4/27 Driver-for-Hire Service

DIALOG>> There are driver-for-hire services you can call.

A: You brought your car with you, right?
B: Yeah, I think I'm going to have to call a driver.
A: What do you mean?
B: There are driver-for-hire services you can call.
A: Really? Aren't they expensive?
B: Not really. They cost pretty much the same as the taxi fare.


RESPONSE>> Talk about the driver-for-hire service in Korea.

Korea's alcohol consumption rate is among the highest in the world.
* among the highest: 최고 수준인
ex> The alcohol consumption rate of Mexico and Russia is on par with Korea's.
ex> Korea's broadband use is among the highest in the world.

That is because drinking is a big part of both the social and business culture.
ex> A big part of friendship is understanding each other.
ex> A big part of marriage is raising kids.

As a result, many people end up drinking with their cars with them.
* end up: 결국~하게 되다

Of course, drunk driving would be out of the question.
* out of the question: 말도 안되는, 용납할 수 없는

For people stuck with their cars after a drinking session, there is a a unique service called "dae-ri-oon-jeon".
* be[get] stuck with: ~에 묶여 있다
* drinking session: 술자리
ex> I get stuck with the worst situations.

"Dae-ri" means to substitute, while "oon-jeon" means to drive.

You can call one of these driver-for-hire services and tell them where you are and your destination.

The operator will tell you how much it is over the phone and then dispatch the nearest driver to where your are.
* over the phone: 전화로
* dispatch: 파견하다
ex> The government dispatched hundreds of riot police.

The driver will safely drive you back home.
ex> Can you safely drive after a beer?


@ Never driver after drinking.
술 마신 후에는 절대 운전하지 마.
But I'm perfectly sober.
* sober up: 술깨다

1. Our company's productivity is among the highest in the world.
2. I was stuck with cleaning the house all day long.
3. Let me call a good driver-for-hire service for you.
4. Make sure you safely drive.

4/26 e-books

DIALOG>> They are called e-books.

A: What are you doing?
B: I'm reading a book.
A: But you're staring into your laptop.
B: Oh, I've downloaded a book online.
A: Can you do that?
B: Of course! They are called e-books. Everyone does this these days.


RESPONSE>> Talk about the popularity of e-books.

With the spread of tablet PCs, smartphones and other mobile devices, the way we read books is evolving.
* evolve: 진화하다
ex> The evolution of mobile devices is contributing to the spread of digital dementia.

Instead of going to the traditional bookstore in search for a book, many people can simply download them these days.

They are what's called e-books.
* what's called: ~라고 부르는 것
ex> That is what's called an online bookstore.

Many books nowadays more commonly have an e-book version as well when they are published.
ex> I have both the hardcover and the e-book version.

At some bookstores, e-books sales have surpassed that of paperback or hardcover print versions.
* surpass: 추월하다, 넘어서다
* paperback: 표지가 종이로 된 일반 도서
ex> Do you think you have surpassed everyone else?

Over time, we will only see more and more books being published in digital form.
ex> It's sad to see everything being published in digital form now.

It probably goes with the trend of everything going digital these days.
* go digital: 디지털화되다
ex> He doesn't go with the trend that other people follow.
ex> Everything seems to be going digital and that goes with the trend of the times.


@ We can read books on the go.
이동 중에도 책을 읽을 수 있어.

1. He takes medicine to stop the spread of cancer.
2. I have only the e-book version of this book.
3. Please check if this book is published in digital form.
4. The system will completely go digital next year.

4/25 Becoming a Teacher

DIALOG>> There is a state exam you have to pass.

A: What do you want to do after graduation?
B: I want to become a teacher.
A: Oh, really? Do you have to pass a test to become one?
B: Yes, there is a state exam you have to pass.
A: Is it difficult to pass?
B: Absolutely. The competition is very fierce.
* state exam: 국가고시

RESPONSE>> Explain how to become a teacher in Korea.

Teaching is a very popular career in Korea.
ex> The most popular career these days is to be a star.

School teachers can get career stability and some time off during vacations.
ex> I suggest you get some time off work.

To become a certified teacher, you have to acquire a certificate in teaching.
* certified teacher: 자격을 갖춘 교사
ex> I'm taking a test to acquire a certificate in teaching.

You must graduate with a degree in education or take a required amount of education courses to get that certificate.
ex> I began work with a degree in communication.

To teach at a public school, you must pass a state exam called the "imyong-go-shi".
* state exam: 국가고시
ex> You have to pass a state exam for a driver's licence.

Some people re-take the exam several times to achieve their goals of becoming a teacher.

Teachers at private schools don't have to take that test.

As for elementary school teachers, there are specialized universities you have to graduate from.
ex> I have a specialized plan for people who have difficulty in learning.


@ She failed to pass the state exam.
그녀는 국가고시에 떨어졌어.

1. These days the most popular career among teenagers is becoming a star in the entertainment business.
2. I haven't acquired a certificate in teaching yet.
3. You have to pass a state exam to become a doctor.
4. There are high schools that specialize in foreign language.

4/24 Fashion

DIALOG>> You look amazing.

A: You look sharp today.

B: Thank you. You look amazing yourself.

A: Thanks. Is this how you normally dress?

B: No, I dressed up for today.

A: I like your sense of fashion.

B: My wife actually tells me what to wear.

* dress up: 옷을 차려입다

RESPONSE>> Talk about how you like to dress.

I wear a suit to work.

ex> I don't like to wear a suit.

I have several dress shirts and ties I mix and match.

* dress shirt: 와이셔츠

* mix and match: 섞어서 어울리게 입다

ex> I like to mix and match different layers.

I also have a couple of dress shoes to go with different suits.

* dress shoes: 정장 구두

When I don't have to go to work, I tend to dress down.

* dress down: 옷을 대충 입다

ex> I love casual dates where I can dress down and just be comfortable.

I put on comfortable jeans or khakis and perhaps a button-down shirt.

* khakis: 면바지

* button-down shirt: 단추를 채우는 셔츠

I do dress up for special occasions like weddings though.

ex> I don't enjoy dressing up but I will when I have to.

My wife is a lot more into fashion than I am.

* be into fashion: 패션에 관심이 많다

ex> I'm a lot more into fashion than most people.

Her Wardrobe is full of clothes she wear for different seasons.

* wardrobe: 옷장

She likes to look her best wherever she goes.

* look one's best: 가장 멋지게 보이다

Overall, I like her taste in fashion.

= sense of fashion

ex> He has no taste in fashion.

@ I'm not that into fashion.  

난 패션에 그다지 관심이 없어. 

It doesn't hurt to look good.

It's just not my thing to dress nicely.

1. He looks the best when he wear a suit.

2. I usually dress down on weekends.

3. She dress up for her date.

4. She has a unique taste in fashion.

4/23 Whitney Houston

DIALOG>> Her sudden death was such a shock to everyone.

A: I really miss Whitney Houston's performances.
B: Me too. Her sudden death was such a shock to everyone.
A: I feel sorry for her.
B: I do, too. Her life wasn't as good as glamorous as it used to be at the end.
A: I think her divorce had a big impact on her.
B: I guess you're right
* glamorous: 화려한
* have a big impact on: ~에 큰 영향을 미치다


RESPONSE>> Talk about Whitney Houston's life as a star.

Whitney Houston was an American singer, actress, producer and model who shot to fame in the 1980's.
* shot to fame: 일약 스타덤에 오르다
ex> She shot to fame overnight.

She reached the peak of her career after starring in the film, "The bodyguard" in 1992.
* reach the peak of one's career: 커리어의 정점을 찍다
ex> The actor reached the peak of his career with the movie.

The theme song in the movie made her album the best-selling single by a female artist in music history.
* theme song: 주제곡

She has also won the most number of music awards in history.
ex> The Oscars is the award all actors want to win.

Her career and her personal life showed signs of trouble after her marriage to Bobby Brown failed in 2007.
* show signs of trouble: 문제의 조짐을 보이다
ex> My car is showing signs of trouble.

Then on February 11, 2012, Houston was found dead in her room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in Beverly Hills.
* be found dead: 사망한 채 발견되다
ex> The victim was found dead in the forest.

Millions of fans were devastated over her sudden death.
* be devastated over: ~에 크게 상심하다
ex> The sudden death of celebrities spurs a media frenzy.


@ She has an amazing voice.  그녀는 놀라운 목소리를 가졌어.

1. The Harry Potter series made her shot to fame.
2. I think I already reached the peak of my career.
3. The couple showed signs of trouble after the incident.
4. His cat was found dead in the backyard.

4/20 Steve Jobs

DIALOG>> He was truly an innovator.

A: I finished reading the book on Steve Jobs.
B: You mean his biography?
A: Yeah, it was really inspiring.
B: I remember listening to one of his speeches at a university graduation.
A: I saw that too. Didn't he say "Stay hungry, stay foolish"?
B: Yup, that's correct. He was truly an innovator.


RESPONSE>> Talk about former Apple CEO Steve Jobs.

Steve Jobs was the co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple.
* co-founder: 공동 창립자
* chief executive officer (CEO): 최고 경영자
ex> The co-founder was fired as chief executive officer.

Jobs is best known for the development of the iPhone, and iPad.
ex> George Lucas is best known for his work in Star Wars.

His revolutionary ideas set the standard in the industry and helped launch many mobile business platforms.
* revolutionary: 혁신적인
* set the standard: 기준을 정하다
ex> Michael Jackson set the standard for pop music in his heyday.

Apple's products even became a culture thanks to his creations.

iCloud allows a mainframe server to automatically sync all of your mobile devices along with your main computer.
* sync: 동기화하다
ex> My phone automatically syncs my phone numbers to my computer.

Jobs has fought cancer ever since 2003.
* fight cancer: 암 투병하다
ex> Lance Armstrong fought cancer, beat it and went on to race again.

He eventually resigned as Apple's CEO in 3022 and passed away on October 5th, 2011.

His biography sold like hotcakes at bookstores upon his death.
* sell like hotcakes: 불티나게 팔리다
* upon one's death: 사망과 함께
ex> My book is selling like hotcakes upon its release.


@ He's truly a legend.
그는 진정 전설적인 인물이야.

1. It depends on how you set the standard.
2. I wish there was a device that automatically sync everything I do onto my laptop.
3. He is now healthy, but he fought cancer just 3 years ago.
4. The new product is selling like hotcakes.

4/19 Computer Games

DIALOG>> Do you play computer games?

A: Do you play computer games?
B: Not really. I play go online sometimes. Do you play games?
A: I enjoy playing card games like online poker or go-stop.
B: Really? I didn't know you were into those games.
A: They're great when you want to kill time.
B: I guess you're right.

RESPONSE>> What kind of computer games do you play?

I used to be a big fan of computer games when I was younger.
ex> I'm going to be a big fan of KARA.

I think I've tried almost everything out there.

I was first into strategy games like Starcraft when I was in high school.
ex> There were some people who were really into that game.

I couldn't stop playing and got scolded by my parents for playing too long.
* get scolded by: ~로 부터 혼나다
ex> He's not in a good mood after getting scolded by his mom.

I switched to another game series called Command and Conquer.
ex> Switching to a new mobile carrier was my decision.

I also tried out RPG games such as Diablo and Lineage.
* try out: 해 보다, 시도해 보다
* RPG (role playing game)
ex> Let's try out something new.

I got hooked on an arcade game called Kartrider.
* get hooked on: ~에 빠지다
ex> I got hooked on cigarettes when I was in college.


@ Many kids are addicted to games.
많은 아이들이 게임에 중독됐어.

1. I often get scolded by my mom for being clumsy.
2. We switched to a more eco-friendly policy.
3. Would you like to try this one out.
4. Many stars get hooked on drugs.

4/18 Nurses

DIALOG>> The nurses were very friendly.

A: I went to the new dentist in our building.
B: Did you like it?
A: Oh, The nurses were very friendly.
B: That's nice
A: They really made me feel at home.
B: Really? Maybe I should go there too.


RESPONSE>> Talk about nurses at hospitals or clinics.


When you enter a hospital, the nurses are the people you're likely to run into first.
* run into: ~와 만나다, 마주치다, =bump into
ex> I ran into him at the office this morning.

Nurses take pride in the fact that they are on call 24 hours a day to provide assistance to the patients.
* be on call 24 hours a day: 24시간 대기하다
ex> I don't want a job where you are on call every day.
ex> I take pride in the fact that I'm Korean.
ex> The information desk provides assistance for visitors.

Often referred to as "white-robed angels", this term also represented the world famous Florence Nightingale.
* white-robed angel: 백의의 천사
* referred to as: ~로 불리는
ex> Einstein is always referred to as a genius.

They dedicate their lives to help people live healthy lives and improve their quality of life.
* dedicate: 헌신하다
ex> People these days want to improve their quality of life.

Nurses are also stationed at airports, factories, schools and healthcare facilities.

The nursing profession has been stereotyped as a woman's job, but these days more men are joining the profession.
* join the profession: 직종에 종사하다, 분야에 진출하다
ex> Joining the profession means hard work and dedication.


@ She works as a nurse at a local clinic.
그녀는 동네 병원에서 간호사로 일해.

1. Guess whom I ran into today.
2. I take pride in what I 'm doing.
3. Hypertension is often referred to as 'silent killer'.
4. Working out is one way of improving your quality of life.

4/17 School Trips

Dialog>> They are on a school trip.

A: Where are your children?
B: They are on a school trip.
A: Oh, really/ Where to?
B: They went to Kyungju.
A: I remember the school trips I took when I was young.
B: Me too. They were quite memorable.


RESPONSE>> Talk about school trips you took.

I’ve been on many group trips back in school.
ex> We’ve been on many dates together.
ex> How many trips have you been on?

In elementary school, we would go on field trips to various locations.
* field trip: 소풍, 학교 단체 여행
ex> Students go on field trips to experience new places.

They typically lasted a day.
* last a day: 하루 동안 지속하다
ex> He quit smoking but that only lasted a day.

In middle and high school, the entire school used to take group trips once every year.
ex> We had to evacuate the entire school.
ex> WE took a group trip and toured the entire island.

We typically spent two to three nights on those tips.

There were various group activities and a large camp fire at the end.

The bus rides to our destinations and back home were fun as well.

In college, we used to go on overnight trips called MTs.
* overnight trip: 1박2일 여행
ex>  I don’t like to go on overnight trips.

Short for “memebership training,” these trips helped us bond with our classmates.
* bond with: ~와 친해지다
ex> Babies bond with their mothers from the moment they’re born.
ex>  Classmates naturally bond with each other during class.


@ I miss the good old days.
옛날이 그리워

1. Students prepared for a talent show before going on field trips.
2. My feelings for him lasted only a day.
3. She wanted to go on an overnight trip with her friends.
4. Many fathers fail to bond with their children.

4/16 Podcasting

Dialog>> Podcasting is all the rage these days.

A: Podcasting is all the rage these days.
B: I know. It’s a great way of promoting yourself.
A: Millions of listeners tune in on any given day.
B: Yeah, it’s getting pretty powerful.
A: One of my friends actually makes his own podcasts.
B: Is it any good?


RESPONSE>> Talk about the popularity of podcasting.

A great way to have your own radio show is by making a podcast.
ex> People can say whatever they want by making a podcast.

A podcast is a type of digital media downloaded through the web.

Anyone can make and distribute it.
* distribute: 유통하다, 보급하다  cf> distributor: (영화) 배급사
ex> Media content can be distributed through the Internet.

The word “podcast” is a combination of “broadcast” and “pod”.

The word “pod” came from Apple’s iPod.

Podcasts are generally listened to through portable devices like smartphones or tablet PCs.
ex> Portable devices are getting smaller and smaller.

Of course, you can listen to podcasts on your desktop as well.

Podcasts are not regulated by a governmental agency.
ex> Regular broadcasts are regulated by the government.

So, pretty much anything can be said or done on the shows.
ex> Pretty much anything can be done during the break.

The amazing success of podcasts such as Naneun Kkomsuda (나는 꼼수다) has brought about a boom in podcasting in Korea.
* bring about: 야기하다
ex> This trend brought about a boom in investment management.


@ I get a kick out of that show.
나는 그 방송 들으면서 폭소를 해.

1. Why don’t we make a podcast of our own?
2. Please distribute the agenda to everyone.
3. These portable devices are very convenient to carry around.
4. We live in a society where pretty much anything is possible.

4/13 National Health Insurance

Dialog>> Korea has a national health insurance system.

A: Do you have health insurance?
B: Yes. Korea has a national health insurance system.
A: Oh, really? Does it cover everyone?
B: Almost. It’s mandatory to get it.
A: Is it expensive?
B: You pay more if you earn more.
ex>  I would like to earn more but I don’t want to pay more taxes.


RESPONSE>> Talk about the National Insurance system in Korea.

In Korea, it’s mandatory to subscribe to the national health insurance system.
* mandatory: 의무적인
* subscribe to: ~에 가입하다, sign up for
ex> It’s mandatory for all Korean males to serve in the military?
ex> I subscribe to a daily newspaper.

This government-sponsored health care plan covers almost everyone in the country.
* government-sponsored health care plan: 정부 지원 건강 보험 제도
* cover: (보험에서) 보장하다
ex> This health care plan covers 100% of your hospital bills.

It is intended to provide basic health care for Koreans.
ex> The insurance is intended to provide basic coverage.

Monthly fees may vary depending on your income and assets, but the benefits you get are similar.
ex> My service provider has reasonable monthly fees.

If you work for a company or the government, there is an insurance plan your employer helps you to pay.

If you work on your own, you will be covered by the local health care plan.
* work on your own: 자영업을 하다

You have to pay your own monthly premium in that case.
* monthly premium: 월 보험료

Of course, there are separate private insurance policies you can get for major illnesses such as cancer or heart problems.
ex> How much more do I have to pay for a private insurance policy?


@ Take the prescription to the pharmacy.
처방전을 약국에 가져가세요

1. It is mandatory to attend the meeting.
2. The health care plan covers most Koreans.
3. The event is intended to help people in need.
4. I subscribed to separate private insurance policy.

4/12 Delivery Services

Dialog>> It was the delivery person.

A: Who was the call from?
B: Oh, it was the delivery person.
A: Were you expecting a delivery?
B: Yeah, I ordered something online.
A: but you’re here at the office.
B: I told the guy to leave it with the security guard at the entrance.


RESPONSE>> Talk about postal delivery services in Korea.

Postal services are quite efficient in Korea.
ex> Postal services are becoming less popular because of emails.
ex> Efficiency is very important in a fast-paced world.

This is in large part thanks to a systematic delivery service called, “taek-bae”.
ex> The Korean post office provides systematic delivery service.

These postal services usually provide overnight delivery.
* overnight delivery: 하루 배송
ex> Overnight delivery is overpriced in the United States.

You can pretty much have anything delivered to you.
ex> You can’t always have things delivered to you.

They deliver parcels right up to your doorstep.
* parcel: package, 소포,짐
* right up to door step: 바로 현관 앞까지
ex> I got my car delivered right up to my doorstep.

If you’re not at home, you can ask them to leave the parcel at your door or with the security guard.

The taek-bae service is reaping the benefits from online shopping.
* reap the benefits from: ~의 덕을 보다

People in Korea do a lot of online shopping and want their items delivered fast.

Even convenience stores now have drop-off services and customers have access to the service 24 hours a day.
* drop-off services: 물건을 맡기는 서비스
ex> Wouldn’t it be great if the school had drop-off services?


@ Shipping was free.
배송은 무료였어.

1. Korea’s postal service is among the world’s best.
2. Most online shopping malls have a systematic delivery service.
3. Overnight delivery is the norm in Korea.
4. I had Chinese food delivered right up to my doorstep.

4/11 Vaccinations

Dialog>> Did you get a flu shot?

A: There seems to be a flu virus going around.
B: I know. Some of my friends are really sick.
A: Did you get a flu shot?
* get a flu shot: 독감 예방 접종을 맞다
ex> I got a flu shot just before flu season.
B: Not yet. Did you?
A: Uh-huh. I got one a month ago.
B: Maybe I should do the same thing.


RESPONSE>> Talk about various vaccinations.

Vaccinations are very important in our lives.

A vaccination injects antigenic material into our bodies.
ex> Injections are never pleasant as they usually involve needles.

Also known as a vaccine, it stimulates the immune system so that our bodies can fight off certain diseases.
ex> Exercise stimulates the muscles.
ex> Let’s stimulate their minds by making them read books.
ex> Our bodies can have trouble fighting off viral diseases.

If you aren’t vaccinated for some of these diseases, your body may never build the antibodies, leaving you vulnerable.
* vulnerable: 취약한
ex> People are vulnerable to disease when their immune system is down.

Vaccinations have been responsible for preventing the spread of otherwise deadly diseases such as smallpox.

Babies and children have to get vaccinated for various diseases.
ex>  I got vaccinated for measles, mumps, and rubella when I was five.

Adults also get things like flu shots, hepatitis shots, or cervical cancer vaccinations.

Immunization and inoculation are other words commonly used for vaccination.


@ I’m scared of needles.
난 (주사) 바늘이 무서워

1.     The doctor injected medicine into my muscles.
2.     The medicine stimulates your immune system.
3.     I drank a cup of coffee to fight off my sleepiness.
4.     I haven’t got vaccinated for hepatitis A yet.

4/10 My house

Dialog>> Do you live in an apartment or a house?

A: Do you live in an apartment or a house?
B: I live in a house.
A: Do you have a garden?
B: There’s a small yard in the front.
A: Do you like living in your house?
B: I wish it was a bit more spacious.


RESPONSE>> Please describe the house or apartment you live in.

I live in a three-bedroom apartment with my wife and children.
ex> I used to live in a two-bedroom apartment with my parents.

We live on the 11th floor.
* live on _th floor: ~층에 살다
ex> I live on the first floor of my building

The living room is connected to the kitchen.
ex> I want to make sure the line is connected to the computer.

In the middle, we have a table where we dine on.
* dine on: ~에서 저녁을 먹다

There’s a TV and a sofa in the living room.

There’s also a treadmill we use to work out.
* treadmill: 러닝머신

My wife and I use the master bedroom, which has a separate bathroom.
* master bedroom: 안방

There is a small balcony in the master bedroom where we put the drying rack.
* drying rack: 빨래 건조대
ex> I smoke out in the balcony.
ex> My drying rack in the balcony keeps flipping on its side.

Our two children each have their own room.
ex> My brother had their own room but I didn’t

In the kitchen area, there’s a utility room where we put our washer.
* utility room: 다용도실

We expanded the living room area to the balcony, so we don’t have a balcony in the living room.
ex> I expanded my business to different sectors.


@ I live in a studio.
나는 원룸에 살아

1. What floor do you live on?
2. The shopping mall is connected to the movie theater.
3. I put the drying rack in the balcony.
4. My company is expanding its business overseas.

4/9 Dried Seaweed

Dialog>> Dried laver is salted and lightly roasted.

A: What is that side dish?
B: Oh, it’s called gim. It’s dried laver.
A: How is it cooked?
B: Well, dried laver is salted and lightly roasted.
ex> I had my peanuts salted and lightly roasted.

A: Interesting. I wonder how it tastes.
B: Wrap some rice with it. It tastes really good.


RESPONSE>> Talk about the popular side dish dried seaweed.

Gim (also known as laver) is a type of seaweed which is edible.
* edible: 먹을 수 있는 (=eatable)
ex> I like anything as long as it is edible.
ex> I think everything is edible as long as you don't get sick from it.

It tastes good and is a very popular side dish in Korea.

Gim is rich in dietary minerals, particularly iodine and iron.
* be rich in: ~가 풍부하다
ex> I like foods rich in protein.

Gim is made by collecting laver from the sea and drying it out in sheets.

Once it is dried, people spread sesame oil or perilla oil on the sheet.
* sesame oil: 참기름
* perilla oil: 들기름
ex> Some people prefer perilla oil over sesame oil.

Then they add salt and light roast it.

By being prepared this way, Gim adds a roasted, salty flavor when eating with rice.

You can make gimbab with it, which is very similar to California rolls.
ex> They are very similar to each other.

Gim can also be shredded and added as toppings to soups or other rice dishes.
* shred: 잘게 썰다
ex> I like my receipts to be shredded before I throw them away.


@ I can't get enough of it.  아무리 먹어도 질리지가 않아.


1. Check if it is edible before you eat it.
2. Spinach is rich in various vitamins.
3. I like shrimps salted and lightly roasted.
4. Your shirt is very similar to mine.

4/6 Skin care

Dialog>> You have nice skin.

A: What happed to your face?
B: I got some moles out.
A: Oh, you did? How many did you have?
B: Not many. I go to the dermatologist from time to time.
A: Why? You have nice skin.
B: No, I don’t. You have to see me without makeup.


RESPONSE>> Talk about what people do for skincare.

Your skin condition is a big part of how people view you and the first impression you make.
* first impression: 첫인상
ex> My skin condition was terrible after that night out drinking.
ex>  It’s important to leave a good first impression on a job interview.

Having clean and clear skin is what everyone desires.
ex>  I visit the dermatologist for clean and clear skin.

For some of us this comes naturally, but others have to work for it.
* come naturally: 자연적으로 타고나다
ex> Speaking skills don’t come naturally for most people.
ex>  Hair loss comes naturally as we age.

Some people have dry skin, which easily leads to flaky conditions.
* flaky: 각질이 생기는, 벗겨지기 쉬운

Others have oily skin.

To treat skin trouble and to have better skin, many Koreans flock to dermatology clinics.
* flock to: ~로 몰려들다
ex> People will flock to a good concert.

Some people receive laser treatment to remove unwanted moles or blemishes.
* blemish: 잡티
ex> I want to remove some moles on my chin and neck.
ex> I have been getting blemishes on my skin.

Others get laser treatment for acne scars or to get fair skin.
* acne scar: 여드름 흉터

Whatever the case, basic skincare begins with thorough cleansing and moisturizing.
ex> Cleansing and moisturizing is important for healthy skin.


@ My face is breaking out.
얼굴에 자꾸 뭐가 나.

1. My skin condition gets bad in spring and fall.
2. I used to have clean and clear skin when I was a student.
3. Her beauty seems to have come naturally.
4. I removed some moles during the break.

4/5 Yeosu Expo

Dialog>> The Yeosu Expo is coming up soon.

A: The Yeosu Expo is coming up soon.
* come up soon: 곧 다가오다
ex> The movie is coming up on the theaters.

B: Yeah, I’m very excited.
A: I remember going to the Daejeon Expo as a kid.
B: That was a long time ago, wasn’t it?
A: Yeah, I think it was back in 1993.
B: Was there a lot to see?


RESPONSE>> Give an introduction of the Yeosu Expo.

The Yeosu Expo is an international exposition recognized by the Bureau of International Expositions.
* expo (= exposition): 엑스포, 박람회
* recognize: 인정하다, 알아보다
ex> He is recognized by the board of as an important asset to the company.
ex> She is recognized by many people on the street.

The Expo will be held from May 12th to August 12th in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province.

The city being a coastal city, the theme of the Yeosu Expo is appropriately, “The Living Ocean and Coast”.
ex> The coastal city of Santa Monica is a beautiful place.

The Yeosu Expo aims to find the balance between production and consumption.
* aim to: ~을 겨냥하다
ex> We are trying to find the balance between safety and efficiency.

people can help save the earth and vice versa.
* vice versa: 그 반대도 사실임
ex> We should do what we can to save the earth.
ex> I can’t understand him and vice versa.

This expo will feature various facilities, exhibits, and performances.
* feature: 선보이다
ex> The exhibit features some of his main works of art.

The Yeosu Expo is expected to have up to 8 million visitors from 100 different countries and 10 international organizations.
* up to: 최대


@ I want to go check it out.
가서 구경하고 싶다

1. His contribution was recognized by the government.
2. You should find the balance between work and play to succeed.
3. He is my best friend and vice versa.
4. The magazine has a feature story on him.

4/4 Small Face

Dialog>> Your face seems smaller.

A: Your face seems smaller.
B: Really? I lost some weight.
A: Is that all it is? Did you do something to your face?
B: Oh, well. I guess you can tell. I got botox on my jaw.
A: No wonder your face looks different.
B: One of my friends got plastic surgery to change her entire jaw line.


RESPONSE>> Talk about people’s desire to have a smaller face.

Having a small face is a big deal in Korea.
* big deal: 중요한 일
ex>  It’s not a big deal.
cf> Big deal? 그게 뭐가 중요하다고?

Many Koreans these days want to have the physical proportions of Westerners.

They want a small head compared to the rest of the body.

The younger generation is especially into this trend.
ex> Many Westerners are into the trend of Kpop

People who have big heads even get ridiculed or teased sometimes.
* get ridiculed: 조롱을 받다
* get teased: 놀림 당하다
ex>  I get ridiculed for my foolish actions.

This desire for smaller faces has a lot to do with the images of stars on TV or in the movies.
* have a lot to do with: ~와 큰 관련이 있다
ex> I think it had a lot to do with money.

To make their faces smaller, some people receive special pressure massages to the face.
ex> Special pressure massages to the feet can be shooting.

Others even get botox treatment to decrease the size of the muscles in the jaw.
ex> Would you get botox for your wrinkles?


@ It’s okay as long as you don’t overdo it.
과하게만 하지 않는다면 괜찮아

1. I didn’t think it was a big deal.
2. He got ridiculed at his new workplace.
3. His hard work has a lot to do with his success.
4. My wife got botox in her jaw.

4/3 Match Fixing Scandals

Dialog>> There was so much match fixing going on in sports.

A: I can’t believe there was so much match fixing going on in sports.
B: I know. It’s unbelievable.
A: I think the players involved should be punished severely.
B: I agree. It’s not just their fault though.
A: Yeah, they should crack down on the gambling rings.
* crack down on: ~을 엄히 단속하다
ex>  The police cracked down on juvenile delinquents.
B: Exactly. I hope these scandals don’t happen in the future.


RESPONSE>> Talk about match fixing scandals in pro-sports.

Throughout the history of professional sports, there has been a dark side of match fixing.
* match fixing: 승부조작(= match rigging)
ex> You don’t know the power of the dark side.
ex> Many athletes have been caught match fixing.

Athletes have intentionally given up goals or even lost matches entirely for secret payouts.
* give up goals: 골을 내주다
* payout: 지불금
ex> My team gave up a goal in the first half.

Korea’s sporting world is no exception.
* be no exception: 예외가 아니다
ex> There are no exceptions when it comes to this rule.

Some athletes have fixed their own matches for the sake of gambling rings.
* fix(rig) matches: 승부를 조작하다
ex> The soccer player was accused of fixing his own match.

Many have paid a big price.
* pay a big price: 큰 대가를 치르다

The match fixing scandals have involved players in soccer, volleyball, and baseball.

To prevent further cases and to set an example, athletes who are caught should be punished severely.
* prevent further cases: 추가 사례를 막다
ex> Criminals should be punished severely for their crimes.

They should get a lifetime ban from the sport.
* get a lifetime ban: 평생 금지당하다

The brokers and the people involved should also be harshly punished.


@ It’s totally outrageous.
정말 분노할 만한 일이야

1. Match fixing is unacceptable in professional sports.
2. I can’t believe he fixed his own match.
3. You are no exception.
4. The students were punished severely for cheating in the test.

4/2 April Fool’s Day

Dialog>> It’s April Fool’s Day!

A: I broke up with my boyfriend.
B: You’re kidding me!
A: No, I’m serious. We had a big fight.
B: But you guys were so much in love.
A: There’s only one problem. Ahh.. It’s April Fool’s Day!
B: Oh, you didn’t!


RESPONSE>> Talk about some April Fool’s Day tricks you played on others.

When I was a student, we used to play tricks on our teachers on April Fool’s Day.
* play a trick on: ~에게 장난을 치다
ex> My brother likes to play tricks on my mom.

We would switch classrooms to make the teacher think as if he/she was in the wrong classroom.

Sometimes, our teachers would pull of a joke on us.
* pull off a joke on: ~에게 장난을 치다/농담을 하다
ex> Stop pulling off a joke on me.

Our homeroom teacher once told us she was quitting her job on April Fool’s Day.

It turned out to be a joke.
ex>  His remarks online turned out to be a joke.

My friends and I also used to make prank calls.
* make a prank call: 장난 전화를 걸다
ex> I made a prank call to her when I was young.

We would call a random number and make up a story.
* make up a stroy: 이야기를 지어내다
ex> I had to make up a bedtime story for my niece.

It was a lot of fun.

Some people send prank messages via texts these days.
ex> We sent prank messages to him on his birthday.

For example, they would pretend they are getting married.


@ I can’t believe we fell for it.
우리가 속아 넘어가다니 말도 안 돼.

1. Don’t play tricks on your brother.
2. His story turned out to be a joke.
3. Someone made a prank call to my house.
4. She made up a story about her boyfriend.

3/30 Major

Dialog>> What did you major in in college?

A: What did you major in in college?
B: I majored in political science.
A: Oh, did you? I didn’t know that.
B: I also had a double major in psychology.
A: Really? How many years did you go to school?
B: Five altogether.


RESPONSE>> What did you study in school.

I majored in English education back in college.
ex> She majored in both biology and philosophy.

I had to take many mandatory courses in English and education.
* mandatory course: 필수 이수 과목 cf> elective course: 선택 과목
ex> There are 14 mandatory courses you need to take.

It took me five years to get through school.
* get through school: 학교를 마치다

I took a year off in the middle to go on a language program overseas.
* take a year off: 1년 휴학하다
ex> She took a year off from school because of her health.

Upon graduation, I got a teaching certificate.
* teaching certificate: 교원 자격증

I started teaching at a private high school.

Three years into my teaching career, I decided to do a Master’s degree.
* do a Master's degree: 석사 과정을 하다
ex> I did a master’s degree program at the age of 31.

I applied and got accepted to my alma mater.
* alma mater: 모교
ex> Do you know if you got accepted to the company?

I took courses in the evenings after work.

It took me two and a half years to finish my course work and my thesis.
* thesis: 논문
ex> It’ll be years before I can finish my course work.

It was hard studying and working at the same time, but it was worth it.


@ They have a big rivalry going. 그들은 강력한 라이벌 관계야

1. All my mandatory courses are on Mondays.
2. Do you think it is too late for me to do a Master’s degree?
3. I was so happy when I got accepted to the school.
4. I need to finish my course work until this year.