College Admissions: Succeeding in an Interview

Almost all job searches require applicants to meet with the people offering the job to answer questions about themselves. Banks often require people asking for a loan to do the same. And even meeting your romantic partner’s parents for the first time can feel like an examination of your best and worst qualities. Higher education has similar ways of evaluating applicants, David Kobel explains. He works in international student services at the University of Tulsa, a private research university in Tulsa, Oklahoma. ​Kobel says colleges and universities want to know as much as they can about students who want to join their academic programs. Schools get a lot of information about an applicant from their application materials. But there are some things that academic performance records and letters of support from former teachers do not demonstrate. Many students can look similar on paper, Kobel says. So interviews are another method some schools use to learn more about an applicant. Kobel notes that interviewing with a college or university admissions official is different from other interviews in several ways. First, Kobel says there are two kinds of interviews that a college or university applicant might face. One is called an informational interview. Most colleges and universities in the United States do not require undergraduate applicants to complete an interview. But some offer applicants the choice of asking for such an interview. The result of this interview is not a major part of the selection process, Kobel says. But an interview does give an applicant and their school of choice the chance to build a relationship. Admissions officials might ask some general questions, but they also expect students to ask questions, as well. Kobel suggests that by asking questions of their own, a student shows their interest in attending that school. The more interest a student shows and the stronger a relationship they try to build with a school, the better. But Kobel adds that the kinds of questions a student asks are important. “You wouldn’t want to ask, ‘How many international students do you have here at the university?’” he told VOA. “That’s a question you could go find on the website. You would want to ask something more like, ‘What do you feel that international students contribute to your … community?’  … That shows them that you’re really thinking, you’re really wanting to know ’What you would value in me as a student?’” ​Kobel adds that asking questions that are deeper and less general demonstrates greater interest. They also show that an applicant has researched the school. Undergraduate students should try to make sure they are studying in a program that is the right fit for them. Gathering information about a certain program is the main goal of an informative interview. Doing your research and knowing about a school are also important for the second kind of interview college applicants may face, Kobel says. This is called an evaluative interview. Kobel notes that, although undergraduate programs may not require an interview, graduate study programs in the United States often do. Evaluative interviews are a chance for admissions officials to ask questions that examine an applicant’s qualities and decide if they will be a good fit for a given program. He suggests applicants do research on the school they are applying to. One common and very important question interviewers may as is, “Why do you want to study here?” Kobel says admissions officials want applicants to show they know exactly what a program offers and why that matters to them. The greater detail an applicant can give as to why the program is right for them, the better. “Look at the academic program that you want to study,” he said. “Look at the faculty. Look at the research that they’ve done and point out how that fits your goals … They don’t want to know that you want to go there because it’s close to home or because of … the prestige. They want to know that there’s a general interest in that.” Thoughtful answers are important for all interview questions, Kobel says. After all, almost every college and university wants to admit as many different kinds of people as they can. Someone who gives general answers to questions about their strengths and weaknesses, for example, does not demonstrate to the officials how different or special the applicant may be. “Saying, ‘Well, I’m good at English’ or ‘I’m good at math,’ those are too general,” said Kobel. “Try to get into what strengths you have and how have you used those to be academically strong. And then, with your weaknesses, be honest here. They don’t want you to say, ‘I don’t have any weaknesses.’ That will come across as arrogant. … Come in with an explanation of what you’re doing to overcome those weaknesses.” It is also important that international students understand the general rules of interviews in the United States, Kobel says. For example, being on time to a meeting is extremely important in the U.S. So applicants should arrive at their interview no less than 10 minutes before the planned start time. Kobel adds that smiling, looking the interviewer in the eyes, and shaking their hand firmly when meeting can all be signs of confidence and honesty.​ Finally, Kobel suggests that applicants should try to act natural and remember the interview is not the only thing that decides if they are admitted. Being calm can help ease the discussion and strengthen the connection between the interviewer and interviewee. And doing practice interviews with friends and family is a good way to feel relaxed during the real thing, he adds. It is also a good idea to start the interview by making brief, informal conversation with the interviewer, Kobel says. This helps build the relationship between everyone involved. However, avoid discussing topics like politics and religion. Americans usually do not talk about these subjects with people they do not know very well. I’m Pete Musto. And I’m Dorothy Gundy.   Pete Musto reported this story for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. What are some other important things to consider when going into an interview? How else do you think applicants should prepare? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ QUIZ ​ ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   applicant(s) – n. someone who formally asks for something, such as a job or admission to a college evaluating – v. judging the value or condition of (someone or something) in a careful and thoughtful way academic – adj. of or relating to schools and education interview(s) – n. a meeting at which people talk to each other in order to ask questions and get information undergraduate – adj. describing a degree that is given to a student by a college or university usually after four years of study contribute – v. to give something such as money, goods, or time to help or improve a person, group, cause, or organization  graduate – adj. describing a degree that is given to a student by a college or university usually after about two or more years of additional study following an undergraduate degree faculty – n. the group of teachers in a school or college prestige – n. the respect and admiration that someone or something gets for being successful or important arrogant – adj. having or showing the insulting attitude of people who believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people practice – adj. something that is done again and again in order to become better at it relaxed – adj. calm and free from stress, worry, or anxiety

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Have You Ever 'Played the Fool?'

  Hello and welcome to Words and Their Stories from VOA Learning English. On this program we explore common words and expressions in American English. In the United States April 1 is a day when you need to be a little careful. Why? It is April Fool’s Day so someone might play a practical joke on you -- a harmless trick for fun. We did a program on fool expressions a couple of years ago. We explained how to use foolhardy and foolproof. We talked about the idiom “A fool and his money are soon parted.” But we left out some things. So, here we are again talking about fools! Probably the most common definition of “fool” is someone who is silly and, well, foolish. It is very easy to trick a fool. “To fool” can also mean to pretend. For example, “The child said he was sick but he was only fooling. He was in perfect health.” If you say, “I was only fooling” that means you are not serious. You are kidding. So, if you say something to someone as a joke but they take you seriously, you can say to them, “I was only fooling.” Here, you could also say, “I was only kidding.” We often pair “fool” with the verbs “play” and “act” to form the expressions play the fool and act the fool. They both describe someone who is easily tricked or deceived. Or sometimes, we play the fool because we fall deeply in love and cannot think clearly. Love runs deeper than any ocean You can cloud your mind with emotion Everybody plays the fool, sometime There's no exception to the rule Listen, baby, it may be factual, may be cruel I want to tell ya! Everybody plays the fool The Main Ingredient sings “Everybody Plays the Fool” Sometimes we use it to describe someone who is not easy to fool. For example, if your friend John is really smart and not easily tricked, you could say that he’s not one to play the fool. If that is too wordy, you can simply say he is no fool. If you make a fool of yourself, you do something that makes you look foolish or silly. For example, imagine you are at a party. Suddenly your best friend sees a young woman who he really likes. He wants to get her attention. So, he starts dancing. But, no one else is dancing. In fact, there is no music playing. You calmly go up to him and say, “You might want to stop. You are making a fool of yourself.” But making a fool of yourself is better than making a fool of someone else. That is just mean. If a person tries to make a fool of you by yelling at you in public, just walk away. He will end up making a fool of himself. Now, if you are fooling yourself you are unwilling to accept the facts of a situation. In other words, you are in denial. If you think that you can learn perfect English in a very short time without studying or practicing, you are really fooling yourself. Now, when we pair the word “fool” with “around,” we get an expression that has several meanings. One is to spend time without any purpose. If you have the day off from work, you might decide to fool around all day. Another meaning is to behave playfully. The two friends were fooling around near the train tracks when they heard a call for help! But be careful. “Fool around” also means light-hearted sexual activity. For example, the husband and wife were fooling around in the kitchen when their friends and family walked in for dinner. Awkward! In these three example, you could also say mess around. It has the same meaning and we use it in the same situations. Finally, we often use the word “fool” in warnings to others. For example, “Don’t fool around with that! You will break it.” Or, “Stop fooling around.” And the ever popular, “This is no time to fool around.” I’m Anna Matteo. And that’s end of this program. And this will be the last Words and Their Stories … ever. I’m just fooling. We’ll back next week with a new show. No fooling! And you're fooling yourself if you don't believe it You're kidding yourself if you don't believe it Why must you be such an angry young man When your future looks quite bright to me   Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. The song at the end is Styx singing “Fooling Yourself.” _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   practical joke – n. a joke involving something that is done rather than said : a trick played on someone pretend – v. to act as if something is true when it is not true kid – v. to speak to (someone) in a way that is not serious : to say things that are not true to (someone) in a joking way deceive – v. to make (someone) believe something that is not true denial – n. a condition in which someone will not admit that something sad, painful, etc., is true or real awkward – adj. not easy to deal with

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Venezuela’s Famous Youth Orchestra Faces Tough Times

  In 1975, Venezuelan musician Jose Antonio Abreu created a network of music education programs for children. It became known as El Sistema. As the director of El Sistema, Abreu was able to gain government support for the network, and turn it into one of Venezuela’s model programs. Abreu died March 24 at age 78. Now, El Sistema’s new director, Eduardo Mendez, promises to continue the program's tradition of musical excellence and social service.   Mendez said the program must overcome Venezuela’s severe economic crisis. The crisis has forced hundreds of musicians to leave the country. El Sistema now includes about 300 community schools. The network has given children in poor neighborhoods a chance to study classical music. It has produced world-famous musicians, including the director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel. But Mendez says leading the orchestra network through Venezuela's social and economic crisis will not be easy. He says that 8 percent of the program's teachers have recently left Venezuela to seek a better life in other countries. The network's highly praised Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra has lost 42 percent of its musicians over the past six months. Most of those positions have been filled with younger musicians. Mendez said, "It hasn't been easy to convince people to stay. Many of these people are leaving in search of economic stability." Mendez worked with Abreu for 15 years. He said his goal will be to strengthen beginner music programs and explore new types of music for students to learn. El Sistema says 980,000 children and young musicians are currently part of its programs throughout Venezuela. Moving forward, Mendez will have to avoid conflicts between musicians and Venezuela's government. Critics have accused him of using the music program as a propaganda tool. Tensions between El Sistema and Venezuelan officials developed in 2017. At that time, Gustavo Dudamel criticized President Nicolas Maduro’s attempt to form a national assembly of mostly government supporters. Some critics viewed the move as another step toward dictatorship. Maduro asked Dudamel to "not attack those of us who have been crucial to the expansion of the [musical] movement." Venezuelan officials then cancelled two El Sistema trips through the United States and Asia. Dudamel was to lead the series of performances. No official explanation was given as to why the trips were cancelled. Mendez said Dudamel will continue to be El Sistema's creative director. Dudamel is expected to lead several concerts in Venezuela in August and September. He may also take part in an El Sistema exhibition in May at a United Nations meeting in Vienna. Reporters asked Mendez whether he would permit his musicians to voice their political views. He said he would not censure anyone. "Everyone is responsible for his actions, and is responsible for saying or doing what they think is right," Mendez said. I’m Jonathan Evans.   Jonathan Evans adapted this story from an Associated Press report. Ashley Thompson was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   convince – v. to cause (someone) to agree to do something censure – v. to officially criticize someone or something strongly and publicly exhibition – n. an event at which objects such as works of art are put out in a public space for people to look at; a public show of something propaganda – n.  ideas or statements that are often false or exaggerated and that are spread in order to help a cause, a political leader, a government, etc. stability – n. the quality or state of something that is not easily changed or likely to change  

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Wildlife Experts Worry About Lack of Newborn Right Whales

  Wildlife researchers in Georgia and Florida are concerned about the population of endangered whales. The winter birthing season just ended, but no newborn sightings have been reported. There are currently an estimated 450 North Atlantic right whales. Since December, researchers have been looking for newborns off the coasts of Georgia and Florida. Each winter, pregnant female whales migrate to the area to give birth in warmer waters, usually from December to late March. Barb Zoodsma oversees the right whale recovery program for the National Marine Fisheries Service in the southeastern United States. “It’s a pivotal moment for right whales,” Zoodsma said. “If we don’t get serious and figure this out, it very well could be the beginning of the end.” Last year, the number of right whale deaths was greater than the number of births. In the U.S. and Canada, there were 17 right whale deaths recorded, while only five right whale births were reported. Research on the whales have found that most female right whales are only living only to half their expected years. Research on the whales that gave birth last year showed that they were having babies for the first time in seven or eight years. That is more than double the usual time between pregnancies.  Philip Hamilton is a scientist at the New England Aquarium in Boston. Hamilton has studied right whales for 30 years. He said, “Following a year of such high mortality, it’s clear the population can’t sustain that trajectory.” This is why researchers are saying more needs to be done to protect the species. In January, conservationists like the Defenders of Wildlife and the Center for Biological Diversity took legal action against the U.S. government. They argued that it failed to protect right whales as ordered by the Endangered Species Act. The Center called for more restrictions on the fishing industry. Philip Hamilton suggests that placing speed restrictions on ships in certain areas will help protect the whales further. “It all has to happen quickly,” he said. “We can’t handle waiting 10 or 20 years.” Examinations of the 17 bodies showed that a ship had hit at least four of the right whales. Another two of the deaths were caused by fishing gear entanglement. As a result, some fishermen are testing equipment designed to bring traps to the surface. Others are experimenting with equipment that will prevent large whales from being trapped in the first place. Net trapping is not always deadly. But, scientists suspect that a trapping incident causes emotional effects that could harm a pregnancy. Nonetheless, there is still hope for the right whale population. As the whales return to their feeding areas this spring, scientists plan on looking for newborn stragglers. Charles “Stormy” Mayo is a right whale researcher in Provincetown, Massachusetts at the Center for Coastal Studies. Mayo remains hopeful about the possibility that right whale babies were born this season a little further north, as far up as Virginia’s coast. In Cape Cod Bay last year, two calves were seen that had not been seen earlier in the south. It is also possible that after a light birthing season this year, a baby boom could happen next year. This has been happened before. In 2000, only one newborn birth occurred while the following year there were 31 births. Zoodsma said, “I do think we can turn this around. But it’s sort of like, what’s our willpower to do so? This is a time for all hands on deck.” I'm Rachel Dennis.   Rachel Dennis adapted this story for Learning English based on Associated Press reports. Caty Weaver was the editor.  _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   endangered - adj. used to describe a type of animal or plant that has become very rare and that could die out completely​ pivotal - adj. very important​ figure (something) out  - phrasal verb. to understand or find (something, such as a reason or a solution) by thinking​ mortality - n. the quality or state of being a person or thing that is alive and therefore certain to die : the quality or state of being mortal sustain - v.  to provide what is needed for (something or someone) to exist, continue, etc. trajectory - n. used to describe a process of change or development that leads toward a particular result migrate – v. to move from one place to live or work in another straggler - n. : a person or animal that moves slower than others and becomes separated from them calf - n. the young of various other large animals (such as the elephant or whale) baby boom – expression. a time when there is a great increase in the number of babies born all hands on deck – idiom.  used to say that everyone is needed to help in a given situation  

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Celebrating an Italian Easter in Washington

  The Christian holiday of Easter marks the day followers believe Jesus Christ returned to life. Christians usually observe the holiday with religious services in church. But Easter is also a time for families to get together and enjoy a special dinner with traditional foods. People in the United States come from all over the world. And different cultures celebrate Easter with different foods. In one of the oldest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. there is an Italian market that carries special goods to celebrate an Italian Easter. Suzy and Bill Menard own Via Umbria, in Georgetown. In the middle of the store they have placed a huge chocolate egg. "That egg weighs 13 pounds. It's a milk chocolate egg. And then, it probably took 4 hours for them to do just the decorations on the front of it. So, you get your beautiful Buona Pasqua (“Happy Easter” in Italian) with the floral script." But if a 13 pound egg is too much for you, Via Umbria offers many smaller Easter chocolates as well. "Fabric wrapped eggs in milk and dark chocolate, our different versions of the Easter bunny, we've got chocolates that have been hand-painted, covered with nuts, and also the smaller version of the beautiful, big chocolate egg we looked at earlier."   There are many different kinds of cakes for celebrating Easter. One, the Colomba cake, is shaped like the bird called a dove. Doves represent peace in many cultures. Suzy says the Colomba cake it is a yeast cake that rises for 30 hours before baking. "They use all rich butter and fresh eggs and the yeast takes 30 hours to rise that's what gives it its beautiful texture." She also describes some of the meat products that they sell, such as lamb and pork. These can be used to make traditional dishes for Easter dinner. “We also have our signature porceda, which is the rolled pork belly, seasoned and cooked over high heat and cooked for a long period of time to get crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, as well as a local ham.” She adds that her store has something for people of all cultures. For Frederico Ribigini, the place is a taste of home. "For me it's amazing because, as I am from Umbria, from Italy. They have the Colomba. That is a classic cake in Italy. They have Buona di Pasqua, the chocolate eggs. Yes, here, you can definitely you can find a lot of gifts to give for Pasqua." Menard says those who do not like to cook can eat a daytime Easter meal at Via Umbria.​ "On Easter we have some extra special family-style appetizers including a fresh farro salad and asparagus salad. And, one of the entrees features a lamb ragu and, of course, for dessert we are going to have an Umbrian Ciaramicola." This ring-shaped cake has a sweet topping made from whipped sugar and egg whites. Historians say that this cake plays an important part in an ancient Umbrian tradition. Young women old enough for marriage bake this cake for the person they love on Easter Sunday.  I’m Anna Matteo.   Mariama Diallo reported this story for VOA News from Washington. Anna Matteo adapted it for Learning English. Caty Weaver edited the story. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   decoration – n. something that is added to something else to make it more attractive floral – adj. of or relating to flowers script – n. a type of handwriting in which all the letters in a word are connected to each other yeast – n. a type of fungus that is used in making alcoholic drinks (such as beer and wine) and in baking to help make dough rise texture – n. the way that something feels when you touch it signature – adj. something (such as a quality or feature) that is closely associated with someone or something crispy – adj. having a pleasantly thin and crisp outer layer tender – adj. easy to chew or bite : not tough classic – adj. used to describe something that has been popular for a long time appetizer – n. a small dish of food served before the main part of a meal entree – n. the main dish of a meal especially in a restaurant ragu – n. a hearty, seasoned Italian sauce of meat and tomatoes that is used chiefly in pasta dishes and that is typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, and finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots dessert – n. sweet food eaten after the main part of a meal

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English in a Minute: Pull Some Strings

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March 30, 2018

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

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Lesson 27: I Can't Come In

Summary Anna does not feel well. She calls her boss and her doctor. What do they tell her to do? And will she follow their advice? Speaking Learn to pronounce the new words for this lesson. You also learn about irregular past tense verbs. ​ Pronunciation Use this video to learn about how to ask two kinds of questions: WH-questions and Yes/No questions. Conversation   Anna: Hello! I am sure that today, in Washington, D.C,. there are a lot of great things to do.  But I am not doing any of them. I am sick. Right now, I'm going to call my boss and tell her I cannot come in to work. Caty: Hello? Anna: Ms. Weaver, Hi. I can’t come to work today. Caty: Why not? What is wrong? Anna: Well, yesterday I felt fine. Anna: In the morning, I painted for hours. In the afternoon, I cut wood. Then, I built a fire. Caty: Anna, what do you mean? Why can’t you come to work today? Anna: I do not feel well. I think I’m sick. Caty: I’m sorry to hear that. I was sick last week, too. I had the flu. Anna: (sneezes) What did you do? Caty: I slept a lot and I drank a lot of water. Do you have a doctor? Anna: Yes, I do. Caty: You should call your doctor. And get lots of rest! Anna: Thanks, Ms. Weaver. I’ll call right now. I'm calling my doctor. Dr. Bennett: (to herself) Now, where does this thing go? Dr. Bennett: Hello. This is Dr. Bennett. How can I help you? Anna: Hello, Dr. Bennett. This is Anna. Dr. Bennett: Oh, Hi, Anna. How can I help you? Anna: I think I’m sick. Dr. Bennett: Let me ask you a couple of questions. Do you have a sore throat? Anna: Yes. I have a sore throat. Dr. Bennett: Do you have a cough? Anna: Yes. I have a cough. Dr. Bennett: When did you start feeling sick? Anna: This morning. Yesterday I felt great. In the morning I painted, for hours - in the afternoon I cut wood - Dr. Bennett: Excuse me, Anna. But I don’t need to know all that. Do you have a fever? Anna: Oh. My thermometer says 125 degrees?! What?? Dr. Bennett: Yeah, that’s not right. Anna: Oh. Wait. The thermometer was in my hot cup of coffee. Dr. Bennett: Please take it again, Anna. Anna: Okay, the thermometer says 100.5 degrees. Dr. Bennett: 100.5 degrees is not too high. I want you to drink lots of water. Rest in bed and get lots of sleep. Anna: That is what my boss said to do. Um, Dr. Bennett, when can I go to work? Dr. Bennett: Don’t go to work for a couple of days. Anna: Yes! I mean, I don’t want to make my co-workers sick. Dr. Bennett: That’s right. Call me back in a couple of days. Anna: I will, Dr. Bennett. And thanks. Anna: Well, you heard the doctor – no work for a couple of days. I need water, sleep and um … lots of movies! Well, the doctor didn’t say anything about movies. But it can’t hurt! Until next time! Writing What happens when you get the flu? Does your family have a special way to get well again?  Write to us by email or in the Comments section. Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice talking about health problems with a friend. Learning Strategy Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective. The learning strategy for this lesson is Analyze Information. When we are learning a second language, we can think carefully about the new information we learn, and make a decision. That is what analyzing information means. In the video, Dr. Bennett asks Anna many questions. Then she analyzes the information she learned. She tells Anna to stay home, drink water and sleep.  Can you find another time in the video when someone analyzes information? Write to tell us about it in an email or in the Comments section. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more on how to teach this strategy. Quiz Listen to short videos and test your listening skills with this quiz.  ______________________________________________________________ New Words cough - n. the act of forcing air through your throat with a short, loud noise often because you are sick doctor - n. a person who is skilled in the science of medicine fever - n. a body temperature that is higher than normal fire - n. the light and heat and especially the flame produced by burning flu - n. a common disease that is caused by a virus and that causes fever, weakness, body aches, and breathing problems; also called influenza rest -v. to stop doing work or an activity sick - adj. affected with a disease or illness; ill sneeze - v. to suddenly force air out through your nose and mouth with a usually loud noise because your body is reacting to dust or a sickness sore - adj. feeling or affected by pain thermometer - n. an instrument used for measuring temperature throat - n. the tube inside the neck that leads to the stomach and lungs wood - n. the hard substance that makes up the stems and branches of trees and shrubs Past Tense Verbs cut / cut - v. to use a sharp tool (such as a knife) to open or divide (something, such as paper or wood) do / did - v. to perform an action or activity drink / drank - v. to take a liquid into your mouth and swallow it feel / felt - v. used to describe someone's physical or mental state hear / heard - v. to be aware of (sound) through the ear hurt / hurt - v. to be a source or cause of pain paint / painted - v. to cover (something) with paint or to put paint on (something) say / said - v. to use your voice to express (something) with words sleep / slept- v. to rest your mind and body by closing your eyes and becoming unconscious ______________________________________________________________ Free Materials   Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. Each Let's Learn English lesson has an Activity Sheet for extra practice on your own or in the classroom. In this lesson, you can use it to practice talking about health problems.   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: Irregular past tense verbs Topics: Asking about health problems; giving advice for health problems Learning Strategy: Analyze Information Speaking & Pronunciation Focus: Wh-questions and Yes/No question intonation; Groups of verbs with irregular past tense forms ______________________________________________________________ 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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'The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky' by Stephen Crane, Part One

From VOA Learning English, this is American Stories. Our story is called "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky." It was written by Stephen Crane. We will listen to the story in two parts. Today we will hear the first part of the story.  The great train was rushing forward such steady dignity of motion that a glance from the window seemed simply to prove that the flatlands of Texas were pouring toward the east. A newly married pair had come on this train at San Antonio. The man’s face was reddened from many days in the wind and sun. His roughened hands were continually moving over his new black clothes in a most nervous manner. From time to time he looked down respectfully at his suit. He sat with a hand on each knee, like a man waiting in a shop for a haircut. The glances he gave to other passengers were few and quick. The bride was not pretty, nor was she very young. She wore a dress of blue with many buttons. She continually turned her head to regard some part or other of her dress. It made her feel strange. One could tell that she had cooked and that she expected to cook, dutifully. The searching glances of some of the passengers as she had entered the car had brought the blood rushing to her face. Her uncomfortable expression was strange to see upon this plain face, which was usually calm and almost emotionless. They were evidently very happy. “Ever been in a train like this before?” he asked, smiling with delight. “No,” she answered, “I never was. It’s fine, isn’t it?” “Great! After a while we’ll go forward to the dining car and get a big dinner. Finest meal in the world. Costs a dollar.” “Oh, it does?” cried the bride. “A dollar? Oh, that’s too much for us, isn’t it, Jack?” “Not on this trip, at least,” he answered bravely. “We’re going to enjoy ourselves.” Later he explained to her about the trains. “You see, it’s a thousand miles from one end of Texas to the other. The train runs straight across it, and only stops four times.” He had the pride of an owner. He pointed out to her the beauty of the car they were riding in. And in truth her eyes opened wider as she observed the rich, sea-green cloth covering the seats, the shining silver and glass, the wood that shone darkly like the surface of a pool of oil. To the minds of the pair, their surroundings repeated the glory of their wedding that morning in San Antonio. This was the spirit of their new life, and the man’s face in particular shone with a joy that made him appear foolish to certain passengers. In the minds of some, there was supposed to be something hugely funny in the pair’s situation. “We are due in Yellow Sky at 3:42,” he said, looking tenderly into her eyes. “Oh, are we?” she said, as if she had not been aware of it. To show surprise at her husband’s remark was part of her wifely duty. She took from a pocket a little silver watch. As she held it before her, and stared at it with a look of attention, the new husband’s face shone. “I bought it in San Antonio from a friend of mine,” he told her proudly. “It’s 17 minutes past 12,” she said, looking up at him with a happy expression which, nevertheless, showed a lack of experience in conversing with men. A passenger, observing her small nervousness, laughed to himself. At last they went to the dining car. The man serving their table happened to take pleasure in directing them through their meal. He viewed them with the manner of a fatherly guide, his face shining with kindness. But they did not understand his attentions. As they returned to their seats, they showed in their faces a sense of escape. It was evident that, as the distance from Yellow Sky grew shorter, the husband became more nervous. His red hands were even more noticeable. He was rather absent-minded and faraway when the bride leaned forward and spoke to him. As a matter of truth, Jack Potter was beginning to find his deed weighing upon him like a great stone. He, the town policeman of Yellow Sky, was a man known, liked, and feared in his community. He, an important person, had gone to San Antonio to meet a girl he believed he loved. And there he had actually married her without discussing any part of the matter with Yellow Sky. He was now bringing his bride to a sure-to-be-surprised town. Of course, people in Yellow Sky married as it pleased them. But Potter’s thoughts of his duty to his friends, or of their idea of his duty, made him feel he was sinful. He was guilty of a great and unusual crime. Face to face with this girl in San Antonio, he had leaped over all the social fences. At San Antonio he was like a man hidden in the dark. A knife to cut any friendly duty was easy to take in his hand in that distant city. But the hour of Yellow Sky, the hour of daylight, was approaching. He knew very well that his wedding was an important thing to the town. It could only be equaled by the burning of the new hotel. His friends could not forgive him, he felt. And now the train was hurrying him toward a scene of surprise, merriment, and blame. He glanced out of the window again. Yellow Sky had a kind of band, which played its horns and drums painfully, to the delight of the people. He laughed without heart as he thought of it. If the citizens could dream of his arrival with his bride, they would march the band at the station and accompany them, among cheers and laughter, to his house. He decided that he would use all methods of speed and cleverness in making the journey from the station to his house. Once safely at home, he would announce the news. Then he would not go among the citizens until they’d had time to master their emotions. The bride looked anxiously at him. “What’s worrying you, Jack?” He laughed. “I’m not worrying, girl. I’m only thinking of Yellow Sky.” She understood, and her face turned red again. They shared a sense of slight guilt that developed a finer tenderness. They looked at each other with eyes softly glowing. But Potter often laughed the same nervous laugh. The deep red color upon the bride’s face did not lessen. “We’re nearly there,” he said. As the train began to slow, they moved forward in the car. The long line of cars moved into the station of Yellow Sky. “The train has to get water here,” said Potter, from a tight throat and face, as one announcing death. Before the train stopped, his eye had searched the station, and he was glad and surprised to see there was no one there except the station master. “Come on, girl,” said Potter with a thick voice. As he helped her down, they each laughed in a strained manner. He took her bag and told his wife to hold his arm. As they hurried away he saw that the station master had turned and was running toward them, waving his arms. Potter laughed, and sighed as he laughed, when he realized the first effect of his wedding upon Yellow Sky. He grasped his wife’s arm firmly to his side and they hurried away. The California train was due at Yellow Sky in 21 minutes. There were six men in the Weary Gentleman Saloon. One was a salesman who talked a great deal and rapidly; three were Texans who did not care to talk at that time; and two were Mexican sheep farmers who did not usually talk in the saloon. The saloon-keeper’s dog lay in front of the door. His head was resting on his feet, and he glanced sleepily here and there with the ready watchfulness of a dog that is sometimes kicked. Across the sandy street were some bright green, grass spots, so wonderful in appearance next to burning sands in the hot sun. At the cooler side of the railroad station, a man without a coat sat in a chair leaned back against the building. He smoked his pipe. The waters of the Rio Grande river circled near the town, and beyond it could be seen great flatlands. Except for the busy salesman and his companions in the saloon, Yellow Sky was sleeping. The salesman leaned easily upon a table and told many tales with the confidence of a story teller who has found new listeners. He was interrupted by a young man who suddenly appeared in the open door. He cried, “Scratchy Wilson’s drunk, and has started to make trouble.” The two Mexicans at once put down their glasses and disappeared through the rear door of the saloon. The salesman, not understanding the importance of the warning, jokingly answered, “All right, old man. Suppose he has? Come in and have a drink anyhow.” But the information had made such an apparent impression upon everyone in the room that the salesman was forced to see its importance. All had become instantly serious. “Well,” he said, filled with mystery, “what is this?” His three companions started to tell him, but the young man at the door stopped them.” “It means, my friend,” he answered as he came into the saloon, “that for the next two hours this town won’t be very healthy.” The saloon-keeper went to the door and locked it. Reaching out of the window, he pulled in heavy wooden boards, which covered the windows and locked there. The salesman was looking from one to another. “What is this, anyhow?” he cried. “You don’t mean there is going to be a gun-fight?” Come back to American Stories next week for the second half of "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky" by Stephen Crane.   Now it's your turn to use the words in this story. Do you enjoy movies about cowboys? Can you imagine a town like Yellow Sky? How do you think the people in Yellow Sky feel about Jack Potter? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. Teachers, view the lesson plan here.  Try the listening quiz to see how well you understand Part One of the story.  ​ ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   aware - adj. knowing that something (such as a situation, condition, or problem) exists bride - n. a woman who has just married or is about to be married dignity - n. the quality of being worthy of honor or respect grasp - v. to take and hold (something) with your fingers, hands, etc. merriment - n. laughter and enjoyment saloon - n. a business where alcoholic drinks are served Teachers, here is a lesson plan for Part One of this story.

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Music Program at Sing Sing Prison Gives Detainees a New Start

  Sing Sing Correctional Facility is a high-security prison about an hour by car north of New York City. Sing Sing holds 1,600 prisoners. As the men serve their sentences, prison officials are planning for the time those detainees will be released. One of those officials is Leslie Malin, the deputy superintendent for program services at Sing Sing. Malin says the prison offers technical training and educational classes. It also has a music program, which works in partnership with New York City’s Carnegie Hall fine arts center. Making musical connections Two times a month, artists from New York go to Sing Sing and spend a day working with the 30 detainees involved in its Musical Connections program. The program is nine years old. Before that, Sing Sing had just a music room. A man identified only as Rob is a former prisoner. New York’s Department of Corrections asked that VOA not give any last names of prisoners. Rob remembers there were often fights over who could use the music room. But he said it was hard to hate the other men when they are helping each other with music and performing songs. Rob has been on parole for the past year-and-a-half, after spending seven years in Sing Sing. He says he performed just two times before he went to prison. A man called Joe had even less experience. "I didn't know what an A flat was," he admits. "I've heard these terms. I couldn't have explained them to you. I didn't know what they sounded like. I didn't know what they meant."  Joe spent four years in the Musical Connections program. He studied music theory during that time. Now, Joe is writing an operatic work. He said he became interested in classical music after working with opera star Joyce DiDonato. "She definitely opened my eyes to something that I didn't even know I had within myself," he added. Kenyatta, who has been in prison for 23 years, calls the music program "the most transformative thing I have ever experienced." Kenyatta earned a master's degree after completing a higher education program in religious studies. He has been a speaker in a TED talk video from Sing Sing. Kenyatta has been a part of the music program since it started. He says music has helped him open up to others. "I can be a little less alone,” he says, “because I know you understand some part of me, at least, and you can be a little less alone because you know that I understand some part of you.” ​Increasing musical skills The Musical Connections program is under the direction of Carnegie Hall's Manuel Bagorro. He leads similar programs in homeless shelters and community centers. Bagorro says all the programs have similar goals. He says “People have come together. They play together. They negotiate artistic decisions. They sort out problems…” And those are all skills that prisoners can use when they are out of jail. Danny was released from Sing Sing three-and-a-half years ago, after seven years in the prison system. He learned to play the violin in the Musical Connections program and started writing music. Danny said that after his release, he was able to take the same energy and effort required to learn an instrument, and put it into other areas of his life. One of the teaching artists, Sarah Elizabeth Charles, says she has seen both personal and musical growth in the prisoners over the years. "I just think the sky's the limit for so many of the men in this workshop. They're professional. They're working. Many of them are working on the level of a professional musician….Yes. Sky's the limit," she says. Music training Carnegie Hall holds a monthly gathering for the programs’ members who have been released from Sing Sing. Rob says that at these meetings, the men do more than play music, they also talk about what's going on in their lives. He told VOA "It showed me that everybody was struggling trying to find a job, trying to stay employed, trying to find some time to practice…I knew I wasn't alone in any of these things." I’m Phil Dierking.   Jeff Lunden reported this story for VOANews.com. Phil Dierking adapted the report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. What are other types of programs that could be used with prisoners?  We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   A flat - n. a note a semitone below an A​ note operatic - adj. relating to or characteristic of opera.​ parole - n. permission given to a prisoner to leave prison before the end of a sentence usually as a reward for behaving well​ transformative - adj. causing or able to cause a change​ classical music - n. serious or conventional music following long-established principles rather than a folk, jazz, or popular tradition.​ violin - n. a musical instrument that has four strings and that you usually hold against your shoulder under your chin and play with a bow​ master’s degree - n. a degree that is given to a student by a college or university usually after one or two years of additional study following a bachelor's degree​ professional - adj.  relating to a job that requires special education, training, or skill​ workshop - n. a class or series of classes in which a small group of people learn the methods and skills used in doing something​ practice - v.  to do something again and again in order to become better at it​

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15 Palestinians Killed in Border Protests with Israel

  Fifteen Palestinians were killed and more than 750 were wounded by Israeli troops Friday during a march to the border of Israel and the Palestinian territory of Gaza. It was the deadliest day Gaza has seen since the 2014 cross-border war between Israel and Hamas. Friday marked the first day of what Hamas organizers have said will be six weeks of daily protests against Israel’s border blockade. Protest organizers say they aim to bring attention to Palestinian demands for a “right of return” to what is now Israel.  A large majority of Gaza’s 2 million people are descendants of Palestinians who fled or were driven from their homes in the 1948 Mideast war over Israel’s creation. The “right of return” demands that relatives of refugees who lost their homes in 1948 be able to regain their property. The Israeli military accused Palestinian militants of using the cover of protests to carry out attacks. It said thousands of Palestinians threw rocks and rolled burning tires toward Israeli soldiers on the other side of the border fence. It also said that in one incident, Palestinian gunmen fired towards Israeli soldiers.   The large turnout of flag-waving marchers in the dangerous border zone demonstrates Hamas’ organizing skills. But it also demonstrates Gaza residents’ growing dissatisfaction after a decade-old border closure.  Life in Gaza has worsened in recent months, with rising unemployment, poverty and daily electrical shortages. I’m Phil Dierking. This story was originally written by Fares Akram and Karin Laub for for the Associated Press. Phil Dierking adapted this story for VOA Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story descendant - n. someone who is related to a person or group of people who lived in the past tire - n. a rubber ring that usually contains air and that fits around the wheel of a car, bicycle, etc.​ decade - n. a period of 10 years

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