A major earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale jolted China Sichuan Province at 2:28pm yesterday,Taiwan media describe the involvement scale of the tectonic earthquake as 'half Asia'. The earthquake was felt as far away as Thailand,Bankok and Hanoi in Vietnam.So far,the death toll reaches 10,000.
 
We have know idea what we can do to the victims in quake-hit areas,we can only offer some help in the form of English to those people who want to take part in the disaster-relief work.Following is two dialogues after a flood disaster(written and audio materials),It will be the same situation as now if 'flood' replaced with earthquake.To pray for the victims and show respect to the rescuers.

Larry told Lihua that she wanted to enter her name for the disaster-relief work to help victims.Lihua learned two commonly used expressions:'get-go' and 'on board'.
 
[Scene 1]:

LL:   Li Hua, there was a news report about families whose homes were damaged in a flood and they are not far from where my parents live. I knew from the get-go that I wanted to go help these people.

LH:   Yes,I heard the news that many houses were washed away by the flood this morning.It is quite good for you to help the disaster work.But you just said" from the get-go I wanted to go help these people。"What do you mean by "From the get-go"?

LL:    From the get-go means from the beginning. I knew from the beginning, from the get-go, that I wanted to do something to help out.

LH:   It means 'from the begining'.that is to say,you want to help disaster-relief work as soon as you heard the news. Though,I wasnt thinking of doing disaster-relief work,I felt sad for those victims. From the get-go, I felt sorry for those people .

LL:    From the get-go, I felt the same way. So, this afternoon I am going to go to the Red American  volunteer.

LH:   You are going to the Red American volunteer?That's great.

LL:    The Red Cross is a wonderful organization. In any disaster, they are always ready to help, ensuring that the victims have food, water, medicine and shelter from the get-go.

LH:   Yes,it is.The Red Cross is famous.Once there is any disaster,they will managed to get there first and provide relief to victims.Larry,what are you going to do when you go to the Red Cross?

LL:    Well, my plan from the get-go has been to stop by the Red Cross and see what kind of help they need. Depending on what they need, I will take a couple days off work and drive to the town hit by the flood to help out.

LH:   Right,depending on what they need.Will you ask company for leave and drive a car to the disaster-hit area?Larry,i admire you so much. I knew you are a kind person from the let-go.

LL:   Thanks, Li Hua. That is really nice of you to say. You have been a good friend from the get go, too.

LH:   Anyone would like to have a friend like you.Larry.how about having a lunch before you going to the Red Cross?

LL:   That would be good. Today I have been hungry from the get-go. Where do you want to go?

LH:   You must be hungry.Lets find a place nearby.How about the pizza one across the road?

LL:    Great! That place has been so popular from the get-go!


[Sence 2]:

(Restaurant sounds)

LL:    (To waiter) I'll have two slices of cheese pizza please. So, Li Hua, I was wondering if I could convince you to get on board this volunteering effort.

LH:   Get on board? You mean you want me to take part in the disaster-relief work?

LL:    Yes, when I asked you to get on board, I meant would you join me and help out.

LH:    Its ok i go with you a couple of days as i dont need to give classes.

LL:    That would be great! The people at the Red Cross will be so happy to have you on board.

LH:    How can us get there?

LL:    Well, I was thinking we would drive. I was wondering if you would be on board with the idea of renting a van for the trip.

LH:Rent a van? Is it expensive?

LL:    It is a little expensive. But don't worry, Li Hua, I will pay for renting the van. I'd rather have you on board to help out.
 
LH:Great, if you pay for it i wont have a problem.

LL:    And since we have a van, I am wondering if we can get anyone else on board. We will have room to take some other people.

LH:Yes,there are a few seats.Some of my students may want to go there.

LL:    You should ask them, Li Hua, the more people we can get on board to help with the relief effort, the better.

LH:   Larry,Lets enter our names now.let them know we are on board.

LL:   Good idea, but I really want to finish this pizza first.

LH:     I am definitely on board with that! Let's eat!

Today Lihua learned two commonly used expressions: one is 'get-go',it means 'from the beginning'.Another one is 'disaster relief',connetting them with a hyphen  is the adj. form. 'poverty relief' is a common phrase.