Part 4. Language Study and language appreciation.

Listen to the following statements, pay special attention to the parts in bold type, learn to appreciate and use the language.

1. to brave... to

At the clock struck midnight, thousands of people braved rain showers to attend midnight celebrations, fireworks and concerts.

2. at the stroke of...

In Australia, a firework display lit up the sky over Sydney's famous harbor at the stroke of midnight.

3. be domesticated by...

Pigs were first domesticated by man about 9,000 years ago and are still a very common farm animal in many parts of the world.

4. be nominated for...

The firm won a Oscar and was nominated for six more.

5. to stage a race on...

A farmer, Rob Shepherd, has been raising money for charity by staging pig races on his farm.

6. to make one's way from... to...

The procession made its way from Chinatown to Trafalgar Square, the very heart of London.

7. to run a special...season.

This year's celebrations include more than 100 events, from lion dancing to elephant chess, whilst London's museums, art galleries and theaters are running a special Chinese-themed seasons.

8. be exemplified by...

20 sites on 6 continents will observe a tradition best exemplified by the lowering of the lighting time ball in New York city.

9. to drop by gravity.

The first time balls about 1.5 meters in diameter were made of wood and leather, and hoisted manually by rope to drop by gravity.

10. be signified by...

The beginning of the New Year is signified by the chiming of Big Ben, the famous London clock, at midnight, which is also shown on TV for those who are staying in.

11. to stick to/ be related to.

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to stick to your resolutions, especially if they are related to saving money.