speech_versus_silence.doc

Text 1 Speech Versus SilenceXiong Deni Learning Objectives:1. the structure and organization of an argument. 2. how to support the point of view by giving examples. 3. specific words. e conclusionSpeech vs. Silence Attitude toward speechAttitude toward silenceexampleexampleexampleexampleconclusionconclusionVocabulary: 1. oblivious adjective not conscious of something, especially what is happening around you Absorbed in her work, she was totally oblivious of her surroundings.The government seems oblivious to the likely effects of the new legislation.2. magnify verb v T to make something look larger than it is, especially by looking at it through a specially cut piece of glass Although our skin looks smooth, when magnified it is full of bumps and holes.to make a problem bigger and more important than it really is The hot summer magnified the racial tensions in the community.3. summon verb ( ORDER ) v T to order someone to come to or be present at a particular place, or to officially arrange a meeting of people General Rattigan summoned reinforcements to help resist the attack.On July 20th, the council was summoned to hear an emergency report on its finances.to increase your bravery or strength, especially with an effort It took me six months to summon (up) the courage to ask him out for a drink.4. torment verb v T to cause a person or animal to suffer or worry The animals are tormented mercilessly by flies and mosquitoes.The camera focused on a group of women whose faces were tormented by/with grief.It tormented me all day - did I remember to lock the door when I left the house?5. trivial adjective having little value or importance I dont know why he gets so upset about something that is utterly trivial.Sexual harassment in the workplace is not a trivial matter.describes a problem that is easy to solve Getting computers to understand human language is not a trivial problem.6. dim adjective ( NOT CLEAR ) adj (dimmer, dimmest) not giving or having much light The lamp gave out a dim light.He sat in a dim corner of the waiting-room.We could see a dim shape in the fog. If your eyes are dim, you cannot see very well. a dim memory/recollection, etc. something that you remember slightly, but not very well I had a dim recollection of having met her before7. wit noun ( INTELLIGENCE ) n wits intelligence and the ability to think quickly She learned to survive on her wits.8. awe n U a feeling of great respect sometimes mixed with fear or surprise Ive always held musicians in awe.As children we were rather in awe of our grandfather.You cant help but stand in awe of (= respect greatly and fear slightly) powerful people.9. estranged adjective describes a husband or wife who is not now living with the person they are married to his estranged wife If you are estranged from your family or friends then you have seriously argued with them and are no longer friendly with them Its sad to see someone estranged from their parents.estrangement noun 10. agitate verb ( MAKE LESS CALM ) v T to make someone feel anxious or angry I didnt want to agitate her by telling her.agitated adjective 11. blunder noun n C a big mistake, usually caused by not taking care or thinking He said that the tax was a major political blunder.I made a bit of a blunder by getting his name wrong12. undo verb ( REMOVE EFFECTS ) v T (undoing, undid, undone) to remove the good or bad effects of an action or several actions I did a really tough aerobics class and then went out for a meal and undid (all) the good work!Its very difficult to undo the damage thats caused by inadequate parenting in a childs early years.13. doom noun n U death, destruction or any very bad situation that cannot be avoided A sense of doom hung over the entire country.The newspapers are always full of doom and gloom (= bad news and unhappiness) these days.doom verb v T usually passive to make someone or something certain to do or experience something unpleasant, or to make something bad certain to happen + to infinitive Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past? Mounting debts doomed the factory to closure.14. administer verb ( MANAGE ) v T often passive to control the operation or arrangement of something; to manage or govern The country was administered by the British until very recently.The economy has been badly administered by the present government.15. dose noun n C a measured amount of something such as medicine a high/low dosea dose of penicillinThe label says to take one dose three times a day.Twenty or thirty of these pills would be a lethal dose (= enough to kill you).16. snatch verb ( TAKE QUICKLY ) v T to take hold of something suddenly and roughly He snatched the photos out of my hand before I had a chance to look at them.Running the best race of his career, Fletcher snatched (= only just won) the gold medal from the Canadian champion. to take something or someone away by force The six-year-old girl was snatched from a playground and her body was found two days later.She had her purse snatched (= stolen) while she was in town. to do or get something quickly because you only have a short amount of time Perhaps youll be able to snatch a couple of hours sleep before dinner17. evasive adjective answering questions in a way that is not direct or clear, especially because you do not want to give an honest answer The Minister was her usual evasive self, skillfully dodging reporters questions about her possible resignation. done to avoid something bad happening By the time the