lesson 27 Thank your lucky stars

I remember when I was a young boy, life was tough. My parents made me do many things for them. For example, they had me do the laundry, the dishes, and, the house cleaning. They even got me to work part time to help with the family expenses. If I was naughty, they would spank me. They would not let me go outside the house for days.

Nowadays, life is quite different for kids. Parents can't force them to do anything. On the contrary, it seems, as if children can get their parents to do anything for them.. Parents and teachers are even afraid to spank children for fear of being sued. It amazes me, therefore, whenever I hear youngsters complain. Instead, they should be thinking their lucky stars.

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at the expense of: Whenever you tell a lie ,you do so at the expense of your reputation.

for fear of doing= for fear that 主语 may/might 动词=lest 主语 (should) 动词

①We took a cab for fear of being late.②We took cab for fear that we might be late.③We took care lest we (should) be late.

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Lesson 28 Going on a diet

Little Johnny is talking to his mother.

J: How come you always make me do things I don't want to?

M: What do you mean?

J: Well, for instance, you always force me to eat steaks, pork chops and chicken, day in and day out.

M: Ok, what do you want?

J: All I want is vegetables and fruit from now on.

M: What's wrong with you? Are you sick?

J: No, but I want to go on a diet.

M: Why?

J: Everyone's calling me Fatty at school.

M: Oh, I get it now.

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how come 主语  动词/why is it that 主语 动词/why 倒装