple that is not uniformly red. Sandys criticizes the current produce rules _(3)_ by the European Union for encouraging wastefulness. A two-tone apple and a one-tone apple taste exactly the same. Therefore, why should one be suitable for purchase in the marketplace and _(4)_ only for juice?
在任何一個市場裡,我們常看見小販精挑細選賣相好的農產品販售。而每個人在選購時,都想買到最好的產品。但是,講求食物的賣相到哪種地步算太過火?對 1 位英國女性而言,答案很簡單,那就是造成浪費食物的時候。蘿拉‧山迪斯有個可以改變我們看待食物和自己的遠大計劃。她想開始販售原先被認為賣相不佳而遭商店拒賣的食物,像是表皮紅得不夠均勻的蘋果。山迪斯批評,目前由歐盟訂定的農產品法規變相鼓勵浪費。色澤不均勻的蘋果跟色澤均勻的蘋果嚐起來並無二致。所以,為什麼一顆能在市場上供人選購,而另一顆卻只能拿去榨果汁?
  Sandys believes that by selling the ugly items, the general price of food in the UK will be kept down. It will also help the country lower its need to _(5)_ produce. Ideally, Sandys would like to include other food groups in her ugly mission. Fish like pollack are less popular, and _(6)_ are certain cuts of meat and organs like kidneys. Sandys _(7)_ that these types are just as valuable and delicious. The problem is that the method of cooking them has been lost. All in all, what Sandys really wants the UK and the world to understand is that we must start valuing all of our resources, or we'll suffer the consequences.
山迪斯認為藉由販售醜食物,可普遍降低英國食物的價格,對降低該國進口農產品的需求也有幫助。山迪斯的理想是將她醜食物計劃擴大到其他種類的食物。綠鱈是較不受歡迎的魚類,某些肉塊和腰子等內臟也是。山迪斯指出,這些食物種類也同樣珍貴與美味。問題在於它們的烹煮方式已經失傳。總而言之,山迪斯女士想讓英國和全世界了解,我們必須開始珍惜所有資源,否則就得自食惡果。
1. (A) capable  (B) flexible  (C) invisible  (D) available
2. (A) likewise  (B) otherwise  (C) clockwise  (D) edgewise
3. (A) to be set  (B) have set  (C) setting  (D) set
4. (A) another  (B) others  (C) the other  (D) one another
5. (A) import  (B) consume  (C) retail  (D) supply
6. (A) alike  (B) so  (C) nor  (D) just
7. (A) points out  (B) turns out  (C) gives out  (D) watches out



@原來如此
1. Everyone wants the best of what is available.
理由:
a. (A) capable a. 能幹的;有能力的
(B) flexible a. 有彈性的;可變通的
I prefer to keep my itinerary flexible when I'm traveling abroad.
我出國旅行時比較喜歡有彈性的行程。
(C) invisible a. 看不見的;隱形的
Germs that are invisible to the naked eye are everywhere.
到處都有肉眼看不見的細菌。
(D) available a. 可得到的
I'm sorry, but this book is out of print and no longer available.
很抱歉,這本書已經絕版,現在買不到了。
b. 根據語意,可知應選 (D)。
2. She wants to start selling food that would otherwise be considered too ugly to be sold in stores.
理由:
a. (A) likewise adv. 照樣地
Watch me operate this machine and then do likewise.
注意看我操作這台機器,然後照著做。
(B) otherwise adv. 本來應當,不然可能會
注意:
otherwise 用在形容詞子句中,且其前有助動詞 would 或 might,意為『本來應當……』或『不然可能會……』。
The lifeguard's quick response saved the boy who would have otherwise drowned.
該救生員反應迅速而救了那個男孩,不然他可能就溺斃了。
(C) clockwise adv. 順時針方向地
By turning the key clockwise, you unlock the door.
把鑰匙往順時針方向轉,你就可以把門打開。
(D) edgewise adv. 向外緣地(常用於下列片語中)
get a word in edgewise  伺機插嘴
When talking to Anita, I can never get a word in edgewise.
跟艾妮塔講話時,我都插不上嘴。
b. 根據上述用法,可知應選 (B)。
3. Sandys criticizes the current produce rules set by the European Union for encouraging wastefulness.
理由:
a. 空格前省略關係代名詞 which 及 be 動詞 are,本句實等於:
Sandys criticizes the current produce rules which are set by the European Union for encouraging wastefulness.
b. 限定修飾的形容詞子句(即關係代名詞前無逗點)中,若關係代名詞為主詞時,該子句可化簡為分詞片語,化簡原則為:1) 刪除關係代名詞;2) 之後的動詞變成現在分詞;3) 若動詞為 be 動詞,則變成現在分詞 being 後可省略。
The man who ran down the street was a fugitive.
= The man running down the street was a fugitive.
在大街上奔跑的那名男子是 1 名逃犯。
c. 根據上述,可知 (D) set 應為正選。
4. Therefore, why should one be suitable for purchase in the marketplace and the other only for juice?
理由:
a. (A) one...another...  一個……另一個……
* 用於非限定的兩者。
Everyone has a favorite season. One might like the summer, while another enjoys the winter.
每個人都有最喜歡的季節。有人可能喜歡夏天,而有人可能喜歡冬天。
(B) some...others...  一些……另一些……
* 用於非限定的兩個群體。
Some people like eating durian, and others enjoy watermelon.
有些人喜歡吃榴槤,有些人則喜歡西瓜。
(C) one...the other... 一個……另一個……(用於限定的兩者)
My cat has one ear bigger than the other.
我貓咪的耳朵 1 隻大 1 隻小。
(D) one another  彼此
The two men have known one another for more than 30 years.
那 2 名男子彼此已經認識 30 多年了。
b. 空格前的句子提到 A two-tone apple and a one-tone apple(色澤不均勻的蘋果和色澤均勻的蘋果),為限定的兩者,故根據用法,應選 (C)。
5. It will also help the country lower its need to import produce.
理由:
a. (A) import vt. 進口
The island nation imports most of its goods from other countries.
這個島國的大部分商品都是從其他國家進口。
(B) consume vt. 吃,喝;消耗
You will get fatter if you consume junk food all the time.
如果老是吃垃圾食物,你就會變得更胖。
(C) retail vt. 零售
This line of clothing is retailed all over the world.
這個服裝系列零售到全世界。
(D) supply vt. 供應
b. 根據語意,可知應選 (A)。
6. Fish like pollack are less popular, and so are certain cuts of meat and organs like kidneys.
理由:
a. 本空格在測試簡應句之用法:
1) 在肯定簡應句中,用 so 或 too。so 是副詞,表示『同樣地』,並非連接詞,故之前應有連接詞 and 連接兩句,而且使用 so 時其後須採倒裝句構,與 too 連用時,簡應句不須倒裝。
Bill is a doctor, and so is his brother.
= Bill is a doctor, and his brother is, too.
比爾是個醫生,他哥哥也是。
2) 否定簡應句中用 neither, nor 或 either。neither 為副詞,故其前須置 and,而 nor 為連接詞,其前不必置 and,且使用 neither 或 nor 之後必須接倒裝句;而 either 則置於句尾使用,其前要有否定副詞 not 及逗點。
Tom can't speak Japanese, and neither can Sam.
= Tom can't speak Japanese, nor can Sam.
= Tom can't speak Japanese, and Sam can't, either.
湯姆不會講日語,山姆也不會。
b. 空格前有逗點,且其前的句子為肯定句,可知空格內應置入 so,故選 (B)。
7. Sandys points out that these types are just as valuable and delicious.
理由:
a. (A) point out + that 子句  指出……
The manager pointed out that the workers' low morale has affected productivity.
經理指出員工低落的士氣已經影響了生產力。
(B) It turns out + that 子句 結果(竟然)∕最後……
It turned out that Jill was an undercover FBI agent.
結果吉兒竟然是 1 名 FBI 的臥底探員。
(C) give out...  分發……
Carrie helps give out food to homeless people every week.
凱莉每個星期去幫忙分發食物給遊民。
(D) watch out  小心
We have to watch out for slick roads when driving in the rain.
下雨天開車時要小心路滑。
b. 根據語意及用法,可知 (A) 應為正選。



@精解字詞片語
1. go too/this/that far  (行為舉止)太超過
You've gone too far. You should learn to behave yourself.
你太過份了,你應該學著管好自己。
2. wasteful a. 浪費的
Mary buys a lot of unnecessary luxury items, so I think she is very wasteful.
瑪麗買很多不必要的奢侈品,所以我認為她很浪費。
3. too + adj./adv. + to V  太……而不能……
注意:
本句構中,第一個 too 為副詞,表『太過於』之意,其後通常接形容詞或副詞;第二個 to 則為不定詞,其後須接原形動詞,所形成的不定詞片語當副詞用,修飾其前的 too。
Jack was too sick to go to school yesterday.
傑克昨天病重到無法去上學。
Anna is walking too slowly to keep up with her friends.
安娜走路太慢而跟不上她的朋友。
4. uniformly adv. 均勻地;一致地
All of the children could uniformly recite the English alphabet on command.
所有小朋友在一聲命令下能齊口背誦 26 個英文字母。
5. encourage vt. 鼓勵
encourage sb to V  鼓勵某人(做)……
Anna's parents encouraged her to pursue her dreams.
安娜的父母鼓勵她追求自己的夢想。
6. exactly the same  完全一樣地∕的
I have exactly the same T-shirt as yours.
我有一件跟你完全相同的 T 恤。
7. purchase n. & vt. 購買
make a purchase of...  購買……
Jerry made a purchase of a digital TV for his family for Christmas.
傑瑞聖誕節時替家人買了 1 台數位電視。
8. valuable a. 珍貴的,寶貴的
I consider every mistake I make a valuable lesson.
我把自己所犯的每個錯誤看作是寶貴的教訓。
9. All in all, S + V  總之∕總的來說,……
All in all, Bob's schoolwork has improved a lot this semester.
總的來說,鮑伯這個學期的學業進步了很多。
10. value vt. 珍惜
= cherish vt.
= treasure vt.
I value the watch my father gave me for my birthday.
我珍惜生日時爸爸送我的手錶。
11. suffer vt. 遭受 & vi. 受苦;患病
suffer from...  
飽受??之苦;罹患??(疾病)
John suffered multiple injuries in the car accident.
約翰在這起車禍中身上多處受傷。
Oscar suffers from allergies every spring.
奧斯卡每年春天飽受過敏之苦。
Walter was suffering from the flu and had to stay in bed.
華特罹患流感,必須臥床休息。



@單字小舖
1. vendor n. 小販
2. produce n. 農產品(不可數)
3. wastefulness n. 浪費
4. tone n. 色調
5. suitable a. 適合的
6. marketplace n. 市場
7. ideally adv. 理想地
8. pollack n. 綠鱈(魚)
9. organ n. 器官
10. kidney n.(動物可食用的)腰子;腎臟
11. resource n. 資源
答案:1. (D) 2. (B) 3. (D) 4. (C) 5. (A) 6. (B) 7. (A)

2012年6月13日 星期三

Greetings

East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet.”
At least, that’s what English writer Rudyard Kipling said. Truth is, nowadays Easterners and Westerners meet quite often. And when they do meet, naturally, they have to find an appropriate greeting. Aye, there’s the rub. What’s culturally appropriate for people in one culture may be completely out of line in another culture. So the best approach is to follow the well-known maxim, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
「東方是東方,西方是西方,兩者是不會相會的。」至少,英國短篇小說家吉普林是如此
認為。事實上,當今東方人與西方人時常碰面。當他們會面時,自然而然地必須找出一種
合適的問候方式。唉,這就麻煩了!在某個文化裡可能恰到好處的事,到另一個文化裡,就
可能過分踰矩。因此,最佳的做法就是遵守這個耳熟能詳的行事準則:「入境隨俗」。
So what’s an appropriate salutation for Americans? Maybe you already know how to say, “How are you?” You might even know the customary response, “Fine, thanks, and you?” Is that all there is to greeting people American-style? Well, Americans do often use this trite greeting, and they generally expect nothing but the standard answer. (If you want to shock an American friend, the next time he greets you this way, tell him how you’re really doing.)
那麼,對美國人而言,什麼才是適當的問候語?可能你已經懂得怎麼說「How are you?」
(你好嗎?)你甚至也知道一般常用的回答「Fine, thanks, and you?」(我很好,謝謝,
你呢?)用美國的方式來問候別人,就僅僅如此而已嗎?其實美國人的確常用這老套的
問候方式,而他們所期待的,也只是一般的標準回答。(你如果想讓你的美國朋友吃驚,
下一次他如此問候你時,你就把你真正的感覺告訴他。)
But most Americans enjoy a little variety now and then. In informal settings, you might hear Americans say, “How’s it going?” (which doesn’t mean, “What’s your destination?”) or “What’s up?” (which isn’t an inquiry about the stock market). Formal situations, on the other hand might call for expressions like “Good morning” or “Hello, it’s nice to see you.”
但是,多數的美國人偶而會喜歡有些變化。在非正式的場合裡,你可能聽到美國人說
「How's it going ?」(它不是在問「你的目的地是哪裡?」)或者是「What's up?」(它也不是
詢問股市的動態) 而在另一方面,一個正式的場合所使用的問候語,則可能是「Good morning」
(早安),或是「Hello, it is nice to see you.」(哈囉!很高興見到你。)
After the initial “hello,” what kind of comments are appropriate to kick off a conversation? You might engage in small talk and make a remark about the weather, your job or current events. Or you could ask your American friend about his recent activities or his upcoming plans.
說了開場的「Hello」之後,用什麼話來適當地打開話閘子呢?你可能與對
方閒聊,提及天氣、你的工作或是時事。或者,你可以問你的美國朋友他最
近做了什麼,或是再來的計劃有哪些。
If you know that he’s been under the weather, you might ask him how he’s feeling. But don’t make use of personal comments or questions like “Boy, you’ve put on weight!”or“What are all those bumps on your face?” or “How much money did that necklace cost?”Americans might take offense at questions or comments about money or their appearance.
如果你知道他一直身體不適,你或許可以問他感覺如何。但千萬不要用牽涉個
人的評語或問題,像是:「唷!你體重又增加了!」或是「你臉上一粒一粒的
是怎麼來的?」或是「那條項練你花了多少錢?」美國人可能會對於有關金錢
以及個人外表的問題或批評,感到反感。
One other caution: In some social contexts, particularly in an office or a professional setting,greetings between the sexes should be very conservative. If you’re a man, greeting a woman with a statement like “Wow! You look beautiful today!” may be construed as a come-on. So when you’re giving a compliment, the key is to use discretion.
另一項值得注意的:在某種社交場合,尤其是在辦公室或專業場合裡,兩
性之間的問候應該非常保守。如果你是男性,而問候女性時你說:「哇!你今
天真漂亮!」這可能會被誤解為一種挑逗行為。因此,讚美他人時,仔細斟酌
非常重要。
What about overt displays of affection, like hugging and kissing? Contrary to some stereotypes, Americans don’t go around hugging and kissing everyone they meet. Of course, girls might give each other a squeeze as a friendly gesture, and in some high society circles, a little peck on the cheek is a common courtesy. But except with family members and close friends, Americans usually don’t give out wholesale hugs. Besides that, not all Americans are inveterate huggers anyway. So don’t wrap your arms around the next American you see. He or she might be just as uncomfortable as you are.
那麼,公開地表示感情,例如擁抱以及親吻,又該如何呢?美國人與一般
人所認定的典型不同,他們並不會到處擁抱、親吻遇見的每一個人。當然,女
性們可能會在見面時彼此緊抱一下以示友好;而且在某些上流社交圈裡,輕吻
對方的面頰是很普遍的禮節。但除了對家人與好友外,美國人通常不會經常隨
便擁抱他人。此外,並不是每一位美國人都習慣擁抱他人。因此,不要隨便把
手臂環住下一個你碰到的美國人。他可能會跟你一樣地不自在。
A man will usually wait for a woman to extend her hand before offering his, however. When you get a chance to shake hands with someone, make it count. People will judge you by the quality of your grip. The “cold fish” approach doesn’t usually go over very well with Americans. Oh, and another thing about handshakes: Let go. You have to know when to stop shaking the other person's hand. Usually, a second or two will do.
不過,男性則通常會等待女性主動伸出手來,才會伸手與對方握手。當你有機會與他人握手
時,記得要有誠意。人們會以你握手的品質來判斷你的人。美國人通常不歡迎「冷冰冰」的
態度。哦!握手時還要切記另一件事:要放手。你必須知道什麼時候該停止握對方的手。一
般而言,握手一、二秒鐘就夠了。
 


@Word Bank
be out of line (idiom) 不合適
maxim (n) 準則;格言
salutation (n) 問候語;寒喧
trite (adj) 平凡普遍的;老套的 
inquiry (n) 詢問
kick off (v phr) 開始
under the weather (idiom) 身體不適 
construe (v) 解釋;推斷
discretion (n) 謹慎
overt (adj) 公然的;公開的
wholesale (adj) 大批的;不分對像的
inveterate (adj)(習慣、疾病等)根深的;積習性的
 


@The Day's Phrase
The stories behind some of your favorite snacks may surprise you
你最喜愛的點心背後的故事,可能會讓你大感訝異
I can’t put it off. The boss needs that report by tomorrow morning.
我不能拖了。老闆最晚明天早上就要那份報告。
People began writing messages in the sky many years ago
多年前就有人開始在天空留言了
I can't go to dinner with you. I have work to do.
我不能跟你去吃晚餐。我有工作要做。
Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 60 years as Queen of Britain
英國女王伊莉莎白二世登基六十週年慶
You go ahead. I'll meet you later.
你先去吧。我稍後跟你會合。
Exciting experiences await you on Japan's beautiful northern island
日本美麗的北方島嶼有著刺激興奮的體驗等待你來探索
Let's go and visit Bob right now. Now's a good time.
我們現在就去看鮑伯吧。現在這個時間很方便(合適)。
The Queen of England has stayed popular over the decades by changing with the times
英國女王隨著時代變遷而改變,數十年來持續受民眾愛戴
Did you call Jane? I just did.
你打電話給珍了嗎?我剛打了。 
A great gadget goes on your wrist, tips for summer road trips, and competition in the
mobile video-sharing market
來看看佩戴在手腕上的絕佳裝置,還有夏季乘車旅行的訣竅,以及行動影片分享市場的競爭
Don't lose your head. Things aren't that bad.
別失去理智了。事情沒那麼糟的。
It wasn't easy. I had to spend all weekend finishing it.
這可不簡單。我花了整個週末的時間才完成的。
Like any tool, the Internet works best with a little training, common sense and guidance
網路就和任何工具一樣,需要一點訓練、常識和指引才能上手
I have to have that newspaper immediately!Why is that important?
我馬上就要那份報紙!為什麼那麼重要呢?
Knowing what people want is the first step in creating the next great product
知道人們究竟想要什麼,是創造下一項絕佳產品的第一步
Okay, everything is ready. Here we go!
好了,一切準備就緒。我們上路囉!

2012年6月7日 星期四

Garfield 加菲貓魅力無法擋

He is grouchy, lazy, and opinionated, and he loves to eat lasagna. Who could this fat, orange cat be? Garfield, of course! Created by Jim Davis, Garfield started out as a character in a comic strip in 1978. Today, he has been in everything from newspapers to movies to theme parks. His TV specials have won Emmys, and he and his friends have become internationally successful. Currently, over 2,600 newspapers run the Garfield comic strip every day.
他脾氣暴躁、懶惰又固執,而且喜歡吃義大利千層麵。這隻渾身橘色的肥貓會是誰呢?當然是加菲貓囉!加菲貓是吉姆‧戴維斯的筆下創作,在1978年以某個連環漫畫的小角色開始登場。時至今日,不論是在報紙、電影,還是主題樂園中,隨處都可以看見他的身影。他的電視特輯曾贏得艾美獎,而他與他的朋友們也揚名國際。目前全球每天都有超過兩千六百份報紙刊載加菲貓的連環漫畫。
Garfield has been around for over 30 years and is still adored by fans of all ages. Sales of classic and new Garfield merchandise remain high. Some of the most popular are collections of the comic strips, movies, and how-to drawing books. To keep up with the times, Garfield has also become computer animated. In this way, he has reached a whole new group of children and adults who find his bad manners and grouchy personality irresistible. Garfield and his creator Jim Davis have come a long way since the first comic strip. However, one thing has remained the same-they always have a lot of fun.
加菲貓已陪伴我們度過了三十餘年,而且至今仍深受各個年齡層粉絲的喜愛。無論是經典或新推出的,加菲貓的周邊商品都持續熱銷。當中最受歡迎的商品當屬一系列的漫畫、電影和素描本。為了跟上時代,加菲貓也以電腦動畫的形式登場。如此一來,他的觸角得以延伸至一群新的小孩和大朋友,他們會覺得他的粗魯無禮和暴躁個性令人難以抗拒。自第一部連環漫畫發行以來,加菲貓及其創作者吉姆‧戴維斯都已蛻變許多。然而,永遠不變的一點是——他們總是為人們帶來無限歡樂。
C 1. Which of the following is true about Garfield?
(A) He started out as a character in a movie.
(B) He and his friends have only been successful locally.
(C) People can't get enough of his bad manners and grouchy personality.
(D) He failed to make a profit with his merchandise.
1. 關於加菲貓的敘述,下列何者正確?
(A) 他一開始是以電影中的一個角色登場。
(B) 他和他的朋友們只有在國內成名。
(C) 人們很喜愛他粗魯無禮和暴躁的個性。
(D) 他的各種商品無法獲利。
B 2. According to the article, where would you NOT see Garfield?
(A) On DVDs.
(B) In textbooks.
(C) In newspapers.
(D) At amusement parks.
2. 根據本文,您無法在何處看到加菲貓?
(A) DVD中。
(B) 教科書中。
(C) 報紙上。
(D) 遊樂園裡。


@Words & Phrases
1. start out  開始某事(工作、事業等)
When our company first started out, there were only four employees.
我們公司剛成立時只有四名員工。
2. run vt.(在報章雜誌上)刊登(三態為:run, ran [ rAn ], run。)
The editor-in-chief decided at the last minute not to run the story.
總編輯直到最後一刻才決定不刊登這則報導。
3. adore vt. 愛慕,敬慕
Jenny is very popular. People adore her for her warm personality.
珍妮非常受歡迎。大家都因為她熱情的個性而喜歡她。
4. keep up with the times  跟上時代
keep up with...  跟上……
Some people don't bother trying to keep up with technology because it is always changing.
由於科技總是日新月異,所以有些人從不想費心跟上它的腳步。
5. irresistible a. 無法抗拒的,充滿誘惑力的
After trying on the shoes for fun, I had an irresistible urge to buy them.
在為了好玩而試穿那雙鞋之後,我竟有種克制不住的慾望想買下它。
6. have come a long way  變化∕進步很大
Information technology has come a long way since the 1980s.
自1980年代以來,資訊科技已經有了長足的進步。
7. can't get enough of...  很喜愛……
People all over the world can't get enough of Kate Middleton's classic and elegant style.
全世界的人都很喜歡英國凱特王妃的典雅風格。
8. make a profit  獲利
Jack is considering closing his restaurant because it hasn't been making a profit.
傑克的餐廳一直都沒賺什麼錢,因此他考慮要把它收起來。



@Extra Words
1. grouchy a. 脾氣壞的;愛抱怨的
2. opinionated a. 固執己見的,武斷的
3. lasagna n. 義大利千層麵
4. comic strip n. 連環漫畫(本文中亦作形容詞用)
5. merchandise n. 商品

我在關島 on vacation!

說法比一比:★★★★學校:I want to visit my friend.
   (我想來拜訪朋友。)
老外:I'm here to see friends.
  (我來這裡探望朋友。)


實境對話
A:What is the purpose of your visit?
 (你的入境目的是什麼?)
B:I'm here to see friends.
 (我來這裡探望朋友。)



老外還會這麼說
ex:I'm here on vacation.
 (我來這裡度假。)
ex:We're going to do some sightseeing. 
 (我們要來觀光一下。)
ex:We're going to go to Disneyland. 
 (我們要去迪士尼樂園。)

brand 形象差很大!

技術挑戰指數:★★★市面上品牌百百種,每個都有自己的品牌形象,消費者有可能會因為喜歡這個品牌的形象而進行購買行為!消費者最直接了解品牌的方法就是看廣告,有部分消費者會有品牌忠誠現象,想購買時會先考慮某個品牌,甚至會因為擁有這個品牌的商品而引以為傲,例如知名品牌Apple,就擁有許多忠誠購買者喔!


來聽老美怎麼說?
ex:We sell many different proprietary brands. (我們有販售許多不同的獨家品牌。)
ex:We own the major car brands in the market. (我們擁有市場上主要的汽車品牌。)
ex:We are launching a new luxury brand this month, so I am very busy.
  (我們這個月要推出新的精品品牌,所以我忙得不可開交。)
ex:We must be careful not to damage the brand image.(我們必須小心避免損及品牌形象。)



 單字小補充
brand  品牌(可數名詞) 
 .可搭配動詞:sell、own、launch
 .可搭配形容詞:major、luxury、proprietary

Test Your Brain 腦力大挑戰

by Marcus Maurice
Magicians and directors are always trying to fool the brain.
從魔術師到電影導演,每個人都想矇騙你我的大腦。
  The brain is the most complex organ in the body, but it can be misled at the drop of a hat. Examples of master manipulators would be Hollywood directors who devise new ways to elicit emotions, magicians like David Copperfield tricking millions of people with their grand illusions, and even pickpockets creating small distractions to swipe wallets. This month, National Geographic Channel goes inside human skulls to explain how brains are hardwired to make sense of what we see, hear, smell, touch, and taste in Test Your Brain. This three-part series helps viewers get a better understanding about memory and how the senses can be easily distorted.
大腦是人體最複雜的器官,但它也可能瞬間被誤導。設計新穎手法以引發觀眾情緒的好萊塢導演、像大衛.考柏菲等以華麗錯覺唬住數百萬人的魔術師,甚至是使人稍微分心好偷走錢包的扒手,都是矇騙高手的例子。本月國家地理頻道的《腦力大挑戰》系列,將探索頭殼內的奧秘,解開大腦神經如何聯結,以使我們理解五種感官知覺。這個系列共分 3 部,幫助觀眾更加了解自己的記憶力,以及我們的感官有多容易受到扭曲。
  If the brain is the ultimate supercomputer, Copperfield is one of the best hackers the world has ever known. He, along with a group of experts, tests, tricks, and deceives a group of volunteers with audience control. Hollywood directors also know how to hoodwink viewers to make them feel the sensations they want. Have you ever watched a movie scene so gruesome that you had to turn away because you felt you were being hurt? Test Your Brain reveals why people actually feel illusions with their eyes.
如果大腦是終極超級電腦,那大衛.考柏菲就是世界上最著名的駭客之一了。他和 1 群好手以操控觀眾的方式,試探、唬弄而騙倒一些志願上台的觀眾。好萊塢導演也知道該如何矇蔽觀眾,讓他們的喜怒哀樂照自己的劇本走。你可曾看到某部片的恐怖場景,因為錯覺自己會受傷而別過頭不看?《腦力大挑戰》系列將揭曉為什麼人類用雙眼看東西會產生錯覺。
  Detectives don't have easy jobs, and to make it even harder, 10 witnesses to the same crime can pick 10 different suspects out of a police line-up. This means that every single person has his or her own selective memory, and sometimes false memories are created during recollection. Test Your Brain dives into the tiniest intricacies of the brains which make us who we are.
警探的工作一點也不簡單,而讓他們的工作更加艱難之處在於,同一宗犯罪案件的 10 個目擊證人可以在警局的一排嫌疑犯中,指認出 10 個不同的嫌犯。這表示每個人都有選擇性記憶,有時候在回想時還會產生錯誤的記憶。《腦力大挑戰》系列探究人類頭腦最細微錯綜複雜之處,就是這些成就了每個人的獨特之處。


@精解字詞片語
1. complex a. 複雜的
= complicated a.
The philosopher's ideas were too complex for me to understand.
這名哲學家的思想太複雜了,我無法理解。
2. mislead vt. 誤導
Don't be misled by David's appearance. He is actually a very nice person.
別被大衛的外表誤導了。他其實是個大好人。
3. at the drop of a hat  瞬間;立刻
Sally would go to that concert at the drop of a hat if the tickets weren't so expensive.
要不是票價那麼貴,莎莉會馬上去聽那場演唱會。
4. manipulator n. 善於擺佈他人者,善於操控者
manipulate vt. 操縱,控制
Kathy is good at manipulating her husband into buying her what she wants.
凱西很會擺佈她丈夫買給她想要的東西。
5. devise vt. 設計;策劃
The teacher devised a game to make learning more interesting and effective.
這位老師設計出 1 個遊戲讓學習更有趣也更有效果。
6. elicit vt. 引出;誘出
elicit sth from sb  從某人誘出(事實、回應等)
Sean elicited a smile from his girlfriend with his silly joke.
尚恩說了個愚蠢的笑話,讓他的女友露出笑容。
7. trick vt. 欺騙
trick sb into + V-ing  欺騙某人(做)……
The conman tricked me into giving him NT$10,000.
那個騙子從我這兒騙走 1 萬塊新台幣。
8. distraction n. 使人分心的事物
distract vt. 使分心
distract sb from + N/V-ing  
分散某人在……(方面)的注意力
The noise from the construction site distracted David from his studies.
建築工地傳來的噪音使大衛讀書分心。
9. swipe vt. 偷竊(= steal vt.)
Someone swiped my cell phone from my pocket while I was on the MRT.
我搭捷運時,有人從我的口袋中偷走手機。
10. make sense of...  理解∕懂得……
John couldn't make sense of the street signs because they were written in Japanese.
約翰看不懂這些路標,因為全都是用日文寫的。
11. get a better understanding about/of...
對……有較深入的了解
The geography teacher helped the students get a better understanding of earthquakes.
地理老師幫助學生對地震有更深入的了解。
12. distort vt. 扭曲;曲解
Beth distorted what I said to her during our conversation.
貝絲在談話中曲解了我對她所說的話。
13. hacker n. 駭客(企圖不法入侵他人電腦系統者)
hack vt. 入侵(電腦)
Someone hacked my account and stole all my banking information.
有人入侵我的帳戶,竊取我所有的銀行資料。
14. deceive vt. 欺騙
You should never deceive others. Eventually, the truth will come to light.
你不應該欺騙他人。最後總是會真相大白的。
15. sensation n. 感覺,知覺;轟動
cause a sensation  引起轟動
Rose's acting debut caused a sensation on Broadway.
蘿絲初次登台表演就在百老匯造成轟動。
16. reveal vt. 揭露;揭示
The serial killer refused to reveal his motives at the trial.
這名連續殺人犯在受審時拒絕透露他的殺人動機。
17. selective a. 有選擇性的
selective memory  選擇性記憶
We should always be selective with the information we share with others.
關於和他人分享的訊息,我們應該有所選擇。
18. dive into...  探究……;埋首於……
After completing his studies, Ricky dove into looking for his dream job.
完成學業後,瑞奇埋首於尋找他理想的工作。


@單字小舖
1. organ n. 器官
2. illusion n. 錯覺
3. pickpocket n. 扒手
4. skull n. 頭骨
5. hardwired a.(電腦作業)由硬體控制的;(引申為)天生的
6. ultimate a. 終極的;最終的
7. supercomputer n. 超級電腦
8. hoodwink vt. 欺瞞,矇蔽
9. gruesome a. 可怕的
10. detective n. 刑警,警探;偵探
11. suspect n. 嫌犯
12. line-up n.(待目擊者辨認的)一排嫌疑犯
13. recollection n. 回憶
14. intricacy n. 錯綜複雜