How to learn English

I. Define everything in English using a special list of 2000 words For example: à Flexible: 1) that can bend or be bent easily. 2) that can change or be changed to be suitable for new needs, changed conditions etc. à Bend: 1) to force into a curve, angle, or sloping position, away from a straight or upright position. J Curve: 1) a line of which no part is straight and which contains no angles. J Angle: 1) the space between two lines or surfaces that meet or cross each other, measured in degrees that represent the amount of a circle that can fit into that space. and go on this way until you use up 2000 words to say nearly anything in English! II. Learn key concepts in English using a special list of 1052 words For example: & comfort/make sb feel better: L Comfort: to comfort someone, for example by talking to them or putting your arms around them. J Console: to comfort someone when they feel unhappy or disappointed, especially by saying something that makes them realize the situation is not so bad. K Reassure: to make someone feel less worried or frightened about a situation, for example by being friendly to them or by telling them there is nothing to worry about. J Soothe: to make someone feel more calm and relaxed when they are upset, anxious, or nervous. II. Learn a word in its entire collocations. For example: F Love (n): - adjectives + love: deep, great, overwhelming, passionate/genuine, pure, real, true/ unconditional/abiding (không thay đổi), eternal, undying/hopeless, unrequited (không được đền đáp)/thwarted (bị ngăn trở)/mutual/free/ first/parental, sisterly/courtly (kiểu hiệp sĩ Trung cổ), platonic (lý tưởng thuần khiết), romantic, erotic (tình ái, tình dục), physical, sexual/heterosexual, homosexual, lesbian/redemptive (dùng để cứu vãn)/divine (thần thánh, thiêng liêng), human. - verbs + love: feel, have/search for, seek/find/express, show/declare, profess (bày tỏ)/promise/return/share/give sb, send (sb)/be in, fall in, fall out of (bỏ)/make. - love + noun: affair/life/letter/scene, song, story. - prepositions: for/out of ~, in~, ~between, ~for, ~of. - phrases: an act of love, deeply/madly/passionately in love, desperately/ hopelessly in love, head over heels in love, love at first sight, the love of sb’s life. Ancestor noun [C] a person, plant, animal or object that is related to one existing at a later point in time There were portraits of his ancestors on the walls of the room. Studies suggest that life originated only once, from a single ancestor. Ancestry: a person’s ancestors considered as a group or as a continuous line A woman of noble ancestry. Gypsy, gipsy romany noun [C] a member of a race found in parts of Europe and America who travel from place to place in caravans. Energy (STRENGTH) noun [U] the power and ability to be physically and mentally active Since I started eating more healthily, I've felt so full of energy Performance noun The performance of a person or machine is how well they do a piece of work or activity. Passion (FEELING) noun a very powerful feeling, for example of sexual attraction, love, hate, anger or other emotion (figurative) Rachel seems to be married to (= very involved with) her new job at the moment, so we hardly ever see her. Flamenco noun [C or U] plural flamencos a type of Spanish dance music, or the dance performed to this music Ballet noun (a theatrical work with) a type of dancing where carefully organized movements tell a story or express an idea Henry had never been to a ballet before. [C] Troupe noun [C + singular or plural verb] a group of performers such as singers or dancers who work and travel together Cousin first cousin noun [C] a child of a person's aunt or uncle, or, more generally, a distant relative, or a member of a group of people with similar origins Hairdresser noun [C] a person who cuts people's hair and puts it into a style, usually working in a special shop, called a hairdresser's or a hair salon Stamp (FOOT) US also stomp verb to put (a foot) down on the ground hard and quickly usually making a loud noise, often to show anger Shrug verb -gg- to raise (your shoulders) and then lower them in order to express a lack of knowledge, certainty, interest or care "Where's Dad?" "How should I know?" replied my brother, shrugging his shoulders. [T] "I feel sorry for homeless people, but what can I do to help them?" said Chris, shrugging. [I] Dominating adjective often disapproving She has very strong opinions and tends to be quite dominating (= having or trying to have control over people, situations, etc.) Impulsive adjective Someone who is impulsive does things suddenly without any planning and without considering the possible effects of what is done. Don't be so impulsive - think before you act. Unsociable adjective not enjoying social activity, not fond of being with people Purple adjective, noun (of) a dark reddish blue colour Violet (COLOUR) adjective, noun [C or U] (having) a bluish purple colour Chocolate noun a usually brown food made from cacao seeds and usually sugar, eaten on its own or used in other food such as cakes, or a small sweet made from this Cacao noun [U] (the seeds of) a tropical tree from which chocolate and cocoa are made Cocoa noun [U] a dark brown powder made from the crushed beans of the tropical cacao tree, used to make chocolate and give the taste of chocolate to food and drink Modern dance is a style of dance usually performed in a theatre, which is very expressive and does not have many rules for the dancer's movements. Related words Modern jazz is a type of jazz music which began in the 1940s and is of an advanced level musically. Tap (dancing) a type of dance in which the rhythm is marked by the noise of the dancer's shoes on the floor. Special shoes are worn which have pieces of metal fixed under them. I did tap classes as well as ballet. Salsa noun A type of popular music based on Latin American dance music. Singers and musicians often dance at the same time as they are singing and playing. Ballroom dancing is a type of dancing where a man and a woman dance together using steps and movements to special music, such as the waltz or tango. Waltz (DANCE) /noun [C] a formal dance in which two people holding each other move around a large room, turning as they go and repeating a movement of three steps, or a piece of music with three beats in a bar written for this style of dancing Jive (DANCE) noun [U] a fast dance which was very popular with young people in the 1940s and 1950s My father taught me how to do the jive. Marathon noun [C] a running race of slightly over 26 miles (42.195 kilometres) the London/New York marathon She did/ran her first marathon in just under three hours. Related words A marathon is also an activity which takes a long time and makes you very tired. The election broadcast, a nine-hour marathon, lasts until seven o'clock in the morning. Calorie (FOOD noun [C] a unit of energy which is used as a measurement for the amount of energy which food provides There are about fifty calories in an apple. Obsessed, obsessive adjective unable to stop thinking about something; too interested in or very worried about something The government seems obsessed by the need for secrecy. Why are people so obsessed with money? They're both obsessed with the fear of getting AIDS. Session (ACTIVITY) noun [C] a period of time or meeting arranged for a particular activity Workout noun A period of physical exercise, e.g. when training for a sport Gymnasium gym noun [C] a large room with weights for lifting, horizontal bars and other equipment for exercising the body and increasing strength Massage verb, noun [T] to rub, press or hit (someone's body) with regular repeated movements, esp. in order to relax them or to reduce stiffness or pain in their joints or muscles I've got a dreadful ache in my neck. Would you mind massaging it for me? She gave me a wonderfully relaxing massage. [C] (trademark) A jet ski is a small vehicle on which one or two people can ride on the water and which is moved forward by a fast stream of water being pushed out behind it. Laze verb to rest lazily We spent the morning just lazing (in bed). [I] HOW TO LEARN SPEAKING Learn pronunciation (học phát âm) Learn spoken sentence patterns (học nói theo mẫu câu) Learn written and SPOKEN grammar (học ngữ pháp văn viết và LỜI NÓI) Learn language functions (học chức năng lời nói (có trên 140 chức năng)) Learn how to combine 2000 defining words and 1052 key concepts (học cách kết hợp 2000 từ và 1052 khái niệm cơ bản trong lời nói) Read tapescripts in English course books to find how people communicate in the spoken form and identify spoken patterns and examples of spoken grammar (đọc bản văn của phần nghe trong các giáo trình tiếng Anh để xem cách diễn đạt lời nói của người giao tiếp và xác định những dạng thức lời nói và ví dụ của ngữ pháp lời nói) Learn skills in English: presentation skills, negotiation skills, skills in meeting, telephoning and socializing (học các kỹ năng nói tiếng Anh: kỹ năng thuyết trình, thương lượng, hội họp, điện thoại và xã giao) Learn the native speakers’ cultural way of speaking, including the “universally cultural” ways of the people in the English-speaking countries and “particularly cultural” ways of each native speakers (học cách diễn đạt mang tính văn hóa của người bản ngữ bao gồm những yếu tố văn hóa khái quát của người dân các nước nói tiếng Anh và những lối nói mang dấu ấn văn hóa của từng cá nhân bản ngữ) Develop a positive attitude to learning spoken English and show essential qualities for developing speaking skills (phát triển thái độ tích cực trong việc học tiếng Anh khẩu ngữ và phát triển những phẩm chất cơ bản trong việc học các kỹ năng tiếng Anh) VOCABULARY Planet noun A large body in space that moves round a star, especially round the sun Is there life on other planets? Feature noun [C] an esp. typical quality or important part High stress levels are a feature of life (= a part of the situation that is not avoidable) for business executives. Features plural noun Your features are the parts of your face. He has wonderful strong features. She has very regular (= even and attractive) features. Blonde esp. female, esp. male blond noun [C], adjective (a person) with pale yellow or golden hair Related words (saying) 'Blondes have more fun' means that a woman with lightly coloured hair is often considered more attractive than other women and so has the admiring attention of more men. Diamond noun an extremely hard, valuable stone which is used in jewellery, and in industry for cutting hard things, or a shape with four straight sides of equal length but with two opposite angles which are wide and two which are narrow Her ring was set with a large diamond. [C] Curl noun A small hanging mass of hair in a curving shape. Curl verb To twist into or form a curl or curls Curly Having curls or tending to curl Top noun A garment worn on the upper part of the body Suit noun A set of clothes made of the same material, usually including a short coat (jacket) with trousers or a skirt Belt (CLOTHING) noun [C] a strip of leather or material worn around the waist to support clothes or for decoration She fastened her belt tightly around her waist. He had eaten so much that he had to undo his belt a couple of notches. Boot (SHOE) noun [C] a type of shoe that covers the whole foot and the lower part of the leg Jeans (P) Trousers made of DENIM (a strong, usually blue, cotton cloth), worn informally by men, women, and children, and thought very fashionable among young people. Sock (CLOTHES) noun [C] plural socks or US also sox a piece of clothing made from soft material which covers your bare foot and lower part of the leg Pullover , US usually sweater, ANZ usually jumper noun [C] a piece of clothing which is made of a warm material such as wool, has long sleeves, and is worn over the top part of the body and put on by pulling it over your head Tights UK , US and ANZ pantyhose plural noun a piece of clothing made of thin stretchy material which covers the legs and lower part of the body below the waist, and which is worn by women and girls Tights are often made of nylon. She bought a new pair of tights. Related words In the US and Australia, tights are the same type of clothing made from thicker material and worn by dancers and people doing physical exercises for health. Trainer UK , UK also training shoe, US running shoe noun [C] a shoe made specially for doing sport, that gives extra support to the foot T-shirt , tee shirt a simple piece of clothing which covers the top part of the body and which has no collar and usually short sleeves I have to wear smart clothes for work all week, so at the weekend I like to wear comfortable things like jeans and a T-shirt. Dress (PIECE OF CLOTHING) noun [C] a piece of clothing for a woman which covers the top half of the body and some or all of the legs A scene can also be an event in real life which seems like something in a play or film. When we reached the top of the mountain a scene of unparalleled beauty lay before us. Miss (NOT DO) verb [T] to fail to do or experience (something that is often planned or expected) I missed the start of the exam because my bus was late. Silly (FOOLISH) adjective -ier, -iest showing a lack of thought or judgment; foolish Website , site noun [C] a set of pages of information on the Internet about a particular subject, which have been published by the same person or organization, and often contain colour pictures, video and sound the internet the large system of many connected computers around the world which people use to communicate with each other Filofax trademark , personal organizer noun [C] a small book in which a record can be kept of telephone numbers, future plans and visits, business meetings, etc. The details of Sue's entire business and personal lives are held between the black leather covers of her Filofax. A credit card is a small plastic card which can be used as a method of payment, the money being taken from you at a later time. Related words (UK and ANZ) A credit note is a piece of paper which can be given by a shop when you return something you don't want and allows you to buy other goods of the same value at another time. Surf (INTERNET) verb to spend time visiting a lot of websites Many towns and cities have cybercafés where you can surf the Internet/Net/Web. [T] I was surfing until midnight last night. [I] Cybercafé noun [C] a cafe where you can eat and drink while using computers to read information on the Internet E-mail noun the system for using computers to send messages over the Internet, or a message or document sent using this system Icon (COMPUTER SYMBOL) noun [C] a symbol on a computer screen that you point to with a mouse (= movable control device) to give the computer an instruction Desktop (COMPUTER) adjective (of computer equipment) small enough to fit on the top of a desk a desktop computer/machine/printer/system Compare laptop, notebook, palmtop. Related words Desktop publishing (also DTP) is the production of finished page designs for books or other printed material, using a small computer and printer. Desktop (SCREEN) noun [C] specialized the image that appears on a computer when you use the type of computer program which makes it possible for you to perform several activities at the same time The menu bar with its windows is one of the features of the desktop. Click (OPERATE) verb specialized to (cause a computer instruction to) operate by pressing a button on the mouse (= movable control device) of a computer When you have selected the file you want, click the 'Open' box. [T] If you want to open a file, click twice on the icon for it. [I] Click to create a new file. [I] DEVELOPING A STRATEGIC VISION FOR LEARNING ENGLISH (Phát triển tầm nhìn chiến lược trong việc học tiếng Anh) ENGLISH LEARNING AS A CULTURAL PROJECT (Học tiếng Anh - Một Dự án Văn hóa) A special project specially designed for Vietnamese students of English by Dinh Gia Hung Project objectives (mục tiêu dự án): To internalise the intellectual and cultural aspects of English language and approach idiomatic production (tiếp thu những yếu tố trí tuệ và văn hóa trong tiếng Anh và hướng đến việc sử dụng tiếng Anh như người bản ngữ) To have greater vision for students’ future global integration and get quicker access to the Information Superhighway to acquire self-learning and research for personal and professional self-actualisation (có tầm nhìn rộng lớn hơn để sinh viên có thể hòa nhập với thế giới và đi nhanh hơn vào Siêu xa lộ Thông tin để tự học tập và nghiên cứu nhằm vươn đến sự phát triển tối cao của cá nhân, đó là sự hiện thực hóa cá nhân và nghề nghiệp) Logistics for collaborative learning Scarce resource sharing and management (chia sẻ và quản lý nguồn lực khan hiếm) Equipment (thiết bị) Materials (coursebooks, workbooks, references, online resources, CDs)(tài liệu) Finance (cost-sharing policy) (tài chính) Location (địa điểm) Teamwork Peer teaching (bạn bè giúp nhau học) Delegation of responsibility (chia sẻ trách nhiệm) Vision sharing (each student has a unique way of language expression which originates from his or her socio-cultural background and they can share their invaluable asset with their peers. This process can help group members negotiate different meanings, understand and appreciate one another’s cultural perspectives and practices) (Chia sẻ tầm nhìn: mỗi sinh viên đều có cách diễn đạt ngôn ngữ độc nhất vì khả năng đó được hình thành trong môi trường văn hóa-xã hội của riêng mình và nhóm học tập đó có thể chia sẻ tài sản vô giá đó với các bạn của mình. Tiến trình này có thể giúp cho các thành viên trong nhóm bàn luận về các ý định diễn đạt ngôn ngữ của mình để tiến tới hiểu và đánh giá cao những cách nhìn và lối thực hành văn hóa của nhau) CULTURE AS AN ICEBERG (VĂN HÓA TỰA NHƯ TẢNG BĂNG) fine arts literature drama classical music popular music folk dancing games cooking dress notions modesty conception of beauty cosmology ideals governing child-rearing rules of descent relationship to animals patterns of superior, subordinate relations definition of sin courtship practices conception of justice incentives to work notions of leadership tempo of work body language patterns of group decision-making conception of cleanliness attitudes toward the dependent theory of disease approaches to problem-solving conception of status mobility eye behaviour conception of past and future role in relation to status by age, sex, class, occupation, kinship, and so forth conversational patterns in various social contexts definition of insanity nature of friendship ordering of time conception of self patterns of visual perception social interaction rate preference for competition or cooperation notions of adolescence facial expressions notions about logic and validity patterns of handling emotions arrangement of physical space... AND MUCH, MUCH MORE..... HOW TO HAVE A CONSTRUCTIVE DIALOGUE WITH THE LANGUAGE TEACHER Before holding a direct dialogue with the teacher, students should select some topics and read kinds of relevant texts written by native speakers, underline new cultural patterns or expressions (and may compare them with the Vietnamese equivalents to see interesting differences), write them down in their language journals and bring them to the class to apply using them in constructive dialogues with their teachers (Trước khi thực hành đối thoại với giáo viên, sinh viên nên chọn một vài chủ đề và tìm đọc các loại văn bản phù hợp được người bản ngữ viết, gạch dưới những mẫu hay cụm từ văn hóa mới (và có thể đối chiếu với những cụm từ tương đương trong tiếng Việt để tìm ra những điểm khác biệt thú vị), sau đó viết vào trong nhật ký ngôn ngữ của mình và đem đến lớp học để ứng dụng vào trong các hoạt động đối thoại mang tính xây dựng với giáo viên của mình)). Vocabulary Software noun [U] the instructions which control what a computer does; computer programs Publicity noun [U] the activity of making certain that someone or something attracts a lot of interest or attention from many people, or the attention received as a result of this activity The concert wasn't given much advance publicity, so many tickets remained unsold. Reserve (BEHAVIOUR) noun [U] the habit of not showing your feelings or thoughts A success story is something or someone that achieves great success, often by making a lot of money. Angela Black's biscuit company is a rare success story in these times of recession. Sweetheart noun [C] a person you love, esp. a person with whom you have a romantic or sexual relationship Original adjective esp. approving not the same as anything or anyone else and therefore special and interesting His essay was full of original ideas. Pregnant (FEMALE) adjective [not gradable] (of a woman and some female animals) having young developing inside the womb She's five and a half months pregnant. Access noun [U] the method or possibility of approaching a place or person, or the right to use or look at something The only access to the village is by boat. If you are in touch with someone, you see them or are involved with them in some other way regularly. Are you still in touch with your school friends? No, we haven't kept in touch. We're in daily/weekly/close touch with our office in Spain. Trek verb [I usually + adverb or preposition] -kk-to walk a long distance, usually over land such as hills, mountains or forests We spent the day trekking through forests and over mountains. Himalayas A long range of mountains in S Asia which includes the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest, and other mountains which only very experienced climbers try to climb. Bungee (cord) noun [C] esp. US a stretchable cord with a hook at each end which is used to hold things in place, esp. on a bicycle or car Bungee jumping or bungy jumping is the sport of jumping off a very high bridge or similar structure with a long elastic rope tied to your legs. The rope pulls you back before you hit the ground. Snowboarding noun (U) the sport of riding over snow in the mountains, while standing on a long, wide board Grave (DEATH) noun [C] a place where a dead person or dead people are buried, esp. when under the ground and marked by a stone Reunite verb [T] to bring together again reunite a divided Family/country/organization/world Sarah was finally reunited with her children at the airport. Spectacular also means unusually great. He turned out to be a spectacular success in his job. Koala noun [C] an Australian animal which lives in trees and looks like a small bear with grey fur Lighthouse noun [C] plural lighthouses a tower or other tall structure by the sea with a flashing light at the top to warn ships of dangerous rocks or to show them the way into a port Scenery (COUNTRYSIDE) noun [U] the general appearance of natural surroundings, esp. when these are beautiful Formation noun [C] A formation is the way something is naturally made or the way it has been arranged. Apostle noun [C] any of the twelve followers of Jesus Christ whom he chose to teach other people about Christianity, or someone who strongly supports a particular belief or political movement Overtake (GO PAST) verb past simple overtook, past participle overtaken to go beyond (something) by being a greater amount or degree, or (UK and ANZ) to come from behind (another vehicle or a person) and move in front of it (US pass) Further reading SkyTrain (Vancouver) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The SkyTrain in Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is an urban Advanced Rapid Transit system operating two lines, the Expo Line and the Millennium Line. The system runs principally on elevated tracks (hence the name). It uses fully automated trains with no human drivers on board, and has had no derailments or collisions in its history.[2] With 33 stations, it moves over 220,000 people a day along the 49.5 km (30.8 mi) of track. Built in time for the Expo 86 World's Fair, it is the world's longest automated light rapid transit system and it uses the world's longest mass transit-only bridge, the SkyBridge. The system uses the same family of linear induction motor-driven trains as the Scarborough RT line in Toronto, the Putra LRT in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Detroit People Mover in Detroit, and the JFK AirTrain in New York City. Construction of the Canada Line began in November 2005. The Evergreen Line, as of 2007, is in its planning stages. The former will be complete in 2009, and the latter in 2011. The Canada Line will run from downtown Vancouver to Richmond, with a branch to the airport. The Evergreen Line, a light-rapid-transit line, will run from Lougheed Town Centre to Coquitlam Town Centre. SkyTrain operates on a proof-of-payment fare system and is policed by the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police Service. Passengers are subject to random fare inspections. TransLink believes it loses about CAD$6 million in unpaid fares annually. In addition to the police force, stations are patrolled by SkyTrain attendants, who can perform first aid and provide customer assistance. Vocabulary: Urban adjective [before noun] of or in a city or town Rapid adjective quick or sudden System (SET) noun [C] a set of connected items or devices which operate together Transit noun [U] the movement of goods or people from one place to another The question is whether road transit is cheaper than rail. Operate (WORK) verb to (cause to) work, be in action or have an effect He took the machine to pieces to try and find out how it operated. [I] Principal (MAIN) adjective [before noun; not gradable] first in order of importance Elevate verb [T] formal to raise or lift up, or (figurative) to make more important or to improve Track: a railway line Hence (THEREFORE) adverb [not gradable] formal that is the reason or explanation for; therefore His mother was Italian, hence his name - Luca. Automate verb [T] to make (esp. a process in a factory or office) operate by machines or computers, so reducing the amount of work done by humans and the time taken to do the work Massive investment is needed to automate the production process. Derail verb [T] to cause (esp. a train) to fall off the tracks it was travelling on Collide verb [I] (esp. of moving objects) to hit (something) violently The two vans collided (with each other) at the crossroads. Fair (PUBLIC EVENT) noun [C] a large public event where goods are bought and sold, usually from tables which have been specially arranged for the event, and where there is often entertainment Mass (INVOLVING MANY) adjective [before noun; not gradable] having an effect on or involving a large number of people or forming a large amount France has the fastest mass transit rail system in the world. Induction (ELECTRICITY) noun [U] specialized the giving of electrical power from one object to another without the objects touching an induction motor Linear (LINES) adjective consisting of or to do with lines Motor (DEVICE) noun [C] a device that changes electricity or fuel into movement and makes a machine work or (esp. US) a vehicle move Construct verb [T] to build; to put together different parts to form (a whole) Stage (PART) noun [C] a part of an activity or a period of development A branch line is a railway that goes from the main railway to small towns and countryside areas. Proof (SHOWING TRUTH) noun one or more reasons for believing that something is or is not true Do they have any proof that it was Hampson who stole the goods? [U + that clause] Fare (PAYMENT) noun [C] the money that you pay for a journey on a vehicle such as a bus or train Train fares are going up again, unfortunately. Police verb [T] If a public event or area is policed, it is controlled or guarded by members of the police or a similar force. The march will be heavily policed by an anti-riot unit. Random adjective happening, done, or chosen by chance rather than according to a plan We asked a random selection of people what they thought. Inspect verb [T] to look at (something or someone) carefully in order to discover information, esp. about quality or correctness Add verb to put (something) with something else to increase the number or amount or to improve the whole Beat the butter and sugar together and slowly add the eggs. [T] Patrol verb -ll- (esp. of soldiers or the police) to go around (an area or a building), usually regularly, to see if there is any trouble or danger An attendant is also someone whose job is to be in a place and help visitors or customers. First aid is basic medical treatment which is given to someone as soon as possible after they have been hurt in an accident or suddenly become ill. Did you learn any first aid at school? Assist verb formal to help We assisted the firefighters in extinguishing the blaze. [T] You will be expected to assist (the editor) with the selection of illustrations for the dictionary. [I] MY REFLECTIONS (CẢM NGHĨ CỦA TÔI): To me, English is like a highly enigmatic woman or lover. It has an irresistible attraction for me and perhaps for many other people. We can never get to the heart – the deep culture – of English, but we are strongly aware that at least we are happy to go on the way to its centre (đối với tôi, tiếng Anh tựa như một người phụ nữ hay một người yêu thật huyền bí. Thứ tiếng này có một hấp lực mà tôi và có lẽ nhiều người khác cảm thấy khó cưỡng nổi. Chúng ta chẳng bao giờ có thể chiếm được trái tim - nền văn hóa sâu ngầm - của nàng tiếng Anh, nhưng chúng ta có ý thức rõ ràng là ít nhất chúng ta cũng cảm thấy vui được đi trên con đường đến gặp nàng). Let’s walk along our path J. Let English arouse our grand passion! The path may wind, zig-zag or has a lot of gentle, hairpin or sharp bends, so let’s go together, get together! Unexpected things blocking our way will turn out to be our culturally intriguing friends. Let’s set off every early morning, take steps and make sure nobody is left behind (Chúng ta hãy tiến bước trên đường nhé J. Hãy để tiếng Anh khơi dậy niềm say mê trong ta! Con đường học tiếng Anh có thể ngoằn ngoèo hoặc có nhiều đoạn cong thoai thoải, đoạn cong ngoặt hoặc tay áo, nên chúng ta hãy phối hợp tiến bước! Những điều bất ngờ ngăn trở chúng ta sẽ hóa thành những người bạn có những nét văn hóa thú vị. Nào các bạn, ngày nào chúng ta cũng khởi hành vào buổi ban mai, hãy bước đi trên con đường Anh ngữ và đừng để ai lại đằng sau nhé). Giảng viên Đại học Đà Nẵng (DNU) Trợ lý Văn hóa, Đại sứ quán Hoa Kỳ (USE) Your full name: Your telephone number: your email address: Can you tell me something special about yourself? What are your hobbies (what do you like to do in your free time)? Do you often surf the Internet when you feel bored? Do you like to speak English in front of people? What are you good at in learning English? What are your dreams in your life? What is your ideal classmate? Do you have any strange habits? Do you have unspoken thoughts? What would happen if we knew one another’s secret thoughts? Let’s stand up and find your ideal classmate by asking five of your classmates at random (without any plan) the following questions (and your own questions): Do you have a large circle of friends? What do you often do together? (circle: a group of people connected in an informal way by common interests) How often do you borrow money from your close friends? Do you think that men and women can be lifelong friends? If yes, how? Do you think that we can help each other in learning English? Do you think that learning English is like doing a special cultural project? (project: a piece of planned work or activity which is completed over a period of time and intended to achieve a particular aim (cultural project: dự án văn hóa)) What do you think about the phrase “It is better to give than to receive”? Are you easy to please? If yes, give an example? Do you make anybody your idol(s)? (idol: a person who is greatly loved, admired or respected (film, football, pop, rock, sports, teen idols) Are you willing to cooperate with people in doing things? (cooperate: to act or work together for a particular purpose, or to help someone willingly when help is requested) Do you think that we can do anything in life if we really want to? Đinh Gia Hưng Giảng viên Đại học Đà Nẵng Trợ lý Văn hóa, Đại sứ quán Hoa Kỳ, Hà Nội ghung71@yahoo.com 0914 622 207 Justice noun [U] There's no justice (= fairness) in the world when people can be made to suffer like that. Fairness noun [U] Fairness is the quality of treating people equally or in a way that is right or reasonable. He had a real sense of fairness and hated injustice. Revenge noun [U] harm done to someone as a punishment for harm that they have done to someone else; vengeance She took/got/exacted (her) revenge on him for leaving her by smashing up his car. He is believed to have been shot by a rival gang in revenge for the shootings last week. The semi-final will be a chance for the losing team to get their revenge on the winning team (for their earlier defeat). Related words (saying) "Revenge is sweet" means it is satisfying to do harm to someone who has done harm to you. Vengeance noun [U] the punishing of someone for harming you or your friends or family, or the desire for such punishment to happen On the day after the terrorist attack, the overall mood in the town was one of vengeance. Avenge verb [T] to do harm to or punish the person responsible for (something bad done to you or your family or friends) in order to achieve a fair situation She killed her father to avenge her mother/her mother's suffering. Scotland's stunning victory avenged last year's humiliating defeat by Wales. [T] The cyclist avenged herself on the dangerous driver by reporting him to the police. Affair (RELATIONSHIP) noun [C] a sexual relationship, esp. a secret one She's having an affair with a married man. Pot (CONTAINER) noun [C] any of various types of usually round container, esp. one made of clay, metal or glass Pour (CAUSE TO FLOW) verb to make (a substance) flow from a container, esp. into another container, by raising just one side of the container that the substance is in Would you like me to pour you some more wine? [+ two objects] Cellar noun [C] a room under the ground floor of a building, usually used for storage Memorial noun [C] an object, often large and made of stone, which has been built to honour a famous person or event The statue was erected as a memorial to all the people who died in the war. Thousands of people go to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington every year. A war memorial is a large structure, made esp. of stone, which is built in honour of those people who died in a particular war. Scissors plural noun a device used for cutting materials such as paper, cloth and hair, consisting of two sharp blades which are joined in the middle in a way that allows them to move against each other Suit (SET OF CLOTHES) noun [C] a set of clothes made of the same material which are intended to be worn together Tidy (ORDERED) adjective -ier, -iest (of appearance or behaviour) looking well ordered and cared for Background (THINGS BEHIND) noun the things that can be seen or heard behind other things that are closer or louder Nightclub , informal nightspot noun [C] a place which is open until late at night where people can go to drink and dance and often see some type of entertainment Furious (ANGRY) adjective extremely angry He was furious with me. The passengers are furious about/at being kept waiting. Gordon was furious that I borrowed his car without asking him. Note (WRITING) noun [C]a short piece of writing He left a note to say he would be home late. Post esp. UK, ANZ also , US and ANZ usually mail verb [T] To post a parcel or letter is to send it by post. Did you remember to post my letter? Shoplifting noun [U] the illegal act of taking goods from a shop without paying for them Jewellery UK and ANZ, US jewelry noun [U] Jewellery is decorative objects worn on clothes or on the body which are usually made from valuable metals, such as gold and silver, and which usually contain precious stones. Tourists have been advised not to wear expensive jewellery in public places or they will become easy targets for thieves. Usher (GUIDE) noun [C] a person who shows people where they should sit, esp. at a formal event such as a wedding Tip (PAYMENT) noun [C] a small amount of money given to someone who has provided you with a service, in addition to the official payment and for their personal use Mystery noun A mystery is also a book, film or play, esp. about a crime or a murder, with a surprise ending which explains all the strange events that have happened. I really enjoy murder mysteries. Stage (THEATRE) noun [C] the area in a theatre which is often raised above ground level and on which actors or entertainers perform He stood in the middle of the stage and looked out at the audience. Row (LINE) noun [C] a line of things, people, animals, etc. arranged next to each other They were holding hands in the back row (= line of seats) of the cinema. Whisper verb to speak or say very quietly using the breath but not the voice, so that other people cannot hear you (figurative) It is whispered (= People have suggested in secret) that she has another man! [+ that clause] Frog (ANIMAL) noun [C] a small animal which has smooth skin, lives in water and on land, has long powerful back legs with which it jumps from place to place, has no tail, and is usually greenish-brown in colour If someone has a frog in their throat, they have difficulty in speaking because their throat feels dry. Castle noun [C] a large strong building, built in the past by a ruler or important person to protect the people inside from attack Nowadays a castle in Scotland can cost almost the same as a flat in London. Princess noun [C] an important female member of a royal family, esp. a daughter or granddaughter of a king and queen, or the wife of a prince Evil immoral, or cruel, or very unpleasant If someone has an evil tongue, they tend to say unpleasant things about other people. Witch noun [C] a woman who is believed to have magical powers and who uses them to harm or help other people Kiss verb to touch with your lips, esp. as a greeting, or to press your mouth onto another person's mouth in a sexual way Pond noun [C] an area of water smaller than a lake, often artificially made She has a duck pond at the bottom of her garden. Sauce (THICK LIQUID) noun a thick liquid eaten with food to add flavour a savoury/sweet sauce [C] A well-flavoured sauce can improve an ordinary meal. [C] He puts tomato sauce on everything he eats. [U] (saying) 'What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander' means if one person is allowed to behave in a particular way, then another person can behave in that way too. Gander (BIRD) noun [C] a male goose Goose (BIRD) a bird like a duck but larger. There are various different types of goose. Geese often fly in a V-shaped formation. [C] The female bird is called a goose: the male bird is called a gander. Extreme (GREAT) adjective very great Rainbow (ARCH) noun [C] a many-coloured arch seen in the sky when rain is falling and the sun is shining Desert (SANDY AREA) noun (a large area of) land covered with sand or rocks, where there is very little rain and not many plants Planet noun [C] an extremely large round mass of rock and metal, such as Earth, or of gas, such as Jupiter, which moves in a circular path around the Sun or another star Glacier noun [C] a large mass of ice which moves slowly esp. down the side of a mountain, causing the formation of features on the land such as valleys Volcano noun [C] plural volcanoes or volcanos a mountain with a large circular hole at the top through which lava (= hot liquid rock), gases, steam and dust are or have been forced out Cliff noun [C] a high area of rock with a very steep side, often on a coast Don't go too close to the edge of the cliff - you might fall. Drought noun a long period when there is little or no rain Plain (LAND) noun [U] a large area of flat land They live in a farm on the plain. High mountains rise above the plain. Monsoon noun [C] the season of heavy rain during the summer in hot Asian countries The failure of the monsoon would destroy harvests on which 1000 million people rely. Bubble noun [C] a ball of air in a liquid or a delicate hollow sphere floating on top of a liquid or in the air As water begins to boil, bubbles rise ever faster to the surface. Grace (BEAUTY) noun [U] a quality of simple, natural beauty, esp. of movement or form Joanna has natural grace and elegance. The skaters moved over the ice with a smooth, effortless grace Cave noun [C] a large hole in the side of a hill, cliff or mountain, or one that is underground Wondrous adjective formal surprisingly good Our new improved face-cream has wondrous effects on tired-looking skin. Behave verb to act in a particular way, or to be good by acting in a way which has society's approval She always behaves well/badly when her aunts come to visit. [I] You must behave (yourself) at the party! [I or T] temperature noun the measured amount of heat in a place or in the body Celsius (centigrade) a temperature scale in which water freezes at 0o and boils at 100o Ton (WEIGHT) noun [C] plural tons or ton a unit of weight for measuring large amounts Melt verb to (cause to) turn from something solid into something soft or liquid The spring sun usually melts the snow by mid March. [T] It was so hot the butter started to melt. [I] (figurative) He only has to look at her, and she melts (= her feelings soften). [I] Involve verb [T] to include (someone or something) in something, or to make them take part in or feel part of it The second accident involved two cars and a lorry. Do we need to involve someone from the computer department at this stage in our discussions? The four men were all involved in organising and carrying out the murders. [+ object + verb-ing] Mother nature is another word for nature, used esp. humorously and when considering it as a force that controls the weather and all living things. It is better to try to work with, rather than against, Mother Nature. Chapel noun [C] a room within a larger building which is used for Christian worship, or (esp. UK) a building which is used for Christian worship by Christians who do not belong to the Church of England or the Roman Catholic Church Gallery (BUILDING) noun [C] a room or building which is used for showing works of art, sometimes so that they can be sold Reindeer noun [C] plural reindeer a type of deer with large horns, which lives in the northern parts of Europe, Asia and America A sleeping bag is a large thick bag for sleeping in. Cube (SHAPE) noun [C] a solid object with six square sides of equal size Interior noun [C] the inside part of something Unique adjective [not gradable] being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual or special in some way Situate verb [T usually + adverb or preposition] to put in a particular position They plan to situate their vegetable garden between the fence and the trees. To understand this issue, it must first be situated in its context. Cheque UK and ANZ, US check noun [C] a printed form, used instead of money, to make payments from your bank account Smart (STYLISH) adjective -er, -est UK and ANZ, or US dated having a clean, tidy and stylish appearance J&J Do you want to learn 1,000,000.00 model sentences in English? Is it a big project for your whole life? Let’s think seriously about my questions because they will affect your future life in extremely amazing ways! (Bạn có muốn học một triệu mẫu câu trong tiếng Anh không? Có phải đó là một dự án lớn trong cuộc đời bạn không? Hãy suy nghĩ nghiêm chỉnh về điều này bởi vì nó sẽ ảnh hưởng đầy ngạc nhiên đến cuộc đời tương lai của bạn!). PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND INTERESTS: Teaching English language skills: Listening, speaking, reading and writing Teaching TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS Teaching grammar of written and spoken English Teaching ESP, including English for Information Technology, International Finance and Banking, Tourism and Hotel Industry Teaching Business English skills: Presentation, negotiation, meeting, telephoning and socializing Teaching debating and critical thinking skills in English Researching Cultural Studies in English language education (culture and language, multiculturalism in language education, cultural patterns in language and cognition, cross-cultural, intercultural communication, Cultural Studies and English as a new (inter)discipline in Vietnam Translating themes in culture, education and arts into Vietnamese Writing articles on English language teaching, comparative linguistics, multicultural education, development of national culture and cultural projects Reading widely in Cultural Studies as a discipline (saying) 'All work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy)' means that someone who works all of the time will become boring and uninteresting. unwind (RELAX) (past unwound), wind down verb [I] to relax and let your mind be free from anxiety after a period of work or some other activity that has made you anxious chore [C] a job or piece of work which is often boring or unpleasant but needs to be done regularly chat [I] to talk to someone in a friendly informal way slush(y) (a glass of) a drink made with crushed ice and a sweet liquid (crush: to press (something) very hard so that it is broken or its shape is destroyed) flavour UK and ANZ, US and ANZ flavor noun a taste or quality; socialize, UK and ANZ usually -ise verb [I] To socialize is to spend the time, when you are not working, with friends or with other people in order to enjoy yourself. (informal) Take it easy (= Relax and do not get upset)! Let's not start any trouble. Phoenix: the capital and largest city of Arizona, US, known as a place that is extremely hot, where many old people go to live, and also as a city that is growing quickly. A graphic designer deals with the typography (= style of printing) of printed work, esp. books. A (computer) programmer is a person whose job is to produce computer programs. scuba diving noun [U] the sport of swimming under water with special breathing equipment leisure noun [U] the time when you are not working or doing other duties A time zone is one of 24 equal parts into which the world is divided. In any place within each part, the particular point in the day is the same, and is an hour in front of or behind that in the parts on either side. meteorology noun [U] the scientific study of the processes that cause particular weather conditions (informal) Will you keep an/your eye on (= watch carefully) my suitcase while I go to get the tickets? attic, loft noun [C] the space or room at the top of a building, under the roof, often used for storing things A night shift is a group of workers who work for a period during the night, or the period for which they work. yoga noun [U] a set of physical and mental exercises, Indian in origin, which is intended to give control over the body and mind range (LIMIT) noun [U] a set of similar things MY REFLECTION: Hãy ngước nhìn những vì sao ban đêm, có phải chúng luôn rực rỡ và mời gọi không các bạn? Con người luôn ước mơ đến những vì sao, muốn chắp cánh bay khỏi không gian chật hẹp của mình để đến những chân trời mới. Ngôn ngữ có thể giúp bạn phần nào đạt được những ước mơ tương lai, nên tôi luôn mong các bạn luôn trân trọng những “cuộc gặp gỡ giữa bạn và tiếng Anh” đã qua, trân trọng những hành trình bạn đã trải qua như những lần gặp gỡ người mình thương yêu. Hãy nhìn về tương lai với đôi mắt sâu xa và sáng trong của mình. Bạn hãy cho mình một niềm tin rằng bạn sẽ làm chủ tiếng Anh, qua đó bạn sẽ có cơ hội vàng làm phong phú thêm tâm hồn mình, sẽ có lúc mình đủ khả năng tiếp thu các nền văn hóa vĩ đại khác của nhân loại, biến mình thành một con người đa văn hóa, luôn rộng mở, có trí tuệ quốc tế và sẵn sàng kết nối với thế giới bao la và tốt đẹp này. Đó chẳng phải là những mơ ước của bạn sao? It’s wonderful to be as young as you. Bạn hãy bắt đầu suy nghĩ sâu sắc và tiến hành chuẩn bị các dự án lớn cho cuộc đời mình đi. In my opinion, life never ends when we begin with positive attitudes. English can offer you important values and visions for your future productive and meaningful life. Khi các bạn học tiếng Anh đến một mức độ cao, các bạn có thể vượt qua những biên giới nhận thức để đến những “thiên đàng tri thức bất ngờ”. Để đến được nơi chốn mơ ước đó, bạn hãy yêu lấy những giây phút “cực nhọc, tra tấn” trong quá trình ban đầu học tiếng Anh của mình, qua đó, bạn sẽ phát hiện được những vẻ đẹp của tiếng Anh, bạn sẽ “rung động” trước vẻ huyền bí của Nàng. Life goes on. It doesn’t wait for anybody, so let’s go on with life and living English. Các bạn hãy bắt đầu cuộc hành trình đến tâm điểm tiếng Anh. Đây là một cuộc Trường Chinh vĩ đại (Long March) trong cuộc đời bạn. English is for you. It’s always there for you like a faithful lover. I am sure all of you will build beautiful and happy life with it. God bless you, my dear students! Let’s place unshakeable faith in yourselves and English.