Jerry and Tracy are talking about who the best student in their class is. They compare and contrast the qualities of two students, Dora and Oliver. (J = Jerry, T = Tracy) J: I think Dora might be the best student in our class. She’s got everything: she’s good-looking, she’s smart, and, of course, she’s popular and friendly.
T: In my opinion, I believe Oliver would be a better choice. He has all the qualities Dora has, and more. J: What do you mean? T: What I mean is that Oliver has special qualities that make him stand out in the crowd. J: OK. So what exactly are they? T: It’s difficult to put into words. I just feel that people look up to him and admire him—that means more than just being popular.
J: Perhaps you’re trying to say that Oliver has leadership qualities. T: That’s it! People listen when he speaks, and they respect his opinions, even if they disagree with him. J: Hmm. I agree. I think that’s a good point. T: So, who is the best student in our class then? J: To be honest, I’m not quite sure. Maybe we can choose the best male student and the best female student! 結束放映
1. look up to 尊敬
2. leadership [ n. [U] 領導才能
...talking about [who the best student in their class is]. 此句為 who 引導名詞子句的間接問句 用法。例： ‧ We want to know who the man in black is.
They compare and contrast the qualities.... compare 在此是比較兩者的「相同 之處」，而 contrast 則是比較兩者的 「相異之處」。
goodlooking 為 “Adj + looking” 的複合形容詞，表示「看起來 … 的」， 其他類似用法有： nicelooking, funnylooking, miserablelooking 等。
in my opinion 為「就我的意見／ 觀點來說」，此外， personally (speaking), as I see it 都可放在句首， 以表示「個人意見」的提示語。
What I mean is [that Oliver has special qualities that make him stand out in the crowd]. → The thing that I mean is that.... (1) that 子句在此為「主詞補語」的功能， 用來補充說明主詞。例： ‧ The only thing I believe is that you will carry out your dream someday. (2) stand out 為「突出，醒目」之意。例： ‧ Jessica is an excellent tennis player. She usually stands out from other players.
put into words 表示「將某事訴諸 文字敘述」。例： ‧ What the soup tasted like was hard to put into words.
look up to 表示「尊敬」之意。例： ‧ Nick is a model student for all his classmates to look up to.
even if = even though 即使 … ‧ He will go to Japan and work there even if he doesn’t have much money.
to be honest = honestly speaking 老實說 ‧ To be honest, I couldn’t understand what Larry just said.