20101110 Behind the Scenes with Sandra (1)

Behind the Scenes with Sandra

American actress Sandra Bullock shines on and off the screen

In just 20 years Sandra Bullock has been an undercover FBI agent, a homicide detective and a bus driver who saves the day. But it's not just her popular novie roles that have earned the 46-year-old actress scores of adoring fans. Off screen she has been commended for her girl-next-door smile, her down-to-earth approachability, her generous, philanthropic spirit and her likeable personality. Known as "America's Sweetheart," Bullock is one Hollywood star that shines brightly.

Growing up

Born to a German, opera-singing mother and an American, vocal coach father, Bullock grew up around talent.

Having performers for parents nurtured her creative drive and propelled her onto the stage. By age 12, Bullock was singing in a children's choir and studying ballet in Nuremberg, Germany, where her family lived at the time. During these years, Bullock also accompanied her mother on several opera tours throughout Europe. All the while, her passion for performance was growing. When her family returned to the United States, Bullock completed high school and enrolled in a university. Three credits short of graduation, however, Bullock left school and headed to New York in 1986 to pursure her dream of becoming an actress.

commend v. 稱讚/讚揚

=> praise

commend for something

eg: Teresa was commended for her generosity toward those in need.

=> Teresa因為對有需要的人大方慷慨而受到稱讚

eg: The teacher commended Sam for his perseverance.

=> 老師曾讚Sam的毅力

eg: This photographer is highly commended in his field.

=> 這位攝影師在同業中備受稱讚

approach v. 接近

approachability Un. 平易近人/有親和力

=> easy to approach

eg: His approachability makes him a successful sales representative.

=> 他的親和力讓他成為一個成功的業務代表

eg: The employees respect their boss for his dependability and approachability.

=> 員工們因為老闆的可靠與親和力非常的敬重他

nurture v. 培養/養育

nurture something

=> take care of something

eg: Students need to be nurtured in an environment that provides intellectual stimulation.

=> 學生們必須在一個提供智能上刺激的環境中被培養

eg: The new mother nurtured her baby with much love and care.

=> 這位新手媽媽用許多的愛和關懷來養育她的小寶寶

homicide n. 殺人犯

phil-愛

philanthropist n. 慈善家/博愛主義者

=> someone gives some money for a good cause

philanthropic adj. 慈善的

=> likes to help people by giving them money

eg: Bill Gates is not just a rich businessman; he's also a philanthropist. He has given billions of dollars to charity.

eg: The orphanage received a generous donation from a wealthy philanthropist.

eg: an philanthropic organization 慈善機構

enroll v. 把...記入名冊/登記

=> put your name on a list to officially say you're going to be a part of something

=> usually we use the term when we talk about enroll for a course such as

=> enroll for a math course, enroll for a university

down-to-earth adj. 樸實的

=> very common

accompanied her mother

=> be with her mother

//== Chat room ==//

scores of adoring fans 很多的粉絲

score 通常是指球賽的比數，但在課文中是指許多的，大量的

score n. 球賽的比數

What was the score of the game? 球賽的比數多少？

scores of people 許多的人

scores of books 許多的書

score 也可指20

four score and seven years ago 4個20就是80加上7就是87年前

=> 林肯總統著名的蓋茲堡演講一開始就說four score and seven years ago

=> 1863年往前推87年就是1776年，也就是美國宣布獨立的那一年

//== Grammar on the Go ==//

Three credits short of graducation, however, Bullock left school and headed to New York.

=> Bullock need three more credits to graduate, but she left school and headed to New York.

short of

=> less than

eg: Sally is $20 short of qualifying for a VIP card.

eg: Paul was two boints short of getting an A.