With 6 Teens Running For Kansas Governor, a Dog Tries, Too

  The American state of Kansas does not make it very easy for its citizens to vote. A person must show proof of American citizenship when registering to vote in an election. Once at the polling place, they must show photo identification. The United States Commission on Civil Rights says Kansas has among the strictest voter identification laws of any state in the country. Yet, Kansas has no real laws about who can run for state office. Bryan Caskey is the Kansas director of elections. He recently told the Kansas City Star newspaper, “There’s seriously nothing on the books that lays out anything, no age, no residency, no experience. Nothing.” There is nothing, then, to stop high school students -- and even a dog -- from seeking to become the next governor of the state. Jack Bergeson is a 17-year-old high school student in Wichita. He is also a candidate for Kansas governor. He hopes to become the state’s Democratic Party nominee for the election in November. However, he calls himself an “anti-establishment” choice. ​ On his official website, Bergeson writes, "I may be too young to vote, but I am not too young to see the problems in Kansas that the government should be, but is not, working to fix." Kansas’ former governor, Sam Brownback, is a member of the Republican Party. He was elected as leader of Kansas in 2011. Last month, he left office to begin his appointment as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. Bergeson announced he was running for office last August, when he was still 16. Three other high school boys announced soon after that they too would run for governor. They are Republicans. Last October, the four young candidates gathered for a debate at a high school in the city of Lawrence. They discussed their positions on abortion, taxes, environmental policies and other issues. Dominic Scavuzzo hopes to become the state’s Republican candidate. He told the Wichita Eagle newspaper last October, “This needs to be a government that represents everyone, not just 30 years old up.” As of now, there are six teenage boys in the 2018 race for Kansas's governor. And last week, a dog tried to join them. As the Associated Press reported, Kansan Terran Woolley completed paperwork to enter his three-year-old dog, Angus, in the race for governor. Woolley decided to do so after hearing about the teenage candidates. But the Kansas Secretary of State’s office quickly announced it would not permit Angus to run for governor. Kansas politicians are now trying to pass a bill to establish minimum requirements for candidates to run for office. The bill would bar people under the age of 18 from running for governor, secretary of state or other top offices. It would also require candidates to have lived in Kansas for at least four years. Many states already have at least some minimum qualifications for people seeking office. In Virginia, for example, a person must have lived in the state for the full year leading up to the election. They must also be qualified to vote -- and voting age in the United States is 18 and up. California requires that candidates be registered to vote and not have a criminal record. State rules are often stricter for those running for top offices such as governor. New York, for example, requires all candidates for governor to be at least 30 years of age. They must also have lived in the state for five years immediately before the election. The proposed Kansas bill would not affect Bergeson and the other teenage candidates. If it becomes a law, it would only take effect after the November election. Although the proposed bill does not affect his candidacy, Bergeson is still against it. “I don’t think it’s a good thing,” he told the Kansas City Star. “I’m not a fan of it. I think it’s a reactionary bill. I think it’s trying to disenfranchise candidates.” Election Day is November 6. I’m Ashley Thompson. Ashley Thompson wrote this story based on reports by the Associated Press, NPR, the Kansas City Star, Wichita Eagle and other sources. Caty Weaver was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   polling place - n. a building where people go to vote in an election strict ​- adj. ​used to describe a command, rule, etc., that must be obeyed​ governor ​- n. ​ a person who is the leader of the government of a state, province, etc.​ abortion ​- n. ​a medical procedure used to end a pregnancy ​ minimum ​- adj. ​least or lowest possible in amount or degree​ disenfranchise ​- v. ​to prevent (a person or group of people) from having the right to vote​

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As More People Move to Cities, China Eases Land Rules in Villages

  China observers have expressed support for a new Chinese government policy on land and property rights. The proposal calls for permitting Chinese villagers to rent out their homes and farms. China experts say this could increase development and ease tensions in rural China, especially in areas ignored by the government. The observers say a growing number of houses are empty in rural areas as people move to cities. Chinese officials released the policy document earlier this month. It said the government would ease controls on rights for rural land and unused housing. As a result, it said, people who moved to cities could permit development of their properties or rent out their homes. Growing dissatisfaction with life in rural China The policy could affect people unhappy with rural life. They could move but still earn money from their properties, said China expert Wasana Wongsurawat. “Urban centers are growing, while the quality of life in rural areas has not improved, leading to growing dissatisfaction,” she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. She said the new policy may be a way to deal with that and persuade more people to move to the cities. Wasana Wongsurawat is an assistant professor at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok. Almost 59 percent of China’s population already lives in urban areas. Continued development is important to the government’s plans for growth. China is the world’s second-largest economy.  Chinese land is divided into urban and rural land regimes. The government has ownership rights over urban land, while rural land is owned collectively and cannot be bought and sold freely. China began to examine its land use policies in 2014. A major step toward reform The government’s decision to ease controls on land falls far short of creating an open market. But observers said it is an early move in a major reform process.   “It is significant as a step forward to liberalize land rights,” said Dan Wang of The Economist Intelligence Unit research group. She said the change in policy – if followed by other rule changes – may help influence businesses to develop very large farms. She said, “If this round of land reform turns out to be successful, it will change the landscape of rural China greatly in terms of forms of employment, agricultural organization and even social structures.” She noted that the reforms could be weakened if farmland is seized for industrial use, or to grow for-profit crops instead of grains to feed Chinese communities. I'm Jonathan Evans.   Rina Chandran reported this story for the Reuters news agency. George Grow adapted the report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   rent – v. paying money in exchange for being able to use something urban – adj. relating to or involving a city regime – n. a system of rules; a form of government significant – adj. large enough to be noticed or have an effect​ liberalize – v. to ease rules or restrictions; to make something more liberal​ landscape – n. a picture that shows a natural scene of land or the countryside​

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Buffalo Meat on the Menu Again for Native Tribe

  The Oglala Lakota tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota is close to regaining its traditional food supply. The Charging Buffalo Meat House will open for business soon. The business will process and package buffalo meat from the tribe’s herd. For hundreds of years, buffalo – also called American bison – were the main food source for the Indian tribes on the Great Plains of the central United States. But buffalo were not only food. They were important for clothing, shelter and even weapons and tools. In the 19th Century, the U.S. Army found that the best way to force Indians onto reservations was to destroy the buffalo. Millions of animals were killed, and the buffalo came close to extinction. Tribes living on the reservations could no longer eat their traditional diet. Instead, they ate foods the government provided, such as flour, oil and coffee. Over time, processed foods were introduced. Traditional foods lost, health problems increase The reservation covers almost 9,000 square kilometers, but has only one supermarket. In addition, unemployment on the reservation is estimated to be at 80 percent. Many people buy low-cost food that often is low in nutrition. Obesity, diabetes and heart disease are major problems on the Pine Ridge reservation. The average life expectancy there is among the lowest in the U.S. Charles “Bamm” Brewer believes the tribe can improve its health by returning to a traditional diet of wild fruits, vegetables and buffalo. He said he came to the idea 20 years ago. At the time, he was working in a yearly round up of buffalo to gather animals that may have strayed from the herd. It was then, he said, that he had a vision. “As the buffalo ran, they kicked up snow and dirt,” he remembered, “and they gave off hot steam. And all of this rose up into a huge cloud. And I ran right into that cloud with them.” He believes, at that moment, he stepped back into the past and had the experience of his ancestors. He said, “They gifted me a message: ’Bring the buffalo back to the people.’” Bringing back the buffalo Brewer started by raising buffalo on his family’s land. He began building his herd from animals on nearby national parks owned by the federal government. Today he has a herd of about 50 animals, and buffalo meat has become an important part of his family’s diet. Brewer said that the Lakota and other tribes killed buffalo for food and shelter, never for sport. “In our culture, when we hunt the buffalo, we say a special prayer to thank the animal for giving its life,” he said. About seven years ago, Brewer started working as a food program manager for a non-profit group called One Spirit. The group provides fresh food, fruits and vegetables to poor families. It also works to support the tribe. Brewer then had the idea that One Spirit could build a meat processing center to process buffalo meat. After launching a campaign to raise money, the Charging Buffalo Meat House project is nearly complete. To become fully operational, the project now needs about $15,000 for a heating and air conditioning system. The business would be identified as “custom exempt,” meaning it would have state approval to process and package buffalo meat for individuals and hunters. One Spirit says it could start selling meat to the public if it receives approval from the Food and Drug Administration. The market for buffalo meat is large. The National Bison Association estimates that the industry is worth about $340 million dollars each year. Meat not the only product Jeri Baker is the director of One Spirit. He said that more can be done with buffalo than supplying meat. “By building the Meat House, we aren’t just providing employment,” he said. “We’re looking at all the things that could be done with the buffalo besides just having meat to eat.” The group wants to restart a traditional method of processing buffalo skins. One Spirit has sought the help of a tanner who uses the animal’s brain in a process to prepare the skin, or hide, so that it stays soft even when it gets wet. Baker said providing hides could be a new industry. Recently, the Charging Buffalo Meat House gave its first buffalo meat to tribe members. Workers gave out 250 bags weighing one kilogram. Brewer said people liked the program. Then he laughed. He told how one tribe member didn’t like the idea of eating buffalo. Brewer explained, “That just shows us just how much this project is needed.” I’m Mario Ritter.  And I’m Alice Bryant.   Cecily Hilleary reported this story for VOA News. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   reservations –n. land in the U.S. that is kept for Native Americans to live supermarket –n. a large store that sells many different kinds of food round up –n. when herders gather together cattle or similar animals vision –n. an experience similar to a dream that has religious or supernatural importance tanner –n. a person who prepares leather and skins We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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How to Pronounce the Sound /w/

Follow John Russell to learn how to pronounce the sound /w/

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Mars on Earth: Tests in Desert of Oman

  Two scientists work together to test a geo-radar that was built to make a map of the planet Mars. They pull the flat box across rocky, sandy ground. They are wearing spacesuits, just like astronauts do in space. The bright white on their protective equipment stands out against the color of the sand and dirt. When the geo-radar stops working, the two walk back to their vehicles and use a radio to contact scientists at a nearby base camp for guidance. They are unable to speak directly with their command station, which is far away in the European Alps. Communications from there are delayed 10 minutes. The scientists are not on the planet Mars. They are in a desert in southern Oman, near the borders of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The desert looks so much like Mars that scientists chose it to field-test technology for a manned space flight to the red planet. Efforts to send astronauts to Mars The United States government and a few American companies have established programs to send astronauts to Mars. Former U.S. President Barack Obama and SpaceX founder Elon Musk have both declared that astronauts would walk on the planet in just a few decades. China is joining the U.S. and Russia in space with its own Mars program. And aerospace companies like Blue Origin have published plans for future bases, ships and spacesuits. Last week’s successful launch of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket “puts us in a completely different realm of what we can put into deep space,” says Kartik Kumar. He is an analog astronaut. Analog astronauts carry out tests in preparation for a Mars space flight. The next step after the rocket test, Kumar says, is to deal with non-engineering problems, such as how to react to a medical emergency in space. “These are things I think can’t be underestimated,” Kumar noted. Testing for possible Mars mission Most of the work to prepare for interplanetary trips is being done on Earth. Our planet’s deserts provide some of the best environments to field-test equipment and people for the trip to Mars. From space, the Dhofar Desert is a flat, brown area. Few animals or plants can survive in this part of the Arabian Peninsula. Temperatures can top 51 degrees Celsius. On the eastern edge of a seemingly endless sand dune is the Oman Mars Base. The base is a huge, self-contained area in which people live and work. It is surrounded by shipping containers, which serve as laboratories and living space for the crew. The desert’s surface looks so much like Mars that it can be hard to tell the difference, Kumar said. Its salt domes and riverbeds, he said, look like “a lot of what we see on Mars.” Oman’s government offered to host the Austrian Space Forum’s next Mars simulation. The offer came at a meeting of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Gernot Groemer, commander of the Oman Mars simulation, said his group quickly accepted. Scientists from across the world sent ideas for experiments. The project quickly grew to 16 scientific experiments, including testing a new spacesuit called Aouda. The spacesuit weighs about 50 kilograms. It is called a “personal spaceship” because one can breathe, eat and do complex science inside of it. The suit’s visor can show maps, communications and sensor information. Unusual test sites The Soviet Union’s 1957 launch of Sputnik led to a space race with the goal of putting people on the Moon. But before the American space agency NASA got there, astronauts like Neil Armstrong trained while suspended on pulleys, or lifts, to simulate one-sixth of Earth’s gravity. Scientists used hostile environments in places like Arizona and Siberia to test space capsules, landers, and suits — simulating dangers found beyond Earth. Among many Mars scientists, a favorite book is “Packing For Mars,” by Mary Roach. The book notes that test space stations have been built underwater off the coast of Florida, in dark and cold deserts in Antarctica, and in volcanic craters in Hawaii. NASA scientists used the Mojave Desert in the western U.S. to test vehicles meant for Mars. The scientists also found out a lot about how humans can adapt to different environments. “Human’s adaptability in an unstructured environment is still far, far better than any robot we can send to space,” said Scott Hubbard, who once led the U.S. space agency’s Mars program. Hubbard added that people, not just robots, are important to exploring Mars. I'm Anna Matteo. And I'm Pete Musto.   Samuel McNeil reported this story for the Associated Press (AP). George Grow adapted the report for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ QUIZ ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   spacesuit – n. a protective covering with life supporting equipment to make life in space possible for its wearer decade – n. a period of 10 years realm – n. an area of activity of interest; a field of influence analog – adj. involving a device or process in which information is represented by physical amounts simulation – n. something is made to look or feel like something else capsule – n. a small container or a small part of a spacecraft adapt – v. to change behavior in reaction to one’s situation We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.  

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A History of Presidents’ Day

  The third Monday of February is known as Presidents’ Day in the United States. For nearly 100 years, America honored its first president, George Washington, on February 22. That was his birthday. But the date was not a national holiday until 1968. That year, the U.S. Congress passed a measure known as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The measure meant that some public holidays would always fall on a Monday. Today, the country honors its first president on the third Monday in February -- and not on Washington’s real birthday. And the holiday is now commonly called Presidents’ Day. Many say it also honors Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. The nation’s 16th president was born on February 12. The federal government, however, still recognizes the holiday as “Washington’s Birthday.” The Uniform Monday Holiday Act gives workers a three-day weekend. It also gives shops and marketers a chance to have special Presidents’ Day sales. Presidential Facts and 'Firsts' Last year, Donald J. Trump made history when he took the oath of office as the 45th president of the United States. At 70 years old, he became the oldest elected president. Before Trump, Ronald Reagan was the oldest person to take office. He was 69 years old when he became president in 1981. As the first billionaire president, Trump also replaced John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, as the richest man to serve as president. Kennedy still holds the record for the youngest person to be elected president. He was 43 when he took office. Kennedy is also the youngest president to die in office. He was assassinated in 1963 in Dallas, Texas. He was 46 years old. Another presidential assassination actually put the youngest person in the office of the president. In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt, then the vice president, became president at the age of 42. He took office after William McKinley, the 25th president, was shot and killed in Buffalo, New York. The first president to die in office, though, was William Henry Harrison. The country’s ninth president only served 32 days, the shortest time of any president. Another Roosevelt holds the record for the longest time in office. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president, held office for 4,422 days. After his death, the 22nd amendment was passed. It limited a person to two four-year terms as president. Most Americans know that the two Roosevelts were related. But they may not know how, exactly, they were related. Here it goes. Franklin Roosevelt’s wife, Eleanor Roosevelt was also his fifth cousin once removed. And Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president, was Eleanor’s uncle. That makes the two presidents distant relatives. But they were not the first relatives to both serve as president. That title belongs to the Adams. John Adams was America’s second president. His son, John Quincy Adams was elected as the nation’s sixth president. The Bushes are the other father-son presidential pair. George Herbert Walker Bush was elected as the 41st president. His son, George W. Bush, was the country’s 43rd president. Not everyone can run for president. The U.S. Constitution says that a person must be at least 35 years old. A person must also have lived “within the United States” for at least 14 years. And they must be a “natural-born citizen.” But the meaning of “natural-born citizen” is not exactly clear. People read the rule in different ways. The first “natural-born” American president was not George Washington or John Adams. It was Martin Van Buren, the eighth president. He was born in 1782, six years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. All seven presidents before Van Buren, and William Henry Harrison, the ninth president, were not “natural-born” citizens. They were born before 1776, when the American states were still British colonies.   Hai Do wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story uniform - n. staying the same cousin - n. a child of your uncle or aunt assassinated. - v. killed usually for political reasons distant - adj. used to describe a relative who is not closely related pair - n. two people who are related in some way or who do something together   We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

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Electric Bike Ban in New York Hurts Food Delivery Workers

  A ban on electric bicycles in New York City is hurting delivery workers who depend on them to earn a living. Many of the workers are immigrants. Electric bicycles, or “e-bikes,” have foot-powered pedals like other bicycles. But they also have electric-powered motors to assist riders in moving the bike forward. Most e-bikes reach speeds of about 32 kilometers an hour, but some can go much faster. Aimin Liu often uses an e-bike to deliver up to 40 Chinese food orders all across Manhattan each day. He is 60 years old. He says an e-bike makes his job much easier. “My legs are no good. I'm not capable of riding a regular bike. Both of my feet hurt. I have arthritis on both sides.” Although it is legal to own e-bikes in New York City, it is not legal to operate them. Officials there cite the dangerous use of e-bikes on streets and sidewalks as reason for the ban. Last year, the city announced severe measures meant to hold e-bike riders and restaurants that employ the riders responsible. E-bike operators can now be fined $500 for violating the ban. Police can also seize the bikes. Aimin Liu says he fears he might physically collapse if he tried to complete his daily work using a normal bicycle. He also estimates he could only deliver about half the number of orders. Many of New York's delivery workers are Chinese immigrants in their 50s and 60s. Their job requires them to work quickly and for long hours in order to earn enough money to live on. Delivery worker Deqing Lian said it is important to perform quality work because their job also depends on tips. “Sometimes we go to places that are very far. If we're too slow the customers will be unhappy.” He added that when delivery workers are too slow, some people refuse to pay for the food. This makes the workers’ supervisors angry. Liqiang Liu is an e-bike delivery worker and spokesperson for the New York Delivery Workers Union. He says being caught violating the ban and having the bike seized would cause costly delays for workers. “All told, we're looking at four to five days off. So when you're looking at the loss of four to five days worth of pay - on top of the $500 fine - we're easily looking at an economic loss of over $1,000.” Do Lee is with the Biking Public Project, which provides assistance to bicycle-related workers in New York City. He says the city’s ban on e-bikes is unfairly targeting low-paid workers who largely come from the city’s Latino and Asian communities. He does not accept the argument that e-bikes present a danger to citizens.  However, many New Yorkers are quick to blame e-bike riders for not being safe. “They never stop on red lights,” said New York resident Lana Rayberg. “They go in any direction.” New Yorker Bill McGowan says he has mixed feelings about e-bikers in the city. “I'm very sympathetic because I know how hard they work and how they have got to be as productive as they can possibly be. But they should have some more awareness and consideration for pedestrians.” I’m Bryan Lynn.   Ramon Taylor and Ye Yuan reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn 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   delivery – n. the act of taking something to a person or place pedal – n. control on a piece of equipment that is pushed with a foot capable – adj. able to do something arthritis – n. illness that causes parts of the body where bones meet to become painful and often big restaurant – n. place where you can buy and eat a meal​ tip – n. an extra amount of money given to someone who performs a service for you customer – n. someone who purchases a product or service resident – n. someone who lives in a particular place awareness – n. the state of knowing that something (a situation, condition, or problem) exists pedestrian – n. a person who is walking in a city, along a road, etc.  

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Do Bats Hold the Secret to Long Life?

Bats are the only mammals that can fly a great distance, but they have another ability. Many bats live a very long time for an animal their size. European researchers are studying bats to understand why they live so long. They hope to make discoveries aimed at fighting the aging process in human beings. Last week, the group of scientists said they had identified important biological qualities in some bat species. The group studied bat chromosomes, a line of genes found in the nucleus of cells. The scientists were most interested in structures connected to the ends of the chromosomes. They are called telomeres. Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes, which shorten each time a cell divides. Scientists believe this shortening process causes cells to break down. They say this is what causes aging. A report on bats was published this month in the journal Science Advances. Among the leaders of the study was Emma Teeling, a biologist with University College Dublin in Ireland. Teeling said studying long-living mammals that have developed ways to fight aging “is an alternative way to identify the molecular basis of extended ‘health spans.’” She added that studying bats enables scientists to learn more about the processes “that drive healthy aging.” The European researchers studied 493 bats from four bat species. The group used information that had been gathered over more than 60 years. Of these animals, the greater mouse-eared bat generally lived the longest, an average of 37 years. The scientists said this and a related species, which are grouped together under the name Myotis, had telomeres that did not shorten with age. Another Myotis bat holds the record for oldest age, reaching 41 years. The scientists’ findings suggest that these bats’ cells have the ability to maintain and repair their telomeres. This, they said, helps guard against the aging process. Based on its body size, a bat like the greater mouse-eared bat would be expected to live four years. But, these mammals have been found to live nearly 10 times longer than that. The scientists found that only 19 species of mammals live longer than humans when their body size is considered. Eighteen of these are bats. The only exception is an unusual African rodent, the naked mole rat. I’m Mario Ritter.   The Reuters news agency reported this story. Mario Ritter adapted the report for VOA Learning English with additional materials from the study. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   mammals – n. animals that produce milk, have hair and have a high body temperature alternative – adj. another way or possibility species – n. a group of people or animals that belong together or have some shared qualities maintain – v. to keep up or protect in an existing state We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

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Groups Say New Rules Weaken Protections for Sexual Assault Victims

  Three activist groups have sued the government over new guidelines on a U.S. law that protects against sexual violence at colleges and universities. The groups Democracy Forward, the National Women’s Law Center, and the National Center for Youth Law brought the legal action. They say new guidelines for the federal law, called Title IX, weaken support for students who say they have been sexually assaulted at American colleges. Title IX is a law that bars discrimination at U.S. colleges and universities. U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced the changes last September. The legal action comes one day after the sentencing of Larry Nassar, a former doctor and employee of Michigan State University. A judge sentenced Nassar to life in prison for the sexual assault of many female athletes. Skye Perryman is a lawyer with Democracy Forward. She told VOA that the changes made in September will have a bad effect on those who might experience sexual violence.   “Individuals who’ve experienced sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual assault on campuses have been chilled in their ability to bring claims because they do not believe that the system will protect them,” she said. The organizations have said however that the Title IX law has not changed. Catalina Velasquez is with the group End Rape on Campus. She told VOA, “The only thing that has changed is the way the administration will interpret Title IX protections through the Department of Education.” She added that the Department of Education guidelines are still worrying and need to be discussed urgently. To change the law would require a new legislation to be written, proposed, and approved by the U.S. Congress. ​The accused deserve a fair trial Colleges and universities that receive federal money are required to offer a clear way for students and employees to make complaints about sexual assault. The Title IX rule also requires them to hold fair, open school investigations. In addition, they must provide special medical services for victims. Last September, the Education Department removed 2011 guidance on what colleges should do when they receive accusations of sexual assault. Education officials said the policy failed to provide fairness to both the accuser and the accused. After releasing the new guidelines, Devos said that schools must continue to deal with these crimes.  She added that, “The process also must be fair and impartial, giving everyone more confidence in its outcomes.” She said that those accused of assault at schools should receive fair treatment. Parts of the 2011 guidance required schools to permit both the accuser and accused in harassment and assault cases to appeal findings. It also said universities should complete assault investigations within 60 days. New rules for Title IX Both of these, and other rules have been removed since September. The guidelines permit informal mediation between the accuser and the accused instead of a formal process, if both parties agree. Many female college students said they did not know about the new rules. They said they did not trust their university’s system to deal with sexual assault claims. The Association of American Universities released a study on sexual assault in 2015. It said that only 25.8 percent of students reported that they were “very or extremely” knowledgeable of where to report a sexual assault at their school. “I was one of those students,” said Emily Franklin. She is a former student who said she was raped during her time at St. Scholastica College. She said the first thing she did after was wash herself and clean her room, things that victims are not supposed to do. “I had honestly not heard of rape kits, I didn’t know the process…I never received any of that training at my school,” she said. Franklin graduated in May 2016. She has brought a complaint against her school for a Title IX violation with the help of SurvJustice. They are an organization that provides legal support on the issue of sexual violence. The Education Department reports information on cases related to Title IX. The investigation into Michigan State University is one of hundreds of cases for Title IX violations related to sexual assault at U.S. universities and colleges. I’m Phil Dierking.   Esha Sarai Originally wrote this story for VOAnews.com. Phil Dierking adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. How do you think universities should handle sexual assault cases?  We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   assault - n.  the crime of trying or threatening to hurt someone physically​ chill - v. to cause (someone) to feel afraid​ complaint - n. a statement that you are unhappy or not satisfied with something​ harassment - n. to make repeated attacks against interpret - v. to understand (something) in a specified way​ impartial - adj.  treating all people and groups equally​ kit - n.  a set of tools or supplies that a person uses for a particular purpose or activity​ misconduct - n. behavior or activity that is illegal or morally wrong​ outcome - n. something that happens as a result of an activity or process​ sue - v. to use a legal process by which you try to get a court of law to force a person, company, or organization that has treated you unfairly or hurt you in some way to give you something or to do something​

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Everyday Grammar: Starting Sentences With Conjunctions

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Lesson 20: The Test Drive

Summary Anna, Penelope and Rick are making a news story about the Washington Car Show. Anna is having a lot of fun -- maybe too much fun...   Conversation   Anna: (to Penelope) That’s a great idea. (to Rick) Rick, I think we should use this as the opening shot. Penelope: Anna, did Ms. Weaver give us instructions for covering the car show? Anna: She did. She said that we need to show lots of cars. She said we need to interview people. And she also said that we should have fun. Penelope: Those were her exact words? Anna: Yeah. She said, “Have fun, Anna!” And she is the boss.    Anna: (to Rick) Okay, Rick, are you - are you ready? OK. Hello, I'm Anna Matteo. Welcome to the Washington Car Show! Anna: People all over town are saying that if you like cars, this is the place to be! So, let's see what people are talking about. (at Rick) How was that? Okay? Is that Good? Professor Bot: Anna, Penelope and Rick are making a news story about the Washington Car Show. Ms. Weaver gave them instructions. We often need to tell others what someone else said. There are two ways to do this. One is to use the person’s exact words and use quotation marks. We call this "direct speech." For example, Ms. Weaver had said, “You need to show lots of cars.” The other way is to talk about what someone said. We call this "reported speech." Anna tells Penelope: She said that we need to show lots of cars. In this sentence, "she," is the subject, “said” is the reporting verb, “that” is the conjunction and “we need to show lots of cars” is the reporting clause. Keep watching, and listen for sentences where Anna talks about what someone else said! Anna: This car show has many styles of vehicles. There are utility vehicles, classic cars, trucks, sports cars, and everyday vehicles. Penelope: Okay, I think we got good interviews. Anna: Me too! People had very different opinions. But they all said they loved cars. Penelope: Anna, look -- a robot! Anna: A robot! Penelope: A robot! Anna: Rick, we have to use the robot in the show! (They walk over to the robot. Anna begins to dance like a robot.) Robot: What is your first name? Anna: Anna! Anna! Robot: Anna, you know, what an effort. What an effort to robot dance. How about a round of applause for Anna! I’ve never seen anyone try so hard. Anna: Penelope, did you hear that? Hank the Robot said that he has never seen anyone dance like me. Penelope: Uh, I think many people here are saying that, Anna.    Anna: That was fun. You know what someone told me? You can test drive a Jaguar at this car show. Penelope: Now, that sounds fun. Anna: Let’s go. Penelope: Okay. Anna: This course is smooth. So you can drive faster. Anna: He said...that I can’t drive, unfortunately. (They begin the test drive. Kurt, the stunt driver, does the driving.) Anna: Oh my gosh…reverse. Anna: That was great. This is awesome. Kurt: Are you ready to go on the rollercoaster? Anna: I’m ready. Kurt: Here we go! Anna: That’s awesome. Anna: That was...That was awesome! I just want to go one more time. I promise. That’s it. Just one more time. Anna: This course is bumpy and uneven. I was told that I could drive this course. So I am. Anna: (to Rick) Okay, Rick, are you rolling? Awesome. Okay, this course is uneven. But I think the ride will be smooth. Anna: Ooh. This hill is really steep. Anna: Oh my gosh. I can’t tell you how much fun this is. Anna: Penelope, that was so much fun! I think I need to go again. Penelope: Uh, Anna, I think we have enough test drive video. Anna: Ms. Weaver said to get a lot. So, I think I should go again.  (to Rick) Rick, I’m going to go again. Until next time! Penelope: But I want to get lunch, Anna! Professor Bot: Penelope said she wants to go to lunch. But I don’t think that’s going to happen soon. Visit our website for more!   New Words bumpy – adj. having or covered with bumps classic car – n. an older car, usually of a style that is no longer being manufactured course – n. the path or direction that something or someone moves along cover – v. to report news about something effort – n. energy used to do something everyday – adv. used or seen everyday exact – adj. full or completely correct or accurate hill – n. a usually rounded area of land that is higher than the land around it but that is not as high as a mountain opinion – n. a belief, judgment, or way of thinking about something roll – v. to operate something, such as a movie camera round of applause – expression. an outburst of clapping among a group or audience shot – n. a part of a movie or a television show that is filmed by one camera without stopping​ smooth – adj. having a flat, even surface sports car – n. a low-built car designed for performance at high speeds steep – adj. rising or falling sharply stunt driver - n. a trained driver who drives vehicles for dangerous scenes in films and on television test drive - v. an act of driving a motor vehicle that one is considering buying in order to determine its quality. uneven – adj. not level, flat or smooth unfortunately – adv. a word used to say that something is bad or disappointing utility vehicle – n. a powerful vehicle with four-wheel drive that can be driven over rough ground (also called sport utility vehicle or SUV) vehicle – n. a machine that is used to carry people or goods from one place to another   Practice Now, you try it! First, read about reported speech below. Then try changing a few of these sentences into reported speech: Anna asked, "Rick, are you ready?" Hank said, "I've never seen anyone try so hard." Kurt asked, "Are you ready to go on the rollercoaster?" Anna said, "This hill is really steep." Penelope said, "I think we have enough test drive video." Anna said, "I think I should go again." Write your sentences in the Comments section and we will respond to you. ​ Reported Speech We often need to tell others what someone else said. We can do this in two ways. One is to say the person’s exact words and use quotation marks. We call this “direct speech.” The other is to talk about what someone else said. We call this “reported speech.” Direct Speech Reported Speech “You need to show lots of cars.” She said (that) we need show lots of cars.   Reported speech contains a subject, reporting verb, conjunction and reporting clause. (The word “that” is optional.) Subject noun or pronoun Reporting Verb Conjunction Reporting Clause She said (that) we need to show lots of cars.   Using Reported Speech To use reported speech, choose a reporting verb, such as say, tell or ask. Usually, the verb in direct speech moves one tense back in time in reported speech. Direct Speech Reported Speech “I drive my car every day.” She said (that) she drove her car every day. “I am driving my car. She said (that) she was driving her car. “I have driven my car.” She said (that) she had driven her car. “I will drive my car.” She said (that) she would drive her car.   If the speaker is reporting something that was just said, the reporting clause is often in present tense. This is also common for general facts.  Direct Speech Reported Speech “You need to show lots of cars.” She said (that) we need to show lots of cars. “The sky is blue.” She said (that) the sky is blue.   The modals might, should, would, could and ought to do not change in reported speech. However, can, must and have to do change. Direct Speech Reported Speech “I can/could drive my car.” She said (that) she could drive her car. “I may/might drive my car.” She said (that) she might drive her car. “I must drive my car.” She said (that) she had to drive her car. “I have to drive my car.” She said (that) she had to drive her car. “I should drive my car.” She said (that) she should drive her car. “I ought to drive my car.” She said (that) she ought to drive her car.   Change the point of view. For example, the subject “I” becomes “he” or “she” and the subject “we” becomes “they.” Direct Speech Reported Speech “I have two tickets to the Car Show.” He said (that) he had two tickets to the Car Show. “We want to dance like Hank the Robot.” They said (that) they wanted to dance like Hank the Robot.   Use if or whether to report a “yes or no” question. And use the reporting verb “ask.” Direct Speech Reported Speech “Do you like the Washington Car Show?” She asked if/whether I liked the Washington Car Show.   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: Reported speech Topics: Describing similarities and differences; discussing opinions 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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