January 29, 2018

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

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A Mix of Politics and Music at the Grammys

  This is What's Trending today... Politics co-starred with music at the 60th Grammy awards Sunday night in New York City. Perhaps the most surprising non-artist to appear? Former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. She took part in a skit making fun of President Donald Trump and his leadership. Clinton pretended to be seeking work as the voice for the spoken word recording of Michael Wolf's best-selling book "Fire and Fury." His book describes an unfavorable representation of Trump's first year in office. Along with Clinton, John Legend, Cher, Snoop Dogg, Cardi B and DJ Khaled also "auditioned" for the part. Grammys host James Corden told Clinton that she defeated the competition to win. "The Grammy’s in the bag?" Clinton questioned. Political observers say Clinton thought a presidential win for her was also "in the bag," or very sure and secure. United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley did not see the humor in the skit. "I have always loved the Grammys, but to have artists read the Fire and Fury book killed it," she tweeted. "Don't ruin great music with trash. Some of us love music without the politics thrown in it.” Neil Portnow, head of the recording academy, defended the skit. He told the Associated Press that he thought Clinton's appearance was more satirical than political. The president's son, Donald Trump Jr., tweeted: "Getting to read a #fakenews book excerpt at the Grammys seems like a great consolation prize for losing the presidency." Singer/actor Janelle Monae gave a well-received speech at the ceremony. She said the music industry needed to face its sexual harassment and gender discrimination issues, just like Hollywood. "To those who would dare try and silence us, we offer you two words: Time's Up." Monae introduced singer Kesha. She has long sought to break her business agreement with her producer, who she says raped her. Kesha's song Praying included the lyrics, "After everything you've done, I can thank you for how strong I have become." Cuban American singer Camila Cabello spoke out for legal protection for "dreamers" -- immigrants who entered the United States illegally as children but do not have legal status. "This country was built by dreamers for dreamers," she said. Cabello introduced a pre-recorded performance by the Irish band U2, who sang their song "Get Out of Your Own Way." The band performed on a boat in the New York harbor with the State of Liberty behind the musicians. The statue serves as a symbol of American freedom and a sign of welcome to immigrants from all over the world. And that's What's Trending today. I’m Caty Weaver.   Caty Weaver adapted this story for Learning English based on AP news reports. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   skit - n. a short, funny story or performance​ pretend - v. to act as if something is true when it is not true​ audition - v.  to try out for a role in a play or film, a position in an orchestra, etc.: to perform in an audition​ in the bag - expression certain; sure to happen consolation - n. something that makes a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc.​ excerpt - n. a small part of a longer written work​

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NASA Tests Power System to Support Manned Missions to Mars

  United States government agencies say the first tests of a very small nuclear power system designed for missions to Mars have been successful. The American space agency NASA and the Department of Energy recently announced the results in Las Vegas, Nevada. The officials said they will carry out a full test of the system in March. The project to design a small nuclear fission system is called Kilopower. Testing began last November at the Department of Energy’s Nevada National Security Site. The goal is to provide energy for future missions in space and possibly on the surface of Mars and other planets in our solar system. NASA astronauts visited the surface of Earth’s moon six times between 1969 and 1972. But establishing a long-term colony on the surface of the moon or another planet is more difficult. Such missions need a power source strong enough to support a base but small and light enough for transport through space. Steve Jurczyk is the associate administrator of NASA‘s Space Technology Mission Directorate. He told the Reuters news service that the Martian environment presents problems. He said, “Mars is a very difficult environment for power systems, with less sunlight than Earth or the moon, very cold nighttime temperatures, very interesting dust storms that can last weeks and months that engulf the entire planet.” He said that Kilopower’s small size and strength make it possible to transport several of the systems on a single landing vehicle. They would then be able provide a colony or base with tens of kilowatts of power. Lee Mason is NASA’s expert on power and energy storage. He said Mars has been the main goal of the Kilopower project. He also noted that a human mission to Mars likely would require 40 to 50 kilowatts of power. Dave Poston is the chief reactor designer at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He said that testing on parts of the system have been “greatly successful.” “The models have predicted very well what has happened, and operations have gone smoothly,” he noted. NASA’s test design of the nuclear power system uses a reactor core made of the substance uranium-235. The core is about the size of a roll of paper towels. The technology could power life-support systems for people. It could help astronauts mine for resources, recharge vehicles and run equipment. Some equipment could change things such as ice on the planet into oxygen, water and fuel. Experts think Kilopower could also possibly improve electrically powered spacecraft engines on missions to the outer planets of our solar system. I’m Pete Musto.   Will Dunham reported this for the Reuters News Service. Pete Musto adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. How do you think this new energy system will change the space exploration and discovery? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Quiz Now, test your understanding by taking this short quiz.   ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story mission –n. a task or a job given to a person or group solar system –n. all the planets and other objects that orbit the sun source –n. the provider of something that is needed or wanted   engulf –v. to flow over and cover kilowatts –n. a measure of electrical power reactor –n. a device (usually a large device) that produces energy from a nuclear reaction core –n. the central part paper towels –n. sheets of paper that are used for cleaning which usually come in rolls recharge –v. to replace lost electrical power

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In Year of the Dog, Malaysia Avoids Dog Symbols

  The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, begins on February 16. Twenty eighteen is the Year of the Dog. But in Malaysia, some businesses are avoiding dog symbols in their decorations. They do not want to insult the country’s Muslim majority. Islamic tradition considers dogs “unclean.” Muslims are required to wash themselves if they touch the animal. Malaysia is a nation of several religions and cultures. But, there has been a growing rejection of activities considered insulting to Islam. In recent years, this has become evident in demonstrations against music shows and celebrations that involve alcohol. Muslims make up about 61 percent of the 32 million Malaysians. About 20 percent of the population is Buddhist, making Buddhism the second largest religion in Malaysia.  Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is a shopping center in the Bukit Bintang area of the capital. It is popular with foreign visitors. This year, the center has not included dog imagery in lunar new year decorations. Instead, the decorations honor the center’s tenth anniversary. Kung Suan Ai is the director of marketing for Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. She said religious and cultural sensitivities influenced the decoration choices. The shopping center attracts three million people of many cultures each month, she said. She said Pavilion Kuala Lumpur considered decorations that would make all people feel accepted. Twelve animals make up the traditional Chinese zodiac. It includes dogs and pigs – another animal which Muslims consider unclean. Malaysian Muslim leaders have spoken out about other events that involve dogs. At the 2014 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland, athletes paraded with a Scottish terrier dog. After the event, Malaysian politicians expressed their disapproval, calling the act “disrespectful.” In 2016, Malaysian religious officials asked an international fast food restaurant to change the name of a food it sold in Malaysia. Auntie Anne’s sold an item called a “Pretzel Dog.” The religious officials wanted it to be renamed “Pretzel Sausage.” They said “Pretzel Dog” confused Muslims – who are not permitted to eat dog meat. MyTOWN is another Kuala Lumpur shopping center where half the visitors are Muslim. This year, it has made its Lunar New Year decorations more moderate. Christopher Koh is Head of Marketing for MyTOWN. He said the dogs are not the central object on display. He said they do not appear as objects of worship. For this same reason, he said, many Malaysian businesses also no longer display a large pig to honor the Year of the Boar. Alex Chow runs a company that makes packaging materials. He said that his large business clients have chosen very general imagery for their packaging designs this year. But some Malaysians are not happy about these changes. Wong Wei-Shen, an ethnic Chinese, has several dogs as pets. She said businesses were being “ridiculous.” “It’s a shame because Malaysia is a multicultural country. To dismiss the fact that the Chinese have a dog as one of the zodiac animals is unfair,” said Wong. She said that every zodiac animal has good qualities, and “the dog represents a guide, a best friend, a comforter and loyal friend.” I’m Alice Bryant.   Reuters News Agency originally reported this story. Alice Bryant adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   decorations – n. something added to an object or place to make it look more attractive zodiac – n. an imaginary area in the sky that the sun, moon, and planets appear to travel through confused – adj. unable to understand or think clearly packaging – n. material used to enclose or contain something client – n. a person who pays a professional person or organization for services pet – n. an animal that people keep mainly for pleasure comforter – n. someone who helps you to feel less worried, upset or frightened 

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Brazil Closes Latin America’s Largest Landfill

When Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa designed Brazil’s capital, the city of Brasilia, their detailed plans did not include where to put food waste and other garbage. The answer was the Estrutural garbage dump, which opened 67 years ago. The dump is just 20 kilometers from the presidential palace in Brasilia. It has become the biggest landfill in Latin America. But on January 19,  the dump was closed. Governor Rodrigo Rollemberg opened a new landfill further outside the city as a replacement. The move has angered thousands of scavengers who make a living from the garbage. They go through the waste and take what they believe is worth saving. At the opening of the new landfill, the governor said, “We cannot live with this open wound in the midst of our nation’s capital, a dump where human beings put their lives at risk seeking a livelihood in an undignified way.” Since Brasilia was founded in 1960, it has grown to become the nation’s fourth-largest city. It is home to about 2.5 million people. For years, thousands of poor people searched through the Estrutrual dump for cans, copper wire or anything else that could be used or sold. Generations of garbage pickers brought their children to work in the smelly, dirty landfill. Rollemberg’s plan is to employ the scavengers at new recycling centers, where the garbage can be separated in cleaner conditions. But people working in the old dump on its last day said they refuse to trade their source of earnings for government jobs that pay too little to support their families. “I’ll have to start working the streets looking through garbage cans,” said Evando Souza. He worked at the landfill every day for five years. Souza told the Reuters news agency that in a good month he could earn about $937. That is more than three times the lowest wages permitted under Brazilian law. Souza told Reuters he was thinking of returning to his home state of Maranhão in northeast Brazil. Environmentalists made a strong case for closing the old garbage dump. They warned that it was polluting Brasilia’s water supply. The city has already been forced to limit use of water supplies because of extremely dry weather. Brasilia is home to many well-paid government employees. Its many wealthy households produce a lot of garbage. More than 1,200 tons of garbage were left every day at the old landfill. Its closure will affect families living in a nearby community called Cidade Estrutural. Set up by garbage pickers, the community is home to an estimated 40,000 people. Many will have a hard time finding other jobs as Brazil slowly rises out of its worst recession in years. Some members of the garbage pickers said they would rather stay working in the old dump than have the cost of a long trip to and from the new recycling centers. Valdir Dutra, another scavenger, also spoke with Reuters. Dutra said he has searched through the dump’s garbage for 16 years. He said, “Rollemberg hasn’t offered us a real alternative. We cannot survive on that pay.” I’m Jonathan Evans.   Anthony Boadle and Ueselei Marcelino reported this story for the Reuters news agency. Jonathan Evans adapted their report for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in this Story   scavenger – n. a person who searches through food waste and other unwanted objects for something that can be saved or used. household – n. people who live in the same house or home source – n. someone or something that provides what is needed picker – n. someone who picks up or takes something recycling – adj. of or related to the process of reusing materials undignified – adj. lacking self-control in behavior or appearance  

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America’s Most Diverse Fighting Force Celebrates Its Differences

For much of U.S. history, the American military fighting force was mostly white and male. But today, the force is as diverse as the country it serves to protect. Fort Bragg in the state of North Carolina is home to the "All-American" 82nd Airborne. It calls itself the most diverse division in the United States. And the unit’s soldiers say that, despite racial problems within the country, its values remain unchanged. Lieutenant Colonel Joe Buccino is communications director for the 82nd Airborne. He says the unit was the “first racially integrated unit in the U.S. Department of Defense.” It was also the first division to have woman infantry commanders, and the first to be organized with people from all over the country. The base has paratroopers from all 50 states, with more than 120 nationalities. Private First Class Irvin Andrean grew up in Indonesia before moving to the eastern U.S. state of Pennsylvania as a teenager. He joined the Army as a mechanic. He says he has never felt out of place. "When I first got here, they all welcomed me," Andrean said. "Like, they never treated me differently." Sergeant Selene Uribe grew up in the United States, but English was not her first language. She says joining the U.S. Army required making some changes. "Coming from a very small town, which is Richgrove, California, 99.9 percent Hispanic, it was a culture shock," she said. Uribe and others in the unit say they welcome the differences within their division. They also say they have grown from working with people with different life experiences. Specialist Vince Vest said, "I've met some very amazing people and it's opened my eyes a lot. And I've gained a lot of wisdom through those people, and I've made lifelong friends.” Out in the civilian world, the United States is in the middle of a political debate over immigration and racism. Some of the debate has been fueled by controversial remarks made by President Trump. The soldiers at Fort Bragg say they have not experienced racial discrimination in the military. Yet Master Sergeant Jose Colon worries about the day he retires and returns to non-military life. "I   "I don't see any camaraderie in the civilian world coming," he said. Colon says the 82nd, and the whole U.S. Army, has an established a code of conduct that does not permit racism. "You feel safe in some aspects by being in the military because you have these rules that help protect you and make it equal," he said. "That's why I love it. That's kind of the reason why I joined." As the political debate over immigration continues, the Army continues to welcome recruits from all over the world. Staff Sergeant Alfred Kollie fled Liberia and lived most of his life in a Ghana refugee camp. He now leads a 20-soldier fueling team for the 82nd Airborne. Kollie said, "As a child in Africa, seeing all the chaos and death and destruction, I felt myself that I owe the world to be part of something good and not something evil." I’m Ashley Thompson.   VOA's Carla Babb reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.  _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   diverse - adj. different from each other despite - preposition. without being prevented by (something) — used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true integrate - v.  to end a policy that keeps people of different races apart in (a place, such as a school infantry- n.  the part of an army that has soldiers who fight on foot paratrooper- n.   a member of a group of soldiers who are trained to jump out of airplanes using a parachute teenager - n.  someone who is between 13 and 19 years old wisdom- n.  knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life controversial- adj.  relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument camaraderie- n.  a feeling of good friendship among the people in a group

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Costs of Arab Spring Still Being Counted

Revolutions have a way of going in unexpected directions, the 19th century political philosopher Friedrich Engels once noted. The morning after, he said, people realize “the revolution they made was nothing like the one they had wanted to make.” His words seem especially on target for the protests that became known as the Arab Spring. Seven years ago, a wave of protests swept across the Middle East and North Africa. The unrest fueled revolutions and leadership changes in a number of countries. Yet none have met the hopes of the revolutionaries. Many of the demonstrators were average citizens simply seeking change and an escape from corruption. Nor has the Arab spring met the expectations of Western observers and those who expressed support for the protests. The Arab spring once was celebrated in Western capitals and motivated many young Arabs. Yet within months, the unrest turned ugly and regrettable. It wrecked the hopes of those who believed that overthrowing dictators and holding elections would lead to improvements and end political repression. Attack in Benghazi For the West, the first real event of concern was when jihadist militants attacked the United States diplomatic office and a nearby intelligence center in Benghazi, Libya. The attack resulted in the deaths of four Americans. One of those killed, the U.S. ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens, was a supporter of the Arab Spring. That attack showed how unruly the Middle East had become and how easily jihadists could create unrest. Many Arabs did not like what they were seeing. They had hoped the Arab Spring would lead to greater personal freedoms and improved living conditions. Egypt In Egypt, an authoritarian Islamist government angered both progressives and supporters of former ruler Hosni Mubarak. The army ousted the country’s Islamist president, replacing him with General Abdel Fattah El-Sissi, who acted a lot like Mubarak. El-Sissi ordered the arrest of a former army general who planned to compete against him in Egypt’s next presidential election. The former general is the fourth possible candidate to be detained in what appears to be a state campaign to drive would-be opponents from the race. Egypt watchers say El-Sissi and his allies appear firm about wanting a trouble-free vote. Activists say such an election would be an insult to the 2011 demonstrations. Unrest in Libya, Yemen, and Syria Seven years have passed since Libyans ousted Colonel Moammar Gadhafi as the country’s leader. Since then, a series of prime ministers have failed in their efforts to establish order and reduce the power of ideological and town-based militias. Fighters allied with the Islamic State group have seized territory along Libya’s coast. They have executed their enemies and Christians. Yemen’s political unrest has led to civil war, starvation and empowered extremists. Opposing sides have appealed to outside powers, such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, for help. In Syria, the government’s repression of non-violent reform protests gave way to an armed rebellion. The unrest led to the intervention of foreign powers, including Russia, the United States, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar. The Syrian conflict was quickly distorted by the rise of the Islamic State group and clashes between Islamists and moderates. With hundreds of thousands of people dead, there is still no end in sight to the fighting. With the collapse of governments and the break-up of Arab states, religious leaders and extremists filled the void. Progressives and moderates were unprepared to deal with the situation and Western countries lost hope, observers say. What did go wrong? John Bradley wrote the book After the Arab Spring: How Islamists Hijacked the Middle East Revolts. He argued early on the West and progressive Arabs were guilty of wishful thinking and too quick to praise the roots of the Arab Spring. Others believed the Arab Spring could have ended differently. Matthew Partridge wrote a critique of Bradley’s book. He noted “America and Europe need to lead from the front – not from behind.” Another observer, Bill Lawrence, has said the West was as much an onlooker as a player in the Arab Spring. Lawrence once worked at the International Crisis Group, a New York- and Brussels-based research organization. He argues that “a big mix of forces came together in the region to express rage over hopeless economics, corruption and abusive government.” Population studies of the Middle East suggest that one cause of the unrest, jobless young men, will long remain. All the Arab spring countries share at least two things. They have young populations and they are unable to create jobs. The birthplace of the Arab Spring, Tunisia, has been able to make a relatively peaceful move from authoritarian rule to a working democracy. But this month and in December, new economic reform measures, with higher prices for foods fuel and energy, led to street protests. Police and protesters clashed. Some of the demonstrators came from a youth movement called Fesh Nestannew, which means “What are we waiting for?”. Like the 2011 protesters, they are demanding better lives. I'm Jonathan Evans.   Jamie Dettmer wrote this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted his report for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   philosopher – n. a student of philosophy (ideas about knowledge, truth and the meaning of life) sweep – v. to move in a wide curve; to touch in passing with a fast, continuous movement ugly – adj. unpleasant or morally offensive Jihadist – adj. a Muslim who supports jihad (a holy war in defense of Islam) distort – v. to change the appearance of something in a way that others find displeasing void – n. an opening or empty space rage – n. violent, uncontrolled anger authoritarian – adj. requiring people to obey rules or those making the rules We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.  

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Everyday Grammar: Wish (Past/Present)

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Lesson 17: Flour Baby, Part 1

Summary Ms. Weaver gives Anna and Pete a new assignment: make a show about single parents. But first, she wants them to try out parenting for themselves...    Conversation Ms. Weaver: Anna, Pete, I have a new assignment for you -- a show on single parents! What is it like for a mother or a father to raise a child by herself or himself? Anna: We can interview single parents. They can share their experiences themselves. Ms. Weaver: Yes, but you need to experience parenthood yourselves. Anna: Ourselves? Peter: Yeah, how do we do that? We’re not parents. Ms. Weaver: I asked myself the same question. I said, "Caty, how are they gonna do that?" Then an idea came to me. I will give you the babies! Professor Bot: You may be asking yourself the same thing that I’m asking myself: what is Ms. Weaver talking about!? I am sure we will find out shortly. This lesson teaches reflexive pronouns. Reflexive pronouns refer back to the subject of a sentence or clause. We use them when the subject and the object are the same person or thing.   For example, Ms. Weaver says, “I asked myself the same question.” “I” is the subject and “myself” refers back to it. Here, she would not use the pronoun “me.” You need to use the reflexive pronoun “myself.” Reflexive pronouns are easy to find: they end in “self” or “selves.” I have a feeling we are going to see a lot of reflexive pronouns. Listen for them! (Pete and Anna continue their meeting with Ms. Weaver. She puts two bags of flour on the table. Pete and Anna still look confused.) Ms. Weaver: Here are your babies! Pete: Those are bags of flour.   Ms. Weaver: No, Pete, for the next six days, this is your baby. Here are your instructions. Do not leave your babies alone. A baby cannot take care of itself. And you two must do everything by yourselves. We will meet next Friday. Oh, and the person who does the best research will get an extra day of vacation. Help yourself to a baby. Anna: Pete, look, my baby is organic and whole grain. Your baby is ordinary. (Pete pushes her flour baby off desk.) Anna: (to Pete) Monster! (to Caty) This is a great idea, Ms. Weaver! (Pete and Anna are now outside.) Pete: This is a terrible idea. Anna: Speak for yourself, Pete! We need to throw ourselves into the research! I’m starting right now! (She leaves but forgets her Flour Baby.) Pete: Hey Anna, you forgot your baby! (She turns and looks at Pete.) Anna: Come to mama!   (The bag of flour flies at her. She catches it.) Anna: Good girl! Good girl! Professor Bot: Singular reflexive pronouns end in “self.” Plural ones end in “selves.” Anna says, “We need to throw ourselves into the research!” The subject “we” is plural. So, we must use the plural reflexive pronoun “ourselves.” (The parenting research begins. Anna tries to open a baby stroller but can’t. A man walking by helps her. She pushes Flour Baby in the stroller but it falls out. On another day, she jogs with it. After several days, she is tired!)    Anna: This is hard! I hope Pete is not doing well. I really need that vacation day! Professor Bot: We will all see how Pete is doing in the next episode. We’ll also learn when not to use reflexive pronouns.     New Words experience – n. the process of doing and seeing things and of having things happen to you gonna – informal. In casual conversation, most Americans change “going to” to “gonna.” instructions – n. statements that describe how to do something ordinary – adj. normal or usual monster – n. an extremely cruel or evil person parenthood – n. the state of being a mother or father refer – v. to have a direct connection or relationship to something single – adj. not married or not having a serious romantic relationship with someone speak for yourself - expression. something you say to someone to say that the opinion that they have just expressed is not the same as your opinion stroller - n. a small carriage with four wheels that a baby or small child can ride in while someone pushes it​ terrible – adj. very shocking and upsetting throw (reflexive pronoun) into – expression. to begin to do something with great energy and determination   Practice Now, practice the grammar you just learned! Use the Comments section below to tell us about taking care of a baby (real or not), or maybe an animal. You can talk about yourself, or maybe a friend or family member/s. What happened? How did it go? Using Reflexive Pronouns We use reflexive pronouns when the subject and object of the sentence or clause are the same person or thing.  Ex: I asked myself the same question. Subjects and their reflexive pronouns: I…myself You…yourself He…himself Her…herself One…oneself It…itself We…ourselves You…yourselves They…themselves A reflexive pronoun can be a direct object, indirect object or an object of the preposition. Direct Object: Ex: A baby cannot take care of itself. Indirect Object: Ex: I asked myself the same question. Object of the Preposition: Ex: Anna and Pete are experiencing parenthood for themselves.  To show emphasis: Sometimes, we use reflexive pronouns simply to emphasize the person or thing in the sentence or clause. In this case, the reflexive pronoun often appears at the end of the sentence: Ex: Anna took care of the baby herself.   We do NOT use reflexive pronouns: After prepositions of place Ex: Anna found the flour baby in the kitchen herself. (wrong)        Anna found the flour baby in the kitchen. (right)  After these verbs: meet, feel, relax, concentrate Ex: They will meet themselves at The Studio next Friday. (wrong)       They will meet at The Studio next Friday. (right) After verbs that describe things we normally do for ourselves, such as dress, shave and wash​ Ex: Anna got dressed herself for a day with her new flour baby. (wrong)       Anna got dressed for a day with her new flour baby. (right) Don't miss the next episode when we'll talk more about when not to use reflexive pronouns!   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: Reflexive pronouns  Topics: Interpreting information & advice; providing instructions   Comments Let us know what you think about this lesson. Send us an email or write to us in the Comments section below or on our Facebook page.

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College Admissions: Bridging the Language Gap

  International students can face many kinds of barriers in applying for admission to colleges and universities in the United States. These can include high costs and extreme distance from family and friends. A difficulty most students from non-English speaking countries face in the U.S. is a language barrier. Many such students feel they have little or no chance of gaining admission to an American school because of their poor English skills. But what if that barrier was removed from the application process? Rob Hardin says this is the goal of a special path to American higher education called conditional admission. Hardin is the assistant director for international student recruitment at the University of Oregon in Eugene, Oregon. He says most colleges and universities in the U.S. want international students on their campuses. “It adds significant value to have a student from Beijing, a student from Hanoi, a student from London in the classroom with the student from Portland, Oregon,” Hardin told VOA. “We think that enhances the student from Portland, Oregon’s experience.” He adds that many U.S. schools now accept the fact that some of the best students in the world do not speak perfect English. So, over the last ten years, more and more schools have begun using conditional admission as a way of helping these students. The way it works at the University of Oregon is very simple, Hardin says. International students apply in the same way any other student would. They provide records of their grades, information about their activities outside of school, and other application materials. They also must provide proof of their scores on an English language ability test such as the TOEFL. Hardin notes that many American colleges and universities only accept applicants whose TOEFL score reaches a certain level. But conditional admission permits students to ask for special consideration. Those schools then look at all the other materials these applicants have provided. Then the schools decide whether an applicant would be a good fit with some more English education. If the University of Oregon approves a student for conditional admission, he or she is placed in a special English-language education program, Hardin says. First, the university tests the students to identify which of seven instructional levels they should enter. Then, they begin English classes taught by university professors. ​ Hardin says many international students prefer to study English in their native countries. It is usually more economical, for one. And it means less time away from their homes and families. At the University of Oregon conditional admission students may start their degree program as soon as they complete the highest level of the language program. Hardin says this is true of most schools that offer conditional admission. He also argues that these conditional admissions programs offer more than a traditional language school can. He says they help international students get used to the American college experience before they start their degree program. Also, students often grow their language skills much faster while living at an American college and using its resources. “You’re going to have to figure out how to go to the grocery store and buy apples,” said Hardin. “You’re going to take what you’re learning in the classroom and you’re going to be able to immediately apply it to your daily life.” Hardin adds that this kind of non-traditional path to admission is not just for students with extremely weak English language skills. He says even generally strong non-native speakers can lack the level of English skill needed for success at an American college. For students whose TOEFL scores are still not high enough for traditional admission, some schools offer what is called a bridge program. At the University of Oregon, students in the bridge program must take as many as six special English classes in addition to the ones for their degree program. Again, students take a test at the start of their studies to determine how many of the bridge program classes they need. The classes are meant to provide a little extra language support, and they often relate to the general subject classes students are already taking. At the University of Oregon, Hardin adds, international students must complete their bridge program classes within their first year. Hardin says that both bridge programs and conditional admission are designed to make American higher education more inclusive. And they provide a path for students that they otherwise might not have known was available to them. But he also notes that international students should not expect every college and university in the U.S. to offer such programs. This is especially true of the top schools that get the most attention worldwide. At those institutions, competition is fierce and students who are already strong in English have a better chance at acceptance.  “Places … that receive such a high number of applications … want to admit students who are, frequently, going to have perfect grades, perfect SAT scores,” Hardin said. “And I don’t think they’re interested in teaching English. It’s not really what they’ve ever done. And a lot of … these institutions … do not have a shortage of applications.” So, he adds, a student who is worried about their language abilities may want to consider one of the hundreds of lesser-known schools. Asking one of those schools if they offer conditional admission or a bridge program might be what makes their dreams of American higher education come true. I’m Dorothy Gundy. And I’m Pete Musto.   Pete Musto reported this story for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Do colleges and universities in your country offer non-traditional admissions programs? How do these programs work? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ QUIZ _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   apply(ing) – v. to ask formally for something, such as a job, admission to a school, or a loan, usually in writing conditional – adj. used to describe something, such as an agreement, that will happen only if something else also happens recruitment – n. the activity of finding people that have the right qualities and getting them to attend a school or join a company, an organization, or the armed forces campus(es) – n. the area and buildings around a university, college, or school significant – adj. very important enhance(s) – v. to increase or improve something grade(s) – n. a number or letter that indicates how a student performed in a class or on a test prefer – v. to like someone or something better than someone or something else grocery store – n. a store that sells food and household supplies determine – v. to officially decide something especially because of evidence or facts institution(s) – n. an established organization frequently – adv. done regularly or often

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Have You Ever 'Spilled the Beans?'

  Now, Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English. Beans are a popular food in many countries. From black to red, from kidney to pinto, beans are important in the diet of many cultures. Rich in fiber, protein and nutrients, beans are a healthy, plant-based food. So, spilling the beans at home or in a store would not be good. Food is important and does not belong on the floor. "Spilling the beans" when you communicate with others is also a bad thing. When you spill the beans, you share or make public secret information. You don't mean to do it. The secrets just spill out of you. However, this expression does not come from cooking beans or the fact that we shouldn't waste food. The expression "spill the beans" has been a part of the English language for hundreds of years. Some word historians say the term was first used all the way back in the 1500s. If you think that sounds old, you may be surprised to learn that the origin of “spill the beans” goes back to ancient Greece. Several websites say this expression comes from one way ancient Greeks voted. Back then in some communities, people voted by dropping a white or black bean into a clay urn. If the container fell on its side or broke, the beans would spill out. And this would show everyone the results of the secret vote before all the beans were counted.   While this origin story is interesting, it does not explain why the term "spill the beans" does not appear in common usage until much later. Maybe it is because other expressions with the same meaning were simply more popular. For example, letting the cat out of the bag means the same as spilling the beans. We’ve explained the meaning of "to let the cat out of the bag" before. But it’s always good to hear it again. Americans use the verb "spill" in much the same way. Sometimes we simply say, "Spill it!" When you tell others to "spill it," you are asking them to tell you all the details about something immediately. This term is very casual and could even sound offensive depending on the situation and expression in your voice. So it's best to use it with close friends, family or when you are joking around.   Blab is another word meaning "to spill the beans." Blab is not the nicest word, however. A man who blabbers keeps talking and talking, as if he can't keep his mouth closed. A blabber mouth is someone who can’t keep their mouth shut. Blabber mouths are known for often spilling the beans and for letting more than a few cats out of the bag.  From among our expressions today -- spill the beans, let the cat out of the bag, and blabber -- the blabber mouth does not always mean someone who gives away secrets. They sometimes just talk too much! Well, I don’t want to be accused of being a blabber mouth. So, this will be the end this Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English. I'm Anna Matteo.   Don’t start me talking or I’ll tell everything I know. Don’t start me talking I’ll spill the beans for sure. Right before your eyes, I’ll blurt it all open wide. Don’t start me talking … Do you have an expression like "spill the beans" in your language? Have you ever angered a friend or spoiled a surprise by spilling the beans? Let us know in the Comments Section. Or simply practice using the expressions you heard here today.   Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. The song at the end is Paul Kelly singing “Don’t Start Me Talking.” _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   fiber – n. plant material that cannot be digested but that helps you to digest other food communicate – v. to give information about (something) to someone by speaking, writing, moving your hands, etc. origin – n. the point or place where something begins or is created : the source or cause of something clay – n. a heavy, sticky material from the earth that is made into different shapes and that becomes hard when it is baked or dried urn – n. a container that is often shaped like a vase with a closed top casual – adj. not involving a close or serious relationship blab – v. to say something that was supposed to be kept secret : to talk too much blurt – v. to say (something) suddenly and without thinking about how people will react

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