speech_versus_silence.doc

Text 1 Speech Versus Silence Xiong Deni Learning Objectives: the structure and organization of an argument. how to support the point of view by giving examples. specific words. e conclusion Vocabulary: 1. oblivious adjective not conscious of something, especially what is happening around you Absorbed in her work, she was totally oblivious of her surroundings. The government seems oblivious to the likely effects of the new legislation. 2. magnify verb v [T] to make something look larger than it is, especially by looking at it through a specially cut piece of glass Although our skin looks smooth, when magnified it is full of bumps and holes. to make a problem bigger and more important than it really is The hot summer magnified the racial tensions in the community. 3. summon verb ( ORDER ) v [T] to order someone to come to or be present at a particular place, or to officially arrange a meeting of people General Rattigan summoned reinforcements to help resist the attack. On July 20th, the council was summoned to hear an emergency report on its finances. to increase your bravery or strength, especially with an effort It took me six months to summon (up) the courage to ask him out for a drink. 4. torment verb v [T] to cause a person or animal to suffer or worry The animals are tormented mercilessly by flies and mosquitoes. The camera focused on a group of women whose faces were tormented by/with grief. It tormented me all day - did I remember to lock the door when I left the house? 5. trivial adjective having little value or importance I dont know why he gets so upset about something that is utterly trivial. Sexual harassment in the workplace is not a trivial matter. describes a problem that is easy to solve Getting computers to understand human language is not a trivial problem. 6. dim adjective ( NOT CLEAR ) adj (dimmer, dimmest) ? not giving or having much light The lamp gave out a dim light. He sat in a dim