5/29 Sing

DIALOG>> I'm a terrible singer.

A: Do you like to sing?

B: No! I'm a terrible singer.

A: Really? You have a nice voice.

B: Singing is totally different.

A: How bad are you?

B: I have no sense of rhythm.

* have no sense of rhythm: 박자 감각이 없다, = tone deaf

RESPONSE>> Do you like to sing? When and where do you sing most often? Who are you normally with when you are singing? 

I love to sing every now and then because it is a nice way to relieve stress.
* relieve stress: 스트레스를 해소하다
ex> I think of you every now and then.
ex> What do you do to relieve stress?

In my head I think I sing pretty well but my friends tell me that I get carried away easily.
* get carried away: 정신이 팔리다, 오버하다, 도취되다
ex> Don't get carried away and talk about your personal story.

I like to copy singers down to the last detail, mimicking their hand gestures and facial expressions.
* down to the last detail[inch]: 아주 세밀한 부분까지도
* mimic: 흉내내다
ex> The monkey in the cage mimicking tourists.
ex> She tells her friends everything down to the last detail.

I sing most often at karaoke rooms.

In Korea it is very common for colleagues to go out for dinner together after work and then go to a karaoke room.
* go out for dinner: 저녁 먹으로 가다

It's the perfect opportunity to bond with your fellow workers and let your guard down.
* let one's guard down: 경계심을 늦추다, 편하게 지내다
ex> It's the perfect opportunity to meet famous people.


@ She has a high-pitch (voice).  그녀는 목소리 톤이 높아.
I'm so jealous of people who sing well.

1. Exercise is a good way to relieve stress.
2. I got carried away and bought too much stuff while I was grocery shopping.
3. We planned everything down to the last detail.
4. Children can easily bond with their mothers.

5/28 Shopping Habits

DIALOG>> We can get good deals.

A: I need some new clothes.
B: Really? Do you want to go shopping?
A: Sure. When do you want to go?
B: How about this weekend?
A: Sounds like a plan. Where do you want to go?
B: Let's go to an outlet mall. We can get good deals there.
* sounds like a plan: 괜찮을 것 같은데
* get good deals: (물건을) 싸게 사다


RESPONSE>> Let's talk about your shopping habits.

I wouldn't say that I'm a shopaholic, but I must admit that I do have a weak spot for shopping.
* have a weak[soft] spot for: ~에 약점이 있다.
ex> Parents have a soft spot for their children.

I probably go once a week on average, shopping mainly for clothes and shoes.

I don't buy luxury designer brands as I can't afford them.
* luxury designer brand[label]: 명품 브랜드
ex> She always wears luxury designer brands.
ex> I can't afford to buy a new car right now.

I like to stick to reasonably priced brands because I think they provide better value for money.
* better value for money: 가격 대비 좋은 (상품) 가치
ex> I have to stick to the plan.
ex> The online shopping mall offers better value for money.

The purchases do add up though and sometimes I end up totally overshooting my budget.
* overshoot one's budget: 예산을 초과하다
ex> You have to be careful not to overshoot your budget.

I'm trying to cut back on my spending these days.
* cut back on one's spending: 지출을 줄이다
ex> They decided to cut back on their spending.

Underground shopping malls are the best place for great bargains.

I'm pretty good at haggling for prices.
* haggle for prices: 가격을 흥정하다
* great bargain: 탁월한 거래[구매], 싼 흥정

I end up getting more discounts than other people.


@ You do too much impulsive buying.  넌 충동 구매를 너무 많이 해.
I couldn't get my eyes off them.  이것을 보고 눈을 뗄 수가 없었어.

1. All my friends have a weak spot for shopping.
2. I'll stick to my initial plan.
3. The computer provides better value for money.
4. My mother told me to cut back on my spending.

5/25 Phone Calls

DIALOG>> I can't believe you are saying this over the phone.

A: Oh, my god! Did you just say you want to break up?
B: Yeah, I don't think it's going to work between us.
A: I can't believe you are saying this over the phone.
B: I thought saying this to your face would be harder.
A: I think we should meet and talk about this.
B: No, I've already made up my mind.


RESPONSE>> Tell me about a memorable (phone) conversation you had with someone. Why was that conversation so special?

My mother rang me up one time when I was in high school.
* ring up: 전화를 걸다, make a call
ex> She rang me up in the middle of the night.

It was unexpected because my mother rarely calls me, especially during the day.

I knew something wasn't right straight away due to the tone of her voice.
* straight away: 즉시
ex> She said something wasn't right.

She had called to break the news of my grandmother's death.
* break the news: 소식을 알리다
ex> I'm sorry to break the sad news to you.

I was shocked because I had seen her just  the week before.
ex> I was shocked by her sudden death.

I can remember the conversation like it was yesterday.

I was speechless for a long time and I remember asking my mom over and over whether she was okay.
* be speechless: 할 말을 잃다
* over and over: 계속해서

It was all too much for me to take in and I just burst into tears.
* take in: 받아들이다, 소화하다
* burst into tears: 눈물을 터뜨리다
ex> He couldn't take in what happened to him.
ex> She burst into tears when she heard of her friend's death.

I tried my best to comfort my mom during the funeral.


@ I'll give you a ring later on.  내가 나중에 전화할게.

1. I'll ring you up when I have the time.
2. I can't wait to break the news to everyone.
3. It was too big an incident for a kid to take in.
4. She suddenly burst into tears.

5/24 Computer Games

DIALOG>> I can't stop playing.

A: What are you playing?
B: It's a new role playing game that's just out.
A: Is it fun?
B: Oh, you bet! I can't stop playing.
A: Try not to get too hooked on it.
B: I think I already am. All I think about is this game.
* be out: 나오다, 출시되다
* get hooked on: 중독되다


RESPONSE>> What are some ways to prevent kids from playing computer games excessively.

Excessive gaming can lead to poor academic performance at school.
ex> Excessive gaming is a big problem among teenagers.

It can also encourage bad behavior as many games are violent.
ex> The game was banned because it could encourage bad behavior.

It isn't possible to do away with computer games completely but parents can take several approaches to help kids play games less.
* do away with: ~없이 살아가다

One simple method is to impose a limit on how long their children can play computer games.
* impose a limit on: ~에 제한을 두다
ex> My mother imposed a limit on the amount of money I could spend a month.

If these rules are enforced strictly, excessive gaming can be stopped at once.

However, it doesn't really solve the root of the problem.
* the root of the problem: 문제의 근원
ex> We need to solve the root of the problem.

Kids usually play games because they have nothing else to do.
ex> I hung out with friends because I had nothing else to do.

Finding something else for them to do like sports or arts is a better long term solutions to the game addiction problem.
ex> The youth center helps students find long term solutions to game addiction.

@ Be careful not to become addicted to computer games.
컴퓨터 게임에 중독되지 않도록 조심해.

1. I am worried about my son's poor academic performance.
2. You should not encourage bad behavior among students.
3. We found a solution to the root of the problem.
4. The government imposed a limit on how much conglomerates can invest in their affiliates.

5/23 TV Shows

DIALOG>> Is there anything interesting on?

A: Is there anything interesting on?
B: No, I'm just channel-surfing.
A: Wait! What day is it today?
B: It's Monday.
A: Shoot! My favorite drama is on today. What time is it now?
B: It's 11. Isn't that on at 10? It's already over.
ex> The new show will be on from next week.
ex> If there's nothing interesting to watch, I just channel-surf.


RESPONSE>> How did your preference for TV shows change over time?

I have watched TV for as long as I can remember.
* for as long as I can remember: 아주 오랫동안
ex> The book has been there for as long as I can remember.

The first shows I watched were cartoons when I was a kid.

I became more interested in dramas and sitcoms throughout middle and high school.

I also watched a lot of the live music programs.

In college, I barely watched TV because I was out most of the time.
* barely: 거의 ~하지 않다

Now, I'm more into news programs, mainly because I like to know what's going on in the world around me.
ex> I'm more into reading books than watching TV.

News programs are the total opposite to dramas because they cover events that have actually happened in real life.
* the total opposite to: ~와 정반대
* cover: 다루다
ex> My sister is the total opposite to(of) me.
ex> She looks much better in real life.

I also like watching comedy shows and reality shows on TV.


@ The movie is based on a real story.  그 영화는 실화를 다루고 있어.
That was a killer movie!  정말 끝내주는 영화였어

1. My family was on TV last year.
2. I channel-surfed all day long.
3. His idea was the total opposite to mine.
4. She looks much younger in real life.

5/22 Pets

DIALOG>> Do you have any pets?

A: Do you have any pets?
B: I've had a cat for two years.
A: Really? I thought you liked dogs.
B: I do. I love them, but cats are great too.
A: Do your family members like cats as well?
B: My mom used to be scared of them, but she gets along fine with our cat now.
* cat/dog person: 고양이/개를 좋아하는 사람
* get along with: ~잘 어울리다


RESPONSE>> Talk about an incident you had with your pet.

I've only had goldfish as pets at home because I'm allergic to animal fur.
* be allergic to: ~에 알레르기가 있다
ex> Some people are allergic to peanuts.

I sometimes even get rashes if I'm around cats or dogs for too long.
ex> I got rashes after I ate the cheese.

Goldfish are quite easy to keep as pets because they stay in the fish tank and don't make a mess at all.
* make a mess: 엉망으로 만들다, 어지럽히다
ex> He made a mess in the kitchen while he was cooking.

One thing to bear in mind is that you should feed them every day.
* bear in mind: keep in mind, remember, 기억하다

The only problem I ever had with my goldfish before was when some of them died one after another.
* one after another: 잇따라, 차례대로
ex> I've been making mistakes one after another today.

It was because the water got dirty and because there wasn't enough air in the tank.

This incident taught me a lesson that keeping pets comes with a big responsibility.
* teach someone a lesson: 교훈을 주다
* come with a big responsibility: 큰 책임이 따르다
ex> She taught me a lesson that I've never forgotten.
ex> All privileges come with responsibility.


@ You have to put your dog on a leash.
개는 줄에 묶어야 해.
* leash: (개를 묶어 두는) 가죽끈, 줄

1. I'm allergic to seafood.
2. She got rashes because of the cat.
3. My dog always makes a mess in my room.
4. They arrived at the scene one after another.

5/21 Jogging

DIALOG>> I'm going for a run.

A: Are you going to work out?
B: Yeah, I'm going for a run.
A: Where to?
B: I normally do several laps around the park.
A: Do you go for a jog every day?
B: I try to. It's my way of keeping in shape.
* go for a run (=go for a jog): 달리기를 하다
ex> Why don't you go for a run with me?


RESPONSE>> Tell me about an incident that stands out related to jogging. Why was the incident so memorable?

I recently ran in a marathon.
* ran (in) a marathon: 마라톤에서 달리다.

I don't usually enter competitions, but this was a big run for charity organized by a large sportswear company.
* for charity: 자선을 목적으로
ex> Do you know who will enter the competition?
ex> There are many sports events for charity.

I didn't want to lag too far behind the leaders in the race.
* lag too far behind: 크게 뒤쳐지다
ex> She is very worried because her son lags far behind his peers.

I worked out extra hard in the weeks leading up to the event.
* leading up to: ~쪽으로 이끌다
ex> She studied extra hard in the days leading up to the exam.

On the day of the marathon, I actually had butterflies in my stomach when I was warming up.
* have butterflies in one's stomach: 매우 긴장하다
ex> I had butterflies in my stomach at my own wedding.

There was nothing at stake but I just felt nervous.
* at stake: ~이 걸려있는

As soon as the starting gun fired, my nerves settled in and I ran at a steady pace till I reached the finish line.
* settle in: 안정되다
* run at a steady pace: 비슷한 페이스로 달리다
ex> They set off and ran at a steady pace.

I finished 80th in the race and received a souvenir t-shirt as a gift.


@ I need to buy a new pair of running shoes.
운동화를 새로 사야겠어.

1. I like to enter sport competitions.
2. I admit that I lag far behind him.
3. He had butterflies in his stomach before the race.
4. I'm going to go for a run in the evening.

5/18 Technology

DIALOG>> Technology changes so fast.

A: Technology changes so fast.
B: Tell me about it.
A: It's hard to adjust sometimes.
B: Think about mobile banking.
A: Yeah, you  don't even have to go to the bank anymore.
B: Uh-huh. You can transfer money on the move.
* on the move: 이동중에
* transfer money: 돈을 이체하다 (= wire money)


RESPONSE>> How has the technology changed over the years? What are the biggest differences in comparison to the past?

I am a college student, so I use the library quite often.

One of the biggest changes that has occurred at school is in the library.

The system for borrowing books now is very different from how it used to be in the past.
* borrow books: 도서를 대출하다, = check out books
ex> I borrowed some books to read on my trip.

The whole process used to be painstakingly slow.
* painstakingly: 괴로울 만큼, 힘들여
ex> Traffic can be painstakingly slow on Friday evenings.

The librarian would have to manually log the book's title and author separately into the system and stamp the return date on the inside of the cover.
* manually log: 수작업으로 입력하다
ex> They manually logged the numbers into the system.
ex> When is the return date of the book?

Nowadays the process is a piece of cake.
* a piece of cake: 누워서 떡 먹기

The book's barcode is scanned and that's it.

As long as you have your student ID, checking out a book takes a matter of seconds.
* take a matter of seconds: 눈 깜짝할 사이에 이루어지다, 시간이 별로 안 걸리다
* check out a book: 책을 대출하다
ex> It's free to check out a book from the library.
ex> The whole process finished in a matter of seconds.

Searching for books has gotten a lot easier thanks to digital technology.
ex> Using email has gotten a lot easier thanks to smartphones.


@ Technology is evolving.  기술이 진화하고 있어.

1. I borrowed many books from him.
2. It's very difficult to manually log the data.
3. Can I check out a book from the library?
4. He solved the problem in a matter of seconds.

5/17 Vacation

DIALOG>> I think you should take a vacation.

A: You've been working so hard these days.
B: I know, but I enjoy it.
A: You even work on the weekends, don't you?
B: Yeah. It's not that bad.
A: I think you should take a vacation.
B: I can't afford to go on one right now.
* take a vacation (= go on a vacation): 휴가를 가다


RESPONSE>> Do you think taking a vacation is important? Why do you think that way?

I strongly believe that taking a vacation every so often is essential for a person.
* every so often: 최대한 자주
ex> I'm going to take a vacation this week.

Most people work in some way or another; whether it's in an office or at home looking after children.

Engaging in  your work day in and day out can become monotonous and boring.
* engage in: ~에 참여하다
* day in and day out: 매일매일
* monotonous: 단조로운
ex> He complains about his work day in and day out.
ex> I'm tired of my monotonous life.

Going on a vacation can make you feel refreshed because it gives you time to relax.
ex> I felt quite refreshed after a cup of morning coffee.

It helps you feel less stressed and recharged.
ex> I feel recharged after I've been to a sauna.

However, on the other hand, your work can suffer as a result of you being away.

But I do think that in the long run, a vacation will actually make you more productive because you come back feeling more motivated and ready to work harder.
ex> Compensation makes people feel more motivated.
ex> His speech motivated many young people.


@ I want to take some time off.  나 좀 쉬고 싶어

1. When are you going to take a vacation?
2. It rains day in and day out during the rainy season.
3. I feel refreshed after a bath.
4. We had a very productive time.

5/16 Health

DIALOG>> Take care of your health.

A: You look like you need some rest.
B: Yeah, I've pulling all-nighters this week.
A: Why? Do you have a lot to do?
B: I have to meet a deadline this week.
A: Oh, really? Take care of your health.
B: Thanks. I am trying to at least eat well.
* pull an all-nighter: 밤을 새우다
* meet a deadline: 마감을 맞추다
ex> Take care of you health while you still have it.


RESPONSE>> What makes a person healthy? Why do you think that way?

There are many things that make a person healthy, but I think that food an exercise are the most important.

The saying "you are what you eat" is something I totally believe in.
* you are what you eat: 먹는 것이 그 사람을 만든다
ex> It's really important to believe in yourself.

If a person eats healthy foods, then it's more likely that he/she will be healthy.
ex> You must eat healthy and get some exercise.

Another obvious point is that people who exercise regularly are going to be healthier than people who are couch potatoes.
* couch potato: 소파에 누워서 TV만 보는 사람
ex> Couch potatoes are more likely to suffer overweight problems.

There are countless studies that back up these theories that are pretty much undisputable.
* back up: ~을 뒷받침하다, 지지하다
* undisputable = indisputable (more common): 반박할 수 없는

Of course, sleep, rest, stress level and one's mindset also determine how healthy someone is.
* mindset: 정신 상태
ex> You need to change your mindset.
ex> The amount of work often determines one's stress level.

Lack of sleep and high stress levels can be harmful for one's health.
* lack of sleep: 수면 부족, = deprive of sth
ex> My eyes feel heavy because of lack of sleep.
ex> Crash diets can be harmful for your health.


@ I don't feel as I used to.  몸이 예전 같지 않아.

1. I don't believe in what he can do.
2. He advised me to eat healthy.
3. I am a total couch potato and never exercised.
4. Stress is harmful for your health.

5/15 Cooking

DIALOG>> I'm trying out a new recipe.

A: What are you cooking?
B: I'm trying out a new recipe.
A: What kind of dish is it?
B: It's a Korean dish made from glass noodles and veggies.
A: Oh, I know what you're making. It's japchae, isn't it?
B: Yeah, I just hope it turns out okay.
* try out: 시도하다
ex> He decided to try out his luck.


RESPONSE>> Talk about a time when the food you cooked did not turn out the way you wanted it to.

I do enjoy cooking regularly but there are certainly times when things don't go as planned.
* things don't go as planned: 일이 계획대로 되지 않다
ex> It's not your fault that things don't go as planned.

I once cooked a meal for my then-girlfriend as a birthday surprise.
* then-girlfriend: 당시 여자친구

She loved Italian cuisine so I tried my hand at a couple of different pasta dishes.
* try on'es hand at: ~을 시도하다
ex> I tried my hand at making kimchi but failed.

But as I wasn't very experienced in cooking them I totally undercooked the pasta.
* undercook: 덜 익히다
ex> She undercooked the chicken by mistake.

The instructions said to cook the pasta for 14 minutes but I misread it and only boiled the pasta for 4 minutes.

When my girlfriend took a bite she immediately spat it out.
* take a bite: 한입 먹어 보다
* spit out: 뱉다
ex> I wish I could take a bite of that cheesecake.
ex> He spat out the gum on the ground.

I had to cook the pasta again.

I learned my lesson and followed the recipe more carefully from then on.
* learn one's lesson: 교훈을 얻다
ex> I learned my lesson from the incident.


@ Make sure to put in the right amount of water.  물의 양을 적당히 잘 조절해.

1. I'm sorry that things didn't go as planned.
2. Try your hand at this game.
3. I took a bite of the sandwich.
4. He learned his lesson from the experience.

5/14 Music

DIALOG>> Are you using your cell phone to listen to music?

A: What are you listening to?
B: Oh, I'm listening to Lady Gaga.
A: Are you using your cell phone to listen to music.
B: Yes, I am. It's really convenient because I carry my cell phone around everywhere.
A: I guess your're right. Smartphones are so useful these days.
B: Uh-huh. They come in handy for so many different purposes.
* come in handy: 편리하다
ex> It might come in handy someday.


RESPONSE>> People use different devices to listen to music. What kind of gadgets do they use?

Most people these days listen to music on their MP3 players or cell phones.

Personally, I use my cell phone because I carry it around everywhere.
ex> The laptop is compact enough to carry around.

Instead of having to carry a separate music player, a cell phone is now the ultimate all-in-one device.
* all-in-one device: 하나로 모든 것이 해결되는 장비
ex> This all-in-one tablet PC has everything including a camera.

Just 10 years ago CD players were all the rage but they have pretty much disappeared now.
* be all the rage: 인기가 높다
ex> The device is all the rage among young people.

Music is now stored in digital file format on a built-in memory source.
* built-in memory: 내장형 메모리
ex> You can store almost any kind of data in digital file format.

A person can store thousands of songs on a single device.

CD players and cassette players used to be bulky but MP3 players are much smaller and lighter.
* bulky: 덩치가 큰, 투박한
ex> The luggage is bulky but light in weight.

The sound quality of digital music is getting better although CDs technically have better quality.
* technically: 기술적으로


@ I need to charge my MP3 player.
내 MP3 플레이어를 충전해야 해.
It's completely dead. It won't turn on.

1. She always carries around her wallet.
2. This book comes in handy when I'm studying English.
3. Miniskirts will be all the rage this summer.
4. Please prepare the document in digital file format.

5/11 Restaurant

DIALOG>> That place becomes packed during lunch time.

A: Where do you want to grab lunch?
B: I don't feel like eating.
A: Oh, really? Should I get you anything?
B: No, that's fine. Where are you going to eat?
A: I'll probably go to that Korean lunch place we always go to.
B: You'd better hurry. That place becoms packed during lunch time.
* become packed: 붐비다
ex> The subway becomes packed during rush hour.


RESPONSE>> Tell me about the restaurants people go out to eat at in your country.

Eating is a huge part of the culture in Korea.

People eat out a lot here, mainly because prices at restaurants are rather reasonable without compromising on the taste of the food.
* eat out: 외식하다, 밖에서 먹다
* compromise on: ~에 타협하다
ex> How often do you eat out for dinner?
ex> The prices at this marker are quite reasonable.

There is a whole list of dishes to choose from in Korea when eating out from traditional Korean restaurants, to full-on western ones.
* full-on: 완전한, 더할 나위 없는
ex> I'm sure there is a whole list of brands you can look at.

At Korean restaurants, the vast majority of dishes involve rice, soup and an array of side dishes, known as ban-chan.
* the vast majority: 절대다수
* an array of: 각양각색의
ex> The vast majority of people are religious.
ex> We got an array of ideas from our students.

At work it's common for colleagues to go to nearby eateries for lunch.
* eatery: 음식점, 식당
ex> There are tons of nearby eateries to dine at.

There are tons of fancy restaurants that are opening up as well.
* open up: 열다, 개장하다
ex> Fancy restaurants are quite expensive.

These places are probably more for special occasions.
ex> What's the special occasion?


@ What are they serving at the cafeteria today?
오늘 구내식당 메뉴가 뭐니?

1. The vast majority of the people are against the new law.
2. An array of new problems has been surfacing.
3. There are tons of eateries near universities.
4. The club became packed with people by midnight.

5/10 Weather

DIALOG>> I hate it when it rains like this.

A: God, I hate it when it rains like this.

B: I know. I don't like the rain either.

A: I remember when our neighborhood was flooded last year.

B: Yeah, it was pouring like crazy during the rainy season.

A: I hope it doesn't happen again this year.

B: I hope not.

RESPONSE>> Talk about a memorable incident you had due to weather conditions.

The monsoon season in Korea is getting more and more unpredictable, with last year seeing record rainfall in many places.

* record rainfall: 기록적인 강우량

* monsoon season: 장마철

* unpredictable: 예상하기 힘든

ex> The monsoon season in Korea seems to be prolonged these days.

ex> The weather is getting more and more unpredictable.

ex> Korea saw record rainfall last summer.

The rain wreaked havoc on our neighborhood, with many local businesses becoming completely flooded.

* wreak havoc on: 큰 혼란(피해)를 유발하다

= play havoc with, ruin

ex> The storm wreaked havoc on many coastal cities.

ex> Many houses became completely flooded due to the torrential rain.

Many locals lost their homes in the downpour.

* downpour: 폭우

Although this was a terrible time for the area, a very special sense of community emerged from the disaster.

Many people stepped up to help those who were affected.

* step up: 자원하다, take an action

ex> Many volunteers stepped up to help.

My wife and I dug deep to donate as much as we could to the relief effort.

It's only now that many of these people are getting back on their feet after the devastation.

* get back one one's feet: 재기하다, 재활하다

* devastation: 막대한 피해, 폐허.

ex> It took quite a while for the city to get back on its feet.

@ I can't stand the summer. 

여름 날씨를 정말 못 참겠어.

1. The weather pattern is becoming more and more unpredictable.

2. Korea saw record rainfall last year.

3. The earthquake wreaked havoc on the small town.

4. The government is helping people with bad credit to get back on their feet.

5/9 Pollution

DIALOG>> Do you think it's getting polluted?

A: How was fishing at the lake?
B: I didn't catch that many fish.
A: Really? You always come back with a whole bunch, don't you?
B: I think there's something wrong with the lake.
A: why? Do you think it's getting polluted?
B: Uh-huh. I think that may be the case.


RESPONSE>> Talk about how pollution is affecting our rivers and lakes.

Pollution is having a bigger effect on our surroundings than almost anything else.
* have an effect on: ~에 영향을 미치다
ex> The global economy is having a bigger effect on our national economy.

Cars are probably the biggest culprit in terms of pollution.
* culprit: 주범, 주요 원인
ex> I think computer games are the biggest culprit of the falling academic performance of kids.

Riversides and lakesides haven't been able to escape the influence of cars.
* escape the influence of: ~의 영향력에서 벗어나다
ex> It's hard to escape the influence of pollution.

Many roads and parking lots are popping up close to these areas of natural beauty.

Rivers and lakes are being polluted due to wastewater.

The deteriorating water quality makes it hard for some fish to survive.
* deteriorating: 악화되는
ex> The relations between the two countries have been deteriorating.

We sometimes see fish die in massive numbers because of pollution.
ex> People showed up in massive numbers at the festival.

I think we should do more to protect our water resources.

Planting more trees along river banks or lakes can be a good place to start.
* a good place(way) to start: 좋은 출발점
ex> Where can be a good place to start?

@ The river overflowed its banks.
강이 강둑을 넘어 범람했어.

1. The water quality is deteriorating.
2. High oil prices are the biggest culprit.
3. Protesters showed up in massive numbers.
4. Turning off computers that are not in use is a good place to start.

5/8 Classes

DIALOG>> Are you done signing up for classes?

A: Are you done signing up for classes?
B: Yes and no.
A: What do you mean?
B: There is this class I wan to take, but it's full.
A: Really? So, what did you do?
B: I put myself on the waiting list.


RESPONSE>> Talk about a difficulty you personally experienced while you were taking a class.

The biggest problem I've had in a class was with an English teacher I had when I was in college.

I took an elective to improve my English speaking skills with a native teacher.
* take an elective: 선택 과목을 이수하다
ex> I'm not taking any elective this semester.

But it almost did more harm than good.
ex> Excessive exercise may do more harm than good.

I couldn't understand most of what the teacher was saying because it was the first time I'd come across a foreign teacher.
ex> I've never come across such a big building.

His pronunciation was completely different from what I was used to.

It felt like I was taking one step forward and two steps back.

I thought of dropping the class, but I didn't.
* drop a class: 수업을 취소하다
ex> If you have too much on your plate, why don't you just drop one class?

I decided to stick with it.
* stick with: ~을 고수하다
ex> Why don't you stick with your original plan?

Eventually, my listening skills got better and I became more confident in English.
ex> It's more important to become more confident in English.


@ His class fills up fast.
그분 수업은 빨리 차거든

1. I took an elective and it was really fun.
2. Do you know until when we can drop classes?
3. I came across a blouse I really wanted to buy.
4. I became more confident in myself.

5/7 Airport

DIALOG>> How was your flight?

A: So, how was your flight?
B: I almost missed it.
A: What happened?
B: It took me so long to get through security.
A: Why? Did you do anything wrong?
B: No, I was just unlucky and had to pull everything out of may bag.
* get/go through security: 보안 검색대를 통과하다


RESPONSE>> Unexpected things can happen at the airport. Talk about a memorable incident you had at the airport.

When I was returning to Korea from a holiday to Canada, there was an unexpected problem at the Vancouver airport.
ex> If you have an unexpected problem, give me a call.

I had bought a lot of souvenirs and clothes from the city but I didn't think it would push my suitcase over the weight limit.
* over the weight limit: 무게 제한을 초과하는
ex> My books pushed my luggage over the weight limit.

Unfortunately, I was wrong.

My check-in baggage weighed in at a massive 38kg.
* weight in at: 무게가 ~나가다
ex> Is this your check-in baggage?
ex> My dog weights in at a massive 45kg.

It was 13kg over the limit and the excess baggage cost was hundreds of dollars.

There was no way I could afford the excess baggage charge.
ex> I can't afford to pay for the taxi every morning.
ex> I had to pay an excess baggage charge because my luggage was too heavy.

I thought I would have to kiss all my purchases goodbye.
* kiss something goodbye: ~에 작별을 고하다, 버리다
ex> We had to kiss the project goodbye.

I eventually left them with my friend in Canada and got them delivered via air mail.
* leave something with someone: ~에게 ~을 맡기다
ex> Why don't you leave your dog with me?


@ You have to fill out a customs clearance form.
통관서류를 작성해야 돼.

1. We ran into an unexpected problem.
2. Be careful not to go over the weight limit.
3. I had to kiss my new pants goodbye.
4. I left my car with my neighbor.

5/4 Transportation

DIALOG>> It runs on both gas and electricity.

A: Is this your new car?
B: Uh-huh. It's a hybrid.
A: Cool! Do you get good mileage on it?
B: I think so. It runs on both gas and electricity.
A: Isn't it a bit more expensive than regular cars?
B: True, but I can make up for it with the money I save on gas.


RESPONSE>> How are the means of transportation today different from those of the past?

The means of transportation today are more technologically advanced than ever before.
ex> There are plenty of means of transportation we can choose from.
ex> Korean telecommunication companies are technologically advanced.

In the old days, all means of transport were powered by animals.
ex> In the old days, there wasn't enough to eat.
ex> Most cars are powered by gasoline or diesel engines.

People used to ride horses or use animals to pull carts around.

Long distance journeys would take a long time.
ex> Long distance journeys require more money.

Nowadays it is hard to imagine getting by without cars, trains or airplanes.
* get by without: ~없이 지내다
ex> It's unimaginable getting by without cell phones.

The main difference between transportation from the past is that modern vehicles all use some kind of engine or turbine, which make them move a lot faster.

We can now travel to far-off places that we couldn't have dreamed of visiting hundreds of years ago.
* far-off place: 먼 곳
ex> We can now talk to people who are at far-off places over the phone.

But the biggest drawback is the increased pollution that these new means of transport are causing.
* drawback: 단점, 결함
ex> What is the biggest drawback of this system?

@ Traffic is insane!  교통 상황이 정말 말이 아니다.

1. The means of transportation have become diversified these days.
2. What are the drawbacks of this plan?
3. We cannot get by without computers now.
4. I do not like to go on trips to far-off places.

5/3 Domestic Trips

DIALOG>> Are you planning on going overseas?

A: Have you decided on where to go for your vacation?
B: Not yet. I'm not sure where to go.
A: Are you planning on going overseas?
B: Not really. I just want to go somewhere domestically.
A: Why don't you call a travel agency?
B: I was about to do that actually.


RESPONSE>> How are domestic trips different from trips that you take overseas?

Domestic trips require a lot less preparation than trips overseas.
ex> I prefer domestic trips to trips overseas.

You don't need to worry about taking your passport or currency exchange.
* currency exchange: 환전
ex> You need to be aware of the exchange rate for currency exchange.

Plus, you usually pack a lot less because most domestic trips are shorter.
= pack light
ex> I think it's better that you pack a lot less.

They're great because they 're cheaper on the whole.
* on the whole: 전반적으로
ex> Which do you like better on the whole?

On the flip side, some people might not find them as exciting as traveling abroad.
= on the contrary

Like the saying goes; the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence.

But if you look hard enough I think every country has some hidden treasures that are worth visiting.
* worth visiting: 방문할 만한
ex> What are some places worth visiting in your country?

It's a good idea to do your homework before you go on a trip.
* do one's homework: 사전에 알아보다
ex> I can see that you did your homework.


@ We're going on a package tour.
우리 패키지 여행 가.

Have you set your itinerary?  일정 다 짰니?

1. Could you recommend some places worth visiting?
2. I think it would be okay to pack less.
3. Price are cheaper than other places on the whole.
4. It's good to do your homework before meeting a business partner.

5/2 Police Station

DIALOG>> I had to go to the police station yesterday.

A: I had to go to the police station yesterday.
B: What for?
A: My son got into a fight.
B: What? Was he in a lot of trouble?
A: Fortunately not! They just let him go with a warning.
B: That's a relief.
* get into a fight: 싸움에 휘말리다
* warning: 경고
ex> I was let go with a warning.


RESPONSE>> Have you ever gone to a police station? Why did you have to go there? What was it like at the police station?

The only time I had to go to a police station was because of a traffic accident that I was involved in.
* be involved in: ~에 연루되다
ex> I was involved in a project that went on for 6 months.

Well, I say involved in, but I was actually just a passenger in a taxi that hit a motorcycle.

The police arrived on the scene in a matter of minutes.
* arrive on the scene: 현장에 도착하다
* in a matter of minutes: 금방, 몇 분 내로
ex> He arrived there in a matter of minutes.

They wanted to get statements from eye-witnesses because the motorcyclist (biker) was badly injured.
* eye-witness: 목격자
* get a statement: 진술서를 받다
ex> I needed to get statements from people who were involved.
ex> Eye-witnesses play a key role in resolving disputes.
ex> He was badly injured from the fall.

The officers were very polite and asked me to bear with them while they arranged the paperwork for the statement.
* arrange the paperwork: 서류 양식을 준비하다
* bear with someone: ~을 참고 견디다
ex> I need to do a lot of paperwork tonight.

I gave them my statement as concisely as I could.
* concisely: 정확하게

The atmosphere at the police station was not what I imagined it to be; it wasn't frightening at all.


@ I was pulled over by a police officer.
경찰 단속에 걸렸어.
I ran a red light.  빨간 불을 무시하고 지나갔거든.

1. He was involved in a match-fixing scandal.
2. The driver was badly injured in the accident.
3. Finding eye-witnesses was the most important.
4. Fire truck arrived on the scene in a matter of minutes.

5/1 Banks

DIALOG>> I have to run an errand at the bank.

A: Where are you going?
B: I have to run an errand at the bank.
A: Can't you do it online?
B: No, I can't. I have to pay some bills. Plus, I lost my debit card.
A: Oh, I see.
B: I have to get one reissued.
* run an errand: 볼일을 보다


RESPONSE>> Banks have changed over the years. How are banks today different from in the past?

Banks, like everywhere else, have changed with the times.
ex> Fashion trends change with the times.

Many of the changes at banks have been driven by customer complaints.
ex> Companies should listen carefully to customer complaints.

Every bank now has a ticket machine that holds your place in line for you.
ex> Could you hold my place for me?

Customers can now sit down comfortably while they wait for their number to be called out on the screen.
ex> My name was not called out.

During the summer banks are famous for their air-conditioning, which is cranked up on hot, sticky days.
* crank up: 세게, 크게 틀다
ex> Can you crank up the volume?

Another big change is online or mobile banking.

Customers can now take care of their business from the comfort of their homes via these services.
* take care of one's business: 볼일을 보다
* from the comfort of one's home: 집에서 편안하게
ex> You can buy things from the comfort of you home.


@ I can't find my bankbook.
통장을 못 찾겠어

1. People's thoughts change with the times.
2. I had to wait for an hour for my number to be called out.
3. Crank up the music as loudly as you can.
4. I have to run an errand in the afternoon.

4/30 Seasonal Weather

DIALOG>> What's your favorite season?

A: What's your favorite season?
B: I have to say it's fall.
A: Because it's cool and nice for outdoor activities?
B: Yes. I get a bit sentimental when fall comes though.
A: Do you?
B: It's probably the cooler weather that makes me feel that way.


RESPONSE>> Talk about the weather in Korea.

Korean winters can get pretty cold with temperatures easily dropping under[below] zero.
ex> I can't handle the cold when it drops under zero.

It snows quite a bit throughout the country during the winter.
ex> It snowed quite a bit last night.
ex> I slept quite a bit last night.

The summer season normally starts with a monsoon season that typically lasts 3 to 4 weeks.
ex> The monsoon season can be quite miserable at times.

The rainy season seems to be prolonged these days due to changes in the weather patterns.

The summer can be sweltering hot and humid.
* sweltering hot: 찌는 듯이 더운 (= sizzling hot)
ex> Can you handle the sweltering heat and humidity?

Spring and fall bring about cool conditions great for outdoor activities.
* bring about: 가져오다, 유발하다
ex> The low pressure front will bring about cool conditions ideal for skiing.

People can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring but also have to deal with the yellow dust storms blowing in from China.
* yellow dust(sand) storms: 황사
* blow in form: ~에서 불어오다
ex> Dealing with the yellow dust storms can be a nuisance.

In the fall, the mountains become beautiful with the magnificent colors of fall foliage.


@ Are you a winter person?
  너는 겨울 체질이니?

1. Temperature will drop below zero tomorrow.
2. It feels as if the monsoon season is getting longer.
3. It's sweltering hot in the summer.
4. You'd better put on a mask when the yellow dust storms blows in.