Reading English News on the Internet: A Guide to Connectors, Verbs, Expressions, and Vocabulary for the ESL Student
David Petersen
Copyright 2011 by David Petersen
Smashwords Edition
Discover other titles by David Petersen at http://www.lang-arts.com/books/
A longer paperback version of this book, ISBN 978-1257011209, which contains additional material, is available from leading vendors.
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~~~
Dedicated to SuperMandy
~~~
Chapter 1. Forward: For the Teacher
The purpose of this book is to help ESL learners at the intermediate level with the potentially confusing turns of phrase common to English articles online, in magazines and in newspapers. ESL veterans will appreciate that while many books cover English grammar and vocabulary, there are precious few dealing specifically with idioms, “quirky” verbs, and other compound constructs from a practical perspective. My goal has been to create a workbook systematic enough to integrate easily into a variety of academic contexts, making the learning experience as efficient and painless as possible.
This book actually stems from my experiences as a Japanese translator. Working at an agency in Hiroshima, I was struck by the number of questions I was fielding from coworkers trying to make sense of English newspaper articles and other challenging documents. On closer inspection, most of the difficulties seemed to involve idioms (”on the loose”, “public outcry”), constructs that are poorly covered in many textbooks and are difficult to look up due to their compound nature. In discussing this issue with friends and teachers it became apparent that related grammar elements such as connectors (“as…as a…”) and verbs of one type or another (“to show promise”) present similar problems for non-native speakers. I began collecting examples of the most commonly misunderstood “offenders”, and ultimately put together the manuscript over the course of about two years.
Applications: On one level, the book functions as a simple guide to the meanings of nearly 200 connectors, phrasal verbs, idiomatic verb-phrases, and expressions. Individual sections can also be introduced a few pages at a time into almost any classroom situation, gradually building English comprehension. To develop full lessons of 40 minutes or more, I would recommend supplementation with materials on mass-media, the internet, and current events. The “tips” sections on website content deal with the typical structure of online articles, and are best covered as part of a writing class with internet access. The mini-quizzes at the end of each unit provide immediate feedback about the progress of the students, and can also serve as a template for the creation of your own tests and exams.
Lesson Overview
The
vocabulary in this book is divided into three major
sections:
-Connectors (“provided that”, “in spite of”)
linking two or more phrases or sentences together
-Verbs with an
emphasis on phrasal verbs (“to pull out of”, “to put into”)
and idiomatic verb phrases (“to burn the midnight
oil”)
-Expressions (“a meeting of the minds”, “a matter of
time”)
Each
entry is organized as follows:
2.32
To (put) on the market <=
TARGET CONNECTOR, VERB, or EXPRESSION
Meaning:
To begin selling something
Usage:
A
(person, company) puts B
(product) on the market
1.
The wonder drug was put on
the market in Japan last
June. <= SAMPLE SENTENCE
Wonder drug: <= KEY VOCABULARY
2.
They expect her debut CD to
be on the market
by this autumn. (Debut CD)
Debut: autumn:
3.
The toy was put
on the market in January,
but recalled in May because of consumer complaints.
Recalled:
Consumer complaints:
Related Expressions: To be available / To hit the shelves
~~~~
The
Tips Sections
These mini-lessons deal with the nitty gritty of
finding articles online, navigating a typical website, understanding
differences in vocabulary and style by topic, and anticipating
structure so as to increase reading efficiency. Each section can
stand alone, but is also suitable for development as a classroom
exercise, particularly if internet access is available.
TIPS
I: A list of basic computer-related vocabulary
TIPS II: A list of
popular English-language news websites
TIPS III: Typical
vocabulary required for registration and for logging in to
websites.
TIPS IV: Guide to online news articles, covering
structure, vocabulary, and reading strategies
TIPS V: A list of
useful business and financial websites
TIPS VI: Getting the most
out of business and financial articles
TIPS VII: A list of popular
sporting news websites
TIPS VIII: Features of online sporting news
A world of English awaits….
~~~~
Chapter 2. Connectors
1.1
As a
Meaning: Talking
about someone’s role, title, or rank
Usage:
As an A
(role, title, rank)
1.
He has been working as a
medical x-ray technician since he graduated from vocational
college.
Medical x-ray technician: Vocational college
2. He
first came to Japan as a
tourist, but later returned as a United Nations goodwill
ambassador.
Tourist: United Nations: Goodwill
ambassador:
3. The medical establishment has strong doubts that
the herb is useful as a
cancer treatment.
Medical establishment: To have doubts:
Herbs: Cancer treatment:
Related Expressions: Moonlighting as / Making a living as
~~~
1.2
As far as... is concerned
Meaning:
Explaining someone’s viewpoint or opinion
Usage:
As far as A
(person) is concerned B
(viewpoint, opinion)
1.
As far as
I am concerned,
you don’t have to finish the work today, but the boss may
disagree.
To finish work:
2. As
far as the credit agency is
concerned, the most
important thing in the world is financial security.
Credit agency:
The most important thing in the world: Financial security:
3.
As far as
our company is concerned,
the sales this year were very disappointing.
The sales this year:
Related Expressions: From where I’m sitting / The way I see it
~~~
1.3
As opposed to
Meaning:
Comparison of two very different things
Usage:
A
(situation), as opposed to B
(opposite situation)
1.
I did very well in academic endeavors, as
opposed to my brother, who
excelled at basketball and other sports.
Academic endeavors:
To excel at sports:
2. Metropolitan Tokyo is a crowded place to
live, as opposed to
Hokkaido, which has very few people.
Crowded: Metropolitan
Tokyo:
3. Australia collected 16 medals at the Olympics, as
opposed to Canada, which
collected only 1.
To collect a medal:
Related Expressions: Like night and day / Worlds apart
~~~
1.4
Be that as it may
Meaning:
Something is true, but that doesn't change the situation.
Usage:
A
(fact). Be that as it may, B
(fact, action)
1.
I have a bad cold. Be that
as it may, I still have to
go to work today.
Bad cold: To go to work:
2. It’s true
that I don’t love your sister. Be
that as it may, I promised
her that I would marry her, so I have no choice.
To promise to
marry:
3. Yes, I know I’m in the kitchen. Be
that as it may, I’ve got
my hands full at the moment - make your own cup of tea!
Hands
full: To make tea:
Related Expressions: Even though / In any case
~~~
1.5
Considering (the / that / how)
Meaning:
Something is true, but only because of the situation.
Usage:
A
(fact, opinion), considering that B
(qualified, point of view)
1.
The weather is very hot today, considering
the time of year.
Time
of year:
2. He did very well on his bar exam, considering
that he cut classes and
didn’t study all year.
To do well on a test: Bar exam:
Cut classes:
3. The new DVD player sold quite well, considering
how little advertising it
had in the newspapers and on television.
To sell well:
Advertising:
Related Expressions: All things considered / Given that…
~~~
1.6
Even so
Meaning: “I
agree with you, but I am not changing my mind.”
Usage:
A
(fact). Even so, B
(contrary fact)
1.
I agree that the movie was overly long. Even
so, the acting was great
and I really enjoyed it.
Overly long: Acting is great:
2.
Yes, I agree that he is a rather dull person. Even
so, he’s the best
accountant our company has ever employed.
Dull person:
Accountant:
3. Yes, I know that it may rain later. Even
so, I’m going on the
picnic.
Picnic:
Related Expressions: Nonetheless / Be that as it may
~~~
1.7
If worse comes to worst
Meaning:
Imagining a bad outcome; being pessimistic
Usage:
If worse comes to worst, A
(action, plan)
1.
If worse comes to worst
and I’m still sick tomorrow morning, then I will stay in bed.
To
stay in bed (when sick):
2. If
worse comes to worst and I
can’t get tomorrow off, I will telephone you.
To get tomorrow
off:
3. If worse comes to
worst and he is forced to
resign from politics, at least he can find work as a public
speaker.
To resign from politics: Public speaker:
Related Expressions: Worst-case scenario / If it comes to that
~~~
1.8
(In a) bid to / for
Meaning:
Someone is trying to get something.
Usage:
In a bid to A
(goal), B
(person, group) does C
(action)
1.
The new tax cuts are part of the mayor’s bid
for re-election.
A tax
cut: Mayor: Re-election:
2. In
a bid to stop the
protestors, the company offered to move the new construction site
away from the riverbank.
Protestors: Construction site:
3.
In a bid to
improve the city image, City Hall decided that all municipal buses
would be repainted.
City Hall: Municipal buses: To
repaint:
Related Expressions: In an attempt to / In the hope that
~~~
1.9
In anticipation of
Meaning:
Preparation for an event
Usage:
In anticipation of A
(prediction), B
(person, group) does C
(action)
1.
The logging company started a promotional campaign in
anticipation of resistance
from local residents and environmental groups.
Logging company:
Promotional campaign: Environmental groups:
2. In
anticipation of a big
lawsuit, the chemical factory offered the widow a large sum of money.
Lawsuit: Chemical factory: Widow:
3. The boutique
hired new staff in
anticipation of the
Christmas rush.
Boutique: To hire: Christmas rush:
Related Expressions: Looking ahead / With an eye to
~~~
1.10 In response to
Meaning:
As one thing changes, so does another thing.
Usage:
In response to A
(event, circumstances), B
(action)
1.
In response to
strong public pressure, the planning department has decided to cancel
the construction of the new airport.
Public pressure:
Planning department: Construction:
2. In
response to the increasing
spread of HIV, the government is starting a new education program for
teenagers.
The spread of HIV: Education program:
3. The
concert has been moved to next weekend in
response to the flooding of
the arena.
To move an event: Flooding: Arena:
Related Expressions: In accordance with / Based on
~~~
1.11
In spite of
Meaning:
Action is taken, even though the situation is dangerous or
difficult.
Usage:
In spite of A
(circumstances), B
(action)
1.
In spite of
the incredible heat wave, many people came to the festival.
Incredible: Heat wave:
2. He said that he will remain a
sports commentator in spite
of the growing
scandal.
Sports commentator: Scandal:
3. The car company
was confident that it would succeed, in
spite of the recent poor
sales performance.
Car company: To succeed: Sales
performance:
Related Expressions: Despite / Against all odds
~~~
1.12
Instead of
Meaning
#1: Describing alternatives
Usage:
Instead of A
(action), B
(another action)
1.
Instead of
quarreling all the time, why don’t you try to listen to each
other?
Quarreling:
2. Instead
of eating at home last
night, we went out to a fancy restaurant.
Fancy restaurant:
Meaning #2: The result was unexpected; the opposite thing happened.
1.
Instead of
helping his fever, the medicine only made his condition worse.
Fever:
Condition:
2. To everyone’s surprise, instead
of approving the new
legislation, the governor vetoed the bill.
To approve legislation:
Governor: To veto a bill:
Related Expressions: Rather than (Meaning #1) / Out of the blue (Meaning #2)
~~~
1.13
In the event of
Meaning:
If one thing happens, something else will/should happen too.
Usage:
In the event of A
(situation), B
(action)
1.
In the event of
a fire, please use the stairs, not the elevator.
Fire:
Elevator:
2. Train services will be stopped temporarily in
the event of an earthquake.
Stopped temporarily: Earthquake:
3. In
the event of a bus strike,
many people will have to find other ways of getting to work.
A
strike:
Related Expressions: In case of / In an emergency
~~~
1.14
In the wake of
Meaning:
A recent event is still having an effect (usually a bad
effect).
Usage:
In the wake of A
(event), B
(action, effect)
1.
In the wake of
the recent terrorist incidents, airport security has really been
tightened.
Terrorist incidents: To tighten security:
2.
Everyone was evacuated from the building in
the wake of the bomb
threat.
To evacuate a building: Bomb threat:
3. Many jobs
were lost in the wake of
the economic downturn.
Economic downturn:
Related Expressions: In the aftermath of / To have no alternative but to (See 2.43)
~~~
1.15
No matter how much / far / hard
Meaning:
Something remains the same, despite something else.
Usage:
No matter how much A
(person, organization) B
(action), C
(unchanging situation)
1.
No matter how hard
I try, I just can’t get her to agree with me.
To agree with
someone:
2. No matter how
much I exercise, I just
can’t seem to lose weight.
Exercise: To lose weight:
3.
No matter how far
he travels, he always comes home for the holidays.
To come home:
Related Expressions: Try as I might / Wasted effort
~~~
1.16
Not only... but also
Meaning:
Giving extra information about something
Usage:…not
only A
(person, group) but also B
(person, group)
1.
The recent fare increase is upsetting not
only everyday commuters but
also the tourists as
well.
Fare increase: To upset: Commuters:
2. The severe
tropical storm is going to disrupt not
only train service but
also the delivery of
mail.
Tropical storm: To disrupt: Delivery:
3. The
change in scholarship regulations affects not
only new students but
also previously enrolled
students.
Scholarship regulations: Previously enrolled:
Related Expressions: In addition to / What’s more
~~~
1.17
On account of
Meaning:
Because of; as a result of
Usage:
On account of A
(cause), B
(effect)
1.
The outdoor jazz concert in the park last weekend was cancelled on
account of the rain.
Jazz:
Outdoor concert:
2. My head office was forced to close on
account of the terrible
economic conditions last year.
Forced to close: Economic
conditions:
3. On account
of the traffic accident,
Highway No.1 was blocked off by the police for several hours.
Traffic
accident: To block off:
Related Expressions: Owing to / Due to
~~~
1.18
On the other hand
Meaning:
Looking at something in a different way; seeing another side of a
problem
Usage:
A
(fact, situation). On the other hand, B
(fact, situation)
1.
The weather this summer has been too rainy for me. On
the other hand, it’s been
good for the farmers.
Too rainy: Farmers:
2. He should
resign because he’s a corrupt politician. On
the other hand, most
politicians are corrupt...
To resign: Corrupt politician:
3.
The lecture was far too long. On
the other hand, the speaker
did raise a lot of interesting points.
Lecture: Speaker:
To raise a point:
Related Expressions: The other side of the coin / The flip side
~~~
1.19
Provided (that)
Meaning:
Something will happen later, but only if something else happens
first.
Usage:
A
(plan for the future) provided B
(conditions)
1.
I’m going to study abroad next year, provided
I can raise enough money for the trip.
To study abroad: To
raise money:
2. The music store plans to open a new branch in our
city, provided that
they can find a suitable building lot.
Suitable: Building
lot:
3. The governor will be released from the hospital tomorrow
afternoon, provided that
his condition is stable.
Released from hospital: Condition is
stable:
Related Expressions: (Just as) as long as / Fingers crossed
~~~
1.20
Speaking of
Meaning:
One topic reminds someone of another topic, and the conversation
changes.
Usage:
Speaking of A
(topic), B
(related topic)
1.
Speaking of
Beckham’s change of venue, do you think it’ll benefit MLS?
Change
of venue: MLS: (American) Major League Soccer
2. Speaking
of new places to eat, I
really enjoyed lunch at that new Italian restaurant uptown
Italian
restaurant: Uptown:
3. Speaking
of government spending, I
think the new roadwork project is totally unnecessary.
Government
spending: Roadwork project:
Related
Expressions: Now that you
mention it / Come to think of it
~~~
1.21
Thanks to
Meaning:
Some action had a good effect.
Usage:
Thanks to A
(cause), B
(effect)
1.
Thanks to
the recent revolution in technology, it is now possible to watch
movies over the internet.
Revolution in technology:
2. Thanks
to his kind reference
letter, I was able to find a good job.
Reference letter:
3. I
am approaching success now as an artist, thanks
to your steadfast
confidence in me.
Approach success: Steadfast:
Related Expressions: Because of / To credit…to (See 2.17)
~~~
1.22
That / Which is to say
Meaning:
Summarizing a situation, or recommending action
Usage:
A
(facts). That is to say B
(summary of the same facts)
1.
Annual temperatures are rising and the polar ice caps are melting.
That is to say,
global warming is a serious problem.
Annual temperatures: Ice
caps: Global warming:
2. He lost his last job because he’s a
drinker, and he hasn’t worked in two years. That
is to say, we shouldn’t
hire him.
To lose a job: A drinker:
3. She is appearing in
a new Steelberg movie, and she just won an Oscar. Which
is to say, she’s the
hottest star in Hollywood.
To appear in a movie: To win an
Oscar:
Related Expressions: In other words / o make a long story short (See 1.26)
~~~
1.23
Through
Meaning:
An outcome is the result of something else.
Usage:
Through A
(cause), B
(result)
1.
The homeless center is only kept open through
gifts from concerned parties.
Homeless center: To keep open:
Concerned parties:
2. His physical fitness goals can only be
reached through
strong commitment.
Physical fitness: To reach:
Commitment:
3. It seems that the dispute between the two groups
may only be settled through
litigation.
To settle: A dispute: Litigation:
Related Expressions: Thanks to (See 1.21) / By
~~~
1.24
To a certain extent... (but)
Meaning:
Something is partly true, but something else is also true.
Usage:
To a certain extent A
(fact), but B
(another fact)
1.
To a certain extent,
the party was a waste of time, but
at least I got to see some old friends again.
A waste of time:
Old friends:
2. The candidate said that to
a certain extent, she is
glad that she lost the election, because it gives her more time to be
with her family.
Candidate: To lose the election:
3. To
a certain extent, it’s
sad that city is tearing down the old buildings, but
it’s also a chance to improve the neighborhood.
To tear down:
Neighborhood:
Related Expressions: As far as it goes / True enough, (but)
~~~
1.25
To be on the safe side
Meaning:
Being extremely careful
Usage:
To be on the safe side, A
(person, group) B
(action)
1.
Even though the tests were negative, the doctor decided to remove the
lump to be on the safe side.
Negative test results: To remove a lump:
2. You should
bring two flashlights when you climb Mt. Fuji, to
be on the safe side.
Flashlights:
3.
Bring an umbrella with you just to
be on the safe side. It
might rain later.
Umbrella:
Related Expressions: To play it safe / To hedge one’s bets
~~~
1.26
To make a long story short
Meaning:
Summarizing something, or restating it
Usage:
A
(facts). To make a long story short B
(summary of the same facts)
1.
I lost my wallet and forgot my car keys, and then missed the bus. To
make a long story short,
it’s been a bad day.
Wallet: To miss the bus:
2. He’s a
hit with the teenage set, and he’s on television all the time. To
make a long story short,
he’s a superstar.
A hit with: Superstar:
3. The Minister
for Finance is meeting with the bank managers now, and then he’s
flying to Tokyo for a press conference. To
make a long story short,
his schedule is completely full today.
Minister for Finance:
Press conference: A full schedule:
Related Expressions: The gist of the matter / That is to say (See 1.22)
~~~
1.27
Whatever it takes
Meaning:
Someone plans to do something, even if it is difficult or
expensive.
Usage:
A
(person, group) does whatever it takes to B
(achieve some goal)
1.
Since I’ve enrolled in graduate school, I’ll do whatever
it takes to get my degree.
To enroll: To get a degree:
2. The explorers say that they
will do whatever it takes
to reach the top of Mt. Everest.
To reach the top:
3. She’ll
do whatever it takes
to get that promotion, even if it means working overtime every
night.
To get a promotion: To work overtime:
Related Expressions: Dead set on / Do or die
~~~
1.28
What’s more
Meaning:
Making an extra point; adding more information
Usage:
A
(fact). What’s more, B
(another fact)
1.
That restaurant was terrible. The service was bad, and what’s
more, the prices were
high.
Bad service:
2. The temperature was very hot yesterday.
What’s more,
it was very humid.
Humid:
3. She’s a very good business
woman. She’s clever and what’s
more, she’s got good
people skills.
Business woman: People skills:
Related Expressions: If that weren’t enough / Moreover
~~~~
Mini-Quiz: Connectors
Part
A
1.Her first job was
working …. waiter during the summer.
a) provided that b) as a
c) in the event of d) that is to say
2.You
shouldn’t marry him – he’s unkind and ... he’s very
unreliable.
a) if worse comes to worst b) be that as it may c)
thanks to d) what’s more
3.If
you continue to study …good times and bad, you will get your
degree.
a) Speaking of b) Considering that c) through d) In a
bid to
4.My
boyfriend is from a poor family. … I intend to marry him.
a) Be
that as it may b) As opposed to c) On account of d) On the other
hand
5.He
graduated from university … his learning disabilities.
a) as a
b) what’s more c) thanks to d) in spite of
6.The
department store is giving away free beer … attract customers.
a)
in a bid to b) in the wake of c) be that as it may d) even so
7.She
said that …it costs, she is going find a cure for her son’s
illness.
a) in a move to b) even so c) no matter how much d) to
a certain extent
8.…
is vitamin C good for general health … it may also help to prevent
colds.
a) As far as … is concerned b) To a certain extent …
but c) Over time d) Not only…but
9.Mark
is good at baseball,… David, who is good at good at soccer.
a)
on account of b) as opposed to c) even so d) thanks to
10.It
might rain, so … , you should bring an umbrella.
a) to be on the
safe side b) if worse comes to worse c) in the event of d) provided
that
11.…changing
jobs is concerned, wait until you have more savings in the bank.
a)
Considering that b) As far as c) In anticipation of d) On the other
hand
12.Your
health is in danger. Do … to stay well.
a) instead of b)
provided that c) if worse comes to worse d) whatever it takes
13.DEF
brand soap costs less than most. … our quality is unsurpassed.
a)
Even so, b) As a c) through d) Speaking of
14.This
building method may prove invaluable … an earthquake.
a) in
spite of b) in the event of c) instead of d) through
15.Winds
are still strong … last night’s typhoon.
a) as opposed to b)
in response to c) in the wake of d) on the other hand
~~~
Part
B
a. as it may / b. hand
/ c. to / d. certain extent / e. comes to worst / f. more / g. spite
of / h. that / i. to say / j. bid to / k. it takes / l. a long story
short / m. of / n. so / o. account of
1.
If worse___[Answer: comes to worst (e)]
2. Even___
3. On the
other___
4. In a___
5. Be that___
6. To make___
7. That
is___
8. Whatever___
9. To a___
10. Thanks___
11.
Speaking___
12. What’s___
13. Provided___
14. On___
15.
In___
~~~
Part
C
E.g. may / that / as /
be / it : Be that as it may
1. worse / worst / to / if / comes:
____________________
2. event / in / of /
the:_____________________
3. in / of / the /
wake:_____________________
4. no / much / matter /
how :_____________________
5. on / other / the /
hand:_____________________
6. is / to / say /
that:_____________________
7. certain / a / to /
extent:_____________________
8. safe / side / to / on / be /
the:_____________________
9. long / short / story / to / make /
a:_____________________
10. is / far / as / … / concerned /
as:_____________________
~~~
Chapter 3. TIPS I: Basic Computer-Related Vocabulary
Here are some common words and phrases related to computers and the internet. Can you translate them into your language?
Hardware-Related
Terms
CPU (central
processing unit) / processor
Desktop PC
(DVD / CD) ROM
HDD
(hard disk drive)
Keyboard
Laptop (notebook) PC
Memory (RAM
memory)
Microphone / headset with microphone
Monitor / flat
screen / touchscreen
Motherboard
Mouse
Netbook (mini
notebook) PC
PC (personal computer)
Peripherals
Power supply
/ battery
Printer
(Sound / graphics) card
Tablet PC
USB
(port / memory stick)
Webcam
(Wireless) router
~~~
Computer
(Internet) Operations
Click
(on a link)
Close (a tab / an app)
Connect / go online
Copy
(a file / text)
Download (a file)
Google (a term)
Load (a
page / a program)
Log in (to a website)
Log out (of a
website)
Open (a file / a webpage)
Paste (a file / text)
Reboot
/ reload / restart
Right-click (on a link)
Save / save
as
Search for (a file / a term)
Shutdown
Startup
Surf
(the net)
~~~
Other
Computer-Related Terms
App
(application)
Avatar
Blog (web-log)
Broadband
connection
(Dropdown) menu
(Email / internet / website)
access
(Facebook) profile
Home network
Internet (access /
connection / messaging)
LAN (local area network) connection
Online
(news / shopping)
OS (operating system)
P2P
(peer-to-peer)
Password
(Registration) form
RSS (Really
Simple
Syndication) feed
Search engine
Social networking
(site)
Software
Streaming (audio / video)
Twitter / tweeting
/ micro-blogging
URL / website address
Username
Web (2.0 /
access / address / browser / page / site)
~~~
Chapter 4. TIPS II: English-Language News Websites
These are some of the best places online to read about world news.
North
American News Sources
ABC News http://abcnews.go.com
U.S. and world news from
major American television network
CBS
News http://www.cbsnews.com
U.S. and world news from
major American television Network
CNN
http://www.cnn.com
Respected cable news
channel, owned by Time Warner
Fox
News http://www.foxnews.com
U.S. and world news from
major American television network
Google
News http://www.google.com/news
U.S. and world news, by
subject
MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com
U.S. and world news from
major American television network
New
York Post http://www.nypost.com
Online edition of
important national newspaper
Time
/ CNN http://www.time.com
U.S. and world news, by
subject. Includes blogs and archived articles.
U.S.
Newswire http://www.releases.usnewswire.com
Current headlines
US
News & World Report http://www.usnews.com
U.S. and world news, by
subject, with special categories (e.g. America’s Best)
USA
Today http://www.usatoday.com
U.S. and world news, by
subject, with classifieds, video, archives
Washington
Post http://www.washingtonpost.com
Online edition of
important national newspaper
Yahoo!
News http://news.yahoo.com
U.S. and world news, by
subject
Fill
in the vocabulary in your language:
By subject: Blogs:
Archived article: Classifieds:
European
News Sources
BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk
British and world news
from major UK television network
Der
Spiegel http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/english
Important German paper
offers English translations of some articles
Euobserver.com
http://euobserver.com
European news, by
subject
EuroNews
http://www.euronews.net
European news, by
subject (in many languages)
Guardian
Unlimited http://www.guardian.co.uk
Somewhat liberal British
news source
International
Herald Tribune http://www.iht.com
Major news source,
situated in Paris
Le
Monde diplomatique http://mondediplo.com
Powerful conservative
French news source
New
Europe http://www.neurope.eu
Summary of EU-related
news from about 50 countries
RadioFreeEurope
http://www.rferl.org
News by country and
language, with audio
The
Independent http://www.independent.co.uk
Important British news
source
WN Europe
http://www.wneurope.com
World news with a
European perspective
Fill
in the vocabulary in your language:
Liberal: Conservative:
Perspective:
News
Sources from Asia and Oceania
ABC News Online
http://www.abc.net.au/news
Major Australian news
agency
Asahi Shimbun
http://www.asahi.com/english/english.html
Japanese newspaper,
online edition
Bangkok
Post http://www.bangkokpost.com
Excellent resources for
ESL students
China.com
http://english.china.com/zh_cn/news/
One of the largest
sources for English news in China
China
Daily http://www.chinadaily.com.cn
English-language
newspaper
Chosun Ilbo
http://english.chosun.com
English version of large
South Korea daily newspaper
Daily
Yomiuri Online http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy
Japanese newspaper,
online edition
Kyodo
News http://english.kyodonews.jp/
Japanese news
service
Mainichi Daily
news http://mdn.mainichi.jp/
Japanese newspaper,
online edition
New
Zealand Herald http://www.nzherald.co.nz
News from New Zealand
and the world
The
Australian http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au
National Australian news
service
The Japan Times
Online http://www.japantimes.co.jp
Japanese newspaper,
online edition
The Korea
Herald http://www.koreaherald.co.kr
Korean newspaper, online
edition
Yonhap News
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/
South Korean news in
English
Fill
in the vocabulary in your language:
Streaming video:
Other
News Sources
1st Headlines http://www.1stheadlines.com
Newspaper articles from
around the world, by subject and region
Headline
Spot http://www.headlinespot.com
News by subject, region
and media (radio, television, magazines)
Newslink
http://newslink.org
News by region and
media, with blogs
Topix.net
http://www.topix.net/us
U.S. and world news, by
subject. Includes forums and blogs.
World
Newspapers http://www.world-newspapers.com
International
newspapers, magazines by topic
~~~
Chapter 5. TIPS III: Registration and Logging In
Many sites are free, but require an initial registration for access.
Content
of a Typical Registration Page
Family
Name: If your name is John
Smith, your family name is Smith
Given
Names: If your name is John
Adam Smith, your given names are John and Adam
Address:
Apt
Enter your apartment number, plus the name of the building (e.g. #210
Urban Flats)
Street
Enter the street address for your building (e.g. 1310 Free Street)
City
Enter the city where you live (e.g. Chicago)
State
Enter the region where you live, or just “NA” (not applicable)
Country
Enter your country (e.g. Japan)
Zip
Code Enter your postal code
(e.g. 762-1111)
Date of
Birth: Enter the day you
were born (e.g. December 1st, 1980; sometimes 01/12/80 or
12/01/80)
Occupation:
Enter your job (e.g. teacher, student)
Login
Name: Create a name to use
on this site (e.g. sparky813)
Password:
Create a secret password (e.g. wallflower)
~~~
Chapter 6. Verbs (Part I)
2.1
To add fuel to the fire
Meaning:
To make a bad situation even worse; to aggravate a problem
Usage:
A
(person, group) adds fuel to the fire by B
(action)
1.
The prosecutor added fuel to
the fire by accusing the
witness of committing perjury.
The prosecutor: The witness:
To commit perjury:
2. The way he flirts with his secretary is
adding fuel to the fire.
I think his wife is going to ask for a divorce.
To flirt:
Divorce:
3. The death of the automobile passenger may add
fuel to the fire regarding
seatbelt legislation.
Automobile passenger: Seatbelt
legislation:
Related Expressions: To make matters worse / To add insult to injury
~~~
2.2
(To bear) the brunt of criticism
Meaning:
To be criticized, or to suffer
Usage:
A
(person, group) bears the brunt of B
(criticism)
1.
The regional manager for the company bore
the brunt of the criticism
from the labor union.
Regional manager: Labor union:
2. The
train driver bore the brunt
of criticism for the
derailment.
Train driver: Derailment:
3. The
brunt of the inspector’s
criticism
was directed at the owners of the pharmaceutical factory.
Inspector:
Directed at: Pharmaceutical factory:
Related Expressions: The lion’s share / The scapegoat
~~~
2.3
To blow the whistle on
Meaning:
To report something (bad) to the newspapers, police, etc.
Usage:
A
(person) blows the whistle on B
(action)
1.
The chairperson was fired after his secretary blew
the whistle on his
bribe-taking.
Chairperson: Fired: Bribe-taking:
2. The
report blew the whistle on
the company’s illegal trading operations with impoverished
countries.
Illegal trading: Impoverished:
3. He received a
lot of attention after blowing
the whistle on the
unsanitary conditions at the restaurant.
To receive attention:
Unsanitary conditions:
Related Expressions: To rat on / To leak
~~~
2.4
To brace (for)
Meaning:
To prepare for something difficult
Usage:
A
(person group) braces for B
(future event)
1.
The weather forecaster said that we should brace
ourselves for
a week of sub-zero temperatures.
Weather forecaster: Sub-zero
temperatures:
2. The employees braced
themselves for
layoffs following the news that the company was closing some of its
stores.
Layoffs: Closing stores:
3. The pilot said, “Brace
yourselves for
impact!” just before the plane crashed.
Pilot: Impact:
Related Expressions: To prepare for / To steel oneself
~~~
2.5
To break out
Meaning #1:
To occur (often something bad such as a war, disease or fire)
Usage:
A
(bad situation) breaks out
1.
The fire at the abandoned factory broke
out just after 6 am this
morning.
Abandoned factory:
2. War will probably break
out soon if these border
skirmishes continue.
Border skirmishes:
Meaning #2: To escape (from jail)
1.
The prisoner broke out
of the maximum security prison late last night.
Prisoner:
Maximum security prison:
2. Don’t even think about trying to
break out.
The guards use specially trained Dobermans.
Specially trained:
Dobermans:
Related Expressions: To erupt (Meaning #1) / To fly the coop (Meaning #2)
~~~
2.6
To brush aside
Meaning:
To ignore something (usually criticism)
Usage:
A
(person) brushes aside B
(criticism)
1.
The police commissioner brushed
aside questions from the
press regarding the homicide inquiry.
Police commissioner:
Homicide: Inquiry:
2. The overworked executive brushed
aside concerns regarding
his health.
Overworked: Executive: Concerns regarding:
3.
All thoughts of personal safety were brushed
aside as the neighbors
worked together to repair the breach in the dam.
Personal safety:
Dam: The breach: