A Little Exercise Is Better Than None

  From VOA Learning English, this is the Health & Lifestyle report. Exercise is good for us. It reduces the risks of dying from all causes, including cancer and heart disease. This is according to the World Health Organization. But many people who work all week have little time for exercise. So, they might try to do something to increase their heart rates over the weekend – go for a long run, take a bike ride, hike in the mountains or do a strenuous chore around the house, such as raking leaves, shoveling snow or digging a garden. We sometimes call people who exercise only on Saturdays and Sundays “weekend warriors.” But is it healthy to avoid exercise during the work-week and then try to fit it all in during the weekend? A new study suggests that, yes, it is healthy: Even weekend warriors may reduce their risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.  Benefits of being a weekend warrior Australian researchers at the University of Sydney conducted the study. It took place over a nine-year period. During that time, the researchers looked at the self-reported exercise habits and health examinations of more than 63,000 adults in England and Scotland. Then they connected that information to mortality – or, death – records. The researchers found that people who exercised only one or two days a week improved their chances of living longer than people who did not exercise at all. Even those who are very overweight – or, obese – could extend their lives by exercising a couple of days per week. Exercises included playing sports and taking a brisk walk. First, let’s look at cancer. When compared to those who did not exercise at all, weekend warriors had an 18 percent lower risk of dying from cancer. As for cardiovascular disease, weekend warriors had a 40 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease than inactive people, or so-called "couch potatoes." Couch potatoes are people who don’t exercise. They simply sit all day like, well, like potatoes. Emmanuel Stamatakis is the senior author of the study. He says that he found it "very encouraging" that even people who exercised as little as one or two times a week appear to lower their risk of early death. In other words, their health improves even if they don't meet the suggested weekly amount of physical activity. However, to be in the best health, Stamatakis says, more exercise is better. The WHO suggests that the average adult get at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity per week. For the best results, the organization suggests 75 minutes per week of vigorous physical activity. However, if you are busy with work and family duties, exercise as much as you can. Research seems to show that even a little is definitely better than none at all. The researchers published their findings in the journal JAMA (JAM-ah) Internal Medicine. And that’s the Health & Lifestyle report. I’m Anna Matteo.   Jessica Berman reported this story for VOA News. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   strenuous ­– adj. requiring or showing great energy and effort mortality ­– n. the quality or state of being a person or thing that is alive and therefore certain to die : the quality or state of being mortal obese ­– adj. very fat : fat in a way that is unhealthy brisk ­– adj. done with quickness and energy specifically – adv. in a definite and exact way moderate­ – adj. average in size or amount : neither too much nor too little intense ­– adj. done with or showing great energy, enthusiasm, or effort vigorous ­– adj. done with great force and energy ____________________________________________________________ Now, test your understanding of this story with this short quiz!  

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April 3, 2017

A look at the best news photos from around the world.

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Asia Arms Race Heats Up Over South China Sea

As China expands its influence in the disputed South China Sea, an arms race has developed among other nations with claims in the area. China claims most of the 3.5 million-square-kilometer South China Sea as its territory. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims in the waterway. The sea is rich in fisheries and is thought to hold valuable resources such as oil and natural gas. Since 2010, China has stepped up its military activities in the South China Sea. It has patrolled with coast guard ships and sent its aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, to carry out military drills. China has also deployed oil rigs and created artificial islands in the disputed sea. Satellite images appear to show the country has also constructed major military facilities on some of the islands. Beijing has defended its activities in the South China Sea. Security experts believe Chinese navy and coast guard expansion will continue. According to a report by global defense publication IHS Jane’s Defense Weekly, China’s defense budget is estimated to nearly double in 2020 from 2010 levels. The report said that by 2020, China’s military budget is expected to reach $233 billion. This expansion has caused other countries in the region to build up arms to be able to counter possible Chinese threats. Zack Cooper is with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, or CSIS, a research group based in Washington, D.C. “Just to keep pace with that Chinese military modernization effort would require tremendous efforts by some of the South China Sea claimant states.” Overall, defense spending among other states surrounding the South China Sea is estimated to reach $250 billion by 2020, according to Jane’s. Upgrading arms capability to counter China In Malaysia, officials announced last November that the Royal Malaysian Navy plans to replace 50 aging vessels to protect its waters from regional threats. There have already been incidents involving Chinese ships entering Malaysian territorial waters. Malaysian officials have said the new littoral mission ships can also be used for anti-terrorism operations. Littoral mission ships are smaller vessels designed for conflicts happening closer to shores. Cooper said it is interesting to note that the first of Malaysia’s new ships will actually be coming from China – the very nation the country could use the vessels against in possible conflicts. “I think this is highly problematic when you have a country that is worried about activities by another state, and they then go ahead and buy arms from that state. You have some worries about whether major platforms are going to work. That should still be a serious concern I think for Malaysian policymakers.” One South China Sea claimant with a large incentive to upgrade its military capabilities is Vietnam, according to Cooper. “The Chinese efforts to reclaim land, at the seven features in the Spratlys, directly threaten a large number of Vietnamese-held features. Plus, the ongoing dispute over resource exploitation near the Paracels is a huge concern for Vietnam.” Vietnam, along with other regional nations, is looking to cut defense costs and spend less on the military equipment it needs. This reportedly led Hanoi to consider buying surface-to-air missiles from India, which is looking to become a future world player in military exports. However, most military experts believe it will take years for India to become a large-scale global provider of high-end military equipment. Nations expected to provide new weapons to South China Sea claimants include Japan, South Korea and Australia. Japan was the country of choice for the Philippines in a deal to lease two TC-90 training aircraft to support its maritime defense forces. The agreement is notable because it is the first transfer of equipment from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to another country. The two planes, which reportedly recently arrived in the Philippines, are to be used in surveillance and patrol activities in the South China Sea. Nuclear threat from North Korea Another driver of the arms race across Asia is the North Korean nuclear dispute. North Korea has angered its neighbors and much of the world by carrying out a number of recent missile tests. American forces have already begun deploying the THAAD anti-missile system to South Korea. But Cooper says if North Korea continues its current path of fast missile and nuclear development, Japan and South Korea may eventually find the need to respond militarily. “In Japan, you might see some more forceful responses. There’s been a growing debate about strike capability in Japan – basically developing capabilities that would give Japan the ability to respond to a North Korean missile attack. And this is a big change in Japanese defense posture, so it’s something that folks should watch closely.” If approved, the government change would be historic in allowing Japan to strike overseas targets for the first time since World War II. Japan’s ruling party has also urged Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government to take steps to obtain its own missiles to counter North Korean threats. This would also be a big change for Japan, which in the past has heavily relied on its close ally the United States to protect it. But President Donald Trump has been critical of too much overseas military funding and even threatened to pull U.S. troops out of Japan if Tokyo does not agree to pay more of the costs.    I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from VOA News, the Associated Press, Reuters and other sources. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   littoral – adj. relating to something on or near a shore incentive – n. something that encourages a person to do something exploitation – n. using someone or something in an unfair way maritime – adj. of or related to the sea surveillance – n. act of watching people or activities, especially by police of official agencies posture – n. attitude or feeling a person or group has about a subject  

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Andrew Jackson: Love Him or Hate Him?

VOA Learning English presents America’s Presidents. Andrew Jackson, the seventh president, was unlike the earlier U.S. presidents. His family was poor, he had little education, and he lived on what was then the western part of the country. Jackson became nationally known in the early 1800s – first as a fighter against Native American tribes, and then as a general in the War of 1812 against the British.  His image as a military hero and man of the people made him a popular choice for the presidency. But critics said Jackson did not accept any limits on his power. He is also remembered for supporting slavery, and for forcing Native Americans from their homes.  Wild child Andrew Jackson’s parents were immigrants from Ireland. His father died in an accident before Andrew, the third and youngest son, was born. When the American colonies entered a war of independence, Andrew and his two brothers fought against the British – although Andrew was too young to be a regular soldier. Andrew’s oldest brother soon died. Then Andrew and his other brother were both captured by British soldiers. One cut Andrew’s face, leaving a scar that remained his entire life. But Andrew, unlike his brother, survived captivity.  A short time later, Andrew’s mother became sick and died. By age 15, Andrew Jackson had no living immediate family. He had already stopped attending school, but taught himself enough to become a lawyer. He moved to what became Nashville, Tennessee, where he developed a successful law career. In time, he bought land and slaves. Jackson was tall and thin, with red hair and bright blue eyes. Sometimes Jackson was playful. He loved to dance, hold parties, and play games where he could win money. Sometimes he was violent. He was known for getting angry easily. Jackson fought duels with several men. In one, he killed a man who insulted his wife. Yet many people liked Jackson’s passionate, action-first personality. By the time the United States entered the War of 1812, Jackson had been a congressman, senator, and judge. Three nicknames Jackson did not have any officially recognized military training. But during the War of 1812, he volunteered in the Tennessee militia and quickly took control of troops. Many of his soldiers came to respect him. Jackson refused to give up, even when the government ordered the militia to disband. And, when some of the men wanted to leave, he threatened them with a gun. Because he was uncompromising and strong as a tree, soldiers called Jackson “Old Hickory.” A group of Creek Indians gave him another name. After he defeated them in battle, Jackson negotiated a treaty that punished both his Native American enemies and his Native American allies. The treaty was more severe than the U.S. government had asked. In time, it forced the Creeks – as well as several other tribes – off their land. The move was popular with many white settlers. It was less popular with the Creeks, who called Jackson “Sharp Knife.”   His best-known military operation was in New Orleans, Louisiana. A large, experienced army of British soldiers moved to attack. Jackson defended the city with a small group of untrained soldiers. His group included volunteers, free blacks, Creoles, Native Americans, and pirates. Jackson’s ragtag troops not only defeated the British force, but suffered only a few losses. Jackson didn't know that the battle came after the British and Americans had already agreed to end the war. But his victory there gave many Americans a feeling of pride. It also made Jackson famous. He became known across the country as the “Hero of New Orleans.”  A man of the people Voters across the country supported Jackson, too. He was especially well-liked in the South and West. Many Americans saw him as a man of the people. They believed his success came from experience and hard work, not wealth and family connections.   In the presidential election of 1824, Jackson received more popular and electoral votes than any of the other candidates. But, because no candidate had a majority, lawmakers in the House of Representatives decided the election. Those lawmakers chose John Quincy Adams, the son of former president John Adams. They were persuaded, in part, because a leader in Congress, named Henry Clay, said Jackson did not have the temperament to be president. Immediately after Quincy Adams won, he appointed Clay secretary of state. The appointment angered Jackson. He believed Adams and Clay had entered into a “corrupt bargain.” In the next presidential election four years later, Jackson defeated Quincy Adams in a landslide. And in the presidential election after that, he crushed Henry Clay.  A powerful president Jackson wanted to be a powerful leader who controlled a limited federal government. But he wanted that government to have power over state governments. For example, Jackson refused to let the state of South Carolina nullify, or ignore, a federal law that state officials opposed. Jackson said if they failed to obey the law, he would consider them traitors and send in troops.   In time, South Carolina and Congress were able to reach a compromise on the law. Jackson also refused to extend the charter of the National Bank. He believed the bank helped industrialists and businesses more than farmers and settlers. His move was popular with many voters – especially farmers and settlers. But Jackson’s opponents warned against the bank veto. They disagreed with his economic plan, and they objected to how he had operated outside of Congress. Senators censured Jackson for acting as if he did not have to follow the law. Jackson’s supporters fought back. They removed the official criticism from the Senate records. Indian Removal Act of 1830 Jackson vetoed more bills than the first six presidents combined. He actively worked for only one major law: the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Jackson believed Native Americans occupied land that should belong to white settlers. He also thought Native Americans would be destroyed or lose their culture to white people anyway. So he offered several tribes what appeared to be generous treaties to move onto land west of the Mississippi River. But the treaties were often unfair or illegal. The tribes who accepted rarely received the benefits Jackson promised them. And some tribes, such as the Cherokees, simply refused to go. Empowered by Jackson’s Indian Removal Act, U.S. government officials eventually forced 15,000 Cherokees off their land. They were made to march over 1,600 kilometers. About 4,000 died on the march. It is remembered as the “Trail of Tears.” For white settlers, Jackson’s Indian removal policies resulted in over 100,000 square kilometers of new land to farm. Thousands of cotton planters moved west with their enslaved workers. The Indian Removal Act served not only to aid an economic boom in cotton, but to spread slavery further in the United States. Jackson had no objections. Final years In 1837, Jackson officially moved out of the White House – but he did not really leave the presidency. He advised the presidents who followed him from his home in Tennessee. Jackson had particular influence over two future leaders: Martin Van Buren, his former vice president; and James Polk, who shared Jackson’s beliefs so closely that he was called “Young Hickory.” Jackson’s beloved wife, Rachel, had died before he took office. They did not have any children together, but they raised two boys: a Native American orphan who died as a teenager; and a nephew, whom they called Andrew Jackson, Jr. The younger Andrew Jackson and his wife lived with the former president in his final years. He died in his bed at 78 of old wounds and old age. But his legacy remains very much alive. Legacy Jackson changed the U.S. presidency. After him, presidential candidates had to show they could connect with voters, not just lawmakers. He also increased the power of the chief executive. Jackson often questioned – or dismissed – the power of Congress, the Constitution, and the Supreme Court. And, he began the custom of replacing experienced government officials with people whose main qualification was their loyalty to him. Critics added to Jackson’s nicknames. They called him King Andrew, King Mob, or American Cesar. The opposition to Jackson led to a new political party called the Whigs. Part of Jackson's legacy is the two major party system that exists in the U.S. today. But those who loved Jackson really loved him. His humble beginnings, rise to power, and defense of the common man inspired them. In the U.S., the name of Andrew Jackson is still often used as a positive symbol of American democracy. I’m Kelly Jean Kelly. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   man of the people - n. a politician who understands and is liked by ordinary people pride - n. a feeling that you respect yourself and deserve to be respected by other people temperament - n. the usual attitude, mood, or behavior of a person nullify - v. to make something legally null charter - n. a document issued by a government that gives rights to a person or group generous - adj. providing more than the amount that is needed or normal : abundant or ample legacy - n. something that comes from someone in the past chief executive - n. the president of a country qualification - n. a special skill or type of experience or knowledge that makes someone suitable to do a particular job or activity   See how well you understand the story and develop your listening skills by taking this listening quiz.

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New Rotavirus Vaccine Could Save Thousands of Children

  Researchers in the African country of Niger have introduced a new vaccine that protects against the diarrheal disease called rotavirus. A scientific test has shown that the new vaccine is effective, safe and easy to use. Experts believe it will be more widely used than the two rotavirus vaccines now given to children.  A killer without a good vaccine The new vaccine is important because rotavirus is a serious illness that can lead to death. Rotavirus causes a severe infection of the gastro-intestinal tract. It kills more than 215,000 children each year -- about 600 a day. Two vaccines against rotavirus are already available. However, they are costly and difficult to use. They must also be kept cold. In many African countries where people suffer from rotavirus, refrigeration and electricity are unreliable. As a result, the existing rotavirus vaccines are not widely used. A new option Researchers have been working on a new vaccine for rotavirus called BRV-PV. They recently tested the vaccine with young children in Niger. Researchers gave 1,780 babies the BRV-PV vaccine. Only 31 cases of rotavirus developed in those babies.   In contrast, 87 cases of rotavirus developed among the babies who received a treatment but did not get the real medicine. In other words, those babies were given a placebo. The researchers say the clinical trial shows that BRV-PV was nearly 67 percent effective. The study was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Three good results Dr. Emmanuel Baron is the director of Epicentre, a research group that is part of Doctors Without Borders, an aid group. Epicentre researchers conducted the clinical trial. “We saw actually three things. The first is that this vaccine is efficient. The second is that this vaccine is safe. And we also saw a good acceptability by both the care providers and the families.” The new vaccine does not need refrigeration for up to six months. Medical workers mix it with liquid and give it to babies three times: when they are 6 weeks old, 10 weeks old, and 14 weeks old.  Baron is happy the new vaccine is effective. But he wishes the success – or efficacy – rate was even higher. “We would love to have 95, 98, 100 percent efficacy. But we know that all vaccines do not work very well in African countries for reasons that are still unclear, probably due to immunological disorders. But we also know that this efficacy of about 70 percent is higher than any other vaccine in similar settings.” The vaccine is expected to cost $6 for the three doses. The price will likely drop as more people are given the vaccine. Baron says medical workers in countries where rotavirus is a serious health threat are waiting for the World Health Organization to approve the vaccine. Then, medical workers can start giving the new vaccine to children. I’m Anne Ball.   VOA Health Correspondent Jessica Berman reported this story from Washington. John Smith adapted the story for Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page. See how well you understand the story by taking this reading quiz.   ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   diarrheal – adj. related to an illness that causes you to pass waste from your body very frequently and in liquid rather than solid form infection – n. the act or process of infecting someone or something : the state of being infected gastro-intestinal tract – n. an organ system in humans and animals that takes in food, digests it and expels the remaining waste refrigeration – n. the act of keeping something cold to keep it fresh placebo – n. a pill or substance that is given to a patient like a drug but that has no physical effect on the patient clinical trial – n. a scientifically controlled study of the safety and effectiveness of a drug or vaccine using consenting humans for subjects effective – adj. producing a result that is wanted conduct – v.  to plan and do something efficient – adj. capable of producing desired results without wasting materials, time, or energy liquid – n. a substance that is able to flow freely Immunological disorder – n. a disorder or problem with the immune system

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Report: Sales of Counterfeit Reproductions Set to Increase Worldwide

  A new report predicts a rise in counterfeiting and pirated goods over the next ten years. The report says China has been at the center of copying goods, from clothes to electronic devices, and medicines to beauty products. It says governments and businesses are working to stop the illegal and unapproved copying of products, and protect companies and jobs. The International Trademark Association and the International Chamber of Commerce published the report in February. It estimated the value of counterfeiting and piracy worldwide could reach $2.3 trillion by 2022. In 2015, the value was $1.7 trillion. The research company Frontier Economics prepared the report. It said social, investment and criminal enforcement costs could increase the total cost of counterfeiting and piracy to $4.2 trillion. It said that would put about 5.4 million jobs at risk. Counterfeiting and copied goods have always existed. But the increased flow of trade across borders has sped up the production and sale of fake products. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, or UNODC, noted recently that “counterfeit goods and fraudulent medicines pose a serious risk to public health and safety.” Many everyday goods are manufactured without the knowledge or permission of their owner. Examples can include car supplies, chemicals, electrical supplies, food, drinks and agricultural products. Deaths and sickness have been reported from fake baby-milk powder in Asia. The UNODC and the World Customs Organization estimate 75 percent of counterfeit products seized worldwide in 2010 were made in East Asia. John Houston heads the YPB Group, a product security business based in Australia. He says the counterfeiting problem is centered in China. “The Chinese counterfeiter can now copy the best packaging, they actually put holograms on things that the original brand owner doesn’t have a hologram on, to create the aura of authenticity,” Houston said. “So what you need is a traceable, identifiable, authenticable technology in products and you would be absolutely amazed how little there is in the world.” The UNODC says India and China are the largest sources of counterfeit medicines. It says 60 percent of counterfeit medical products seized worldwide come from China. Chinese officials are working to stop the manufacture of fake medicines. But as they do so, manufacturers are moving to other countries, such as North Korea, Myanmar and Vietnam. The major reason for the increase in counterfeiting is the rise of the internet and online sales. In December, the United States government placed the China-based Alibaba Group on a counterfeit goods “watch list.” Since then, Alibaba has announced steps to stop the sale of counterfeit goods. And it called on Chinese officials to pass stronger laws and take other actions to stop the manufacture of counterfeit goods in China. The company said China’s “ambiguous counterfeiting laws” harm companies’ ability to fight counterfeiters. Alibaba cancelled 380 million product listings and closed 180,000 stores on its websites. It also barred 675 companies from selling on their sites. Some governments help fight counterfeiters. Thailand often carries out raids on counterfeiters and publicizes the destruction of fake goods. Cambodia is dealing with problems from fake medicines. The Interior Ministry recently said it had closed more than 60 illegal pharmacies and had taken steps to stop the production of fake currencies. Vietnam’s Health Department of Medicine Management has been dealing with a flood of counterfeit beauty products. It has suspended sales of more than 30 such products. Businesses in Vietnam have reported that fake products from China were costing them “hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in lost revenue.” Houston said there is increasing demand for technologies to help stop counterfeiting or illegal manufacturing. The website MarketsandMarkets.com said the value of anti-counterfeiting packaging is set to reach $153 billion by 2020. In 2015, that number was $82 billion. Houston said Asian governments are considering using the anti-counterfeiting technology because they understand “the burden and loss of revenue that counterfeit and the black economy place on developing economies.”   Correspondent Ron Corben reported this story from Bangkok. John Smith adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow 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   counterfeit – v. to make an exact copy of (something) in order to trick people pirate – v. to illegally copy (something) without permission fake – adj. meant to look real or genuine but not real or genuine pose – v. to be or create (a possible threat, danger, problem, etc.) packaging – n. material used to enclose or contain something hologram – n. a special kind of picture that is produced by a laser and that looks three-dimensional aura – n. a special quality or feeling that seems to come from a person, place, or thing (usually + of) authentic – adj. real or genuine; not copied or false trace – v. to follow (something) back to its cause, beginning or origin; to find out where something came from ambiguous – adj. able to be understood in more than one way; having more than one possible meaning revenue – n. money that is made by or paid to a business or an organization  

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Drug Helps Teeth Repair Themselves

  I am going to take a chance and say that very few people enjoy going to the dentist, especially for a filling. A dentist usually treat a cavity by removing the damaged part of the tooth. Then they fill the hole with porcelain or a combination of silver and other metals. Oftentimes fillings need replaced during the patient’s lifetime. But is filling the cavity with a foreign material really the best treatment? What if the tooth could repair itself with its own material – dentine? That is what researchers at King's College London are studying. They have found a process that may replace the traditional method. Researchers say they may be close to perfecting a method of helping teeth to repair themselves. They say the treatment may make the filling of a cavity a thing of the past. Paul Sharpe of King’s College says a new treatment for cavities is simpler. It uses a drug that causes the tooth to fill in the hole naturally with dentine. "[It] involves putting a drug on a little sponge that goes inside the tooth, in the hole that the dentist made. It stimulates this natural process, which is starting to occur anyway following the damage, but it over-activates the process so you actually get the big hole repaired and the repair is a production of the natural material, the dentine." Usually a new drug requires repeated testing before it is approved for treatment. However, this drug that produces the regrowth in teeth has already been approved. It is a drug currently used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders of the nervous system. Sharpe explains that when using this already-approved drug to repair cavities, researchers use only a small amount and they use it locally. Usually that means the medicine is put directly on the affected area. It does not travel through the patient’s blood. "We are using much smaller doses and we're delivering them locally, just in a tooth.” Nigel Carter heads Britain’s Oral Health Foundation. He describes the new treatment as an exciting possibility for dental care. He notes that re-growing a tooth would be a major development. But Carter also has a warning. "Actually re-growing the tooth that's been lost with a cavity would be really a huge step forward. But, it's also important that we remember that we shouldn't be getting the cavity in the first place. We're talking about a totally preventable disease." Although the new treatment uses a drug to cause the regrowth, it still requires the dentist to use a power drill. So, if you don't want to go under the drill, the dentists advise us to keep cleaning those teeth. I’m Anna Matteo.   Faith Lapidus reported this story for VOA News. Anna Matteo adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ___________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   dentist – n. a person whose job is to care for people's teeth dental – adj. of or relating to teeth or to the work dentists do dentine – n. a calcareous material similar to but harder and denser than bone that composes the principal mass of a tooth cavity – n. an area of decay in a tooth porcelain – n. a hard, white substance that is very delicate and that is made by baking clay sponge – n. a piece of light natural or artificial material that becomes soft when it is wet, is able to take in and hold liquid, and is used for washing or cleaning stimulate – v. to make (something) more active dose – n.  the amount of a medicine, drug, or vitamin that is taken at one time    

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Everyday Grammar: Be supposed to

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Lesson 50: Back to School

Summary Anna has been wanting to go back to school for a long time. In this lesson, we go to class with her at Georgetown University, where she is getting ready to give a report in her class. Did she understand the directions? Speaking In this video, learn how to say the new words. Then learn about the present perfect continuous verb tense. Pronunciation This video teaches about how the word "for" is pronounced quickly in sentences using the present perfect continuous and a time phrase. Conversation   Anna: Hello, and welcome to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.! I am going back to school! Georgetown is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the United States. The Jesuits are a religious order known worldwide for their many colleges and universities. Students have been studying here since 1792! Sarah: Hey, are you finished with your report? Taylor: Almost. I have been writing and re-writing since last night! The subject is really interesting to me. Sarah: Me too! I have been studying this topic* for a long time. Anna: Am I late? Sarah: You’re a little late. But don’t worry. The professor isn’t here yet. Anna: How long has the class been waiting? Taylor: We’ve only been waiting for about 10 minutes. Anna: Oh good. Oh, no! I forgot my pencil sharpener. Excuse me, do you have a pencil sharpener I can borrow? Taylor: No, sorry. Anna: Oh wait. I found my extra one! Whew, that was close. Anna: So, how long have you been studying at Georgetown? Andrew: I’ve been studying here since 2015. Anna: Awesome. You know, I've been wanting to go back to school for a long time. So, here I am! Andrew: Well, you picked a great school. I’ve been really happy here. Anna: Awesome. See, I’ve been working for several years now. So, going back to school makes me a little nervous. Randall: Don’t be nervous. Just pay attention and do your best! Anna: That is great advice. You know, I have been paying attention. But sometimes I still feel like I don’t understand. Like last week … Anna: What’s that? Jada: This is my draft. Anna: What draft? Jada: The professor told us to bring our drafts. Anna: I think she said “giraffe.” Jada: No. She didn’t. Randall: I’m sure you’ve been understanding just fine. Anna: Here comes the professor. Dr. Jones: Hello class! Sorry I'm late, but the snow storm made getting here really difficult. I see you’ve been waiting very patiently. So, let’s get started! Who wants to give their talk first? Anna: Oh! Oh! Please, please pick me. Dr. Jones: Anna? Anna: Who me? Sure. Thanks. Anna: Here is my report on “Violins in the City.” Anna: People have been looking for a solution to the problem of violins in the city. I say stop! Stop! They are not the problem! In fact, violins are part of the solution! Anna: Are you all understanding me? 'Cause you look a little confused. I’ll talk louder. Violins create beautiful music that can fill a city with hope. Dr. Jones: Anna … Anna: If we put a violin in the hands of every child … Dr. Jones: Anna! The topic is “Violence in the city.”Violence. Not violins. Anna: Until next time … *  topic = subject Thanks to Georgetown University for allowing us to film on their historic campus. And a special thanks to the Georgetown students and staff who appeared in this episode: Andrew Debraggio, Sarah Mucha, Taylor Soergel, Jada Bullen, and Randall-Grace Johnson.   Writing In this lesson, Anna goes back to school. Did you ever take a special training course or classes? What did you learn? If you have not gone back to study, do you want to study something? Tell us about it. Write to us by email or in the Comments section. Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice using the present perfect continuous tense and monitoring what you hear. Please note, our activity sheets now can be completed on the computer.   Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The learning strategy for this lesson is Monitor. This strategy is what we use when we are speaking, and we want to know if our listeners are understanding what we say. We also monitor while we are listening, to check on whether we are understanding what we hear. In this lesson, Anna goes back to school. She misunderstands the professor, and gives her report on the wrong topic. As she is speaking, she looks at her classmates. Their faces show they are confused. Anna is monitoring here. She tries to talk louder, but they are still confused. Soon the professor corrects her. What do you do to monitor when you are speaking in English? Write to us about it in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.   Quiz Listen to short videos and test your listening skills with this quiz. ​ ______________________________________________________________ New Words   Catholic - adj. of or relating to the Roman Catholic Church class - n. a group of students who meet regularly to be taught a subject or activity draft - n. a version of something (such as a report) that you make before you make the final version confused - adj. unable to understand or think clearly giraffe - n.  a very tall African animal that has an extremely long neck and legs Jesuit - n. a man who is a member of a religious group called the Roman Catholic Society of Jesus order - n. a religious organization whose members usually live together and promise to follow special rules and traditions patient - adj. able to remain calm and not become annoyed when waiting for a long time pay attention - phrase to listen to, watch, or consider something or someone very carefully pencil - n. an instrument used for writing and drawing that has a hard outer part and a black or colored center part professor - n. a teacher especially of the highest rank at a college or university religious - adj. believing in a god or a group of gods and following the rules of a religion report - n. a written or spoken description of a situation or event sharpener - n. a tool or machine that makes something sharp since - prep. in the time after (a specified time or event in the past) orfrom (a point in the past) until the present time solution - n. something that is used or done to deal with and end a problem study - v. to learn about something by reading, memorizing facts or attending school understand - v. to know the meaning of something violence - n. the use of physical force to harm someone or to damage property violin - n. a musical instrument that has four strings and that you play with a bow ​______________________________________________________________ Free Materials   Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. In this lesson, you can use it to practice using the present perfect continuous verb tense.   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. Grammar: Present perfect continuous verb tense​  Topics: Discussing duration of activity; Expressing surprise; Reassuring someone    ​ Learning Strategy: Monitor Speaking & Pronunciation: Reduced "for" in sentences using  the present perfect continuous ​and a time phrase _______________________________________________________________ Now it's your turn. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page to let us know what you think of this lesson.

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Online Degree Programs Face Barriers to Success

  Last week, we talked about Americans taking college classes and completing study programs online – that is, with the help of computers and over the Internet. The United States Department of Education has noted the growing popularity of online degree programs, what it called ‘distance education.’ It reported that 14 percent of all students at American colleges and universities studied through such programs in 2014. Leanne is one of those students. Her goal was to earn a master’s degree in nursing from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She signed up for the university’s online program in 2014. She asked VOA not to share her last name because she has yet to complete her studies. Leanne chose to study online for many of the same reasons that other students do. She was working full-time, and did not want to move away from her job and family to continue her education. Leanne liked that she was able to study whenever and however much she wanted. But while the program met her needs at first, Leanne feels there are things she did not get from studying online. She earned her undergraduate degree from a traditional, face-to-face, study program at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the end, there’s really no substitute for the exchanges that actually happen in a classroom. Leanne says physically being in a classroom helps build a strong connection between students and their professors. She says in some ways she liked taking control and leading her own studies. But many times, she also felt lost without that special connection. "In the end, there’s really no substitute for the exchanges that actually happen in a classroom. And I think that, to some extent, I missed out on that and I would have like to have had that experience. So if I were to do it again, I don’t know that I would have made the same decision. I think it maybe would have been worth making a little bit more sacrifice in terms of the convenience and the finances to have a more rich learning experience, where you really get to exchange with your professors … and develop your skills." In addition, it may not be just a student’s learning that suffers in a distance learning program. There is some concern about what future employers think about an online degree. Public Agenda is a nonprofit research organization in the United States. In 2013, the group reported on a study of over 600 people working for American companies. They were responsible for filling positions at these businesses. The study looked at what these employment specialists thought about online degree programs. Fifty-six percent said they were more likely to offer jobs to people with a more traditional college experience, where students and teachers meet face-to-face. Forty-two percent said they thought students in online programs learned less than those in traditional programs. And 39 percent of those questioned said they thought online programs were easier to complete. Alison Kadlec is a senior vice president of Public Agenda. She says the numbers may have changed a little over the past four years as online programs become more popular. But there are still strong critical opinions about what online programs can do for students. "There is a kind of traditional bias about what education should be, and technology and life and work and everything show what’s problematic about that hundred year-old model of education. But it’s still something that’s so ingrained in who we are, in how we think about higher education." Kadlec says it is hard for people to change their ideas about higher education from a professor teaching students in a classroom. Also, some employers may have limited understanding of what is possible through an online program. Many people think studying online just means watching videos of teachers talking. Yet technology is always changing. Computer programs may someday educate and test students in ways human teachers cannot. However, Kadlec notes, until there are widely accepted standards for online programs as there are for traditional ones, critical opinions will likely remain. Students like Leanne choose online programs because their lives are already complex or difficult. And having employers value their degrees less than a traditional college education only makes things more difficult for them. Also, there appears to be a barrier for online programs becoming more widely accepted. If more well-known, high quality schools start offering such programs, employers will likely consider the two methods as equal. But the high cost to create high quality online programs suggests this will not be easy. The WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies studies online learning. The group released a study on the cost of creating online programs in February. It asked administrators at 197 colleges to report on the costs of 21 different components needed to operate the two programs. This included the cost of paying professors to design materials and testing. At all the colleges, administrators noted that nine of the components generally cost more than for traditional programs. Twelve of the components cost the about same. Nothing in any online program cost less. Russ Poulin helped create the study. He says the reason costs are so high for online programs is all the extra steps they require. In a traditional program, the main cost is the professor, who designs the study materials, and the building where the class is taught. But if many professors take turns teaching in the same rooms, the cost of the building is shared by all the students in those classes. While online programs may not require a classroom, there are other requirements. We’re starting to hear the pain being expressed by the students in terms of they can’t pay back loans or they can’t afford even to come in. Online programs require computer engineers to design programs to present the lesson materials. Online programs can often reach more students than a class taught in a building. But this means professors need more teaching assistants than they normally would. Also, physical universities can offer support services like study aids, libraries and other research centers. Many online programs have not yet found ways to offer such services at a lesser or equal cost, Poulin says. The study found that costs for students in online programs were lower at only about 6 percent of the schools. And Poulin adds that schools cannot simply pass these costs on to students. "We really have reached a point, whether it’s distance education or in the face-to-face education, where you can raise the price to the student so long that they’re able to absorb it up to a point. And really we’re starting to hear the pain being expressed by the students in terms of they can’t pay back loans or they can’t afford even to come in." Poulin and Kadlec agree that as technology changes and becomes less costly, some of these problems may solve themselves.  More students are choosing online college programs over traditional programs every year. But there is still a ways to go before online and traditional programs operate on the same level. I’m Pete Musto.   Pete Musto reported this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. What other problems do you think there might be with online education? How might schools solve these problems? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   degree – n. an official document and title that is given to someone who has successfully completed a series of classes at a college or university master’s – n. an official document and title that is given to someone who has successfully completed a series of classes at a college or university sign(ed) up – p.v. undergraduate – adj. used to describe a degree that is given to a student by a college or university usually after four years of study substitute – n. a person or thing that takes the place of someone or something else extent – n. used to indicate the amount or level at which something exists, happens, or is true miss(ed) out (on) – p.v. to not use or to not have a chance to experience something good convenience – n. a quality or situation that makes something easy or useful for someone by reducing the amount of work or time required to do something finances – n. matters relating to money and how it is spent or saved bias – n. a quality that it likely for people to believe that some people or ideas are better than others that usually results in treating some people unfairly ingrained – adj. existing for a long time and very difficult to change standard(s) – n. a level of quality or achievement that is considered acceptable or desirable component(s) – n. an important piece of something absorb – v. to accept or deal with something that is difficult or harmful afford – v. to be able to pay for something

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Could Surgeons Operate Using the Internet?

  Mischa Dohler is a professor at King’s College in London, England. He also plays the piano and writes music. Dohler wants to teach people how to play the piano using the internet. “Kids or anybody could learn how to play the piano really properly from the best musicians in the world,” he said. Dohler’s idea is to create a glove that the piano student could wear while practicing. This glove could connect over the internet to the teacher, who could be anywhere in the world. The teacher could then help the student learn proper technique without being in the same room. The glove would help move the student’s hands into the correct position to play the music. The idea of a person on one side of the world using the internet to accomplish a task on the other side of the world is called “the internet of skills.” Dohler also wants people in the medical industry to use the internet of skills. Doctors already use robots to help them perform difficult tasks like medical operations. But they are in the same room as the robot and patient. If a doctor could do remote surgery, it could help save people’s lives in places where highly skilled doctors are not available. The only problem is that, right now, the internet is not fast enough to support this idea. To perform a difficult task like surgery, a doctor in one place would have to make a movement, and the robot would have to be able to make the same movement within 10 milliseconds. Companies are working to develop systems that can move data, or information, faster. Eve Griliches is a Product Line Manager at Cisco Systems. Cisco develops systems that connect people over the internet. Griliches said “the internet of skills” would not be possible without the work companies like hers are doing to create high-speed video networks. The same systems that provide video to iPhones and laptops may someday help teach piano or save a life. Dohler recently discussed his ideas at a conference on communication technology in Los Angeles, California. He said he came up with the virtual piano teaching idea when he thought about all the other work people do using digital tools. “We use digital today to negotiate for jobs. We use LinkedIn, emails, etc.,” Dohler said. “But then to execute the work, we still need to drive. We need to fly. We need to walk. So I was thinking, ‘Could we virtualize it? Could we digitize skills?’” I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell adapted this story Learning English based on reporting by VOA’s Elizabeth Lee. Mario Ritter was the editor. Do you think surgeons will one day be able to operate on a patient on the other side of the world? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   proper – n. a general direction of change : a way of behaving, proceeding, etc., that is developing and becoming more common glove – n. a covering for the hand that has separate parts for each finger practice – v. to do something again and again in order to become better at it technique – n. the way that a person performs basic physical movements or skills accomplish – v. to succeed in doing something remote – adj. far away virtual – adj. existing or occurring on computers or on the Internet execute – v. to do or perform an action  

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