Learn English from the news, part 1
Hello English Learners!
I have a challenging task for you today. I hope all of you will check out this news report from my favorite news network in the U.S. The language used may be more idiomatic than non-native English speakers are used to and some sentences are quite complex. Please do not worry about every word. Instead, focus on getting the main message from this video.
To prepare you a little, I will tell you that you will see a news announcer at the beginning, then parts of news conference (an announcement is made outdoors so you can hear the wind a bit), with some “high tech” graphics to aid understanding. I found the final bit of advice at the end to be especially interesting, but maybe that is because I like statistics. (Language Note: “DOT” refers to the “Department of Transportation” which is the top government office in Washington dealing with all transport issues.)
Watch here: ONN Special Report.
As usual, I am looking forward to your comments and opinions. I will give you my own point of view in my next post. Happy viewing!
Nafis Said,
May 11, 2008 @ 12:33 am
It is really interesting news! I wonder how honking solves 90 per cent of traffic problems. If five or more cars wanted to pass at the same time, what would it be? I think It not only solves the problem but also creats much more difficulties in driving.
teacherjoe Said,
May 11, 2008 @ 3:52 am
Okay Nafis, you are beginning to understand. However, you missed the main message. I know it’s not easy for a learner of English. What did you think of the final suggestion, for taking care of the final 10% of the problems?
Nafis Said,
May 11, 2008 @ 4:39 am
I thought I understood the main message. I thought the main message is to honk in order to reduce the traffic and let other drivers go. I heard in the final lines that some words like ” swearing and fish shaking” but i do not know if I heard correctly and if so, what does it mean really?
Chichi Said,
May 11, 2008 @ 6:10 am
I heard the part of the final suggestion “fish shaking” too. I listened to it again and again. And, is it “fist shaking”?? Drivers using the combination of swearing and fist shaking would be fined or arrested. Honk, honk, honk! That’s funny. It’s that simple and also childish. Honking, swearing, and fist shaking actually won’t be a practical solution for traffic jams. I think this is a kind of joke or satire on drivers with bad behavior. I think this is an elaborate video which tries to show it like really true with “high tech” graphics, the sign says “Honking Works! 1-800-91-HONKING” and the agency’s very good expectation of the solution.