Today is the first class in our new four-class set. We will begin class with our editing exercise. We will not have a set phrase this week. 

Our reading is about the recent repeal of the abortion ban in Ireland. This is obviously a sensitive issue. I am not interested in discussing the morality of abortion- I want to focus on why and what we can learn from this situation. 

The listening material is Serial Episode 1 Part 4. Please listen and answer the questions. The vocabulary words will come from our reading material please be able to explain them in class. 

Click HERE for the reading material

Vocabulary

• expunge- (verb) erase or remove completely (something unwanted or unpleasant).
• sepsis - (noun) the presence in tissues of harmful bacteria and their toxins, typically through infection of a wound.
• intermittent- (adj) occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
• vindication - (noun) the action of clearing someone of blame or suspicion. OR proof that someone or something is right, reasonable, or justified.

Key Phrases

• On the stand- giving testimony in court. 
• First-degree murder- the killing of another human being under conditions specifically covered in law. In the U.S., special statutory definitions include murder committed with malice aforethought, characterized by deliberation or premeditation or occurring during the commission of another serious crime, as robbery or arson (first-degree murder), and murder by intent but without deliberation or premeditation (second-degree murder).
• Dummy’s head- this is a plastic head or a doll's head. A life-size doll is called a dummy. 
• It didn’t really check out- this means it wasn't validated. Or the facts don't make sense. 
• Hitting on you- when a person is attracted to another person and tries to talk with them. 
• Snowed in- There is so much snow that you can't leave the house
• The kicker- an unexpected or surprising remark, revelation, or set of circumstances
• Cross-examination- Cross-Examination. When the lawyer for the plaintiff or the government has finished questioning a witness, the lawyer for the defendant may then cross-examine the witness. Cross-examination is generally limited to questioning only on matters that were raised during direct examination.
• Affidavit- a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.
• Vouch for her story- confirming or supporting somebody's claim. 

Listening Questions

• Who is Asia Mclain? 
• What was the kicker?
• What was inconceivable?