Chinese is classified as an SVO language. Most constructions follow that pattern. However, there are some sentence constructions that are a little strange and seem to warp the usual SVO pattern. There are also some strange things in Chinese like "verbless" sentences where adjectives act like verbs, or the use of 把 which can change the word order. This doesn't mean it's not SVO; English is an SVO language despite the fact that we don't use SVO when we ask questions (Is Mandarin SVO? / Mandarin is SVO). The main thing with Mandarin is to remember word order is the most important element when it comes to deriving meaning and understanding.

It's colloquial/slang to use 'was beat' instead of 'was beaten.' Another colloquial aspect of that sentence is "so bad"...correct would be "so badly." It's not technically correct, but it is a common colloquialism. It's common enough that it's not surprising you would see it in a book.

These are usages in American English, so they might not be universal. Cash reserve: This is an idiom that means "money that you have saved away." If you save half of the money you earn, you are building a cash reserve. Generally, banks will not let you open a bank account unless you have a cash reserve ready to deposit into the bank. You must have a few hundred dollars ready to deposit when opening a bank account. Check Card (also debit card): Check cards are like credit cards, but instead of having to pay the bill after the purchase is made (as with credit cards), the money is taken directly from your bank account. Checking Account: The bank account where the money for your checks and check card is taken from. The other common kind of bank account, the savings account, usually pays you better interest, but it is more difficult to withdraw your money. To use the money in your checking account, you can use a check card or check. Check (also spelled cheque): A check is a unique ticket that a person can take to a bank and recieve payment for the amount written on it. Most US banks provide you with a checking service for free with your account. Checks have been mostly replaced with check cards, but sometimes they are still used. ATM Card: The card that you use to access ATMs, machines that you can use to get money from your bank account. Usually if you have a check card, it is also an ATM card.

I don't think there's any slang that applies to all native English speakers. That's why it's considered slang, and not standard. Instead of slang, I would suggest focusing on learning idioms, which are similar to slang but are generally standard. Here's some examples: A steal -- If something is a steal, it is for sale for less than its value. "That car was a steal, I only paid $500 for it!" Axe to grind -- A grievance, issue, grudge or resentment one person holds against another. "He didn't promote her because he has an axe to grind." A huge list of English idioms: http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/

"1st battalion Royal 22nd Rediment C company 7th platoon" describes an army unit, from the largest army grouping that they are in (a battalion) to the smallest (a platoon). "NATO-led coalition" describes what side in the conflict they are fighting on. A battalion has about 1000 men. A regiment has about 500 men. A company has about 150 men. A platoon has about 50 men. Other military unit terms in English include "division" (about 10,000 men), "brigade" (about 5000 men), "squad" (about 10 men), and "fireteam" (about 5 men).

It's a stronger synonym of "idea." Having a concept is like having an idea, but probably indicates more completeness. For example, a company is more likely to fund a "good concept" than a "good idea." You would not replace "idea" with "concept" in the phrase "I just had an idea." Also, you can turn concept into the verb "conceptualize," which means to envision or picture something in your head. There is no similar verb for "idea."

"Online Dating" is probably the most standard phrase.

*scrub*