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سلام ...
سایت English Portal بنظر من یکی از بهترین سایت های آموزش زبان انگلیسی هستش .
این سایت هر ماه برای اعضاش Newsletter میفرسته که خیلی میتونه مفید باشه .
من از این ماه این Newsletter ها رو روی سایت قرار میدم تا بقیه ی دوستان هم استفاده کنن .
Issue 133
08 August 2010
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Slang
love handles
A deposit of fat at the waistline. Often used in the plural
Proverbs
Where there´s a will there´s a way.
If we have the determination to do something, we can always find the path or method to do it.
Tongue Twisters
Supposed to be pistachio,
supposed to be pistachio,
supposed to be pistachio
Quotes
Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. - Les Brown
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer
direct flight
a flight on which passengers do not have to change planes, but may involve one or more stops en route
an airline flight that requires a passenger to get off one plane and get onto another plane to complete the journey
a service which gives guidance to aircraft, to prevent collisions and manage efficient traffic flow
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation i.e., stand for?
e.g. Please send me the complete list of materials - i.e., include the paper, pens and folders.
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
it boils down to -
E.g. What it all boils down to is he is leaving.
- To be hard working.
- How to cook something.
- The basic result something will produce.
- The final result after working a certain task.
Copyright 2010 by English Portal, Rudolf-Angermeier-Straße 6, 64625 Bensheim:from me :
Issue 134
15 August 2010
Slang
pig out
make a pig of oneself, to eat large amounts of food quickly and without good manners; to overeat
Proverbs
Live and let live.
We should not interfere in other people´s business. We should live our own lives and let others live their lives.
Tongue Twisters
Denise sees the fleece, Denise sees the fleas.
At least Denise could sneeze and feed and freeze the fleas.
Quotes
A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. - John Maxwell
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
immigration officer
- a scheduled trip by plane between designated airports
- government official responsible for checking passengers’ passports
- an airline flight that requires a passenger to get off one plane and get onto another plane to complete the journey
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation EU stand for?
e.g. Many of the former communist countries are considering to join the EU as a solution to their economic problems.
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
bring home the bacon -
e.g., Women nowadays not only take care of the household but also bring home the bacon.
- earn a living, especially for a family; achieve desired results; have success
- have a dream job
- working at a second job in order to supplement the income from a permanent position
Copyright 2010 by English Portal, Rudolf-Angermeier-Straße 6, 64625 Bensheim
Issue 135Slang
22 August 2010
clock-watcher
a person who is eager for the time to pass, as at work or school
Proverbs
A man is known by the company he keeps.
Your reputation will be judged by your friends.
Tongue Twisters
It's not the cough that carries you off,
it's the coffin they carry you off in!
Quotes
That which does not kill you makes you stronger. - Nietzsche
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
in favour of
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation dept stand for?
e.g. Could you take this package to the deliveries dept? I don´t have time to do it myself now.
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
Since they argued, she has been given the cold shoulder by her friend.
- Since they argued, she has been ignored by her friend.
- Since they argued, her shoulder has been cold.
- Since they argued, her friend’s shoulder has been cold.
Copyright 2010 by English Portal, Rudolf-Angermeier-Straße 6, 64625 Bensheim
Issue 136
29 August 2010
Slang
smart aleck
an obnoxious know-it-all, a person who makes sarcastic or annoying remarks
Proverbs
Rome wasn´t built in a day.
Be patient and keep struggling.
Tongue Twisters
Stupid superstition! I wish to wish the wish you wish to wish, but if you wish the wish the witch wishes, I won't wish the wish you wish to wish.
Quotes
"Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries." - Corita Kent
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
contribution
- any one of a number of individual efforts in a common endeavour
- express one's preference for a candidate or for a measure or resolution
- the officer who presides at the meetings of an organization
- an informal vote made by participants holding up one hand each to indicate a choice
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation CBT stand for?
e.g. For my new job I need CBT, the company is paying for a two-week course.
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
In his mother’s eyes, he could do no wrong.
- In his mother’s opinion, he was perfect.
- In his mother’s eyes, he is a wrongdoer.
- His mother could cause no harm to him.
Copyright 2010 by English Portal, Rudolf-Angermeier-Straße 6, 64625 Bensheim
:^:
Issue 137
05 September 2010
Talking about Influenza
Influenza FAQ
Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract caused by one of three strains of influenza virus (A, B, and C). This highly contagious disease rapidly spreads around the world in seasonal epidemics, imposing considerable economic burden in the form of health care costs and lost productivity.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
High fever
Headache
Tiredness or weakness (can be extreme)
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes
Diarrhea (US spelling) / diarrhoea (UK spelling) and vomiting also can occur, but are more common in children.
These symptoms are usually referred to as "flu-like symptoms." A lot of different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Because these two types of illnesses have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more common and intense. Colds are usually milder than the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny nose. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.
What are general steps to take if you get sick?
Get plenty of rest
Drink a lot of liquids
Avoid using alcohol and tobacco
Consider taking over-the-counter medications to relieve the symptoms of flu
Stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze to protect others from your germs.
Who should get vaccinated?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.
What is a ‘flu s’?
The ‘flu s’—an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu s is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
Vaccine side effects
Different side effects can be associated with the flu s. Some minor ones that could occur are:
Soreness, redness, or swelling where the s was given
Fever (low grade) and
Aches
Practise vocabulary: http://www.talking-about.net/english-Influenza-6.php
Slang
wrong side of the tracks
the poor part of town, slum
Proverbs
All that glitters is not gold.
Don´t be allured by flashy temptations.
Tongue Twisters
How many cookies could a good cook cook If a good cook could cook cookies? A good cook could cook as much cookies as a good cook who could cook cookies.
Quotes
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness. - Charles Spurgeon
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
one-way ticket
- a tour arranged by a travel agent; transportation and food and lodging are all provided at an inclusive price
- an air ticket that only takes the traveller from their origin to their destination with no return flight back to their origin
- referring to accommodation in which guests can take care of their own meal and laundry needs
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation attn stand for?
e.g.
- as a heading on a letter/memo/fax to specify the person who is being addressed.
- as closing line i.e.; “thanks for the attn” abbreviated.
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
Bite your tongue!
Copyright 2010 by English Portal, Rudolf-Angermeier-Straße 6, 64625 Bensheim
Issue 138
12 September 2010
Slang
bad mouth
say negative things about someone or something
Proverbs
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
One sure thing is better than two maybes.
Tongue Twisters
Four furious friends fought for the phone.
Quotes
For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness. - author unknown
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
domestic tourism
- travel within the traveller’s country of residence
- the season when travel is least active and rates are lowest
- a tour arranged by a travel agent; transportation and food and lodging are all provided at an inclusive price
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation A.D. stand for?
e.g. The Saracens sacked St. Peter´s Church in A.D. 847.
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
Keep your options open and don't burn any bridges.
- Be careful while smoking a cigarette on a bridge, it can burn.
- Take time before you decide on the best course for you, and don’t make enemies of people you might need in the future.
- Don’t burn any bridges, it is criminal.
Copyright 2010 by English Portal, Rudolf-Angermeier-Straße 6, 64625 Bensheim
Issue 139
19 September 2010
Slang
gibberish
a generic term for talking that sounds like speech but has no actual meaning
Proverbs
All that glitters is not gold.
Don´t be allured by flashy temptations.
Tongue Twisters
Seven slick slimey snakes slowly sliding southward.
Quotes
When having 'more' leaves you empty, you discover true happiness lies in 'enough'! - Bob Perks
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
bone
- rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates
- dense growth of hairs covering the body or parts of it (as on the human head)
- the fluid (red in vertebrates) that is pumped by the heart
- a natural protective covering of the body
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation s.a.e. stand for?
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
The boss is coming in to take stock of the situation.
- The boss is coming to pick up his dividend.
- The boss is coming in to assess the situation.
- The boss is asking where the stocks are bought and sold.
Copyright 2010 by English Portal, Rudolf-Angermeier-Straße 6, 64625 Bensheim
Issue 140
26 September 2010
Slang
idiot box
a television
Proverbs
When in Rome do as the Romans do.
Adapt to the local customs.
Tongue Twisters
How much caramel can a canny cannonball cram in a camel if a canny cannonball can cram caramel in a camel?
Quotes
A smooth sea never made a skilled mariner.
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
forearm
- the part of the superior limb between the elbow and the wrist
- the inner surface of the hand from the wrist to the base of the fingers
- the thick short innermost digit of the forelimb
- the joint or the region of the joint between the human hand and the arm
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation "sms" stand for?
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
to lay one’s cards on the table -
E.g. ‘If we are to make a deal we both have to lay our cards on the table.’
- To have secrets.
- To have a secretive personality.
- To be honest about opinions and plans.
- To be planning something in secret.
Copyright 2010 by English Portal, Rudolf-Angermeier-Straße 6, 64625 Bensheim
Slang
bum
a lazy person who seeks to live solely by the support of others
Proverbs
Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
Accept a gift graciously.
Tongue Twisters
She stood on the balcony, inexplicably mimicking him hiccuping, and amicably welcoming him in.
(An actor's vocal warmup for lips and tongue.)
Quotes
“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” W. Clement Stone
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
dismantle a stand
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation ISBN stand for?
- information statistics budget nomination
- international standard book number
- international safety brochure numeration
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
easier said than done -
E.g. To climb Mount Everest is easier said than done.
- To talk a lot about something.
- To believe in one’s own abilities or skills.
- More difficult to do than talk about.
- To have difficulty doing something.
Issue 143
17 October 2010
Word power
Wrongdoing and Corruption
Here are some expressions commonly used in discussing Wrongdoing and Corruption matters
arson - fire raising, malicious burning to destroy property
assault - a threatened or attempted physical attack by someone who appears to be able to cause bodily harm if not stopped
blackmail - a threatening to reveal substantially true information about a person to the public, a family member, or associates unless a monetary demand is met
bribe - make illegal payments to in exchange for favours or influence
bribery - the practice of offering something (usually money) in order to gain an illicit advantage
corruption - inducement to wrong by improper or unlawful means (as bribery)
counterfeiting - make a copy of with the intent to deceive, forgery
embezzlement - take or use dishonestly (money or property with which one has been entrusted)
fake - not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article
fraud - something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage
hijack a plane - to take control of a vehicle, especially an aircraft, and force it to go to an unscheduled destination, often taking any passengers present as hostages, skyjack a plane
hit-and-run driving - departing or leaving quickly and usually secretly, especially because one has done something wrong and wants to avoid punishment or arrest
hostage taking - taking a prisoner who is held by one party to insure that another party will meet specified terms
joyriding - borrowing a car illegally without the owner's permission although intending to return the car
kickback - an illegal, secret payment made in return for a referral which resulted in a transaction or contract; a commercial bribe paid by a seller to a purchasing agent in order to induce the agent to enter into the transaction
kidnapping - the unlawful act of capturing and carrying away a person against their will and holding them in false imprisonment
money laundering - concealing the source of illegally gotten money
mugging - assault with intent to rob
murder - unlawful premeditated killing of a human being by a human being
pickpocketing - stealing from the pockets or purses of others in public places
pimping - arranging for ---ual partners for others
racket - a dishonest business or practice, especially one that obtains money through fraud or extortion
racketeer - someone demanding ‘protection money’ from businesses
rape - the crime of forcing a woman to submit to ---ual intercourse against her will
robbery - the act of unlawfully taking the property of another by the use of violence
shoplifting - the act of stealing goods that are on display in a store
smuggling - secretly importing prohibited goods or goods on which duty is due
tax evasion - failure to pay taxes legally due the government, often by failure to report some income received or claiming false deductions
theft - stealing
trespassing - entering unlawfully on someone's property
vandalism - malicious destruction of the property of others
violence - an act of aggression (as one against a person who resists)
Now we put new vocabulary into context, so you can see how you might use these terms yourself. The expressions are in boldface in the text.
He was accused of accepting or taking bribes from wealthy businessmen.
Corruption is a greatest obstacle to economic and social development.
The counterfeiting of money is one of the oldest crimes in history.
No trespassing. Trespassing will be prosecuted.
According to one recent estimate, worldwide money laundering activity amounts to roughly $1 trillion a year.
Tax evasion is one of the most common economic crimes.
The authorities can get the kidnap victim back if it is possible to do so if you contact them right away at the first sign of trouble.
Hostage taking has proved to be immensely successful in generating terror.
The word blackmail became popular in the 1800´s and comes from the clan chieftains who ran protection rackets on farmers in Scotland. If the farmers didn´t pay the mail (an old term for rent), the chiefs would steal their cattle and crops. Since this was considered evil, it was considered black.
Smuggling now is considerably diversified: the smuggling of immigrants, armaments, illegal drugs, as well as smuggling of alcohol and tobacco are widespread throughout the Western world.
In California, the penalties for hit-and-run driving are severe. You may be jailed for up to four years, fined up to $100,000.00, and could lose your license.
Theft is the unlawful taking of property from another person. Some more common examples include shoplifting, pickpocketing, theft from buildings.
Joyriding is: the crime of stealing a vehicle and driving fast and dangerously for fun.
Practise vocabulary: http://www.word-power.us/english-Wrongdoing+and+Corruption-19.php
Slang
whiz kid
a young person who is exceptionally intelligent, innovatively clever or successful
Proverbs
You can´t tell a book by its cover.
We cannot know what it´s like just by looking at the front or back cover. This proverb can be applied to everything, not only books.
Tongue Twisters
The seething sea ceaseth; thus the seething sea sufficeth us.
Quotes
“Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities – always see them, for they’re always there.”
~ Norman Vincent Peale
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
deadline
- preliminary version of a written work (here of a contract)
- the point in time at which something must be completed
- the last date on which an option can be exercised
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation asap stand for?
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
catch on -
E.g. He is a smart child he catches on very fast.
Copyright 2010 by English Portal, Rudolf-Angermeier-Straße 6, 64625 Bensheim
Issue 144
24 October 2010
Slang
VIP
a phrase used to describe powerful people in business, politics, sports, and entertainment – Very Important Person
Proverbs
Happy is the man with a wise son.
You always take pride when your child succeeds.
Tongue Twisters
Bake big batches of brown blueberry bread.
Quotes
If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint," then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced - Vincent Van Gogh
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
international trade
- trade between two or more partners from different countries (an exporter and an importer)
- work that involves handling papers: forms or letters or reports etc.
- the selling of goods to merchants; usually in large quantities for resale to consumers
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation HR stand for?
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
it boils down to -
E.g. What it all boils down to is he is leaving.
- To be hard working.
- How to cook something.
- The basic result something will produce.
- The final result after working a certain task.
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Issue 145
31 October 2010
Slang
back on your feet
recover, usually from an illness; to feel better after being sick
Proverbs
It never rains but it pours.
Bad things sometimes can get worse.
Tongue Twisters
Preshrunk silk shirts.
Quotes
Impossible is not a fact... it's an opinion. What's impossible only remains so until someone finds a way to do what others are sure can't be done. - Anthony Robbins
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
rush order
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation RRP stand for?
e.g. RRP of a product is the price the manufacturer recommends that the retailer sell it for.
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
bring home the bacon -
e.g., Women nowadays not only take care of the household but also bring home the bacon.
- earn a living, especially for a family; achieve desired results; have success
- have a dream job
- working at a second job in order to supplement the income from a permanent positionRead the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
bring home the bacon -
e.g., Women nowadays not only take care of the household but also bring home the bacon.- earn a living, especially for a family; achieve desired results; have success
- have a dream job
- working at a second job in order to supplement the income from a permanent position
--------------------------
Issue 146
07 November 2010
Slang
egghead
an overly intellectual person; someone who thinks too much
Proverbs
You can´t take it with you when you die.
This proverb reminds us that some material things are not really so valuable as we think.
Tongue Twisters
If your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash,
And the double-clicking icon puts your window in the trash,
And your data is corrupted 'cause the index doesn't hash,
then your situation's hopeless, and your system's gonna crash!
(from the Unix fortune database, attributed to D.J. Dement)
Quotes
Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. - Dr. Seuss
Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
take-home pay
- what is left of your pay after deductions for taxes, dues and insurance etc.
- payment to the holder of a patent or copyright or resource for the right to use their property
- a relatively small amount of money given for services rendered (as by a waiter)
Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation AWOL stand for?
e.g. Military personnel are technically AWOL when they have failed to show up at, or have left, their military assignment without permission, or without a valid pass or leave.
Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
Since they argued, she has been given the cold shoulder by her friend.
- Since they argued, she has been ignored by her friend.
- Since they argued, her shoulder has been cold.
- Since they argued, her friend’s shoulder has been cold.
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Issue 147
14 November 2010
<img align="absmiddle" height="32" width="32">Slang
hush-hush
secret, confidential
<img align="absmiddle" height="32" width="32">Proverbs
The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
It is success only if it works.
<img align="absmiddle" height="32" width="32">Tongue Twisters
You cuss, I cuss, we all cuss, for asparagus!
<img align="absmiddle" height="32" width="32">Quotes
"Patience is also a form of action." - Auguste Rodin
<img align="absmiddle" height="32" width="32">Word of the Day
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
compromise
- pay back for some expense incurred
- an agreement to accept a situation in which the parties get variations from what they originally sought, to achieve a compatible outcome
- arrange or fix in the desired order
<img align="absmiddle" height="32" width="32">Abbreviations
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
What does the abbreviation A.D. stand for?
<img align="absmiddle" height="32" width="32">Idioms
Read the task below and click on a link which you think is the correct answer.
In his mother’s eyes, he could do no wrong.
- In his mother’s opinion, he was perfect.
- In his mother’s eyes, he is a wrongdoer.
- His mother could cause no harm to him.
<img align="absmiddle" height="32" width="32">Poll of the Week
What kind of person are you? A dog person or a cat person?
According to a CNN article, dog people tend to be more social and outgoing, while cat people tend to be more neurotic but “open,” which means creative, philosophical, or nontraditional in this context.
What kind of person are you? Tell us why.