China Cut Pollution By Using Less Coal

Air pollution decreased in China in 2015 after it used less coal. Coal use fell almost 4 percent last year. By burning less coal, the Chinese cut carbon dioxide in the air by 2.5 percent. Carbon dioxide is a major part of air pollution, also called greenhouse gases. It is released into the air when coal is burned. “China is very serious about tackling air pollution,” said Lauri Myllyvirta of Greenpeace, an environment advocacy group. Twenty years of economic growth made China the world’s top producer of air pollution and greenhouse gases. The country has moved to hydro, nuclear and solar power and that has cut coal use. I’m Jim Dresbach.   Shannon Van Sant reported on this story for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted the report for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   carbon dioxide – n. a gas that is produced when people and animals breathe out or when certain fuels are burned and that is used by plants for energy tackling – v. to deal with something difficult greenhouse gas – n. a gas, like carbon dioxide, that absorbs infrared radiation and trap heat in the air

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Lesson 6: Where Is the Gym?

Summary Anna is looking for the gym in her new apartment building. She meets Pete and he gives her directions. Anna finds many different places in the apartment building. Finally, she finds the gym.   Conversation   Anna: Hi there! I’m Anna and I live in Washington, D.C. Every day I learn more about this great city. People in Washington like to work out! Oh, hi, Pete. How’s it going? Pete: Hi, Anna. It’s going great. How’s it going with you? Anna: Things are awesome! Pete, I want to work out. Where is the gym? Pete: The gym is across from the lounge. It’s next to the mailroom. Go that way. Anna: Thanks, Pete! (Anna walks away) Pete: No, Anna! Not that way! Go that way!  (In the mailroom) Anna: Oh, Pete. This is not the gym. Pete: That’s right, Anna. This is the mailroom. Anna: The gym is across from … what? Pete: The gym is across from the lounge. Anna: Across from the lounge. Right. Thanks!  (In the lounge) Anna: Pete! This is not the gym! Pete: The gym is across from the lounge. It is behind the lobby. Anna: Right. Right. See you. Pete: See you, Anna! Anna: See you. Pete: See you, Anna. (In the garage) Anna: This is not the gym. This is a parking garage. Anna: Hello? Pete? (On the rooftop) Anna: This is not a gym. This is a rooftop. (In the gym) Anna: Pete! Pete? Pete: I want to work out too! Join me! Anna: I’m good.   Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The learning strategy for this lesson is Ask Questions to Clarify. In the video you see Anna ask Pete about the gym. She uses a statement and a question word together to clarify Pete's directions to the gym. Pete says,"The gym is across from the lounge." Later, Anna asks him, "The gym is across from … what?"  Write to us in the Comments section or send us an email about how you ask questions to clarify what you want to know. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.   Listening Click below to do the listening quiz. Each question has a short video. Play the video and listen for information about people’s locations. Speaking Practice Watch the video and practice speaking. You can also download the worksheet and practice with a friend. Pronunciation Practice In this video, you ​learn about how Americans greet each other in informal situations. You will also learn how to ask clarification questions by beginning your sentence with a statement, then making your voice go up at the end of the sentence to form a question.  Writing What are some of the rooms in your house? Write to us in the Comments section. Tell us what you do in the rooms.  You can also download the worksheet. Practice writing the names of rooms in an apartment building.​   New Words across from – prep. on the opposite side from (someone or something)  behind - prep. in or to a place at the back of or to the rear of (someone or something)​ elevator – n. a machine used for carrying people and things to different levels in a building  every – adj. used to describe how often some repeated activity or event happens or is done  gym – n. a room or building that has equipment for sports activities or exercise  lobby – n. a large open area inside and near the entrance of a public building (such as a hotel or theater)  lounge – n. a room with comfortable furniture for relaxing   mailroom – n. a room in which mail is processed and sorted  next to – prep. at the side of (someone or something)  parking garage – n.  a building in which people usually pay to park their cars, trucks, etc.  rooftop – n. the cover or top of a building or vehicle  work out – phrasal verb to perform athletic exercises in order to improve your health or physical fitness  ______________________________________________________________ For Teachers   See the Lesson Plan for this lesson for ideas and more teaching resources. Send us an email if you have comments on this course or questions. Additional materials: Printable Activity worksheet & Lesson Plan Grammar focus prepositions: next to, behind, across from Topics Informal greetings Asking questions and clarifying information about location Naming places Rooms and services in an apartment: gym, lobby, mailroom, elevator, lounge, parking garage, rooftop. Please write to us in the Comments section or send us an email.

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Boy, 4, Shoots Mom, Gun Activist

A Florida gun-rights supporter remained in the hospital Friday three days after she was shot by her 4-year-old son. Jamie Gilt, 31, was shot in the back while driving her pickup truck on Tuesday, police said. A Facebook page, listed under Gilt’s name, included this message one day before Tuesday’s shooting: “If someone breaks into my house, or tries to harm me or my family pretty (much) anywhere, they will be shot and most likely killed. It’s my right to protect my life.” The Facebook page also included this comment about teaching children how to shoot. “All of ours know how to shoot, too. Even my 4 year old gets jacked up to target shoot with the .22.” A .22-caliber gun gets its name from the type of ammunition it uses. Police said Gilt was shot by her son with a .45-caliber gun. Police said the gun was obtained legally. The pro-gun rights Facebook page has been taken down. VOA could not confirm that the Facebook page, listed under “Jamie Gilt for Gun Sense,” belonged to Tuesday’s shooting victim. Other news organizations were reporting that it is Gilt’s site and that the comments on the site were hers. The Putnam County (Florida) Sheriff’s Department released a statement on the shooting. It said the gun used in Tuesday’s shooting was taken by the 4-year-old without his mother’s knowledge. The sheriff’s department said it is investigating how the mother stored the gun. Florida law makes it a crime to store a loaded weapon in such a way that it can be taken or used by a child, according to the sheriff’s department. “Detectives have not been able to interview the victim and any decision on the filing of criminal charges will not come until after we speak with the victim,” the sheriff’s department said. The victim’s 4-year-old son is being cared for by relatives, the sheriff’s department said. On Thursday, the Associated Press reported that Gilt was in stable condition at a Florida hospital. I'm Bruce Alpert. VOANews.com reported on this story. Bruce Alpert adapted the report for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views on our Facebook Page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   jacked up – v. to be excited obtain – v. to gain possession of something, usually by making a purchase or a gift caliber – adj. a kind of bullet interview – v. talking to someone in order to ask questions and get information stable – adj. not getting worse or likely to get worse

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US Universities Wants More African Students

From VOA Learning English, this is the Education Report. The United States is looking for sub-Saharan African students to study at American universities. There were about 1 million international students studying at U.S. colleges and universities during the 2014 to 2015 academic year. Fewer than 3 percent of those international students came from sub-Saharan Africa. Africa is home to six of the top 10 fastest-growing countries in the world. But it is difficult for even the most motivated students to succeed in African universities. Classes are overcrowded. Teachers often go on strike to protest low pay and poor working conditions.  There is little opportunity to do advanced research. But studying outside of Africa can be even harder. The U.S. government wants to change that. Marcus Jadotte is the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Analysis. He is leading the first educational trade mission to Africa this week. “They [African students] should consider studying in the U.S because of the innovative approach to education that we take in the United States, because international businesses are looking for the best-qualified, best-prepared prospective employees and we certainly believe that it enriches education back home in the U.S.," Jadotte said. He is traveling with representatives of 25 U.S. colleges and universities. The delegation reflects the wide variety of higher education institutions in the United States. The group includes representatives from two-year community colleges and universities that offer specialized advanced degrees. The team wants to recruit students and build relationships with African universities. “Many of the universities who have traveled with us on this mission are including scholarships as a part of the conversation with students here," Jadotte explained. At each stop, the Assistant Secretary will join local government officials and academic leaders at an education fair. The delegation’s first event was an education fair for South Africans. Jadotte spoke about the academic support services and technology offered by America’s world-class universities. His message attracted a long line of South African high school students. Boneng Mofokeng says he is hoping to go to law school at Michigan State University. “I want to see the world and our country’s economy is not good. Maybe I can have a better life over there," he said. Jadotte says it is not just the African students who benefit from studying in the United States. The American host institutions also benefit from the increased diversity. He says Africa offers “a number of opportunities for U.S. institutions seeking to globalize their campuses."  From South Africa, the delegation heads to Ivory Coast and Ghana. I’m John Russell.   Thuso Khumalo wrote this story. Adam Brock adapted it for Learning English. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   motivated – adj. eager, wanting to be successful trade mission – n. an international trip by government officials and businesspeople that is organized by agencies of national or provincial governments to explore international business opportunities. innovative – adj. introducing or using new ideas or methods enrich – v. to improve the quality of (something) : to make (something) better community college – n. a school that offers courses leading to a two-year associate's degree recruit – v. to find suitable people and get them to join a company, an organization, the armed forces, etc. scholarship – n. an amount of money that is given by a school, an organization, etc., to a student to help pay for the student's education globalize – v. to make (something) cover, involve, or affect the entire world

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US Running Out of Pilots

Regional airlines in the United States are short of pilots. Many older airline pilots are retiring. Federal regulations require pilots to take time off between flights to rest. Pilots are staying at their jobs overseas and in the military. Republic Airways, a regional airline, filed for bankruptcy last week. Low profit and the pilot shortage were factors in the bankruptcy, according to the Associated Press. Also, America’s largest airlines are hiring pilots from regional airlines. There are too few pilots to fill the vacancies. Some openings are being filled through flight schools. But flight school attendance is down. That means trained pilots are difficult to locate. Salaries for new pilots are low. The starting salary for first officers in the regional airline industry is $22,400, according to The Los Angeles Times. That salary is keeping pilots in the military and working for foreign competitors. Captain Lee Moak is past president of Air Line Pilots Association International. He told The Los Angeles Times that “there is a shortage of pay and benefits for pilots in the regional airlines industry, not a shortage of pilots.”  A lack of active pilots could hurt the future United States economy. In the next 20 years, the supply of pilots to fly passengers will meet just two-thirds of the demand, according to Forbes magazine. A lack of pilots at regional airlines will mean less business and lower revenue. Fares will be higher, while routes will be fewer. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Jim Dresbach adapted this story for Learning English and VOANews.com. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Do you think a pilot shortage will change how you travel? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   airline – n. a company that owns and operates many passenger airplanes bankruptcy – n. a condition of financial failure caused by not having the money that you need to pay your debts vacancies – n. jobs or positions that are available fare – n. the money a person pays to travel on an airplane, train or other vehicle regulations - n. rules salary - n. the amount of money an employee is paid each year

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Astronomers Get Window Seat for Eclipse

An astronomer, TV weatherman and “eclipse chaser” named Joe Rao from New York begged an airline to change its schedule. He wanted his flight to leave 25 minutes late so he and the other passengers could witness the solar eclipse from the air on March 8 and 9. Usually airlines try not to delay their flights, but in this case, Alaska Airlines changed plans so a plane full of eclipse fans could see something special. The Alaska Airlines flight from Alaska to Hawaii on Tuesday afternoon lined up perfectly with the eclipse. And Mike Kentrianakis of the American Astronomical Society made a video of the moon passing between the sun and the Earth, creating a shadow and a view only seen once in a lifetime. Kentrianakis was not the only person on the plane excited about the eclipse. One person had seen more than 30 eclipses in his life, according to an Alaska Airlines blog. The eclipse lasted for about two minutes. Take a look at Kentrianakis’ video. You can hear the excitement in his voice as the shadow appears. “Oh, yeah, there it is. There’s the shadow. Wow, look at that. There it comes. Oh, my god, look at it. Here comes the shadow. Look at that. It’s (like) a tornado. Oh, my god. Here we go..." As he is narrating, his voice cracks with excitement. “Here we go. Look at this. Oh, my god. It’s coming ... the moon's shadow is coming. It is coming. Oh, my god. Here it comes. Look at this! I have never seen it like this ever, only in a plane...” At the end of the eclipse, you can hear all the passengers cheering. Did you miss this eclipse? You still have time to plan for the next total solar eclipse. It will be on August 21, 2017. It will be visible in the U.S., starting in Oregon and ending in South Carolina. Book your tickets now. I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. Did you see the eclipse this week? What did you think? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   solar eclipse – n. an occasion when the sun looks like it is completely or partially covered with a dark circle because the moon is between the sun and the Earth beg – v. to ask (someone) in a very serious and emotional way for something needed or wanted very much tornado – n. a violent and destructive storm in which powerful winds move around a central point once in a lifetime – n. a rare event schedule - n. a list of times for a series of events or actions view - n. an observation

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US Coasts Boast Job Growth

Job growth happened on the east and west coasts of the U.S. last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The howmuch.net map shows that most jobs were created in California. The Los Angeles area produced more than 133,000 new jobs. New York City saw the biggest increase in employment. More than 150,000 new jobs were added in the New York City area in 2015. In Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth area witnessed a job increase of nearly 100,000 in 2015. And in the Detroit, Michigan area – hurt by years of recession – more than 39,000 jobs were created in 2015. Over the past six years, businesses in America created 14 million new jobs.  Nearly 2.5 million were added in 2014 and 2015. The lowest unemployment rate in U.S. history happened in 1953, when the jobless rate was 2.5 percent. Today, America’s unemployment rate is 4.9 percent. But as jobs increased, the average hourly wage in America declined. Many of the jobs created since 2014 are retail and service sector jobs. Many economists believe those jobs are less secure than manufacturing jobs. States in the U.S. that lost the most jobs included Louisiana, North Dakota, Illinois and Iowa. North Dakota lost almost 19,000 jobs in 2015. Most of those jobs lost in North Dakota were in the energy and mining industries, according to the Associated Press. I’m Jim Dresbach.   Dora Mekouar wrote this story for VOANews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted her report for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. What do you think of the American job outlook? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   bureau - n. a government office or agency statistics - n. the area of mathematics dealing with the collection, study and presentation of numerical information declined - v. to become worse in condition or quality; to become less in number retail - adj. of or related to the sale of goods or services sector - n. an area or part of an economy

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Vietnamese Favor US-Led Effort in South China Sea

A plan for countries to cooperate in patrolling the South China Sea is welcomed by Vietnam. The plan would combine naval forces of Japan, Australia and India with the U.S. to patrol the waters. The proposal was made as China expands its territory and displays its military in the sea. Vietnam is one of a number of countries in Asia which has land and sea lane disputes with China. The Vietnamese welcome a group of navies patrolling the sea. Admiral Harry B. Harris Jr., the U.S. Pacific Command chief, proposed America and its allies take part in “navigation operations” in the South China Sea. “We’ll continue to do them (the navigation operations),” Harris said Feb. 25 at a press conference. China has built islands in the South China Sea on top of reefs. The building and military development on them worries Vietnam. Social media user Vo Tan Hung of Vietnam told VOA that a coalition of naval power would make China “reconsider its aggressive moves in the contested waters if the coalition is born.” Japan suggested a similar coalition of navies in 2007. The idea was dropped when the Chinese protested. Japan has disputes with China in the East China Sea. Australia is considering the idea of the coalition. The positions of India and Japan are unclear, according to VOA. As tensions climb in the South China Sea, the Vietnamese increased military spending and have received support. The Vietnamese strengthened military ties with the Philippines. Two Japanese warships will dock in Vietnam next month, Vietnamese media reported.  Tokyo and Hanoi agreed to a naval exercise last year. I’m Jim Dresbach.   Trung Nguyen wrote this story for VOA News. Jim Dresbach adapted the report for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   patrol – v. to go around or through an area especially in order to make sure that it is safe reefs – n. long lines of rocks or coral or a high area of sand near the surface of the water in the ocean contested – v. to make something the subject of an argument warship – n. a military ship that has many weapons and is used for fighting in wars dock – v. to bring a ship or boat into a dock

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US Welcomes Charismatic Trudeau

U.S. President Barack Obama welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the White House Thursday. The day started with a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House. The two leaders traded compliments and jokes comfortably. Canada and the U.S. are strong allies, and the exchange between Obama and Trudeau showed that. Obama told the audience that America and Canada share many customs and ideals. He cited anti-terrorism, universal health care, freedom of religion, and a love for ice hockey. “The United States and Canada are blessed to be neighbors. By choice, we are steadfast allies and the closest of friends,” Obama said at the welcoming ceremony. Trudeau, who is 44, campaigned in Canada last autumn on a message of hope and change. His political style is like Obama’s. While Trudeau joked with the president that Canada’s best exports to the U.S. are ice hockey players, he was serious about the bond between the nations. “The relationship between our two countries has always been vital,” Trudeau said. “We remain united in a common purpose.” Both leaders are also fighting climate change. Both leaders plan on putting the international climate control pact into practice. Obama said: “Both are nations are threatened by rising seas, melting permafrost, disappearing glaciers, and sea ice.” The state dinner guest list included National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman and Canadian-born actors Michael J. Fox, Mike Myers and Ryan Reynolds. It ended with a state dinner at the White House. The media gushed about Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, and their personal style. It was the 10th state dinner the Obamas have hosted. The state dinner for Trudeau and his wife, Sophie was the first for a Canadian head of government since 1997. I’m Dorothy Gundy.   Aru Pande reported on this story for VOA News. Jim Dresbach adapted this story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   lawn – n. an area of ground, such as the ground around a house or in a garden or park, that is covered with short grass ice hockey – n. a game played on ice rink in which two teams try to shoot a puck into the opponent's goal steadfast – adj. very loyal to a person, belief or cause vital – adj. extremely important permafrost – n. a layer of soil that is always frozen in very cold areas glacier – n. a very large area of ice that moves slowly over a wide area of land gushed – v. to speak excitedly

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Please Don't Boycott Us!

  From VOA Learning English, this is Words and Their Stories. Each week we report on words and expressions commonly used in American English. We explain their meanings, their roots and how they are currently used. Today we talk a word that comes to English through the Irish. That word is boycott. Boycott can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, boycott means to refuse to do something as a form of protest. People who boycott something are often looking for social, economic or political change. As a noun, the word boycott has a somewhat different meaning. People stop using goods or services during a boycott until changes are made. In fact, that is just how the word entered the English language. It began with a man’s name. In the mid-1800s, a young man named Charles Boycott (1832-1897) served in the British army. After retiring, he worked as a land agent for the owner of a large country estate in Ireland. At that time, Ireland was under British rule. It was Boycott’s job to collect money from tenant farmers who grew crops on the estate. The farmers demanded lower rents. Boycott refused. Not only did he refuse to lower their rents, he evicted some farmers, meaning he kicked them out of their homes. All these issues – evictions, high rents and absentee landlords -- caused a dispute between Boycott and the local community. In particular, Boycott clashed with a man named Michael Davitt. In 1879, Davitt founded a group called the Land League. The league organized Irish resistance to absent and abusive landlords. It sought to help tenant farmers by securing fair rents and other rights of occupancy. Davitt suggested to the farmers that instead of attacking Captain Boycott, they should simply refuse to do business with him. This form of protest proved very effective. Boycott’s workers and servants refused to carry out his orders. The crops in his fields went bad -- they rotted on the vine -- because nobody would harvest them. Reports even say some businesses would not take his money. The community turned their back on the Boycott family and they were forced to move. By the end of 1880, some British newspapers began using Boycott’s name when reporting on a protest of unfair methods or actions. The usage quickly spread. The term boycott crossed the Atlantic Ocean and landed in American newspapers. By the late 1880s, The New York Times was reporting on boycotts. The word was generally used to describe labor protests against businesses. These days, consumers are able to use their buying power to boycott businesses they consider unethical or abusive. Companies found to be mistreating their employees, breaking labor deals or polluting the environment can quickly find themselves in the middle of a boycott. The origin of the word “boycott” serves as a reminder: treat people fairly. Otherwise, your last name may become a word people use when they protest. And that brings us to the end of Words and Their Stories. If you did not like this subject, please do not boycott the program. Simply go to our website, learningenglish.voanews.com, and leave your suggestions in the Comments section. I’m Anna Matteo. Have a great day!   Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. The song heard at the end of the program is Sinead O'Connor singing, "This is a Rebel Song." Try using "boycott" in a sentence or let us know the word for “boycott” is your country. ________________________________________________________________ Words and Their Stories   evict – v. to put (a tenant) out by legal process : to force (someone) to leave a place absentee – adj. a proprietor that lives away from his or her estate or business particular – adj. used to indicate that one specific person or thing is being referred to and no others turned their back – phrase to stop being involved with someone or something buying power – phrase to acquire possession, ownership, or rights to the use or services of by payment especially of money :  purchase unethical – adj. following accepted rules of behavior : morally right and good

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Tennis Star Sharapova Admits Banned Drug Use

“A few days ago I received a letter from the ITF (International Tennis Federation) that I had failed a drug test at the Australian Open. I did fail the test and I take full responsibility for it.” That is Maria Sharapova. The Russian tennis player announced that she failed a test for performance-enhancing drugs at the Australian Open earlier this year. Sharapova said she tested positive for a drug called meldonium, also known as Mildronate. She did not know meldonium is another name for Mildronate. And she did not know the drug was added to the banned list. Sharapova said she took the drug for 10 years to help with long-term health problems. She did not say how often she used the drug, but doctors said a normal cycle lasts for six weeks, and it could be used two to three times per year.   What is meldonium? The inventor of the drug is Ivars Kalvins of Latvia. The drug is mostly used in Russia and Eastern Europe. ABC News reported soldiers from the former Soviet Union had used it during the war with Afghanistan in the 1980s. Kalvins said the drug, also known as Mildronate, does not make athletes perform better. He said it protects the heart and other muscles from breaking down under stress. "You see, Mildronate is not a doping. And the big difference or the great difference is - all the dopings what the sportsmen and athletes are using, they are damaging their health in the future perspective. The Mildronate is the opposite of this. It allows the people to keep their health in case of overloading, and this is not the same as increase of performance.” The World Anti-Doping Association (known as WADA) added meldonium to the list of banned drugs at the beginning of this year. It announced the change in September 2015, giving athletes who may have been using it time to stop. Craig Reedie is the president of WADA. He said adding meldonium to the banned list was a long process. “This is actually a sort of almost three-, four-year process. We had research done on this drug by the Partnership for Clean Competition in the United States. They came back with clear recommendations that it had performance-enhancing characteristics and was being used for that purpose." Reedie says athletes had enough time to learn about the new drugs on the list. “It’s up to the athletes to play by the rules,” he says. But several athletes like Sharapova are getting caught. Since the beginning of the year, athletes in sports like speed skating, figure skating, wrestling and distance running have been caught for using it. Experts say news of more athletes using the drug will come soon. The New York Times reported seven Russian athletes have tested positive for meldonium since Sharapova’s announcement. A post on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine said 13 medal winners and 66 total athletes were using meldonium at the European Games in 2015.   What’s next for Sharapova? When Sharapova called the press conference, most people said they thought she might announce her retirement. No one thought she was in trouble for failing a drug test. Sharapova became a professional tennis player at 13. She will turn 29 in April. She won her first major championship at Wimbledon in 2004 by defeating Serena Williams. Most people agree Sharapova has it all: trophies from multiple championships, good looks and lots of money. During her career, she won all four of the world’s biggest tennis championships: the Australian Open, the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. She is one of the sport’s best players, winning over 30 tournaments in her career. She is ranked seventh in the world. She is also recognizable for her 1.88 meter height (6 feet, 2 inches), and her long blond hair. She looks like a fashion model and many companies hire her to promote their products. For years, Sharapova appeared in commercials for the athletic shoe company Nike, the watchmaker Tag Heuer and the automaker Porsche, just to name three. Forbes magazine said Sharapova is the richest female athlete. She earned almost $30 million in 2015. It looks like all that income might come to an end. Nike, Tag Heuer and Porsche said they would no longer pay Sharapova to appear in commercials or at events on their behalf.   Will she be suspended? The International Tennis Federation (known as the ITF) suspended Sharapova starting on March 12. The length of the suspension is not known, but it could be as long as four years. When the suspension is announced, Sharapova will appeal. She will explain her health problems to a panel, and ask for what is called a therapeutic use exemption. The ITF website explains that an exemption can only be granted if a drug does not produce performance enhancement and there is no alternative treatment. Sharapova already has supporters who think she should get credit for being honest about her mistake. Serena Williams is one of Sharapova’s biggest competitors. The two have played a lot of matches. Williams wins almost all the time – 18 times in a row, in fact. But as two of the best players in the world they are not always friendly. But before a recent match in New York, Williams said Sharapova did a good thing by discussing her failed drug test right away. “As Maria said, she's ready to take full responsibility and I think that showed a lot of courage and a lot of heart, and I think she's always showed courage and heart in everything that she's done and this is no different.” Sharapova says she does not want to end her career this way. “I know that with this I face consequences. And I don’t want to end my career this way. And I really hope that I will be given another chance to play this game.” I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. Do you think Maria Sharapova will be able to play tennis again soon? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   performance-enhancing drugs – n. drugs used by athletic competitiors without permission that give them an unfair edge stress – n. physical force or pressure characteristics – adj. showing the special qualities of a person, thing, or group therapeutic use exemption – n. permission to use something that may be banned because of health concerns alternative – n. something that can be chosen instead of something else; a choice allow – v. to permit; to let something happen trophy – n. an object that is given as a prize for winning a game or event blond – n. of a yellow or very light brown color

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