WARM UP WITH HOT POT (1)

A delicious meal in a pot
吃火鍋囉！ 讓人暖呼呼的美味鍋物 

The temperature is dropping, and the winter sun is setting earlier than before. For a lot of people in Asia, it's time for hot pot! This way of cooking food dates back over 1000 years in China. The idea originally came from Mongolia. 

Hot pot is made by boiling a pot of broth on a hot plate or gas burner. Then, you add different ingredients into the pot: meat, seafood, vegetables, tofu, etc. As each item cooks, you can take it out and dip it into your choice of sauce. 

Many different kinds of broth can be used for hot pot. You can choose a plain broth or one with a lot of flavor. One kind of spicy hot pot is called mala, and it is very popular. 

The participation of each individual adding and taking out ingredients adds to the flavor of the broth. So, eating hot pot encourages diners to talk, share and serve each other. But you can enjoy a personal hot pot by yourself. 

Info Cloud

out of the frying pan, into the fire 每況愈下

Hello, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. Today I want to share a traditional English idiom: out of the frying pan, into the fire. 

Ooh. Just by listening to the literal meaning of that expression, I can tell it's not describing a very comfortable situation, is it? 

Not at all. "Out of the frying pan, into the fire" is an idiom used to describe getting out of a bad situation only to find out that you are in a worse challenge than before. 

For example, after John quit his under-paying job to start a business, he is in a greater debt than before. He went from out of the frying pan into the fire. 

This expression comes from historical English fables and has been used for hundreds of years. 

Here's another example. Lincoln got into an argument with his girlfriend and the next day bought her a terrible gift. He went from out of the frying pan right into the fire. 

Yikes! Being in a frying pan would be extremely painful. But being in the fire sounds even worse. 

當一個人的狀況越來越不好，我們可以說他每況愈下，英文可以用 out of the frying pan, into the fire 來形容。frying pan 是煎或炸東西的平底鍋，out of the frying pan, into the fire 就是跳出煎鍋之後，卻跳入火坑，情況越來越糟。

例如，John 辭去了一份低薪的工作就去創業，但是卻陷入了更大的債務，你就可以說: John is out of the frying pan, into the fire. John 現在的狀況比之前更慘。

Language Lab

temperature n. 氣溫、溫度
a measurement that indicates how hot or cold something is : a measurement in degrees showing the heat of something (such as air or water)
- It is sunny outside, but the temperature is rather cold.
外面有出太陽，可是氣溫還是蠻冷的。
- The nurse asked the boy to hold still so she could take his temperature.
護士要小男孩不要亂動，好讓他能夠量體溫。
temperature n. 發燒
a measurement of the heat in a person's body
- Jamie isn’t feeling well, and she thinks she has a temperature.
Jamie 身體不太舒服，他認為他可能發燒了。 

dip v. 沾一下 
to put (something) into a liquid and pull it out again quickly — usually + in or into
- These dumplings will taste better if you dip them in the chili sauce.
這些餃子如果沾上辣椒醬，就會更好吃。
dip v. 降下去
to move downward
- Mark’s business was doing well at first, but then sales began to dip last month.
Mark的生意一開始還不錯，但是上個月的業績開始下降。
- We stayed on the beach long enough to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
我們一直待在海灘上，看著太陽落入地平線以下。 

spicy adj. 辣 
of food : flavored with or containing strong spices and especially ones that cause a burning feeling in your mouth
- Elva uses a lot of chilies in her cooking because she likes spicy food.
Elva 煮飯時會用很多辣椒，因為她喜歡吃辣。
spicy adj. 重口味、辛香料很多的
- Janet doesn’t want to eat anything spicy; she’ll probably just order a salad.
Janet 不想吃口味重的東西，她大概只會點一盤沙拉吧。
- Katherine is baking an apple pie, and her kitchen smells nice and spicy.
Katherine 在烤蘋果派，她的廚房有滿滿的辛香料的味道。 

flavor n. 食物的風味或味道
the quality of something that you can taste
- Carol didn’t really like the flavor of the soup.
Carol 沒有很喜歡那道湯的味道。
flavor n.  口味
a particular type of taste
- Sammy is at the ice cream store and having a hard time choosing a flavor.
Sammy 在冰淇淋店裡難以決定要選哪一個冰淇淋口味。
flavor n. 風格、特色
a particular quality that something has
- Talia likes the restaurant; the whole place has a bit of a Mediterranean flavor.
Talia 喜歡那家餐廳，整個地方的氣氛會有一點地中海風格。

Should I Eat This? (1)

Genetically modified (GM) foods are safe to eat … aren’t they?
這種食物，該不該吃？ 基改食物安全無虞……果真如此嗎？

Few things have caused as much controversy as genetically modified foods. These are plants or animals whose DNA has been changed in order to bring some benefit to either the producer or the consumer. A 2018 Pew Research Center poll found that 49 percent of Americans think foods containing GM ingredients are worse for one's health than natural foods. Slightly fewer people, 44 percent, are neutral on the question.

They believe foods with GM ingredients are neither better now worse for one's health. Only five percent say GM foods are better for one's health. The Pew poll thus reveals a nearly 50-50 split among Americans as to whether GM foods are harmful or not. 

Whatever they may believe about GM foods, it is almost impossible for Americans to avoid them. About 90 percent of all corn, canola and soy grown in the U.S. is genetically modified. One or more of these ingredients goes into nearly all of the food products processed in the U.S. Even some food staples such as potatoes and sugar beets come from GM crops. 

Info Cloud

weed out 過濾

Welcome back to Info Cloud. When I was a girl, one of my chores at home was helping my dad take care of the family garden. My job was to pull out any weeds that grew up around our vegetables. 

Anne Marie, this is a great topic to talk about today. We have a special verb for pulling weeds: to weed. 

If you are weeding the garden, it means you're pulling out anything that isn't supposed to be growing there. 

"Weed out" can be used in situations other than weeds, too. 

And our phrase for today, to weed out, it means to get rid of anything or anyone that isn't supposed to be there. 

You could weed out unsuitable candidates when you're interviewing people for a job. 

Or when deciding what you want to eat for dinner, you could weed out restaurants you know you don't like. 

Once Dora had weeded out all the movies she didn't want to see, it was easy for her to select a movie on Netflix to watch. 

I'm teaching my son to weed out bad influences in his life. 

And, students, by weeding out your bad study habits, your English learning can be more effective. 

當你必須要篩選或過濾一些人事物，你可以用今天分享的用語 weed out 來形容。weed 是雜草，weed out就是把雜草清除掉，讓菜園裡的蔬菜能夠好好地生長，用在日常生活中就是過濾的意思。John needs to weed out bad influences in his life. John需要清除生活中對他不好的影響。weed out 可以用來形容任何要過濾或清除掉的東西，它可以是不好的東西，或是不必要的人，像是一家公司在應徵員工時，就可以將不適任的候選人weed out。

Language Lab

controversy n. 爭議、爭論
argument that involves many people who strongly disagree about something : strong disagreement about something among a large group of people
- The plan to merge two of the company’s departments created a lot of controversy.
公司的計畫要把兩個部門合併，造成很大的爭議。
- There was a big controversy about the school’s decision to sell that piece of land.
學校打算賣掉那塊土地，引起很大的爭議。
- Allison always tries to stay away from any controversy.
Allison 總是會盡可能避開任何的爭議。

neutral adj. 中立的  
not supporting either side of an argument, fight, war, etc.
- Andy’s two best friends are having an argument, but Andy is staying neutral.
Andy 的兩位最要好的朋友正在吵架，但是Andy要保持中立。
- Reporters asked the actor how he felt about the recent controversy, but the actor gave a very neutral response.
記者詢問那位影星最近的爭議有什麼感覺，但是影星給的回答很中立。
neutral adj. 不容易引起人的注意或是中性的 
not connected with either side involved in a war, contest, etc.;
not bright or strong in color : able to go easily with other colors
- It’s rare to see Sabrina wear any bright colors; her outfits are mostly neutral colors.
Sabrina 很少穿顏色很亮的衣服，她的衣著大部分都是中性色系的。

split n. 在一群人當中因為意見不一樣所產生的分歧  
to separate or divide into parts or groups
- Because half of the company did not like the new plan, there was a split among the employees.
由於公司有一半的人不喜歡新的計畫，而造成員工間的分歧。
split n. 裂痕
to break apart or into pieces especially along a straight line
- The mother bird found a split in the rocks and decided to build her nest there.
母鳥在岩石中找到一個裂口，牠就決定在那裡築巢。
split n.  一字腿、劈腿
to cut, rip, or tear (something) especially along a straight line
- The young dancer ended her performance with a split.
那位年輕的舞者用劈腿動作來結束她的表演。 

staple n. 基本的、主要的食物 
an important food that is eaten very often
- In many countries, rice is the staple.
在很多國家裡，米是主糧。
- The man said he didn’t have any money to buy any staples for his family.
那個人說他沒錢買一些基本的食物給他的家人吃。
staple n. 訂書針 
a piece of metal or thick wire that is pushed into a surface to hold or attach something (such as rope or wire)
- While we were putting the handouts together, we ran out of staples.
我們在裝訂講義的時候，訂書針被我們用完了。

A Bowl of Pho

A taste of Vietnamese history in a bowl 

越南河粉 嚐一碗越南的歷史

Pho is a wildly popular dish from Vietnam that requires some participation. There are slippery noodles to battle, herbs to tear and sauces to mix.

This delicious noodle soup was invented near Hanoi in the early 20th century. In northern Vietnam, people made pho with a light, pure taste, adding very little seasoning. The choice of meat was simple, either chicken or the more traditional beef.

In 1954, around 1 million northerners moved south and brought their pho to Saigon.

There, southerners added bean sprouts, basil, spices and various sauces. Pho became bold and sweet and more individual than ever. Diners could choose their own toppings, so everyone's pho could be a little different. 

After the fall of Saigon in 1975, refugees introduced Saigon-style pho to the rest of the world. The once simple street food has now turned into an international favorite. People dine on pho in many cities around the world. 

Food, like culture, is dynamic and always changing. Who knows what from pho will take next?

Info Cloud

extra 已經超乎常理，有點誇張了

Welcome back to Info Cloud, everyone. Anne Marie, what are you thinking about over there? 

I'm thinking about the pizza I had for dinner last night. It had extra cheese on it - my favorite! 

I had a feeling you were thinking about food. Speaking of extra, did you know that a person can be extra? 

Yes. I've heard this said about someone's behavior. It means they are being overly dramatic, difficult or extra emotional. 

That's right. This term has been gaining popularity, especially on social media. 

I've seen people post photos of themselves doing something extreme, like trying out crazy makeup looks with the caption like: I'm so extra. Can you give us another example, Rex? 

Sure. For homework, the teacher only asked for two example sentences, but Nicole wrote a whole page and included illustrations. She is way too extra. 

Someone could be extra in their style as well. If someone enjoys expensive, over-the-top looks, we could say: Her outfit is pretty fancy, but it's too extra for my taste. Anne Marie, are you thinking about pizza again? 

Nope. I'm thinking about all the extra ice cream I'm going to eat when I get home tonight. 

有些人表達自我的方式，會比其他人還要誇張，我們可以用 extra 這個字來形容他。extra 是額外的、多出來的，但是最近在社群媒體上卻變成了流行用語，用來表達一些誇張的表現。Her fancy outfit is too extra for my taste.  她超級花俏的穿著，對我來說太超過了，意思就是有點受不了、多了。基本上，extra 只是用來形容一個人在某方面的表現，已經超乎常理，有點誇張了。例如，老師問一個簡單的問題，Nicole 卻長篇大論地回答，你可以說 Nicole is way too extra. Nicole 太誇張了，需要這樣嗎?

Language Lab

participation n.參與

to be involved with others in doing something : to take part in an activity or event with others

- After the sales team worked together for an entire day, the team leader thanked every team member for their participation. 

業務團隊在一起工作一整天後，隊長對每一位隊員的參與表示感謝。 

- The manager said that everyone’s participation is expected at the meeting tomorrow. 

經理告訴大家，每個人都要參與明天的會議。

participate v. 參加 

- Adam cannot participate in his school’s basketball tournament unless he improves his grades. 

Adam 無法參加學校的籃球大賽，除非他的成績有進步。 

- A lot of young musicians and dancers participated in the talent show. 

有很多年輕的音樂家跟舞蹈家去參加那場才藝表演。 

herb n. 煮飯時會用來調味的香草; 藥草  

a plant or a part of a plant that is used as medicine or to give flavor to food

- Bethany is making a Thai dish with several kinds of herbs. 

Bethany 在煮一道會用到幾種香草的泰國菜。 

- Celia is growing some oregano, mint, and other herbs in her garden. 

Celia 在她的花園裡種了披薩草、薄荷以及其他種類的香草。 

- Whenever the villagers don’t feel well, they drink a special tea made from different medicinal herbs.
村裡的人如果身體感到不舒服，就會喝一種用不同藥草熬煮的茶。 

herbal adj.和藥草/香草有關的

/ˈɚbəl/

made of or relating to herbs

- Diane grows a lot of herbs and uses them to make herbal products. 

Diane 種了很多香草，而且會把它們拿去做成不同香草產品。 

individual adj. 獨特的、個人的    

intended or designed for one person;

having a special and unusual quality that is easily seen

- For dinner tonight, everyone is making their own individual pizza. 

每個人都會做自己的披薩當作今天的晚餐。 

- During the winter season, Felicia uses an individual space heater at her office. 

冬天的時候，Felicia 在辦公室都會使用個人的暖爐。 

individual adj. 個體的 

of, relating to, or existing as just one member or part of a larger group

- Gary drove outside the town and saw a few individual houses built a century ago. 

Gary 在車外開車有看到幾棟獨棟的百年老屋。 

individual n. 個人

a single person : a person who is considered separate from the rest of a group

- There were five witnesses at the bank robbery, and each individual saw something different. 銀行搶案有五位目擊者，而每一個人所看到的都不一樣。 

dynamic adj. 一直在轉變、一直有變化的  

always active or changing

- Things are very dynamic at the company right now, so everyone really needs to be patient. 

公司現在正值變動之際，因此大家真的要有耐性。 

- The fashion industry is very dynamic because people are constantly looking for something new or trendy. 

時尚界一直在變化，因為人們總是追求新的或是流行的品項。 

dynamic adj. 充滿活力的 

of or relating to energy, motion, or physical force

- Although the professor seems quiet, he is actually very dynamic when on stage. 

雖然那位教授看起來很安靜，但是他一上台可是充滿活力。 

- Howard enjoys teaching history because the students are dynamic and enthusiastic about learning. 

Howard 很喜歡教歷史課，因為在班上的學生對學習充滿著活力跟熱情。

The Burger Battle (2)

Consumers are paying attention. Sales of traditional types of meat are falling while sales of plant-based meats are rising. But beef porducts are fighting back. They want plant-based meat products to be clearly labeled "imitation" because plant- based "meat" isn't really meat. They are also asking scientists to test the plant-based products for possible dangers to people's health. They've started advertising campaigns to promote real beef's nutritional benefits.

While many believe plant-based products are better for the planet, these products may not be better for people's health.

Impossible Foods says its plant-based products are lower in cholesterol. Furthermore, a plant-based burger contains about 250 calories while a ground beef patty has 290. But a high degree of processing is required to make plant-based burgers. An Impossible Burger contains 21 ingredients. A beef patty has just on - ground beef. Real beef also contains less fat and sodium and more protein than similar-sized servings of plant-based meat.

This amount of processing goes against consumers' desire for simple and natural products. Which is the better burger? It really depends on an individual's taste. The burger battle is on.


Info Cloud
food coma

Hello, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. Rex... Rex! Are you OK? We're teaching Info Cloud now.

I'm sorry. I'm afraid I'm in a food coma now. I had too much to eat over lunch.

Oh, I understand that feeling. Maybe a cup of coffee would help. There you go.

Just what I need. Thanks so much.

Since you mentioned it, why don't you explain to us what a food coma is?

Oh. You know that feeling when you eat too much, all your blood flows to your stomach, and you become really drowsy and sleepy. That's what a food coma is.

Although the word "coma" is a medical condition in which a person becomes unconscious due to illness or accident, a food coma is not an official medical term.

That's right. It's just a funny way to describe feeling really tired and sleepy after eating a lot of food.

Well, next time, make sure you don't eat too much before we teach Info Cloud. I don't want you falling asleep in front of the camera.

大家都有過吃飽飯後昏昏欲睡的經驗，英文有個很有趣的名稱叫做 food coma，就是用來形容這種情況。food是食物，coma其實就是醫學上的昏迷狀態。

food coma 當然就是飯後昏迷，當然吃太飽不會讓你真的昏迷，而是頭昏昏的很想睡覺，精神也很難集中。John was in a food coma after lunch. John吃完午餐之後，就開始頭昏想睡覺。要注意的是，food coma 只是一個有趣的流行用語，不是正式的醫學名詞。



Language Lab
imitation n. 仿製品
something that is made or produced as a copy
- While all the ladies at the banquet wore expensive jewelry, Nadia showed up with a cheap imitation around her neck.
宴會裡所有的女士都戴著昂貴的珠寶首飾，惟有Nadia 戴著便宜的仿製品現身。
- This watch looks nice but how do I know it’s not an imitation?
這支手錶看起來很好看，但是我該如何確定它不是仿製品?
imitation adj. 仿的物品
made to look like something that is valuable : not genuine
- Mary used imitation crab to make a seafood salad.
Mary 用仿蟹肉來做一道海鮮沙拉。
imitation n. 模仿
- People were impressed with Bruce’s imitation of Elvis Presley.
大家對Bruce模仿貓王Elvis Presley感到欽佩。
- A child’s imitation of his or her parents is a part of growing up.
孩子模仿家長是成長過程的一部分。

campaign n. 商業方面的活動, 政治方面的活動
 /kæmˈpeɪn/
a series of activities designed to produce a particular result
- The boss decided his company needed a new campaign to change the public’s impression of the company.
老闆決定公司需要新的宣傳活動來改變社會對公司的印象。
- The mayor appeared at the political campaign to show his support.
市長出席那場政治活動為了表示他的支持。
a series of military battles, attacks, etc., designed to produce a particular result in a war 軍事活動
- The military campaign led by the general was a complete disaster.
那位將軍所率領的那場軍事活動完全失敗。

degree n. 程度
a measure of how severe or serious something is
- The child showed a high degree of understanding of the video content.
孩童對影片的內容展現高程度的理解。
- There was a degree of bitterness in the widow’s tone of voice as she explained her story to us.
當那位寡婦和我們分享她的故事時，可以從她的語氣中感受到某種程度的苦毒。
a unit for measuring the size of an angle 度數、角度
- Let’s try to turn this cabinet ninety degrees.
我們試著把櫃子轉九十度。
an official document and title that is given to someone who has successfully completed a series of classes at a college or university 學位
- It took Carrie six years to get her psychology degree.
Carrie 花了六年的時間來拿到她的心理學學位。

process v. 加工
to change (something) from one form into another by preparing, handling, or treating it in a special way
- The beautiful pieces of fruit go straight to the produce market while the ugly ones go to a factory to be processed.
漂亮的水果會直接被送到果菜市場，而醜的會被送進水果加工工廠。
to deal with (something, such as an official document or request) by using a particular method or system 文件方面的辦理、處理
- After the office receives the application form, it will need three days to process it.
當辦公室收到申請表後，就會需要三天的時間來處理。
process n. 過程
To become a licensed technician in this field of work is a lengthy process.
要在這個領域裡成為一位有執照的技術員是一個漫長的過程。

The Burger Battle (1)

Is a meatless burger still a burger? 
漢堡大戰 沒有肉的漢堡還是漢堡嗎？

For years, when you ordered a burger, you got a cooked beef patty on a bun. It often came with cheese, onions, lettuce and pickles. Then "burger" became anything that could be made into a patty. You could order chicken burgers, fish burgers, black bean burgers and more. Now, companies are aware of consumers' concerns about the effects of animal production on the environment. Enter the plant-based burger. These "burgers" contain no meat and are made with protein from soy or yellow peas. They contain other ingredients that make the patties juicy and sizzle like beef.

Fast food restaurants have taken notice. They are starting to offer them on their menus along with more traditional burgers.

Plant-based food markers claim their burgers are healthier. They also say they are better for the planet than beef. One company, Impossible Foods, feels animal production is bad for the environment. Their mission is to end the raising and killing of livestock for food. According to Impossible Foods, the company's Impossible Burger" uses 96 percent less land, 87 percent less water and produces 89 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions."


Info Cloud
have a beef with someone

Hello, friends. Welcome to Info Cloud. Today I would like to talk a little bit about the workplace. Rex has worked in several companies before. What do you think is the biggest challenge for people at work?

Well, certainly the projects we are working on put a lot of pressure on us. But I would say that the most difficult thing is getting along with people, especially when a coworker has a beef with you.

That is such an interesting way to put it. Why don't you explain to us what having a beef with someone means?

To have a beef with someone means having a problem or a dispute with a person. When you have a beef with someone, that implies that there's something about that person you don't agree with.

Or simply there are some things you don't like about that person. My boss has a beef with John, so he's cutting his salary.

The word beef here implies complaints or a disagreement. Since beef is the most important ingredient in some food products, the word is used to describe what bothers people about someone.

You can also use beef as a verb for complain, such as: My mom is beefing about my grades.

人與人之間的相處相當地不容易，有的時候會出現摩擦，have a beef with someone 可以用來表達一個人對另外一個人的不滿。你可能會問，beef 不是牛肉嗎? 跟人際關係的衝突有什麼關係?

beef 是很多食品的重要成分，曾經被廣告商拿來大做文章，因此 beef 也用來形容人際關係中最敏感的部分。My boss has a beef with John, so he’s cutting his salary. 我老闆對John有些不滿，還減低了他的薪水。另外，beef當作動詞使用，有抱怨的意思。My mom is beefing about my grades. 我媽再抱怨我的成績呀。


Language Lab
ingredient n. 食品裡的成分, 食材
one of the things that are used to make a food, product, etc.
- Before Elva bough the can of milk powder, she checked the list of ingredients.
Elva 再買那罐奶粉前，先看一下奶粉的成分。
- Before you start making this dish, please make sure you have all the ingredients.
在你煮這道菜之前，要先確認所有需要的食材都有準備好。
a quality or characteristic that makes something possible 要素
- Trent tried to write a story, but it was a terrible one because it didn’t have the necessary ingredients for a good story.
Trent 試著寫一篇故事，但是故事很糟，因為缺乏好故事所需要的幾個重要要素。

sizzle v. 發出滋滋作響的聲音
/ˈsɪzəl/
to make a hissing sound like the sound water makes when it hits hot metal
 When Joe cracked an egg into the hot frying pan, the egg sizzled.
當Joe 在熱鍋中打了一顆蛋，就可以聽到滋滋作響的聲音。
sizzling adj.會發出滋滋作響聲音的
- As Steven is cooking bacon, he loves listening to the sizzling sound from the frying pan.
Steven 再兼煎培根的時候，很喜歡聽到從鍋子裡發出來的Steven 滋滋作響的聲音。
very hot 非常熱、非常燙的
- It looks like it’s going to be another sizzling summer.
看起來又會是一個炎熱的夏天。

claim v. 聲稱、宣稱 (2)  (n) 說法、聲明
to say that (something) is true when some people may say it is not true
- That company claims that they’re the first to invent such a product.
那家公司宣稱他們是第一家發明那種產品的公司。
That lady claims she used to work for the royal family.
那位女士聲稱她以前有為王室工作過。
to say that you have (something)認領、索取
- A purse was found and brought to the customer service counter, but no one claimed it.
有一個皮包被尋獲並且交給了客服櫃台，但是沒有人去認領。
claim n. 說法、聲明
a statement saying that something happened a certain way or will happen a certain way : a statement saying that something is true when some people may say it is not true
The explorer’s claim of having found a lost city was met with disbelief.
探險家說他有找到一座失落的古城，但是沒有人相信他的說法。

raise v. 舉起、抬
to lift or move (something or someone) to a higher position
Please raise your hand. 請你舉手。
to keep and take care of (animals or crops) 餵養
- Bonnie decided to raise a few chickens.
Bonnie 決定要養幾隻雞。
to increase the amount or level of (something) 提高、增加
- I can’t hear the music. Can you raise the volume?
我聽不到音樂，你能不能把音量轉大聲一點?
- The king has agreed not to raise taxes.
國王有答應不會增稅。
to mention (something) for people to think or talk about 引起
- When we go into the store, I need you to stay quiet and not raise any attention.
當我們進了店裡，請你保持安靜，不要引起別人的注意。