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25 Common English Idioms For ESL Students: WWW - Teacherjoe.us
25 Common English Idioms For ESL Students: WWW - Teacherjoe.us
28. Be fed up with means "to hate something now, even though I may have liked it
before"
Example: I'm fed up with my job! I think I should start looking for a new one.
29. to bug means "to bother someone". (American English)
Example: Hey, stop tapping your fingers. It's really bugging me!
30. a cinch means something that is very easy to do
Example: I didn't think I could run five kilometers, but with the right preparation, it was a
cinch.
31. Cost an arm and a leg means "very expensive"
Example: I'd really like a new car, but they all cost an arm and a leg.
32. To cram means "to study hard a few days before a test"
Example: If you had studied hard for the past four months, you wouldn't have to cram so
much this weekend.
33. Fresh out of something means "to have no more of something"
Example: I have to go buy some more milk. It seems we're fresh out now.
34. To get it (often negative) means "to understand"
Example: What did the teacher say? I didn't get it. Did you?
35. Got a minute? Means "Do you have time right now?"
Example: Hey, Joe, got a minute? I have something to show you.
36. Give someone a hand means "help someone"
Example: Could you give me a hand moving this table? It's quite heavy.
37. Grab a bite to eat means "quickly go get something to eat"
Example: I'm going to go grab a bite. I'll be back in a few minutes.
38. Drive someone up a wall (or "drive someone crazy") means "to make someone very
angry"
Example: My neighbor practices the piano every night, but he's terrible. It's driving me
up the wall!
39. To hang on means "to wait"
Example: Hang on a few minutes. I have to make a phone call and then I'll be able to join
you for lunch.
40. Hard headed means "stubborn" or "unwilling to change an opinion or idea
Example: I can't work with Joe any more. He's so hard headed!
41. Have a change of heart means "change a previous decision"
Example: I thought I would change jobs, but now that my boss is treating me with more
respect, I've had a change of heart.
42. Have mixed feelings about something means "to be uncertain"
Example: I have mixed feelings about Joe. He's a very good teacher, but he has a very
strange sense of humor!
43. Head out for means "to start on a long trip" (but it could be within a big city)
Example: We're heading out for the countryside to pick some apples. Would you like to
join us?
44. How come? Means "Why?"
Example: How come we don't go to the movies any more? I guess we're too busy to enjoy
ourselves these days.
45. keep in touch (or "stay in touch") means "do not stop communicating - send letters or
call sometimes"
Example: Don't forget to keep in touch. I want to know how you're doing while you're
away.
46. Be kidding means "to joke or tease someone in a playful way"
Example: No, I don't really have three wives - I was just kidding!
47. Look down on means "think someone or something is not good enough"
Example: We shouldn't look down on people just because they don't have as much money
as we do.
48. Make ends meet (often used negatively) means "to have enough money to buy
everything we need"
Example: Even though I make more money than last year, we just can't seem to make
ends meet.
49. Miss the boat means "to miss an opportunity"
Example: The sale ends today at noon. If we don't hurry, we're going to miss the boat!
50. next to nothing means "to cost very little"
Example: I went to the new discount store and bought these new shoes for only five
dollars. That's next to nothing!
Do you know all of the words below? Can you use them? Then you are more than half
way home!
1 the
3 of
4 and
5a
6 to
7 in
8 he
9 have
10 it
11 that
12 for
51 about
52 than
53 into
54 could
55 state
56 only
57 new
58 year
59 some
60 take
61 come
101 because
102 good
103 each
104 those
105 feel
106 seem
107 how
108 high
109 too
110 place
111 little
151 form
152 off
153 child
154 few
155 small
156 since
157 against
158 ask
159 late
160 home
161 interest
13 they
14 I
15 with
16 as
17 not
18 on
19 she
20 at
21 by
22 this
23 we
24 you
25 do
26 but
27 from
28 or
29 which
30 one
31 would
32 all
33 will
34 there
35 say
36 who
37 make
38 when
39 can
40 more
41 if
42 no
43 man
44 out
45 other
46 so
47 what
48 time
49 up
50 go
62 these
63 know
64 see
65 use
66 get
67 like
68 then
69 first
70 any
71 work
72 now
73 may
74 such
75 give
76 over
77 think
78 most
79 even
80 find
81 day
82 also
83 after
84 way
85 many
86 must
87 look
88 before
89 great
90 back
91 through
92 long
93 where
94 much
95 should
96 well
97 people
98 down
99 own
100 just
112 world
113 very
114 still
115 nation
116 hand
117 old
118 life
119 tell
120 write
121 become
122 here
123 show
124 house
125 both
126 between
127 need
128 mean
129 call
130 develop
131 under
132 last
133 right
134 move
135 thing
136 general
137 school
138 never
139 same
140 another
141 begin
142 while
143 number
144 part
145 turn
146 real
147 leave
148 might
149 want
150 point
162 large
163 person
164 end
165 open
166 public
167 follow
168 during
169 present
170 without
171 again
172 hold
173 govern
174 around
175 possible
176 head
177 consider
178 word
179 program
180 problem
181 however
182 lead
183 system
184 set
185 order
186 eye
187 plan
188 run
189 keep
190 face
191 fact
192 group
193 play
194 stand
195 increase
196 early
197 course
198 change
199 help
200 line
A Job Interview
Fay needs advice from Jerry on how to succeed at a job interview in English
Fay: Hi Jerry. I'm thinking of applying for a job with a multinational company, but I'm
worried about having an interview in English. Can you give me any good tips?
Jerry: Hmmm. That's a tough one. I guess the first thing is to try to make a good
impression. We often say, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression". You
really need to get off to a good start.
Fay: That sounds like good advice. Maybe I could sing and dance for them, ha ha ha! Then
they'd really be impressed! But seriously, how do I make a good first impression?
Jerry: To begin with, you should firmly shake the interviewer's hand while greeting him or
her with a smile. Be sure to keep eye contact, especially when listening to the interviewer.
Fay: Ah, "body language" is really important, isn't it?
Jerry: Yes, it is. The second thing is to have confidence. You get confidence from being
prepared. You should learn a little bit about the company before the interview. Find out
what they do, how long they've been in business, what their business motto is, that kind of
thing. You should also anticipate possible questions, and think about how you will answer.
Fay: Should I memorize my answers beforehand?
Jerry: No! Definitely not! That sounds very mechanical. You should be natural when you
speak. Just think about how you want to answer, and choose the right words at the time of
the interview. That way, you can use the interviewer's own words in your answer, which
shows you've been listening. Then you're sure to make a good impression.
Fay: I never thought about that before. You're really smart, Jerry! But what should I do if I
can't remember an English word when I'm answering a question?
Jerry: In that case, you have to paraphrase. In other words, you have to explain what you
want to say. For example, if you forget the word "manufacturing", you can say "making a
product" instead. Or instead of "statistics" you could say "using many big numbers to
describe something".
Fay: That's very helpful, Jerry. Thanks so much. Ah, one more thing. Should I ask about
the salary during the interview?
Jerry: No, either let them bring up the topic of money, or else wait for a second interview.
If you prepare well, make a good first impression, have confidence, and use English
naturally, you're almost certain to be interviewed again. Good luck!
Fay gives Jerry some advice on how to bargain for a lower price.
Jerry: Fay, I heard that people have to bargain whenever they go shopping in China. Is that
true?
Fay: Well, you don't have to bargain when you go to a department store or a supermarket,
but in most other places, you can try to get a better price.
Jerry: We rarely do that in the States. I'm not really sure how to do it. Could you give me
some pointers?
Fay: Sure, it's easy. Anybody can do it. The first thing you must do is some research. Ask
around and find out what a fair price is for what you want to buy. When you know what a
normal price is, you are ready to bargain.
Jerry: That makes sense. If I don't know what a fair price is, the seller can ask for any
price, and I would probably pay it! So, now I'm ready to go to a market. What's next?
Fay: First, ask how much something is. In Chinese that's, "Duo Xiao qian? If the price is
much higher than you're willing to pay, say so. In Chinese you would say "Tai guay le".
Then you ask for a lower price. You should offer less than what you really want to pay.
Jerry: That way, I can bargain up to my price, right?
Fay: Right! The seller will make a counter-offer. If you think it's still too high, and the
seller refuses to go any lower, just walk away. If the seller is really able to meet your price,
he or she will call you back. In that case, don't give in. Keep trying to get your price.
Jerry: What if the seller doesn't call me back?
Fay: You can always try again with the next vendor. If the seller's last price is not too high,
you might accept it. Just be sure you don't pay too much!
Jerry: That seems pretty easy. Bargaining sounds like a lot of fun!
Fay: It is! And just like with learning a language, you'll get better at it the more you
practice.
Fay: Yes, now I drink lots of beer and even smoke cigars!
Jerry: Really?!?
Fay: Of course not, I'm just kidding!
New Job!
Fei is telling Jerry about her new job with LMONOP Corporation
Fei: Jerry, do you remember that job interview I had a while ago?
Jerry: Yes, you went to LMNOP Corporation, right?
Fei: That's right. You have a good memory! They called me in for a second interview...
Jerry: That's a good sign. It means they like you.
Fei: Yes, I must have made a good impression on them.
Jerry: How did the second interview go?
Fei: I really prepared thoroughly for this one. I asked the interview a lot of tough questions
about the company and the job, and then I presented my ideas on how I would do the job.
Jerry: What was their reaction?
Fei: I think I really impressed them. They gave me a job right on the spot!
Jerry: That's great! What will you are doing for them?
Fei: I will have several duties to perform. The first is to organize meetings. Then I'll have
to present plans to clients.
Jerry: Do you mean that you will have to give speeches?
Fei: Yes, something likes that. I will give formal presentations. I have to admit, I'm a bit
nervous about that.
Jerry: I'm sure you'll do fine, as long as you prepare as well as you prepared for the
interview.
Fei: I'll have more to do than that. I'll also have to follow-up through email or on the
telephone. I think I'm going to be very busy. Do you have any tips for me?
Jerry: You'll have to learn how to manage your time well.
Fei: How can I "manage" my time?
Jerry: Well, the first thing you have to do is "prioritize".
Fei: I know that "prior" means "before", but I can't figure out what "prioritize" means...
Jerry: It means to decide what should come first. In other words, what are your most
important tasks? You should spend most of your time on the most important projects.
Fei: Oh yes, I've heard of that. Isn't there a rule, something like the 80-20 rule?
Jerry: Exactly! Youre most important projects will be about 20% of your total work, but
they're so important that you should devote 80% of your time and effort to them. The other
tasks aren't so important, so they can be put off til later.
Fei: I see. I can't put off the most important jobs, so I have to be sure to get those done no
matter what.
Jerry: I'm sure you'll do just fine in your new job. When are you going to start?
Fei: In two weeks. I'm really excited about it!
Should I Go to Shanghai?
Fay asks Jerry's advice about going to Shanghai to work.
Fay: Hi Jerry! Welcome back from summer vacation. Did you have a good time in
Guizhou?
Jerry: Yes, I did. It was everything I expected, and more. How about you? Did you go
anywhere?
Fay: Yes, as a matter of fact I did. I spent a week in Shanghai. I'm thinking about getting a
job there.
Jerry: Ah, Shanghai - such a wonderful city! You'll really enjoy living there.
Fay: Hmm... I'm not so sure. Shanghai has a lot going for it, but I like Beijing too.
Jerry: What do you like best about Shanghai?
Fay: Shanghai is the business center of China, so there are lots of jobs, and there's always
something new. It's more modern than Beijing and generally a convenient place to live.
Jerry: Why would you want to stay in Beijing?
Fay: For one thing, Beijing has a sense of history about it. You know, there's no Great Wall
in Shanghai!
Jerry: That's for sure. There's no Forbidden City or Summer Palace, either.
Fay: For another thing, I think people are friendlier in Beijing. Still, I think I'd like to
marry a man from Shanghai.
Jerry: But you just said people from Beijing are friendlier!
Fay: Yes, generally speaking. But I've heard that men from Shanghai will help their wives
with housework. That's the kind of husband for me!
Jerry: Let's see... I have enough water, and some snacks to eat on the way... Yes, I'm ready.
Go ba?
Fay: "Go ba"?? In Chinese, we usually say "Zou ba?".
Jerry: Yes, my teacher taught that to us. But Chinese "zou" and English "go" rhyme, so my
students sometimes combine Chinese and English - they call it "Chinglish"! ("rhyme" =
"have the same sound")
Fay: I see. So the answer to "Go ba" in "Chinglish" could be "Let's zou"!
Jerry: That's right: Let's zou!
(Fay smiles at Jerry, and they start climbing. Thirty minutes pass...)
Fay: Oh, I think I need to take a break. I'm exhausted! We haven't gone very far. How can
I be so tired?
Jerry: Maybe you should get more exercise.
Fay: You don't seem to be tired at all. Why not?
Jerry: It could be because I exercise regularly. I play tennis three times a week.
Fay: That could be it... We all need to keep our bodies in shape, don't we?
(Fay and Jerry arrive at the top of Xiang Mountain.)
Jerry: Wow, what a beautiful view!
Fay: Look to the east. We can see the Summer Palace!
Jerry: Oh, is that Kunming Lake?
Fay: Yes, it is. And further out we can see the center of Beijing.
Jerry: It sure is breathtaking! I'm glad we came here on a clear day. You know, I'm really
glad I came to Beijing. It's a very nice city, very "liveable".
Fay: I'm really glad we came here today. We've had a great time together!
Jerry: But you need to get into better shape, so we can do this kind of thing more often.
Fay: I guess you're right... Hey, I have an idea... Why don't you teach me how to play
tennis. Then we can spend lots more time together!
Jerry: Yeah, it was wonderful. Now that I think about it, I really did a lot... I've learned a
lot of Chinese. I can read more than 500 Chinese characters now.
Fei: And you've visited lots of new and interesting places.
Jerry: That's for sure! I've seen all of the great sites in and around Beijing, plus I visited
Guizhou Province. Not too many people from my hometown have been there before! But
how about you Fei. You must have done some special things in the past year.
Fei: Yes, I had a great year too, thanks to you, Jerry! I've really learned how to do many
things. My English is better than it was... you taught me how to succeed at a job
interview... you taught me how to play tennis...
Jerry: Hey, it wasn't me! You did it all yourself. You should give yourself some credit for
being such a good student.
Fei: Don't you think it's important to be modest?
Jerry: Sometimes it is. But sometimes you have to show confidence in your ability, too.
Fei: Okay, I'll do my best. Now, how about this year? Have you made any special plans?
Many Americans make some special "resolution" for the New Year, don't they?
Jerry: Yes, I've made a couple of New Year's resolutions. I've decided that this year I'm
going to learn even more Chinese. I hope I'll be able to speak fluently by the end of the
year. Also, I want to travel all around the country.
Fei: That will be fun. You'll be able to practice Chinese while you travel. Are there any
special places you want to visit?
Jerry: I want to go all over - to the old capital city, Xi'an, to see the ice festival up north in
Heilongjiang, to see the beautiful island of Hainan, and most of all, to visit Qingdao.
Fei: Why do you want to see Qingdao most of all? Is it because of the old style buildings?
Or for the clean, sandy beaches? Or maybe because it's famous for having the most
beautiful women in China?
Jerry: No, no, and no! I want to go to Qingdao because of the beer!
Fei: You're silly, Jerry!
Jerry: Well, what about you Fei? What would you like to achieve this year?
Fei: Let's see... I'd like to learn more English, so that I can watch movies and sing songs in
English. And I'd also like to improve my performance at work.
Jerry: That shouldn't be too hard for you. I mean, for such a good student and a hard
worker.
Fei: Thank you Jerry. It's very kind of you to say so!
My Favorite Place
Fei introduces Jerry to her favorite place in all of Beijing.
Jerry: What a beautiful summer's day! There's not a cloud in the sky.
Fei: Hey, I have an idea. Let's go somewhere special. I can introduce you to my favorite
place in Beijing.
Jerry: Sure, I'd like to see that, but what is it exactly?
Fei: You'll see when we get there. Come on, we can catch the 107 bus across the street...
(10 minutes later, Fei and Jerry arrive. They go for a walk.)
Fei: Can you see all those people across the street?
Jerry: Yes, they're all dancing. I like the Chinese style music, but they're doing Western
style dancing. It seems a bit odd to me. Are we going to dance today?
Fei: Not today - maybe when we get older! Look beyond the dancers. What do you see?
Jerry: Hey, there's a little pond over there. It looks very pleasant in the middle of a big city.
Let's go take a closer look. I never knew there was a pond in the middle of Beijing.
Fei: Actually, there are SIX! They're all man-made. There are two ponds to the west of the
Forbidden City called Nan Hai, which could be called South Pond and Zhong Hai, or
Middle Pond. The government offices surround those Ponds, so they're not open to the
public. To the north of those ponds is...
Jerry: Let me guess. It must be North Pond!
Fei: Good guess! You're right, it's Bei Hai or I suppose we could say North Pond. We
could see Bei Hai if we went through that gate over there, but we would have to pay. We
can walk around the other three for free. This one is called Qian Hai or Front Pond, then
there's Hou Hai or Back Pond. Finally, beyond Hou Hai is...
Jerry: Let me guess again. Is it Beyond Pond?
Fei: Another good guess. But this time you're wrong! The sixth one is a bit to the west, so
it's called Xi Hai or West Pond.
Jerry: Those people on the water seem to be having fun. Can we rent a boat too?
Fei: Sure, but I don't feel like it today. Let's do it another time.
Jerry: Okay. What are those traditional style buildings on the other side of Qian Hai?
Fei: Those are restaurants and coffee shops. We can go over there for a rest later if you
want.
Jerry: You know, I think this would be a good place to have a drink, especially on a Friday
night after a long week at work. Too bad there aren't any bars here. Maybe we could open
a bar here. Isn't that a great idea?
Fei: Ha ha ha. Somebody beat you to that idea, Jerry. There are over 40 bars around Hou
Hai! We'll go there some evening when you want to unwind, okay?
Jerry: Okay, it's a deal!
Flying Discs
Jerry is introducing Fei to a "tradition" from his country.
Fei: What is this place? It's so far from the center of Beijing. We seem to be in the middle
of nowhere!
Jerry: This is the International School of Beijing, where the Ultimate Frisbee club meets
every Sunday.
Fei: What the heck is Ultimate Frisbee??
Jerry: Hey! There are my friends over there!
Fei: What are they doing? It looks like they're throwing something, but I can't make it out.
Jerry: That's a flying disc, more commonly known as a frisbee.
Fei: Oh, I think we call it "fei pan" in Chinese.
Jerry: "Fei pan"?? It's named after you, Fei!
Fei: Oh PLEEEEEASE, Jerry. Quit your teasing.
Jerry: You taught me about Chinese kites, now I want to introduce you to this American
tradition. Ultimate Frisbee has really caught on as a sport since the 1970s.
Fei: Hey, look at that guy fly!
Jerry: What a catch! Jim isn't very tall, but he sure can run.
Fei: I saw someone just like him catch a frisbee on TV once, except it was a dog, not a
man!
Jerry: Well, we're just warming up now. Wait until the game starts.
Fei: Game? What kind of game?
Jerry: Ultimate Frisbee is a sport, similar to football or basketball. We have seven players
on each team. They have to throw and catch the disc. But we MUST catch the frisbee, or
else the other team gets it.
Fei: So what's the goal of Ultimate Frisbee?
Jerry: The goal is to catch the disc at the end of the field, beyond the "goal line".
Fei: It sounds like a blast!
Jerry: It is! It's fun and good exercise too. Are you up for it?
Fei: What?? You want ME to play?
Jerry: Sure! The best way to learn is to LEARN BY DOING!
Happy Holidays!
Jerry and Fei are comparing Christmas customs in New York and Beijing.
Jerry: Look, Fei! I got a Christmas card from my sister.
Fei: It's very beautiful. Why are the words "Happy Holidays" written on the card?
Christmas is only one holiday. Shouldn't it be "Happy Holiday", without the "s"?
Jerry: We don't just celebrate Christmas during this season. We also celebrate the coming
of the New Year.
Fei: Oh, I never thought about that before. There's more than one holiday at the end of the
year.
Jerry: Now that I'm in China, I want to celebrate the holidays Chinese-style. What do you
and your family do for Christmas?
Fei: Actually, we don't do much at Christmas. It's not really a big family holiday. Young
people in China would rather spend Christmas Eve with their boyfriends or girlfriends.
Jerry: So is it something like a date night?
Fei: Yes, I guess you could say that. Christmas Eve is special, but we don't usually have
any special plans for Christmas Day.
Jerry: Don't people give gifts to each other like they do in the U.S.?
Fei: Many parents do give gifts to their kids. But more importanly, boyfriends give
wonderful, special, romantic gifts to their girlfriends!
Jerry: I see. How about the New Year in China. Is it a bigger holiday than Christmas?
Fei: Not really. We don't celebrate it because the Spring Festival is much more important
to us here in China.
Jerry: The Spring Festival is known around the world as "Chinese New Year". It's the
beginning of the year according to the traditional lunar calendar, isn't it?
Fei: That's right. The Spring Festival is the biggest family holiday in China, so we don't
celebrate the western New Year. How about in New York? Do people celebrate New Year's
Eve more or New Year's Day?
Jerry: There are two kinds of people who celebrate quite differently. Single people, or
couples without children, often go out late on New Year's Eve. They drink and party after
the clock strikes midnight. There are big parties all over, but the biggest is in Times Square
in Manhattan.
Fei: I guess they won't have much energy left over to do anything on New Year's Day,
then.
Jerry: Right. But there are families who don't do anything special on New Year's Eve.
Instead, they celebrate with their families on New Year's Day.
Fei: What do they do on New Year's Day?
Jerry: They have a big meal to celebrate and often watch parades in the big cities. The
parades are quite spectacular.
Fei: It sounds a little bit like our traditional Lion Dance.
Jerry: Yes, it's a lot like the Lion Dance, except there is no lion!
Jerry: Yes, it looks like a real bird flying! It obviously takes real skill to fly these special
kites. I'm eager to see your butterfly up among the clouds.
Fei: Okay, hold onto the kite while I get the string ready. On the count of three, let go.
One... Two... Three... Here we go!!!
This English conversation first appeared in College English magazine in 2004.
Choosing Gifts
Fei is helping Jerry decide what gifts to give to his family back home.
Fei: Hi Jerry. Jerry? Oh, Jerry!!
Jerry: Oh, hi Fei. I didn't hear you approaching.
Fei: You were really lost in thought. Or were you sleeping?
Jerry: No, I wasn't sleeping, just thinking.
Fei: About what?
Jerry: Well, I'll be going back home to visit my family for a couple of weeks.
Fei: That's great. It's been a while since you've seen them, hasn't it?
Jerry: Yes, it's been quite a while.
Fei: So, you must be thinking about how happy you'll be to see them again.
Jerry: Yes, that's true. But I'm also thinking about what kinds of gifts I should bring back
from China for everyone - my brother, my sister, her husband and daughter, and of course,
for my parents.
Fei: Of course, you want to bring back some traditional things. How about some Chinese
kites?
Jerry: Hey, that's a good idea! You and I had a lot of fun flying kites together. I'm sure my
niece would get a kick out of flying a Chinese-style kites too.
Fei: And maybe you could bring back some masks from the Beijing Opera.
Jerry: Fei, you're a genius! Beijing Opera masks are not only very colorful, they're very
exotic too! My parents will really like them. Okay, now I have to think of something to
buy my sister. That's a tough one!
Fei: Don't be so pessimistic, Jerry. Does she like exotic fashions? Maybe you could bring
back a qipao, a traditional Chinese dress.
Jerry: Of course! Another great idea! How do you think of these ideas so easily, Fei?
Fei: Hey, you said it before... I'm a genius! Ha ha ha.
Jerry: Okay, now the toughest people to shop for - my brother and my sister's husband.
What in the world could I bring back for them?
Fei: Didn't you tell me that your brother is studying Chinese now?
Jerry: Yes, that's right. He hopes to come to China after he graduates from university.
Fei: So why not buy him a DVD so that he can watch a movie in Chinese?
Jerry: Sure, he'd love that. He's crazy about kung fu movies, so he can have fun and learn
at the same time! You amaze me, Fei.
Fei: Geniuses will do that! Okay, now for your brother-in-law. I think you're on your own
there!
Jerry: Well, I could just get him a "I've been to the Great Wall" t-shirt.
Fei: Or maybe he'd like a Chinese kite too. Or maybe a kung fu DVD.
Jerry: Right, or maybe a qipao!
Fei: That's a silly idea!!
Jerry: Yes, you're right. He's much too fat to wear a qipao!
Jerry: That sounds like just what I need! But, how does traditional Chinese medicine
work?
Fei: Basically, it helps balance two opposing forces in your body. In Chinese, we call these
forces "Yin", which is cold, dark and quiet, and "Yang", which is hot, bright and active. If
you have either too much "Yin" or too much "Yang", your body is out of balance, and you
are more likely to get sick. The purpose of traditional Chinese medicine is to put "Yin" and
"Yang" back in balance.
Jerry: I see. So how can I get my hands on some Chinese medicine. Can I buy it in any
pharmacy?
Fei: First, you should be examined by a traditional doctor. I know a good doctor just
around the corner.
Jerry: I'm a bit afraid, Fei. Will he give me any shots or anything like that?
Fei: Don't be afraid, Jerry. The doctor will just feel your pulse and check the color of your
tongue. It's very simple and painless!
Jerry: Great! I have some free time at the end of next week. How's your schedule on
Thursday or Friday?
Fei: I'm free both days. I'll call the doctor to set up an appointment, then let you know
what has been decided.
Jerry: That's wonderful Fei. It should be a very interesting experience for me.
Karaoke!
Fei invites Jerry to go sing some songs with her friends
Fei: Hey Jerry, my friends just invited me to go to "ka la okay" with them tonight. Would
you like to come along?
Jerry: Where are you going? California? Do you mean karaoke? We pronounce it "carry oh
key" in English, with the emphasis on the "oh".
Fei: Oh, I see. Do you want to go to karaoke with us? It'll be fun!
Jerry: Fei, I feel nervous when someone hands me a microphone. I freeze. I know I'm not a
very good singer.
Fei: That's strange! I thought Americans were very outgoing.
Jerry: Not me! I'm very shy, especially in front of a group of strangers.
Fei: Hey, my friends aren't strange!
Jerry: "Strangers" just means "people I don't know". It doesn't mean they are strange! Was
it easy for you to sing the first time you went to karaoke?
Fei: For me it was very easy, I love to sing! But now that you mention it, some of my
friends were very shy the first time they went. One of my friends says he has to have some
beer before he can sing in front of people. Maybe you should have one or two drinks
before singing.
Jerry: Yes, I spent a few days in Atlanta in '96, and I saw the Winter Olympics in Nagano,
Japan in '98 too. You can see so many different people, hear different languages, do all
kinds of things. You can even see some sports if you really want to!
Fay: Ha ha ha. You're really funny, Jerry. So did you see many events?
Jerry: Actually, I didn't see so many. Believe it or not, it's better to watch the sports events
at home. It's more comfortable, you can see the games up close, and you get different
camera angles. Unless you can get good seats, watching in person isn't nearly as good.
Fay: That sounds very disappointing! Why should anyone go to see the Olympics?
Jerry: It's not disappointing at all. The atmosphere is what makes it all worthwhile. Also, I
got into collecting and trading Olympic pins when I was there. You can trade pins with
people from all over the world. I now have pins from more than 20 different countries. It's
a fun way to meet all kinds of people.
Fay: Did you meet any athletes?
Jerry: Yes, as a matter of fact, I met some of the Chinese women ice hockey players when
I was in Japan. They gave me this China pin in exchange for an American pin.
Fay: I think I'd like to have a Beijing 2008 Olympic pin! I wonder where I can get one?
Jerry: Well Fay, I just happen to have one right here.
Fay: Really? Can I have it?
Jerry: Sure... What do you have to trade for it???
Taking a Taxi
Jerry is worried about using a taxi in China, so he asks his Liu Fay how to use a taxi in
Beijing.
Jerry: Hey Fay, is there anything I need to know about taking a taxi in Beijing?
Fay: Well, its pretty easy, Jerry. The first thing you have to do is to signal by holding your
hand out. Next, you should find the right taxi. If you want to save money, you should find
a taxi that charges only 1.20 (one point two) yuan per kilometer. If you want a more
comfortable taxi, you can pay 1.60 yuan. The price is printed on a label shown in the back
window of each taxi.
Jerry: Okay. So what do I do after I get in the taxi?
Fay: Of course, you should greet the driver and tell him where you want to go. After he
starts driving, make sure he turns on the meter.
Jerry: What should I do if he cant find my destination?
Fay: Then you have to give him directions. Tell him to turn left or right. Thats zou guai
or you guai in Chinese. Or tell him to keep going straight, yizhi wang qian zou.
Jerry: Got it! Then I guess all I have to do is pay the driver and say good-bye, right?
Fay: Well, not quite. You should always ask for a receipt, which is printed out for every
customer. That way, if you forget something in the taxi, you can get it back with no
problem.
Jerry: Thanks Fay, thats a big help!
Fay: Too bad I don't have Internet wired directly to my brain! Now that would be
REALLY convenient.
Jerry: Well, maybe some day Fay, maybe some day...
Fei helps Jerry buy a new computer in Beijing's Zhong Guan Cun district.
Jerry: I'm so glad you brought me to Zhong Guan Cun, Fei. I might never have found it by
myself.
Fei: No problem, Jerry. I'm always happy to help.
Jerry: Are you sure I can find what I want here?
Fei: Could you remind me exactly what you're looking for?
Jerry: I want to buy a very small computer, one that is very light and easy to carry. I want
to be able to prepare my lessons wherever I am - in a taxi, at a restaurant, even at the
beach.
Fei: Ha ha ha. That would be interesting to see you writing your lessons at the beach!
Anyway, I'm sure you can find what you want here. In this building they sell nothing but
electronics and computers.
Jerry: I see so many new building under construction here. I wonder what they will be.
Fei: They will probably be office buildings for "hi tech" companies. This part of Beijing is
called China's "Silicon Valley".
Jerry: Oh, I didn't know that! Well, let's go inside and take a look. Hey, look at all the cool
stuff here! Hmmm... Maybe I should buy an MP3 player while I'm here ... Or maybe a new
mobile phone...
Fei: Come on, Jerry. We had better go upstairs or you'll spend all of your money before we
even SEE the computers!
Jerry: Okay. Which floor are the computers on?
Fei: Let's see, there's a sign over here. They're on the 3rd and 4th floors. What brand do
you want to buy?
Jerry: I think I'd like to buy a SONY.
Fei: Well, you can't beat the quality!
Jerry: Yes, and SONY products are usually small and light.
Fei: Hey, here are some SONY computers. Why don't you ask the price. This is your
chance to practice your bargaining skills.
Jerry: Can we bargain in a big electronics store? I had no idea... Fei: Yes you can, but you
have to be good! I'm sure you can do it.
Jerry: Thanks for the vote of confidence. Okay, here goes... Uh, excuse me, could you tell
me how much this computer is...
Jerry: I think I really need to move, Fei. This apartment is too noisy and too dark. There
are so many cars going by, but no sun comes through the windows. Do you think it would
be easy for me to find a better apartment?
Fei: Sure. There are lots of apartments available in Beijing these days. Which part of the
city would you like to live in?
Jerry: I'd like to stay on the west side, near the universities, but I'd also like an apartment
near the subway.
Fei: Maybe you should consider the Xizhimen area. It's a very convenient location.
Jerry: Yeah, Xizhimen sounds good. It's also near the zoo and the National Library.
Fei: Next you have to think about rent. What price range are you thinking about?
Jerry: Well, I really can't pay more than 1500 yuan a month, but I'd like to pay 1000 if
possible.
Fei: What if you find a perfect apartment for 1800 yuan or 2000, something really
beautiful. Would you take it?
Jerry: No, I really can't afford to pay that much. 1500 yuan is definitely my limit.
Fei: I think 1000 is possible if you have a roommate. You could share an apartment with a
college student, or maybe a young worker.
Jerry: That might be interesting, but I really like my privacy. I need to study Chinese in a
quiet place and also sleep in peace every night.
Fei: Maybe it's best for you to pay a little bit more for your own apartment. So, the next
step is to decide what kind of apartment you want - how many rooms, what kind of
furnishings, stuff like that.
Jerry: I don't need any special furnishings, but I certainly want a southern exposure. I like
to have a bright, sunny room. One bedroom and one living room is enough, but I really
want to have a balcony.
Fei: That should be easy to find. Most apartment buildings have rooms facing south,
usually with a balcony. But if you only want to pay 1500 yuan, maybe you will only have
one room, not two.
Jerry: I see. That's a bit small compared to my apartment in New York. But I guess Beijing
is more crowded.
Fei: Maybe we'll get lucky and find something bigger. Let's wait and see.
Jerry: Okay, now that I know what I want, what do I have to do to actually find an
apartment?
Fei: I'll look through some advertisements and make some phone calls. Then we can go
check out the ones that sound good.
Jerry: That's great, Fei. I'm really looking forward to having a nice, new apartment!
What if...?
Three guys were standing around talking about dying when one asked, "What would you
like people to say about you as they come to pay their last respects?" The second man
said, "I hope they say I was a respected doctor in my field, a good family man, and had
lots of friends." The third man said, "I hope they say I was a well spoken attorney, a good
citizen, helped my fellow man, and played a mean round of golf." The first man replied,
"That's probably what will be said of the two of you. My hope is that when they look
down in my coffin they say, 'Look...he's moving'"!
A Foggy Night
One night at sea, in a thick fog, a captain noticed what appeared to be the lights of
another ship approaching. So he megaphoned, "Change course ten degrees south." The
answer came back, "You change course ten degrees north." Annoyed, he bellowed, "I'm a
captain and I order you to change course ten degrees south." Back came the answer, "I'm a
lighthousekeeper and I order you to change course ten degrees north."
Several days later, he received a letter from the police that contained another picture - of
handcuffs!
A Jealous Wife
A man is sitting reading his newspaper when his wife sneaks up and whacks him on the
head with a frying pan. "What was that for?" he asks. "That was for the piece of paper in
your trousers pocket with the name Mary Ellen written on it" she replies. "Don't be silly,"
he says, "Two weeks ago when I went to the races, Mary Ellen was the name of one of the
horses I bet on."
She seems satisfied at this and apologizes. Three days later, he is again sitting in his chair
reading when she nails him with an even bigger frying pan, instantly knocking him out
cold. When he comes around he asks: "What was that for?"
"Your horse phoned!"
Biology Lesson
www.teacherjoe.us
One afternoon, a science teacher was lecturing his class in biology. Rather than just talk,
he planned a demonstration. So he said to his students, "Let me show you this frog in my
jacket pocket." He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a chicken sandwich. He
looked puzzled for a second, thought deeply, and said, "That's funny. I distinctly
remember eating my lunch."
The chief replied "It's not the Mayor, is it?" The trooper said, "No, even more important."
The chief replied, "It's the Governor, is it?", the trooper replied "No, even more
important." "It can't be the President!" "No, more important", said the trooper.
"Well WHO the HECK is it !", screamed the chief.
"I don't know who he is," explained the trooper. "But he's got the Pope as a chauffeur."
A Race Horse?
www.teacherjoe.us
A man was sitting reading his newspaper when his wife snuck up and whacked him real
hard on the head with a frying pan.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"That was for the piece of paper in your trousers pocket with the name Mary Ellen written
on it" she replied.
"Don't be silly," he said, "Two weeks ago when I went to the races, Mary Ellen was the
name of one of the horses I bet on."
She seemed satisfied at this and apologized.
Three days later, he was again sitting in his chair reading when she nailed him with an
even bigger frying pan, instantly knocking him out cold.
When he came around, he asked, "What was that for?"
"Your horse phoned!"
Highway to Hawaii
www.teacherjoe.us
A guy was walking along the beach, found a bottle, and picked it up. A magical genie
popped out and said, "Thanks for letting me out. For your kindness I will grant you one
wish." The guy said, "I've always wanted to go to Hawaii, but I can't because I'm afraid to
fly and ships make me deathly sick. My wish is for you to build a highway from here to
Hawaii." The genie replied, "I'm sorry, but I don't think I can do that. Just think of all the
work involved. Think of the huge pilings we would need to hold up that highway and how
deep they would have to be to reach the bottom of the ocean. And think of all the cement
that would be needed. Plus, since it's such a long span, there would have to be gas
stations and rest stops along the way. No, that's just too much to ask. Impossible. Think of
another wish." The guy thought for a moment and said, "Well, there is one thing I've
always wanted to know. I'd like to be able to understand women - what makes them laugh
and cry, why are they so temperamental, why are they so difficult to get along with ...you
know, what makes them tick?" The genie thought for a second, then asked, "Do you want
that highway with two lanes or four?"
Wife Control
www.teacherjoe.us
Three men were at a bar, drinking beer. Two of the men were talking about the control
they have over their wives, while the third remained silent. After a while, the first two
men turned to the third and asked, "What about you? What kind of control do you have
over your wife?" The third man turned to the first two and said, "Well, I'll tell you, just the
other day I had her on her knees." The first two men were dumbfounded. "Wow! What
happened next?" they asked. The third man took a big swig of his beer, sighed and
muttered, "Then she started screaming, 'Get out from under the bed and fight like a
man!'"
A Birthday Cake
www.teacherjoe.us
A man wanted to celebrate his wife's birthday by throwing a party. So he went to order a
birthday cake. The baker asked him what message to put on the cake. He thought for a
while and said, "Let's put, 'You are not getting older, you are getting better' on the cake".
The baker then asked, "How do you want me to arrange it?" The man replied, "Well, put
'You are not getting older', at the top and 'you are getting better' at the bottom.
The real fun didn't start until the cake was opened and everyone at the party saw the
message on the cake: "You are not getting older at the top, you are getting better at the
bottom"!
Geography Class
www.teacherjoe.us
An elementary school teacher was trying to encourage her students to be active in class.
While teaching geography, she looked at one student and said, "Stanley, go to the map
and find North America". Stanley stood up, went to the front of the room where a world
map was hanging, and pointed to North America. "Correct!", the teacher exclaimed.
"Now class, can anyone tell me who discovered America?". The whole class shouted
together, "Stanley"!
A Lucky Frog
www.teacherjoe.us
In the United States, you can call a telephone number and someone will predict your
future. This is called the 'psychic hotline'. Well, one day, a little green frog decided to call
the psychic hotline and see what his future held for him. The psychic told him, "You will
meet a very beautiful girl, who will want to know everything about you." "That's great !"
said the frog. "Where will I meet her? At a party, in the pond?" The psychic hesitated,
then responded, "You will meet her next semester, in the Biology lab!"
4. Where
Where can I buy a good suit?
5. Why + past participle
Why didn't you call me last week?
6. How + past participle
How can we get to the supermarket from here?
How long does it take to get there?
How far is it from here?
Verb Tenses:
The Second Key to English Grammar
I don't usually recommend memorizing anything, but this is one table you should try
to remember completely. (The seven tenses in blue are the most common. You will use
these almost every day, so learn them first.)
Twelve Basic
Verb Tenses
Past
Present
Future
walked
walk
will walk
2) Continuous
Tenses
was walking
am walking
will be walking
3) Perfect Tenses
had walked
have walked
1) Simple Tenses
4) Perfect
Continuous Tenses
Sample Sentences:
1) Simple Tenses describe actions that are only one moment in time.
I walked to school yesterday.
I walk to school every day.
I will walk to school next Tuesday.
2) Continuous Tenses describe actions that continue, then another action happens
more quickly.
I was walking to school last Friday when it suddenly started to rain.
He is walking to school now, but you can find him if you hurry.
I will be walking to school this time next week, so you will be able to find
me easily.
3) Perfect Tenses describe TWO moments in time, with emphasis on the second
one.
I had walked halfway to school before I remembered that I didn't have my
books.
I have always walked to school. (Emphasis is not spoken! It is on the
experience I have now - I am a person NOW who walks, not drives or takes
a bus or rides a bicycle.)
By the time the year is over, I will have walked a total of 300 kilometers!