互動英語教室 - My cup of tea (1)

Lily went to Tokyo for a holiday last year with the aim of learning more about the Japanese culture. On one of the days, she visited a tea shop selling a wide selection of quality tea leaves. A hospitable (好客的) Japanese lady offered her a cup of Japanese tea and told her that she spent a lot of time and effort (努力) to find the best way to brew (沖泡) her tea. While they were enjoying the tea, this lady told Lily the history of the Japanese tea culture. In fact, many aspects of Chinese culture were introduced to Japan during the Heian Period (A.D. 794-1185) when people were open to ideas and cultures from other countries. Japanese priests (神職人員) and envoys (外交使節) were sent to China and brought tea back to Japan. Lily had a good time in Japan and developed her interest in tea culture.

Lily decided to continue to explore (探索) her interest with special attention to the medicinal (有藥效的) functions (功能) of different kinds of tea leaves. Right after she had returned to Hong Kong, she got a job in a tea shop in Central as a shop assistant. One day, an elegant (優美的) Japanese lady walked into the shop, Lily greeted her with a smile.

Lily: Welcome!

Miho (the Japanese client): Hello! Are you Lily?

Lily: Yes! You are….

Miho: I am Miho! Last year you visited a tea shop in Tokyo. I am the owner and introduced Japanese tea to you. Do you remember?

Lily: Oh! Yes! Great to see you again! I am working in this tea shop now.

Miho: It’s your turn to tell me what kind of tea you have here.

Lily: Sure. Come on in!

The shop consists of two floors with a basement where clients can enjoy their tea. Miho was impressed by the simple but stylish design. 

Lily: Let me play a game with you. Close your eyes.

Lily: We serve a large variety of tea here. Can you tell me what kind of tea this is?

Miho: It smells like Japanese sencha (煎茶)

Lily: Yes! Just like Dragon Well (龍井) and Jasmine (茉莉花). Sencha is green tea. Green tea is non-fermented (沒發酵的)and contains a high proportion of antioxidants (抗氧化劑).

Miho: This is White Peony (白茶牡丹). White Tea can lower blood pressure (血壓) and improve the function of the arteries (動脈).

Lily: Exactly. Close you eyes again please. Can you tell me what it is?

Miho: Hm… this is…Oolong tea (烏龍茶) ! Iron Bodhisattva (鐵觀音) and Narcissus (水仙) belong to this type.

Lily: Bingo! Close you eyes now.

Miho: oh! It’s my favourite lavender (薰衣草)! Lavender tea helps to soothe (減輕) stress (壓力).

Lily: Yeah! We also have rose and rooibos (意寶).

Miho: You serve Assam (阿薩姆) which is red tea. I am sure it’s for making Hong Kong style milk tea.

Lily: Yes. My parents prefer black tea such as Pu Er (普洱).

Miho: Now. You have become a tea expert.

Lily: I can show you how to brew the perfect cup of tea

Miho: Really? Thanks!

Questions:

1)     Can you name some green tea?

2)     What is the function of White Peony?

3)     Which tea can soothe stress?

Answers:

1)     Dragon Well, Jasmine and Sencha.

2) White Tea can lower blood pressure and improve the function of the arteries.

3) Lavender tea

Article by Lily Poon

Directed by C.P. Chan

Actors/ Actress: Miho, Calvin, Lily

Special thanks to Tea Leaf Boutique in SOHO, Central

互動英語教室 - Choosing your own accessories (2)

Lily intends to create an image of a fashionable "working women" (事業女性) for Barbara, so that she can illustrate (說明) her consummate (使完美) use of different accessories in her new album. The producer shares the same thoughts with Lily and suggests her to produce a video in which Barbara and Coney show the audience (觀眾) how to wear the hottest new trend in scarves (頸巾).

Lily: Hey Coney, our producer suggests making a short video demonstrating how to wear a scarf.

To Barbara, scarves conjure up (使人想起) an old-fashioned (老土) and uptight (煩躁的) image. She is rather reluctant (不情願的)to do a video about scarves. Coney tells her that scarves are not only used for warmth (溫暖) and comfort. A designer scarf can be tied in many different styles. Even a very plain (簡樸的) coat or shirt can be made to look fantastic by using a brightly coloured and trendy scarf. Barbara changes her idea and gives this a try.

Coney: It’s a good idea!

Barbara: Hi guys! Scarves are one of the favourite clothing items of women. You can be chic (別緻的) with classic silk scarves. A chunky (厚厚的) wool (羊毛) scarf can add a touch of warmth. Coney is my stylist today. She is going to show you the easiest ways to wear a scarf.

Coney: We are going to start with “the loop”. (圈)

Coney demonstrates how to wear scarves in fashionable ways without an obvious tie to the past. Barbara now believes that a scarf can represent her unique (獨一無二) personality (性格) and preferences (喜好).

Barbara: There are scarves made of different materials such as viscose  (黏膠) and cotton (棉).

Lily has the impression that eyewear can change people's look and asks Coney for more advice.

Lily: Hey Coney, do you have any eyewear accessories?

Coney: Of course we do. Here are the fashion sunglasses (太陽眼鏡).

Coney is fashion conscious (意識到的) and into elegant (雅緻的)things. She immediately shows Barbara the newest sunglasses.

Barbara: Can I choose the ones that suit my mood?

Coney: Sure!

Lily: Barbara, this pair can enhance your fashion image and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays at the same time.

Barbara: They look great!

Lily: Barbara, the name of your coming album should be…”Barbara’s fashion world”!

Questions:

1)     Can you name some materials used to make scarves?

2)     Why Barbara is reluctant to demonstrate how to wear a scarf in the beginning?

3)     Besides making a person to be fashionable, what is the other advantage of wearing sunglasses mentioned by Lily?

Answers:

1)     Silk, wool, viscose and cotton.

2)     Scarves conjure up an old-fashioned and uptight image.

3)     Sunglasses can also protect ones’ eyes from harmful UV rays.

Script: Louise Chow / Lily Poon

Article: Lily Poon

Director: CP Chan

Actresses: Barbara Li, Coney Ko, Lily Poon

互動英語教室 - Choosing your own accessories (1)

Barbara has signed a contract (合約) with Angel Music, a famous record label (唱片公司) in Hong Kong. Her manager, Lily, is aware of the importance of a singer’s image (形象) but initially has no idea what Barbara should wear while on stage. Lily decides to ask her professional (專業) stylist (設計師) friend Coney to create the best image for Barbara.

Lily has arranged an appointment (約會) with Coney for Barbara.

Barbara: Hi Lily, how are you? What’s the schedule for today?

Lily: You desperately need a makeover (改變外觀)!

Barbara: A makeover? I think my style looks just fine. Don’t you think so?

Lily: No way! I have to create a stylish (時尚的) and chic (有型的) look for you. Look at what you are wearing now! Who believes that you are a rising pop star? My friend has a jewelry shop (首飾店) around the corner. She designs and sells costume jewelry (人造首飾) and should be able to give you some style tips.

Barbara is excited about the opportunity to meet up a professional stylist. Lily thinks that Barbara has high potentials as a good singer but definitely had to improve her outlook. Coney is very confident that she can help to create the best image for her. Barbara is very impressed with the large variety of jewelry in the store. The materials that Coney uses to make her very own jewelry include precious stones (寶石), crystal (水晶), sterling silver (純銀), shell (貝殼) and many more.

Barbara: I am impressed by your unique (獨一無二的) collection of jewelry! Necklaces (項鍊) , bracelets (手鐲), earrings (耳環) and hats (帽子).

Lily: Coney, can you give her a glamorous (迷人的) makeover using your accessories (飾物)? She is going to have her first performance (表演) tomorrow.

Coney: Sure! You have come to the right place! (你找對了地方)

Coney tells Barbara to choose clothing that can represent her free spirit while staying stylish. One of the big advantages of wearing the right jewelry is that one can stay up with the latest looks. That’s why Coney is choosing the jewelry for Barbara carefully.

Coney: They are mainly vintage (古色古香的) style jewelry

Barbara: I read from a fashion magazine that the term “vintage” means nostalgic (懷舊) style!

Coney: Do you like this one?

Barbara: Not really. I prefer something simple. How about these hair clips (髮夾)?

Lily: No way. I am sure we will find something right for you.

Coney: How about this one? (Coney chooses a necklace made of fresh water pear (珍珠)

Barbara: Yes! It’s simple but elegant (雅緻的). This pearl gives me feminine (女性) charm (魅力).

Do you want to know what Barbara has chosen next? Don’t miss the next episode!

Questions:
1) Can you name some materials that can be used to make costume jewelry?
2) What kind of jewelry do you like the best?
3) What is the meaning of “vintage jewelry”?

Answers:
1) Precious stones, crystal, sterling silver and shell.
2) Necklaces , bracelets, earrings and hair clips.
3) The term “vintage” means nostalgic style.


Special thanks to Coney @ TAKA Accessories
Article by Lily Poon
Script by Louise Chow
Director: CP Chan

互動英語教室(9) - Let's go to an atelier (2)

 

After the interview, Sun and Chrissy shared the joy of painting with Lily and Louise as a way to relax and express what they had in themselves. Lily and Louise closely observed (觀察) the uses of colour and learned the basic principles. Lily had great fun while sketching (素描) though she ended up in using the eraser (橡皮擦) a lot. They both agreed that they could rapidly (迅速地) polish (磨鍊) their talent (天資) and skills (技巧) with a teacher’s guidance.

Louise was impressed by the drawing on a wall in the garden. Sun told them that drawing on walls had always been enjoyed greatly by his students. He encouraged (鼓勵) his students to draw whatever they could think of in their mind. This free-form (自由) style reminded Lily of graffiti (塗鴉)…

Chrissy: Did you enjoy yourselves?

Louise: Sure! I like the drawing on the wall.

Sun Ho: My students love to draw on walls.

Lily: I heard that drawing on walls is very common in the States. It’s “gra”, “gra” , “gra” …(Lily couldn’t recall the term)

Chrissy: Do you mean “graffiti”?

Lily: Oh! Yeah!

Chrissy: Graffiti means "to write". Now it refers to writing, drawing, or symbols (符號) applied to any surface without the permission (允許) of the property (物業) owner. Graffiti is often related to hip hop culture and can occur anywhere such as on railroad (鐵路) boxcars (貨車) and subways (隧道). People use a variety of materials such as automotive car paint (車油), spray paint (噴漆), crayons (炭筆) and permanent ink (不脫色墨水). Never draw any graffiti without permission from property owners. But now, you can create graffiti legally (合法) here!

Sun gave Lily and Louise a small paint brush and taught them how to paint on walls. He also showed them some common graffiti fonts and encouraged them to use more colours and be creative most importantly.

Chrissy mentioned that what made street graffiti so different from other forms of visual (視覺) culture was that the production of the image was unauthorised (未被授權的). Lily suddenly thought of Tsang Tsou-choi (曾灶財), also known as "The King of Kowloon". She told Chrissy that Tsang was a local poor man who scrawled (亂塗) on lamp-posts (燈柱), walls and phone boxes. Basically, his script could be found throughout Hong Kong. He was also known for the Chinese calligraphy (書法) he invented. He later became famous around the world after some of his works were displayed (展出) at the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition (威尼斯國際藝術雙年展) in 2003. Lily and Louise both thought that his unique art had become a part of the city's collective memory (集體回憶) after his death.

Lily and Louise discussed with their chef editor (總編輯) and decided to write an article about “painting and creativity” for the coming issue.

Questions:

1)     What are the benefits to learn painting with a teacher’s guidance?

2)     Are graffiti legal?

3)     Where can you find graffiti usually?

4)     What kinds of materials are used to draw graffiti?

Answers:

1)     We can rapidly polish our talent and skills with a teacher’s guidance.

2)     No.

3)     Walls, railroad boxcars and subways.

4)     Automotive car paint, spray paint, crayons and permanent ink.

Actress: Chrissy, Louise, Lily, Sun Ho

Director: C.P.

Article: Lily

互動英語教室 (8) - Let's go to an atelier (Part 1)

 

Lily and Louise are one of the many journalism (新聞系) graduates (畢業生) wandering what to do in the future. Since the economy is dipping into recession (衰退期), graduates with less experience are hard to find newsroom (新聞編輯部) jobs. At the very least, Lily and Louise are able to work across print and broadcast, and have acquired the necessary skills to write feature stories (專題故事). Lily has built on what she has learned at journalism school by taking a photograhy course. Recently, they find a great deal of freelance work for a newly established art magazine.

Knowing that many jobs in journalism are not officially advertised, Louise is very enthusiastic about social networking (人際網絡). Her friends are taking a painting class in an atelier (畫室) in Central, whose owner Mr Sun Ho is a graduate of the University of Paris. She immediately asks for his contacts and lines up an interview with him.

Lily showed up a half hour late to the interview because she was busy buying some fruits. Louise was very cross at her. Chrissy, the assistant to Mr Ho, greeted them at the door.

Chrissy: Hello, I am Chrissy. The assistant to Mr Sun Ho. You must be Louise and Lily from Hong Kong Arts magazine!

Louise: I am Louise. Nice to meet you

Lily: I am Lily . Nice to meet you

Chrissy: Come on in!

Mr. Ho is devoted (專心致力) into art education and has been giving painting classes to children and adults. Lily was attracted to the paintings by his students in the atelier and thus, couldn’t stop taking a lot of photos. His students are not only technically good at painting but also have individuality (個人風格) and expression.

Chrissy: He is Mr Sun Ho, owner of this atelier. He studied in Paris and is now teaching painting to children and adults.

Sun Ho: Enchanté! (meaning “Nice to meet you” in French)

Louise: Mr Ho, can you tell me the different types of paintings and techniques?

Sun Ho: monochrome drawing (單色畫) and colour painting (彩色畫) are the two major catogories of paintings.

Chrissy: We use charcoal (木炭) sticks (條) for monochrome drawing and oil colour, acrylic colour (丙烯酸顏料), pastel (粉蠟筆) and poster colour for colour painting. Here is the art kit.

Chrissy showed the art kit to Louise and Lily and pointed to the acrylic colour set and some paint brushes (畫筆).

Chrissy: In front of you is the easel. I am holding a palette knife (畫刀) and you are going to draw on the canvas (帆布).

Sun Ho: What do you want to draw?

Louise: How about fruits?

Sun Ho: Let’s learn still life (靜物) drawing today.

Chrissy: Mr Ho is going to demonstrate how to draw straight and curved lines.

Sun Ho: Red, Yellow and Blue are the three primary colours (三原色).

A palette (調色板) is a very useful tool but can also cause trouble. Lily was so careless that she sat on a palette! They learned the basics techniques of still life drawing in this occasion and were advise to practise at home by picking easy objects to draw. Chrissy reminded them to avoid (避開) drawing oddly (奇怪) shaped (形狀) objects as beginners. Homely fruits, vegetables and gift boxes are all good choices!

Questions:

1)     What are two major types of drawings?

2)     What is the tool for monochrome drawing introduced in the video? How about colour painting?

3)     What did Lily and Louise draw on in the video?

4)     What are the three primary colours?

By Lily Poon

Special thanks to Atelier Sun Ho

Actresses: Chrissy, Louise and Lily

Director: C.P. Chan
Crew: Grammy and Sharon

互動英語教室(7) - It had all been a dream...

Lily and Louise just finished a video shoot (拍攝) for an upcoming “Quick and Easy Recipes” show on Italian cuisine. Louise couldn’t wait to leave when she thought of the dinner with her best friend from London. Lily was left alone to enjoy this fully refurbished (翻新了的) apartment(公寓). She was a great admirer (讚賞者) of English literature. She had installed herself on the sofa and started reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Lily was in a state of exhaustion (精疲力竭) after such a long day and fell asleep (睡著). After a while, she woke with a start (驚醒) and saw a little boy who looked like Daniel. Yet she was not very sure if he was the little boy whom she had been acquainted (認識的), but not very long ago. Looking at him, she felt that he was a little bit different. He was warmly dressed in a black pullover as if he had exposed to cold air. They entered into a conversation (對話)

Lily: You must be Daniel!


Daniel: Lily, welcome to the Wonderland.

Lily: “Lily in Wonderland”? Impossible! I should have met a rabbit instead of a kid! Has the story line been changed?

In spite of Lily’s agitation (不安), Daniel seemed extremely pleased.

Daniel: Follow me.

Although Lily was a bit sceptical (懷疑), she followed him into a hole in the middle of the bathroom. Suddenly, Daniel stopped and shouted at a lady.

Daniel: The Queen!

Daniel greeted the Queen and ran away. Lily could scarcely (幾乎沒可能) believe her eyes, and was almost scared at seeing her.

Queen: I am the Queen. What’s your name?

Lily was confused and mumbled (含糊地說) to herself.

Lily: Oh, no! I should be meeting the Chesire-Cat or the flamingo (紅鸛) but not the Queen.

Lily pretended to be delighted and introduced herself to the Queen. She was always off doing daring (大膽) things that often got her in trouble. She mocked at (嘲笑) the Queen’s outlook and even bursted into giggles (傻笑) afterwards. The Queen was outraged (憤怒).

Queen: Idiot (笨蛋)! Can you do tongue twisters (饒口令)? If not, you should be beheaded (砍頭).

Lily: Your majesty (陛下), I can do one.  
The big black bug bit the big black bear.

The Queen became excited and happy. She continued the second part of the tongue twister.

Queen: but the big black bear bit the big black bug back!

Lily delivered another one:  
How can a clam (蜆) cram (塞進) in a clean cream can (金屬罐)?

Queen replied without hesitation (猶豫): Send toast to ten tense (緊張的) stout (肥胖的) saints' (聖人) ten tall tents (帳篷).

Lily had run out of (耗盡) tongue twisters. She begged (哀求) the Queen to forgive her and let her go. The Queen grew furious (盛怒的) and lost her temper again.

Queen: No. Off with her head!

Lily: Your majesty! I can do another tongue twister.

Queen: Can you do Peter Piper picked a peck (少量) of pickled (醃製的) peppers (甜椒)?

Lily: No….

Suddenly, Lily woke up in a shock and discovered (發現) a deck of (一副) playing cards (撲克牌) with the Ace of Hearts facing upward (向上朝) next to the book. She was so frightened (驚慌) and left the apartment right away. Had it all been just a dream?

Contributor: Louise Chow/ Lily Poon

互動英語教室(6) - Can I cook?

Lily and Louise are the hosts of “Quick and Easy Recipes”. It is one of the highest rated live TV cooking shows that presents the preparation of easy-to-prepare (容易煮的) food. One of the things the audience (觀眾) love about this show is that the hosts showcase (展現) produce from a different country each time and invite a local chef to prepare the items.

Lily and Louise invited a chef to demonstrate (示範) how to make a simple yet tasty pasta. Unfortunately, he couldn’t come because of a car accident. They could not find another chef to cover for him with such a short notice. Louise suggested to Lily that they could cook together. Lily hesitated (猶豫) because she lacked experience and self-confidence (自信心). Daniel, a 5-year-old cook, was in a buoyant (活潑的) mood when he knew that the chef was unable to show up. He volunteered (自發) to teach them how to make a smoked bacon penne pasta (通粉).

Louise: Hey guys! Welcome to “Quick and Easy Recipes” I am Louise.

Lily: I am Lily.

Louise: Today we are going to make a quick and easy smoked bacon penne pasta.

Lily: You need the following ingredients: penne pasta, smoked bacon, olive oil (橄欖油), garlic, parmesan cheese (巴馬乾酪芝士) , salt and pepper.

Lily got so nervous she forgot what to do next. Louise reminded (提醒) her to take out all the utensils (用具).

Louise: chopping board (砧板) , fry pan (平底鍋), tall pan (高身褒) and colander (濾鍋). Now fill the tall pan with water and place it on a high heat (高溫).  Add a little bit of salt and olive oil.

Lily added a large amount of salt to the pasta unintentionally. (非故意地) Louise tried to suppress her anger and continued making the pasta.

Louise: When the water is boiling. Add the pasta and cook for 11 minutes. Now. Place the frying pan on a high heat. Fry the bacons and garlic until brown.

Lily put the unpeeled garlic in the frying pan and forgot to switch off the stove after 11 minutes. Overcooked penne was a sodden (過濕) pile of pasta that was not very appetizing!

Louise: Serve the pasta and bacons on a plate and sprinkle (灑) the parmesan cheese on top.

Daniel could not hold his laughter when he saw them cooking. Lily was annoyed when she saw Daniel laughing at her. She was thinking how to best get revenge on him and finally decided to invite Daniel to taste the pasta!

Smoked bacon penne recipe:

1 package dried penne pasta

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 cup chopped smoked bacon

3 tablespoons minced (切碎) garlic

Salt and pepper

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Questions:

1)     Name the ingredients that you will need to make a smoked bacon penne pasta

2)     Name the utensils that you will need.

Answers:

1)      penne pasta, smoked bacon, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

2)      chopping board, fry pan, tall pan and colander