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Unit 10

Key Expressions by the same token

better than

(in) this way

English Dialogue Alfred: Hey, Cristofe! By any chance have you heard about any job openings on campus?

Cristofe: Didnt you just get an R.A position in the dorms? Why are you looking for another job?

Alfred: Well, being an R.A. takes care of my housing, but I still need money to buy books and pay for

tuition.

Cristofe: Oh, I see. Well, actually, youre in luck because I saw an opening at the library.

Alfred: Wicked! Thats better than the job I saw off campus at the pizza parlor.

Cristofe: For sure. This way you can live, work, and study on campus. Youll be set!

Alfred: Thats right! By the same token, it will give me an excuse to study more!

Translation Alfred: ! ? Cristofe: ? ? Alfred:

. Cristofe: . . . Alfred: ! . Cristofe: . . . Alfred: . .

Expression / Technique Master Note

-by any chance: *You can also use possibly or do you happen to ~.

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-R.A.: Residential Assistant or Resident Advisor

*This is very American English and in other English-speaking countries other expressions are used such

as in Australia College Fellow.

-housing: , *The biggest concerns for students are paying expensive tuition fee and paying for housing fee. But when

you become an R.A. the university pays for the accommodation.

-take care of: ~ , ~ Ex) A: Ill pay for you tonight.

B: No, no. Let me take care of it.

-in luck: , Ex) A: I really need the copy of this book. Do you by any chance have it?

B: Wow, youre in luck! I just finished up reading it. You can have it from today.

-wicked: *Its original meaning is evil or immoral but it became a trendy word among youngsters so its used

meaning really good.

-better than: ~ *It is very popular expression when youre comparing two different products or situations. So A is better

than B.

-this way: , *When youre comparing between two choices and when giving the advantages or disadvantages of the

choice you can start a sentence with this expression. Explaining what will happen if you choose one of the

choices.

-youll be set: you dont need to worry about any problems including financial problems.

-by the same token: ,

-excuse (n): , *make an excuse for: ~ Ex) A: Why are you making all these excuses? Just accept the fact that you made a mistake?!

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**SUMMARY: Comparing between two or more situations or products happens infinite times during

our daily life. After comparing the differences and finally choose one out of many is considered a

necessary skill not just in language but in everyday life survival. So remembering the core expressions for

comparing situations and products can really help you in the future.

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