Monday Morning English
TRAVEL NEWS WIRE…
Kids’ Work Theme Parks London will be one of the next cities to open a KidZania theme park, where kids try out different jobs in specially-designed workplace simulations. Similar KidZania parks are operating in Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and in Japan’s Tokyo Bay. Children can earn (and spend) special monetary units and can practice professions such as operating restaurant kitchens, running a fire department, or being a police detective. The Tokyo KidZania also has an English-language program for kids wanting to practice English while trying out various professions.
THIS WEEK’S NATURAL PHRASE
minimum wage
Silas: Did your son find a good job after graduating high school?
Hudson: He found a job at a restaurant, but it only pays minimum wage. I hope he can transfer to a better job soon.
Explanation: The phrase “minimum wage” means the lowest payment that is allowed by the law. The U.S. federal minimum wage for 2014 was $7.25 per hour.
THIS WEEK’S MEDICAL PHRASE
occupational hazard
Nurse: I notice that many of my coworkers have back problems, and one of my fellow nurses suffered from lumbago.
Doctor: Back and shoulder injuries are a common occupational hazard of the nursing profession. We should conduct a health seminar on avoiding injuries in the workplace.
Explanation: The term “occupational hazard” means a danger or problem that often happens on the job.
THIS WEEK’S EMAIL PHRASE
remit
Dear Mrs. Rodriquez:
Thank you for your product order. We can send you the product two business days after you remit the payment through bank/postal transfer.
Explanation: The term “remit” means to make a payment, usually by sending money through a bank or other payment system. We can also use the phrase “please send your remittance”
