College Admissions: Telling Your Story through Writing

  The application process to almost every college and university in the United States has several parts to it. Each part tells admissions officials at the schools something different about an applicant. Class grades can show the subjects a student is strong in, for example. A list of the student’s activities outside of school can show what his or her interests are. But Seth Walker says nothing really tells the story of an applicant as well as the essay or personal statement. Walker is with Indiana University, a public university, in Bloomington, Indiana. He is the school’s associate director of international admissions. The essay is a short, written statement that almost every college and university in the U.S. requires of applicants. In it, students are expected to write about themselves and express their personal opinions about an issue. Walker says the statement helps admissions officers answer questions they may have about a given student.   “Maybe your grades dropped a little bit…or maybe you stopped a class halfway through the year,” he told VOA. “The essay or the personal statement can be an opportunity, if the school wants it, to explain that, if you don’t think the school will get that explanation through a letter of recommendation…or something like that.” But what goes into a good essay? Walker notes that every school has its own way of looking at the essay. Some schools will ask an applicant a very specific question. Others will let the student choose between different subjects or simply write about anything they want. Generally speaking, there is no one perfect way to write an essay, Walker says. He says that given a choice, students should choose to write about an issue they care about. This could be about a difficult time when they were growing up or a meaningful relationship they had. However, they should also be careful about the subject they choose. “We’ll read the same essays a lot,” said Walker. “We’ll read how a parent…is a hero and you want…to be just like that hero. We read a lot about…your…sports team…or some other difficult experience that you’ve gone through, maybe learning a different language…Those are all great topics and great essays to write. But you have to remember that a lot of people write those essays. So...you have to write about them in a creative way.” Walker notes that schools have an easy time recognizing when students try to write about something they think admissions officials want to see in an essay. And even in cases where students cannot choose the subject, schools can tell when students are writing in a way to make their essay seem more appealing. For example, Walker notes, many students think that telling a sad story makes them easy to remember. But that is not necessarily what admissions officials want to see, he says. What they want is an essay about anything that is truly special or important to the student, and which also shows their better qualities. In addition, it should show the student’s understanding of the world and what their experiences or way of thinking will bring to the school. Walker admits that getting started in the writing process can be difficult. That is why he says students should remember that schools are not expecting them to sit down and write an essay with little or no preparation. In fact, students should give themselves plenty of time for planning, writing and re-writing. Most important of all, students should just start with a simple idea and slowly expand that into a full essay, he says. “Starting very small is always great, because I think if you sit down in front of a computer with…the purpose to write your entire essay without anything else, it’ll be very…overwhelming,” said Walker. “So start from the small building blocks and go from there.” He suggests keeping things simple, especially because of the rules most schools have for the essay. Many colleges and universities ask applicants to limit their essay to between 500 and 1,000 words. It is also better when students stay focused on one subject and not include unrelated details. For example, if a student writes about a time they served as the leader of an organization, the writer should not describe difficulties in a class. Schools often take into consideration whether or not English is a student’s native language, Walker adds. Reading one’s own writing, especially out loud, can help an applicant recognize mistakes. Also, having someone else read it can help, leading to the removal of unnecessary or unrelated parts of the essay. And hearing someone else read your writing out loud can also help you decide if the way the ideas are expressed is really what you want to say. So, Walker says, applicants should make use of the many resources available to them. In the U.S., many students work on their college essays with English teachers and fellow students during their last two years of high school. He suggests that students have parents, friends and even special writing services help them work on their essays. Also, students should consider re-writing the statement at least once to improve it. However, Walker does note one concern he has about students involving other people in the process. At American colleges and universities, doing one’s own work is extremely important. If a school learns a student has asked or paid someone else to write an essay for them, that school will likely remove the student from their study program. The same is true of the application process, says Walker. It is easy for admissions officials to tell when students have not written their own essays. The wording sounds very general and often very similar to other essays officials have seen before. And it will most likely lead to the applicant not being admitted. I’m Pete Musto. And I’m Dorothy Gundy.   Pete Musto reported this for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. How common is it for colleges and universities in your country to ask applicants for an example of their writing? What are some of their expectations of that writing? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ____________________________________________________________ QUIZ ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   application – n. a formal and usually written request for something, such as a job, admission to a school, or a loan grade(s) – n. a number or letter that indicates how a student performed in a class or on a test essay – n. a short piece of writing that tells a person's thoughts or opinions about a subject opportunity – n. a short piece of writing that tells a person's thoughts or opinions about a subject letter of recommendation – n. a formal letter that explains why a person is appropriate or qualified for a particular job or school specific – adj. special or particular topic(s) – n. someone or something that people talk or write abou creative – adj. having or showing an ability to make new things or think of new ideas recognizing – v. to know and remember someone or something because of previous knowledge or experience overwhelming – adj. used to describe something that is so confusing or difficult that you feel unable to do it focused – adj. giving attention and effort to a specific task or goal

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'When Life Gives You Lemons ...'

  Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories. There are several kinds of citrus fruit. The most common are limes, oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and lemons.  Out of all of them, it is the lemon that has found its way into a number of English language expressions. While eating an orange or grapefruit can be pleasant, we don't usually eat plain lemons. Lemons are really sour. The acid in them makes it really hard to eat them raw. Lemons are so acidic they can actually take the protective enamel off your teeth. So, biting into a lemon does not bring a smile to your face. In fact, when someone is unhappy she may have a puckered look on her face. In this case we can say she looks as if she just sucked on a lemon. We can also call this person a sourpuss. This is a person who always complains and always looks unhappy. With its really sour taste, sucking on a lemon is unpleasant. So, telling someone to "Go suck a lemon!" is a way of showing your anger. It's not really nice and sounds childish. But there are worse things you could say! While we don’t usually eat lemons raw, they can add taste and vitamin C to food and drinks. But in everyday speech, the word “lemon” usually represents something poor, bad or broken. For example, if you hand someone a lemon, you have given them something that is broken or doesn’t work. This expression means that you have cheated them. A "lemon" can also mean an unsatisfactory answer. As we said, a lemon can be something you bought that does not work. It is defective. Americans often use the word lemon to describe a newly-bought, but defective vehicle. Let's say you go to an automotive dealership and buy what you think is a good car. On the streets around the dealership, it runs perfectly. But on the drive home, everything goes wrong. The gas pedal sticks. The engine starts smoking. Then it just stops running in the middle of the road! You have bought a lemon. As you watch the tow truck take away the car for repairs, you call the dealership and demand your money back. The salesman says with a laugh, "No way! All sales are final!" Now, many people would get angry. Not only do you not have a car, but you have lost a lot of money. But you don't get upset. You find a way to make this situation work for you. After all, you are a person who looks on the bright side. Your life's belief is: When life give you lemons, you make lemonade! Here, the term "lemon" means a problem or difficulty in life. Lemonade is a cool refreshing drink. You could say it is the prize you get by overcoming difficulty with your good attitude. So, we use this expression to describe a situation where something goes wrong but the person in the situation chooses to turn it into a positive experience. People who turn lemons into lemonade we call optimistic. They have a can-do attitude! This is a common phrase and we use in many different situations. Sometimes we don't even need to say the whole thing. If you simply say, "When life gives you lemons ..." people will know what you mean. So, back to our broken car story. You take the lemon of a car you bought at the dealership and you make lemonade. First, you learn about your rights as a buyer under a measure known as the lemon law. In the United States, this requires an automobile manufacturer or dealer to replace, repair, or refund the cost of an automobile that proves to be defective after purchase. Under the lemon law, you will get your money back. But don't stop there. Why make a glass of lemonade when you can make a whole pitcher! You warn friends and neighbors about that car dealership. You write an article for the local newspaper about lemon laws. The newspaper receives many emails and letters from people who had similar experiences. Knowing their rights, they also demand their money back for the lemons that were sold to them. The newspaper is so happy with the amount of responses that it offers you a part-time job writing stories about consumer issues. You've turned a bad experience into something good and you've helped others. Life gave you lemons and you made lemonade. And that's the end of this week’s Words and Their Stories. I'm Anna Matteo. Have you ever had to make lemonade from the lemons life gave you? Or do you have a similar expression in your language? Let us know in the Comments Section. “Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet. But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat. Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet. But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.”   Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. Peter, Paul and Mary sing the song “Lemon Tree” at the end of the piece. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   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 — often used before another noun sour – adj. having an acid taste that is like the taste of a lemon acid – n. chemistry : a chemical with a sour taste that forms a salt when mixed with a base / acidic – adj. containing acid : having a very sour or sharp taste pucker – v. to pull the sides of (something, such as skin or cloth) together so that folds or wrinkles are formed : puckered – adj. defective – adj. having a problem or fault that prevents something from working correctly : having a defect or flaw optimistic – adj. having or showing hope for the future : expecting good things to happen : hopeful positive – adj. good or useful can-do – adj. having or showing an ability to do difficult things attitude – n. the way you think and feel about someone or something refund – n. to give back money that someone paid for something (such as a product that was returned or a service that was not acceptable) consumer – n. a person who buys goods and services

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Washington 'Nap Cafe' Helps Busy Workers Slow Down

  Daniel Turissini used to work long hours as a consultant in the Washington, D.C., area. He always felt tired by the middle of the work day. He asked business professionals if he knew what they did to feel more energetic during the day. Some told him they rested mid-day in their cars. Others said they took short naps at their desks. For Turissini, their answers revealed a need for Washington professionals -- a place to go during the day to take a proper nap.  So, a few months ago, he opened a nap cafe in the center of America’s capital city. It is called recharj.                                                 After turning off all of their electronic devices, recharj customers lie down in so-called “power nap cocoons.” The cocoons are meant to help people fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up feeling refreshed. They have a bed, a blanket and a special scented eye mask to help customers relax. Soft music plays in the cocoons. The customers sleep for about 20 minutes before returning to work. Turissini says recharj offers a solution to the city’s fast-paced lifestyle – a chance to slow down. He says that today’s professionals face issues that “we never really had a generation ago.” For example, smartphones make it easy for a boss or coworker to contact workers, in Turissini’s words “at all hours at night or when you’re on vacation.” He says “there’s a load of other challenges we’re facing today that wellness and lifestyle changes – habit changes – are critical to a sustainable life, to a long, happy life.” recharj experts also offer group sessions on meditation and mindfulness, as well as wellness events. Connor Garitty is an IT consultant. He says he visits recharj almost every day. He says, “I feel, I guess, like the day is just beginning instead of (thinking) ‘Oh my God how am I going to get through the rest of the day?’ I come here a lot at the middle of the day and after work. And even that is just as helpful because you’re energized.” Mari Aponte is a lawyer in Washington. She says she often feels tired and stressed after hours of sitting down at work. “What I like most about coming here is that I can breathe, whereas my morning is very crazy. I drink a lot of coffee and I’m like moving too much, too fast. So, I come here; it helps stop time and just balance my day.” I’m Jonathan Evans.    Faiza Elmasry reported this story for VOA news. Rei Goto adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.        We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   consultant - n. a person who gives professional advice or services to companies for a fee nap - n. a short period of sleep especially during the day​ proper – adj. right, suitable correct customers – n. one the purchases a commodity or service. cocoon – n. something that wraps around you completely, especially to protect you relax - v.  to become or to cause (something) to become less tense, tight, or stiff refresh – v. to restore strength and animation to scented – adj. having a pleasing smell challenge – n. something that tests strength, skill, or ability, especially in a way that is interesting sustainable – adj. able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed meditation - n.  the act or process of spending time in quiet thought​

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Turkish Study Shows Public Support for Military Campaign in Syria

  A new opinion poll shows strong Turkish public support for Turkey’s military campaign in Syria against a Kurdish militia. The A&G polling company questioned Turkish citizens about the campaign. It reported that 90 percent of those asked expressed support for Operation Olive Branch, the name of the military action. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly told the public that Operation Olive Branch is a national struggle. He told parliament last week, “Only Allah is victorious, and faith is more important than arms. If needed, we'll fight against the world.” Turkey’s main media have all repeated Erdogan’s position, following a message with heavy religious overtones and talk of the country’s past. Opposing voices, especially on social media, have faced arrest. Earlier this month, 24 people were arrested for publishing stories critical of the Syrian offensive on social media. Hundreds more have been detained. Effect on upcoming elections The aggressive reaction to criticism is seen by some observers as government nervousness over public support. Huseyin Bagci is with the Middle East Technical University in Ankara. He said, ”People are supporting, yes. But are the people happy? I would doubt this. Every day, there are coffins, with politicians running from one funeral to another. It will not be easy in the long run for them.”  The military launched Operation Olive Branch against the Kurdish militia YPG in January. Turkish officials have described YPG fighters as terrorists and linked the group to a rebellion inside the country. However, the militia is receiving assistance from the United States in the fight to contain Islamic State militants. "There is a national pride among Turks for this operation," said Cengiz Aktar, a political scientist. "We can safely say today, he ((Erdogan)) will win all the upcoming elections this year and next year.” By 2019, Turkey will have faced three elections: local, general and presidential. Some observers think that Erdogan will call early elections to make the most of the nationalist feelings. Observers say two questions are likely to affect him. The first is, how widespread is public support for Operation Olive Branch? The second: will the current level of excitement lead to votes for the Turkish leader? Recent opinion polls have shown little change in support for Erdogan or his ruling AK party. While he has a big lead over his political opponents, polls show he is still short of the required 50 percent plus one vote needed to win re-election. Since the launch of Operation Olive Branch, over 30 Turkish soldiers have been killed. Observers note that there have been few public demonstrations of support in Turkey’s main cities.  Differences with the U.S. On Friday, top diplomats from Turkey and the United States met in Ankara to discuss their differences in Syria. The two sides agreed to try to rescue a strategic relationship that U.S. officials admitted had reached a crisis point. After the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke with reporters. He said, "We find ourselves at a bit of a crisis in the relationship.” Tillerson called on Turkey to "show restraint in its operation.” But he added that the two countries "share the same objectives in Syria." At the Ankara talks, Turkey proposed a joint deployment in Syria if YPG fighters leave territory near the border. Dorian Jones reported this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted his report for Learning English with additional report from Reuters. Hai Do was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   Allah – n. the name of God in Islam faith – n. belief overtone – n. a secondary meaning or effect doubt – n. questioning of one’s belief or opinion coffin – n. a box for buying human remains pride – n. feeling that you are better or more important than other people survey – n. a study strategic – adj. useful in carrying out a plan or reaching a goal We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.  

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English in a Minute: Cold Shoulder

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Helvetia Fasnacht: Small West Virginia Community Keeps its Swiss Culture Alive

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Helvetia Fasnacht: Small West Virginia Community Keeps its Swiss Culture Alive

High up a long, winding road in the Appalachian Mountains, a small village is hidden among the hills and forest. Red Swiss flags hang from the tops of Swiss-style buildings. Above some of the doors are signs with German messages. “Folgen sein seligkeit” reads one, meaning “follow his bliss.” Among the businesses is a large Swiss restaurant. Visitors could, for a moment, think they were in Europe. But no, this is Helvetia, West Virginia, in the United States. ​A beautiful mix of Swiss and Appalachian A group of settlers from Switzerland settled Helvetia in 1869. West Virginia had only been a state for six years. Anna Chandler works for the Helvetian Archives, which records the history of the town through photos and documents. She says West Virginia’s government was seeking to increase the state’s population in its early years. So, she said, state employees traveled to the city of Bern, in German-speaking Switzerland. There they found people willing to travel to West Virginia and build a community. Helvetia has remained small to this day. And it also stayed true to its cultural roots. Or as Clara Lehmann, a member of the Helvetian Restoration and Development Association, explains, “Helvetia is like a beautiful mixture of Swiss and Appalachian.” Because of Helvetia’s remoteness, traveling to or leaving the town was difficult, says Chandler. This has helped the town keep its strong Swiss identity.  “Just that isolation makes it very difficult sometimes to bring new things in. So part of the fact that a lot of those traditions are still here is just because there was not a way for them to leave.” As of the most recent official count, 59 people live in Helvetia.  Many are direct descendants from the original Swiss settlers. Lehmann’s great grandfather, for example, was among the first Swiss settlers of Helvetia. She says that everyone on her mother’s side of the family grew up in Helvetia. Lehmann herself left Helvetia for a few years for school and work. However, she says she always felt a pull to return, and in time, she surrendered to it. Fasnacht: Guarding Swiss traditions Part of those traditions means the town celebrates several Swiss holidays every year. The largest and most festive is called “Fasnacht.” It has Catholic roots. “Fasnacht is a Swiss tradition, the root of the word is “fasting night”, it’s a tradition that you practice before lent. You're essentially gorging yourself and having excess right before you're going to be very austere. Just like Mardi Gras and Carnival.” Helvetia’s Fasnacht is observed on the Saturday before the start of the Christian period of Lent. Lent always begins in February or March. This year, Fasnacht took place on February 10. In the town’s early history, Lehmann said, Fasnacht was only celebrated privately at home or with friends. However, in 1968, Lehmann’s grandmother, Eleanor Maillouix, and friends decided to make the festival a larger event for the town. As word of the event spread through West Virginia, Fasnacht grew in popularity. Now hundreds of visitors come from surrounding communities to join the locals at the yearly party. The celebration begins in the afternoon when local musicians gather at Star Band Hall to play music. Crowds come to eat, drink and enjoy the sounds of live old-time, folk, and country music. Later in the evening, people move outside and put on many different homemade masks.  Similar to Mardi Gras, the Fasnacht masks represent escape from one’s identity. This permits more freedom in behavior. “We prepare masks in secret, in our homes,” Lehmann said. Then, she said, mask wearers parade through town, to the community hall, holding candle lampions. Inside the community hall, a model of “old man winter” hangs. The masked marchers walk around it, trying to frighten winter away so that spring will come. At that point the masks come off, the local Red Star Band plays, and the dancing begins. Helvetia is known for dancing, and during Fasnacht, they demonstrate both their Appalachian and Swiss culture through square dances, waltzes, and Swiss polka dancing. Everyone is expected to dance. In Clara Lehmann’s words, “If you don’t know how to dance, it doesn’t matter, because somebody’s going to teach you.” At midnight, the music stops. Partiers cut down old man winter, carry it outside, and throw it on a big fire. “That is supposed to say ‘welcome spring, get out of here winter.’” Food is also important for Fasnacht.  During the day, the town’s only restaurant, the Hutte, prepares Swiss-German food. This includes Sauerbraten, bratwurst, and Swiss cheese.  Locals also prepare rosettes, a traditional Swiss pastry made with fried dough, which they serve during the dance. Keeping the culture alive Tradition is important to the people of Helvetia, who have always valued community, says Anna Chandler. “This event that Helvetia and some of the other communities around do through the year, lets folks come home and celebrate the way they knew as a kid, or as they remember their grandparents talking about.” Continuing these traditions in Helvetia does have its difficulties. Economic problems in West Virginia have made it difficult for Helvetians to find jobs.  The population has decreased over the years.  But those still living in Helvetia refuse to let their culture disappear.  “You have to really fight to maintain a tradition. But I think that's what’s really cool about Helvetia is we’re super stubborn…and  we want to hold onto the Swiss identity… We see the value of holding on to some of these traditions that speak to your soul and… that elevate your experience of life, so I think that’s why we continue to do it.” I’m Phil Dierking. And I'm Caty Weaver. This story was written by Phil Dierking for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Do you have any old traditions that your community still celebrates?  We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story austerity – n. a simple and plain qualit​ bratwurst – n. a type of fine German pork sausage that is typically fried or grilled.​ descendant – n. someone who is related to a person or group of people who lived in the past​ excess – n. an amount that is more than the usual or necessary amount​ festival – n. a special time or event when people gather to celebrate something​ gorge – v. to eat large amounts of food​ identity – n. the qualities, beliefs, etc., that make a particular person or group different from others​ isolation – n. the state of being in a place or situation that is separate from others : the condition of being isolated​ lampion – n.  a small lamp​ mask – n.  a covering for your face or for part of your face​ midnight - n. 12 o'clock at night remote – adj. far away​ sauerbraten – n. a dish of German origin consisting of beef that is marinated in vinegar with peppercorns, onions, and other seasonings before cooking.​ winding  - adj. following a series of curves and turns​

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'The Lady, or the Tiger?' by Frank R. Stockton

  Today's story is “The Lady, or the Tiger?” by Frank R. Stockton.  The story was written by Frank Stockton in 1882. It was adapted for VOA Learning English by Shelley Gollust. The storyteller is Barbara Klein. Long ago, in the very olden time, there lived a powerful king.  Some of his ideas were progressive.  But others caused people to suffer. One of the king’s ideas was a public arena as an agent of poetic justice.  Crime was punished, or innocence was decided, by the result of chance.  When a person was accused of a crime, his future would be judged in the public arena. All the people would gather in this building.  The king sat high up on his ceremonial chair.  He gave a sign.  A door under him opened.  The accused person stepped out into the arena.  Directly opposite the king were two doors.  They were side by side, exactly alike.  The person on trial had to walk directly to these doors and open one of them.  He could open whichever door he pleased.  If the accused man opened one door, out came a hungry tiger, the fiercest in the land.  The tiger immediately jumped on him and tore him to pieces as punishment for his guilt.  The case of the suspect was thus decided.  Iron bells rang sadly.  Great cries went up from the paid mourners.  And the people, with heads hanging low and sad hearts, slowly made their way home.  They mourned greatly that one so young and fair, or so old and respected, should have died this way. But, if the accused opened the other door, there came forth from it a woman, chosen especially for the person.  To this lady he was immediately married, in honor of his innocence.  It was not a problem that he might already have a wife and family, or that he might have chosen to marry another woman.  The king permitted nothing to interfere with his great method of punishment and reward.  Another door opened under the king, and a clergyman, singers, dancers and musicians joined the man and the lady.  The marriage ceremony was quickly completed.  Then the bells made cheerful noises.  The people shouted happily.  And the innocent man led the new wife to his home, following children who threw flowers on their path. This was the king’s method of carrying out justice.  Its fairness appeared perfect.  The accused person could not know which door was hiding the lady.  He opened either as he pleased, without having knowing whether, in the next minute, he was to be killed or married.  Sometimes the fierce animal came out of one door.  Sometimes it came out of the other.  This method was a popular one.  When the people gathered together on one of the great trial days, they never knew whether they would see a bloody killing or a happy ending.  So everyone was always interested.  And the thinking part of the community would bring no charge of unfairness against this plan.  Did not the accused person have the whole matter in his own hands? The king had a beautiful daughter who was like him in many ways.  He loved her above all humanity.  The princess secretly loved a young man who was the best-looking and bravest in the land.  But he was a commoner, not part of an important family.  One day, the king discovered the relationship between his daughter and the young man.  The man was immediately put in prison.  A day was set for his trial in the king’s public arena.  This, of course, was an especially important event.  Never before had a common subject been brave enough to love the daughter of the king.  The king knew that the young man would be punished, even if he opened the right door.  And the king would take pleasure in watching the series of events, which would judge whether or not the man had done wrong in loving the princess. The day of the trial arrived.  From far and near the people gathered in the arena and outside its walls.  The king and his advisers were in their places, opposite the two doors.  All was ready.  The sign was given.  The door under the king opened and the lover of the princess entered the arena.  Tall, beautiful and fair, his appearance was met with a sound of approval and tension.  Half the people had not known so perfect a young man lived among them.  No wonder the princess loved him!  What a terrible thing for him to be there! As the young man entered the public arena, he turned to bend to the king.  But he did not at all think of the great ruler.  The young man’s eyes instead were fixed on the princess, who sat to the right of her father.  From the day it was decided that the sentence of her lover should be decided in the arena, she had thought of nothing but this event. The princess had more power, influence and force of character than anyone who had ever before been interested in such a case.  She had done what no other person had done.  She had possessed herself of the secret of the doors.  She knew behind which door stood the tiger, and behind which waited the lady.  Gold, and the power of a woman’s will, had brought the secret to the princess. She also knew who the lady was.  The lady was one of the loveliest in the kingdom.  Now and then the princess had seen her looking at and talking to the young man. The princess hated the woman behind that silent door.  She hated her with all the intensity of the blood passed to her through long lines of cruel ancestors. Her lover turned to look at the princess.  His eye met hers as she sat there, paler and whiter than anyone in the large ocean of tense faces around her.  He saw that she knew behind which door waited the tiger, and behind which stood the lady.  He had expected her to know it. The only hope for the young man was based on the success of the princess in discovering this mystery.  When he looked at her, he saw that she had been successful, as he knew she would succeed. Then his quick and tense look asked the question: “Which?”  It was as clear to her as if he shouted it from where he stood.  There was not time to be lost.  The princess raised her hand, and made a short, quick movement toward the right.  No one but her lover saw it.  Every eye but his was fixed on the man in the arena. He turned, and with a firm and quick step he walked across the empty space.  Every heart stopped beating.  Every breath was held.  Every eye was fixed upon that man.  He went to the door on the right and opened it. Now, the point of the story is this: Did the tiger come out of that door, or did the lady? The more we think about this question, the harder it is to answer.  It involves a study of the human heart.  Think of it not as if the decision of the question depended upon yourself.  But as if it depended upon that hot-blooded princess, her soul at a white heat under the fires of sadness and jealousy.  She had lost him, but who should have him? How often, in her waking hours and in her dreams, had she started in wild terror, and covered her face with her hands?  She thought of her lover opening the door on the other side of which waited the sharp teeth of the tiger! But how much oftener had she seen him open the other door?  How had she ground her teeth, and torn her hair, when she had seen his happy face as he opened the door of the lady!  How her soul had burned in pain when she had seen him run to meet that woman, with her look of victory.  When she had seen the two of them get married.  And when she had seen them walk away together upon their path of flowers, followed by the happy shouts of the crowd, in which her one sad cry was lost! Would it not be better for him to die quickly, and go to wait for her in that blessed place of the future?  And yet, that tiger, those cries, that blood! Her decision had been shown quickly.  But it had been made after days and nights of thought.  She had known she would be asked.  And she had decided what she would answer.  And she had moved her hand to the right. The question of her decision is one not to be lightly considered.  And it is not for me to set myself up as the one person able to answer it.  And so I leave it with all of you: Which came out of the open door – the lady, or the tiger?   Download activities to help you understand this story here. _______________________________________________________________ QUIZ ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story poetic justice – n. a result or occurrence that seems proper because someone who has done bad things to other people is being harmed or punished innocence – adj. the state of being not guilty of a crime or other wrong act mourn – v. to feel or show great sadness because someone has died ancestor – n. a person who was in someone's family in past times; one of the people from whom a person is descended tense – adj. nervous and not able to rela

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February 16, 2018

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

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Cambodian Museum Protects Clothing Worn by Khmer Rouge Victims

  During the 21 months he spent in a Cambodian prison, Bou Meng strangely felt at ease in the clothing he wore. Bou Meng was jailed in the late 1970s, when the Khmer Rouge ruled Cambodia. He was held at a secret, but now infamous Khmer Rouge prison called S-21. Prison officials gave him black cotton shorts and, when he was lucky, a shirt for the upper half of his body. “It was very cold at night, as I remember,” Bou Meng told VOA. Prisoners had no blankets to keep warm. Officials refused to let them have personal belongings. The prisoners spent most of their days and nights tied to beds inside small rooms. Often they were released only to be tortured. About 14,000 people jailed at S-21 were later executed. Bou Meng was one of the few prisoners to have survived. For him, the clothing brings back intense memories. They smelled really bad, he said. When he was tortured, “they would strip my shirt off,” he remembered. “My body was covered with blood.” A museum shows objects from Cambodia’s genocide Clothing similar to what Bou Meng once wore was left behind when the guards fled the prison. They left just before the Vietnamese invasion of Cambodia, in January 1979. Vietnamese forces ousted the Khmer Rouge government that year. Later, Vietnamese administrators set up a genocide museum inside the former prison. They saved evidence of mass crimes, devices once used to torture prisoners and documents. But, the clothing was largely ignored. All the prison uniforms sat untouched for 40 years. Many began to break down because of the effects of age, heat and wet weather. Now all that is changing, as more Cambodians are recognizing the uniforms’ value. The Cambodian Ministry of Culture now administers the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Last month, the museum launched a project to protect up to 5,000 pieces of clothing. The United States government provided a grant of $55,000 to support the program. For the first time, the clothes will be sorted, protected and, in some cases, shown to the public. They are part of the memorial to the 1.7 million Cambodians who were killed during Khmer Rouge rule, from 1975 to 1979. That number represents 25 percent of the country’s population at the time. American Julia Brennan is heading the conservation project. She said the effort would use technology to ensure the uniforms are protected without removing the blood and other markings. Brennan also helped Rwanda’s National Commission for the Fight against Genocide protect 45,000 cloth artifacts belonging to Rwandan genocide victims. Brennan is working to set up a long-term storage system at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. She plans to use a technology called DryStore -- a see-through plastic container with two built-in hygrometers. These instruments help to keep objects dry and relative humidity levels low. DryStore was developed in 2012 by Rhino, a technology provider for the agricultural industry. The company is based in Thailand. The system uses desiccant beads that take in water while killing mold and insects. Until now, the beads have mainly been used for seed drying and storage. Brennan has named the technology a “heritage box.” The museum is using the U.S. grant money to buy about 50 containers. Each one is large enough to protect 72 liters of cloth artifacts. The first step of the project, Brennan says, is to test the heritage box system and develop a plan that can be followed after she leaves Cambodia. "The storage system is efficient, low cost, and simple to use," she said. She added that if it is successful, it could show that the drying technology “can be applied everywhere for cultural heritage preservation, especially in humid climates.” Every piece of clothing or textile item in the museum will also be photographed and documented. A detailed description of the clothing and its condition will also be included before being stored in the heritage box. All this information will be entered into a computerized collection database. The textiles have been organized and are sitting in blue and red baskets, waiting to be documented and preserved. Bou Meng said the program is important to him because it will allow future generations of Cambodians to see exactly what his uniform looked like. Although they are long gone from his possession, he still remembers the black shorts he wore. He said, “They [the clothes] are a testimony to the genocide. Younger generations are going to certainly benefit from it, so that they know what happened here.” I’m Jonathan Evans.   Soksreinth Ten reported this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted the report for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story blanket – n. a piece of cloth used as a bed covering item – n. object strip – v. to remove clothing grant – an amount of money that is given by a government or company to be used for a purpose conservation – n. a careful protection of something humidity – n. the amount of wetness in the air, or in the atmosphere desiccant bead – n. something that causes a substance to dry out mold – n. a growth caused by a fungus, usually caused by water or a break-down of organic material preservation – n. the protection or safety of something or someone database – n. a collection of information that is stored on a computer We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.  

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Lesson 21: Can You Come to the Party?

Summary Anna meets her friend Marsha in a coffee shop. Marsha asks Anna to come to a party.  But Anna has to take a driving test. Can Anna come to the party?   Speaking In this video, you can practice saying the new words and learn how to show that one event comes after another event. Pronunciation This video teaches about two ways to pronounce have to. ​ Conversation   Anna: Hi there! Washington, D.C. has some great coffee shops. My favorite is this one -- Busboys & Poets.  Anna: Actually it’s more than a coffee shop. It’s also a bookstore, a restaurant and a theater! Anna: Marsha and I love coming here. Marsha: Hey, Anna, my friend is having a party on Saturday. Can you come with me? Anna: Sorry, I can’t come with you. I have to get my driver’s license. Marsha: Will you be busy all day? Anna: I don’t know. First, I have to take a test on the computer. Then I have to take a test in the car. Marsha: But you have to take the test during the day, don't you? Anna: Yes.  Marsha: The party is at night. Anna: Oh. Then I can come with you to the party on Saturday night. Marsha: Great! I have to help my friend with the party. Can you help me? Anna: Sure. That sounds like fun. Marsha: Everyone has to bring something or do something. You can bring food, or you can perform. Anna: Really, I can perform? Marsha: You can! Can you? Anna: Yes! I can recite poetry. (Anna is in a club reciting a poem)  - A poem -  Light dark Light dark Darkness Dark Marsha: In this country, nobody recites poetry at parties. Um … can you do anything else? Anna: Hmm, yes. I can do a card trick. (Anna is doing a card trick) Your card is the 10 of diamonds! No? Pick a card. Any card. Here, just pick this one. Great! Marsha: Anna, maybe you can just bring food. Anna: No, I can’t cook. And I really want to perform. You know, there is one thing I can do. (Anna plays a song on the ukulele and sings) Trouble in mind. I’m blue... But I won't be blue always The sun's gonna shine in my back door some day.* Marsha: That’s it! You can sing at the party. Now, I have to go shopping for food. Anna: Can I help? I’m not busy right now. Marsha: Sure, let’s go! Anna: We have to go. I have to help Marsha shop. And I have to practice my song! Trouble in mind. I’m blue... Anna: Until next time!   *The song Trouble in Mind was written by jazz pianist Richard M. Jones.   Writing In this lesson, Marsha asks Anna to come to a party on Saturday. What do you like to do on the weekends? Write to us to tell us about what you plan to do next weekend. Send us an email or write in the Comments section. Use the Activity Sheet to practice talking about your talents and skills.       Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The learning strategy for this lesson is cooperate​. When we work together to help others we are cooperating. We also cooperate when we help someone understand their second language. In this lesson, Marsha tells Anna about a party. Everyone who comes to the party cooperates by bringing food or performing something. Anna wants to cooperate by performing at the party. Can you find another time in the video when Anna or Marsha cooperate? 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 Check your understanding and practice your listening skills with this quiz. ​______________________________________________________________ New Words   bookstore- n. a store that sells books card - n. a small piece of stiff paper that is used for playing games   day - n.  the part of the day when light from the sun can be seen driver’s license- n.  an official document or card which shows that you have the legal right to drive a vehicle else - adv. used to refer to a different or additional person or thing night - n. the time of darkness between one day and the next perform - v. to entertain an audience by singing or acting poetry - n. the writings of a poet recite - v.  to read (something) out loud or say (something) from memory  test - n. a set of questions or problems that are designed to measure a person's knowledge, skills, or abilities trick - n. a clever and skillful action that someone performs to entertain or amuse people ______________________________________________________________ Free Materials   Word Book 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 talking about your talents and skills. 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:  Have to, Can, Can't, Contractions ​Topics: Invitations​, Apologizing, Hobbies & Personal Skills​, Expressing Obligation​ Learning Strategy: Cooperate Speaking & Pronunciation Focus: Using then to talk about a result; Using have to or reduced hafta to express obligation Are you teaching with Let's Learn English? Send us a photo of your class and we'll put it on our Facebook page.  ______________________________________________________________ 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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