Blog

Thanksgiving Feast at Pasadena Center

Paul Huber

Who loves Thanksgiving food? Poly Languages Institute at Pasadena does!

On November 15, 2018, we held our annual Thanksgiving potluck in the Student Lounge. Each one of our ESL class and TOEFL class students have unique backgrounds from various countries. Not only was this a gathering to celebrate an American holiday and enjoy food, but it was also an opportunity to learn from each other and try new types of food. There was food from China, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Hong Kong, Japan, and many more.

Since our students are all adults, they have responsibilities outside of the classroom. Most students only show up to their classes and leave right after. There is not a lot of opportunity to socialize and get to know each other. This is why these potlucks and other planned events are so vital to our Poly community. We planned our Thanksgiving potluck between two classes; therefore, there was no excuse our ESL students to miss it.

Everyone had a blast (great time). Students were enjoying delicious food, conversing with other students in their class and with those in different English speaking levels. Even teachers and staff members had a great time having casual conversations with the students.

It was a time to be stress-free and focus on being grateful for things that we can easily take for granted. We are grateful for food, friends, family, and the opportunity to expand our knowledge. No matter how old we are, all of us here at Poly have a common goal: improving and refining our understanding of the English language.

We are looking forward to future events so that our students, teachers, and staff members get to know each other better and have a great time together.

Students at LA County Museum

Paul Huber

On Friday, October 19th, a group of 40 Poly ESL students and staff from Irvine, Pasadena and Los Angeles gathered at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) for a night of drinks, pizza, and music.

Such a large group deserved a large space. Poly students and staff met on the grassy, green area toward the back of the jazz concert. This was the perfect space for everyone to get familiar with each other.

The clear, blue L.A. sky inspired conversation and laughter. The Jon Mayer Trio’s soothing sound echoed in the background as Poly members tapped their glasses and blissfully shouted “Cheers.”

Some were standing, some were sitting, but all were embracing the opportunity to meet and greet people from Turkey, China, Mexico, Korea, Russia, Japan, Saudi Arabia etc.

The following Monday, students were still joyous about the event. They came to school smiling from cheek to cheek reminiscing about Friday night.

Student Event – Jazz at LACMA

Paul Huber

Jazz at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is an annual celebration of the greatest Jazz musicians in Los Angeles. The beloved program runs from April to November, every Friday night at 6:00 p.m.
“Celebrating over twenty years at LACMA, the program continues to be one of the museum’s most recognizable offerings […] Over 42,000 visitors attend the program annually,” according to LACMA’s website.
Located on the Smidt Welcome Plaza of the museum, Jazz at LACMA invites all guests, of all ages, for FREE! Guests are welcomed to bring food and drinks into the event, as well as picnic baskets and blankets; however, they must follow LACMA’s guidelines: http://www.lacma.org/plan-your-visit
This intimate event produces a remarkable sense of community in L.A., which, at times, can feel impossible to imagine for a city with such constant mobility.
On October 19, 2018, our Poly ESL students will attend this melodious event to build a stronger bond amongst our three centers: Los Angeles, Pasadena and Irvine. The students will swing to the rhythms of the Jon Mayer Trio.
In the heart of L.A., under the Californian sky, the students will feel the gentle breeze harmoniously swaying with the rich echoes of the jazz instruments.

#POLY Languages #Los Angeles #LA #LACMA #JAZZ night

Idioms – Knowledge

Paul Huber

American English Idioms

An idiom is a phrase (group of words) that usually has a figurative meaning. The use of idioms is wide spread in the English language; native English speakers use idioms almost every day.  Therefore, studying idioms is critical for effective communication, whether in listening, speaking, reading, or writing.  Studying idioms not only improves your understanding of the English language but also gives you a deeper insight into American culture.  The idiomatic expressions (idioms) introduced are based on a theme chosen.

 

Idioms related to Knowledge

know for a fact – to know with a certainty

You often use the expression to emphasize your statement or point.

Example:

I know for a fact that Jane does not like Paul. Jane told me who she likes.

 

know (something) by heart – to have memorized something completely.

If you know something by heart, that means you have memorized it.

Example:

Mary does not need the lyrics for the song. She knows it by heart because she has heard it so many times.

Peter knows all the states in America by heart.

 

Know (something) backwards and forwards – to be very familiar with or knowledgeable of a subject

If you know something backwards and forwards, you really know about the subject well.

Example:

Jane knows about the operations of her company backwards and forwards.  She has worked there for many years.

 

learn the ropes/know the ropes –  learn or understand the basic skills to perform a task

The ropes here probably came from the complicated roping required for sailing ships. If you know the ropes of a task, you know the basic skills required to accomplish the task.

Example:

First learn the ropes by watching Jim who has many years of experience.  Then you will know the ropes.

 

Under one’s belt – 1) consumed (food or drink) 2) acquired (knowledge or experience)

Whatever you consume (eat) will be in your tummy (stomach); the food you eat eventually goes below your belt-line. The expression is often used for knowledge or experience you have acquired. It makes sense in that whatever you have eaten, it’s safely yours.

Example:

Please buy Paul something to eat so that he has some food under his belt. He’s very annoying when he’s hungry.

Once he figured out a few techniques under his belt, he out performed all his friends.

 

Do you have similar idioms in your own country related to the English idioms here?

Do you have good sample sentences for the idioms introduced here?

Please share to reinforce the idioms you’ve studied here. Study English by learning idioms regularly.