Today is the third class in our current four-class set. We will begin with our editing exercise. Today's reading is about the science of overcoming your fears. Our listening material is the first part of the second episode of Serial. Today's vocabulary words will come from the reading. I will explain them to you in class and we can have a mini-discussion around each word. As for the listening, try your best and answer the listening questions. 

Vocabulary

• molecule  - (noun) a group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound that can take part in a chemical reaction.
• distress- (noun) extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. ALSO the state of a ship or aircraft when in danger or difficulty and needing help. ALSO suffering caused by lack of money or the basic necessities of life.  
• exposure - (noun)  the state of being exposed to contact with something. ALSO a physical condition resulting from being outside in severe weather conditions without adequate protection. ALSO experience of something. ALSO the quantity of light or other radiation reaching a photographic film, as determined by shutter speed and lens aperture. ALSO the revelation of an identity or fact, especially one that is concealed or likely to arouse disapproval. the publicizing of information or an event. ALSO the direction in which a building faces; an outlook.
• blot - (noun) a dark mark or stain, typically one made by ink, paint, or dirt. ALSO a shameful act or quality that tarnishes an otherwise good character or reputation. (verb) dry (a wet surface or substance) using an absorbent material. OR mark or stain (something).

Click HERE for the reading

Keywords and phrases

• Ivory-billed woodpecker- is a bird, but in this situation, the narrator uses it as a metaphor. The ivory-billed woodpecker is a rare bird, so when we see or speak to someone that is hard to reach we can call them an ivory-billed woodpecker. 
• punctured your balloon- the more common phrases is, 'pop your balloon' or 'burst your bubble.' We use this phrase to tell people that we are sorry that gave information that ruined their experience. This is often realistic information. For example, "Do you know you have to study for eight years to become a doctor, sorry to puncture your balloon."
• sick bastard- this is a slang phrase to describe someone who has a dark and twisted personality. Similar to a psychopath. 
• his honor had been besmirched- this phrase describes someone who has lost their honor. For example, "The scandal besmirched the politician's reputation." Stain or ruin can also be used. 
• magnet program- This is a special program for honors students in a high school. 
• bookend- These are things that go on the front and back of a line. There are many types of uses, for example, "John and Patrick are the bookend children." That means one is the oldest and one is the youngest. 
• dissing her friend- a diss is to talk negatively about some, similar to an insult or spreading a rumor. 
• when the coast was clear- this is a phrase that describes a situation when no one is looking or nothing is coming. For example, "cross the street when the coast is clear." 
• tit for tat- this is a phrase we use when someone does something to us and we do something back at them. "eye for an eye" is a similar phrase. 

Listening Questions

How did Asia’s letter contradict Adnan’s alibi?

The prosecution said this was not a crime about love but rather a crime about what?

Why did Adnan ask Hye Min Lee to the prom?

What things did they share in common and why was their relationship unique?

What did Hyemin write about Adnan’s religion?