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V-E-I-PV-SP-AC-R

VOCABULARY

1. Eloquent

Definition: Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing; able to express ideas clearly and effectively.

Example 1: Her eloquent speech moved the audience to tears and inspired them to take action.
Example 2: The novelist’s eloquent descriptions transport readers to vivid and immersive worlds.
Example 3: Despite being nervous, the young lawyer presented an eloquent defense that impressed the judge.

2. Enigmatic

Definition: Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious or puzzling.

Example 1: The artist’s enigmatic smile has been the subject of debate among critics for decades.
Example 2: His enigmatic response left everyone wondering what he really meant.
Example 3: The enigmatic ending of the film generated numerous theories among fans.

3. Emphatic

Definition: Showing or expressing something forcefully and clearly; done with emphasis.

Example 1: The CEO was emphatic about the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Example 2: Her emphatic denial of the allegations left no room for doubt about her position.
Example 3: The team’s emphatic victory in the final match secured their championship title.

EXPRESSIONS

1. Every cloud has a silver lining

Definition: Even in bad situations, there is usually something good or positive that can come from it.

Example 1: After losing his job, he found time to start the business he’d always dreamed of—every cloud has a silver lining.
Example 2: The pandemic was terrible, but every cloud has a silver lining.
Example 3: The flight delay was frustrating, but every cloud has a silver lining.

2. Eat your words

Definition: To admit that something you said was wrong; to retract a statement or opinion.

Example 1: She had to eat her words when the candidate she criticized ended up implementing successful policies.
Example 2: After claiming the project would fail, he had to eat his words when it exceeded all expectations.
Example 3: I told my brother his business idea would never work, but now that he’s successful, I’m eating my words.

3. Easy come, easy go

Definition: Money or possessions that are acquired easily or unexpectedly are often spent or lost just as easily, without much concern.

Example 1: He won $500 at the casino and spent it all the next day on electronics—easy come, easy go.
Example 2: I don’t worry too much about the freelance income—easy come, easy go—but I’m careful with my regular salary.
Example 3: She treats her bonus checks with the attitude of “easy come, easy go,” often using them for spontaneous vacations.

IDIOMS

1. Eagle-eyed

Definition: Having very keen eyesight; extremely observant and able to notice small details.

Example 1: The eagle-eyed editor caught several obscure grammar errors that everyone else had missed.
Example 2: It was an eagle-eyed customer who noticed the discrepancy in the bill before paying.
Example 3: Nothing escapes my grandmother’s eagle-eyed attention when it comes to changes in her home.

2. Elephant in the room

Definition: An obvious problem or difficult situation that people do not want to talk about or acknowledge.

Example 1: No one mentioned his obvious drinking problem during the family gathering—it was the elephant in the room.
Example 2: The company’s declining sales figures were the elephant in the room during the otherwise positive annual meeting.
Example 3: We need to address the elephant in the room—our project is significantly behind schedule and over budget.

3. Eleventh hour

Definition: The last possible moment or opportunity before it is too late; just before a deadline.

Example 1: The government reached a budget agreement at the eleventh hour, narrowly avoiding a shutdown.
Example 2: She always completes her assignments at the eleventh hour, thriving under the pressure of tight deadlines.
Example 3: The company was saved from bankruptcy by an eleventh-hour investment from an unexpected source.

PHRASAL VERBS

1. End up

Definition: To eventually reach a particular place or situation, especially unexpectedly; to finally be in a particular situation.

Example 1: We got lost following the GPS and ended up in a completely different town than we intended.
Example 2: If you don’t study for your exams, you might end up failing the course.
Example 3: After several career changes, she ended up working in the same industry as her parents.

2. Eat out

Definition: To have a meal in a restaurant rather than at home.

Example 1: We decided to eat out to celebrate my promotion instead of cooking at home.
Example 2: Many professionals eat out for lunch during their workweek to network and save time.
Example 3: During our vacation, we ate out every night to sample the local cuisine.

3. Ease off

Definition: To gradually reduce or stop an activity; to become less intense or severe; to apply less pressure.

Example 1: The doctor advised him to ease off his intense workout schedule while recovering from the injury.
Example 2: The rain began to ease off around midnight, allowing the emergency crews to work more effectively.
Example 3: My manager suggested I ease off on taking extra projects as I was showing signs of burnout.

SENTENCE PATTERNS

Even though [statement/fact], [contradicting statement]

Definition: A sentence pattern used to express contrast or concession, showing that one fact makes the other fact surprising.

Example 1: Even though he had never played the instrument before, he quickly learned to play beautiful melodies on the guitar.
Example 2: Even though it was raining heavily, they decided to continue with their outdoor wedding plans.
Example 3: Even though she speaks five languages fluently, she still struggles with basic phrases in Mandarin.

AMERICAN CULTURE

Education System

Definition: The distinctive American education structure and approach that emphasizes broad liberal arts education, extracurricular activities, and diverse educational pathways.

Example 1: American higher education typically follows a four-year bachelor’s degree model with emphasis on general education requirements alongside major-specific courses, promoting well-rounded knowledge across various disciplines.
Example 2: The American college experience often integrates academics with campus life, sports teams, Greek organizations, and clubs, reflecting the cultural value placed on developing social skills and leadership alongside intellectual growth.
Example 3: Community colleges represent a uniquely American educational institution, providing affordable access to higher education, technical training, and serving as a bridge to four-year universities for millions of students annually.

REVIEW

The Eleventh-Hour English Adventure

Sarah had always been enigmatic about her language learning journey. Despite struggling with English for years, she never shared her challenges openly. The elephant in the room during family gatherings was her reluctance to speak English, even though her job at an international company required it.

“Every cloud has a silver lining,” her friend Michael told her one day. “Why don’t you join my English conversation group? It might help you break through that barrier.”

With an emphatic sigh, Sarah agreed. “I might as well try. I always end up avoiding opportunities to practice.”

The group met at a café downtown. They decided to eat out together before their session. Sarah was nervous, clutching her notebook with white knuckles.

The conversation leader, James, was an eloquent speaker who made everyone feel comfortable. “Even though you might make mistakes, the important thing is to communicate,” he explained with a warm smile.

As the evening progressed, Sarah began to ease off her self-imposed restrictions. She joined conversations, made jokes, and even corrected others occasionally with her eagle-eyed attention to grammar details she actually knew well.

“I can’t believe I was so afraid,” she admitted. “I guess I’ll have to eat my words about never being able to speak English comfortably.”

A month later, Sarah was assigned to give a presentation to international clients. It came at the eleventh hour, giving her minimal time to prepare. Her old fears resurfaced, but she remembered the supportive environment of her conversation group.

“Easy come, easy go,” she told herself about her nervousness. “If I make a mistake, it’s not the end of the world.”

To everyone’s surprise, including her own, Sarah delivered an impressive presentation. Her manager praised her newfound confidence and communication skills.

Like many others navigating the American education system as a non-native speaker, Sarah discovered that the path to fluency wasn’t about perfection, but persistence and practice. Her journey from hesitation to confidence reminded everyone in her language group that language barriers can be overcome with the right support and attitude.