NOTES for Module 12
NEW THAT’S ENGLISH. Module 12
218.1201a Don’t forget...
Grammatical aspects:
MODALS in the past: I must have forgotten
Vocabulary:
Crossword, it slipped my memory, to prevent short-term memory loss, forgetful, my mind has gone blank, bus pass, appointment, in a bit of a rush
For a man of your age you are in good shape, is there something else worrying you?, watering the garden, to turn hose pipe off, pop out for some milk, I’ll write down you some useful ideas, ageing,
Bonds (bonos, vínculos), to cash the bonds in, they’ve just matured
Sounds and smells evoke past memories, sweet potato pie (batata, boniato), the smell of a campfire, nostalgic smell, Christmas carols
Functions:
Expressions past intentions: GOING TO, to be about to, mean to, intend to, want to, plan to
Expressions to talk about the memory loss: my mind has gone blank, it completely slipped my mind, a senior moment
Expressing negative consequences: otherwise, or else (o de lo contrario)
Reminiscing: I still remember, it feels like yesterday
219.1201b Food for thought
Grammatical aspects:
Vocabulary:
Relationship between food and memory: strawberry jelly (it reminds me of birthday parties when I was little), chef / restaurateur, egg curry, the nutrients we need to live and grow, emotional comfort, dearest memories, to evoke memories, flavour (sour, bitter, sweet), closely related to memories, to stir your memory, chlorine
Moreover, later life, Bangladeshi origin, independence day
That’s the USA!
Big Apple / New York: unique customs and cultures, It’s been featured in so many films, the city is made up of 5 boroughs: Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens, East River, Hudson River, Times Square, my favourite memories (recuerdos), the Freedom Tower, I really appreciate, World Trade Centre, Reflecting Absence Memorial, on these pannels
220.1202a Learning from mistakes
Grammatical aspects:
Modals in the past >>> They should have gone in the other van, I can’t have been so stupid
Vocabulary:
Experiences in people’s lives >>> Some people take up new activities in order to broaden their experience, Is the job working out for you?, confusing, stressful, I’ve gained invaluable experience, good problem solving and people management skills, challenging, working out solutions, we can sort this out, the Jacksons’ drop off, to go through some painful experiences
British chamber of commerce, van, supplies, free up a van to pick up packages, counting toys
I don’t care what your problems are, the delivery, packages, to apologize for the delay
Not only have I developed new job skills, but I’ve even set up a new system to coordinate deliveries, effective logistics (the organisation of moving goods to customers)
No sooner had the last van left that I realised the mix up
It wasn’t until later that I realised..., outsider, empathy, scrape my legs (rasparse, rasguñarse)
Functions:
Asking for clarification >> You’re going where?
Echo questions >>> I organised... Did you?
Empahasizing by means of inversion >>> Only after that I’d sat feeling stupid for a while, did I realize there was a solution // Hardly had I hang up, when Craig jumped up and set to work // Not only did the accountant get...., but the school got... // Only after he’d fixed the problem, was he able to relax
221.1202b Out of this world experience
Grammatical aspects:
Vocabulary:
She tells us about her journey to Mir Space Station >>> launch of the spacecraft and the docking or landing at the space station, she explains what it is like..., weightlessness or zero gravity, crew, unique, a whole range of things, loops, dashboard (tablero de mandos), control panel, take off, sudden release, her fellow cosmonauts, we couldn’t rely on that, to damage, manual control
It takes about 48 hours to adjust..., strong bonds of friendship, there’s no doubt that travelling into space is an extraordinary event, that tells us how insignificant we are, vast universe, we would all gather round the biggest window
whether we live in the countryside or in a city, it’s (high) time to discuss about..., qualifications and experience in the working market, skill, highly-valued, employers hire employees, hands on, well-rounded (developed in all aspects)
That’s the USA!
Harlem (NY): African-American, neighbourhood, real estate, brownstone, to enhance, gospel music, barber shops, major changes, you know what I mean, back-to-school drives
222.1203a I spy with my little eye
Grammatical aspects:
Advanced passive voice >> He is alleged to have offered money to... (People say that he offered money...)
Vocabulary:
White-collar crime, insider trading, industrial espionage, bribery (soborno), fraud, stealing, mugging, cyber crime, shoplifting, involved in a blackmailing matter (chantaje, extorsión), criminal charges, self-defence, he’s never been prosecuted, proof, I gave it to the police as evidence, to incriminate Richard, the case was dropped, to be held for questioning, to be held without charge, to release s.o.(Describing legal procedures)
Proposal, to change your mind, keep in touch, it’s no laughing matter, to punish, to turn him down, understandable, it’s over the top
I’m ready to move forward, I’m going to get promoted, you should be careful, maybe take a few photos
It’s money you’re worried about
She reminded him how serious the crime was (reported exclamatory sentence), I didn’t think it was that serious, that will do (eso bastará), Would you agree to do that
Functions:
Reporting what people say, think or believe >>> He was believed to have been involved in a blackmailing..., He is known to be involved in industrial spying
223.1203b Putting things right
Grammatical aspects:
Vocabulary:
Restorative justice (it works by arranging face-to-face meetings between the victim and the person who has committed the crime) >> victim, crime, offender, chance, more serious offenders, reconstruction, convicted criminals, compulsory
There’s no point in doing it if they are going to come along and not fully contribute..., to take part, to confront a burglar breaking into her house, mediator, gobsmacked (patidifuso, patitieso), to apologize, to reoffend, criminal record, minimum wage, co-habiting laws, the Second Amendment, to swear/curse in public
That’s the USA!
Boston: rowing, one of the founding fathers, we currently have, community interaction, swans, cop, the John Hancock Tower, Harvard University (one of the most prestigious universities), community policy, tippy (unstable), I’m getting the hang of it
224.1204a No regrets
Grammatical aspects:
Advanced Reported Speech >> She refused to put her cats outside, she wanted you to take (go on) a trip on the Orient Express
Regretting and wishing >> I wish I’d spent more time with Albert before he passed away // Still, I wish we had seen....
Vocabulary:
Regrets.- When you feel sad the way you behaved in the past. // you’ll regret it / I’ll never regret getting rid of this, I really regret not having made the effort..., I think you’ll regret it if you don’t get in touch with Aunt Flora before she dies, you’re bound to regret it if you don’t, a life with no regrets
To fall out (to have an argument), she took offence, they haven’t been in contact since then
Junk, I don’t have the room, leg in plaster, to get rid of them, sneezing, my eyes watered
Condolences, the reading of a will (last will, final will and testament), she left them the house for them to set up a new cats’ home (charity), your grief about my death, the money is yours on condition you take some of it..., to be named after her
Solicitor, meet my maker, what done is done, once is done is done, learn from your mistakes, let things drop
Functions:
Expressing regrets >>> I really regret not having spent more time with him, I wish I had thrown away all these things ages ago (regret about a past situation)
Expressing wishes >>>> If only I could keep some of these myself, I wish I had one of those (regret about our present situation),
Offering condolences >>> I’m really sorry // May I start by offering my condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss // I’m awfully sorry for your Aunt Flora
225.1204b Saving the Earth
Grammatical aspects:
Vocabulary:
Endangered species are animals which are under threat of extinction, short-haired bumblebee
Melting polar ice, habitat degradation: deforestation, poaching (illegal hunting)
These are the things we need to focus on, race against time, commitment, pollination by bees, repeal (revocación) an Act/law, cutback/reduction in public spending
That’s the USA!
Jamestown & colonial Williamsburg: settler, colonist, a wealthy colonial town, living history museum, challenges, no existing infrastructure, glassblowing, glass blower, artisans, natural resources, a glimpse, live interactive shows.
226.1205a As young as you feel
Grammatical aspects:
Modal verbs NEED >> This report needs finishing, there is no need for us to argue..., you needn’t have been so rude, it must have been a shock, you needn’t talk to me like that
Vocabulary:
My partying days are over, you’re only as old as you feel, in a very good shape for his age, I knew you two would get along, it’s not really my thing
To bring up a baby, full of sugar and fat, when I was your age..., my new stepmother, speed it up a few years, the big 3-0
There’s no alcohol in there, isn’t there? That’s for sure, we weren’t very sensitive, late 50s, it’s a bit of a shock, He always seems to land on his feet, we’re about to rehearse again, workaholics
There’s no need to be so worked up (nervioso)
Functions:
Expressing necessity in the present/past (NEED, HAVE TO, NEEDN’T...) >>> this report needs finishing phenomenon/a, medium/media, you needn’t have bothered, my clothes need ironing, you need to be taken out, no need to lecture me
Expressing opinions >>> In my view,.... // To tell you the truth, ... // I’m fairly certain that... // I do believe you’re right
227.1205b When I’m 64
Grammatical aspects:
Vocabulary:
What do you think the best age to be is? Mid-twenties, mortgage
Apparently, .... // newly (adv) retired people (recién jubilados), you can do what you want to do, a keen long-distance cyclist
Poor health, boredom, loneliness >>> some advice about retirement (endless opportunities), housing centre, drumming, they don’t bother me any more, wisdom, take up opportunities, growing older brings so many benefits
Secrets to a happy retirement is health, wealth, self-confidence and keeping yourself busy with activities you enjoy. /// to people with all walks of life (different backgrounds), goal-oriented /// We shouldn’t lump all the people together (consider them as just one group = meterlos a todos en el mismo saco)
What are some of the main problems youth face in your country? High unemployment levels, wages aren’t very high, apprenticeship, literacy and numeracy (alfabetización y numeración básica), teenage pregnancy, debt-driven society.
That’s the USA!
The State of Connecticut (New England) & the great outdoors: to enjoy the great outdoors, camping is a popular outdoor leisure activity for all ages, to go camping, sleep out under the stars or in small tents, quality time
Campers expect more comfort: they prefer cabins, mobile caravans or RVs (recreational vehicles) , with all the facilities of a small house (appliancies)
How are you doing? We’re doing great // We appreciate it, too.
Fishing trip: fishing is a massively popular outdoor activity in the United States // We’ve been heading out in the calm, protected waters of Long Island Sound // That is not the open ocean, so no one should get seasick // It appeals to all ages (appealing)
For as long as I can remember, and I have been fishing ever since, What challenges do you face when you’re trying to get fish? Tide and wind, the tide picks all the bites, two spiny scups (Serrano estriado), it looks I’ll be having fish for dinner
It is a perfect spot to be, It’s enjoyable
228.1206a The right time
Grammatical aspects:
Inversion (advanced): inversion with conditional sentences (Had I known before, I wouldn’t have made other plans = If I had known before... // Were you to ask me to come to lunch this weekend, I’d say what a pity), inversion with adverbs (Never had I seen such beauty before, forever will I love you)
Vocabulary:
Formality: propose (marriage), you are most kind,
Suggesting: I strongly recommend you to..., How about singing to her?, Karen suggests doing....
Help yourself to some more coffee, Hold on!, Do sit down!, give me a ring tomorrow, she got champagne on the house (at a restaurant, a cargo de la casa)
RSVP (Répondez, s’il vous plait), it was so moving (tan emotivo), the wedding party (grupo) is coming up now, to dress up, to go against the grain (to do the opposite of what is expected)
The more informal, the better
Functions:
Inviting, accepting & refusing >> Do tell me, you must try it sometime, I was so pleased you could come on this picnic, I literally had to beg for the day off, I utterly refuse to do more overtime, I was wondering if you could...
Emphasising >>> using adverbs such as: terribly, sincerely, awfully
229.1206b Modern knights
Grammatical aspects:
Vocabulary:
Awards: knight (knighthood), dame, MBE (Member of the British Empire), OBE (Order of...), CBE (Command of...), nominee, investiture, recipient
A letter came out of the blue, Anyone could recommend someone for an honour, a very polished act, from a very early age, to be instilled (inculcado), braai (a barbecue in South Africa)
That’s the USA!
Newport (Rhode Island): starboard (estribor), port (babor), tack (virar), gybe (trasluchar), prevailing wind, synagogue, to show off their money, mansions, clam chowder, lobster
230.1207a Power to the people
Grammatical aspects:
Vocabulary:
Property speculator: landlord, the powers that be (los poderes fácticos), suspicious, waste land, re-development, knocking down buildings, uninhabitable, to put up luxury flats
The wire (the wiring) is faulty, the handrail (barandilla), I can’t afford paying, it’s time to protest, tenant, the landlord is trying to force them out of the flat to sell it, lucrative
I was asked to sort out some papers, the odd thing, no wonder she wants (no me extraña que ella quiera), it’s just greed, if this deal goes through, standing on the way of Maguire, by law, any type of abuse, homelessness
Functions:
Expressing objections: to object to doing sth/ to so doing sth, protest, refuse to do sth, disapprove of so doing sth, complain to so about sth (We object to paying rent, I object to my landlord raising my rent
Expressing obligation: she is obliged to do sth, to be under an obligation to do sth (not to disclose the secrets), to be required/obliged to do sth
231.1207b Who really holds the power?
Grammatical aspects:
Vocabulary:
Gender equality: to rise to the top, board member, target, to outperform their rivals by 42%, the major barrier, in terms of the quality of the person, to push themselves forward // a more encouraging, less controlling style // a positive outlook (perspectiva), to attend weekly services
We also hear how women’s leadership style differs from men. Britain prides itself on being a society that values equality. Yet, in practice, a disproportionate amount of power still remains with them. Women account for fewer than 15% of chief police officers and only slightly more than 15% of high court judges.
Men in Westminster still outnumber women 4 to 1. Women tend to be more inclusive, a bit more nurturing (enriquecedor, propicio, favorable). We do have a sense that keeping everyone together, rather than having a firm thumb on things, is not such a bad idea. He tells us what it’s like to work for a woman. Networking, negotiating and flexibility are needed to rise to the top, whether you are a man or a woman.
‘Men’ is supposed to be a generic term for both men and women.
That’s the USA!
Washington D.C.: landmark, Chamber for Congress, south wing, The White House, the Capitol, Star Spangled Banner, this pier, in the pursuit of happiness
232.1208a But is it art?
Grammatical aspects:
Relative clauses (-ING Clauses) :
Vocabulary:
Art: postmodernist, classical, avant-garde, performance art, art exhibition, e?
Moving, over-rated, dreadful, I’d rather like it, discussing art, I’m on the run
Functions:
Recommending: I highly recommend you to go..., strongly/highly recommend doing sth
233.1208b Art on the run
Grammatical aspects:
Vocabulary:
Street art, spray can, criminal vandalism, mainstream, New Zealand excels in music, to spot, make it big (to succeed)
That’s the USA!
Philadelphia: eye-catching street art/murals, birthplace, striking, pretty fit
234.1209a The future perfect
Grammatical aspects:
Causative have: to have her fortune told
Vocabulary:
A fortune teller, it wouldn’t be my cup of tea, apply for a job, someone is going on a journey, time to move on, provided that we can agree on the terms
What are they up to? You are plotting sth, the thing is that I went, mind-blowing, cliff-hangers (momentos de suspense), end with a twist (unexpected ending)
Functions:
Correcting and rectifing: actually, contrary to (what most people think), the fact is
Ending a story: Last, but not least / live happily ever after
235.1209b Happy endings?
Grammatical aspects:
Vocabulary:
Endings, murder mistery >>> a whodunit (el asesino), plenty of clues, unable to sleep, twists and turns, the reader is invited to solve..., murder plot, parallel plot: virtual and real plot, venue
to spin a story, wind you in, get you hooked
burial, professional mourners, a wake (a funeral), a hearse (coche fúnebre), pay their respects, the deceased
That’s the USA!
New Haven (Conneticut): Hamburger sandwich, Yale university, lolly pop (taffy on a stick), Frisbee (pie dish)