Morning Coffee

Starting your day the right way can make all the difference
晨間咖啡 正確開始一天， 能帶來完全不同的效果

How do you start your day? Many throw on their clothes and rush out the door. Then, for a surprising number of people, stopping for a cup of coffee figures into their morning routine. Whether bought at a coffee shop or a convenience store, this strong, black brew gets many going in the morning. This popular drink not only helps people think clearer but also cuts the risk of heart disease and several cancers.

If you’re one of these morning coffee consumers, pause for a moment and breathe in your brew’s aroma. Studies show that even smelling coffee can help you be more alert and improve your mood. Then continue to ready yourself for the day by relaxing a bit as you sip your coffee slowly. Use this time to think about what you want to accomplish on this brand-new day to get some direction.

Taking time to enjoy the smell and taste of your coffee will help you feel you’re starting the day right. It’s coffee’s silent, unseen promise.

Language Lab

rush v. 衝；匆忙做
/ rʌʃ /
to move or do something very quickly
- I had to rush to school this morning because I woke up late.
今天早上我必須趕去學校，因為我起晚了。

rush n. 匆忙；湧入
/ rʌʃ /
a sudden large number of people moving somewhere
- There was a rush of customers on the day of the grand opening.
開幕當天湧入了大量顧客。

rush hour n. 尖峰時間；交通尖峰時段
/ rʌʃ ˌaʊər /
the time of day when traffic is the heaviest
- We got stuck in traffic during rush hour; it took forever to get home.
我們在尖峰時間塞車，回家花了好久。

starting your day phr. 開始你的一天
/ ˈstɑrtɪŋ jʊr deɪ /
beginning your daily activities in the morning
- Many people start their day with a cup of coffee.
許多人以一杯咖啡開始他們的一天。

throw on phr.v. 隨便穿上；匆忙穿上
/ θroʊ ɑn /
to put on clothes quickly and without much care
- He threw on his jacket and ran out the door.
他隨便套上外套就衝出門了。

routine n. 例行公事；日常作息
/ ruːˈtiːn /
the usual way you do things every day
- Drinking coffee is part of many people’s morning routine.
喝咖啡是許多人早晨例行作息的一部分。

convenience store n. 便利商店
/ kənˈviːniəns stɔːr /
a small store that sells everyday items and is usually open long hours
- I stopped at a convenience store to buy a bottle of water.
我在便利商店停下來買一瓶水。

pause v. 暫停；停頓
/ pɔːz /
to stop for a short time before continuing
- Not wanting to miss anything, she paused the movie when her friend called.
她不想錯過任何情節，朋友打來時就把電影暫停了。

pause n. 暫停；停頓
/ pɔːz /
a short stop before something continues
- There was a brief pause before she answered the question.
她回答問題前停頓了一下。

pauser n. 常停頓的人
/ ˈpɔːzər /
a person who pauses frequently
- The speaker was a careful pauser, often stopping to let the audience absorb each point before continuing.
這位演講者很會停頓，常常停下來讓聽眾吸收每個重點後再繼續。

consumer n. 消費者
/ kənˈsuːmər /
a person who buys and uses goods or services
- Morning coffee consumers often stop by a café before work.
早上喝咖啡的消費者常在上班前到咖啡店停留。

aroma n. 香氣；芳香
/ əˈroʊmə /
a pleasant smell
- She enjoyed the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee.
她很喜歡新鮮煮好的咖啡濃郁香氣。

sip v. 小口喝；啜飲
/ sɪp /
to drink something slowly in small amounts
- She sipped her coffee while reading the news.
她一邊看新聞，一邊小口啜飲咖啡。

accomplish v. 完成；達成
/ əˈkɑːmplɪʃ /
to successfully finish something or achieve a goal
- She hopes to accomplish all her tasks before noon.
她希望在中午前完成所有任務。

brand-new adj. 全新的；嶄新的
/ ˌbrænd ˈnuː /
completely new; not used before
- She bought a brand-new notebook for the first day of school.
她為開學第一天買了一本全新的筆記本。

unseen adj. 未被看見的；看不見的
/ ʌnˈsiːn /
not seen or not noticed
- Many small animals stay unseen by hiding under the bushes to avoid being noticed by predators.
許多小動物躲在灌木叢下，以避免被掠食者發現。

seen v. （see 的過去分詞）看過；看見過
/ siːn /
the past participle of see
- I had never seen a shooting star until last night’s meteor shower appeared.
直到昨晚的流星雨出現，我才第一次看到流星。

foresee v. 預見；預料
/ fɔːrˈsiː /
to know or predict something before it happens
- She could foresee the problems that might arise if they didn’t carefully plan ahead.
如果他們沒有仔細事先規劃，她能預見可能會出現的問題。

take time to phr. 花時間去……
/ teɪk taɪm tuː /
to spend time doing something carefully or intentionally
- She takes time to read every night before bed.
她每天晚上睡前都花時間閱讀。

start the day right phr. 以正確／良好的方式開始一天
/ stɑːrt ðə deɪ raɪt /
to begin the day in a positive or healthy way
- Eating a good breakfast helps you start the day right.
吃一頓好的早餐能幫助你有個好的開始。

The Riches of Oman (1)

Discover a wealth of natural and cultural wonders in this Middle Eastern country
阿曼的財富 在這個中東國家發現豐富的自然及文化奇觀

Have you ever played the conversation game Would You Rather…? In this game, someone gives you two options, and you have to pick one. For example: Would you rather ride a horse or a camel? If you travel to Oman, you don’t have to choose — you can do both!

Desert or Ocean?

Located in the Middle East, Oman is home to the legendary Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert in the world, which it shares with Saudi Arabia. Here, visitors can ride camels across towering dunes, watch the sunset paint the sand gold and gaze at the stars in a clear sky. But it is important that people avoid the summer months when temperatures can reach over 50 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the coast offers a cool escape.

By day, visitors snorkeling among the colorful corals may spot turtles swimming through the water. From June to August, the sea turtles can be seen nesting on the beaches.

Modern or Ancient?

Any of Oman’s legendary forts provide a perfect setting to learn more about Oman’s history. Only two hours from the capital, Muscat, Nizwa Fort has been standing since the 1600s. Those preferring modern architecture can admire the modern buildings that dot the capital city.

Language Lab

option n.
/ˈɑːpʃən/
a choice or something that you can choose
- You always have the option to choose a different path if the first one doesn’t work.
如果第一條路行不通，你永遠都有選擇另一條路的機會。

optional adj.
/ˈɑːpʃənəl/
not required; you can choose to do it or not
- Attendance at the workshop is optional, but highly recommended.
這個工作坊的出席是選擇性的，但非常建議參加。

opt v.
/ɑːpt/
to choose to do something
- Many students opt to study abroad for a semester to study in a new country.
許多學生選擇出國留學一個學期，到新的國家學習。

a wealth of phr. 大量的；豐富的
/welθ/
a large amount of something
- The library offers a wealth of resources for students.
圖書館為學生提供了大量的資源。

wonders n. 奇蹟；令人驚嘆的事物
/ˈwʌndərz/
amazing things or events that cause surprise and admiration
- The Great Wall of China is one of the wonders of the world.
萬里長城是世界奇蹟之一。

conversation n. 對話；談話
/ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/
an informal talk between two or more people
- We had a long conversation about our travel plans.
我們針對旅行計畫進行了一段長時間的對話

Would You Rather phr. 「你寧願……還是……？」（一種選擇遊戲）
/wʊd juː ˈræðər/
a game in which someone asks you to choose between two different options
- In class, we played “Would You Rather” to practice speaking English.
在課堂上，我們玩「你寧願……還是……？」的遊戲來練習英文口說。

towering adj. 高聳的；高大的
/ˈtaʊərɪŋ/very tall or high
- The thick smoke was towering over the buildings and trees.
濃厚的煙霧高聳在建築物和樹木之上。

tower n. 塔；高塔
/ˈtaʊər/
a tall, narrow building or structure
- The old clock tower chimes every hour in the town square.
古老的鐘樓在城鎮廣場每小時敲響一次。

cellular tower n. 手機基地台；行動通訊塔
/ˈseljələr ˈtaʊər/
a tall structure that sends and receives mobile phone signals
- The new cellular tower improved signal strength, allowing residents to make calls without interruptions.
新的手機基地台提升了訊號強度，讓居民可以不受干擾地通話。

legendary adj. 傳奇的；極為著名的
/ˈledʒəndəri/
very famous and admired; well-known in stories
- Oman is home to the legendary Empty Quarter.
阿曼擁有傳奇的「空曠之地」。

dunes n. 沙丘（複數）
/duːnz/
hills of sand formed by the wind, especially in deserts
- Visitors can ride camels across towering dunes.
遊客可以騎駱駝穿越高聳的沙丘。

by day phr. 在白天；白天時
/baɪ deɪ/
during the daytime
- By day, visitors snorkeling among the colorful corals may spot turtles.
白天時，在繽紛珊瑚間浮潛的遊客可能會看到海龜。

snorkeling n. 浮潛
/ˈsnɔːrkəlɪŋ/
the activity of swimming underwater while breathing through a snorkel
- By day, visitors snorkeling among the colorful corals may spot turtles.
白天時，在繽紛珊瑚間浮潛的遊客可能會看到海龜。

corals n. 珊瑚（複數）
/ˈkɔːrəlz/
hard, colorful sea animals that form reefs in the ocean
- Visitors snorkeling among the colorful corals may spot turtles.
在繽紛的珊瑚間浮潛的遊客可能會看到海龜。

fort n. 堡壘；要塞
/fɔːrt/
a strong building built to defend people from attack
- The children built a fort out of blankets and pillows in the living room.
孩子們在客廳用毯子和枕頭搭了一座堡壘。

fortify v. 加強防禦；強化
/ˈfɔːrtɪfaɪ/
to make something stronger or better protected
- They fortified the city walls to prepare for the incoming flood.
他們加強了城牆的防禦，以準備即將到來的洪水。

fortress n. 堡壘；大型要塞
/ˈfɔːrtrəs/
a large, strong building or group of buildings built to defend against attack
- The fortress stood tall on the hill, protecting the village from invading armies.
這座堡壘高聳在山丘上，保護村莊免受入侵軍隊的攻擊。

setting n. 場景；環境；背景
/ˈsetɪŋ/
the place or type of surroundings where something happens
- The fort provides a perfect setting to learn about history.
這座堡壘提供了一個了解歷史的完美場景。

modern architecture n. 現代建築（風格）
/ˈmɑːdərn ˈɑːrkɪtektʃər/
a style of building design that uses new materials, simple shapes, and modern ideas
- Those preferring modern architecture can admire the modern buildings in the capital city.
喜歡現代建築風格的人可以欣賞首都裡的現代建築。

dot v. 點綴；散佈於
/dɑːt/
to spread small things over an area
- Modern buildings dot the capital city.
現代建築點綴在首都城市各處。


Language Tip
prefer = general habit
would prefer = polite present choice
would rather = emotional immediate choice

Deep Dive

The 2026 Winter Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics
This month, Italy rolls out the welcome mat for the athletes of the world 2026
冬季奧運 這個月，義大利將鋪上紅毯， 歡迎全球運動員

From Italy’s fashion capital, Milan, to the scenic mountain town of Cortina, athletes from 93 countries have gathered. Excitement fills the air because the XXV Olympic Winter Games, Milano Cortina 2026, begins!

For the first time, the Olympic Games will be held at several sites. Milan and Cortina, which host most of the competitions, combine the best of urban and beautiful mountain settings. Today’s opening ceremony kicks off 17 days of events, which are being held in 25 different places. 90 percent of them are temporary or were made from something already in existence. This planning decision cut costs and reduced the event’s impact on the environment.

The 2026 Games features eight new events, including one making its Olympic debut: ski mountaineering. During this timed event, competitors will ski up a mountain course and then ski back down to the finish line.

The stage is set for more than 3,000 Olympians to compete in 116 events, making this the largest winter games ever! Crowds can expect record-breaking moments and heart-pounding action in the days ahead.

Language Lab

athlete n.
/ˈæθ.liːt/
a person who is good at sports and competes in physical activities
- Samantha is a great athlete; she is always breaking records in the sports she plays.
Samantha 是一位很棒的運動員；她在她參加的運動項目中總是打破紀錄。

athletic adj.
/æθˈlet.ɪk/
physically strong, good at sports, and able to move quickly and easily
- Bret is very athletic and plays three different sports in school.
Bret 很有運動天賦，在學校參加三種不同的運動。

athleticism n.
/æθˈlet.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/
the physical skills and natural ability that make someone good at sports
- Her natural athleticism was obvious as she sprinted ahead, outpacing everyone on the track.
她天生的運動能力非常明顯，她向前衝刺，在跑道上超越了所有人。

welcome mat n.
a small mat placed at the entrance of a house for people to wipe their shoes on, often with the word “Welcome” on it
- She wiped her shoes on the welcome mat before entering the house.
她在進屋前先在門口的腳踏墊上擦了擦鞋子。

scenic adj.
/ˈsiː.nɪk/
having beautiful natural views or attractive scenery
- We took a scenic drive along the coast and enjoyed the ocean view.
我們沿著海岸開車，欣賞美麗的海景。

gather v.
to come together in one place, or to bring things or people together
- Athletes from many countries gathered for the international competition.
來自許多國家的運動員聚集參加這場國際比賽。

XXV
Roman numeral
/ˌeks ˌeks ˈviː/
the Roman numeral for 25
- The XXV Olympic Winter Games refers to the 25th Olympic Winter Games.
XXV 冬季奧林匹克運動會指的是第 25 屆冬季奧運會。

urban adj.
relating to a city or town
- Many people now live in urban areas where city life buzzes nonstop.
現在許多人住在城市地區，那裡的城市生活不停地充滿活力。

urbanize v.
/ˈɝː.bə.naɪz/
to make an area more like a city by building houses, roads, and businesses
- Many small towns began to urbanize rapidly after the new highway was built.
許多小鎮在新高速公路建成後開始迅速都市化。

urbanization n.
/ˌɝː.bə.nəˈzeɪ.ʃən/
the process of making an area more like a city or of more people moving to cities
- Urbanization has led to significant changes in lifestyle and the environment.
都市化已經帶來生活方式與環境的重大改變。

site n.
/saɪt/
a place where something happens or is located
- The Olympic Games will be held at several sites across the country.
奧林匹克運動會將在全國多個地點舉行。

combine v.
/kəmˈbaɪn/
to join or mix two or more things together
- Milan and Cortina combine urban culture with beautiful mountain scenery.
米蘭和科爾蒂納把都市文化與美麗的山景結合在一起。

ceremony n.
/ˈser.ə.moʊ.ni/
a formal event held on a special occasion
- The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games was watched by millions of people.
奧運會的開幕典禮有數百萬人觀看。

temporary adj.
lasting for only a short time; not permanent
- The stadium was built as a temporary structure for the event.
這座體育場是為了活動而建的臨時建築。

compete v.
/kəmˈpiːt/
to try to win against others in a contest or competition
- Students compete in a spelling bee every year at school to see who the best speller is.
學生每年在學校參加拼字比賽，看看誰是最厲害的拼字高手。

competition n.
/ˌkɑːm.pəˈtɪʃ.ən/
a situation in which people or groups try to win or be better than others
- The aggressive competition between the startups pushed innovation to unprecedented new levels last year.
新創公司之間激烈的競爭，去年把創新推向前所未有的新高度。

competitive adj.
/kəmˈpet̬.ə.t̬ɪv/
wanting to win and trying very hard to be better than others
- Mark is so competitive that even casual card games with friends feel like championships.
Mark 非常有競爭心，連和朋友隨便打牌都像在打冠軍賽一樣。

feature v.
/ˈfiː.tʃɚ/
to include something as an important part
- The 2026 Games features eight new events.
2026 年的運動會包含八個新的比賽項目。

ski mountaineering n. 滑雪登山
/ˈskiː ˌmaʊn.təˈnɪr.ɪŋ/
a sport in which competitors ski up and down mountains, often racing against time
- Ski mountaineering will make its Olympic debut at the 2026 Games.
滑雪登山將在 2026 年奧運會首次亮相。

debut n. 首次亮相；初次登場
/ˈdeɪ.bjuː/
a first public appearance or performance
- The young singer made her debut at a local music festival.
這位年輕歌手在當地音樂節首次登場。

competitor n. 競爭者；參賽者
/kəmˈpet̬.ə.t̬ɚ/
a person who takes part in a competition
- The competitors trained for months before the championship.
這些參賽者在錦標賽前訓練了好幾個月。

The stage is set phr. 一切準備就緒；舞台已經搭好
/ðə steɪdʒ ɪz set/
used to say that everything is ready for something to begin
- The stage is set for the final match tonight.
今晚的決賽一切都已準備就緒。

heart-pounding action n. 扣人心弦的場面；令人心跳加速的動作場面
/ˈhɑːrt ˌpaʊn.dɪŋ ˈæk.ʃən/
exciting action that makes your heart beat very fast
- The movie is full of heart-pounding action from beginning to end.
這部電影從頭到尾充滿令人心跳加速的場面。

Deep Dive

❶ 英文如何從「具體名詞」變成「抽象概念」

game → challenge → strategy → risk → participation

❷ 英文裡的「隱喻思維」

英文文化很常把人生、商業、社交都當成一種「game」

Life is a game.
Business is a game.
Politics is a game.

Language Tip

Roman Numerals 羅馬數字

I = 1
V = 5
X = 10
L = 50
C = 100
D = 500
M = 1000

小數字在大數字前面表示減法：
IV = 4
IX = 9
XL = 40

小數字在大數字後面表示加法：
VI = 6
LX = 60
XXV = 25