Zoom英会話クラス(金)
Lesson Notes May 23, 2025 (FRIDAY ZOOM)
Words & Phrases
It seems like more and more people are staying longer when they visit Europe.
I played tennis again the cousin of a famous person.
He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s disease is typically described in stages or levels that reflect the progression of symptoms and cognitive decline; we can use “early stage” (mild), “middle stage” (moderate) and “late stage” (severe)
A bunch of old groups came and sang their hits.
What song are you going to sing at the concert.
I suffered from insomnia for a long time. (noun)
The medicine I had been taking had serious side-effects.
My doctor told me that the medicine led to dementia.
If you’re an insomniac, you can try sleeping during the day.
He’s a chronic insomniac who rarely sleeps well. (noun)
She has insomniac tendencies during stressful times. (adjective)
Many criticized him as just another nepo-politician riding on his father’s name.
Voters are increasingly frustrated with nepo-politicians dominating the race.
The new Agriculture Minister said he’ll work to bring down rice prices.
Do you think the government will change their rice production policy?
He wants to halve the price of rice by the end of June. It’s an ambitious target.
‘Ambitious target’ is a common phrase when referring to goals that are difficult or bold.
Grammar
these days (phrase)
Focus: the current situation or habits over a longer recent period
Used with: present simple or present continuous
People work longer hours these days.
I don’t go out much these days.
recently (adverb)
Focus: something that happened not long ago (specific events in the near past)
Used with: past simple or present perfect
I saw her recently at the station.
Have you been to the new restaurant recently?
lately (adverb)
Focus: something that has been happening over a period of time up to now
Used with: usually present perfect
I haven’t been sleeping well lately.
Have you been feeling okay lately?
Pronunciation
Insomnia (noun) ( ɪnˈsɒm.ni.ə ) in-SOM-ni-a
The condition of being unable to sleep.
Insomniac (noun / adj) ( ɪnˈsɒm.ni.æk ) in-SOM-ni-ac
A person who suffers from insomnia; relating to or suffering from insomnia.
Nepo-politician (noun, slang) ( ˌnɛpəˌpɒlɪˈtɪʃən ) NE-po-po-li-TI-cian
A politician who has gained their position primarily due to family connections or nepotism rather than merit
