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VOA 慢速英语听力练习(教案)
Just and Only
Step 1 Words in This Story
adverb – n. a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a sentence and that is often used
to show time, manner, place, or degree
opera – n. a kind of performance in which actors sing all or most of the words of a play with music
performed by an orchestra
unique – adj. used to say that something or someone is unlike anything or anyone else
Step 2 Listen and fill in the missing words.
This week we answer a question we received from Nurfidhea in Indonesia.
Question:
“1 What is the difference between "just" and "only?" How and when should I use them? Thank you"
- Nurfidhea, Makassar, Indonesia
Answer:
Dear Nurfidhea,
2 Thank you for writing to us. This is an interesting set of words because when used as adverbs, they
seem to mean the same thing. Here are 3 some examples:
There is just enough time to listen to one more song or
There is only enough time to listen to one more song.
She was just a baby when she came to America or
She was only a baby when she came to America.
I have just one brother or
I have only one brother.
But that is not always true. We will look at the times when you must choose one 4 and not the other.
Just
“Just” can mean “merely,” “barely” or “exactly.” It is also used 5 to describe a time in the recent past,
or a simple truth. Here are some examples where you can use “just” while “only” 6 would be incorrect.
I just made tea. Would you like a cup?
Here “just” means recently. When you 7 want to say “recently” you should always use “just.”
She lives just north of the city center.
Here it means barely.
2
He just does not have 8 enough talent to sing in the opera.
Here it is a simple truth.
Only
The adverb “only” comes from the word “one” and means “alone,” or “9 with no others.” A good way
to think of this word is that it describes a unique, or singular, situation. Here are some sentences where
you can only use the word “only.”
The gym is 10 only for women.
We will go home only if it starts to rain.
I love only you.
Just a tip
11 A good way to remember the difference is to use “only” for a special or single thing, and “just” for
exact ideas and recent events. I hope this is just the answer you sought!
And now, I have 12 only one request. Please send your questions about English to us by
email: learningenglish@voanews.com.
And that's Ask a Teacher for this week.
I’m Jill Robbins.
Step 3 Write down the following words according to the English explanation.
adverb – n. a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a sentence and that is often used
to show time, manner, place, or degree
opera – n. a kind of performance in which actors sing all or most of the words of a play with music
performed by an orchestra
unique – adj. used to say that something or someone is unlike anything or anyone else