Unit 4 Body Language
Part One: Teaching Design (第一部分：教學設計)
1． A sample lesson plan for reading
(COMMUNICATION: NO PROBLEM?)
Aims
To help students develop their reading ability.
To help students learn about body language.
Procedures
I. Warming up
Warming up by acting
Look at the list of interpretation on the right side of the chart. Perform the action or the nonverbal behaviour on the left side.
Examples Of Body Language
NONVERBAL BEHAVIOR INTERPRETATION
Brisk, erect walk Confidence
Standing with hands on hips Readiness, aggression
Sitting with legs crossed, foot kicking slightly Boredom
Sitting, legs apart Open, relaxed
Arms crossed on chest Defensiveness
Walking with hands in pockets, shoulders hunched Dejection
Hand to cheek Evaluation, thinking
Touching, slightly rubbing nose Rejection, doubt, lying
Rubbing the eye Doubt, disbelief
Hands clasped behind back Anger, frustration, apprehension
Locked ankles Apprehension
Head resting in hand, eyes downcast Boredom
Rubbing hands Anticipation
Sitting with hands clasped behind head, legs crossed Confidence, superiority
Open palm Sincerity, openness, innocence
Pinching bridge of nose, eyes closed Negative evaluation
Tapping or drumming fingers Impatience
Steepling fingers Authoritative
Patting/fondling hair Lack of self-confidence; insecurity
Tilted head Interest
Stroking chin Trying to make a decision
Looking down, face turned away Disbelief
Biting nails Insecurity, nervousness
Pulling or tugging at ear Indecision
Warming up by defining-What is body language?
● The gestures, poses, movements, and expressions that a person uses to communicate.
●The outward signs of a person which indicates their inner thoughts or attitude. For example, a bowed head indicates submission, a hand over the mouth indicates the person doesn't want to talk or feels their words aren't worth listening to. Scratching indicates nervousness. A person passing another on the street might bow their head as a subconscious sign of submission.
● Conscious or unconscious bodily movements and gestures that communicate to others a person's attitudes and feelings. This may also include dress, facial features, skin colour or other personal means of communication without words.
● communication via the movements or attitudes of the body
● Body language is a broad term for several forms of communication using body movements or gestures, instead of, or as a complement to, sounds, verbal language, or other forms of communication. In turn, it is one category of paralanguage, which describes all forms of human communication that are not language.
II. Pre-reading
1. Looking and saying
Look at the man in the picture below. What does he say to you by his body language?
Basically, how the ...... do I know? Or, I don’t know nothin! The shoulders are hunched and the hands are open signifying a big question mark.
2. Talking and sharing
Body language is the quiet, secret and most powerful language of all!
According to experts, our non-verbal language communicates about 50% of what we really mean (voice tonality contributes 38%) while words themselves contribute a mere 7%.
Our bodies send out messages constantly and often we don't recognize that we're communicating a lot more than we realize.
Our understanding and use of non-verbal cues in facial expression are familiar to us nearly from birth
III. Reading
1. Reading aloud to the recording
Now please listen and read aloud to the recording of the text COMMUNICATION: NO PROBLEM?. Pay attention to the pronunciation of each word and the pauses within each sentence. I will play the tape twice and you shall read aloud twice, too.
2. Reading and underlining
Next you are to read and underline all the useful expressions or collocations in the passage. Copy them to your notebook after class as homework.
Collocations from COMMUNICATION: NO PROBLEM?
Send… to do sth., meet … at the airport, meet with…, at a hotel, represent the Chinese government, look around, in a curious way, be followed by…, introduce…to…, kiss… on the cheek, step back, appear surprised, take a few steps away from…, coming in, at the same time, reach one’s hand out to …, touch sb’s hand, greet each other, communicate with spoken language, express one’s feelings, use unspoken language, keep physical distance, stand close to…, approach… closely, shake hands, move close to…, move back a bit, nod at …, stand close to…, behave the same way, avoid difficulty
3. Reading to identify the topic sentence of each paragraph
Next you are to skim the text to identify the topic sentence of each paragraph.
4. Reading and transferring information
Read the text again to complete the table. Where is he/ she from? What does he/ she do when he/ she meet someone at the airport for the first time?
Name Country Action Meaning
Mr Garcia
Julia Smith
Ahmed Aziz
Madame Coulon
5. Reading and understanding difficult sentences
As you have read the text times, you can surely tell which sentences are difficult to understand. Now put your questions concerning the difficult points to me the teacher.
6. Reading and translating
Now it’s time to translate the text into Chinese, sentence by sentence. Who will be the first to do it?
IV. Closing down
Closing down by doing exercises
To end the lesson you are to do the comprehending exercises No. 1 and 2 on page 26 and 27.
Closing down by checking
Check some of the following basic non-verbal cues and you'll recognize that you already speak and translate much of the language.
“I’m surprised!”
“I’m shocked!”
“I’m sad!”
2．A sample lesson plan for Learning about Language
(The ~ing form as the Attribute & Adverbial)
Aims
To help students learn about The ~ing form as the Attribute & Adverbial.
To help students discover and learn to use some useful words and expressions.
To help students discover and learn to use some useful structures.
Procedures
I. Warming up
Warming up by discovering useful words and expressions
Turn to page 27 and do exercises No. 1, 2 ,3 and 4 first. Check your answers against your classmates’.
II. Learning about grammar
1. Reading and thinking
Turn to page 25 and read with me the text of COMMUNICATION: NO PROBLEM? As you read along, pay attention to the uses of The ~ing form as the Attribute & Adverbial.
(They are visitors coming from several countries. 作定語；Four people enter looking around in a curious way. 作狀語； This is an exciting experience for you. 作定語; You stand watching and listening. 作狀語；……)
2. Doing exercises No. 1 and 2 on page 29
Turn to page 29. Do exercises No. 1 and 2。
III. Ready used materials for The ~ing form as the Attribute & Adverbial
... When we use a verb in -ing form more like a verb or an adjective, it is usually a present participle:. Anthony is fishing. I have a boring teacher. In this lesson, we will look at the use of verbs in the ~ing form ...
The ~ing form 作定語
現在分詞可以單獨作定語，也可以構成合成詞作定語，但在更多的情況下是分詞短語作定語，包括限定性和非限定性（用逗號與其他部分分開），在意義上相當于一個定語從句。現在分詞作定語通常帶有主動意義和未完成意義。例如：
The man following was obviously in a hurry。（現在分詞單獨作定語）
They acted just like a conquering army。（現在分詞單獨作定語）
Do you know the man standing over there by the motor car?（分詞短語作限定性定語。）
Last night,we caught a thief stealing John's bike.（分詞短語作限定性定語）
The name Nebraske comes from the Oto Indian word “ebrathka”.meaning flat water.（分詞短語作非限定性定語）
The ~ing form 作狀語
現在分詞作狀語表示主語在進行一動作的同時所進行的另一動作，它對謂語動詞起修飾或陪襯的作用。這時要注意現在分詞與其邏輯主語在時態和意義上的統一。例如：
Rushing out of the room, he has knocked down by a car.（作時間狀語）
=When he rushed out of the room, he was hnocked down by a car.
Working harder, you will pass the entrance exam.（作條件狀語）
=If you work harder, you will pass the entrance exam.
She sat at a window and read a book.（作伴隨狀語）
=She sat at a window and read a book.
Having won the championship, he was awarded a million dollars.（作原因狀語）
=Because he had won the championship, he was awarded a million dollars.
Even if taking a taxi, I will still be late for the meeting.（作讓步狀語）
=Even if I take a taxi, I will still be late for the meeting.
The road is under construction, thus causing the delay.（作結果狀語）
=The road is under construction, and thus caused the delay.
注意，當現在分詞作讓步狀語時，一般放在句首，常常由although, though, even if ,unless等連詞引入；作結果狀語時，一般放在句末，前面可so, thus, henc。
IV. Closing down by doing a quiz
To end the period you are going to take a quiz on ~ing words.
~ING WORDS
Highlight all the words ending in '-ing'.
Make lists of all the different categories of '-ing' words; that is, their different functions in the sentence.
Examples of some of the different categories
He's swimming.
He's wearing a swimming suit.
He likes swimming.
Swimming is pleasant.
Rewrite each sentence without using the '-ing' form.
Is there a change in meaning? What is it?
Find sentences in the text which can be rewritten using an -ing form.
Is there any change in meaning? What is it?
3． A sample lesson plan for Using Language
(SHOWING OUR FEELINGS)
Aims
To help students read the passage SHOWING OUR FEELINGS.
To help students to use the language by reading, listening, speaking and writing.
Procedures
I. Warming up
Read aloud to warm up: Let’s warm up by reading aloud to the recording of the text SHOWING OUR FEELINGS.
II. Guided reading
1. Reading and translating
Read the text SHOWING OUR FEELINGS and translate it into Chinese paragraph by paragraph. He Jing. You are to do paragraph 1, please. ….
2. Reading and underlining
Next you are to read and underline all the useful expressions or collocations in the passage. Copy them to your notebook after class as homework.
Collocations from SHOWING OUR FEELINGS
Show all kinds of feeling, turn one’s back to…, show anger, close one’s hand, shake… at…, a universal facial expression, put…at ease, hide feelings, lose face, nod the head up and down, look away from…, hold one’s arms across one’s chest, protest…from …, turn toward…, roll one’s eyes, show respect for…, use gestures, give a hug to sb., stand close to…, with…open, look directly at…, look sb. in the eye, tell the truth, be wrong about…
3. Doing exercises
Now you are going to do exercises No. 1 and 2 on page 30 following the article.
The importance of body language
People can not live without each other, we are social beings. As soon as we are in contact with others we are communicating. For this we can make use of spoken and written language. In these ways we make the content of a message clear to each other. However we can also communicate without words. This kind of communication tells us something about the relationship between people. Often this is more important than getting the content of the message across. The communication about this non spoken communication, which tells us something about the relationship between people, is called Meta-Communication. Communicating about communication!
4. Writing
Turn to page 31. Make a list of three positive body language expressions and three negative body language expressions.
Non-verbal communication, or body language
o Refers to messaging without words
In a personal spoken message
o According to Albert Mehrabian, in Psychology Today (1968), of the total message
7% is conveyed by the words
38% by the vocal tones, and
55% by facial and body expression
o Reading body language is an important skill
5. Listening, writing
Turn to page 31 and do the listening and writing exercises No. 1 and 2.
Positive gesture clusters - 1
●Acceptance
o Hand to chest
o Open arms and hands
o Touching gestures
o Moving closer, one to another
o Preening
o Sitting on one leg (for female)
Positive gesture clusters - 2
●Confidence
o Steepling (fingers touching like a church steeple)
o Hands behind back, authority position
o Back stiffened
o Hands in coat pockets with thumbs out
o Hands on lapels of coat
●Expectancy
o Rubbing palms
o Jingling money openly
o Crossed fingers
o Moving closer
Positive gesture clusters - 3
●Cooperation, readiness, openness
o Open hands
o Hands on hips
o Hands on mid-thigh while seated
o Sitting on edge of chair
o Arms spread, gripping edge of table or desk
o Moving closer
o Sprinter's position
o Hand-to-face gestures
Positive gesture clusters - 4
●Evaluation
o Hand-to-face gestures
o Head tilted
o Stroking chin
o Peering over glasses
o Taking glasses off, and cleaning
o Putting eye glass ear piece in mouth
o Pipe smoker gestures
o Getting up from table and walking around
o Putting hand to bridge of nose
Positive gesture clusters - 5
●Reassurance
o Touching
o Pinching flesh
o Chewing pen or pencil
o Rubbing over thumb
o Touching back of chair on entering room
o Biting finger nails
o Hands in pockets
Positive gesture clusters - 6
●Self-control
o Holding arm behind back
o Gripping wrist
o Locked ankles
Clenched hands
6. Speaking and writing
Discuss Lin Pei’s behaviour with your partner. Then write some advice for Lin Pei.
Part Two: Teaching Resources (第二部分：教學資源)
1．A text structure analysis of COMMUNICATION: NO PROBLEM?
I. Type of writing and summary of the idea
COMMUNICAATION: NO PROBLEM?
Type of writing This is a piece of descriptive writing.
Main idea of the passage
By familiarizing ourselves with a few basic nonverbal signals, we can improve our ability to understand what people are really communicating and become aware of what we are broadcasting to the world with our own non-verbal cues.
Idea of 1st paragraph You were sent to meet business people from several countries at Pudong Airport.
Idea of 2nd paragraph Examples of greeting by Mr Garcia from Columbia, by Julia Smith from Britain, by the visitor from Japan, by George Cook from Canada
Idea of 3rd paragraph People communicate by unspoken language, learned or cultural “body language”.
Idea of 4th paragraph Greeting by English people, by people from Spain, Italy, South American and Japan.
Idea of 5th paragraph Examples of greeting by Ahmed Aziz from Jordan, by Madame Coulon from France, by people from Middle East or some Muslim countries.
Idea of 6th paragraph Body language is either good or bad.
II. A tree diagram of COMMUNICAATION: NO PROBLEM?
III. A retold passage of the text
A possible version:
You were sent to meet business people from several countries at Pudong Airport.
At the airport Mr Garcia from Columbia approaches Julia Smith from Britain, touching her shoulder and kissing her on the cheek, who steps away from him. Mr Cook, from Canada, reaches out his hand to the visitor from Japan who bows.
People communicate differently by unspoken language, their learned or cultural “body language”.
English people usually do not stand close to others or touch strangers when they first meet. But people from Spain, Italy, South American countries approach others closely, even touch them. Most world people greet each other by shaking hands while Japanese people do so by bowing.
People from Jordan moves close to the one they greet. People from France may greet each other by shaking hands and kissing. Men from Middle East or some Muslim countries stand quite close to other men to talk and they will not shake hands with women.
Body language is either good or bad. Its understanding helps you better communicate with each other.
2．Background information on Body language
I. American Gestures
COMMON GESTURES
1. Americans are a not touch (touch/not touch)oriented.
2. In normal social situations, Americans generally stand about 30 inches apart from one another, which is also considered their personal "comfort zone."
3. At sporting events or the theater, Americans usually slide into a crowded aisle while facing forward (forward/the people).
Gesture Meaning
Americans shake hands, and from an early age they are taught to do so with a firm., solid grip. When greeting one another.
American children are taught to look others directly in the eyes. When greeting and conversing. If not, means shyness or weakness.
Arm raised and the open hand "waggles" back and forth. Signaling "hello" or "good-bye." Or trying to get someone's attention.
Americans will often wave to another person and then turn to make hand scoop inward; or raise the index finger ) palm toward one's face, and make a "curling " motion with that finger. To beckon or summon another person.
Palm facing out with the index and middle fingers displayed in the shape of a "V." "Victory" or "peace."
Thumb and forefinger form a circle with the other three fingers splayed upward; it is used frequently and enthusiastically. "O.K." meaning "fine" or "yes."
Thumb up with a close fist. Meaning support or approval, "O.K." or "Good Going!" or "Good job!"
Fist raised with index finger and little finger extended. Texas rallying call "hook 'em horns." Baseball meaning "two outs."
Whistling Pretty woman, cheering at sporting events, applauding performances.
Nodding and shaking the head. Yes and No
Extend the forefinger and make a circular motion near the temple or ear. Something or someone is "crazy."
II.Common Asian Gestures
1. GREETINGS GESTURES
a) Handshaking
b) Bowing
c) Avoid direct eye contact
2. BEKONING GESTURES
a) To beckon someone, the palm faces downward and the fingers are moved in a scratching motion.
b) Avoid using fingers in pointing to an object.
3. TOUCHING GESTURES
a) Not touch oriented societies
b) Avoid public display of affection
c) Pushing (bumping) in crowds
4. OTHER NON VERBAL GESTURES
a) Respect to elderly people
b) Smiling often can cover a gamut of emotions: happiness, anger, confusion, apologies , or sadness.
c) Displaying an open mouth (such as yawning or a wide-open laugh) is considered rude, especially with women who cover their mouths when giggling or laughing.
d) Try to maintain a balanced posture, stand or sit erectly or squarely. Don't slouch or put on the ground with arms in the lap or on the armrest. Crossing the legs at the knees or ankles is the preferred form rather than with one ankle over the other knee.
e) Silience (listening) is a sign of politeness and of contemplation. During conversations, be especially careful about interrupting.
Japan
In summary, for most visitors the Japanese are complex and difficult to understand. Remember two things: (1) style, or the way things are done, is just as important as substance, or what is being done; and (2) watch your Japanese hosts carefully and follow their example.
5. GREETING GESTURES
a) The graceful act of bowing is the traditional greeting.
b) However, they have also adopted the western custom of shaking hands, albeit with a light grip and perhaps with eyes averted. Meanwhile, to show respect for their customs, it would flatter them to offer a slight bow when being introduced.
c) Avoid hugging and kissing when greeting.
d) It is considered rude to stare. Prolonged direct eye contact is considered impolite or even intimidating.
e) It is considered rude to stand with your hand or hands in your pockets, especially when greeting someone or when addressing a group of people.
f) The seemingly simple act of exchanging business cards is more complex in japn becuae the business card represents not only one's identity but one's station in life. Yours should be printed in your own language and in Japanese.
6. TOUCHING GESTURES
a) The Japanese are not a touch-oriented society, so avoid open displays of affection, touching or any prolonged form of body contact.
b) Queues are generally respected; it is only in crowded train and subway stations where the huge volume of people causes touching and pushing.
7. BECKONING GESTURES
a) It is considered insulting to point to someone fingers extended and the thinb folded into the palm.
b) To beckon someone, the palm faces downward and the fingers are moved in a scratching motion.
8. OTHER NONVERBAL GESTURES
a) Because of the high regard for graciousness and restraint, one should not shout, raise the voice in anger, or exhibit any excessively demonstrative behavior.
b) Among the Japanese, smiling often can cover a gamut of emotions: happiness, anger, confusion, apologies, or sadness.
c) Displaying an open mouth (such as yawning or a wide open laugh) is considered rude in Japan, especially with women who cover their mouths when giggling or laughing.
d) Try to maintain a balanced posture stand or sit erectly or squarely. Do not slouch or put your feet on desks or chairs. When seated have both feet squarely on the ground with arms in the lap or on the armrests. Crossing the legs at the knee or ankles is the preferred form rather than with one ankle over the other knee.
e) Silence is perfectly acceptable and customary. Silence (listening) is a sign of politeness and of contemplation. During conversations, be especially careful about interrupting.
f) One way to show concentration and attentiveness is to close the eyes in contemplation and nod the head slight, up and down.
g) Japanese men like to avoid saying "no", but one gesture that is often used ti signal "no" or that "something is very difficult" is to tip the head backward and audibly suck air in through the teeth.
9. OTHER NONVERBAL GESTURES
a) A gesture saying "I do not know," or "I don't understand" or "No, I am undeserving" is waving the hand back and forth in front of one's own face (palm outward).
b) The "O.K." gesture in Japan may be interpreted as the signal for "money" or "give me change in coins."
c) Blowing your nose in public is considered rude. The handkerchief is used primarily for wiping the mouth or drying the hands when leaving the washroom. Paper tissues are used for blowing the nose and then discarded.
d) When entering a private home or traditional restaurants with tatami (bamboo mats) floors, it is usually customary to remove your shoes and place them with the toes pointing toward the outdoors.
10. BOWING
a) Many westerners view the bow as an act of subservience, but in Japan that would completely wrong. For the Japanese a bow signals respect and humility, two qualities coveted throughout Asia.
b) Although it is not absolutely necessary, but a slight bow demonstrate that you respect their customs. And in Japan, where style and grace and courteousness are revered, that simply act would surely be noted, appreciated, and probably remembered.
c) WHO BOWS FIRST? AND HOW LOW DOES ONE BOW? In Japanese, it is extremely important to know the rank of people with whom you come in contact.
i. "The person of lower rank bows first and lowest."
ii. "The higher the rank of the person facing you, the lower you bow."
iii. "The lower the bow and the longer one holds the position, the stronger is the indication of respect, gratitude, sincerity, obeisance, humility, contriteness, etc."
iv. With equals match bows, adding an extra one when you want to show a slight edge of respect.
v. When unsure of status, the safest move is to bow a shade less low than the other person.
vi. The proper form is to bow (about 15 degrees) with hands sliding down toward the knees or at the sides, back neck stiff, and eyes averted. The formal bow (about 30 degrees) with palms on knees and often bobbing up and down. Never bow with a hand (of both hands) in your pockets.
Korea
11. GREETING GESTURES
a) Among themselves, bowing is the traditional form for both greeting and departing.
b) Western and Korean male friends usually greet with both a slight bow and shaking hands. When shaking hands, both hands are sometimes used. Women usually do not shake hands, especially with men, but usually just nod slightly. The senior person offers to shake hands first, but the junior person bows first. However, shake hands with a light grip and perhaps with eyes averted.
c) Avoid hugging and kissing when greeting.
d) Prolonged direct eye contact is considered impolite and even intimidating.
e) Business cards are traded respectfully. Keep the card on the table in front of you as just one small gesture of respect.
f) When saying good-bye, the traditional gesture is the bow, but the younger generation has adopted the western custom of waving good-bye by moving their arm side-to-side.
12. TOUCHING GESTURES
a) Generally speaking, the Koreans are not a touch-oriented society (especially true for visitors.) So avoid touching or any prolonged form of body contact.
b) Public display of affection are very rare. On the other hand, you may note people of the same sex walking hand-in-hand, which is simply a gesture of friendship.
c) Don't worry about a bit of pushing in stores or when groups board public buses or trains. Apologies are neither offered or expected.
13. BECKONING GESTURES
a) The open hand or the middle finger is used for pointing.
b) To beckon someone, the palm faces downward and the fingers are moved in a scratching motion. Using the arm and hand up, palm toward the face is used only for calling dogs and children.
14. OTHER NONVERBAL GESTURES
a) Respect is always shown to elderly people, so it is appropriate to rise when a person-- especially an elderly man enters the room or giving up a seat on a subway. However, an elder may not give up a seat for a young boy.
b) Men generally have priority in Korea: Go through a door first, walk ahead of women, and women may help them on with their coats.
c) Among the Koreans, laughter is used to disguise many emotions: anger, frustration, and fear.
d) Loud talking or laughing is usually avoided. Koreans, especially women will cover their mouths laughing, resulting in giggling rather than wide open-mouth laughing.
e) Periods of silence are common and accepted, even during dinners.
f) Correct posture is important, especially when seated. Don't slouch or put your feet on desks or chairs. Try to maintain a balanced posture, stand or sit erectly or squarely. When seated have both feet squarely on the ground with arms in the lap or on the armrests. Crossing the legs at the knees or ankles is the preferred form rather than with one ankle over the other knee.
g) When walking in public, keep to the left side of the walkway and stairway.
15. OTHER NONVERBAL GESTURES
a) It is considered impolite to enter a room without knocking first. However, Koreans may not wait for you to come to the door and open it. They may knock and then enter.
b) When walking in public places, direct eye contact is uncommon in the larger cities. However, visitors may be the subject of much curiosity and therefore you may notice some stares.
c) Blowing you nose in public is considered rude, especially at a meal. Paper tissues are used for blowing the nose and then discarded.
d) When entering a private home, it is usually customary to remove your shoes.
e) Spitting (except for young women) and burping in public is acceptable.
Phillipines
16. GREETING GESTURES
a) Handshaking is the common custom, with both men and women shaking hands in a friendly and informal fashion.
b) Filipinos may greet one another with the "eyebrow flash" which is merely a quick lifting of the eyebrows.
17. TOUCHING GESTURES
a) Generally speaking, the Filipinos are a touch-oriented society.
b) People of the same sex may be seen holding hands in public places, which is simply a gesture of friendship.
c) Don't worry about a bit of pushing and shoving when using public transportation, Filipinos seldom queue or observe orderly lines.
18. BECKONING GESTURES
a) Instead of pointing to an object , Filipinos will shift their eyes toward it, or purse the lips and point with the mouth.
b) To beckon someone, the palm faces downward and the fingers are moved in a scratching motion. Never curl your index finger back and forth because that is considered insulting.
19. OTHER NONVERBAL GESTURES
a) It is considered rude to stare. Prolonged direct eye contact is considered impolite and even intimidating.
b) Respect is always shown to elderly people.
c) Among the Filipinos, laugher is used to convey both enjoyment and pleasure but also to mask embarrassment over another person's misfortune.
d) Speaking in aloud voice is considered ill-mannered and rude.
3．Words and expressions from Unit 4 Body language
major a. a major earthquake 大地震，a major problem 重大問題，a major subject 主修科目
local a. local customs地方風俗，a local pain 局部疼痛， 當地時間 local time
represent v. represent a club as its chief executive以總經理的身份代表俱樂部，represent by signs 用符號代表
curious a. be curious about other’s people business 對別人的事情太好奇
Introduce v. introduce her as his daughter 介紹說她是自己的女兒， be introduced from… 從…傳來的，introduce…to sb. 向某人介紹……
approach v. & n. cautiously approached the house 小心地走近那房子, approach the manager about … 同經理談……， approach the question as a scientist 從科學家的角度來處理這一問題，Snow announced the approach of winter. 雪宣告了冬季的來臨。I like her approach to the problem. 我喜歡她解決這個問題的方法。
touch v. & n. She lightly touched his forehead. 她輕輕地摸了摸他的前額。 Don't touch the exhibits. Few students in our school can touch him in music. 在音樂方面,我們學校很少有學生能與他相比。I was touched beyond words. 我感動得無法形容。They did not touch this topic in their talk. 他們在會談中沒有觸及這個問題。The rain touched the crops. 這場雨使莊稼受害。They sat so close that their heads nearly touched. 他們坐得那么近,頭都差不多碰到一起了。In his talk he touched on/upon the state of affairs in Latin America. 談話中他提到了拉丁美洲的局勢。Our ship is to touch at Hongkong tomorrow morning. 我們的船將于明天上午停靠香港。It will break at a touch. 那東西一碰就破。Let's stay in touch. 我們保持聯絡。He's added a few finishing touches to his novel. 他給小說作了最后潤色。He has a touch with birds. 他擅長養鳥。The young man recited his poems with a touch of pride. 那個青年帶點驕傲地朗誦他的詩作。
cheek n. The little girl has rosy cheeks. 那個小女孩臉頰紅潤。 He had the cheek to ask me for money. 他竟厚著臉皮向我要錢。How can you cheek your grandparents in that way? 你怎么可以那樣無禮地對祖父母講話?
learned a. The more learned a man is, the more modest he usually is. 人愈有學問,往往愈是謙虛。learned books 學術性書籍
stranger n. I feel strange in the presence of strangers. 在陌生人面前,我感到不自在。 Sorry, I don't know. I'm a stranger here myself. 對不起,我不清楚。我對這里也不熟。He is no stranger to sorrow. 他飽經憂患。I'm a stranger to statistics. 我對統計學一竅不通。
spoken a. They built a robot capable of understanding spoken commands. 他們制造了一個能懂口頭指令的機器人。He is a shy soft-spoken person. 他害羞,說話輕聲細語的。
express v. & n. Really, I hardly know how to express my gratitude. 我真不知道如何表達我的感激之情。The doctor expressed poison from her wound. 醫生把毒液從她的傷口擠了出來。Please send this parcel by express delivery. 請用快遞寄送這個包裹。The doctor gave express orders that the patient was to have no visitors. 醫生明確囑咐,那個病人不可會客。We took an express bus home. 我們乘特快公車回家。They painted the house for the express purpose for selling it. 他們專為賣房而油漆房子。Please send the parcel express.
action n. The quick action of the firemen saved the building from being burned down. 消防隊員行動及時,該建筑物方免遭焚毀。The action of water on rock should be taken into account. 應考慮到水對巖石的作用。All the action in the play takes place at one railroad station. 該劇的整個情節均發生在一座火車站里。Finally she had to file an action for divorce. 最后她只好提出離婚訴訟。
posture n. a sitting posture 坐姿, They are trying to adopt a more cooperative posture. 他們正試圖采取更為合作的態度。He enjoys posturing in front of an audience. 他喜歡在觀眾面前裝腔作勢。
likely a. & a. John is likely to be in London this autumn. 今年秋天約翰可能在倫敦。 The park is a likely place for the picnic. 這公園倒是個適合野餐的地方。 We will most likely be late. 我們很有可能會遲到。
Muslim n. & a. A Muslim is a believer in or follower of Islam. The word Muslim means one who submits and implies complete submission to the will of God (Allah). Muslims believe that nature is itself Islamic, since it follows natural laws placed by God. Thus, a Muslim strives to surrender to God's commands every step of the way.
The holiest book for Muslims is the Qur'an, or the 'Koran' in English. Muslims consider the Arabic Qur'an as the direct revelation of God; translations do exist to other languages but are not regarded as the literal word of God.
Other canonical texts of the Muslim include the hadith which are recordings of the life of the prophet made by the people who were around him. Many matters not specifically mentioned in the Qur'an are covered in the hadith. The degree to which the hadith are authoritative depends on the sect which a Muslim is from.
The basic beliefs of Muslims are: belief in God, His angels, His revealed Books, His Messengers, the Day of Judgement, and the Al Qadar (which is a form of divine pre-destination). The revealed books of Islam also include the Injil (Christian Gospels), the Torah and the Psalms.
The Five Pillars of Islam on which a Muslim's life is founded are:
The Testimony that there is none worthy of worship except God and that Muhammad is his messenger.
Establishing of the five daily Prayers (Salaah). These prayers are ritualistic in nature and adherence to the ritual practice is required. The location at which one prays is not strictly defined as long as one is able to establish the Qiblat.
The Giving of Zakaah (charity), which is generally 2.5% of the yearly savings for a rich man working in trade or industry, and 10% or 20% of the produce for agriculturists. This money or produce is distributed among the poor.
Refraining from eating, drinking and having sex from dawn to dusk in the month of Ramadhaan (Sawm).
The Pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca during the month of Zul Hijjah, which is compulsory once in a lifetime for one who has the ability to do it. This ability includes the financial means and the physical strength since the hajj can be strenuous. Also, one has to obtain a permit from the Saudi government which is granted based on an annual quota based on country.
comedy n. Comedy is the use of humour in the performing arts. It also means a performance that relies heavily on humor. The term originally comes from theater, where it simply referred to a play with a happy ending, in contrast to a tragedy. The humor, once an incidental device used to entertain, is now an essential aspect of a comedy.
A recognised characteristic of comedy is that it is an intensely personal enjoyment. People frequently fail to find the same things amusing, but when they do it can help to create powerful bonds.