I can't believe this. My brain's kicking into uh... an English O level nazi mode. (well to give credit, Asy started the use of "grammar nazi". Love it.)
I can't look at a word that I don't know the meaning of without the urge to know what it means. Curiosity might've killed the cat but once I get curious, hardly anything stands in my way. On the other hand, if I can get myself to brush it off, then all is at peace.
Arcane means to know a lot about something that most people don't know about, especially if it is very mysterious, obscure or a secret.
Cosseted means pampered.
To vindicate means to justify.
For English compre, there's a section that can be a total pain, an extra present right before the summary section. It's a vocab section where you have to explain the meaning of the word given in the context as clear as possible.
So, if they give you a word that nobody's heard of, and you can't read, reflect or connect the dots for nuts, then you're screwed.
Of course when you get an easy word that you know the meaning of, but you've got no idea how to explain it, then you're also screwed.
Proverbial (no dictionary this time and in 7 words or less), would mean a figurative description of a non-existing thing.
Of course, this is to say that I'm referring to it in this sentence: "The she-wolf that has come out of the proverbial closet".
Apparently, the dictionary says,
1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a proverb: proverbial brevity.
2. expressed in a proverb or proverbs: proverbial wisdom.
3. of the nature of or resembling a proverb: proverbial sayings.
4. having been made the subject of a proverb: the proverbial barn door which is closed too late.
5. having become an object of common mention or reference: your proverbial inability to get anywhere on time.
Taking into account our pop culture references, like how "She-wolf" has become a gay anthem simply because of the sentence "There's a she-wolf in the closet". "In the closet" is associated with say, a gay person that is not publicly gay, and if he is, then he has "come out".
So looking back at my answer, I'm not exactly wrong.
The closet isn't physical. It's a state of mind, or a social state. I wouldn't know, cuz I'm not gay.
(This is making me think of Avenue Q: If you were gay... that'd be okay... If you were queer... I'd still be here! Constance *hearts* Avenue Q!)
Of course sometimes you have go back to root words, which you probably have to explain, like what a proverb is. (an untrue story with a message)
Right. So only the first 4 meanings given by the dictionary would be right if the context is "Alison made a soured expression at the proverbial sour grapes".
Sidetrack: A prerequesite is a needed requirement before starting a task. As again, find the root words, break it up, pray hard you've come across this word and note the prefixes and suffixes.
Someone hire me to teach already! I NEED THE MONEY!
Okay so there we go. Pardon me for putting you throught his. I've got a brain to dissect, some possible future jobs to consider, and 2009 O level grades to salvage.
(Does a degree in English get one anywhere?)
Hmm, language is very rooted in our cultural influences, past and present.
I can only imagine how many of Claire's students will think this is sick and wrong when I say I really don't mind studying the phonetic alphabet. Don't you just hate my curiosity?
Still, I won't deny that this curiosity has gotten me this far, especially with all that crazy nitpicking at pronunciation my teachers used to engage in. Like how calendar is pronounced as "cat-lender". Or rendezvous being "ron-deh-vu". Stuff like that just doesn't leave me.
Maybe that's how people like Mr Hans can be a walking Psych dictionary.
Oh oh, last note.
http://encarta.degreesandtraining.com/articles.jsp?article=featured_the_7_secrets_of_highly_successful_students>1=27004
Apparently, this is the 7 secrets of highly successful students, applicable to students in U.S colleges, and most probably Singaporean universities.
Let me draw your attention to this exhibit:
"2. Visit professors outside of class
Professors are people, too. They worry about being liked, whether they're gaining a few pounds and whether or not they're good at their jobs. So go visit them. Ask them for clarification of some point they made in class. Try out your paper or lab ideas on them to see if you're headed in the right direction. Ask them the best way to study for the exams.
It's probably not a great idea to focus on grades only, as in "What do I need to do to earn an A in your class?" Get your professors to help you be a better student. And maybe ask, "Have you lost a little weight?"
In other words, suck up. *smiley-face*
Damn what are we learning in school? Abuse of human psychology? Knowing where your limits are? You can't get far in life on pure merit alone?
Totally screams grey area.
I'd rather not find out. At least, not now.
