Today is the second class in your current December four class set. We will start class with a casual conversation. Our reading today is about an education proposal. Please read as much as you can. Highlight any words and phrases that are not familiar. I have also included some listening material. Please focus on time, not accuracy. Please listen to as much as you can, but you only have to listen once. We will review 7 vocabulary words. We are going to try to apply the words to everyday life.

Click HERE for the reading

Abridge (verb) – to shorten a text without losing the main meaning.

The teacher asked students to abridge the article to one page.

Callous (adjective) – showing or having an insensitive, cruel disregard for others.

His callous comment hurt his friend’s feelings.

Derive (verb) – to obtain something from a source; to come from.

Many English words derive from Latin roots.

Futile (adjective) – pointless; incapable of producing any useful result.

Trying to convince him was futile—his mind was already made up.

Indignant (adjective) – feeling or showing anger at unfair treatment.

She grew indignant when she was blamed for something she didn’t do.

Oblivious (adjective) – unaware of what is happening around you.

He walked through the hallway, oblivious to the noise around him.

Vigorous (adjective) – strong, energetic, and active.

They began a vigorous campaign to promote recycling at school.