Clinton Wins in Nevada, Trump in South Carolina

On Saturday, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defeated Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in the Nevada Democratic caucuses. Political experts say the clear win in Nevada was a big relief for Clinton and her supporters. They say Sanders must prove he can win more than the youth vote, and in states more diverse than New Hampshire. Sanders said he believes that when Democrats hold their convention in Philadelphia in July, voters will see “one of the great political upsets in the history of the United States.” Republicans in South Carolina Also on Saturday, Donald Trump won the Republican primary in South Carolina. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz tied for second. Trump's victory in the New Hampshire primary last week and his win Saturday strengthen his place as Republican front-runner. Trump repeated parts of his campaign speech, saying the United States will start “winning again” if he becomes president. He said he will make Mexico pay for a wall along the U.S. southern border. He said he will challenge China on its trade surplus. Nevada holds its Republican primary on February 23. Many states will hold primaries on March 1, a day known as Super Tuesday. Super Tuesday usually shows who will likely win the party nomination and compete for president of the United States. Former Florida governor Jeb Bush told a crowd in South Carolina that he was ending his campaign for the presidency. At the beginning of the presidential race, many believed Bush would be the Republican nominee.   I'm Jonathan Evans. Cindy Saine reported this story for VOA News. Kathleen Struck adapted it for VOA Learning English. Do you have thoughts about the campaign for president? Please share them in the Comments section and on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   diverse – adj. different from each other convention – n. a large meeting of people who come to a place for usually several days to talk about their shared work or other interests or to make decisions as a group upset – n. an occurrence in which a game, contest, etc., is won by a person or team that was expected to lose challenge – v. to question the action or authority of (someone)

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Despite Talks, Bombs in Syria Kill 60

  Despite a cease-fire, at least 60 people were killed in Syria in two attacks Sunday. A double bombing in Homs early Sunday killed up to 60 people. Later, a series of attacks hit Sayeda Zeinab, south of Damascus. Few details were available on the later blasts. The Syrian Observatory reported four explosions. Hezbollah's Al Manar TV said 22 people were killed. Last month, explosions near a Shi'ite shrine in the same area killed at least 60 people. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday that an agreement was made with Russia for a cease-fire in Syria's five-year civil war. The latest attacks and violence defy that attempt to make peace. The main rebel group in Syria said it is willing to accept a temporary truce if Russia halts airstrikes and the Damascus government ends its assault near the Syrian-Turkish border. Russia has said it will not stop its airstrikes against what it calls terrorist targets in Syria. Diplomats call the truce a "cessation of hostilities." The United States and others involved in trying to end the Syrian civil war said most Russian bombs are directed at rebels fighting the Syrian government, not at Islamic State terrorists. I'm Christopher Jones-Cruise. VOANews.com reported this story. Kathleen Struck adapted it for VOA Learning English. Do you think peace is possible in Syria? Please leave a Comment and post on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   cease-fire - n. to stop fighting defy - v. to go against, to not follow orders, to resist

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Peru and Machu Picchu: The Trip of a Lifetime

  A “bucket list” is a list of things you want to do before you die. The term “bucket list” comes from an old English expression “kick the bucket.” This idiom is lighthearted way of talking about death. “The Bucket List” is the title of a 2007 movie starring actors Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It tells the story of two aging men who want to have some crazy adventures before they die. Visiting the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu should be high on anyone’s bucket list. Buried deep in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu is an icon, or symbol, of Inca civilization. Far away, tropical and mysterious, it is the ultimate exotic travel destination. Lima – Peru’s lively capital For many, a trip to Machu Picchu starts in Lima, the capital of Peru. Most tourists skip this dry coastal city of 10 million, but it is worth seeing for a few days. It is a “foodie” paradise with world-class restaurants.   Lima’s historic center is lively and easy to walk. A highlight is the 17th-century Monastery of San Francisco, with its famous library and catacombs. Before Lima’s cemetery opened in 1808, the bodies of the dead were left in a space under the church. Visitors can see the catacombs, where the bones of 25,000 people lie. To the south of the historic center is Miraflores, a modern seaside district. Larcomar is a shopping center built into the side a cliff. Here is a great place to try Peru’s famous seafood dish called ceviche, which is fish cooked in vinegar or citrus juice. Then watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.   Cuzco – the ancient Incan capital After a few days in Lima, it is time to fly deep into the Peruvian Andes to the city of Cuzco. This historic city of 300,000 was once the capital of the Inca Empire. At 3,400 meters, Cuzco is one of the highest cities in the world. Visitors usually suffer from altitude sickness. A simple task like climbing a flight of stairs can leave you out of breath. The local people recommend chewing coca leaves to help fight altitude sickness. Leave your map behind and wander Cuzco’s narrow cobblestone streets. There are enough galleries, museums, churches, and archaeological sites to keep you busy for several days. From Cuzco, you can take a five-day hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Most people, however, use a combination of train and bus to reach Machu Picchu. Ollantaytambo About two hours northwest of Cuzco is the small Inca village of Ollantaytambo. This historic stone village is home to about 700 people. Ancient Inca fortifications look down on the village from steep treeless mountains. It was here where the Inca leader Manco fought the Spanish conquerors in the 16th century. The train ride to the base of Machu Picchu is one of the most scenic in the world. The train winds alongside a muddy, roaring river. As the train descends into the tropical forest, the weather turns hot and humid. Machu Picchu is actually 450 meters below Cuzco. It is noticeably easier to breathe. From the final train stop at Aguas Calientes, visitors can hike or ride a bus up to Machu Picchu. At last, Machu Picchu Machu Picchu is one of the great man-made wonders in the world. It was built around 1450 for the Inca emperor Pachacuti. A complex network of stone terraces line the steep mountainside. The terraces were used for agriculture. Temples made of stones weighing up to 20 tons are perfectly joined without the use of mortar. The complex was built with special attention to the position of the sun and the moon. Amazingly, the Incas built Machu Picchu without the use of wheels or horses. The Incas left the site a few years after the arrival of the Spanish conquerors in the 1500s. The Spanish robbed and destroyed numerous native holy sites throughout Peru. Fortunately, they never found Machu Picchu. For 461 years, Machu Picchu was unknown to Western civilization. In 1911, American historian Hiram Bingham was traveling through Peru. A local farmer led Bingham to the ruins of Machu Picchu, which means “old peak” in the local Quechua language. Bingham wrote a popular book that introduced Machu Picchu the Western world. He thought he had found the “lost city of the Incas.” But most experts today think the site was a citadel and a summer vacation home for Inca emperors. Exactly how and why Machu Picchu was built remains a mystery.  Just the Beginning Today, Machu Picchu is the top tourist attraction in Peru. It is so popular that the Peruvian government has limited access to the site to 2,500 visitors per day. It can take several days to get to Machu Picchu, but visitors can only stay for a few hours. For many tourists, Machu Picchu is more of a journey than a destination. And the memories of the short visit can last a lifetime. Maria Cecilia La Puente is an education administrator in Cuzco. She remembers visiting Machu Picchu for the first time as a teenager. “You feel different, you know, in a different way. It’s like when you are at the top, (and) you can feel that you are the owner of the world. Going climbing and finally arriving at the top, it’s like fantastic.” Machu Picchu is just one of Peru’s many wonders. Peruvians take great pride in their nation’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Machu Picchu might be the most famous place in Peru, but it is only the beginning. I'm Jonathan Evans.   What on your bucket list? Leave a comment below and on our Facebook page. Adam Brock wrote this story on a recent visit to Peru. Kathleen Struck was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   Inca – n. a member of a South American native people living in the central Andes before the Spanish conquest civilization – n. a particular well-organized and developed society mysterious – adj. strange, unknown, or difficult to understand foodie – n. someone who is interested in food and restaurants monastery – n. a place where monks live and work together catacombs – n. an underground place where people are buried altitude sickness – n. illness caused by ascent to a high elevation and the resulting shortage of oxygen, characterized chiefly by difficulty breathing, nausea, tiredness cobblestone – n. a round stone that is used in paving streets archaeological – adj. related to the science that deals with past human life and activities by studying the bones, tools, etc., of ancient people fortification – n. a structure (such as a wall or tower) that is built to protect a place conqueror – n. someone who takes control of (a country, city, etc.) through the use of force terrace – n. a flat area created on the side of a hill and used especially for growing crops steep – adj. going up or down very quickly mortar – n. a wet substance that is spread between bricks or stones and that holds them together when it hardens citadel – n. a castle or fort that in past times was used to protect the people of a city if the city was attacked

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Some Volcanic Clays Kill Bacteria

Ancient people knew that some kinds of clay have healing qualities. They rubbed clay on their skin to cover wounds. They also used the natural rock or soil material to treat stomach problems. Now, American researchers have discovered how different clays work as medicine. They are researching the effectiveness of clays against antibiotic-resistant infections.  Blue and green clays are found in volcanic areas of the world. Around volcanoes, native peoples used the clays to improve their health. It seems they knew what they were doing.  Lynda Williams is a clay and mineral scientist. She works at Arizona State University’s School of Earth and Space Exploration in Tempe. She and her research team have been studying the Aboriginal people of Australia. "There is evidence of Aboriginals using clays for treating wounds and they eat it. Many cultures eat clays to settle their stomach." Williams and her team found the clay was effective against some pathogens. Pathogens are bacteria and viruses that cause disease. They examined bacteria that have developed resistance to other antibiotics. In laboratory tests, they saw how a blue-colored clay is effective against the drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, known as MRSA. MRSA is a dangerous and sometimes deadly skin infection. The clay was also effective in treating Buruli ulcer, a skin disease found in the Ivory Coast. Here is how the blue clay works. Iron is one of the chemicals found in the clay. The bacteria need the iron to survive. Some of these same clays also contain aluminum. The minerals work together. Lynda Williams says aluminum lets iron flood into harmful bacteria. The iron oxidizes and then kills the bacteria. "In the end, what we found is that aluminum is attacking the proteins in the cell wall of the bacterium and allowing pores to open so that iron, reduced iron 2, goes into the interior of the bacterium, (and) has reactions with the protein inside. It becomes oxidized and it destroys the biomolecules inside the cell, killing the bacteria." Williams says she hopes the study will interest drug companies that want to explore the healing properties of blue and green clays.   The National Science Foundation provided financial support for the study. Williams and her colleagues reported their findings in the journal Nature Scientific Reports. I’m Anna Matteo.   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. Jessica Berman wrote this story for VOANews.com. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   pathogen – n. something such as bacteria or a virus that causes disease oxidize – v. to change (a compound) by increasing the proportion of the electronegative part or change (an element or ion) from a lower to a higher positive valence; remove one or more electrons from (an atom, ion, or molecule) antibiotic – n. a drug that is used to kill harmful bacteria and to cure infections pore – n. a small opening, especially in an animal or plant, on by which matter passes through a membrane

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China Damming Lhasa River Into Artificial Lakes

Chinese state media say work crews in Tibet are turning the Lhasa River into a series of artificial lakes. The Chinese government’s Lhasa River Project aims to build six dams along a 20-kilometer long stretch of the river. Media reports say the man-made lakes are designed to help the travel industry, improve water quality, and prevent sandstorms. The project is aimed at creating what Chinese officials are calling a “green environment.” But some critics disagree. Fan Xiao is a Chinese geologist with the Sichuan Geological Society. He told VOA’s Tibetan Service that “dams can slow down the river flow and damage the water quality.” He calls the dams “problematic,” explaining that they will lead to sedimentation, which damages water quality. He also said the water environment capacity, the amount of water kept in each lake, will decrease and be more easily polluted. He added that “flowing w ater is much better than still water.” Agricultural Impact Also known as Kyichu, the Lhasa River provides irrigation and drinking water for Tibetan farmers in nine counties. Work on two major hydropower dams has already affected many farmers. The dams are being built northeast of the city of Lhasa, in Lhundup and Maldro Gungkar counties. The two have an estimated cost of over $1 billion, according to the China Tibet News service. Earthquake risk Geologist Fan Xiao also says Chinese officials are ignoring the serious risk of the Lhasa River Project causing earthquakes. Some leading engineers and geologists have linked the 7.9-magnitude Sichuan quake of 2008 with work on China’s huge Three Gorges Dam. According to the China Daily, the Lhasa River Project’s first working dam – named “Dam No. 3” -- has already widened the river more than 300 meters. It has also created a water storage capacity of 1.5 million cubic meters. If all six dams are of about the same size, they could hold about 9 million cubic meters of water in Lhasa Valley when finished. Environmentalists are concerned about how the remaining construction work will impact Salmon migration. A China Daily article quoted someone described as Dam No.3’s project manager. It said the official promised that the project would not harm the movement of fish. “The dam gate will open for the fish to propagate in due time; therefore, it won’t pose a threat to the ecology of river downstream,” the project manager said. I’m Anne Ball.   Yeshi Dorje reported on this story for VOANews.com. Marsha James adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. What do you think of the Chinese damming the Lhasa River? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section below and on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   artificial - adj. not natural or real sedimentation - n. the natural process in which stone is carried to the bottom of a body of water and forms a solid layer capacity - n. the largest amount that can be held or contained migrate - v. to move from one area to another at different times of the year quote - v. to repeat something said or written by another person propagate - v. to produce

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Everyday Grammar: Simple Past Present Perfect

Don't forget to read 'Have You Perfected the Perfect Tenses?'

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Despite Talks, Attacks Kill 60 in Syria

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Lesson 3: I'm here!

Let's Learn English is a new course for English learners. Certified American English teachers designed the course for beginners. The course continues for 52 weeks. Each week, there will be a new lesson with video showing the lives of young Americans. The lesson includes instruction in speaking, vocabulary and writing. There are also printable worksheets, assessments and lesson plans for individual learners and English teachers. We encourage you to follow the weekly lessons and share your progress with us through comments and email.   Summary Anna is in her new apartment. She wants to cook dinner. She tries to call Marsha for help.   Conversation ANNA: I am in my new apartment! Great! I live with Marsha. We’re roommates. I want to cook dinner. Oh! Hmmm. Is there a supermarket near here? Marsha knows. Marsha's work number is 555-8986. MAN: Hello. ANNA: Hello. Is this Marsha? It is Anna. MAN: I am sorry. You have the wrong number. ANNA: Oh. Is this 555-8986? MAN: No. This is 555-8689. ANNA: Oh. Excuse me! MAN: Okay. 'Bye. ANNA: One more time. 555-8986. Please be Marsha. MARSHA: Hello. This is Marsha. ANNA: Yes, Marsha. I want to cook dinner. MARSHA: Excuse me? Anna? Is that you? ANNA: Oh, yes. I am here! MARSHA: Good. You are there. ANNA: I want to find a supermarket. MARSHA: Oh, okay. The supermarket is at 1500 Irving Street. It is near the apartment. ANNA: Great! Goodbye! MARSHA: Goodbye, Anna. (Later) ANNA: There is a big supermarket on our street. And Marsha says I am a good cook! Until next time! Bye!   Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The strategy for this lesson is Look for Ways to Practice. Good language learners are always looking for new and different ways to practice using the language they want to learn. Here is an example of a learner who uses this strategy. Alex wants to be more confident when he speaks English. He downloads podcasts of conversations in English. When he is walking or riding in a car he listens and repeats each sentence he hears. He writes text messages and emails in English, using the new words he wants to learn. Every day he talks with anyone who will speak English with him. Sometimes people ask him, "Did you live in an English speaking country?" because he is so confident in using English. Alex laughs and says "Someday!" and looks for more ways to practice. For more information on using this strategy, see the Lesson Plan.   Listening Click on the quiz below to practice your listening skill. Each question has a video. Play the video and choose the correct answer. Speaking Listen to the teacher in the video. Use your computer or phone to record yourself saying the words. Use this video to practice the new words for this lesson, learn how to answer the telephone, and practice asking for someone. Download the worksheet and practice speaking English by asking and answering questions about addresses.   Pronunciation Writing Download the worksheet and practice writing the names and addresses of friends or classmates. Write your address in the Comments section and we will send you a 2016 VOA Calendar. Be sure to include the house number, street name, city, state, and country! (See the Speaking Practice for Lesson 2 for details on how Americans write addresses.) __________________________________________________________________ New Words   cook - v. to prepare (food) for eating especially by using heat dinner - n. the main meal of the day excuse - v. to forgive someone for making a mistake or doing something wrong find - v. to get or discover something or someone that you are looking for here  - adv. in this place or at this location live - v. to have a home in a specified place near - adv. close to something or someone sorry - adj. feeling sorrow or regret supermarket - n. a store where customers can buy a variety of foods and household items there - adv. in that place or at that location want - v. to desire or wish for something wrong - adj.­ not suitable or appropriate for a particular purpose, situation, or person Now it's your turn - write to us in the Comments section and let us know what you think of this lesson. ______________________________________________________________ For Teachers See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for ideas and resources. Send us an email if you have comments or questions.   Grammar focus Place pronouns: here, there   Topics Apologizing: sorry, excuse me

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US, Cuba Sign Deal on Flights and Factory

After restoring diplomatic relations, the United States and Cuba are building stronger economic links. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro restored diplomatic ties between the two countries in late 2014. They reopened embassies in Havana and Washington. Now the two countries are working to improve business ties. The U.S. still has a trade ban, or embargo, against Cuba. But President Obama has been making more and more exceptions to the embargo. This week, the U.S. and Cuba have made two important trade agreements. Airline Deal The first agreement relates to commercial flights. Regular commercial flights between the U.S. and Cuba ended 53 years ago. In recent years, charter flights have made it possible for a growing number of Americans to visit Cuba. But these flights are expensive and inconvenient to book. Another option is for U.S. citizens to fly to Cuba through other countries, like Mexico or Canada. Several U.S. airlines say they plan to add flights to Cuba. Cuban airlines will still have to get their own licenses from U.S. authorities. Under the airline agreement, U.S. visitors would still have to meet one of the 12 qualifying reasons to go to Cuba. For example, an American would have to travel for business, religious, family or educational purposes. However, the difference between legal travel and illegal tourism is not so clear these days. Last year, about 160,000 Americans made the short trip to Cuba. The island nation is located 145 kilometers off the southeastern U.S. state of Florida. Florida is home to thousands of Cuban-born immigrants who left after Fidel Castro took control in 1959. The agreement calls for 20 flights a day to the Cuban capital. That number is in addition to the current 10 to 15 charter flights that already connect the two countries. Additional flights connecting the U.S. to nine other Cuban cities could start later this year. Anthony Foxx is the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. "Today is a historic day in the relationship between Cuba and the U.S. It represents a critically important milestone in the U.S. effort to engage with Cuba,” he said. Factory Deal The airline deal comes a day after the U.S. approved the construction of an American factory on the island. The factory will produce farm tractors. The Cleber company plans to hire Cuban workers to assemble as many as 1,000 small tractors a year. The tractors will be sold to private farmers in Cuba. Cuban officials have agreed to the $5 million to $10 million project. It will be located in an economic zone near Havana. It is the first major American business investment in the communist nation since 1959. In the early 1960s, Cuba’s communist government took over U.S. private property in Cuba. The owners did not receive payment. American business partners Horace Clemmons and Saul Berenthal own the Cleber company. They plan to open the factory a year from now. "Everybody wants to go to Cuba to sell something and that's not what we're trying to do," Clemmons said. "We're looking at the problem and how do we help Cuba solve the problems that they consider are the most important problems for them to solve. It's our belief that in the long run we both win if we do things that are beneficial to both countries." In a dramatic development, the White House announced yesterday that President Obama will visit Cuba in March. He will be the first U.S. president to visit the island nation in almost 90 years. I’m Christopher Jones-Cruise.   VOA's Ken Bredemeier reported on this story. It was adapted for Learning English by Adam Brock. ________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   embargo - n. a government order that limits trade in some way inconvenient - adj. causing trouble or problems : not convenient milestone - n. an important point in the progress or development of something assemble - v. to connect or put together the parts of (something, such as a toy or machine) restoring - v. re-establishing commercial - adj. concerned with profit or earning money charter - adj. employed for temporary use expensive - adj. costly option - n. possibility located - v. putting in a place; finding the place or position of something engage - v. to get and keep someone's attention or interest construction - n. building hire - v. to employ; to offer a job to zone - n. area beneficial - adj. producing good or helpful effects

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Colleges Look to Change Admission Process

Educators across the U.S. are calling for major changes to the admissions process in higher education. The National Center for Educational Statistics (or NCES) reported that U.S. colleges and universities received more than 9 million applications between 2013 and 2014. The schools admitted more than 5 million students in that time. But the problem is not in the number of students that the schools admitted, a new report says. The report is called “Turning the Tide – Making Caring Common.” The Harvard School of Graduate Education released the report, with 80 other schools and organizations, in January. Current admission process causes major problems The report argues that the process schools use to choose students causes major problems. David Hawkins is the Executive Director for Educational Content and Policy at the National Association for College Admissions Counseling (or NACAC). Hawkins says that most colleges and universities require many things from students when they apply. Schools usually require an essay describing a student’s interests or why they want to study at that school. The schools also ask for letters from teachers or other adults describing why a student is a good candidate. But, Hawkins says, schools are most concerned with a student’s high school grades and standardized test results. "Your academic record is the most important factor that a university will consider when they review your application." The report suggests that giving the most attention to academic success works for some students but hurts others. Also, academic success is not the most important quality a student should have, the report says. More attention should go to evidence of whether or not a student wants to do good in the world. Hawkins says that academic records are still the best indicator for how students will perform in college. But academic resources are not as available in poorer communities, the report argues. Also, too much attention on academic success puts pressure on young people. This pressure can be bad for their health. College rankings add to the problem The Education Conservancy is an organization that fights to make higher education equal and available for everyone. Lloyd Thacker is the Executive Director of the Education Conservancy. He also helped write the Harvard report. Thacker says the college admissions process has changed a lot over the years. "Over the past 30 years, college admissions has become more complex... more consequential… And it’s become more costly because people are applying to more colleges, which costs more money..." Thacker says that ranking systems for colleges and universities are a big part of the problem. U.S. News and World Report is a media company that creates a list of what it calls “America’s Best Colleges.” The company bases the list on information collected from colleges and universities across the country. This information includes results of standardized tests like the SAT from all of a school’s students. Higher average test results help put schools higher on U.S. News and World Report’s list. Thacker says that higher rankings on those kinds of lists makes the schools more popular. More popularity means the schools become more selective. Bob Schaeffer is the Public Education Director for the National Center for Fair and Open Testing (or NCFOT). The NCFOT is an organization that works to show the problems in standardized testing. Schaeffer argues that tests like the SAT do not truly show how students will perform in college. "Independent research shows the SAT is a very weak predictor of how someone will do in college. They under predict for females, for students whose home language is not English. And they’re simply not needed." Thacker claims when schools become more selective, they cause students to worry less about being good people. "Too many students are learning to do whatever it takes in order to get ahead, even if that means sacrificing their own individuality, their health, their happiness, their ethical principles and behavior..." Harvard University only accepted 5.3 percent of students who applied in 2015. This a record low for the school. That is why Thacker says it is important that students look past rank to find the right school. "The impact on students and on parents is that college is all about where you go. The rank has nothing to do with the quality of education that goes on at the college." Report calls for change in admission process The Harvard report states that the best way to change the admissions process is by changing college applications. The report suggests that schools should ask for evidence that students care about other people. Admissions officers should look for examples of students working in their communities for long periods of time, the reports says. Applications should also include questions about why students feel diversity and community service are important. Moving attention away from academic ability will make the process less about competition, the report says. Students will feel less stress about meeting higher and higher expectations. Also, poorer students will have the same chances as students who can pay for test preparation classes. The report also says students whose schools do not offer high-level classes need the chance to show their abilities. Thacker says it is important to show students that caring about others is just as important as personal success. "As adults we need to do a better job of making sure kids are hearing better signals about what really matters." But the report does have its critics. Schaeffer says that every few years, someone makes the same argument for change. He says that no real change has happened yet. Hawkins says that many of the schools that agree with the report still make no changes. "Many of the institutions that have supported the findings in the report are the very institutions that have the most competitive admissions processes in the country." Thacker argues it is very difficult for one or even a small number of schools to make changes themselves. Until a majority of schools agree to these changes there will still be problems. But, he says, the admissions process was better in the past. If bad changes can affect the process, so can good ones.  I’m Pete Musto.   Pete Musto reported and wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Now it’s your turn. What qualities do you think schools should look for in a student? Why are academics not the only factors schools consider? Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   admissions – n. the act or process of accepting someone as a student at a school application(s) – n. a formal and usually written request for something, such as a job or admission to a school apply – v. to ask formally for something such as a job or admission to a school, usually in writing grade(s) – n. a number or letter that indicates how a student performed in a class or on a test standardized test – n. any form of test that requires all test takers to answer the same questions, or a selection of questions from common bank of questions, in the same way, and that is scored in a consistent manner academic – adj. of or relating to schools and education factor – n. something that helps produce or influence a result consequential – adj. having serious meaning or worth ranking – n. a list of people or things that are ordered according to their quality, ability, size selective – adj. careful to choose only the best people or things principle(s) – n. a moral rule or belief that helps you know what is right and wrong and that influences your actions diversity – n. the state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization stress – n. a state of mental tension and worry caused by problems in your life or work institution(s) – n. an established organization

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Ebola Crisis Might Hold Clues for Fighting Zika Virus

The Zika virus has become a major health concern for people around the world. They are worried that it could become a crisis like the Ebola epidemic. The Ebola virus disease killed over 11,000 people during a two-year outbreak that started in West Africa in 2014. Health organizations around the world say the threat from Ebola has ended. In West African nations, people now know how the virus spreads. They know its symptoms and can get help if a relative or friend shows signs of Ebola. Health organizations in West Africa believe they will be able to control and contain any future cases. Critics of the international effort to stop the Ebola outbreak say the World Health Organization (WHO) and other agencies did not react fast enough. That leads people to wonder how WHO and local health organizations will deal with the Zika virus. There is not yet a vaccine for Zika. Mosquitos spread the virus to human beings. So far, Brazil is the country most affected by the virus. Health organizations think Zika might be directly linked to microcephaly, a condition linked to incomplete brain development. There could be 4,000 cases of Zika-related microcephaly in Brazil. Babies with the birth defect have an unusually small head. Children with severe microcephaly often do not live long. There is already one difference between Zika and Ebola. The WHO already declared Zika virus a global health emergency. Governments around the world are taking steps to guard against the disease. In the UniTed States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says there are more than 50 cases of the disease nationwide. All are connected to people who recently traveled overseas. President Barack Obama asked Congress to approve $1.8 billion in government spending to fight Zika. The money would go to the CDC and other health organizations in the U.S. Experts say the funding is a good start. But it is only the beginning. Financial resources are important for fighting viruses and diseases. Lawrence Gostin is a law professor at Georgetown University who specializes in public health. He says funding for research and disease containment is important for making sure the world is safe. “Next time we might not be so fortunate as to have something we can contain,” he said. Tom Frieden is the director of the CDC. He said there still is work to be done in the way the world handles health problems. “We need to build the systems around the world to find things when they first emerge, to stop them rapidly, and to prevent them whenever that's possible.” One way to be prepared is to enlist drug companies to help in the fight. The Reuters news agency reports that major pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, Merck and Johnson and Johnson are evaluating their technology and existing vaccines to see if they can help fight Zika. Dr. Julie Gerberding is the president of Merck. She says the big drug companies can develop and manufacture vaccines for a large number of people in a short amount of time. “We are necessary,” she says. Non-governmental organizations “cannot develop vaccines and manufacture them to the kind of scale that we need.” I’m Dan Friedell.   Carol Pearson wrote this story for VOANews.com. Dan Friedell adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. How do you think the world will handle future health scares? Write to us in the Comments section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   outbreak – n. a sudden start or increase of disease enlist – v. to get the support and help of (someone or something) pharmaceutical – adj. of or related to medical treatments or medicines symptom – n. a change in the body or mind which indicates that a disease is present epidemic - n. an incident in which a disease spreads very quickly and affects many people global - adj. involving the whole world incomplete - adj. lacking some part; not complete fortunate - adj. lucky      

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