Everyday English (Vocabulary Building)

Topic: Character & Feelings

Lesson Notes January 30, 2023 (Vocabulary Building)

• This type of cherry blossom blooms (every / in) February.

• It snowed a lot last weekend. Just as the weather forecast said.

• The stairs were steep.

• The hills are steep around Shinyurigaoka.

Vocabulary

• Steep; (adj) (of a slope, flight of stairs, or angle) rising or falling sharply

• Overhead bins; the storage area above seats on a plane

Character & Feelings

Section 3

• I (was / felt) embarrassed when I saw her fashion.

• I would need to be brave to meet a big dog.

• I find happiness when I get some small gift.

• I felt anger when I saw a man eating bread in the library.

• Scrooge had no generosity toward his employees

• He didn’t have any generosity towards his employees

Section 4

• Americans: Often stereotyped as loud, overly confident, and obsessed with consumerism.

• Germans: Stereotyped as efficient, punctual, and serious.

• Italians: Often stereotyped as passionate, expressive, and family-oriented.

• French: Stereotyped as sophisticated, romantic, and sometimes arrogant.

• British: Stereotyped as reserved, polite, and having a dry sense of humour.

• Japanese: Stereotyped as polite, hardworking, and reserved.

• Stereotypes can sometimes contain a grain of truth, but they're often oversimplified and can perpetuate harmful misconceptions. 

Nationality Adjectives

When using nationality adjectives in English, whether to include "the" before the nationality adjective depends on the context. Here are the general rules:

No Article (zero article):

• Use the nationality adjective without "the" when referring to the general characteristics or qualities associated with a nationality.

• "French cuisine is renowned for its flavours.”

• Use the nationality adjective without "the" when referring to activities or customs associated with a nationality.

• "She enjoys Italian opera."

With Article (“the"):

• Use "the" before a nationality adjective when referring to the people of a nation as a group.

• "The French enjoy their holidays.”

• Use "the" when the nationality adjective is used as a noun to refer to the people of a nation.

• "The Italians are known for their passion."

Remember, these are general guidelines, and there may be exceptions or variations based on context or style.