Today is the first class of our current four-class set. We will begin class with our editing exercise. 

Today's reading is about eating a big breakfast and explains why it is hard for me to lose weight. When you read this you will probably think it is old news, but thought it was fascinating. Our listening material is episode 1 part 4 of Serial. The vocabulary words will come from the reading. 

Vocabulary

• taper- (verb) diminish or reduce or cause to diminish or reduce in thickness toward one end. (noun) a gradual narrowing.
• abstain -(verb) restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something.
• metabolism- (noun) the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.
• periphery- (noun) the outer limits or edge of an area or object. peripheral- (adj) relating to or situated on the edge or periphery of something.

Click HERE for the reading

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?