Current, Former Students Say Formal College Advice Not That Helpful

  Terri Tchorzynski works hard to help young people in the American state of Michigan succeed after they complete high school. Tchorzynski is a school counselor at a special public school called the Calhoun Area Career Center in Battle Creek, Michigan. There, students in their final two years of high school take classes that relate directly to industries in which they might work someday. Tchorzynski makes students’ plans after high school a priority, whether they expect to attend college or enter the workforce. Tchorzynski uses many tools to help her students. She makes regular presentations on issues such as financial aid. She offers special tests to help identify qualities in the students’ personalities and how those qualities might relate to a job or field of study. And she also directs students to websites that provide information on colleges and universities. All of Tchorzynksi’s hard work has gained her some national attention. The American School Counselor Association named her its School Counselor of the Year in 2017. But, a new study finds that many Americans who either completed a degree program or attended at least some college are unhappy with their high school counselors. They do not feel the advice that their counselors provided about higher education was all that helpful. Tchorzynksi says a lack of personal attention may be one reason why students are unsatisfied. But she notes that most school counselors are in a difficult position. They have more to do than just provide college advice to students. Also, she says, many counselors across the United States are overworked. "In Michigan, we’re about 750 students to one school counselor...The American School Counselor Association says it should be 250 to one. But that’s not the case...So I would say that some school counselors are probably in a spot where maybe they cannot provide the individual services...getting the students exactly what they need." Not all advice is created equal The Strada Education network is a nonprofit organization that supports the growth of higher education in the United States. Last year it partnered with the research company Gallup to ask over 22,000 Americans about their experiences with college. Researchers focused on where people received advice about what field to study in college, and how helpful the advice was. The study found four main sources of advice. There are the formal sources, such as school counselors, websites and print media. There are informal school-based sources, such as teachers and other staff. There are informal social networks, such as friends and family. And there are informal work-based networks, such as bosses and co-workers. The study showed that formal sources of advice about what to study in college were the second most commonly used, after informal social networks. But only 64 percent of people who used formal sources found them helpful at all. In other words, formal sources were the least helpful source. By comparison, informal work-based sources were the least used, with only 20 percent of people using them. Yet 83 percent of people who did found informal work-based sources to be helpful. In other words, bosses and co-workers were the most valuable sources of all. Brandon Busteed is executive director of education and workforce development at Gallup. He says it is surprising that current and former students find what some might say are the most traditional sources of advice to be so lacking. “It’s a call to action on a number of fronts, certainly to think about how we improve the formal advising that happens in and outside of schools,” he told VOA. “But also to think about how we can ramp up the number of touch points between employers…and students.” How formal sources can improve Johnny C. Taylor Jr. is the president of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. His organization supports historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, across the United States. Taylor helped connect the Strada and Gallup researchers with minority communities. Taylor suggests that in addition to being overworked, counselors may also simply have limited knowledge. He argues that many school counselors mostly have professional experience in education. Therefore they may not always know the best way to go about becoming a chemical engineer or graphic designer, for example. The limits of counselors’ knowledge is why schools need to strengthen relationships with both local employers and national professional organizations, Taylor says. These connections can provide counselors with the most up-to-date information about what a job in a given field requires. Counselors can then pass that information to students. In addition, relationships with professional groups might give students a chance to meet with employers and ask important questions themselves. Taylor says those connections are especially important for poor and minority students, whose exposure to people with high skilled jobs may be limited. "Many of them are first generation. And as first generation students, they simply don’t have engineers, doctors, lawyers in their families to give them this advice. The result is that they make really, often times, poor…college going decisions and ultimately have a certain level of regret about what schools they chose, which majors they chose when they did go to school, and, ultimately, what careers they found themselves in." Also, Taylor notes, school counselors need to pay better attention to some other considerations when giving advice. He admits that school counselors do the best they can to get students into college. But they do not often talk about the difficulties of finding a job in some fields, or the consequences of heavy student debt, he says. Tchorzynski, Busteed and Taylor all agree that, in the end, the amount of time and effort that students put in will decide how happy they are with their decisions. But students still need to be pointed in the right direction. I’m Dorothy Gundy. And I'm Pete Musto.   Pete Musto reported this for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. What do you think are the most helpful sources of advice about college? If you are a current or former college student, what are some regrets you have about the first decision you made in the process? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   counselor – n. a person who gives help and advice to students about educational and personal decisions priority – n. something that is more important than other things and that needs to be done or dealt with first financial – adj. relating to money advice – n. an opinion or suggestion about what someone should do formal – adj. made or done in an official and usually public way social network(s) – n. the collection of personal relationships a person has with other people ramp up – p.v. to increase or to cause something to increase in speed, size or number exposure – n. the fact or condition of being affected by something or experiencing something major(s) – n. the main subject studied by a college or university student consequence(s) – n. something that happens as a result of a particular action or set of conditions

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Book-smart or Street-smart: Which Is Better?

  Now, it's time for Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English. On this program we talk about words and expressions that we use in everyday conversation. Today, we will talk about the word "smart." Like many words, "smart" has lots of different meanings, depending on how and when you use it. For example, “smart" can describe someone who is very neat-looking. A person wearing an official uniform with shiny shoes and buttons can look very smart. We can also use "smart” as a verb. Used this way, it means “to feel pain.” That pain could be physical or emotional. So, if you hit your thumb with a hammer by accident, you might yell out, "Ow, that smarts!" This would be a very polite thing to yell when you experience extreme physical pain. Many of us probably wouldn’t be that polite. We would probably yell something quite different. Okay, so that’s the physical part. But a hurtful comment or remark can also smart. Those hurt in an emotional way. In another use of the word, we add "smart" to the names of devices and tools. This means that they are enabled by computers -- like a smartphone. But, by far, the most common definition of "smart" is to be very good at learning and understanding things. So, when students do well at school and get good grades, we can call them “smart.”  Being smart, however, goes beyond the classroom. People can be smart in different ways. If you have attended school for many years and have many degrees, people might call you book-smart. Book-smart people are well-read. They often know the names of great thinkers, scientists and other famous people in history. They have read classical literature. They know facts and information that many other people don't. Usually people with book-smarts are good at things like trivia games and crossword puzzles. However, being book-smart is not everything. Sometimes people who are very educated are not so smart when it comes to life skills and people skills. On the other hand, people who are good at dealing with practical life problems have lots of street-smarts. People who have street-smarts may not have read as many books or earned college degrees. But they have something just as valuable – the ability to use their experiences in many different situations. They are very aware of their surroundings. Okay, so whether you are book-smart, street-smart or both, being smart is a good thing. Usually. It may surprise you, but getting smart is not good. In conversation, "getting smart" does not mean gathering knowledge. It means you are being rude or impolite. It is very common to hear parents say to their children, "Do NOT get smart with me!” And that’s not the only “smart” expression that can get you into trouble. We often pair "smart" with "off" to make a very useful phrasal verb -- to smart off. Smarting off to someone means you are saying rude comments and showing a lack of respect. In this context, the adjective "smart" is not good. If a child has a smart mouth, they often say disrespectful, rude things. In the classroom, students who give smart answers are trying to be funny by saying rude or inappropriate things. Let's say there is a student who has a really smart mouth. She gives the teacher a smart answer in class one too many times. The teacher may say to her, "Do not get smart with me, young lady!" Or "Do NOT smart off in class!" Both mean, "Do not be rude!" There is another type of "smart" that is bad. Okay, we have all met someone who thinks they know everything about everything! Well, you can call that person a smarty-pants. These know-it-all types can be really annoying. But please note that this insult can sound a bit childish. So, being smart -- whether book-smart or street-smart -- is a great thing to be ... except when it’s not! And that's it for this Words and Their Stories. I'm Anna Matteo. So, are you book-smart, street-smart or a little of both? Does the word “smart” have a bad meaning in your language? Let us know in the Comments Section. We’d love to hear from you! “I'm book-smart and street-stupid. So, don't look for me in confession booth. I'm with my paints, and my pens, and my dry vermouth …” Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. The song at the end of the program is Sarah Slean singing “Book Smart, Street Stupid.” ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   uniform – n. a special kind of clothing that is worn by all the members of a group or organization (such as an army or team) trivia game – n. a quizzing game involving obscure facts crossword puzzle – n. a puzzle in which words that are the answers to clues are written into a pattern of numbered squares that go across and down rude – adj. not having or showing concern or respect for the rights and feelings of other people : not polite impolite – adj. not polite : rude context – n. the words that are used with a certain word or phrase and that help to explain its meaning inappropriate – adj. not right or suited for some purpose or situation : not appropriate or suitable insult – n. a rude or offensive act or statement : something that insults someone

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India’s High Court Temporarily Bans Firecrackers in New Delhi

  The air in the Indian capital, New Delhi, is among the most polluted of any city in the world. That is one reason India’s highest court has ordered a temporary ban on firecracker sales during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The observance lasts five days. During this period, many Hindus light oil lamps in homes, windows and on housetops. Crowds gather to watch fireworks at night. But the court order has angered many Indians as they prepare for Diwali, which starts October 19th. They say the order prevents them from taking part in a Hindu tradition: the lighting of fireworks. Critics have likened the court’s action to banning Christmas trees on Christmas Day. Yet supporters of the firecracker ban say the health of New Delhi’s 18-million residents is more important than traditions. They note that the city’s air can endanger human health at this time of the year because of slower winds and colder temperatures that trap more pollution. When the Indian Supreme Court announced its decision on Monday, one of the judges said “let’s try at least one Diwali without firecrackers.” The court banned fireworks last year, but only after the Diwali festival, when smog had already covered much of New Delhi. The ban was partly lifted last month. But it was put back in place after lawyers for three children asked the court to force the city to clean up its air. Supporters of the ban hope the decision will keep air pollution from reaching the levels it did last year. In the days after the 2016 festival, air quality was almost 20 times the safe limit set by the World Health Organization. Many people became sick. That led New Delhi officials to take emergency measures, including closing schools. Recently, officials temporarily banned trucks from the city, limited the movement of other motor vehicles and suspended work at building projects. Opponents of the ban ask why only firecrackers are being targeted. They say it is more important to deal with the causes of air pollution, including the large number of vehicles and the burning of waste in neighboring states. They say the explosion of firecrackers for a few hours will not affect the air pollution problem. But environmental experts say the ban will help at a time when the air is already full of pollutants. In 2015, researchers reported that the lungs of half of the children in New Delhi have been damaged because of poor air quality. Doctors blame the pollution for an increase in breathing disorders and heart attacks. They tell older adults to leave the city in winter. Harsh Vardhan is India’s environment minister. He supports the ban. He has urged people to obey it, adding that the country should “give green Diwali and our environment a chance.” But some members of his Hindu nationalist party BJP are angry about the court’s decision. One party official noted that the ban affects only the sale of firecrackers and not their use. Tajinder Singh Bagga said he plans to give firecrackers to poor children in the city, as he does each year. He said when he announced on social media that he would do so, “many people sent the message we also want to distribute, because of this ban, because people were in anger.” Chetan Bhagat is a well-known writer in India. He said on Twitter that officials should “Regulate. Don’t ban. Respect traditions.” I’m Jonathan Evans.   Anjana Pasricha reported this story from New Delhi. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for VOA 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   firecracker – n. a small paper tube containing an explosive festival – n. a celebration or observance resident – n. someone living in a place for some length of time smog – n. a fog made heavier by smoke and chemicals green – adj. relating to or being part of an environmental movement regulate – v. to bring order; to govern; to make rules  

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Kenyan Police Kill Two as Opposition Protests Presidential Revote

  Police in Western Kenya have killed two people during a protest against the planned revote of August’s presidential election. The violence took place in Siaya County. The police chief of Bondo said three others were injured with gunshot wounds. Police used tear gas to break up demonstrations that were defying a ban on protests in Kenya’s three major cities, including the capital, Nairobi. Kenya’s electoral commission, the IEBC, decided this week that the repeat presidential election will take place on October 26. Opposition candidate Raila Odinga and his coalition withdrew from that election earlier this week. They hope the move would lead to the cancelation of the election and new candidate nominations. Odinga cited a Supreme Court decision in 2013 that says a withdrawal must lead to the cancelation of the race. The IEBC said that it cannot force a candidate to take part in an election.  But it said Odinga did not submit the official document needed to remove his name, but only sent a letter. The protest ban came after the opposition party promised to hold demonstrations to demand changes in election procedures. Interior Minister Fred Matiangi released the order on Thursday. It bars protests in central Mombassa, Kisumu and Nairobi. The order said there was a “clear, present and imminent danger of breach of peace.” Peaceful demonstrations are permitted by Kenya’s constitution. But Matiangi said he would not accept those who “destroy property and businesses of innocent people.” Matiangi said it was the responsibility of the opposition to follow the law unless it meant to hurt innocent people. Thousands of protestors demonstrated on the streets of Nairobi Wednesday, one day after Odinga announced he would not take part in the re-vote. In September, the Supreme Court cancelled the results of the August 8 election after charges of problems with the vote counting. The high court required that new elections take place within 60 days. I’m Susan Shand Susan Shand adapted this story for Learning English from reports by VOA News. Mario Ritter was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   cite - v. to mention (something) especially as an example or to support an idea or opinion. procedures –n. imminent - adj. happening very soon breach - v. a failure to do what is required by a law, an agreement.

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EU 'Ready to Welcome' Belarus President to Eastern Partnership Meeting

  The European Union is reportedly ready to welcome President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus to its Eastern Partnership (EaP) meeting next month. It is the first time EU officials have permitted Lukashenka to attend the meeting. The EaP summit will open in Brussels on November 24. EU sources say Belarus was invited to take part in the summit "without restrictions" -- just like the five other EaP members: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. The sources spoke with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Both RFE/RL and Voice of America are part of the United States-financed Broadcasting Board of Governors. There were four earlier EaP summits. Before each of them, the EU said the president of Belarus was not welcome to attend. Alexander Lukashenko has ruled Belarus for 21 years. He has been called the “last dictator of Europe.” Lukashenko has been president since 1994. He won a fifth term in a 2015 election that Western observers say was neither free nor fair. The Belarus government was represented by its foreign minister at the last Eastern Partnership summit, which was held in Riga in 2015. The EU launched the partnership in 2009 to support economic integration and European values in six Eastern European and South Caucasus countries. The EU announced restrictive measures against Belarus in 2004 after two opposition politicians disappeared. In 2010, the European Council took steps to punish Belarus after unrest following their earlier presidential election. But in February 2016, the EU lifted most of the restrictions against the country. The organization said it had cancelled the sanctions “in response to the release of all Belarusian political prisoners on [August 22, 2016] and in the context of improving EU-Belarus relations.” I’m Dorothy Gundy.   Rikard Jozwiak reported this story from Brussels for RFE/RL. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted his report for VOA 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   summit – n. a meeting or meetings between top leaders source – n. a person who supplies what is wanted or needed; the cause of something integration – n. the act of uniting different things in the context of – expression when considered with related events

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English in a Minute: The Jury is Still Out

A jury is a group that decides the results of a trial. Are Anna and Jonathan in some sort of legal trouble?

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Lesson 6: Where Is the Gym?

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

  Have you ever heard of a paw paw?  If not, do not feel bad. Most Americans do not know of the fruit, although it is native to the United States. Once, however, it was one of the most popular fruits in North America.   Happily, those who love the paw paw are trying to return it to its former position in American foods. America’s tropical fruit  A paw paw is a tropical-like fruit that grows on trees found all over the eastern United States. It’s also the largest edible fruit native to the US.  It is similar to a typical mango in size. It has a dull green-colored skin, and a soft, almost-creamy orange inside.   Most people agree that the pawpaw tastes like a combination of a banana, an apricot and a mango.  Most people are very surprised by its sweet taste.  At one time, it could be found as far west as Nebraska.  It also grows along the East Coast from New York to Florida. The fruit has a very short harvest season, from two to three weeks in September and October.  ​A forgotten history  The paw paw was an important food for Native Americans and even early European settlers.    Paw paws reportedly were a favorite treat of George Washington, the first U.S. president, who especially liked them cold. Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president, was also a fan of the fruit. He planted paw paws at Monticello, his home in Virginia.  He also sent paw paw seeds to his friends in France. American explorers Lewis and Clark wrote in their journals about the paw paw.  Today, paw paws remain popular in the Appalachian mountain area.  Not easily commercialized  The paw paw has never been sold commercially.  The fruit requires a very special environment -- low, wet areas that sometimes flood.  In addition, the fruit is good to eat for only two to three days after harvesting. This makes it hard to sell anywhere distant from the paw paw tree it came from. ​Making a comeback  Planters are again growing paw paw trees and harvesting the fruit. In several states farmers have organized “paw paw festivals” to reintroduce people to the food.  At such a festival in Maryland recently, farmers displayed different products made with paw paws. There were paw paw jams, pies, gelato, and beer. Michael Judd helped organize the Maryland paw paw festival.  “It has that energy, and the people here today, there's an excitement, because they are trying something totally new but also exotic that grows here.”  Farmers are trying to grow kinds of paw paw that will be easier to ship and sell commercially.  Donna and Jim Davis are paw paw farmers in Westminster, Maryland. They told National Public Radio that they purchased their paw paw trees in the 1990s and now sell the fruit at farmers markets and online.    So, who knows? Maybe the paw paw will show up soon at a market near you. I’m Phil Dierking    Milena Gjorgjievska​ wrote this story for VOA News. Phil Dierking adapted it for VOA Learning English with additional materials. Caty Weaver was the editor.  Do you have any special fruits or vegetables that you can only find in your country?  We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.   _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story    dull - adj. not bright creamy - adj. smooth and soft commercial - adj.  related to or used in the buying and selling of goods and services edible – adj. suitable or safe to eat  

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'The Murders in the Rue Morgue,' by Edgar Allen Poe, Part Five

We present the last of five parts of the short story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," by Edgar Allen Poe. The story was originally adapted and recorded by the VOA Learning English. I was stunned. August Dupin, my friend with the extraordinarily sharp mind and observational powers still had surprises for me! He had uncovered so much about the horrifying Rue Morgue murders that it seemed there was more understanding than mystery left. But still the major question remained: Who?  Dupin had invited someone to our home…someone he believed knew the answer to that question. As we awaited his arrival, my friend began to put together other pieces of evidence from the crime. “We add for our consideration the condition of the room.  So we have: a strength more than human; a wildness less than human; a murder without reason; horror beyond human understanding; and, finally, a voice without a recognizable language.” A cold feeling went up and down my back. “A madman, Dupin! Someone who has lost his mind. Only a madman could have done these murders!” Dupin smiled a little. “Ah, but madmen come from one country or another, don’t they. Their cries may be terrible, but they are made of words, and some of the words can be understood. Let me help with one more clue. Look at this hair. I took it from the fingers of the old woman. Is this the hair of a madman?” Dupin handed me the evidence. I could not believe what I was looking at or the feel of it in my hands. “Dupin, what is this? This hair is…this hair is not from a human at all!!” “I described it only as hair. But, also look at this picture. It is a picture of the marks on the daughter’s neck. The doctors said these marks were made by fingers. Let me spread the paper on the table before us. Try to put your fingers, all at the same time, on the picture, so that your hand and its fingers will fit the picture of the marks on the daughter’s neck.” The marks left by the killer’s hands were enormous. My fingers seemed like twigs in comparison. “Dupin! These marks were made by no human hand!” “No. They were not. I am guessing they are from the hand of an orangutan. The size, strength and wildness of these apes is well known. “And the hair and strange sounds would complete the solution of killer animal, as well. Yet, I still do not understand the second voice. We know it was a French speaking man. His only words were ‘Mon Dieu.’ Who spoke, Dupin?” “Upon those two words I have placed my hopes of finding a full solution to the crime. The ‘My God’ was an expression of horror. It seems improbable that the speaker of those words helped the orangutan. Could instead he be its owner? Maybe the animal escaped from him, and he followed it to the house on the Rue Morgue. I assume that the man would not have been able to recapture it.”  “Is that who we are waiting for now, Dupin, the Frenchman? How did you reach him?” Dupin smiled when he answered. “I put an ad in the newspaper. Read it yourself.” I took the newspaper. Caught — Early in the morning of the seventh of this month: a very large orangutan. The owner, who is known to be a sailor, may have the animal again if he can prove it is his. “But, Dupin. How can you know that the man is a sailor?” “I do not know it. I simply suspect. A sailor could go up that pole on the side of the house. Sailors travel to faraway lands where one might find an orangutan. And it would be valuable. The sailor would want it back so…” (KNOCK ON DOOR) “Finally, Dupin, we will learn the whole truth.” “Come in, my friend! Come in!” Slowly the door opened, and there, before us, stood a sailor! He spoke in French. “Bonsoir.” “Good evening to you too, my friend. I suppose you have come to ask about the orangutan?” “Yes, is it here?” “No, no. We have no place for it here. If can prove it is yours…” “But of course, I can.” “A shame, I wish I could keep it. It is very valuable, I guess. “Well, I want it back…of course, I will pay you for your trouble to find it and keep it. What is your price?” “Well…that is very fair, indeed, but it is not money I want, sir. My price is truth. Tell me everything you know about the murders in the Rue Morgue.” The sailor’s face reddened deeply. He jumped to his feet. For a moment, he stood and stared. But then he fell back into his chair, trembling. His face grew pale. His eyes closed. And he said not a word. Dupin then spoke, softly. “My friend, you must not be afraid. We are not going to hurt you. I know very well that you yourself are not the killer. But it is true that you know something about him — or about it. You’ve done nothing wrong. You didn’t even take any of the money. You have no reason to be afraid to talk and to tell the truth. It is a matter of honor for you to tell all you know. “So help me God! I…I’ll tell you all I know. About a year ago our ship sailed to the Far East, to the island of Borneo. The forest there, the jungle, was thick with trees and other plants, and hot and wet and dark. My friend and I wanted to explore the strange place. So we did. There we saw the orangutan and caught it. And it returned with us to the ship. My friend died on the passage home. So, the animal became mine alone. I was keeping it in a cage in my house, here in Paris. I planned to sell it very soon. One night I came home and it was…it was loose. It had got free, I don’t know how. It held a knife in its hands. It did not know of its dangers, of course. It was playing with it. As soon as the animal saw me it jumped up and ran from the house. I followed. It ran several blocks and turned a corner. When I made the same turn, the animal was out of sight. I looked far down the street and saw nothing. Then, I heard a noise above me. There was the beast, climbing a pole up the side of a house. It was maybe two meters up. I also went up the pole. As I am a sailor it was easy for me. When the animal was close to the top I saw him jump through an open window. I got to the same place but could not make the jump. I could see into the room, however, through another window, which was closed. “The two women were sitting there, looking at papers from a box on the floor. The animal, knife still in hand made a noise and the old woman turned. That is when I heard the first of those terrible cries. I watched with horror as the animal attacked. Soon the two were dead and the room was a disaster. The orangutan then pushed the young woman’s body up the chimney. It picked up the other victim, then, and moved toward the window. I realized what was coming and I fled. Down the pipe, I scrambled. At the bottom I heard the old woman’s body hit the ground. I ran. I didn’t look back. I ran! Oh, mon Dieu, mon Dieu!” The police in Paris could not charge the sailor. His only wrongdoing was silence which is not a criminal offense, the police chief said. However, the official did have a problem with Dupin. He was angry that Dupin and not a member of his force had solved the mystery. He said people should mind their own business.  “Let him complain. He’ll feel better for it. And maybe learn something. Perhaps, he will never again say ‘Not possible!’ about that which, somehow, must be possible.”   Download activities to help you understand this story here. Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. Have you ever thought you knew the solution to a difficult or complex problem, but the solution was something far different than what you expected? What was that experience like? Let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   stun(ned) – v. to surprise or upset someone very much madman – n. a man who has severe mental illness clue – n. something that helps a person find something, understand something, or solve a mystery or puzzle hand(ed) – v. to give something to someone using your hands neck – n. the part of the body between the head and shoulders enormous – adj. very great in size or amount twig(s) – n. a small branch of a tree or bush orangutan – n. a large ape that has very long arms and reddish-brown hair ape – n. a type of animal (such as a chimpanzee or gorilla) that is closely related to monkeys and humans and that is covered in hair and has no tail or a very short tail redden(ed) – v. to make something red or to become red stare(d) – v. to look at someone or something for a long time often with your eyes wide open pale – adj. having a skin color that is closer to white than is usual or normal cage – n. a box made of wire or metal bars in which people keep animals or birds loose – adj. (informal) – having escaped, such as an animal from a cage corner – n. the place where two streets or roads meet beast – n. a wild animal that is large, dangerous, or unusual scramble(d) – v. to move or climb over something quickly especially while also using your hands mind (their) own business – expression. do not be so interested in what other people are doing. (The word "their" can be replaced with other personal pronouns, depending on the situation.) complain – v. to say or write that you are unhappy, sick, uncomfortable, or that you do not like something

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Anger Grows Over Reports of Sex Abuse by Producer Harvey Weinstein

  The organization that awards Oscars for best movies is deciding what to do with Harvey Weinstein. The movie producer is facing charges of sexual abuse from many women, including well-known Hollywood actors. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences runs the Academy Awards, or Oscars. In a statement, it said the charges against Weinstein are “abhorrent." It said the meeting this weekend will decide what action it will take.  The New York Times newspaper and The New Yorker magazine reported many charges of sexual abuse against Weinstein. He produced Oscars-winning movies such as “Shakespeare in Love,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “Good Will Hunting.” Among those accusing Weinstein of sexual abuse were movie stars including Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rosanna Arquette. Jolie told the New York Times that in the late 1990s, during the release of the movie, “Playing by Heart,” Weinstein made unwanted advances on her in a hotel room. Jolie said she rejected the advances. “I had a bad experience with Harvey Weinstein in my youth, and as a result, chose never to work with him again and warn others when they did,” Jolie told the Times. The Times reported that Weinstein or his representatives had settled with eight women . After the Times story, Weinstein was dismissed by the board of his production company, the Weinstein Company. In the New Yorker, two actresses, Asia Argento and Lucia Evans, accused Weinstein of raping them. A third actress made the same accusation, but chose not to be identified. A spokeswoman for Weinstein said he believes all his relationships with women were “consensual,” meaning they were carried out with permission. The spokeswoman said Weinstein has begun getting professional help and “is hoping that, if he makes enough progress, he will be given a second chance.” Other powerful men also accused of sexual abuse The accusations against Weinstein are far from the first against powerful men. At Fox News, former chairman Roger Ailes and popular TV host Bill O’Reilly were forced to step down after reports of unwanted sexual advances by Fox employees. Bill Cosby, a longtime television and movie star, has been charged with dozens of acts of sexual assault, dating back decades. Former President Bill Clinton sexual relationship with a White House intern in the 1990s led to congressional moves to remove him from office, though they were unsuccessful. The accusations against Weinstein brought him criticism from actors who worked on his movies, and even from politicians he had backed financially. Here is what actor Ben Affleck said: “I am saddened and angry that a man who I worked with used his position of power to intimidate, sexually harass and manipulate many women over decades.” He said some of the recent charges of assault “made me sick.” Former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who received financial help from Weinstein for her campaigns, said she was “shocked” and angered by the reports. And former President Barack Obama, who also benefited from Weinstein’s political support, said, “Michelle and I have been disgusted by the recent reports about Harvey Weinstein.” Why did it take so long? Some wonder why it took so long for people to come forward with reports of sexual advances and attacks from years ago. Caroline Heldman is a politics professor at Occidental College in California. She has worked with women who say they were victims of sexual attacks by Bill Cosby. Heldman said, “It's difficult to report sexual harassment and sexual assault because oftentimes the victim will not be believed. We live in a culture that doesn't take these crimes seriously for the most part, and we tend to blame the victim.” Some people who report sexual attacks do so “at great personal cost,” including loss of work, Heldman said. Heldman believes all the news reports about Harvey Weinstein might encourage other victims of sexual violence to come forward. And she believes this worries other powerful people in the entertainment industry. “Hollywood is full of Harvey Weinsteins,” she said. Jeremy Zimmer heads the United Talent Agency, which represents performers and writers in movies, theater, television and video games. The  trade magazine Variety reported that Zimmer recently sent a message to UTA employees sharply criticizing Weinstein and saying sexual harassment will not be accepted at UTA. He urged victims of unwanted sexual actions to come forward, promising their reports will be taken seriously. “Fear and silence is never the answer…you will be heard,” he wrote. I’m Caty Weaver. And I'm Bruce Alpert.                      Bruce Alpert reported on this story for Learning English based on reports by VOA News and other sources. Caty Weaver 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   abhorrent - adj. deserving strong disapproval advances - n. efforts to start a sexual relationship assault - n. the crime of trying or threatening to hurt someone physically decades - n. multiple periods of 10 years intimidate - v. to make someone afraid manipulate - v. to deal with or control someone, often in an unfair or selfish way disgust - v. to cause (someone) to feel very annoyed and angry harassment - n. aggressive pressure to do something unwanted tend - v. used to describe what often happens or what someone often does or is likely to do  

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Japanese Steelmaker Admits False Safety Information

  The Japanese manufacturer Kobe Steel is investigating problems with safety inspection information about its products. The company reported “improper conduct” related to some steel, aluminum and copper products. On Wednesday, the company said in a statement that an outside legal company was carrying out an investigation. While facing the news media in Tokyo Thursday, Kobe Steel’s chief executive officer Hiroya Kawasaki bowed deeply to apologize. “Trust in our company has dropped to zero,” he said. Kawasaki said the most important issue now was to carry out safety checks of the products in question. The admission has raised concerns about the safety of some of Kobe Steel’s products, which are used in cars, trains, aircraft and household machines. However, the company’s latest statement raises questions about whether the problem is more widespread than earlier reported. As many as 500 companies could be affected. Company looking back at data from up to 10 years News reports say Kobe Steel may have fabricated inspection information about steel powder used to manufacture parts for cars and other uses. Earlier, the company had reported that inspection certificates had been improperly written for aluminum and copper products. Thousands of tons of steel, aluminum and copper are involved. Kobe Steel also has started an investigation of Kobelco Research Institute, which tests products for the company. The company is looking into information going back 10 years. Materials used by many large international companies Kobe Steel, also known as Kobelco, is Japan’s third largest steel maker. The company is a worldwide supplier of steel, aluminum and copper materials. The conglomerate also manufactures machinery, generates power and has several other businesses including real estate. Products made by Kobe Steel are used not only in Japan, but by large corporations around the world. Companies such as car makers Toyota and Ford, and aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Mitsubishi are investigating the reports. Other car makers affected include General Motors and Daimler. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami called on Kobe Steel to investigate the causes of the problem and make sure they do not happen again. He added that the company needed “to restore the trust of not only its customers but of society as a whole.” The news of the use of false product information is the most recent problem reported by a major Japanese company. Dangerous airbags made by Japan’s Takata Corporation were blamed for a number of deaths. The manufacturing problems resulted in a huge recall, $1 billion in fines and the company seeking bankruptcy protection from its creditors. Recently, car maker Nissan also faced scandal about false safety inspection information. Last year, Mitsubishi was caught for providing false information about its vehicles’ fuel usage. A company linked to Kobe Steel, Shinko Wire Stainless Co., reported it had given false strength testing information about some of its steel products last year. I’m Mario Ritter.   Mario Ritter adapted this story from Reuters, AP and other sources for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _____________________________________________________________  Words in This Story   improper –adj. not right, not correct conglomerate –n. a company that operates businesses in several industries that may be related or not fabricated –adj. made up, fictional not factual certificates –n. a document that provide proof that something is correct or has met certain requirements customers –n. someone who buys good or services from a business scandal –n. an incident that causes shock or disapproval by people who find it to be wrong We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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