August 2, 2017

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

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Germany Says Vietnam Kidnapped Ex-Oil Official in Berlin

Germany says Vietnamese agents kidnapped a former oil official in Berlin and returned him to Vietnam to face corruption charges. German officials accused Vietnamese intelligence services of carrying out the kidnapping of Trinh Xuan Thanh on July 23. Thanh, 51, disappeared from Vietnam in July 2016 after being accused of mismanagement and corruption. Vietnamese officials blame him for causing losses of about $150 million at national oil and gas company PetroVietnam. A German foreign ministry spokesman said the kidnapping of a Vietnamese citizen on German soil was a violation of German and international law. The spokesman added that the incident could harm relations between the two countries “in a massive way.” Germany responded by ordering a Vietnamese intelligence officer to leave the country. The foreign ministry said Germany was still considering other possible actions against Vietnam “at a political, economic and development policy level." German officials said Thanh had sought asylum in Germany, but his application had not been processed. The officials said Vietnam had also sought his extradition. Vietnamese officials said Thanh had turned himself in to police in Vietnam on Monday. Vietnam's ambassador was contacted by German officials in Berlin. They demanded that Thanh be returned to Germany so the asylum and extradition requests could be correctly handled. After serving as head of PetroVietnam, Thanh was appointed to several senior government positions. He was elected to Vietnam’s National Assembly in May 2016, but was dismissed a short time later after being accused of corruption. Vietnamese officials issued an arrest warrant for him in September 2016. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for Learning English based on reports from the Associated Press, Reuters and Deutsche Presse-Agentur.  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   massive – adj. very large extradition – n. the sending of a person back to a country where they are accused of a crime warrant – n. document issued by a court giving police the power to do something, such as carry out an arrest  

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Fallout Continues from Violent College Protests

  Fallout continues from angry protests in which students aimed to stop conservative speeches at their colleges. Two colleges have announced punishments for students who tried to block such speeches. They also promised to invite more speakers with different opinions to speak at their schools. Some U.S. lawmakers took notice of speeches being stopped on college campuses. Senator Chuck Grassley is the Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He said that colleges need to do more to punish those involved. “Many students erroneously think that speech that they consider hateful is violent. Yet some students engage in acts of violence against speech, and universities have failed to prevent or adequately punish that violence.” Punishment for some demonstrators At Claremont McKenna College in California, seven students were punished for an incident that took place in April. The school said the students were part of a group that blocked the entry of a room where Heather Mac Donald of the conservative Manhattan Institute was giving a speech. Three of the students will not be permitted to return to school for one year. The school said the blockade violated two of the school’s important values -- “freedom of speech and assembly.” Mac Donald wrote a book criticizing the Black Lives Matter movement and protests against police. The protesting students at Claremont McKenna said Mac Donald’s opinions are racist and should not be protected. However, the school said in a statement that, “Our community must protect the right to learn from others, especially those with whom we strongly disagree.” Vermont College deals with protests At Middlebury College in Vermont, students tried to block a speech by Charles Murray. He co-wrote a 1990s book about intelligence that some critics consider racist. As Murray tried to speak, students turned their backs to him and tried to shout him down. Later, as Murray and a professor left the school, students and other protesters tried to block their way. The professor was injured. Middlebury officials announced 64 students would be punished. But unlike at Claremont McKenna, none were stopped from attending classes for all or part of the next school year. Middlebury spokeswoman Sarah Ray said the school plans to offer more speakers with different opinions in the new school year. Floyd Abrams is a media attorney. He recently spoke about how the political divide between Democrats and Republicans and conservatives and liberals has spread to colleges. “Too many people are unwilling to listen to ideas with which they disagree and that is a problem which has only a long-term solution, but is one I suggest to you that we should really start to address now.” At a hearing of the House Oversight Committee on July 27th, Fredrick Lawrence of the Anti-Defamation League agreed that even hate speech “is generally protected.” But he said school officials also have a moral responsibility to speak out against hate speech. Lawrence provided numbers from Anti-Defamation League researchers. He said during the 2016-2017 school year, 110 American colleges reported racist or anti-Semitic actions. The actions included racist flyers, racist and anti-Jewish emails sent to students and teachers and speeches by white supremacists. Lawrence said colleges should be ready to “address the harm” that can result from hateful speech, even if they cannot stop it under America’s guarantee of free speech. Protests in Missouri In 2015, the University of Missouri went through two months of protests over racism. The protests led to the resignation of top school officials.   The University of Missouri protests also became known for an incident in which a communications instructor was heard asking for help in stopping a student reporter from filming protesting students.  The instructor was later dismissed for trying to stop a reporter from covering a story at a public university. Christian Basi is a spokesman for the University of Missouri. He said enrollment for the upcoming fall semester is likely to be down for the second straight year. But he also said Missouri has just completed a strong fundraising effort and continues to receive large numbers of international students. Nathan Willett, Missouri’s student body president, says very few current Missouri students are moving to other schools.  Threats stop speeches by 2 conservatives At the University of California, Berkeley, protests led to cancellations of two speeches by well-known conservative activists -- Milo Yiannopoulos and Ann Coulter. The group, By Any Means Necessary, defended its efforts to stop the speeches. It said, “Hate speech is not free speech.” Naweed Thamas is vice president of Berkeley College Republicans. He said it is not easy being conservative or Republican at Berkeley. He told VOA that he has received death threats, been chased and hit, and had his face put on flyers with his personal information. College professor says he was threatened Evergreen College in the western state of Washington recently had a board meeting to discuss what should happen following racial conflicts this spring. A professor said he was threatened after he refused to participate on a day in which white students and employees were asked to stay away from the college. Organizers said the day was meant to help people better understand racism. One professor said concerns about racism led to the protests and suggested protesters not be punished. But one white student said things have gone too far. She said when she attempted to speak at a student meeting, she was told only black students were permitted to speak. What about new students? While the University of Missouri has seen a decrease in new students following the 2015 protests, other schools where protests have taken place continue to be popular with students.  The University of California - Berkeley and Yale University have reported increased enrollment. Yale had protests in 2015 after two university officials said it would be okay for students to wear costumes -- even if they offended some other students. I'm Bruce Alpert And I'm Kelly Jean Kelly.   Bruce Alpert reported this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports by the Associated Press and other sources. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. How important do you consider free speech? Is there some speech you believe should not be allowed at colleges and universities? ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   engage - v. to perform a specific act adequately - adv. enough for some need or requirement blockade - v. to block people from entering a place assembly - n. to meet in a place with others especially - adv. more than usually address - v. deal with a problem flyer - n. a piece of paper that has something printed on it white supremacist - n. a person who believes whites are better than all other races, especially the black race enrollment - n. number of people attending a school or institution semester - n. one of two usually 18-week periods that make up an academic year at a school or college fundraising - n. raising money for a cause or a group, such as a college

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President Xi Says China Will Never Surrender any Territory

  Chinese President Xi Jinping says his country will do everything possible to keep its territory from being taken by outside forces. Xi’s comments came during a speech Tuesday marking the 90th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army, or PLA. He spoke to government officials and military leaders inside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. “We absolutely will not permit any person, any organization, any political party - at any time, in any form - to separate any piece of Chinese territory from China," Xi said. He added: “No one should expect us to swallow the bitter fruit of damage to our sovereignty, security and development interests.” Xi said the Chinese people are peaceful and the country does not seek to invade or expand. “However, we have the confidence to conquer all forms of invasion," he added. The Chinese leader did not name any conflicts or disputes during the speech. China is currently involved in several territorial disputes. These include conflicting claims to areas of the South China Sea. China has ignored competing claims to the sea by five of its neighbors. In some areas, China has created man-made islands and built military bases on them. This has led to other governments in the area setting up their own bases.   In addition, China has a territorial dispute with Japan over islands in the East China Sea. China has threatened to use force to retake Taiwan if necessary. China considers self-governing Taiwan a part of its territory and wants to eventually reunite the island with the mainland.   Also, China is currently in a dispute with India over a Chinese road-building project in the eastern Himalayas. The dispute is in an area claimed by both China and Bhutan, a close ally of India. Xi serves as commander of the PLA. In his speech, he said the military's highest loyalty is to the ruling Communist Party.   The PLA has greatly increased its spending and modernization in recent years. China has sought to develop new high-technology fighter airplanes and navy ships, including aircraft carriers. Xi said China was now “closer to the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation than any other time in history.” For this reason, he said now is the most important time to continue building a strong military. Xi’s speech came after he oversaw a large military parade Sunday held at a military training base in China's Inner Mongolia region. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for Learning English based on reports from VOA News, the Associated Press, Reuters and Xinhua news agency. Mario Ritter 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   bitter – adj. having a strong, sour or unpleasant taste sovereignty – n. a country’s power to govern itself confidence – n. feeling or belief that something is true or will happen conquer – v. take control of or defeat in war rejuvenation – n. giving new strength or energy region - n. a part of a country, of the world, etc., that is different or separate from other parts in some way

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Chicago Cubs Give World Series Ring to Fan Blamed for 2003 Loss

  This is What’s Trending Today. In 2003, Chicago Cubs baseball fan Steve Bartman was watching his team play against the Florida Marlins in an important playoff game. He was sitting in the front row of the stadium, down the left field line. In the eighth inning of Game 6, the Cubs were leading, with a score of 3-0. Winning Game 6 would send them to the World Series for the first time in 95 years. Luis Castillo of the Florida Marlins hit a ball high into the air. The ball went close to where Bartman was sitting in the stands. It was also near where Chicago’s left fielder, Moises Alou, could try to catch the ball. As the ball came down, both Bartman and Alou reached for it. Other fans reached for it, too. The ball hit Bartman’s hands. Alou could not catch it. Alou and many Cubs fans in the stadium got upset. The Marlins went on to win the game. They also won the next game against the Cubs to reach the World Series, where they defeated the New York Yankees. ​Many fans blamed Bartman for the Cubs’ loss. They had thought their team was going to make it to the baseball championship. They did not forgive him. Bartman has not been to a Cubs game since. Some people say he moved to Florida. Last year, the Cubs were once again playing for chance to go to the World Series. They defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers. Then they defeated the Cleveland Indians in the World Series. It was the first championship for the Cubs in more than 100 years. The Cubs players and many people who work for the team received a ring to celebrate the championship. It is a large ring, with diamonds and colored glass. There are 108 diamonds, in fact. And this week, the Cubs gave a World Series ring to Bartman. The team said it hoped the gift would “lift the public burden he has endured for more than a decade.” Bartman said he was “grateful” to receive the ring and hoped it would start the “healing” process for everyone involved. Many people were pleased to the see the team reach out to Bartman after almost 15 years.   On Twitter, Donnie Gill wrote: “What an amazing, healing, inclusive, heart-warming gesture.” And that’s What’s Trending Today.   I’m Dan Friedell. Dan Friedell wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on a report by ESPN. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Do you think Steve Bartman should have received a ring? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   playoffs – n. a series of games that is played after the end of the regular season in order to decide which player or team is the champion — usually plural championship – n. an important competition that decides which player or team is the best in a particular sport, game, etc. burden – n. someone or something that is very difficult to accept, do, or deal with endure – v. to accept (something or someone) readily or gladly decade – n. a period of 10 years grateful – adj. feeling or showing thanks stands – n. the seating area inside a stadium left fielder – n. a baseball player who defends the left side of the outfield amazing – adj. causing great surprise or wonder gesture – n. something said or done to show a particular feeling or attitude

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Venezuelan Opposition Leaders Arrested

  Two Venezuelan opposition leaders were taken from their homes by government security officers Tuesday morning. Critics of President Nicolas Maduro said the arrests are another sign Maduro is moving toward a dictatorship for Venezuela. The South American country is home to nearly 32 million people. The arrests of opposition leaders Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma came one day after the United States ordered sanctions against Maduro. The Trump administration said an election Sunday to create a new assembly to rewrite Venezuela’s Constitution took away the “people’s right to self-determination.” The Maduro government said more than 8 million people voted Sunday to create an assembly to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution. But independent election experts said voter turnout was far lower. The election was called illegitimate by leaders across North and South America and in Europe. The families of Leopoldo Lopez and Antonio Ledezma put videos on Twitter, showing the men being taken from their homes. The two opposition leaders supported protests against Sunday’s vote. Both had been arrested before and both were under house arrest when they were taken from their homes early Tuesday. Lopez's wife, Lilian Tintori, wrote this on Twitter: "12:27 in the morning: the moment when the dictatorship kidnaps Leopoldo at my house.”   Venezuela’s Supreme Court said Lopez and Ledezma were arrested because they violated conditions of their house arrest. The court said “official intelligence sources” uncovered an escape plan for the two opposition leaders. Both are former mayors. The Supreme Court is seen as controlled by Maduro supporters. Maduro said Monday that he will not change his plans to rewrite the Constitution and to go after his enemies. He said increasing government power is needed to stop the protests that cause the country’s economic problems. I'm Ashley Thompson.   Bruce Alpert adapted the story for Learning English based on VOA News with additional reporting from the Associated Press and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   opposition - n. a political party or other people trying to replace the political party in power sanctions - n. an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country self-determination - n. the right to choose government leaders illegitimate - adj. not allowed according to rules or laws moment - n. a time when something takes place sources -- n. people or groups providing information  

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Angelina Jolie Unhappy with Reaction to Film Casting Process

  American actress Angelina Jolie was not happy that people criticized the casting process for her movie as taking money away from poor children. In an interview with Vanity Fair magazine last week, Jolie described a game that the casting directors played with the Cambodian children. The children were auditioning for the part of lead actor in the film "First They Killed My Father." Jolie told Vanity Fair she looked for lead actors in orphanages, circuses and very poor schools. In the casting process, each child was placed in front of money on a table. They were asked to think of what they needed the money for and then quickly take the money. Jolie would then act like she was catching them, and the child would have to lie about why they stole the money. In a statement on Sunday, Jolie responded to the public criticism. She said this part of the audition was from a moment in the film and she was upset about it being treated like it were real life. "The suggestion that real money was taken from a child during an audition is false and upsetting," she said. She added that she would be angry if that had happened to a child in real life. For years, Angelina Jolie has been taking part in charity work internationally. She is also a special representative for the United Nations refugee agency. Users on social media called Jolie's casting game unkind and abusive to poor children. Vanity Fair reporter Evgenia Peretz said the casting game was troubling because of its connection to reality. Kayla Cobb is from the popular culture website Decider.com. She compared the game to a psychological thriller – a type of film that plays with the viewer's mind and fears. Cobb wrote that the everyone should use better judgment and should not put real money in front of poor children in this way. She also wrote that no movie is worth psychologically harming so many children. "First They Killed My Father" is about the 1970s Khmer Rouge government under which more than 1 million people died. The film is scheduled for release around the world and on Netflix in September. Jolie said the young girl who won the lead acting part, Srey Moch, was chosen after she became emotional when forced to give the money back. During the audition, the girl said she needed the money to pay for her grandfather's funeral. Rithy Panh is a Cambodian producer on the film. In a statement, he said, "The children were not tricked or entrapped, as some have suggested. They understood very well that this was acting." I'm Alice Bryant.    This article was reported by Reuters. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.  What do you think about Jolie's casting process? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the comments section.  _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   casting – n. (gerund) assigning an acting part in a film, play, video, or something else audition – v. to test someone's talent in an audition audition – n. a short performance to show the talents of someone, such as an actor or a musician orphanage – n. a place where children whose parents have died can live and be cared for  circus – n. a traveling show that is often performed in a tent and that typically includes trained animals, clowns and acrobats upset – adj. angry or unhappy

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Election Official in Kenya Found Dead

  Kenya's national police force says it is investigating the killing of a top election official. Christopher Msando was found dead Monday, a little more than a week before the country holds general elections. The inspector general of the National Police Service, Joseph Boinnet, said in a statement that Msando's body had been discovered earlier but was identified Monday. Boinnet said police are following important clues to the crime. The two-page statement does not explain the cause of death. Msando was manager of technology operations for Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, or the IEBC. He is said to have had knowledge of the technology being used for the August 8 elections. Wafula Chebukati is the chairman of the IEBC. He said Monday there is no doubt Msando was "tortured and killed." However, he said it is unclear why he was killed. Chebukati asked the government to provide security for all IEBC workers so that Kenyans can have a free and fair election. The statement from inspector general Boinnet said police will work with the IEBC to provide all employees security so they can carry out their duties. In a statement Monday, U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec and British High Commissioner to Kenya Nic Hailey said their countries are "gravely concerned by the murder." They said both countries have offered to help with the investigation. The diplomats said, "It is critical that Kenya has free, fair, credible and peaceful elections on August 8, and protection for IEBC staff is essential to achieving this goal."  Fears of violence have increased as the election nears. Opposition parties have accused President Uhuru Kenyatta of seeking to cheat during the vote. At the same time, Kenyatta has said his main opponent, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is trying to divide the nation’s ethnic groups. Odinga lost a disputed presidential election in 2007. More than 1,100 people died during violence that followed the vote. Barasa Nyukuri is a Kenyan law and elections expert. He told VOA's Swahili Service that the killing may be an attempt to frighten the IEBC. He also warned that Msando's death "could damage voters' confidence on the commission unless the IEBC leadership comes out strongly to reassure the people." I’m Jonathan Evans.   Jill Craig reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson 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   gravely - adv. very serious; requiring or causing serious thought or concern critical –adj. very important essential –adj. very important achieve –v. to get or to reach by effort confidence –n. a feeling that something can be done reassure - v.  to make someone feel less afraid, upset, or doubtful

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August 1, 2017

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

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Lesson 40: The Woods Are Alive

Summary Anna's New Year’s Resolution is to try something new. She auditions for a play. Will she get the part? Speaking In this video, learn how to say the new words. Then learn about asking for and giving feedback. Pronunciation Use this video to learn about projecting when public speaking. Learn one way to make your voice sound more confident when you speak to a group. Conversation Anna: Happy New Year! Some people, at the start of a new year, make a resolution -- a promise to yourself to be better. I thought about my resolution carefully. I want to be an actor on the stage! Today I will audition for a show called "The Woods Are Alive!" Wish me luck! Director: Next! What is your name? Anna: My name is Anna Matteo. Director: Are you ready to audition? Anna: (warms up voice) Yes. Director: Great. Let's begin on page 1. Here is the story. You are lost in the woods. You are searching desperately for a way out. Suddenly, you hear something. Director: Now, say your line. Anna: 'What was that? Hello. Is someone there?' Director: Anna, you are speaking too softly. Can you speak more loudly and a little more, um, seriously? Anna: Yes, of course I can. 'What was that? Hello. Is someone there?' Is that loud enough? Director: Yes, that is loud enough. Let's turn to page 25. In this scene, you are moving slowly and quietly through the woods. Director: Anna. Anna! You are walking quickly and loudly. Walk slowly and quietly. Anna: I'm walking slowly and quietly. I am walking… Director: Anna. Anna. You don't need to say "slowly" and "quietly." Alright, let's try the last scene. Turn to page 48. I say my line first, then you say your line. Director: 'You will never get out of these woods alive! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!' Anna: 'Yes, I will.' Director: Okay, Anna, you said that line -- you said that line really late. You need to say it earlier. Anna: Sorry. Sorry. Let me try again. Director: 'You will never …' Anna: 'Yes, I will.' Director: '… get out of the woods alive.' Anna: I was too early, wasn't I? Director: Yes. Yes, you were. Anna: Director, how am I doing? Director: You know, Anna. I think that I have the perfect part for you. Director: The costume is in the back. Please go try it on. Anna: Awesome! (Anna returns as a tree.) Director: Oh, Anna, that fits you perfectly! Anna: I'm a tree. I'm a tree in … "The Woods Are Alive!" Yes! Anna: My new year is starting awesomely! Excuse me, Director! I have a great idea for my tree. Oh, wait! Until next time!   Writing In this lesson, Anna tries something new. What new activity do you want to try in 2017? Why do you want to do it? Write to us by email or in the Comments section. Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice using adverbs as well as acting out and guessing everyday activities. Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The learning strategy for this lesson is self-evaluate. When we speak English or try to do something new, it helps to self-evaluate, or check how well we are doing it. In this lesson, when Anna asks the director of the play, "How am I doing?" she wants to learn how well she is acting. The director tells her that she said her line too late. Later, Anna notices a problem: "I was too early, wasn’t I?' She is self-evaluating. This strategy can help to make her a better actor. Do you ever self-evaluate when you speak 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 actor - n. a person who acts in a play or a movie audition - n. a short performance to show the talents of someone (such as an actor or a musician) who is being considered for a role in a play or a position in an orchestra desperately - adv. in a way that is very sad and or upset manner because of having little or no hope director - n. a person who directs a play or a movie enough - adj. equal to what is needed line - n. a row of words, letters, numbers, or symbols written across a page loudly - adv. in a manner that makes or causes a lot of noise page - n. one side of a sheet of paper quickly - adv. at a fast speed; rapidly quietly - adv. in a manner that makes little noise resolution - n. a promise to yourself that you will make a serious effort to do something that you should do scene - n. a division of an act in a play during which the action takes place in a single place without a break in time script - n. the written form of a play, movie, or television show softly - adv. in a quiet voice or manner stage - n. a raised platform in a theater or auditorium where the performers stand suddenly - adv. very quickly in usually an unexpected way ______________________________________________________________ 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 acting out and guessing everyday activities. 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 focus: Adverbs (loudly, quietly, slowly); Comparatives of adverbs (more seriously); Review agent nouns (actor, director) Topics: New Year resolutions; Describing people’s actions Learning Strategy: Self-Evaluate Speaking & Pronunciation Focus: Asking for & giving feedback​; Projecting when public speaking​ ____________________________________________________________ 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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Explainer: Presidential Pardons

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