Speaking and Vocabulary

Lesson 11:

Build Castles in the Air

Target Skills:
• To learn words which may be helpful when
staying in a hotel or guesthouse

Accommodation Vocabulary Other expressions

room service
bed and breakfast a private house or small hotel which delivery of food or other services
offers a room to sleep in for the night and requested by guests
morning meal
wake up call
guesthouse a small house where guests are invited to a morning phone call from the
stay
front desk, acts as an alarm clock
hostel a very inexpensive place for travelers and
backpackers on a budget valet
a staff that parks the guests’
campsite a place used for camping
vehicles
complimentary free of charge amenities
breakfast local facilities such as stores and
restaurants
Hotel Vocabulary
damage charge
bell boy a staff member who helps guests with money a guest owes for repairs
their luggage to hotel due to careless acts
front place where guests go to check in and
desk/reception check out and get information kitchenette
a small fridge and cooking area
housekeeping staff members that clean the rooms and
linen
luggage cart A device on wheels that guests can push
their luggage on

Idiom of the day:

Build castles in the air – to daydream; to make plans that can never come
true
I want to spend my time sitting on the porch and building castles in the air.
 Speaking and Vocabulary

Let’s Talk!
1. Have you ever been to a really disgusting hotel? Did you stay or leave?
I haven’t yet because I always check online reviews..
I will never forget my experience with…

2. What are the main factors that determine where you choose to stay – price,
location, hotel amenities, room décor, hotel reputation?
I just look for cheap hotels or motels that provide..
Sometimes, I book a nice hotel that has..

3. What do you think are the possible problems that could occur with hotel
reservations?
Sometimes, the receptionist misunderstands the..
Most of the time, miscommunication between the..

Dialog: Checking In Hotel: A full Continental buffet every

Hotel: Good afternoon. Welcome to the
Grand Woodward Hotel. How may I help
you?
morning, free airport shuttle service, and use of
the hotel's safe are all included.
Guest: So what's not included in the price?

Guest: I have a reservation for today. It's
under the name of Hannighan.
Hotel: Yes, Mr. Hannighan, we've reserved a
double room for you with a view of the ocean
for two nights. Is that correct?
Guest: Yes, it is.
Hotel: Excellent. We already have your credit
card information on file. If you'll just sign the
receipt along the bottom, please.
Guest: Whoa! Five hundred and ninety
dollars a night!
Hotel: Yes, sir. We are a five star hotel after
all.
Guest: Well, fine. I'm here on business
anyway, so at least I'm staying on the
company's dime. What's included in this cost
anyway?
Hotel: Well, you will find a mini-bar in your
room. Use of it will be charged to your
account. Also, the hotel provides room service,
at an additional charge of course.
Guest: Hmm. Ok, so what room am I in?
Hotel: Room 487. Here is your key. To get to
your room, take the elevator on the right up to
the fourth floor. Turn left once you exit the
elevator and your room will be on the left hand
side. A bellboy will bring your bags up shortly.
Guest: Great. Thanks.
Hotel: Should you have any questions or
requests, please dial 'O' from your room. Also,
there is internet available in the lobby 24 hours
a day.
Guest: Ok, thanks.
Hotel: My pleasure, sir. Have a wonderful stay
at the Grand Woodward Hotel.
 Speaking and Vocabulary
Lesson 12:

Music To One’s Ears

Target Skills:
• To learn words related to music, including the
names of different musical genres

Adjectives for describing music More Idioms

heavy loud and harsh sounding rock music
with a strong beat change your tune
upbeat happy and cheerful to express a different opinion or
behave in a different way
melancholic characterized by or expressing sadness
face the music
jazzy dance music with lively rhythms and to accept criticism or punishment
melodies for something you have done
funky danceable new form of music with a
mixture of soul music, rhythm and play it by ear
blues and jazz To play a piece of music after
just listening to it a few times,
orchestral music played together with large
without looking at the notes
group of musicians who play various
instruments
Other Expressions ring a bell
to sound familiar
massive hit record that sells lots of copies
blow your own trumpet
background music music that is played while something is to talk openly and boastfully
happening about one’s achievements

catchy tune a song that is easy to remember and fine tuning

makes you want to sing it To make small adjustments to
tone deaf a person who cannot distinguish something in order to achieve
different notes in music the desired results

Idiom of the day:

Music to one’s ears – something that is pleasant or gratifying to hear or
discover
The commission’s report is music to the ears of the administration.
 Speaking and Vocabulary

Let’s Talk!
1. What kind of music do you listen to?
I am a big fan of … music…
My taste in music is totally different..

2. Is the internet a good thing or bad thing for the music industry?
I think it is good for marketing strategy…
Internet is making it difficult for the artists to..

3. Should we give serious attention to our music subject at school?

I think we should. It teaches us to play music by ear and..
People who are tone deaf should…

Dialog: One’s Taste in Music

Bill: What are you listening to?
Sam: Some new mellow music. You want to hear it? Definitions:
Bill: Sure! That’s pretty melancholic. It’s got an acoustic – music which sound is not
interesting indie feel. electrically enhanced or modified
Sam: Do you like it? indie – a music that is
Bill: Not really. I like more funky, dance music independently produced
myself. It is too refreshing. mellow – music that is calm and
Sam: Oh I see. Sometimes, I am also in the mood for relaxed
upbeat music. grow on someone – to become
Bill: Got it! Then what do you think of acoustic gradually acceptable and enjoyable
music? for someone

Sam: It is not my thing.

Bill: Oh that’s too bad!
Sam: When I like the music, I can play it by ear after
listening to it once.
Sam: Acoustic music is growing on me even though
it doesn’t have a catchy tune.
 Speaking and Vocabulary

Lesson 13:

Hold the Wire

Target Skills:
• To be able to express one’s self using a wide range of vocabulary
related to technology

Nouns
computer buff an expert computer user Phrasal Verbs
gadget a technological tool like a mobile phone or to back up files
camera to make copy of files in case of a
techie somebody who has an interest in technology computer problem

social media media used to interact with other people such as to boot up
Facebook or Twitter to start a computer
wireless hotspot a public place where you can access the to cut and paste
internet to move text or images from one
video conferencing to see and hear people from different place in a document to another
locations using the internet place
browser computer program such as Mozilla or Google
that enables internet users to access navigate go online
and search world wide web to start using the internet

Other expressions surf the web

to look at a series of websites one
user-friendly something related to a computer and is after the other
easy and simple to use
cutting edge the most advanced stage in the scroll up/down/ across
development of something move information on a computer
upgrade to obtain a more powerful or feature-rich screen in order to read it
computer or piece of software
pop up
download to save a copy of a file from the internet appear suddenly
to your own device

Idiom of the day:

Hold the wire – when someone holds the wire, you want them to wait and not
hang up
Please hold the wire. I will think about it a little longer.
 Speaking and Vocabulary
Let’s Talk!
1. Do you enjoy using technology?
Yes, I do. That is the reason why my friends call me a techie..
I enjoy using computers..

2. What kind of technological developments have made the biggest impact on our lives?
It has to be the internet because..
I think wifi has made a huge difference..

3. What do you think are the important things people need to learn when they start using
computers?
They should learn how to navigate websites…
It is important that they know how to back up..

Dialog: Hooking Up My Computer Peter: That's handy.

Peter: Hi Jack. Can you give me a hand?
Jack: Sure. what's up?
Peter: I've just bought a new computer and I'm
having some problems hooking everything up.
Jack: I'm a geek. Yeah, I know. I'd be happy to help.
Peter: Thanks! I've connected all the cables from my
monitor, mouse and keyboard, and I've plugged it in.
Jack: Have you installed the software yet?
Peter: No, I haven't. Do I need to?
Jack: Not always, but it's best to install drivers for
your keyboard and mouse, as well as your printer.
Peter: Will the computer boot up without those?
Jack: Of course. Boot up the computer and then we
can update the drives.
Peter: OK. What's that thing (points to a computer
component)
Jack: Oh, that's a memory reader. You can insert
things like SD cards from your camera and mp3
players into it.
Jack: You've bought a nice system. How big
is the hard drive?
Peter: I think it's 750 gigabyte.
Jack: Good... The computer's booted up.
Let's install those drivers.
Peter: Before we do that, can I get online?
Jack: Do you have a modem?
Peter: Yes, I do. I think I have a cable
modem.
Jack: hmmm... yes you do. Is the Ethernet
cable plugged in?
Peter: What's that?
Jack: It's the cable that connects your modem
to your computer.
Peter: Let's surf the internet!
Jack: Just a moment... first we need to launch
the browser.
Peter: The browser?
Jack: It's the program that allows you to surf
the internet.
 Speaking and Vocabulary
Lesson 14:

Call the Shots

Target Skills:
• To learn vocabulary for sport in general as well as for specific
sports

Sports Venues
cricket field large grassy ground on which the game of Phrasal Verbs
cricket is played
golf course area of land laid out for golf fall behind
to fail to keep the same speed as
ice rink an enclosed area of ice for skating or ice hockey someone else

racetrack oval course on which races are run warm up

to prepare for physical exercise by
squash court indoor court in which squash is played stretching or exercising
beforehand
boxing ring enclosed area for a boxing match
hit back
football pitch an area painted with lines for playing football to fight back or to respond to
failure or aggression

More Vocabulary kick off

the start or beginning of
spectator a person who watched at a show, game or something
other event
referee a person who decides the issues or results knock out
and supervises the players’ conduct to make someone unconscious or
to eliminate your opponent
tournament a series of contests between a number of notch up
competitors who compete for an overall prize
to increase, add up or score
foul unfair or invalid stroke or piece of play something

Idiom of the day:

Call the shots – to make the decisions; to decide what is to be done
Sally always wants to call the shots. She doesn’t get along well with her sisters.
 Speaking and Vocabulary
Let’s Talk!
1. What kind of sport would you want to try?
I would probably try playing golf. ..
I am always curious about…

2. Why do some people enjoy participating in sport more than others?

I suppose some people are more concerned about their..
Some people seem to be health buff

3. What do you think is best for people who aren’t used to physical activity?
These people should warm up before..
Maybe taking a brisk walk every morning is a good way to start…

Dialog: Extreme Sports

Sally: I am so glad it’s Friday. Are you doing
anything this weekend?
Ryan: I’m going snowboarding with James.
Sally: Didn’t you guys go bungee jumping last
weekend?
Sally: Me? I’m not really the adventurous
type.
Ryan: You never know. You might like it.
After cave diving, we’ll probably try
climbing.

Ryan: Yeah and we plan to go cave diving in a Sally: Oh, that doesn’t sound too bad. I’ve
couple of weeks. done some climbing before.

Sally: I didn’t know you were into extreme sports. I Ryan: I should tell you that we plan on going
guess it’s a big adrenaline rush. ice climbing.

Ryan: It is. But for me, it’s about pushing myself to Sally: In that case, I think I will pass. Have
the limit. fun this weekend.
Ryan: Thanks and let me know if you change
Sally: Aren’t you afraid of getting hurt?
your mind.
Ryan: Sure! There’s always a danger of getting hurt
but we don’t do these sports competitively. It’s just
for fun. I like trying new stunts and seeing how far
we can push the boundaries of the sport. Do you
want to come some time?
 Speaking and Vocabulary

Lesson 15:

Vocabulary Review
Exercise 1: Idioms
Direction: Fill in the gaps the correct idioms which you learned from Lessons 11 – 14.

1. She keeps talking about her big-tie ambitions but it’s all
___________________.
2. The irate customer screamed when the receptionist asked her Words for Further Study
to ___________________.
3. If she’s going to ________________ from now on, I won’t be
sticking around.
4. The court’s decision to restore the old building is 1. _____________
____________________. 2. _____________
5. Exercise 1: Idioms
Exercise 2: Vocabulary 3. _____________

1. My daughter is _______________ with her school work. She 4. _____________

needs to study more.
5. _____________
2. I’d like to __________ with a quick look at last month’s sales
figures. 6. _____________

3. They were defeated in the first round of the chess 7. _____________

___________.
8. _____________
4. Alex is known to be a _____________ at school. He earns some
money from repairing computers.
5. Most students think that Google is more ________________
compared to other search engines.
6. She is always busy ______________ the web that she could no
longer find time to exercise.
 Speaking and Vocabulary

Lesson 16:

Hot Off the Press

Target Skills:
• To learn words related to media for better understanding and
communication

Media Vocabulary Phrasal Verbs

leak out
columnist a person who writes a regular article for
to be released or become known
newspaper
unofficially
correspondent a person employed by a news organization
to gather report from a distant place hot up
to make something exciting or to
front page first page of a newspaper with the most intensify
important story
cover up
headline title of newspaper article to hide something
byline a line at the beginning of a news article giving
the writer’s name die down
To subside or to become less
caption a sentence or phrase under a picture to noticeable
identify or describe a picture
turn up
bias when an editor expresses a personal point of to be discovered
views in a news article or in a series of articles
broadcasting distribution of audio or video signals which fend off
transmit programs to an audience prevent something from
happening
mass media all the tools we have for communicating
with a large number of people
come by
coverage the way in which something is reported to obtain or to acquire
press all the media and agencies that print,
broadcast or gather and transmit news

Idiom of the day:

Hot off the press – freshly printed; just released by a publisher
Here’s a copy of the weekend news. It’s hot off the press.
 Speaking and Vocabulary
Let’s Talk!
1. Are there certain things journalists shouldn’t report on? Why?
The press shouldn’t report on religion..
I believe that journalist should avoid reporting on issues about..

2. Do you think the media is objective?

Some reporters are known for biased media coverage…
I completely believe that the media is objective..

3. Has the news reporting gotten better, worse or stayed the same over your
lifetime? Why?
I can say that it has gotten worse because some reporters cover up..
For me, news reporting has gotten better due to..

Paragraph: Phrasal Verbs in News

Direction: Fill in the blank the phrasal verb being defined in the parentheses after each blank.

Allegedly, private investigators, paid for their services by journalists at a leading Sunday
newspaper, hacked into the mobile phones of politicians, celebrities and victims of crime. Having
gained access to the voicemail of their victims, the hackers spied on them by listening in on their
private conversations.

As more and more details ___________ (became known illegally), some journalists have
complained that they were constantly leaned on by editors to come up with exclusive stories for the
paper and this, in turn, forced them to resort to illegal methods to _________ (obtain) such stories.

As the scandal grew, the debate about the freedom of the press and personal privacy started to
_________ (intensify). It soon became clear that the newspaper in question had also attempted to
________ (hide) certain evidence of wrongdoing. In order to ________ (deflect) further criticism, the
management of the newspaper decided to close it down and lay off its 200 employees.

The furor over the behavior of certain individuals shows no sign of _______ (subsiding) and, as
ever more lurid details ________ (emerge) on an almost daily basis, no-one can say with any certainty
what the investigation into the affair is going to _______ (discover) next.
Speaking and Vocabulary

Lesson 17:

Rain or Shine
Target Skills:
• To learn helpful words and expressions when talking about
weather

Weather Vocabulary
Phrasal Verbs
drizzling raining slightly
scorching extremely hot temperature cloud over
shower quick/light rainstorm sky becomes covered with
clouds
avalanche a dangerous slide of snow down a mountain
clear up
downpour a heavy, drenching rain stops being rainy or cloudy

overcast no sun is visible warm up

to become warmer
freezing cold very cold
cool down
baking hot a very hot day to become cooler

drought a long period with no rainfall get drenched

to get very wet
flurries very light snowfall
brighten up
forecast prediction of the weather sky becomes lighter and the sun
a storm with lots of snow and wind starts to shine
blizzard
haze tiny particles of dust, smoke or pollution
that are scattered through the air

Idiom of the day:

Rain or shine – whatever happens or whatever the weather is
Come rain or shine, I’m going to pass my English exam.
 Speaking and Vocabulary
Let’s Talk!
1. Which months have the best weather in your country?
I really like the end of October because it is..
It’s not freezing cold during the months of…

2. Does the weather affect how you feel?

Rainy days usually make me feel down…
I hate going out on a baking hot day..

3. Do you think the weather is changing due to global warming?

Yes, I am pretty sure that global warming is responsible for heat stroke cases in..
We have been getting unseasonable weather these days..

Practice Dialog: It is scorching Practice Dialog: It’s raining cats and

dogs
Minnie: Oh, man! Nobody can stand this kind Stephen: Wow, you got drenched! Didn't
of scorching heat. you know there's a thunderstorm today?
Marc: Tell me about it! You can't even stay in the
sun for five minutes.
Winnie: You'll be scorched like a shriveled plant. Justine: I knew there would be a shower,
but I didn't realize it would rain cats and
Marc: Or like a shriveled old man!
dogs today.
Winnie: I like your humor, Marc. Anyway, I
guess this afternoon there's nothing we can do but stay
home. Stephen: Well, you'd better take a hot
Marc: I guess so. I don't want to be taken to the shower right now, or you'll catch a cold.
hospital for heat exhaustion or sunstroke or
something.
Winnie: You want my advice? Drink a lot of Justine: I know. I don't want to get sick,
liquids and spare yourself the worst of the heat! especially during finals week.
Marc: Yeah, you're right. Got to drink a lot of fluids.
Do we have any beer?
Winnie: Yes! Do you want Coors Light or
Corona?
 Speaking and Vocabulary
Lesson 18:
Lead Someone Down the
Garden Path
Target Skills:
• To expand student’s vocabulary or clarify some common
gardening words and phrases

Garden Vocabulary More Nouns

organic a fertilizer, pesticide or plant food that is of
animal or plant origin; no chemicals orchard
a piece of land planted with fruit
ornamental plants grown for aesthetics, not for trees
consumption or use
bush
seedling plant that has emerged from its seed with its wild and uncultivated plants with
first root, stem or leaves many small branches
perennial plants that live for multiple growing seasons vineyard
plantation of grapevines
pruning process of cutting off leaves or branches within
herb
limits in order to remove dead branches any plant with leaves used for
plants that do not require pollen from flavoring food or medicine
self-pollinating
another plant to produce another fruit fruit tree
ever blooming a flower that blooms throughout the season a tree grown for its edible fruit

germinate to sprout shovel

a tool with handle and broad
compost a mixture of decaying, organic materials scoop for digging
used for fertilizing and mulching
sprinkler
herbicide a substance that destroys plants or inhibits device used for watering plants
their growth
rake
horticulture the art and science of cultivating plants a garden tool with a long handle
loam soil rich soil which is ideal for gardening and and pointed metal parts used for
agriculture gathering leaves

Idiom of the day:

Lead someone down the garden path – give someone misleading clues and
signals
That man who is a cheater led me down the garden path.
 Speaking and Vocabulary

Let’s Talk!
1. Do you think it’s possible for city people to have a small garden on the balcony of their
apartments?
Loam soil is needed when you want to start gardening. I think it is impossible for them to..
Yes, plant pots are now available in the market…

2. Do you think farmers could make enough money by selling everything they grow?
I think farmers couldn’t earn enough money by simply growing plants and vegetables..
Organic products are now getting in demand. Farmers can get a lot of money from..

3. What are the advantages of having your own garden?

Having your own garden can be very relaxing..
I think gardening is a good stress reliever….

Practice Dialog: Gardening

Joni: Smell that fresh air. Aren't you glad I got you to help me plant this garden? We're going to have
so much fun today.
Gus: Uh huh. I'm glad to help, but I don't exactly have a green thumb.
Joni: That's okay. As long as you can tell a shovel from a lawn mower, you'll be fine. Let's start by
moving these pots next to the bushes.
Gus: Okay, your wish is my command.
Joni: Oh, this bag of fertilizer is so heavy.
Gus: Let me get that.
Joni: Thanks. I didn't know we had so many large bags of seeds, too.
Gus: Do you want me to help you with those?
Joni: Thanks a lot. I'll also need someone to help me shovel the soil.
Gus: I guess I could do that.
Joni: And how am I going to pull all of these weeds?
Gus: Honestly, I think we need reinforcements.
Joni: Good idea. You start working and I'll go find a compost.
Gus: I can't wait to pick organic plants from our garden.
 Speaking and Vocabulary
Lesson 19:

Play Politics
Target Skills:
• To help the students understand the language used in
politics

Politics Vocabulary Forms of Government

bill draft of a proposed law to be discussed in
parliament
parliament group of people who are responsible for
making the laws
political organization with stated beliefs and
political party
aims and forward candidates in elections
bipartisan involving two political parties
coup d’etat sudden, often violent change of government
when the military takes control
incumbent person currently holding an official position
opposition political party opposing the government
campaign planned activities in an organized effort to
win an election
regime period during which a particular government
or ruling system is in power
poll process of voting in an election
electorate all people who can vote in an election
political dynasty a family or group that maintain power for several
generations
democracy
a form of government where
elections are held and people
vote for the candidate of their
choice
dictatorship
a government where the ruler has
obtained total power over the
country by force
monarchy
form of government in which the
head of state is a king or a queen
parliamentary
a government which the
executive power is vested in the
legislative body
federal
a system of government in which
several states form a unity but
remain independent in internal
affairs

Idiom of the day:

Play politics – act for political or personal gain rather than from principle
He accused councilors of playing politics with children’s education.
 Speaking and Vocabulary
Let’s Talk!
1. Which form of government do you think is the most beneficial to all people?
I firmly believe that democratic form of government is the most..
Based on my experience, parliamentary is effective when it comes to…

2. What do you think of your country’s current leader?

The recent survey says that…
I am totally in favor of our current leader because…

3. Do you see any advantages in having a dictator? Why?

I don’t see any advantage in having a dictator..
Many people want to vote for their leader…

Practice Dialog: Election

Carla: Electorate should be wiser in choosing the our next leader.

Adam: I couldn't agree more. We should stop political dynasty in our country.

Carla: Well, it is easier said than done. If only all voters are professionals and educated.

Adam: Oh! You'd better be careful with what you say. People's right to elect our leaders is guaranteed
by the constitution.

Carla: I didn't say that it isn't. What I am saying is, educated people can make better choices. And I am
sure they won't sell their votes.

Adam: Okay, but in my point of view, it would have been better if we have a dictatorial government.
Just like twenty years ago.

Carla: Oh! Wait! Don't tell me you want less freedom and more responsibilities?

Adam: Well, if that's what it takes to have peace in this country, yes.

Carla: I don't get your point. You sound like you are opposing the government.

Adam: I'm just expressing my political views. Forget what I've said.
 Speaking and Vocabulary

Lesson 20:

Vocabulary Review
Exercise 1: Idioms
Direction: Fill in the gaps the correct idioms which you learned from Lessons 16 – 20.
1. They are not making reasonable decisions. Maybe they are just
__________________. Words for Further Study
2. News that is _________________ has just been printed and often
contains the most recent information about something.
3. We’ll hold the party ____________. Please come over.
4. They all have been leading us ___________ about the health care. 1. _____________
5. Exercise 1: Idioms 2. _____________
Exercise 2: Vocabulary
3. _____________
1. Lisa _______________ by the rain and she is now feeling under the
weather. 4. _____________
2. It was _________ hot at the beach.
5. _____________
3. Warm and sunny weather feels ____________ in January.
6. _____________
4. Being a war ____________, Jim always travels to Iraq.
5. He spent the entire evening __________________ unwanted 7. _____________
admirers.
8. _____________
6. The report was nothing but lies and __________.
7. The unions are in ______________ to the proposed salary scheme.
8. They advise farmers not to __________ fruit trees heavily. They
should let them grow.
9. The famous Victorian garden has many __________ plants. Tourists
love to take pictures of it.