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。）
2012年6月28日 星期四
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。
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。）
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
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
bond (n) 債券
draw (v) 支領；提取
alternative (n) 另一可選擇之事物
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
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
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。
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
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！
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？
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。
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
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？
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。
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？
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
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
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
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
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
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