Monday Morning EnglishTRAVEL NEWS WIRE…
Ebola danger now in Nigeria The deadly virus spread to Nigeria when an infected official from Ebola-stricken Liberia took a flight to Nigeria and died shortly after arrival. Flights linking Nigeria with Liberia and Sierra Leone have now been suspended. There are currently five strains of the Ebola virus, and there is no tested cure for any of them. Researchers conducting research on the Ebola virus have to use biosafety level 4 in their work environment.
THIS WEEK’S NATURAL PHRASE
overworked
Thomas: I just worked 32 hours in the past two days. I feel tired and I’m having trouble remembering things.
Hassan: You’re definitely overworked. You should finish just at five o’clock tomorrow and spend some quiet time at home.
Explanation: When we say that someone is “overworked” it means that they have been working too hard and it is damaging their physical or mental health. If someone is overworked for too long, they may become “burned out.”
THIS WEEK’S MEDICAL PHRASE
false positive
Patient: Does this test result mean that I have AIDS for sure?
Dr. Rodriquez: We can run the tests again, just to be sure that it’s not a false positive.
Explanation: A “false positive” means that a positive result was found on a disease test, but the patient does not actually have the disease. The test needs to be redone to ensure an accurate result.
THIS WEEK’S EMAIL PHRASE
Effective as of…
Dear Mr. Walters:
Effective as of March 1st, our prices will be increased by 5%. This is due to changes in the exchange rate and an increase in the national consumption tax. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Explanation: The phrase “Effective as of…” means starting from that date. This phrase is often used to give advance notice of upcoming changes in policy or prices.
