Saudi Arabia to Permit Movie Theaters After 35-Year Ban

  Saudi Arabia’s government says it will lift a ban on movie theaters starting next year. The move was announced Monday by the country’s ministry of culture and information. The decision was the latest in a series of social reforms announced in recent months by the conservative Middle East kingdom. An official statement said the government will begin the licensing process in the next few weeks. The first cinemas are expected to open by March 2018. The government ordered the closure of all movie theaters in Saudi Arabia in the early 1980s during a wave of religious conservatism. Saudi Arabia follows Sharia law, which is based on a strict interpretation of Islam. Many religious leaders see movie theaters as a threat to Saudi Arabia’s culture and religious identity. But Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been carrying out several social and economic reforms. Some of them removed parts of the kingdom’s conservative rules.   Saudi Arabia has also announced policy changes to extend more rights to women. These include plans to allow women to drive vehicles and to attend events at all-male sports stadiums. The reforms are part of bin Salman’s Vision 2030 campaign, which is aimed at boosting spending and creating more local jobs. Saudi Arabia is the world’s top oil exporter. But it has suffered economic effects from lower oil prices in recent years. The Saudi government says the opening of movie theaters will add more than $24 billion to the economy and create more than 30,000 jobs by 2030. Officials predict during that year, at least 300 cinemas with about 2,000 screens will be operating. In announcing the cinema decision, the head of the culture and information ministry said it marked a “watershed moment” in the development of the country’s “cultural economy.” While the latest decision will allow the licensing of theaters, the government will maintain control over the censoring of films. Reuters news agency reports the government will make sure the movies are “in line with values and principles in place, and do not contradict with Sharia Laws and moral values in the kingdom.” Many involved in the country’s film community praised the decision. “Saudi Arabia is always in the news, but it’s nice to be in the news in this way,” said Los Angeles-based Saudi director Haifaa Al Mansour. In 2012, the director released “Wadjda,” the first full-length feature film shot completely in Saudi Arabia. “It is a beautiful day in #Saudi Arabia!” she tweeted. Saudi actor and producer Hisham Fageeh also expressed his excitement. “It's spectacular news. We are in a state of shock,” he said. Dubai-based shopping center company and cinema operator Majid Al Futtaim was also pleased to hear the announcement. It said it will seek to open the first movie theater in Saudi Arabia. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. His story was based on reports from the Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Hai Do was the editor. What are your thoughts on Saudi Arabia’s recent moves to ease some rules? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story cinema – n. a movie theater screen – n. the surface onto which a picture is projected watershed – n. moment in time when important change happens censor – v. to examine books, movies, etc. in order to remove things considered to be offensive, immoral or harmful to society contradict – v. say the opposite of something someone else says  

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Small Bomb Explodes in New York Subway, 4 Injured

A small bomb exploded near an underground train station in New York’s Times Square on Monday. The explosion during rush hour injured the suspected bomber and three other people. All four were sent to the hospital for treatment. Police described the incident as an attempted terror attack. The explosion happened in an underground passageway that connects Times Square station on 42nd Street to a station under the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Many people were in the passageway when the explosion caused it to fill with smoke. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “Thank God the perpetrator did not achieve his ultimate goals.” The suspect was identified as 27-year-old Akayed Ullah. New York officials said the Islamic State terrorist group inspired the suspect but that he did not have direct contact with it. Officials said he lives in Brooklyn and possibly was born in Bangladesh. A video from a security camera shows the suspect in the tunnel when the bomb exploded in a burst of white smoke. It shows the suspect on the ground and people fleeing the area. The New York Post newspapers published a photo of the man lying on the ground with his shirt torn off and burn marks on his body. And police officers hold the man’s hands behind his back. The explosion at 7:30 a.m. closed the nation’s busiest bus station, eight underground train lines and all the streets around Times Square. Elrana Peralta works close to where the bomb exploded. She did not hear the explosion. She said, “All we could hear was the chaos. We could hear people yelling, ‘Get out! Get out! Get out!’ John Miles was waiting for a bus to Massachusetts. He also did not hear the explosion, but saw police react. “I didn’t know what was going on. Officers were running around. I was freaking out,” he said. There was an announcement that people should leave the area. On October 31, another act of terror killed eight people in New York City. The suspect in that attack drove a truck down a crowded bicycle path. Officials said by the area of Monday’s explosion would be re-opened by the nighttime rush hour. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the explosion. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on AP news reports. Caty Weaver was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   rush hour - n. a time of day early in the morning or late in the afternoon when many people are traveling to work or to get home after work perpetrator - n. a person who plans to do something illegal or wrong achieve - v. to reach a goal ultimate - adj. final inspire - v. make someone want to do something freaking - adj. informal, use to make a statement more forceful

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Lesson 13: Happy Birthday, William Shakespeare!

Summary It's a Sunday afternoon in Washington, D.C. Anna is bored. She finds something interesting to do when she hears music playing.    Speaking In this video, learn to say the new words. Learn to talk about cause and effect. You can also download the Activity Sheet and practice talking about your usual - and unusual - activities. Pronunciation ​In this video, you ​learn about what happens when two words with same sound come together.​ Conversation   Anna: Hello! In Washington D.C. there are many things to do on a Sunday afternoon. I like to exercise. I like to shop. I like to garden. But today I feel bored. When I feel bored I always look for something unusual to do! I hear music. Let’s go see! What is going on here? Rebecca: It’s a big birthday party for the writer William Shakespeare. Anna: This is a party for William Shakespeare? Rebecca: Yes! Anna: Awesome! Rebecca: Awesome! Anna: This is a drum band. I never listen to a drum band. But today I am listening to a drum band because it’s Shakespeare’s birthday! Anna: This is a puppet show.  I never watch puppet shows. But today I am watching a puppet show because it’s Shakespeare’s birthday! Anna: My clothes are usual. His clothes are unusual. Anna: In Washington, D.C. seeing a politician or even the President is usual. Seeing the Queen of England is very unusual! Your majesty! Anna: This is sword fighting. I never sword fight. But today I am sword fighting because it’s Shakespeare’s birthday! Anna: There are many things to do on a Sunday in Washington, D.C. -- some usual, some unusual. Anna: Today, I am not bored because … it is William Shakespeare’s birthday!   Writing What do you usually do on a Sunday afternoon? (Or on your day off.)​ Send us an email or write about how frequently you do different activities in the Comments section. Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice with a friend. Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The learning strategy for this lesson is Make an Inference. Learning English is easier when you can make an inference about meaning. Here is an example. Rory is traveling. At the airport, he is looking for his airline when he walks into a woman by mistake. She yells at him, "Hey, don't be so inconsiderate! Watch where you're going!" Rory does not know the word "inconsiderate." But the woman's angry face and loud voice help him to understand that she is angry. He makes the inference that "inconsiderate" means "rude," or "impolite," and he quickly apologizes. "Oh, I'm very sorry! I am looking for the airline desk."  The woman says, "Okay, but be more careful." How do you make inferences in studying English? Write to us in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.   Listening Quiz Test your understanding by taking this listening quiz. ______________________________________________________________ New Words   band – n. a usually small group of musicians who play popular music together because – conj. for the reason that birthday - n. the day when someone was born or the anniversary of that day bored – adj. tired and annoyed by too much of the same thing; not interested drum - n. a musical instrument that is made with a thin layer of skin or plastic stretched over the end of a round frame and that is played by hitting the skin or plastic with sticks or with your hands exercise – v. physical activity that is done in order to become stronger and healthier fight - v. to use weapons or physical force to try to hurt someone, to defeat an enemy, etc. or to struggle in battle or physical combat party - n. a social event in which entertainment, food, and drinks are provided politician - n. someone who is active in government usually as an elected official President - n. the head of the government in some countries puppet - n. a doll that is moved by putting your hand inside it or by pulling strings or wires that are attached to it Queen -  n. a woman who rules a country and who usually inherits her position and rules for life shop – v. to visit places where goods are sold in order to look at and buy things show - n. a performance in a theater that usually includes singing and dancing sword - n. a weapon with a long metal blade that has a sharp point and edge unusual - adj. different or strange in a way that attracts attention usual – adj. done, found, or used most of the time or in most cases, or normal or regular watch -  v. to look at (someone or something) for an amount of time and pay attention to what is happening   ______________________________________________________________ Free Materials   Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. In this lesson, you can use it to practice using frequency adverbs to talk about      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: Frequency adverbs, cause and effect phrases Topics: Usual and unusual activities Learning Strategy: Make an Inference Speaking & Pronunciation Focus: Using frequency adverbs to talk about cause and effect; blended sounds ______________________________________________________________ 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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George H.W. Bush: Cautious

  VOA Learning English presents America’s Presidents. Today we are talking about George Herbert Walker Bush. Before he became president in 1989, Bush had a lot of experience in government. He spent four years in the United States House of Representatives, worked as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and led the Central Intelligence Agency, or CIA. Then, for eight years, he was vice president under Ronald Reagan. Interestingly, in U.S. history, a person serving as vice president rarely becomes president after the sitting president leaves office at the end of his term. Before George H.W. Bush, the last time such an event happened was in 1836. At that time, Martin Van Buren took office after the two-term presidency of Andrew Jackson. Yet neither Bush nor Van Buren was able to successfully deal with some of the problems facing the country during their years in office, or to persuade voters to elect them for a second term. While many people respect Bush for his foreign policy successes, his years in office are also remembered as a time of economic problems and social unrest. Early Life George Bush was born into a wealthy family in Massachusetts, and raised in a Connecticut town near New York City. He had three brothers and a sister. Their father was a business leader who became a U.S. senator. Their mother was active doing public service work. The family employed servants, but Mrs. Bush did not want her children’s privileged position to make them think they were special. Instead, she taught them to work hard and help others. When he was a young man, George Bush moved away from home to attend a private high school in Massachusetts. There, he played baseball and soccer, and was elected student body president.  On his 18th birthday, Bush joined the U.S. Navy. For three years, he fought in World War II. At the time, he was the youngest pilot in the Navy, and earned a medal for bravery.In early 1945, he married a young woman he had met at a dance. Her name was Barbara Pierce. After the war, she and George moved to Connecticut, where he studied economics at Yale University and played on the school’s baseball team. In time, they moved to the southern state of Texas. George Bush worked in the oil industry, and became president of a company that sold oil drilling equipment. George and Barbara Bush mostly raised their four sons and one daughter in the Houston, Texas area. Another daughter died of cancer when she was a child. In time, George Bush decided to follow his father’s example and enter politics. He became a Republican Party official. Then he was elected to the U.S. Congress, representing part of Houston. Despite having a home in Texas, opponents and the public connected Bush with the East Coast and the upper class. That image created some problems for Bush in the presidential election of 1980. By then, he had held other high offices in the federal government, and had been successful as the head of the CIA. But voters liked another Republican candidate, former California governor Ronald Reagan. Many Americans remembered Reagan from his days in movies and on television. When Reagan was nominated as the party’s candidate for president, he asked Bush to be vice president. For eight years, Bush held the office, and worked closely with Reagan on foreign policy and other issues. In 1988, Bush finally won the presidency in his own right. Presidency On entering the White House, the new president promised to continue many of Reagan’s policies of limited government. While he was a candidate, Bush often said that, if elected, he would not raise taxes. Bush also said that he wanted the United States to be “a kinder and gentler” nation. He wanted especially to support community organizations in their efforts to reduce crime, homelessness, and drug abuse. He also signed legislation to help people with disabilities, and to protect the environment.  But Bush faced a number problems. One was a large budget deficit, created in part by increased military spending during the Reagan years. Another were disputes in Congress with the Democratic Party. And another was a banking crisis. After years of problems in the savings and loan industry, more than 1,000 small financial institutions failed. In time, Congress agreed to spend billions of dollars to help the industry recover. And President Bush had to break his promise not to raise taxes. He pointed out that he needed to balance the budget; however, many Americans and some members of his own party felt betrayed. The economic troubles helped create a mood of unrest in the country. The feeling was strengthened by events around the world. Soon after Bush took office, the Chinese government launched a campaign to stop protests in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. A few months later, the Berlin Wall came down. The wall separated East and West Germany. Many considered its collapse to be the end of the Soviet Union’s control of Eastern Europe. At the same time, the leader of Panama, Manuel Noriega, was threatening Americans. He was also accused of supporting drug traffickers and the drug trade in the United States. Bush answered all the events in a calm, cautious way. He tried to keep good relations with China and the Soviet Union. In time, he ordered military action in Panama, and U.S. troops ousted Noriega. Supporters praised Bush’s cool head and way of doing things. But critics questioned Bush’s decisions. Some said he went too far. Others said he did not go far enough. ​ The same criticisms and support were repeated during the Gulf War against Iraq. In brief, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein ordered his forces to invade and occupy Kuwait. Bush and other world leaders created an international coalition to seek a diplomatic solution. When diplomacy failed, U.S. troops led international air strikes against Iraq. Coalition forces also attacked on the ground. In a few weeks, the Iraqi leadership agreed to a ceasefire. Some criticized Bush for letting Saddam Hussein stay in power. But the American public largely approved of Bush’s actions. He won praise for helping create an international coalition to answer the Iraqi occupation. The effort showed what some called a “New World Order.” The U.S. and Soviet Union had even worked successfully together. Yet, soon after the end of the Gulf War, Bush failed in his efforts at re-election. The U.S. economy had entered a recession. And Bush was not able to connect effectively with voters, even though those who knew him personally said Bush was a kind, gentle person. One of his last acts as president was to write a note for the candidate who had beat him, wishing him well. Legacy  George H.W. Bush retired to his home in Texas with his wife, Barbara. They also have a house in Maine. Bush often urged Americans to help others in their community. He put his words into action by volunteering with his church and supporting a local hospital. On his 90th birthday, Bush did something unusual to test his image as a cautious person. He celebrated by going sky diving. For many, Bush is remembered for his connection to other presidents. He is often linked to the Reagan years. Compared to Reagan, Bush is usually considered a less conservative leader, as well as a less charismatic one.  By the 21st century, historians began comparing the former president Bush with another president: his son, George Walker Bush, who took office eight years after his father left it. I’m Kelly Jean Kelly.   Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Quiz See how well you understand the story by taking this listening quiz. Play each short video, then choose the best answer. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   privileged - adj. having special rights or advantages that most people do not have soccer - n. called also (British) football drill - n. a tool used for making holes in hard substances gentle - adj.  having or showing a kind and quiet nature : not harsh or violent cautious - adj. careful about avoiding danger or risk charismatic - adj.  having great charm or appeal      

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Doctors Use Virtual Reality to Prepare for Surgeries

Felicia Luna had a really bad headache. She said the painful pressure felt “like someone was squeezing my head really tight.” The pain became so bad that the 41-year-old woman could not lie down and rest her head on a pillow.   Her main doctor and a specialist told Luna that she needed to stop worrying. Then, she went to the Stanford Medical Center in California. There, she was told doctors needed to operate on an aneurysm in her brain. And they needed to act quickly. Doctor Gary Steinberg said the aneurysm was in danger of breaking. The operation he proposed would be very complex. Luna worried a lot about the treatment. She also wanted to know more about it. So Steinberg decided to use virtual reality technology to improve and explain the surgical operation. A three dimensional roadmap of the brain To do this, medical experts needed to take three dimensional (3D) images of Luna’s brain. A dye, or colored fluid, was injected into her bloodstream. Doctors then used computerized tomography (CT) technology to make detailed pictures of her brain and blood vessels. Malie Collins is program coordinator of the Stanford Neurological Simulation and Virtual Reality Center. She creates the images Steinberg uses when preparing for surgery. Collins once worked for an Ohio company called Surgical Theater. It makes software programs with the ability to turn medical images into 3D tools for surgeons. Doctors can see the images using headsets like Oculus Rift or similar devices. Collins trained Stanford’s medical workers to use the equipment. Then she joined the team. Collins and Steinberg created the neurological simulation and virtual reality center. It is said to be the first virtual reality medical center in the United States. Part of Collin’s job is to create a “fly through” virtual reality video for patients. It lets them see inside their own bodies. This virtual reality trip lets doctors and students see what is wrong and how to treat it. For Felicia Luna, that means she can put on a headset and travel through her own brain. Before the operation, Luna admitted that she was “a nervous wreck.” But with the video, she was able to see the path Steinberg would take to repair her blood vessel. “Now I feel like I know exactly what’s going to happen.” A new way to plan and teach complex surgery Steinberg teaches a class at Stanford’s medical school. Before the operation, he invited the class to a room with video monitors, reclining chairs and virtual reality headsets. The students used controls around their hands to move images of areas that the upcoming surgery would treat. Collins put images of Luna’s brain and blood vessels into the software so Steinberg could show the students how he would operate. By simply moving his hands in the air, Steinberg could move the images around, showing all the areas inside Luna’s head and brain. “So we can see the back of the aneurysm, the side, we can see its relationship to the parent vessel. This is something we couldn’t ever do before.” The same images were available during surgery to help doctors and medical assistants. Steinberg was even able to “practice” just before the five-hour-long operation. Collins said the virtual reality tool makes the experience better for the patient, helps the doctor and assists in education. That is what “makes it unique and powerful,” she said. In the future, Steinberg said he may be able to perform operations at a distance from the patient with the help of robotic arms. Virtual reality software can help make that possibility more likely. But, the delay between the doctor’s commands and the robot’s movement make that difficult now. After using the virtual roadmap, doctors successfully operated on Luna’s aneurysm. Steinberg said he experienced something unexpected during the surgery that he had not planned on using the virtual tool. He saw that he needed to use two clips instead of one to control the aneurysm. Luna left the hospital two days after the operation to be with her four children and her husband. I’m Mario Ritter.   Carolyn Presutti reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ______________________________________________________________ Quiz Now, test your understanding by taking this short quiz. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   squeeze – v. to put pressure on opposite sides of something aneurysm – n. when the wall of a blood vessel expands, forming a balloon which can burst virtual reality – n. technology that recreates a place or experience using images, sound and other things three-dimensional – adj. giving the appearance of an object’s height, width and length blood vessels – n. tissue that carry blood throughout the body headset – n. a device that is placed on the head that show images on a screen, play sounds and provide other experiences and controls monitor – n. screens that show images, such as a computer monitor practice – v. to perform something repeatedly so as to become skilled unique – adj. being unlike anything else; being the only one clips – n. devices that press to things together We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Conservation Group Sees Better Future for Two Kiwi Birds

  News about endangered species often worries people. But on December 5, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, had some good news.  In publishing its yearly "Red List" of endangered species it noted some success for two kinds of New Zealand birds. The IUCN said the Okarito kiwi and the Northern Brown kiwi are now in less danger of disappearing from existence than in the past. Key to helping the kiwis The IUCN reports that New Zealand is reducing the populations of animals that kill and hunt the birds.  The animals include stoats and cats. The number of Okarito kiwi has risen from 160 in 1995 to as many as 450 now, the IUCN said. It reported a rise in Northern Brown kiwi numbers also. The IUCN is made up of government and non-government experts. Its studies help guide conservation policies. The Red List identifies which local species are at risk of disappearing from Earth. Two species are new to the IUCN endangered list. The Irrawaddy dolphin and the finless porpoise travel along the coastlines of Southeast Asia. The Red List report says these sea animals get trapped in fishing nets and are harmed by other human activities as well. The use of gillnets is among the fishing methods harmful to these species. The nets are used on the Mekong River and in other major waterways. They hang across waterways and entrap everything in the path. Researchers have counted for the Red List about 91,500 of almost 1.9 million described species. Of these, 25,821 are threatened, 866 no longer exist and 69 others no longer exist in the wild. The IUCN describes 11,783 species as vulnerable, 8,455 as endangered and 5,583 as critically endangered. Australia’s Western Ringtail possum has moved from vulnerable to critically endangered on the Red List. The IUCN said its population dropped by 80 percent over the past ten years. Possum now in danger The Western Ringtail possum was once widespread in peppermint and eucalyptus forests. Now the animal has only a few disconnected places to live. High temperatures, which sicken the species, are becoming increasingly common where it lives. The IUCN announced its findings in Tokyo. The Toyota automobile company helps pay for IUCN studies. The group warned of habitat loss and other dangers for some newly studied Japanese native species of lizards and snakes. I’m Jill Robbins.   Dr. Jill Robbins adapted this story for Learning English based on an Associated Press story. Catherine Kelly Weaver was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   endangered - adj. used to describe a type of animal or plant that has become very rare and that could die out completely species - n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants conservation - n. the protection of animals, plants, and natural resource stoat – n. a small animal that has a long body and brown fur that turns white in winter gillnet - n. a fishing net that is hung vertically so that fish get trapped in it by their gills. habitat - n. the place or type of place where a plant or animal naturally or normally lives or grows vulnerable - adj. open to attack, harm, or damage What are some endangered species near where you live? Are you doing anything to help them? Write to us in the Comments Section.

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Brazil, US Identify Molecule to Help Fight Citrus Greening

  Researchers have identified a molecule that attracts an insect which carries citrus greening disease. This development is expected to help farmers control a disease that has destroyed citrus trees in areas of Brazil and the United States. The discovery is the result of six years of research on Diaphorina citri, an insect that is the vector of citrus greening disease. The molecule was identified by the research center Fundo de Defesa da Citricultura, or Fundecitrus. The effort was carried out in partnership with the University of California, Davis and the University of Sao Paulo's Agricultural College. The next step will be to synthesize a chemical substance from the molecule. Then, researchers will create a product that will work as a trap to attract and stop the insect. Scientists hope to reduce the spread of citrus greening disease. The disease is blamed for the destruction of almost half of Brazil's current orange tree area since 2005. Juliano Ayres is the general manager at Fundecitrus. He says, while these measures will not cure greening disease, in his words, “it will allow us to work in an intelligent and assertive way against the insect.” The first commercial product should be available to farmers in a year, said Walter Leal, a Brazilian researcher representing UC Davis. Fundecitrus said Brazil's main citrus producing areas have almost 175 million trees planted on about 415,000 hectares.  It is estimated that 32 million trees are infected. There is no cure for citrus greening disease. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it is one of the most serious citrus plant diseases in the world. Infected trees produce fruit that is green, misshapen and bitter. This makes them unsuitable for sale as fresh fruit or for juice. The USDA says most infected trees die within a few years. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Reuters first reported this story. Jonathan Evans adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in this Story   assertive – adj. confident in behavior or style bitter – adj. having a strong and often unpleasant flavor that is the opposite of sweet citrus – n. a juicy fruit such as an orange, grapefruit, or lemon that has a thick skin and that comes from a tree or shrub that grows in warm areas synthesize – v. to make something from simpler substances through a chemical process vector – n. an insect, animal, etc., that carries germs that cause disease

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Malawi Woman Resists Early Marriage, Provides Education to Girls

Girls on the Move Secondary School is a symbol of hope for girls from poor families in Malawi. The school is free and welcomes young girls who would traditionally be forced to marry. “My parents could not afford to pay my school tuition…because they are poor and don’t work,” said Emily Galenta, a student at the school.  “They are only peasant farmers who don’t earn enough,” she added. In the southeastern African nation, more than half of young girls are married before they complete secondary school.  Memory Chazeza Mdyetseni began the school after she resisted relatives’ pressure to marry following the death of her parents. Three years later, the uncle who paid for her education died, and she went to live with her grandfather. “I was the only girl in the village, and when I asked where the other girls were, I was told they were all married. And in this small village, the expectation was that I was the next girl to get married,” she said. Mdyetseni began working as a volunteer teacher in an all-girls secondary school that had just opened near her village. She became friends with a volunteer teacher from Canada who raised enough money to pay Mdyetseni’s college tuition. After receiving a degree in Bible studies, Mdyetseni and her Canadian friend, Christie Johnson, discussed the idea of starting an all-girls secondary school. “It’s such an achievement (for) a girl child,” she said, adding that a girl with an education has many more opportunities. The school gets most of it funding from Rotary Clubs in Canada, where Johnson now lives. More than 800 girls have gone through the school’s program since 2007. Some are now working as teachers while others have gone on to universities. Manesi Samuel, a graduate, said that without the school she would be married to a subsistence farmer and have several children – a life she did not want. Instead, Samuel studied economics at the University of Oklahoma in the United States. She plans to start an organization that will bring employment to her village. Recently, financial problems have forced the school to enroll some students who pay tuition. Mdyetseni plans to open a few more schools using the same model. Someday she dreams of opening colleges for Malawi girls. I’m Susan Shand. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story tuition - n. money that is paid to a school for the right to study there achievement - n. something that is done through hard work Rotary Club - n. an international organization of businesspeople who raise money to help the sick or poor    

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Everyday Grammar: Euphemistic Adjectives & Nouns

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Lesson 13: Save the Bees!

Summary Last time, Anna went to visit a home beekeeper. She was nervous. Does Anna go into the hive? Or will she continue to live in fear of bees?   Conversation (blue font shows conditional sentences) Prof. Bot: We are back with Anna and Caroline and the bees. Last time, Anna was afraid. (Anna: I'm not afraid of bees!) But Caroline is helping her to stay safe. Look at sentences that start with "If" to find more conditional sentences. Remember, Type 1 conditionals use the present tense and "will," and Type 2 use the past tense and "would."  Now, let's find out what happens with Anna and the bees. Caroline: I have a feeling that your fear of bees will be gone soon. There are things beekeepers do to protect ourselves. For example, we wear protective clothing. This is a beekeeper’s veil, suit and gloves. There are other things we can do, too. If I use a smoker, the bees will stay calm. Anna: Let’s use smoke … lots of smoke. Caroline: Okay, Anna, that’s enough smoke. Another thing you can do is stay calm.  Okay.  When I lift the frame, you will see the bees.   Anna: I’m ready. Let's do this thing! Caroline: Okay, let's put on our protective clothing. Caroline:  I will carefully take out a frame. This is where the bees live. There are worker bees, drone bees and the queen bee. The bees have different jobs. The queen bee lays the eggs. The worker bees collect nectar and pollen ​from flowers and bring it back to the hive. Then they make honey!  Now, you hold the frame. There are the bees. Anna:  There are so many! And they are so busy! Now I know why we say, “busy as a bee!” Caroline: Good job, Anna. Anna: Caroline, bees are beautiful and important. If I wanted to help the bees, what would I do? Caroline: Great question. You can plant native flowers that bees like. Here’s a book to help you know which ones to plant. Anna: It’s a beautiful book. And look, it tells you which bees like which types of flowers. Caroline: It also tells you how the flowers affect the flavor of the honey. Anna: Flowers make a big difference to bees. If they don’t eat, they won’t live. Caroline: Buying local honey also helps the bees. If you want to help bees, do those two things. Prof Bot: I learned a lot about bees. Hey, if I worked with bees, I would not need protective clothing! Guess what? That was a Type 2 conditional.  And I heard a Type 1 conditional, too. (Anna: If they don’t eat, they won’t live.) Anna: Thanks for the book, Caroline, and the bee puppet and for teaching me about bees. Look … I’m not scared. Caroline: Good job, Anna. If you ever want to see the bees again, I’ll be here! You have my business card. I'll let you see yourself out. Anna: Thanks! Bye! I will plant tons of flowers! Bees: Thanks, Anna. (bees spell out the words) Anna: Sure thing, bees! Oh, and I'm sorry about hitting that hive when I was a little girl. Bees: We love you, Anna. (bees make a heart sign.) Anna: Take care, bees! (to herself) Which way is the Metro? Bees: That way. (they draw an arrow) Anna: Thanks! Prof. Bot: So, if I you want to learn more about bees, visit your local beekeeper like Anna did. Maybe you can try some local honey, too. Now it’s your turn. Practice making conditional sentences. If you practice, you will become better at them. That's type 1!   New Words affect - v. to act on (someone or something) and cause a change difference - n. the quality that makes one person or thing unlike another flavor - n. the quality of something that you can taste flower the part of a plant that is often brightly colored, that usually lasts a short time, and from which the seed or fruit develops frame - n. an open structure that holds something lift - v. to move (something or someone) to a higher position (raise) local - adj. relating to or occurring in a particular area, city, or town native - adj. produced, living, or existing naturally in a particular region nectar - n. a sweet liquid produced by plants and used by bees in making honey pollen - n. the very fine usually yellow dust that is produced by a plant and that is carried to other plants of the same kind usually by wind or insects so that the plants can produce seeds protective - adj. used to protect someone or something : giving or meant to give protection smoker - n. a piece of equipment used for making smoke veil - n. something that covers or hides something else   Learning Strategy The learning strategy for this lesson is Make Predictions. That means to make a guess about what will happen. When you are reading a story in English, if you look at the title and the pictures, you can sometimes guess what the story will be about. Predicting helps you get ready to learn new things, based on things you already understand. In this lesson, Caroline says, "I have a feeling that your fear of bees will be gone soon." She is predicting that Anna will stop being afraid of bees. She can guess that because she has taught other people who feared bees. When they learned about bees, they were not afraid. You can predict in other subjects, too, like science. In science class, they call it making a hypothesis. How about you? How do you make predictions when you are learning English?  Write to us in the Comments section or send us an email.    Listening Quiz See how well you understand this lesson by taking a listening quiz. Play each short video, then choose the best answer. ​​ Free Materials Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. For Teachers Send us an email if you have comments on this course or questions. Grammar focus: Conditional: Present Real (If _____ Will) and Present Unreal (If _____ Would)​ Topics:  Hope-Clauses; Consequences of Actions Discussing Future Events Learning Strategy: Make Predictions   Comments 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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