Everyday English (Vocabulary Building)
Topic: Learning Languages
Lesson Notes February 4, 2025 (Vocabulary Building)
Words & Phrases
She has a presentation to introduce our group to new students.
There is a poetry group also giving a presentation.
Have you ever written any poems before?
I’m not a great poet, but I enjoy trying to write poems.
This lei is made from maile leaves. (NOT made of)
Appropriate Language
Poetry is the type of writing (the art form).
Poet is the person who writes poetry.
Poem is the individual piece of writing created by a poet.
A gynaecologist is a doctor who takes care of women’s health, especially their reproductive system (like the uterus, ovaries, etc.).
An obstetrician is a doctor who takes care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and after the baby is born.
“Made of” is used when the material is still recognizable in the final product.
The table is made of wood. (= You can still see the wood in the table.)
“Made from” is used when the material is changed in some way during the process of making the item, and it’s not as obvious in the final product.
The bread is made from flour and water. (= The flour and water are mixed, so you can’t see them separately in the bread.)
Learning Languages
Section 1
Of course I speak some English, but I would also like to learn some Italian.
I already speak some French, and I want to learn Italian as well since it’s similar to French.
I’ve heard that Dutch is a little bit complicated.
I think the hardest language to learn is Chinese, because of the several intonations.
Any language that have gendered nouns and verbs would be tricky to learn.
Farsi and Thai have a unique writing system.
Section 2
Have you mastered the rules of sumo?
She has mastered traveling alone.
I am hoping to master dining alone.
Some hula dances are easy to pick up.
I have a poor vocabulary when visiting the doctor.
