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19.6.
Can you give me some examples of celebrities in your grandfather's
time (i.e.,about 50 years ago)?
Hmm…50 years represent a considerable generation gap, therefore, I only know a few
celebrities in that time. They are actress Marilyn Monroe, rock star Elvis Presley and the
pop music band The Beatles.
19.7.
Compare what kinds of people were famous in China in the past (e.g„
when your grandfather was young) to the kinds of people who are
famous today.
In the my grandfather’s era, only people who dedicated their talents and knowledge to
achieve great feats were respected by the public in China. However, the young Chinese
generation today is familiar with social networking where they can easily gain either
good or bad public attention. For instance, videos about a group of bullying girls were
so popular on the Internet that school violence became phenomenal in the country.
19.8.
In your opinion, were the standards for judging who is famous before
better than they are now?
From my personal point of view, the qualities of being famous in the past were by far
more appropriate than they are at the present. Today, the invention of smart devices
as well as social networks has made it easier to be famous. People can gain public
attention just by sharing controversial photos or videos regardless of common sense.
VOCABULARY
extraordinary [adjective] very unusual, special, unexpected, or strange.
Example: She has an extraordinary memory that is able to remember small
details in a novel after the first time reading it.
with the assistance of [phrase] helped by something
Example: With the assistance of her private tutor, she passed the final exams
with flying colors.
prominent [adjective] very well known and important
Example: The shop occupies a very prominent position on the main street.
reputation [noun] the positive beliefs or opinions that are generally held about
someone or something
Example: Harvard University has a worldwide reputation for quality of higher
education.
notorious [adjective] famous for something bad
Example: Although its dishes are delicious, the restaurant is notorious for poor
customer service.
becoming famous overnight [phrase]
Example: There are various ways to become famous overnight on the Internet
since many people are using social networks.
aptitudes [noun] a natural ability or skill
Example: Apart from her passion for swimming, this youngest swimming athlete
also possesses an aptitude for this sport.
undergoing cosmetic surgery [phrase]
Example: Being ashamed of her round face, Mary decided to undergo cosmetic
surgery to obtain a V-line jowl.
at one fell swoop [idiom] all at once.
Example: I got all my Christmas shopping done at one fell swoop.
Considerable [adjective] large amount or of noticeable importance
Example: You wouldn’t have failed the exam if you had put considerable effort
and time into revision.
Familiar with [phrase] Having a good knowledge of something. Example: Our
English teacher tries not to use too much local idioms or slangs during lectures as other
students may not familiar with the language.
phenomenal [adjective] extremely popular or special, especially in a surprising
way.
Example: His first movie was quite phenomenal which brought him two
nominations for the Oscar.
by far by a great amount
Example: She is by far the best student in the class.
Regardless of [phrase] without being influenced by any other events or
conditions.
Example: She deserved to know the truth, regardless of how desperate it was.
20. Describe an occasion you waited for something
I must admit that I don’t like being kept waiting by anyone at all. Now I am going to talk
about one such incident in which I had to wait for my brother for ages.
Last December, my elder brother who lives in Canada, was returning home. Before
setting off, he asked me to do a favor, which was to come to ABC airport to pick him up
I was thrilled to bits, thinking that I could see my brother so I went to the International
Airport straight away without wasting much time. However, I soon found out that due
to dense fog, the flight which was to land in ABC was diverted to Mumbai.
I had no ideas as to what to do and I could not have any contact with my brother. I was
not sure about his whereabouts. So I thought of waiting for his call to be able to discuss
the next course of action.
I first went around the airport for some time but then sat on a sofa in one corner in a
lounge. I went through a newspaper on the table after which I started to play a game
on my mobile phone. It was only after an hour or so that my phone rang, and indeed it
was my brother. He told me that he would be taking a domestic flight to ABC in the
afternoon when the weather clears up.
At first, I didn’t know what to do next, but then I decided to leave the airport premises
and go to a multiplex nearby, where I quickly bought a movie ticket and spend the next
three hours watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster.
Finally, after waiting for nearly 5 hours I got to see my brother. Anyways, after seeing
my brother after such a long time, I forgot everything about the long wait for him that
day.
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