2- I meant to

Today I'll teach the English expression “I meant to”. “Meant” is the past tense of “mean”, and I know you probably know what “mean” means. (Sorry, there are a lot of “means” in that sentence!) I guess you often ask, “What does this word mean?” or you say “Now I understand what the sentence means”.

Now look at these sentences:

I meant to go to the supermarket, but I did not have any money with me.

I meant to do my English homework, but my friend visited me, and we talked all evening.

I meant to speak to my mother, but she was not at home when I telephoned.

I meant to go to Larissa's home , but I really didn't know if she would be there.

“I meant to..” means “it was my plan, or my intention to..” do something. And it is an expression we often use when we have to explain why we have not done something! “I meant to send her a birthday card, but I could not find a good one.” “I meant to meet my friend in town, but I had to stay home preparing Larissa's class .”

Why am I explaining about “I meant to..” in this class? Well, This expression is very useful and I meant to teach you , but I really didn't have any idea whether you knew it or not. I have been worried. I meant to be a better teacher , but sometimes I forget you are much better than me. lol!
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Everyday Conversation

Larissa: Er, excuse me. I need some help...

J.B: Oh, yes, sure.

Larissa: Does this train go to Barra Funda?

J.B: No, it doesn't. This is the green line. Barra Funda... Do you have a subway map?

Larissa: Sure, here it is.

J.B: Let's see... OK, this is where we are, Consolação. You have to take this train to Paraíso and then transfer to the blue line. Then you'll transfer again to the...

Larissa: Wait. I'm sorry, where do I transfer?

J.B.: At the Paraíso station.

Larissa: Paraíso... Let me make a note. And then which train do I take?

J.B: Take the blue line, and then get off at the Sé station. That's S-E.

Larissa: S-E. Are we almost there?

J.B: Almost. At Sé, take the red line. Barra Funda will be your 5th stop.

Larissa: I think I got it. Paraiso, blue line, Sé, red line. Thanks!

J.B: No problem.
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Reading Understanding

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton headed to Luanda, Angola, on Sunday on the third leg of a journey that is taking her to seven African nations in 11 days.


## The State Department has described Angola as a nation with "enormous economic potential."

## The African country is one of the largest energy producers south of the Sahara Desert and is a major supplier of petroleum and liquefied natural gas to the U.S. market.

## Clinton flew to Angola after a two-day stop in South Africa, where she met with the country's new leader, President Jacob Zuma, and the foreign minister.

## She ended the South African trip Saturday with a visit to a housing project on the outskirts of Cape Town, where she and daughter, Chelsea, laid the first bricks 12 years ago.

## Clinton opened her Africa trip in Kenya. She will also travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Liberia and Cape Verde.


"In each nation, she will emphasize Africa as a place of opportunity, built on an ethic of responsibility," said Ian Kelly, state department spokesman.

"She will underline America's commitment to partner with governments, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations and private citizens to build societies where each individual can realize their potential."
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Questions:

1- Who is Hillary Clinton?
2- When did Hillary head to Luanda?
3- How many African nations has Hillary visited in 11 days?
4- How has the State Department described Angola?
5- How many African countries did Hillary visited before going to Angola?
6- According to the text what further informations did you get about Angola?
7- What was the first country visited by Hillary?
8- After Angola what countries will the Secretary of State visit?
9- What was the second country visited by Hillary ?
10- How many days did she stay there?
11- Who did she meet with?
12- What was Hillary's last appointment in South Africa?
13- What remarkable message will she take to Africa?

Extra Questions

a) Who is Hillary's husband?
b) If you were an American citizen, would you vote in Hillary for President? Why?
c) What are your feelings about Barack Hussein Obama?
d) Would you like to travel to USA? Which is your favorite american city?