Common Transition Words

  In 1963, President John Kennedy gave a famous speech at American University. In the speech, Kennedy said the following lines:  "Our problems are manmade; therefore, they can be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings." Today's report is not about global problems. Nor is it about human destiny. Instead, it is about something much more exciting: transition words. What are transitions? Transitions are words that show relationships between ideas. According to grammar experts Susan Conrad and Douglas Biber, transitions are most common in academic writing.  These transition words have different uses. They can suggest that a result, clarification, or example is coming. We will now look at each of these uses in greater detail. #1 Expressing a result Transition words that show a result include therefore and thus. The words you heard at the beginning of this report give you one example of therefore:  "Our problems are manmade; therefore, they can be solved by man." In the quote, the word therefore connects two statements: "Our problems are manmade" and "they [our problems] can be solved by mankind." The word therefore suggests "for that reason" or "because of that..." Thus has a similar meaning. Academic writers often use it as a way to show a summary or conclusion. You might read a paragraph that begins with the words "Thus, we conclude that..." In this case, the word thus is referring to ideas or arguments presented earlier in the written work. In general, the writer is saying that the reasons already presented lead them to their conclusion.                               #2 Restating or clarifying an idea A second use of transitions is to restate or clarify ideas. Common examples include in other words and i.e. Consider this example from a past Everyday Grammar program: "Adverbials can appear at different places in a sentence. In other words, they are movable." In the example, the second sentence restates and clarifies the idea that comes in the first sentence. This added example helps to make the point more memorable and easier to understand. I.e. can also restate or clarify an idea. Writers often use it in parenthetical statements or phrases. The Everyday Grammar writer could have written the following words: "Adverbials can appear at different places in a sentence (i.e. they are movable). This sentence has a similar meaning to the first sentence, although it is different stylistically. #3 Giving an example A final group of transition words show that the writer is about to provide an example. Common words include for example and for instance. Consider how President Ronald Reagan uses for example in his address to the United Nations in 1988: "That is why when human rights progress is made, the United Nations grows stronger-and the United States is glad of it. Following a 2-year effort led by the United States, for example, the U.N. Human Rights Commission took a major step toward ending the double standards and cynicism that had characterized too much of its past." Reagan's second sentence, although lengthy, supports the point that he makes in the first sentence. This is a useful pattern to use both in writing and formal speaking. Movability The transitions we have discussed today can appear at different places in a sentence.* This movability is important to understand for students of writing. Think back to Reagan's speech. He used for example in the middle of his sentence. "Following a 2-year effort led by the United States, for example, the U.N. Human Rights Commission took a major step toward ending the double standards and cynicism that had characterized too much of its past." Reagan could have used for example at another place in the sentence – the very beginning, for one. Such a sentence would have sounded like this: "For example, following a 2-year effort led by the United States, the U.N. Human Rights Commission took a major step toward ending the double standards and cynicism that had characterized too much of its past." Do not use transitions too often Now that you have learned about transitions, you should practice using them. However, do not use them too often. Your reader or listener might lose interest if you use too many transitions. Also, you should be careful about using the transitions we have talked about today while speaking. They are polite and acceptable; however, they can make you sound very formal. With time and practice, you will learn how and when to use transitions correctly. And now, it is time for us to transition to the end of our report. I'm John Russell. And I'm Alice Bryant.   John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. * Transitions such as i.e. and e.g. are less movable because they often appear in parenthetical statements. _____________________________________________________________ Words in the Story   transition – n. writing words or phrases that provide a connection between ideas, sentences and paragraphs.  academic – adj. of or relating to schools and education restate – v.  to say (something) again or in a different way especially to make the meaning clearer adverbial – n.  a word that describes a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a sentence and that is often used to show time, manner, place, or degree double standard – n. a situation in which two people, groups, etc., are treated very differently from each other in a way that is unfair to one of them cynicism – n. cynical beliefs: beliefs that people are generally selfish and dishonest movability – n. capable of being moved

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Facebook: Sources Likely in Russia Bought Ads During US Campaign

  Facebook says an operation likely based in Russia spent $100,000 to buy advertisements promoting political and social issues in the United States.   The company said about 3,000 ads were bought by people operating nearly 500 fake Facebook accounts. The ads ran between June 2015 and May 2017, within the period of the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. In a blog post, Facebook Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos said most of the ads did not specifically name the U.S. election or any candidates. Rather, they appeared aimed at “amplifying divisive social and political messages” on a range of major issues. These included LGBT rights, race relations and gun control. A Facebook investigation found the fake accounts were related to each other and “likely operated out of Russia.” The company said it does not allow “inauthentic” accounts and all were removed. Facebook also said it had identified another 2,200 ads bought for about $50,000 that “might have originated in Russia.” These included ads bought by accounts with IP addresses in the U.S. that were set to the Russian language. Facebook said the behavior shown in the ad buys is similar to methods used by what it calls “false amplifiers” who operated during the 2016 campaign. Methods included the posting of fake stories on social media to misinform and confuse the public. Earlier this year, Facebook announced several new policies intended to prevent users from spreading misinformation and fake news. The company said it is continuing to investigate possible ways Russian sources may have used its service as a way to influence the 2016 election. It added that it is cooperating with a federal investigation into the issue led by special counsel Robert Mueller. Mueller’s investigation is also looking into any possible contacts between then-candidate Donald Trump’s presidential campaign team and Russian officials.   I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this for VOA Learning English, based on reports from Facebook, VOANews.com, Reuters and the Associated Press. 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   promote – v. make people aware of something fake – adj. false, not true amplify – v. increase in strength divisive – adj. causing disagreements between people LGBT – acronym lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender inauthentic – adj. not real originate – v. cause something to exist confuse – v. make something difficult to understand  

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Federer, Nadal Once Again Will Not Play Each Other at US Open

  This is What’s Trending Today. Switzerland’s Roger Federer and Spain’s Rafael Nadal have played each other dozens of times through the years. Their rivalry has included memorable matches, including finals, at all but one of the world’s Grand Slam championships. They have never played each other at the U.S. Open. Fans of the sport hoped that this year, two of the world’s best would finally face off at Flushing Meadow in New York. Those hopes ended Wednesday night, however. Just hours after Nadal won a spot in the semifinal round of the tournament, Federer lost in four sets to Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro. After his loss, Federer said of del Potro, “He came up with the goods when he needed to...and I helped him a little bit sometimes, too, maybe.” Federer also said that, unlike just about everyone else, he did not spend any time at all thinking about a possible matchup with Nadal. This is the sixth time in which they were one game away from playing each other in New York. It happened in 2009, when del Potro himself beat Nadal in the semifinals, and then Federer in the final. Federer entered the quarterfinals undefeated in Grand Slam play this season. He won titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. But he hurt his back at a tournament last month, which limited his preparation for the U.S. Open. Before the U.S. Open began, Nadal was honest as can be when asked whether he hoped to face Federer. The answer was no, because he would prefer to play someone who is easier to beat. Nadal will next face del Potro on Friday in the semifinal. The other semifinal game includes two men who have never been this far at any major: Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain versus Kevin Anderson of South Africa. On the women’s side, the four remaining players are all Americans. It is the first time that has happened at the U.S. Open in 36 years. Venus Williams will play Sloane Stephens in one semifinal game, and Madison Keys will play CoCo Vandeweghe in the other. And that’s What’s Trending Today… I’m Caty Weaver.   The Associated Press reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   dozen - n. a group of 12 people or things rivalry - n. a state or situation in which people or groups are competing with each other match - n. a contest between two or more players or teams face off - phrasal verb.  to be involved or become involved in a conflict, dispute, or competition matchup - n. a contest between athletes or sports teams.

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UN Considering Oil Embargo Against North Korea

Members of the United Nations Security Council are considering new sanctions for North Korea in reaction to its sixth and most powerful nuclear test. However, experts say the support of China is critical to increase pressure on the government of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday, “The U.N. Security Council should respond further and take necessary measures.” But, Wang said “sanctions and pressure” must be tied to “dialogue and negotiations.” China has said that increased restrictions will not ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. U.S. President Donald Trump spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping about North Korea on Wednesday. Trump said Xi agreed on the need to answer North Korea’s nuclear test, saying, “He does not want to see what is happening there either.” On Monday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said the 15-member UN Security Council would negotiate a version of a resolution to place new sanctions on North Korea. She said the U.S. would seek a vote by Monday. On August 5, the UN Security Council approved resolution 2371. It came as the result of two long-range missile tests that North Korea carried out in July. The UN Security Council barred North Korea from exporting coal, iron, lead and seafood, along with other restrictions. The measures were aimed at cutting about one-third of North Korea's $3 billion in export income. However, now there are calls to cut North Korea’s fuel imports in an effort to build pressure on its leaders. The proposed resolution VOA received a copy of the new proposed resolution on North Korea on Wednesday. The proposal calls for stopping North Korean cloth and clothing exports, and seeks to put limits on North Koreans working in other countries. But the biggest restriction would ban the sale of oil, refined petroleum products, and natural gas liquids to the North. Support from Russia and China is needed for an oil embargo to work. Both countries are permanent members of the Security Council. They also are energy exporters to North Korea. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not offer support to the idea of blocking North Korea’s oil imports. Putin spoke during a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at an economic meeting in Vladivostok, Russia. China provides North Korea with most of its oil and gas. Joseph DeTrani is a former special diplomat to the six party talks. They were nuclear talks including both Koreas, China, Russia, Japan and the U.S. DeTrani says the leverage that the Chinese “have on crude oil is immense.” But he says an oil embargo would destabilize North Korea’s economy, something China opposes. Although China and North Korea have had strained relations, DeTrani says Chinese public support for an oil ban is unlikely. “China doesn’t want to make North Korea a total enemy. They want to have some leverage. They don’t want to totally alienate the leadership in Pyongyang.” Richard Bush is with the Brookings Institution’s John L. Thornton China Center. He says China has to walk a fine line in its policies towards its eastern neighbor. Bush says China wants to influence North Korea to stop its nuclear and missile tests. At the same time, China worries that a complete oil embargo would cause the country to collapse. That situation would create a refugee crisis on China’s border. Instead, Bush says China may try to create some flexibility in possible new sanctions by setting a limit for yearly oil imports, or by slowly decreasing them. He says China “wants to preserve its own freedom of action and flexibility, but at the same time be responsive to the concerns of the international community.” Yun Sun is a China expert at the Stimson Center in Washington DC. She says China has not shown that it is willing to cut off the North’s oil supplies. She said it might press for oil exports to be considered a humanitarian exception to UN Security Council sanctions. I’m Mario Ritter.   Jenny Lee reported this story for VOA News with contributions from Margaret Besheer and Steve Herman. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   critical – adj. very important, without which nothing can be done leverage – n. influence that can be used to get a desired result alienate – v. to cause to become isolated or apart from the group walk a fine line – idiom to try to deal with two opposing issues or sides to avoid conflict flexibility – n. the quality of being able to adjust or make small changes exception – n. a case where a rule does not apply We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Italian Program Prepares Immigrants for Jobs as Beekeepers

  A group in Italy is preparing immigrants, mostly from Africa, for jobs as beekeepers. The group then helps to set-up meetings between these migrants and honey producers who need employees.   International aid groups say European Union (EU) efforts to reduce the flow of migrants entering Europe is leaving some businesses short on workers. The aid group Oxfam says Italy alone will need over 1.6 million workers over the next 10 years. To deal with this issue, the Italian Cambalache Association created a project called “Bee My Job.” It trains migrant workers and refugees in beekeeping and finds them jobs in Italy’s agriculture industry.  Since being launched in 2014, the program has trained over 100 people, mostly from African nations south of the Sahara Desert.   Learning about bees   Bee My Job has helped people like Abdul Adan. He had never worked with bees before he migrated to Europe. In fact, his only interaction with a bee was when he was stung by one as a child back home in Senegal. The insect stung Adan in the mouth while he was eating fresh honey. Today, he has become one of the program’s most successful trainees. He now seems very much at ease with the bees. He doesn’t cover his hands as he touches the insects’ homes and inspects their progress. “I said I have never done bee work, I was really scared that the bees would sting me and people would laugh and look at me, but afterward I… said I will learn, and maybe one day I can do it in my country.” Adan now works as a beekeeper in Alessandria, Italy.  Mara Alacqua is the head of the Italian Cambalache Association. She says the Bee My Job project is never short on trainees. “Our beds are always full,” Alacqua said. “Every time a person leaves the project, and so we have a spare place, that place is covered straight away within two days’ time.” As part of the program, the migrant workers also take language classes. This has been helpful for Adan who now speaks Italian. A difficult life Almost 95,000 immigrants and refugees have arrived in Italy this year. However, in the past two months, the number of new-arrivals has dropped to more than 50 percent of what it was last year. Some observers have linked the drop to increased action by the Libyan coast guard to stop boats carrying immigrants to Europe. Before arriving in Italy, Abdul Adan lived Libya. While there, Adan says, he was held hostage, tortured, and forced to work as a slave. He later escaped on a boat to Italy. “To do our work with bees, it’s not a work that is hard,” he says. “I had already passed through stages that are harder than working with bees. If I tell you the Libyans who took us for work, you know how much we had to eat? One piece of bread a day, and we worked hard.” Beekeeping threats Francesco Panella is president of a group called Bee Life EU. Panella has worked as a beekeeper for more than 40 years. He feels that migrant workers are important for Italy. “In reality, we have a huge problem in our country,” he says. “On one side, there is a huge problem with unemployment. But the other issue, it’s not at all easy to find workers for agriculture.”  Panella added that Italian agriculture is based on the work of foreigners. Both of his children are immigrants. One works in Great Britain, while the other is in the United States. He says that he thinks about this when he offers work to migrants. One of the main threats to the training program is a drop in honey production. Panella notes that Italy’s honey production this year is down 70 percent from average harvests. He thinks rising temperatures and chemical pesticides are partly to blame. While the program is helping migrants find work, life far from home can still be hard. “I feel very lonely,” said Adan. “Sometimes when I think of my family, it makes me want to go back home, but that’s the story of immigration. … Maybe one day I can go back to my country, or one day I can bring my family. No one knows what the future holds.” I’m Dan Friedell.   Ricci Shyrock originally wrote this story for VOANews.com. Phil Dierking adapted this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Do you think stopping immigration leaves businesses without workers? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.  _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   beekeeper – n. a person who raises bees honey – n. a sweet viscid material elaborated out of the nectar of flowers in the honey sac of various bees sting – v. to prick painfully pesticide – n. a product for killing insects or other creatures

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September 7, 2017

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

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News Words: Affordable

Affordable comes from the word, "afford." Anne Ball and Jonathan Evans explains in this weeks News Words.

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Older iPhone Apps Soon May Not Work

  If you have owned an iPhone or iPad for a few years, you may have apps that are outdated. Since 2013, Apple has been asking developers to update their apps. When iOS 11, the next version of the iPhone operating system, is launched soon, older apps may not work on it. Beginning with the iPhone 5s in 2013, iPhones have come with 64-bit processors. Earlier iPhones had 32-bit processors. Apple has been asking app developers to update their apps to 64-bit from 32-bit since the iPhone 5s was launched. In January of this year, users of the 32-bit apps saw warnings when they opened their apps that the apps needed to be updated. More recently, 32-bit apps have started showing another warning: "This app will not work with future versions of iOS."  SensorTower is a business that studies and reports on apps. The company says about eight percent of the apps in the iTunes App Store are 32-bit apps and may not work with iOS 11. Eight percent equals about 187,000 apps out of the 2.4 million apps in the App Store. 32-bit apps that have not been updated to 64-bit have started disappearing already from the iTunes App Store. But people who have these older apps on their iPhone and iPads can still use them for now. When iOS 11 comes out, the 32-bit apps may not work if those devices are updated to iOS 11. Apple is having an event on September 12 that will likely introduce the new iPhone and iOS 11. So, we should learn soon how they might affect 32-bit apps. How to know if you have any 32-bit apps You may be wondering whether you have any 32-bit apps on your iPhone or iPad. There is an easy way to find out. Go to “Settings,” then “General,” then “About,” then “Applications.”                         Tap on "Applications."   If you have any 32-bit apps in need of updating, they will appear on a new screen.                   Those that are 32-bit but can be updated will show at the top of the list.               What to do if you have 32-bit apps on your iPhone or iPad You may not care if some of your older apps are 32-bit and may not work with iOS 11. Maybe you have not used them in a while and did not even know that they were still on your phone. Remove them to make space on your phone. But you may care about these older apps. In fact, some may be favorites. There are several ways to deal with the 32-bit apps you want to continue using. Make sure you have the latest version of the app There may be an update to the app available that you have not downloaded to your phone yet. There is an easy way to check. If the app is at the top of the list under "Update Available," tap on the app to open it in the App Store app. A box should appear that says "Update." Tap on the box to do so. After you have updated, check “Settings” again to see if the app has changed. Do not update to iOS 11 If iOS 11 does make 32-bit apps obsolete and you have 32-bit apps you care about, you should not update to iOS 11 when it is released. But this is not a good long-term solution because iOS 11 may be useful for you. And in time you will probably have to update to iOS 11, especially if you get a new iPhone or iPad. However, this may be a good short-term solution if you have a 32-bit app you really need or want. In fact, do not update to iOS 11 until you have your apps sorted out. Find an alternative to your outdated 32-bit apps With 2.4 million apps in the App Store, iTunes may have alternative apps that you like even better than the 32-bit apps you have been using. Search for best alternative apps. Check out recommendations for newer, 64-bit apps. Also search the App Store to find replacement 64-bit apps. Contact the app developer You can also contact the developer of the 32-bit app and ask for an update. If the developer gets enough requests, it may consider updating the app to 64-bit. Or, the developer may suggest a new and improved app in the App Store. Or one that will be available soon. How to contact the developer You can try to contact the developer through the App Store. Some 32-bit apps are still there. You can find out if you go to back to “Applications” in Settings on your device. Tap on an app in the list to see if it is still in the App Store. A notice will appear if it is not available.                   But if it is, the App Store will open with the app listing. Tap on the “Developer Website” section and you will see the website address for the developer. Look for an email address on the website to contact the developer.     Do this soon because you do not know how long the app will remain in the App Store.             You can also search for the Android version of the app in Google Play. If the app is not available in the App Store anymore, search for the app in Google Play where it may still be available for Android devices. Find the developer's contact information in Google Play to ask for an update to the app. If that does not work, you again can search the developer's website to try to contact them directly. I’m Caty Weaver.    Carolyn Nicander Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Did you know that some apps may not work with iOS 11? Have you checked for 32-bit apps on your iPhone or iPad? Do you have any apps that are 32-bit? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   developer - n. a person or company that creates computer software update - v. to change (something) by including the most recent information operating system - n. the main program in a computer that controls the way the computer works and makes it possible for other programs to function​ processor - n. a part of a computer that that handles data​ introduce- v. to make (something) available for sale for the first time​ download- v. ​to move or copy (a file, program, etc.) to a computer or device alternative - adj. offering or expressing a choice recommendation - n. a suggestion about what should be done​

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South Korean Influence Shrinks With North Korean Threat

  North Korea’s efforts to develop nuclear weapons have frustrated hopes by South Korea to reduce tensions with the North through talks. The nuclear activities have also affected South Korea’s relations with both the United States and China. South Korean President Moon Jae-in took office in May. At the time, Moon said he wanted to balance contacts with sanctions to lower tensions on the Korean peninsula. In comparison, U.S. President Donald Trump has supported using “maximum pressure” on North Korea through economic sanctions and the threat of military action. Conflicting signs Yet after the North’s nuclear test this week, conservatives in South Korea have been criticizing Moon’s call for talks. President Trump also criticized the policy, calling it unworkable “appeasement.” The Moon administration has attempted to play down differences with the United States over how to deal with the growing North Korean threat. It says the two allies continue to support the idea of denuclearization. But Moon has also come out strongly against taking any preventive military action against North Korea — one that could lead to war. Bong Young-shik is with the Yonsei University Institute for North Korean Studies in Seoul. He says “President Trump might have felt frustration about a seemingly softer stance from the South Korean leadership, but at the same time the Trump administration also agrees that military options are way too risky.”   This week Moon seemed to take a stronger stance and one closer to the Trump administration’s position. On Tuesday, he voiced support for new sanctions that would cut off the money North Korea earns from foreign currency income and oil supplies. “If North Korea doesn't stop its provocations, we could face an unpredictable situation in the future,” Moon said. He made the comment on Wednesday at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Russian city of Vladivostok. However, Russian and Chinese leaders might not support new sanctions that have proven to be ineffective in slowing North Korea’s nuclear missile development program. Putin said North Koreans would “eat grass” rather than give in to outside pressure to disarm. He called for talks to settle the crisis. But the North Koreans said the nuclear tests will continue. Han Tae Song, the North's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, noted Tuesday that more North Korean missiles and nuclear tests are planned.​ Trade problems President Trump said over the weekend that he is considering withdrawing from the U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with South Korea. That could also create a problem in the security alliance to oppose North Korea’s nuclear missile program. Trump has repeatedly criticized the five-year-old FTA for creating a $27 billion U.S. trade deficit with South Korea last year. Chinese concerns about anti-missile system The possibility of increased U.S. tariffs comes at the same time the Moon administration is facing Chinese criticism for deploying the American THAAD missile defense system. China strongly objects to the radar system, calling it a threat to the country’s security. China had reportedly ordered informal restrictions on some South Korean imports and travel as retaliation. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Brian Padden reported on this story for VOANews.com. Anne Ball adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   frustrate – v. to make ineffectual; bring to nothing; to prevent from succeeding maximum – adj. the greatest amount or value of something appeasement – n. the act of pleasing someone by giving or something desired stance – n. position currency – n. the money that a country uses income – n. money that is earned from work or business sanction – n. a measure designed to punish someone or something tariff – n. a tax retaliation – n. the act of repaying in kind; taking action against someone  

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Bangladesh Struggles with Growing Numbers of Rohingya Refugees

  Bangladesh says it is struggling to build camps for the huge number of Rohingya fleeing violence in Myanmar. United Nations officials estimate that more than 120,000 people have arrived in southeastern Bangladesh over the past two weeks. Refugees started flooding across the border after violence started in Myanmar’s Rakhine state on August 25. The fighting began after a group called Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army launched attacks on police positions in Rakhine. Myanmar’s military answered the attacks with it calls “clearance operations.” Officials reported last week that at least 400 people have been killed. Myanmar security forces and militias linked to them have been accused of targeting Rohingya civilians in mass killings. Rakhine state is home to most of the Rohingya, many of whom are Muslim. Myanmar’s government considers them illegal immigrants. The Rohingya, however, say they are a minority group and have roots in the country, also called Burma, going back hundreds of years. “They have been coming and coming,” Lt. Col. Ariful Islam, a Bangladeshi border commander, told the BenarNews website. He added, “We are trying to convince them to stay at their homeland, Rakhine, but it is not always working.” Before the latest fighting, at least 400,000 Rohingya who fled earlier violence were already living in refugee camps and settlements in southeastern Bangladesh. Bangladeshi officials said the country plans to set up shelters for arriving refugees. No date was given for opening the new camp, which is to be set up near an established camp that has held more than 50,000 Rohingya since October.   An official with the U.N. refugee agency, Duniya Aslam Khan, said the existing refugee camps in Bangladesh are now “at a breaking point.” “Refugees who are arriving in Bangladesh are arriving in desperate conditions. They have been walking for three days. Many of them have not eaten since they have fled. They need medicine, they need emergency shelter, they need food, they need clean drinking water.” She added that most of the refugees are women, children and older adults. U.N. aid agencies are currently trying to raise at least $18 million to help meet the needs of new refugees. In the past, Myanmar’s leader, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, has condemned attacks on Rohingya. But the Nobel Peace Prize winner has been criticized for not doing more to halt the violence. U.N. officials have urged her to call for a ceasefire. In a statement posted to her Facebook page Wednesday, she said the people of Myanmar know very well what it means “to be deprived of human rights and democratic protection.” She added the government is committed to protecting the rights of all people and also providing “humanitarian defense.” However, Aung San Suu Kyi also said there had been "a huge iceberg of misinformation" about the violence in Rakhine state. Her statement said she spoke with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the crisis. It said they talked about a series of photographs posted on Twitter by Turkey's deputy prime minister. The photos – which were later removed - reportedly showed dead Rohingya. But they were later proven to be fake and not related to the current violence.  Rights group Amnesty International condemned Aung Suu Kyi’s statement.   "In her first comments on the crisis, instead of promising concrete action to protect the people in Rakhine state, Aung San Suu Kyi appears to be downplaying the horrific reports coming out of the area,” said Tirana Hassan, the group’s Crisis Response Director. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this for VOA Learning English. His report was based on reports from VOANews.com, Reuters, the Associated Press and Radio Free Asia. George Grow 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   desperate – adj. in great need of something deprive – v. not allow someone to have something iceberg – n. a large piece of ice floating in the ocean fake – adj. not real, false concrete – adj. related to specific things or actions

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Scientists Develop Pink-Colored 'Ruby' Chocolate

  This is What’s Trending Today… About 80 years ago, food scientists introduced the world to white chocolate. Until this week, it was the last new kind of chocolate to enter the world market. But now, scientists have invented a pink-colored chocolate.   It joins the likes of white, dark, and milk chocolate. A chocolate manufacturer in Switzerland launched the new product Tuesday in Shanghai, China. The chocolate company Barry Callebaut says that the pink color comes from the “ruby” cocoa bean. The color, the company adds, is natural. It has an “intense” and “fresh berry” taste. The Financial Times reports that ruby cocoa beans grow in Ecuador, Brazil, the Ivory Coast and other countries. Scientists worked for more than 10 years to develop ruby chocolate. Barry Callebaut is the world’s biggest supplier of cocoa. Chocolate makers around the world use its cocoa to make candy and chocolate products.  The company said in a statement that it developed the new chocolate with millennials in mind. Millennials are people born in the 1980s or 1990s. Millennials and others around the world reacted to the news of ruby chocolate on social media. Barry Callebaut is hopeful that ruby chocolate becomes popular in China. The company’s chief told reporters that it did research on the chocolate market in China, and explained that “ruby chocolate tested incredibly well in China.” Ruby chocolate products are expected to be available in stores in about six months. And that’s What’s Trending Today…   Ashley Thompson wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter edited it. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   berry –n. a small fruit incredibly –adv. very well, great, hard to believe

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