风の谷下弦月Behind the clouds is the sun still shining

▲Word Bank
(1) slip
(2) jolt
(3) recovery
(4) dignity

American way
Moral Issues (Part 2 of 5)

7-9-TO SHARE: A STORY ABOUT GENEROSITY

ask AL
Q: I would like to begin to write a letter to my pen pal, but I have no idea what to write. Could you please help me?

▲ Word Bank 
(1) slip
例句︰Arriving at school late, Mary slipped quietly into the classroom.

(2) jolt
例句︰The earthquake gave the whole city a strong jolt.

(3) recovery
例句︰Jennie was hurt in a car accident. Her recovery took three months.

(4) dignity
例句︰Money can't bring you dignity. Only an honest life can do that.

▲ American way 
Moral Issues (Part 2 of 5)

To begin with, moral values in America are like those in any culture. In fact, many aspects of morality are universal. But the stories and traditions that teach them are unique to each culture. Not only that, but culture influences how people show these virtues.

最開始，道德價值在美國就像在任何其他的文化一樣。事實上，許多道德的觀點是全球一致的。但是，不同的文化則有不同的故事和傳統來教導它們。不僅如此，文化也影響了人民如何表現這些美德。

One of the most basic moral values for Americans is honesty. The well-known legend about George Washington and the cherry tree teaches this value clearly. Little George cut down his father's favorite cherry tree while trying out his new hatchet. When his father asked him about it, George said, "I cannot tell a lie. I did it with my hatchet." Instead of punishment, George received praise for telling the truth. Sometimes American honesty-being open and direct-can offend people. But Americans still believe that "honesty is the best policy."

美國人最基本的道德價值之一是誠實。眾所週知的喬治．華盛頓砍櫻桃樹的故事，即將此道德教導地極為清楚。小喬治在試他新斧頭時砍倒了爸爸最心愛的櫻桃樹。當爸爸問他的時候，喬治說，「我不能說謊，我用我的斧頭砍了它。」喬治非但未被懲罰，反而因為誠實而被讚賞。有時候美國人仍然相信「誠實是最上策」。

▲ 7-9-TO SHARE: A STORY ABOUT GENEROSITY 
What goes around comes around: the rewards of being kind to others

▲ ASK AL 
Q: I would like to begin to write a letter to my pen pal, but I have no idea what to write. Could you please help me?
Q: I would like to begin to write a letter to my pen pal, but I have no idea what to write. Could you please help me?

A: Here are some tips for writing interesting letters:

1. First of all, make your name, age and gender clear. It can be very confusing if you don't.

2. Did this pen pal write you already? If not, where did you find your pen pal's name? Write where you found your new pal's name. Some people look for pen pals on pen pal web sites. And if you tell your pen pal where you got his/her information, it gives them a good impression of you.

3. Tell your pen pal about your hobbies and interests. If you have similar interests to his/hers, it promotes friendship. Even if you don't, your pen pal will get to know more about you. If you write your interests are things like music or movies or books, tell them what kind of books you like, who is your favorite actor, etc.

4. According to my experience, the best word written at the end of your mail seems 'Your new friend'. You can also write 'Yours Sincerely' or just 'Sincerely'. Women sometimes write 'Love' to their female pen pals, even in their first mails. But if you're a male and write to a female pen pal for friendship, never use 'Love'.

5. You shouldn't write something that forces your new pal to write you, such as 'Whatever happens, do write back'. It makes your new pal feel bound. Your pen pal will be sure to answer if you send a nice mail.

6. Don't send a lot of e-mails at a time by writing many addresses in one mail, especially by CC. It gives your new pen pal a bad impression. Each person who gets your mail will think that you don't especially hope for him/her to become your pen pal.

7. Most of all, be honest with your pen pal. Without honesty, there can be no communication.
 
▲Word Bank
(1) suffer
(2) shame
(3) remarkable
(4) connection

American way
Moral Issues (Part 3 of 5)

7-9-TO SHARE: A STORY ABOUT GENEROSITY

ASK AL
Q: I really want to listen to Studio Classroom every day, but I never seem to have enough time. Do you have any suggestions?
精采內容 

▲Word Bank 
(1) suffer
例句︰After suffering for years, Milton no longer has back pain.

(2) shame
例句︰When Danny failed the exam, he felt shame.

(3) remarkable
例句︰Something remarkable happened today. The president visited our office.

(4) connection
例句︰There is a connection between Anne and Ed. He is married to her sister.

▲ American way 
Moral Issues (Part 3 of 5)

Another virtue Americans respect is perseverance. Remember Aesop's fable about the turtle and the rabbit that had a race? The rabbit thought he could win easily, so he took a nap. But the turtle finally won because he did not give up. Another story tells of a little train that had to climb a steep hill. The hill was so steep that the little train had a hard time trying to get over it. But the train just kept pulling, all the while saying, "I think I can, I think I can." At last, the train was over the top of the hill. "I thought I could, I thought I could," chugged the happy little train.

另外一個為美國人所尊崇的美德為堅忍。記得再龜兔賽跑這則伊索寓言嗎？兔子以為牠可以贏的很輕鬆，便睡了個午覺，但是烏龜再最後終因不放棄而贏了這場比賽。另一個故事談到一個必須爬過陡峭山頭的小火車，山頭是這麼陡，以至於小火車很難爬上去，但是它仍不斷地爬，並不停地說：「我想我能做到，我能做到。」最後，火車終於爬過了山頭，「我就知道我可以。」這個快樂的小火車繼續往前去。

▲ 7-9-TO SHARE: A STORY ABOUT GENEROSITY 
What goes around comes around: the rewards of being kind to others

▲ ASK AL 
Q: I really want to listen to Studio Classroom every day, but I never seem to have enough time. Do you have any suggestions?
Q: I really want to listen to Studio Classroom every day, but I never seem to have enough time. Do you have any suggestions?

A: I can understand that you are facing a lot of frustration from wanting to study English but just not having a lot of time with the demands of your family and work. You'll be glad to know many people are in the same boat with you. That's why Studio Classroom has been working to try and find solutions for these problems for you!

We have recently started providing MP3s with our monthly magazine. With an MP3, you no longer have to worry about recording the program everyday. You can just listen to the whole month's worth on your computer, or, if you have an MP3 player, whenever and wherever it is convenient for you.

If you are commuting to work, perhaps you could listen to it on the bus or in the car. Try taking advantage of any of the "wait time" that you have when you really can't be doing anything else in particular, such as waiting in line.

Don't be frustrated because you can't spend large chunks of time each day studying English. Instead, try to be more consistent with your study. Remember, it's consistency and quality that counts, not quantity. Even 15 minutes each day will go a long way in helping you to learn English better.
 
▲Word Bank
(1) cozy
(2) remodel

American way
Moral Issues (Part 4 of 5)

10-12-INTERIOR DESIGNER

ASK AL
Q: I really want to listen to Studio Classroom every day, but I never seem to have enough time. Do you have any suggestions?
 
▲Word Bank 
(1) cozy
例句︰In cold weather, it's nice to sleep under a cozy blanket.

(2) remodel
例句︰Janice will remodel her home. It will have a new bathroom and a new bedroom.

▲ American way 
Moral Issues (Part 4 of 5)

Compassion may be the queen of American virtues. The story of "The Good Samaritan" from the Bible describes a man who showed compassion. On his way to a certain city, a Samaritan man found a poor traveler lying on the road. The traveler had been beaten and robbed. The kind Samaritan, instead of just passing by, stopped to help this person in need. Compassion can even turn into a positive cycle. In fall 1992, people in Iowa sent truckloads of water to help Floridians hit by a hurricane. The next summer, during the Midwest flooding, Florida returned the favor. In less dramatic ways, millions of Americans are quietly passing along the kindnesses shown to them.

同情心，可能是美國的道德之最了。聖經中的「好撒瑪利亞人」的故事，描述一個流露同情心的人。在這個撒瑪利亞人出發去某城市的途中，看到一個可憐的旅客躺在路旁。這旅客被鞭打、搶劫，這位仁慈的撒瑪利亞人非但沒有視而不見，反而停下來幫助這位有需要的人。同情心還可以變成一個正面循環，在一九九二年的秋天，愛荷華州的居民將好幾輛卡車的水送到受颶風侵襲的佛羅里達州；而就在第二年夏天，當中西部鬧水災的時候，佛州人便投挑報李。數以百萬計的美國人民正用較不醒目的方式回報人們向他們表達的善意。

▲ 10-12-INTERIOR DESIGNER 
Some professional advice can turn a simple house into a fashionable home

▲ ASK AL 
Q: I really want to listen to Studio Classroom every day, but I never seem to have enough time. Do you have any suggestions?
Q: I really want to listen to Studio Classroom every day, but I never seem to have enough time. Do you have any suggestions?

A: I can understand that you are facing a lot of frustration from wanting to study English but just not having a lot of time with the demands of your family and work. You'll be glad to know many people are in the same boat with you. That's why Studio Classroom has been working to try and find solutions for these problems for you!

We have recently started providing MP3s with our monthly magazine. With an MP3, you no longer have to worry about recording the program everyday. You can just listen to the whole month's worth on your computer, or, if you have an MP3 player, whenever and wherever it is convenient for you.

If you are commuting to work, perhaps you could listen to it on the bus or in the car. Try taking advantage of any of the "wait time" that you have when you really can't be doing anything else in particular, such as waiting in line.

Don't be frustrated because you can't spend large chunks of time each day studying English. Instead, try to be more consistent with your study. Remember, it's consistency and quality that counts, not quantity. Even 15 minutes each day will go a long way in helping you to learn English better. 

▲Word Bank
(1) draw up
(2) fabric
(3) cabinet

American way
Moral Issues (Part 5 of 5)

10-12-INTERIOR DESIGNER

ASK AL
Q: How can I memorize the Word Bank words?
 
▲Word Bank 
(1) draw up
例句︰Phil drew up plans for his new house.

(2) fabric
例句︰The cloth in your coat feels soft. What kind of fabric is it?

(3) cabinet
例句︰Our bathroom cabinet holds soap, medicine and toothpaste.

▲ American way 
Moral Issues (Part 5 of 5)

In no way can this brief description cover all the moral values honored by Americans. Courage, responsibility, loyalty, gratitude and many others could be discussed. In fact, Bennett's bestseller-over 800 pages-highlights just 10 virtues. Even Bennett admits that he has only scratched the surface. But no matter how long or short the list, moral values are invaluable. They are the foundation of American culture-and any culture.

在這麼一篇短短的文章裡，無論如何也不能將美國人所尊崇的道德述盡。勇氣、責任心、忠誠、感激之心還有許多其他可以討論的。事實上，班奈特最暢銷的書──超過八百頁──只談到了十種美德。即使班奈特也承認他只談到了皮毛而已。但是不論這張道德表是多長或短，道德價值都是無價的。他們是美國文化──和任何其他國家的文化之基礎。

▲10-12-INTERIOR DESIGNER 
Some professional advice can turn a simple house into a fashionable home

▲ASK AL 
Q: How can I memorize the Word Bank words?
Q: How can I memorize the Word Bank words?

A: To remember new vocabulary, I highly recommend that you use the vocabulary word cards. But you don't have to make your own cards! Use the ones in the front of our magazine. Just cut them out and carry them with you. That way you can look at the words and sentences whenever you have a spare moment.

Using Word Bank cards to build your vocabulary is great, because you can carry your little cards everywhere and use them at any time. If you're riding the bus or the MRT, or if you have a break at work or school, even for 5 minutes, you can study your English. Every bit helps!

Another way to help remember vocabulary is to practice using new words in full sentences. You will learn words much more quickly if you are familiar with how they are used. If you only know the word by itself, when you see or hear it used in a sentence, you may forget, or be confused by the other words in the sentence. 

▲ Word Bank
(1) individual
(2) legend
(3) gambling

American way
Marriage (Part 1 of 5)

SPORTSZONE
BASEBALL

ASK AL
Q: What's the difference between "may I?" and "can I?"
 
▲ Word Bank 
(1) individual
例句︰In this company, only the boss has his own individual office.
(2) legend
例句︰The great Michael Jordan is a basketball legend.
(3) gambling
例句︰Gambling attracts many visitors to Las Vegas.
▲ American way 
Marriage (Part 1 of 5)

"I do." To Americans those two words carry great meaning. They can even change your life. Especially if you say them at your own wedding. Making wedding vows is like signing a contract. Now Americans don't really think marriage is a business deal. But marriage is serious business.
「我願意」這句話對美國人而言具有重大意義，它甚至可以改變你的生命，特別是當你在自己的婚禮上說出這句話時，在婚禮中所發的誓言就如同簽訂契約一樣，美國人並不是真把婚姻當做商業交易，但是，結婚確實是件嚴肅的事情。

It all begins with engagement. Traditionally, a young man asks the father of his sweetheart for permission to marry her. If the father agrees, the man later proposes to her. Often he tries to surprise her by "popping the question" in a romantic way.
結婚是從訂婚開始，在傳統上，年輕人會請求他的女朋友的父親允許他娶她，如果女方的父親答應，之後方可向女方求婚。通常男方會試著以羅曼蒂克的方式「蹦出這個問題」以帶給女方驚喜。

Sometimes the couple just decides together that the time is right to get married. The man usually gives his fiancee a diamond ring as a symbol of their engagement. They may be engaged for weeks, months or even years. As the big day approaches, bridal showers and bachelor's parties provide many useful gifts. Today many couples also receive counseling during engagement. This prepares them for the challenges of married life.
有時候雙方會覺得現在結婚正是時候，於是男方通常會送女方鑽戒做為互訂終身的象徵。他們可能訂婚幾個星期、幾個月，甚至幾年，當大喜的日子接近時，賀禮贈送會和單身漢俱樂部都會致贈許多實用的禮物。今天有許多訂婚的男女在訂婚期間接受輔導，這是為了預備他們接受婚姻生活的挑戰。

▲ SPORTSZONE 
BASEBALL
▲ ASK AL 
Q: What's the difference between "may I?" and "can I?"
Q: What's the difference between "may I?" and "can I?"

A: When you use these two phrases to form a question, "May I go with you?" or "Can I go with you?" they have the same meaning. You are politely asking someone for permission to go somewhere with them.

However, MAY usually refers to "having permission to do something." In other words, you can ask, "May I go now?" meaning "Is it OK for me to leave now? Do I have to wait for you?"

CAN on the other hand usually refers to "being physically able to do something." In other words, if you ask "Can I go now" it may imply that you are physically able to leave.

▲Word Bank
(1) storefront
(2) senseless
(3) protest
(4) target

American way
Marriage (Part 3 of 5)

1, 2-WHAT'S HAPPENING?

ASK AL
Q: Most of my English teachers and foreign friends always tell me that I must try to " Think in English " if I want to speak English fluently. How can I do that?
 
▲ Word Bank 
(1) storefront
例句︰Behind that plain storefront is the best men's clothing store in town.

(2) senseless
例句︰Many people died in the senseless fighting between the two countries.

(3) protest
例句︰The angry people held a big protest against the government.

(4) target
例句︰Donna's target in math this year is a grade of 95 or better.

▲
American way 
Marriage (Part 3 of 5)
As the ceremony begins, the groom and his attendants stand with the minister, facing the audience. Music signals the entrance of the bride's attendants, followed by the beautiful bride. Nervously, the young couple repeats their vows. Traditionally, they promise to love each other "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health." But sometimes the couple has composed their own vows. They give each other a gold ring to symbolize their marriage commitment. Finally the minister announces the big moment: "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride!"

當典禮開始時，新郎和伴郎和牧師站在一起，面對觀眾，音樂一起，表示伴娘入場，後面就跟著美麗的新娘。年輕的男女雙方緊張地跟著說出他們的誓言，傳統上而言，他們會承諾要彼此相愛，「不論好、壞、貧、富、生病時或健康時」，但是有時候，他們也可能自己編一套自己的誓言，他們互贈金戒指表示結婚的委身，最後牧師宣佈這重大的時刻：「我現在宣佈你們成為夫妻，你可以親吻你的新娘！」
▲ 1, 2-WHAT'S HAPPENING? 
At the Little League World Series, kids are kings of the baseball field

▲ ASK AL 
Q: Most of my English teachers and foreign friends always tell me that I must try to " Think in English " if I want to speak English fluently. How can I do that?
Q: Most of my English teachers and foreign friends always tell me that I must try to " Think in English" if I want to speak English fluently. How can I do that?

A: Thinking in a second language can be quite difficult at first. You must be quite comfortable with that language in order to do so. There is no real way to train yourself; it just happens naturally as you get more and more comfortable with English here are some things to keep in mind.

1. Try to answer questions that the teachers or other people ask you in English without first trying to think of how you would say it in Chinese. Think of how you would say it in Chinese only when you get really stuck.

2. You can also try and memorize some basic grammatical structures of English sentences to help you construct your own sentences.

3. Lastly, keep listening to English. As you hear the way others use certain words and phrases, make note of it and try to use it yourself.

4. Cover up the Chinese subtitles on your television screen to force yourself to listen only to the English when watching an English program.

5. Keep practicing! 

▲ Word Bank
(1) big screen
(2) role
(3) command

American way
Marriage (Part 5 of 5)

3-5-DENZEL WASHINGTON: AN UNCOMMON STAR

ASK AL
Q: How can I find an English pen pal?
 
▲ Word Bank 
(1) big screen
例句︰I'm tired of watching TV. Let's go to the theater and watch the big screen.

(2) role
例句︰Which actor played the role of the captain in the movie "Titanic"?

(3) command
例句︰Very few women command big passenger planes.
▲ American way 
Marriage (Part 5 of 5)

Almost every culture has rituals to signal a change in one's life. Marriage is one of the most basic life changes for people of all cultures. So it's no surprise to find many traditions about getting married . . . even in America. Yet each couple follows the traditions in a way that is uniquely their own.

幾乎每一種文化都有儀式來表示一個人生命中的改變。結婚對於所有文化的人而言是最基本的生命改變之一，所以會有這麼多婚禮的習俗就不足為奇了，美國也不例外。然而每對新人都以自己認為獨特的方式來跟隨傳統。
 
▲ 3-5-DENZEL WASHINGTON: AN UNCOMMON STAR 
Denzel Washington makes a career out of staying true to himself

▲ ASK AL 
Q: How can I find an English pen pal?
Q: How can I find an English pen pal?

A: If you would like to have a pen pal you can write an English letter to Dan Wooding.

Please include some information about yourself. Send it to:

Dan Wooding
P.O. Box 2126
Garden Grove
CA 92842-2126
USA

Dan will link you with a pen pal to write to.

You can also search for pen pals online.