СОНЯ:

1) to be a kind of terror - typically suggests that someone or something is causing fear or

anxiety. It implies a sense of unease or apprehension. In the context of a narrative or
description, this expression might be used to convey the impact or influence of a particular
person, situation, or event that instills a sense of fear or discomfort.
2) sly smile - refers to a grin or smile that is characterized by being cunning, mischievous, or
secretive. It suggests that the person wearing the smile has a hidden agenda, is being clever
or devious in some way, or is subtly expressing amusement or satisfaction without explicitly
stating it. The term often implies a sense of playfulness or craftiness.
3) to belt a piety - "To belt" can mean to hit forcefully or to sing loudly and strongly, while
"piety" refers to the quality of being religiously devout or showing reverence. However,
combining these words in this manner doesn't form a conventional expression. If it's part of a
specific context or has a particular usage in a niche field or regional slang, additional
information would be needed to provide a more accurate interpretation.
4) to creep up - means to approach or advance slowly and quietly. It can be used in various
contexts to describe something gradually getting closer or increasing in intensity, often with
a subtle or unnoticed movement. For example, one might say, "The temperature began to
creep up throughout the day," indicating a slow and steady rise. In a different context, it
could describe a person quietly moving closer to someone or something without being
immediately noticed.
5) to prop smth above - means to support or hold something up by placing an object beneath
it or against it. "Prop" in this context is a verb, and it implies using a support or brace to keep
something elevated or in a particular position. For example, you might say, "I had to prop the
door above with a wooden block to keep it open." This indicates using a support (the wooden
block) to maintain the door in an elevated position.
6) pudge-faced - an adjective used to describe someone with a round or chubby face. It
suggests a facial appearance characterized by a soft and somewhat pudgy or chubby quality.
The term is often used in a descriptive, informal manner to comment on the fullness or
roundness of a person's facial features, particularly when there is some excess weight or
softness in that area.
7) to live under one roof - means that individuals or members of a group share the same
residence or live together in the same house or building. It signifies a shared living space
where people, usually family members or close associates, coexist in the same dwelling. This
phrase is often used to emphasize the idea of living together as a single household or family
unit.
8) in-law apartment - a small apartment that is part of or next to a house and that is used
especially as a place for an older relative to live.
9) to talk down – 1. Patronizingly speaking to someone; 2. Reducing the value or
importance of something.
In both cases, the term implies a form of condescension or devaluation, whether in the way
one communicates with another person or in diminishing the importance of a subject or idea.
10) distinguished-looking - adjective used to describe someone whose appearance suggests a
refined, dignified, or noble quality. A person who is distinguished-looking often carries an air
of sophistication, elegance, or authority. This term is commonly used to express admiration
for someone who presents themselves with a certain level of grace, dignity, or impressive
demeanor, typically in a formal or distinguished way.
QUESTIONS:
1. How does Michelle Obama describe her childhood and early experiences in
Chapter 1?
 Answer: Michelle Obama describes her childhood as rooted in a close-knit
family on the South Side of Chicago. She reflects on the warmth of her home and the lessons
she learned from her parents.
2. What significant events or influences from Michelle's childhood have shaped her
character, according to the first chapter?
 Answer: The influence of her parents, particularly their emphasis on education
and hard work, has significantly shaped Michelle Obama's character. Additionally, the socio-
economic environment of her neighborhood has played a role in her upbringing.
3. In what ways does Michelle Obama discuss her family dynamics and
relationships in Chapter 1?
 Answer: Michelle highlights the strong bonds within her family and the mutual
support they provided. She shares anecdotes that illustrate the importance of family in
shaping her values and worldview.
4. How does the author reflect on her cultural identity and upbringing in the first
chapter of "Becoming"?
 Answer: Michelle Obama reflects on her African American heritage and the
pride she feels in her roots. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of growing up in a
predominantly African American community.
5. What role does education play in Michelle Obama's early life, as revealed in
Chapter 1?
 Answer: Education is emphasized as a core value in Michelle's family. Her
parents instilled a strong belief in the transformative power of education, and this theme
becomes a driving force in her life.
ГЮЛЯ:
1) to pipe down - an informal idiom that means to become quiet, reduce noise, or stop
talking. It is often used to ask someone to lower their voice or to bring an end to noisy or
disruptive behavior. For example, if a group of people is talking loudly and someone says,
"Hey, guys, can you pipe down? I'm trying to concentrate," they are asking for a decrease in
volume or noise.
2) a thin-brimmed - refers to an object, often a hat, that has a narrow or slender brim. In the
context of fashion or accessories, a thin-brimmed hat typically has a relatively slim and
subtle edge that surrounds the crown. This term is commonly used to describe a particular
style or design of hats where the brim is not wide or prominent. The opposite of a thin-
brimmed hat would be a wide-brimmed hat, which has a broader and more noticeable brim
around the crown.
3) fumble through - means to clumsily and awkwardly handle or navigate something, often
indicating a lack of precision, coordination, or certainty. It can be used in various contexts,
such as searching for an item, attempting a task without much skill or confidence, or
struggling to manage a situation. For example, "She fumbled through her bag, looking for
her keys," suggests that the person is searching in a somewhat disorganized or uncertain
manner.
4) to be thrilled about - means to be extremely excited, delighted, or pleased about
something. It conveys a high level of enthusiasm and positive emotion regarding a particular
event, opportunity, or situation. For example, "She was thrilled about the news of her
promotion" indicates that the person is very excited and happy about the prospect of being
promoted.
5) expanse of black and white - typically refers to a wide area or space dominated by the
colors black and white. This can be used both literally and metaphorically.
Literal use:
Example: "The photograph captured the vast expanse of black and white landscapes." In this
case, it describes a scene where the primary colors or elements are black and white.
Metaphorical use:
Example: "The room was decorated in an expanse of black and white, giving it a sleek and
modern feel." Here, it suggests a design or decor theme primarily characterized by black and
white colors.
This phrase is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, such as art, design,
photography, or even a description of a physical space.
6) round-bellied - an adjective used to describe someone or something that has a rounded or
protruding belly, often implying a full or well-fed appearance. It is a descriptive term often
associated with physical characteristics, such as the shape of a person's abdomen.
7) reel-to-reel tape - refers to a type of magnetic tape recording in which the recording tape is
wound from one reel to another during playback or recording. This technology was
commonly used for audio recording and playback before the widespread adoption of cassette
tapes and digital formats.
8) notice smth out of the corner of smb eye - means to become aware of or perceive
something indirectly or peripherally, rather than looking directly at it. It often implies a quick
or subtle observation that catches one's attention, but not necessarily in the primary line of
sight.
9) to cracked up - a colloquial expression that means to be in a state of laughter or
amusement. If someone is "cracked up," it indicates that they find something extremely
funny, causing laughter or amusement.
10) to keep li - generally means to maintain the illumination or flame of a light source. It can
be used both literally and figuratively.
Literal use:
Example: "He struggled to keep the campfire lit in the strong wind." In this case, it refers to
maintaining the flame of a campfire despite challenging weather conditions.
Figurative use:
Example: "She works hard to keep the spark of creativity lit in her artistic endeavors." Here,
it is used metaphorically, indicating the effort to sustain and nourish a particular quality or
aspect, such as creativity.
The phrase can be applied to various contexts, emphasizing the act of preserving light or
vitality, whether it's a physical flame or a metaphorical spark.
QUESTIONS:
1. How does Michelle describe her aspirations and dreams during her formative
years?
 Answer: Michelle expresses aspirations for success and achievement. She talks
about wanting to go beyond the expectations set for her and to make a positive impact on the
world.
2. What challenges or obstacles does Michelle Obama mention facing in her early
life, and how does she navigate them?
 Answer: Michelle discusses the challenges of being a minority student in
predominantly white educational settings and how she confronted and overcame stereotypes
and biases through hard work and determination.
3. In what ways does Michelle Obama introduce the theme of resilience in the first
chapter?
 Answer: Michelle introduces resilience through anecdotes of facing adversity
and overcoming obstacles. Her experiences illustrate her determination to persevere in the
face of challenges.
4. How does the author convey the societal and cultural expectations she
encountered growing up?
 Answer: Michelle discusses the expectations placed on her as an African
American woman and the societal norms she grappled with, providing insights into the
complex dynamics of identity and societal expectations.
5. What initial glimpses do we get into Michelle Obama's journey towards
becoming the person she is today?
 Answer: In the first chapter, we get glimpses of Michelle's early determination,
her commitment to education, and the values instilled by her family. These elements
foreshadow the trajectory of her life and her eventual path to becoming a prominent figure.