There was a time when no self-respecting book for English teachers would use "great" or "hopefully" that way. Moreover, back then the purpose of English courses (an antique term for "Unit") was not to help students "feel good about themselves." Which is good, because all that reviling didn't make me feel particularly good about anything.
Source : Adapted from the South China Morning Post, 13.08.95
Vocabulary
// fusty
- old fashioned in attitude Return
// Dysfunctional
- any disturbance or abnormality in the functioning of an organ, part or relationship. The term is often used nowadays to describe marriages. E.g. A dysfunctional marriage is one which is pulling in two different directions, i.e. falling apart. Return
// Self Esteem
- respect for or favourable opinion of oneself. E.g. His father taught him to hold himself in high self esteem and to ignore criticism. Return
// the granola people
- A reference to a popular breakfast cereal in the United States. This cereal sells itself as 'whole food'. Here the author is making an ironical comparison between terminology used in selling this food and modern education.Return
// Reviling
- using scornful or abusive language about someone or something Return
// honing
- to sharpen or polish something. To improve something especially skills of some sort. E.g. He spent the holidays honing his speech making skills. Return
// castigation
- to criticise someone in a severe manner Return