road block noun

A roadblock is a barrier that is setup across a

road to stop people from using it.

Normally, the police, military, or construction

workers will set up the roadblock to stop traffic.

We can also use the word roadblock to

describe something that stops you from finishing
something you have started.

A road block is something that prevents you from

completing something you want to do.

In these situations, we say we have hit a road block.

Example 1
In the original 1980s Blue Brothers movie, police
used their own cars to build a series of road
blocks to try & stop brothers, Jake & Elwood Blues, from
reaching their final destination - it didnt work!
During the filming of the movie, a total of 103 police cars were
destroyed, & the movie became so popular that it made over
$130 million dollars at the box office.

Example 2
Plans in the United States to introduce driverless cars in the
next few years have hit a roadblock snow!
Designers have found that snow severely affects the many
radar sensors & cameras a driverless car relies on to work
properly.
With 70% of the American population living in snow affected
areas, this represents a major problem for car manufacturers.

overcome verb

If you overcome something - you succeed.

You win.

You are victorious.

You are successful in dealing with a difficult problem.

i)

Other words with a similar meaning include:

Defeat

ii)

Conquer

iii)

Triumph over

Example 1
These soldiers are from the 3rd Battalion of the
Royal Welsh Army & they are smiling because
they have just completed one of the most
difficult military training exercises in the world.
Over the last 48 hours, they have had to
overcome
many
challenges
including
marching 80km through the rugged Cambrian
mountains in Wales (while carrying heavy backpacks) & fighting
mock battles against other soldiers.
Example 2
Public speaking expert, Gary Schmidt, says there are many
ways to help overcome the fear of speaking in public. These
include:
(1)
Talk about your own experiences.
(2)
Choose a topic that you are passionate about
(3)
Prepare a fantastic & engaging introduction.
(4)
Practise, practise, practise
(5)
Dont forget to breathe.

Discussion
Have you ever had to overcome a difficult problem or
situation?
How did you do it?

A mountaintop experience

If you have
experience, then:

expression

mountain-top

i)

Something happens to you that is unusual & different from

your everyday life.

ii)

You have an experience that is special & positive.

iii)

Something happens to you that is extraordinary & you will

never forget.

However, mountain-top experiences always come to an

end, & you have to return to your normal, everyday life.

Usually, you will still feel excited for a few days but soon you
have to get used to all of lifes usual difficulties & frustrations
again.

Example 1
At the 2000 Olympic Games, 180 athletes from Nth
Korean & Sth Korean had a shared mountaintop
experience.
The athletes from both countries walked into the
opening ceremony, carrying a blue & white flag of

unification.
Basketballer, Ms Chung Un Soon, said that it was a very special
moment that would bring real hope for the future.

Example 2
The Bible describes several mountain-top
experiences where people had powerful
encounters with God.
Eg/ In the Old Testament book of Exodus, Moses is trying to find
a lost sheep when he sees a burning bush.
When he comes closer God speaks to him from it & so begins a
lifetime of personal friendship with God.

Discussion
How many mountain top experiences from the Bible can you
remember?

(A clue:
They dont need to be just on top of a mountain. They are any
special experience of God.)