Intermediate+Conversation

Hello Everyone! Welcome to FORL 211- Intermediate English Conversation.

I will use this page to help you keep track of class documents and remember assignments. I will give you all the material you need in class. If you are not in class or if you lose any documents, you will need to download the document/s from this page.

> (noun) = person that usually does such things
 * Week 1- Syllabus & Introductions**
 * __Get worked up__ = To become sad or angry
 * My mom __got__ pretty __worked up__ when I told her I wanted to come to Korea.
 * __Be a handful__ = Require a lot of one's time and attention; difficult to manage or control
 * Ever since my daughter started walking, she has __been a handful__ She's always grabbing, spilling, or chewing something.
 * __ Flirt __ (verb) = to act cute in order to get a person (of opposite sex) to like or pay attention to you
 * She always __ flirts __ with guys before asking them to help her.
 * __Tie the knot__ = To get married
 * You guys have been dating for a long time. When are you going to __tie the knot__.
 * __ Take someone under one's wing __ = To protect, take care of, and/or guide someone (who is younger or new to the place)
 * The manager really __took me under his wing__ during my first couple years at the job.

You may watch the video above for practice, but **you don't have to watch it**. The video is updated frequently, so the words I told you to listen for in class will not be the same as the words in the video. I'll see you all on Wednesday.
 * Week 2 (7 March)- Weather**
 * New York Weather Forecast**
 * __Take heart__ = Cheer up; Don't worry.
 * __Take heart__. You can always do reading to earn extra credit.
 * __Heat wave__ = Long period of very hot temperatures.
 * The __heat wave__ is putting a lot of strain on farmers and construction workers.
 * __Nose dive__ = Sudden and sharp decrease.
 * Real estate prices took a __nose dive__ during the financial crisis.
 * __No wonder__ = I understand why... ; I'm not surprised
 * You always sleep in class. __No wonder__ you are failing.
 * __Hit__ = reach; achieve; arrive
 * The temperature is expected to __hit__ 30 degrees tomorrow.
 * We should __hit__ Pohang in about 20 minutes.
 * __Balmy__ = pleasantly warm
 * Everyone enjoys __balmy__ weather on the weekend.
 * __Muggy__ = extremely humid
 * It is so __muggy__ that I don't feel like doing anything.
 * __Down-filled__ = filled with feathers (usually coats or blankets)
 * I just spent $300 on a __down-filled__ comforter.
 * __Take ~ lightly__ = To not be concerned about; to pay little attention to
 * Don't __take__ attendance too __lightly__. It can really affect your grade.

media type="youtube" key="J4vbXnvxbIg" height="126" width="203" (noun) a person who often does this
 * Week 2 (9 March)- Pulling an All-Nighter & Worst Student Ever**
 * __To look down on__ = to disrespect and feel others are inferior to you
 * Just because your father is rich doesn't mean that you can __look down on__ other students.
 * __Cocky__ = arrogant; conceited
 * The student in the video is pretty __cocky__.
 * __Show off__ = (verb) to display one's talents or possessions in an arrogant manner.
 * She is very intelligent, but she's kind of a __show off__. Just because she speaks 5 languages doesn't mean she has to tell everyone about it.
 * __A know it all__ = a person who thinks he is very intelligent and knows everything
 * She thinks she's __a know it all__, but her answers are usually incorrect.
 * __To burn the midnight oil__ = to stay up late into the night working on something
 * I'll have __to burn the midnight oil__ if I wanna get this
 * __To pull an all-nighter__ = to not sleep in order to study or enjoy time with friends
 * I had a great weekend, but I'm exhausted. My friends and I __pulled an all-nighter__ in Seoul on Saturday.
 * __To cram__ = to study very hard right before an exam (usually after not studying most of the semester)
 * It is better to study a little every day than __to cram__ a day or two before the exam.
 * __In the nick of time__ = just before the deadline
 * I finished the report just __in the nick of time__.
 * __Turn in/hand in__ = submit
 * I can't do anything this weekend because I have to __turn in__ my project on Monday.
 * __To be in hot water__ = to be in a situation in which someone else is angry at you
 * If you go home too late, you're going __to be in hot water__.
 * __Pop quiz__ = an unannounced quiz
 * Most students don't like __pop quizzes.__
 * __Mind went blank__ = to suddenly forget the things you knew
 * If you don't get enough sleep, your __mind__ might __go blank__ during the exam.
 * __Take a nap__ = to sleep for a short time (1 to 3 hours) during the day
 * My daughter __takes a nap__ everyday.
 * __Be under pressure__ = to have a lot of responsibilities
 * Since I've accepted the new position I earn a lot more money, but I'__m under a lot of pressure__.
 * __You can say that again__ = I completely agree
 * //person A//: English conversation class is awesome. //person B//: __You can say that again!__
 * __Hit the books__ = Study
 * You better __hit the books__ this weekend. There will be a quiz on Monday.
 * __Hit the sack__ = Sleep
 * It's 2a.m. We should probably __hit the sack__.
 * __Take a test cold__ = Take a test without studying or preparing
 * If you want an "S", don't __take a test cold__.

media type="youtube" key="b4FkAvuKnuc" height="158" width="194" []
 * Week 3 (14 March)- Wild Goose Fathers**
 * __Give ~ an edge__= provide a better opportunity; provide a better chance to obtain a position or win in a competition
 * Attending a prestigious university will __give you an edge__ over other job applicants.
 * Superior equipment __gives professional golfers an edge__ over amateur golfers.
 * __Strain__ = to make something more difficult
 * The increase in taxes has really __strained__ our family.
 * A serious medical problem during the middle of the semester can severely __strain__ a student's performance.
 * __Unprecedented__ = bigger, better, worse, etc. than anything that has happened before.
 * The recent changes in the global climate are __unprecedented__.
 * __Drive__ = motivate; provide passion or energy to do something
 * The desire to please my parents __drives__ me to do my best.
 * __Driven by__ = motivated by; receiving passion or energy to do something from something or because of something.
 * The student is __driven by__ his hope to enter an Ivy League graduate school.
 * Week 3 (16 March)- Continuining Education and Elite Schools**


 * __Dead-end job__ = a positin in which the work is dissatisfied with the current terms of employment and has no chance for advancement.
 * He liked the job at the gas station, but it was a __dead-end job__.
 * __Can't get anywhere__ = unable to make any progress towards a solution of a problem or achievement of a goal.
 * Do you think you could help me with this experiment? I __can't get anywhere__ on it.
 * __TV dinner__ = frozen food that is usually sold in a box. This food is usually heated in the microwave and eaten by a person who is watching television.
 * __TV dinners__ usually contain a lot of sodium and preservatives. You shouldn't eat too many.
 * __"Now you're talking"__ = an expression used to tell a person the idea just mentioned is much better than previously mentioned ideas.
 * A: Let's see that new romantic comedy.
 * B: Boring~
 * A: We could go to beach instead.
 * B: Now you're talking!
 * __Funny__ = strange; peculiar; awkward
 * A: What do you think of our new classmate?
 * B: He seemed kind of __funny__ at first, but he's okay once you get to know him.
 * __Plug away__ = to consistently try and make small improvements or progress
 * A: Have you finished building that boat?
 * B: No, but I'm still __plugging away__ at it.
 * __You can't teach an old dog new tricks__ = it is difficult to change a person's routines, habits, or knowledge
 * A: Did your dad ever figure out his smart phone?
 * B: __You can't teach an old dog new tricks__. I tried to explain it to him for a couple hours, but he can barely answer the phone.
 * __Cold fee__t = a nervous and uncomfortable feeling that prevents a person from doing something
 * A: How did the audition go?
 * B: I got __cold feet__ and decided not to go.
 * __Be in the same boat__ = to be in the same situation
 * A: Can you guys handle the work for our project? I have so much homework to do.
 * B: We'__re all in the same boat__. It's only fair to divided the work evenly.
 * __Be bored stiff/bored to tears/bored to death__ = be really bored
 * A: Did you enjoy the presentation?
 * B: Not at all. Everyone was __bored to tears__. I don't know why they invited that man to speak.
 * __Stick it out__ = endure; make continuous effort to achieve a difficult task until it is completed
 * A: This class is killing. I'm thinking about withdrawing.
 * B: We're almost halfway through the semester. You should try to __stick it out__.
 * __Stick out__ = for something or someone to be so different than other things/people that others can easily notice the person/thing
 * She is several inches taller than all her friends so she really __sticks out__.


 * Week 4 Continuining Ed (cont)**
 * __Spark one's interest__ = to make someone interested in something for the first time; to get one's attention
 * __What a drag__ = that is terrible; that sucks
 * __Once in a blue moon__ = very rarely
 * __An awful lot__ = a lot (awful just adds emphasis)
 * __One's mind is wandering__ = a person's thoughts move from one subject to another; person is not focused on what he/she should be
 * __Be on the edge of one's seat__ = be very interested in something (be it is interesting or scary)
 * __Dawn on someone__ = to suddenly realize something
 * __It comes down to__ = the main point/thing is (= it boils down to)
 * __Fool around__ = to act playfully and not do the tasks one is responsible for doing
 * __Bomb a test__ = terribly fail a test
 * __Buckle down__ = to focus on the tasks a person should be doing
 * __Take someone up on__ = to accept an invitation
 * __Chill__ = cool feeling in the air
 * __Doze__ = to unintentionally begin to fall asleep (usually in class, while driving, or while watching television)
 * __Have a good shot__ = to be likely to get/achieve/accomplish
 * __Strike a nerve__ = to make a strong impact (positive or negative) on people
 * __Gruelling/ Rigorous__ = demanding and difficult
 * __Fall short__ = to not accomplish the desired or necessary requirements
 * __Would kill to have__ ~ = really want to have
 * __Tongue-lashing__ = angry (and usually) loud lecture/scolding; abusive language usually used to discipline a person
 * __Devour__ = to consume or take in a lot of information (usually used about food, but used about studying in this context)
 * __Plunge into__ = to begin a difficult task (without thinking or hesistating)
 * Week 4 B- Oral Interaction Vocabulary**
 * __Coscientious__= careful and hard-working
 * __Deaf__ = unable to hear
 * __Crippled__ = unable to walk
 * __Tuition__ = the money paid to attend a school
 * __Funded (by)__ = to give money to support a person or organization
 * __Faculty__ = the people who work in a school
 * __Aimed for__ = tried to get or accomplish


 * Week 5 A- At a Party- Taking the Initiative**

media type="file" key="Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling [2156].mp3" width="240" height="20"
 * __What's eating you__ = what's bothering you.
 * __Keep something bottled up__ = to NOT talk about something that is bothering you
 * __Get something off your chest__ = to talk about something that is bothering you (so you feel better about it)
 * __Have the guts/nerve/balls to__ = have the courage to
 * __Give something a shot__ = try; attempt
 * __Wouldn't be caught dead with__ = would never be with
 * __Wouldn't be caught dead in__ = would never go
 * __Wouldn't be caught dead + verb+ing__ = would never do something
 * __Skip it__ = to move on to the next matter or question
 * __Bite the bullet__ = to gather the courage to do something difficult or that makes you nervous
 * __To bite someone's head off__ = to get angry and yell at someone
 * __To bite off more than you can chew__ = to accept more responsibilities or tasks than you can manage well
 * __To bite your tongue__ = to not speak (often when you really want to say something but saying something could cause a problem)
 * __Put something off__ = to postpone or delay something
 * __To be put off (to be turned off)__ = to be unattracted; to be repulsed; to be disgusted
 * __That'll be the day__ = an expression said after someone mentions something that is VERY UNLIKELY to happen
 * A: Who knows, maybe you'll get a $30,0000 raise.
 * B: __That'll be the day__.
 * __Take the intiative__ = to start something (positive) without being instructed or ordered to do so
 * __Be bound to__ = be very likely to; be certain to
 * __Pass up__ = to decline a (good) opportunity or invitation *Often used with shouldn't/didn't/don't
 * You shouldn't __pass up__ the chance to study abroad. It will really broaden your perspective on things.
 * Week 5 B- Party Song- //I Gotta Feeling// by Black Eyed Peas**
 * __I gotta feeling__ = I think
 * __Live it up__ = to live passionately (completely); to really enjoy and take full advantage of a time period
 * __Spend it up__ = to spend completely (or at least a lot)
 * __Eat it up__ = to eat all of something so that none remains (often used about eating all of something that was originally left)
 * __Finish it up__ = to finish all of something so that no work remains (often used about finishing all of something that was originally left)
 * __Have a ball__ (have a blast) = to have a really enjoyable time; to have a lot of fun
 * __Get down__ = to dance
 * __Let ~ go__ = to forget about something that worries or angers you
 * __Let oneself go__ = to completely loose a sense of self-control (usually regarding one's weight, habits, or personal appearance).
 * __Paint the town red__ = to enjoy an evening by going many places and acting will
 * __Mazel Tov__ = cheers!
 * __Shut a place down__ = to remain at a place until it closes (you are told you have to leave)
 * __Easy come easy go__ = an expresssion said after something is lost or someone leaves; displays a relaxed attitude towards life
 * __Around the clock__ = always; continuously; without stopping; 24 hours a day

Video: Divorce Ceremonies in Japan //Keys to a Healthy Relationship// media type="youtube" key="FVRxhnXwPEQ" height="173" width="211"
 * Week 6A- Divorce and Relationships (Finished During Week 9)**
 * To have had it =
 * Looks like =
 * Take in =
 * Pick someone up =
 * Drop someone off =
 * Hear through the grapevine =
 * Be on speaking terms =
 * Custody =
 * Squabble =
 * Back-stab(ing) =
 * Bizarre =
 * Consist of =
 * Timely =
 * Taboo =
 * To catch on =
 * Pioneer =
 * Opt (for) =
 * Closure =
 * Deserve =
 * Perks =
 * Dwell on =
 * Fiance =
 * Resume =
 * Saute =
 * Cliche =
 * Bouquet =
 * Ballet =
 * Buffet =
 * Chauvinist =
 * Read up (on) =
 * Tear up =
 * Dress up =
 * Rough times =
 * Go over =
 * Read one's mind =
 * Be no getting around ~ =
 * No matter [how/what/where/when/why/who] =
 * Choose your battles wisely =

Presentations & Midterm
 * Week 7 & Week 8**


 * Week 10- Movies & TV/ Jobs**

media type="youtube" key="9gcu4M4xF6k" height="187" width="239" Nickelback- If Today Was Your Last Day**- If Today Was Your Last Day with lyrics**
 * Week 11- Morally Bankrupt**