2010年12月21日火曜日

Brighter Time for Stores This Season

Brighter Time for Stores This Season

a. words

1. retail
context: But a report this week on retail sales in November suggested that economic growth may be gaining speed

definition: the sale of goods in shops to customers, for their own use and not for selling to anyone else

2. interest
context:The aim is to increase economic growth by lowering long-term interest rates.

definition:
a) the extra money that you must pay back when you borrow money
b) money paid to you by a bank or financial institution when you keep money in an account there

3. quantitative
context:But long-term rates have risen since the Fed launched its latest program of so-called quantitative easing, known as "QE2."

definition:relating to amounts rather than to the quality or standard of something

c.
there are very difficult words in thi news.
So,I need a lot of time to read.
But, the news are interesting.

Chrismas is coming.
I wish everyone have happy Chrismas.

iPads, E-Readers, Notebook Computers Top Wish Lists

iPads, E-Readers, Notebook Computers Top Wish Lists


a. word

1. togetherness

context: But not all of the things on the holiday gift wish list involved electronics. Clothes, cars and motorcycles also made the list.
So did family togetherness and good health. And the one thing that people wanted most?


definition: the pleasant feeling you have when you are part of a group of people who have a close relationship with each other


c .

I'm interested in a Ipad.
but I also wish you peace and happiness.

2010年12月7日火曜日

Mobile Phones May Soon Test for STIs and Blood Pressure

Mobile Phones May Soon Test for STIs and Blood Pressure

a. words

1. urine

context :People place urine or saliva on a small piece of paper.

definition : the yellow liquid waste that comes out of the body from the bladder

2. saliva

context : People place urine or saliva on a small piece of paper.

definition : the liquid that is produced naturally in your mouth

3. implication

context : Clearly one of the major implications of something like this would be for use in developing countries

definition : a possible future effect or result of an action, event, decision etc

c.
It is very good idea.

so, it's obvious that technology will make people life more and more convenient.
And, I think mobile phone has lot of possibilities.

2010年11月30日火曜日

Babies and Intelligence

Babies and Intelligence

a . words

1 . Institute

context : Research scientists at the Institute note that babies are strongly influenced by their environment.

definition : an organization that has a particular purpose such as scientific or educational work, or the building where this organization is based

2 . evidence

context : Last year, a study from the Netherlands found evidence that unborn babies can remember sounds.

definition : facts or signs that show clearly that something exists or is true

3 . fetus or foetus

context : They played sounds to the fetus and watched its movements with ultrasound equipment.

definition : a baby or young animal before it is born


c .
A baby has a great ability.
I don`t think depressed women influence her children.
And I surprised that a fetus can remember the sounds.

2010年10月26日火曜日

2 Billion People Expected Online by End of 2010

2 Billion People Expected Online by End of 2010

a word

1 . one out of five

definition : 5人に1人

context :. In developing countries, you have only one out of five people using the Internet.

2 . even

definition : even bigger/better/brighter etc used to emphasize that someone or something is bigger, better etc

context : If we look at certain regions like in Africa, for example, the figures are even lower.

3 . usage

definition : the way in which something is used, or the amount of it that is used

context :Ms. Teltscher says mobile phone usage has reached sixty-eight percent in developing countries.

c

People more spend time in internet .
and they will probably want to connect another person
at all times .

2010年10月19日火曜日

Early Classes = Sleepy Teens (Duh!)

Early Classes = Sleepy Teens (Duh!)

a . word

1 . lazy

definition : not liking work and physical activity, or not making any effort to do anything

context : These aren't a bunch of lazy kids -- although, you know, teenagers can of course be lazy.

2 . well-being

definition : a feeling of being comfortable, healthy, and happy

context :He says sleepy teens can experience a form of depression that could have big effects on their general well-being.

c .
When I was a teenager , I was very sleepy every morning .
But , today I found the reason .

Expert say
Teens are biologically programmed to go to sleep
late and wake up later than other age groups .

And I agree Expert's proposition .

2010年9月28日火曜日

Japan to ask China to pay for damaged patrol vessels

Japan to ask China to pay for damaged patrol vessels


a . word

1. vessel

context : Japan will ask China to pay for damage to two patrol vessels caused by a collision with a Chinese trawler in disputed waters, Tokyo has said.


define : formal a ship or large boat

2. collision

context : Japan will ask China to pay for damage to two patrol vessels caused by a collision with a Chinese trawler in disputed waters, Tokyo has said.

define : an accident in which two or more people or vehicles hit each other while moving in different directions

3. diplomatic

context : The collision earlier this month led to the worst diplomatic crisis between the two neighbouring countries in years.

define : relating to or involving the work of diplomats

c .

This news is very hot now .
I don't think all Chinese people criticize Japan .
And Japanese people don't get emotional .

2010年8月3日火曜日

Bringing Color to Life (and Tears to Eyes) With a Natural Dye

Bringing Color to Life (and Tears to Eyes) With a Natural Dye

a . word

1 , dye

context : Dye can bring a little color to life.

definition : a substance you use to change the colour of your clothes, hair etc
c ,

This article is about dye .

now , Most clothing is colored by dyes .
so , Ancient people often colored their clothes by national dyes from plant and animal products .

I think this way apparently good for the environment .

2010年7月31日土曜日

Tokyo's 'oldest man' had been dead for 30 years

Tokyo's 'oldest man' had been dead for 30 years

a . word

1, mummify

context:they uncovered mummified skeletal remains lying in his bed.

definition:past tense and past participle mummified, present participle mummifying, third person singular mummifies

2, investigate

context:Police are now investigating the family on possible fraud charges.

definition:to try to find out the truth about or the cause of something such as a crime, accident, or scientific problem

3, Welfare

context:Welfare officials had tried to meet Mr Kato since early this year.

denfinition:help that is provided for people who have personal or social problems


c .

I think this news is very eerie too.
I can`t understand their action.
Why have they left his dead body for 30 year?
this news is reported in Japan.
I think there are a lot of eerie case as this in Japan.

2010年7月29日木曜日

Raul signs for Schalke after leaving Real Madrid

Raul signs for Schalke after leaving Real Madrid

a . word

1. hint

context : The 33-year-old, who announced his departure from the Spanish giants on Monday, had hinted he could make a move to a Premier League side in England.

difinition : to suggest something in an indirect way, but so that someone can guess your meaning

2. fascinate

context : "For me Germany has the best league in the world. Above all, I'm fascinated by how well-balanced it is."

difinitoin : if someone or something fascinates you, you are attracted to them and think they are extremely interesting


c.
I think Raul is a great football player.
He scored 323 goals in 741 games for Real.
This number is suprising !
It is because it is difficult to continue to play in 741 games,
and Real is a very strong team.

Real president Florentino Perez also paid
"There are many men who form part of the legend of Real Madrid but few that are chosen to embody the club - Raul is one of those."

Even if he go to Germany, Real`s fan can`t forget him.

In Hot Weather, Know the Warning Signs of Heat Disorders

In Hot Weather, Know the Warning Signs of Heat Disorders


a . word

1.humidity

context : The causes of heat stress include wearing heavy clothing, physical work or exercise, hot weather and high humidity.

definition : the amount of water contained in the air

2.perspiration

context : The person loses large amounts of body water and salt in perspiration.

definition : liquid that appears on your skin when you are hot or nervous

3.heat exhaustion

context : Untreated heat stress can lead to a more serious problem called heat exhaustion.

definition : weakness and sickness caused by doing too much work, exercise etc in hot weather


c.

This summer is too hot.
So, We need to drink more than two liters water in hot weather.

In addition, We are careful foods and clothes in hot weather.
Especially, small children, older adults and those who have the disease diabetes are more careful Severe heat increases problems.

This article is useful for me, and so interesting.

2010年7月20日火曜日

English and Spanish Speakers Learn Together, and From Each Other

English and Spanish Speakers Learn Together, and From Each Other

a . word

1 . kindergarten

context : She says her kindergarteners from English-speaking families may have never heard Spanish before.

define : American EnglishSEP a school or class for children aged five

2 . skeptical

context : "The experience of history has made us a bit skeptical, OK? Because it's another thing that sounds like on the surface is a great idea."

define : tending to disagree with what other people tell you

3 . federal

context : Some schools say a federal education law from the last administration has hurt language teaching.

define : relating to the central government of a country such as the US, rather than the government of one of its states

c .
This ploblem is very difficult .

In japan , most of Japanese people speak Japanese .
And , a lot of Japanese people can`t speak English well .

When I was a junior high school student ,
I studied English for the first time .
But I think it is very too old to study English .

2010年7月13日火曜日

World Cup 2010: Spain return to rapturous welcome

World Cup 2010: Spain return to rapturous welcome

a . word

1 . amid

context : Spain's victorious World Cup squad have returned to Madrid amid scenes of joyous celebration in the capital city.

define : while noisy, busy, or confused events are happening - used in writing or news reports

2 . triumphant

context : Captain Iker Casillas had earlier carried the trophy down the steps of the plane as the squad made a triumphant return from South Africa.

define : having gained a victory or success

3 . esplanade

context : The parade came to a halt at the esplanade near the Puente del Rey, where the festivities continued.

define : especially British English a wide street next to the sea in a town


c .

I have read sports-related article in the class.

So , I try to challenge the other article ,

and want to read a lot of English article .

2010年7月6日火曜日

Europe's best shine in South Africa

Europe's best shine in South Africa

a , word

1 , struggle

definition : to be likely to fail, even though you are trying very hard

context : As the 16 teams lined up for the second round in South Africa, the debate was about why the European nations were struggling.


2 , solace

definition : a feeling of emotional comfort at a time of great sadness or disappointment

context : perhaps there is some solace that England were not the only team to be torn apart by Miroslav Klose and his mates.


3 , adherence

definition : when someone behaves according to a particular rule, belief, principle etc

context :There has to be some discipline and adherence to tactics, the whole team has to believe in it and for the most creative players this can be very difficult, but I believe the squad understands what I want," said Van Marwijk before the start of the World Cup


c .

The FIFA World cup closed on July 12 .
People around the world have watched football games on TV for a month ,
So The exciting matches that thrilled the world for a month are finally over.

I was satisfied with performance.
I`m looking forward to next competition in 2014 .

2010年6月8日火曜日

My four point plan to win the World Cup for England

My four point plan to win the World Cup for England

a . word


1 . overwhelming

context : While Fabio Capello will not be facing the kind of overwhelming enemy which confronted Lord Baden-Powell 110 years ago ,

definition : very large or greater, more important etc than any other

2 . earmark

context : If the squad numbers are anything to go by, Capello’s opening game side does not include Gareth Barry, with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard earmarked as partners in central midfield.

definition : to decide that something will be used for a particular purpose or have something done to it in the future

3 . presence

context : Crouch has a presence that is worrying for defenders and is always a threat at set-pieces.

definition : when someone or something is present in a particular place


c .

The World cup is in South Africa .
I think that England , Brazil and Spain are the favorites in this World Cup .
But , England tied the United States 1 - 1 in a first game .
The boll of the convention is difficult to predict shoots .

Yesterday , JAPAN won Cameroon 1 - 0 .
I was very fevered .


2010年6月1日火曜日

Japanese errors save England's blushes

Japanese errors save England's blushes

a . word

1 . stun

context : Tanaka had stunned England by giving Japan a seventh-minute lead and Fabio Capello's side looked uncertain at the back.

definition : to surprise or upset someone so much that they do not react immediately


2 . fate

context : England did equalise when Tanaka deflecting in a cross from Joe Cole and then Nakazawa suffered the same fate from a centre by Ashley Cole.

definition : the things that will happen to someone, especially unpleasant events

3 . stung

context : After seven minutes, Japan stung England by taking the lead in their first meaningful attack.

definition : to make something hurt with a sudden sharp pain, or to hurt like this


c .

This article is written about England vs Japan the day before yesterday .
This game was broadcast by NHK , and I watched it on TV.
Japan took a lead in the 7th minute of the first half .
Then I was so excited .
But , the result of match is 2 - 1 , and England won .
I wish that Japan gets wins in the World cup .

2010年5月25日火曜日

UN Report Criticizes Governments for Failing to Halt Losses of Plants, Animals

UN Report Criticizes Governments for Failing to Halt Losses of Plants, Animals


a : word
1 . infection
context : We will have information about infections linked to hospital stays.
definition : a disease that affects a particular part of your body and is caused by bacteria or a virus:

2 . biodiversity
context : Scientists use the word biodiversity to describe the existence of many kinds of plants, animals and other organisms.

definition : the variety of plants and animals in a particular place

3 . treaty
context : The report says national governments have failed to honor a biodiversity protection treaty.


c .
I thought that this news is very long !!
And it is a little difficult for me to read all ,
because there are medical terminology in this report .
But , this report is very interesting .
this report has various angles.
next time , I`ll try to read a little short article .

2010年5月18日火曜日

Rafa's out of Anfield and Inter Italy

Rafa's out of Anfield and Inter Italy


a . word

1 . slam

context : but the FA have slammed the door shut on that particular avenue.

definition : if a door, gate etc slams, or if someone slams it, it shuts with a loud noise [= bang]


2 . underway
context : Informal contact is already underway between the Spaniard’s agent, Manuel Garcia Quilon, and Inter

definition : happening now


3 . disillusion

context : Benitez has been disillusioned with life on Merseyside for some time
definition : to make someone realize that something which they thought was true or good is not really true or good

c .
This news is very interesting !
IT is because , I often watch European soccer on TV .
Rafa Benitez is good manager , but he didn`t have
good result.
I hope he is better luck next time ,
and he is praised a lot of people.

2010年4月27日火曜日

Come on Liverpool... at least for a day!

a : word
1 . unprecedented
definition : never having happened before
context : And the England star hopes his deep personal bond with Steven Gerrard can become even more lifelong if the Liverpool skipper inspires his side to the win over Chelsea that would open United's path to an unprecedented fourth straight crown.
2 . turn up
definition : "To make an appearance; arrive:
context : The fans won't really be too pleased if they don't turn up.
3 . groin
definition : the place where the tops of your legs meet the front of your body
context : The only real frustration for Rooney now is the groin injury that will keep him out of action for another week at least
c :
I think Wayne Rooney is best soccer player in England.
he is always greedy for win .
Rooney is proud of his team , so he respect other team`s player .
Certanly he is real proffessional soccer player !!

2010年4月13日火曜日

"How to Learn English"

I am interested in foreign countries.
Especially, I like foreign culture.
But, I can't use the English well , so I want to study English in this class.

a : word

1. curious

definition : wanting to know about something

context : you probably don't need to stop and look up the word unless you are very curious about its meaning.


2. phrase

definition : a group of words that together have a particular meaning, especially when they express the meaning well in a few words

context : If someone has only learned that "dog" means "inu" the person is likely to become confused and unable to continue when trying to translate the phrase "inu o katteiru" into English.


c

I was surprised to hear that you think Japanese textbooks are too thin .
Textbooks are thick in America?
and , I think it is important to guess at the meaning of the word from the context.
When I was a high school student , the manner helped me .
In this essay , my favorite sentence is
"To get to know a word well, you need to "meet" it in many different situations."