Let's Learn English Lesson 4: What is it?

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1R5aSnE
via IFTTT

Astronaut Scott Kelly Talks about His Year in Space

For nearly a year, American astronaut Scott Kelly has been living and working at the International Space Station (ISS), with no running water.  He told reporters Thursday that it is like camping in the woods for a year. He said the fact that everything floats up there, makes daily life “more difficult.” It is “somewhat of a harsh environment” he said. “You don’t feel perfectly normal.” He and his Russian partner, Mikhail Kornienko, are scheduled to return to Earth March 1. They will travel in a Russian spacecraft and land in Kazakhstan. Kelly said that he feels “pretty good” physically, and that he could go another 100 days, or longer, “if I had to.” But the first thing he said he will do after NASA tests him, is jump in his pool in Houston, Texas. He said the hardest part of the journey has been being isolated physically from people on the ground who are important to him. He says it has been a privilege to be on the ISS. “The space station here is a magical place. it’s an incredible science facility we have. It’s a privilege to fly here. And it’s something that I hope more people will have the opportunity to do in the future. You know I think we will just a matter, it’s just a matter of time.” Kelly and Kornienko’s station-record -- 340 days -- is twice as long as a regular mission. The science behind the one-year mission was critical for NASA’s Journey to Mars program. The space agency hopes to send humans to Mars by the 2030s. They are hiring people now to be astronauts on a Mars mission. As a veteran of four space flights, Kelly thinks going to Mars is possible. “I think there’s nothing that we can’t accomplish that we don’t, you know, put our minds and resources behind. So, after being here for so long that’s one thing I definitely realized you know,  If we can dream it we can do it if we really want to.” After they touch down on Earth, Kelly said they will be carried in special chairs to a nearby tent. There, they will undergo tests to see what condition their bodies are in after spending that time in space. Biological studies began a year before the two men left Earth. Biological samples were collected and assessments were performed, to be used as a baseline. For comparison, samples were taken during their time at the space station. They will continue for a year or more after their return to Earth. Kelly’s identical twin brother, former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, participated in parallel twin studies on Earth to give scientists more ways to study human space flight. Some questions will be how to deal with bone loss and radiation. Those will be issues for travelers to the planet Mars because the trip will take at least six months. They will need to grow plants for food along the way. While in space, Scott Kelly and his fellow astronauts grew, and then ate, lettuce. They also grew flowers. That is important because some vegetable plants, like tomatoes, begin as flowers. Also important are the psychological and performance challenges. How will people handle living together in a small space? This is critical for crew traveling to Mars. Kelly said it is important to offer private areas to astronauts for a trip to Mars. His space on the ISS was basically a box “the size of a phone booth.” The astronaut said he got through the long time by taking it in milestones.  For example, he would look to the next crew change, with astronauts leaving and coming. Or the next science experiment.  And the last milestone before heading home? It was doing major maintenance on the ISS water system. That happened yesterday. Over the last year, Kelly has taken beautiful pictures of the Earth and sent them out on social media.  After looking down on the planet, he said, “The more I look at it…  the more I feel like an environmentalist.” He said there are “definite areas where the Earth is covered in pollution all the time,” and “unexpected storms.” He said “this is a human effect… not naturally occurring.” “We can fix that if we put our minds to it,” Kelly said. Asked for advice for kids who want to be astronauts, Kelly said they need to be experts in a technical field. It is important do what you like, he said. People also need to be well-rounded, because being an astronaut is many jobs in one. Engineer, medical doctor, plumber and pilot are just some of the jobs an astronaut must perform. In the end, 20 years down the road, Scott Kelly said it’s not the view or floating in space or “riding the rocket” of which he will be most proud. The thing he likes about the job is doing something he feels “very passionate” about, the extremely hard work. I’m Anne Ball.   Anne Ball wrote this story. Kathleen Struck was the editor We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section and on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   isolated -adj. separated from persons or things critical -adj. very important assessment -n. the act of making a judgement about something baseline -n. information used as a starting point for comparison milestone -n. an important event or action

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/20XSa6F
via IFTTT

How Much Do You Know about Quantifiers?

For VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar. Today we are going to talk about different ways of expressing quantity in English. A quantifier is a word or number that shows an amount or number. You probably already know how to use common quantifiers like much and many. For example: How many apples would you like? How much fruit would you like? The quantifier many is used before apples, which is a count noun. Much is used before fruit, a noncount noun. Make sure you understand the difference between count nouns and noncount nouns before you study quantifiers. You can learn about count and noncount nouns in last week’s episode of Everyday Grammar. Quantifiers are adjectives and adjective phrases that go before nouns. They give information about how much or how many of an item you are talking about. Some quantifiers, like many, go only before count nouns. Others, like much, go only before noncount nouns. And a few quantifiers can go before count or noncount nouns. Quantifiers only used with count nouns One, each and every are examples of count noun quantifiers. Here are some examples:        One movie that I enjoy is “The Godfather.”        Each child is special.        Every member of the country club is rich. With plural count nouns, just add of the between the quantifier and the noun it describes.        One of the boys is from China.        Each of the cars has air conditioning.        Every one of the students is smart. Notice that boys, cars and students are plural nouns. But the verbs that follow them are singular. In most situations, one, each and every make the subject singular, even if the subject contains a plural noun. This tricky rule confuses native speakers and English learners alike. There are a few quantifiers related to the number two. You can say I have two shoes, I have a couple of shoes, I have both shoes, and I have a pair of shoes. If you have more than two countable items, you can use several, a few, many and a number of. I have several assignments due this week. There are a few Thai restaurants in my town. There are many ways to practice English. A number of the cars are imported. Quantifiers only used with noncount nouns Now let’s move on to quantifiers that only work with noncount nouns: a little, much and a great deal of. Here are some examples: Could you loan me a little money? The old woman has much wisdom to share. There is a great deal of oil in Saudi Arabia. Little can go before a count noun if it is used as an adjective. For example, “The little boy is playing.” In this example, little does not refer to a number or quantity; it refers to the size of the boy. Quantifers used with both count and noncount nouns There are several “safe” quantifiers that can go with both count and noncount nouns. Some is the most popular. Most, plenty of, all and any are other options. Listen for the quantifiers in these examples:        He cut some wood. (noncount noun)        Most Americans speak English. (count noun)        I have plenty of money. (noncount noun)        All children are special. (count noun)        Do you have any coffee? (noncount noun) To refer to the absence or lack of something, simply use no before a count or noncount noun.        There was no rice left. (noncount noun)        There were no books in the library. (count noun)        She had no love for her ex-husband. (noncount noun) No, when used as a quantifier, has the same meaning as zero. Lots and a lot of are very popular quantifiers — maybe too popular. Some English teachers do not like them. They think that lots and a lot of are overused and unsophisticated. You should avoid lots and a lot of in formal writing. Native speakers usually shorten a lot of to “a lotta” in casual speech. Few/a few vs. little/a little Listen carefully to these two sentences: I have a few friends. I have few friends. What is the difference? The first sentence contains the article a. This little word makes a big difference in meaning. I have a few friends focuses on a positive idea. The speaker is satisfied with the number of friends he has. The second sentence, I have few friends, focuses on a negative idea, his lack of friends. The speaker wishes he had more friends. It might help to think of few as a half-empty glass of water. A few is like a half-filled glass of water. The amount of water is the same. But the speaker’s attitude about the amount of water is different. Few and a few are only used before count nouns. The same positive-negative distinction applies to a little and little. Use little and a little before noncount nouns. I have a little money means the speaker has some money. I have little money means the speaker does not have enough money. Speaking of little, we have little time left for today’s program. We hope you learned a few tips about how to use quantifiers. I’m Jill Robbins. And I’m John Russell.   [Aretha Franklin, “Respect”] "All I’m asking is for a little respect when you come home Just a little bit Hey baby Just a little bit Just a little bit..."   Adam Brock wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Jill Robbins and Kathleen Struck were the editors. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   quantifier – grammatical term. a determiner or pronoun indicative of quantity (e.g., all, both ) count noun - grammatical term. a noun (such as “sand” or “butter”) that refers to something that cannot be counted noncount noun - grammatical term. a noun that can form a plural and, in the singular, can be used with the indefinite article options – n. choices assignment  - n.  a job or duty that is given to someone : a task someone is required to do absence – n. a state or condition in which something expected, wanted, or looked for is not present or does not exist : a state or condition in which something is absent unsophisticated - adj. not complicated or highly developed; basic focus – v. to direct your attention or effort at something specific negative  - adj. harmful or bad : not wanted positive – adj. good or useful distinction – n. the quality that makes a person or thing special or different

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1Unb9rx
via IFTTT

Mars Candy Bars Recalled in 55 Countries in Europe

A U.S.-based candy maker recalled some of its candy bars produced in Europe after plastic was found inside them. The Mars candy company started the recall voluntarily Tuesday of candy made in the Netherlands. A small piece of red-colored plastic was found inside a Snickers candy bar purchased in Germany, according to a Mars press release. The recall includes Snickers, Mars, Milky Way and Celebrations candies. The candy was made at the Netherlands facility from December 5, 2015 through January 18, 2016. In a press release, Mars called the manufacturing mistake “an isolated incident.” The company could not estimate how much candy were removed from store shelves. Mars said only candies made in “Mars Netherlands” are affected by the recall. Consumers should look at the label on the candy to be sure. The recall affects 55 countries, said a spokesman for the candy company to the Associated Press. Mars Netherlands exports to many countries in Europe. The AP confirmed that Germany is one of the countries where the candy was recalled. Mars is one of the largest candy makers in the world. It owns and produces the brands M&M and Dove chocolate. Mars also owns the world’s largest chewing gum maker, William Wrigley Jr. Company. The candy maker’s headquarters is in the Washington, D.C. area. I’m Jim Dresbach.   VOANews.com reported on this story. Jim Dresbach adapted the report for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   candy – n. a sweet food made with sugar or chocolate recall – n. a request by a company for people to return a product that has a defect or problem press release – n. an official statement that gives information to newspapers, magazines, television news programs and radio stations brand – n. a category of products that are all made by a particular company and all have a particular name chewing gum – n. a type of soft candy that you chew on but do not swallow

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1OynCRR
via IFTTT

Scott Kelly: Astronaut and Space Ape

This is What’s Trending Today. On Thursday, American astronaut Scott Kelly held his last press conference from the International Space Station. His historic #yearinspace is coming to an end. But, in a new video, Kelly looks nothing like an astronaut. He was in disguise. The astronaut was wearing a gorilla costume that his brother sent him. His fellow crew members on the International Space Station did not expect Kelly’s “monkeying around.” In the video, a crew member opens a large box, and Kelly jumps out in a full-body gorilla costume. He then chases the crew members as they float around the International Space Station. Scott Kelly posted the video on his Facebook page. He wrote, “Needed a little humor to lighten up a #YearinSpace. Go big, or go home. I think I’ll do both! #SpaceApe.” More than 560,000 people have watched the Space Ape video. The popular and funny video made Scott Kelly a trending topic on Facebook. Over on Twitter, the brother responsible for the gorilla costume, astronaut Mark Kelly, had this to say: "I thought you said you had things under control up there....#ApeinSpace." And that’s What’s Trending Today. I’m Ashley Thompson. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   disguise - n. clothes or other things that you wear so that people will not recognize you gorilla - n. a type of very large ape that has black fur and that comes from Africa monkey around - idiom. to do random, unplanned work or activities ape - n. a type of animal (such as a chimpanzee or gorilla) that is closely related to monkeys and humans and that is covered in hair and has no tail or a very short tail​

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1OymX2L
via IFTTT

'Middies' No Longer Have to Wear Skirts

For the first time, men and women graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy will wear the same uniforms at graduation in May. The women of the Naval Academy’s Class of 2016 will wear trousers, not skirts, it was announced this week. Marine Colonel Stephen Liszewski, the commandant of midshipmen, announced the change Monday. At the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at Annapolis, Maryland, 266 female seniors will graduate May 27. Women make up close to 25 percent of the 1,077 graduating class. The decision was made to improve gender equality at the academy. The USNA, also called “Annapolis,” is one of four that offers a university education followed by military service. Academy spokesman Commander John Schofield said the new policy on wardrobes is putting “shipmate before self.” Schofield also said: “The graduation and commissioning ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy is not about individuals.” The rule change comes following Navy Secretary Ray Mabus' emphasis on the equal role women will have in the military. Mabus recently told a group of midshipmen, also called “middies,” “In the Navy and in the Marine Corps, we are trending toward uniforms that don’t divide us as male or female, but rather unite us as Sailors or Marines.” The Navy equality campaign will also examine job titles that include the word “man” in the description. Even the term “midshipman” will be under review and could be changed. I’m Jim Dresbach.   VOANews.com reported this story. Jim Dresbach adapted the story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   graduating – v. earning a degree or diploma from a school, college, or university uniforms – n. a special kind of clothing that is worn by all the members of a group or organization  trousers – n. a piece of clothing that covers your body from the waist to the ankle and has a separate part for each leg commandant – n. an officer who is in charge of a group of service members in the military wardrobe – n. a collection of clothes that a person owns or wears midshipman – n.  someone who is being trained to become an officer in the U.S. Navy senior – n.  a student in the final year of college

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1QIz2u3
via IFTTT

US, China Agree on Sanctions Against North Korea

The United States and China have agreed to place tougher financial sanctions on North Korea. This cooperation between the U.S. and China against North Korea shows a shift in their relationship, said The New York Times. The sanctions are meant to punish North Korea for its recent nuclear and long-range missile tests. The United States and China reached an agreement on imposing new U.N. sanctions on North Korea Wednesday. Details have yet to be released on the proposal. The announcement came after China's foreign minister Wang Yi’s visit to Washington. He met with Secretary of State John Kerry and with National Security Adviser Susan Rice earlier this week. U.S. National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said Rice and Wang were in agreement on a "strong and united" response to the North Korean tests. Sanctions a compromise between U.S., China South Korea’s Foreign Ministry spokesman called the draft resolution, “strong and comprehensive.” He said, “It contains many effective components which are stronger than anything in past.” The United States has supported tough economic sanctions to pressure North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to give up his nuclear weapons program. China has emphasized maintaining stability in the area and negotiations. However, China may be signaling that its approach to North Korea has not been working. It may be agreeing that stronger measures are needed. North Korea has been under U.N. sanctions since 2006. It has claimed to have carried out four nuclear tests and a number of long-range rocket launches. In addition to a U.N. arms embargo, North Korea is banned from importing and exporting nuclear and missile technology. It also is banned from importing luxury goods. What sanctions might include South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reports that the proposed resolution will target North Korea's atomic energy and aerospace agencies. Some experts doubt that targeting North Korean officials and agencies will have any impact. They question whether the final agreement will impose real economic pain that will be felt by leader Kim Jong Un and the leadership. The U.S. has supported banning North Korean coal and other mineral exports. It has also supported barring oil trade and restricting North Korean access to international ports. The U.S. also wanted to increase restrictions on North Korean banks' access to the international financial system. Chinese and South Korean media reported this week that China has ordered a halt to its coal trade with North Korea. They say some Chinese banks have frozen accounts belonging to North Koreans. China’s Foreign Ministry said it does not know of these developments. However, experts say there is increased popular support in China to cut off possible funding for North Korea’s nuclear program. “China has been intensively discussing how to internally block oil and cash from flowing into North Korea,” said Woo Su-keun, a professor of international relations at Donghua University in Shanghai. China, Russia oppose THAAD missiles There have been questions that China would be slow to reach agreement on U.N. sanctions. The U.S. and South Korea are considering the possible deployment of the controversial Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, missile defense system. China and Russia oppose THAAD deployment in Korea. They are concerned that it can possibly be used against their military forces in the area. This week, the Chinese Ambassador to South Korea, Qiu Guohong, suggested China would cut ties with South Korea over THAAD deployment. South Korea’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kim Hong-kyun, criticized the Chinese ambassador for attempting to exert influence over a South Korean national security issue. The U.S. puts its own sanctions in place, Obama signs bill President Obama recently signed legislation placing new U.S. sanctions on North Korea. The bill requires sanctions on anyone assisting North Korea in its nuclear and missile programs, cyber-attacks or human rights abuses. The expanded sanctions are designed to deny North Korea the money to develop miniaturized nuclear warheads and missiles to carry them. The measure also authorizes $50 million over five years for radio broadcasts into North Korea and to support humanitarian assistance programs. I’m Mario Ritter. VOA's Brian Padden reported this story from Seoul. Mario Ritter adapted it for VOA Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   comprehensive - adj. including many or most things components – n. one part of a system, device or mixture emphasize – v. to place special attention on something Impact – n. a powerful influence, a strong effect miniaturize – v. to make something smaller

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1Oylc5O
via IFTTT

February 25, 2016

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

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1LItmZu
via IFTTT

English @ the Movies: 'Time Bomb'

The movie "The Big Short" is about the financial crisis that led to huge losses in banks and housing. Our English @ the Movies phrase we are talking about is "time bomb." It might have something to do with explosions. Listen and find out.

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1VHI1JO
via IFTTT

February 24, 2016

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

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1p85Dgy
via IFTTT

US: 14 New Reports of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus

  Health officials are investigating 14 new reports of Zika virus infections in the United States. The cases are suspected to have been sexually transmitted.    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the announcement Tuesday. It said all of the 14 cases are women. Their only known risk was sexual contact with a male partner who had recently returned from an area where Zika is found. Some of the cases involve pregnant women. Scientists have found evidence of a link between the Zika virus and microcephaly. Babies with microcephaly are born with unusually small heads and can suffer developmental delays. But scientists have not proven a certain cause and effect. The CDC researchers said the new cases suggest that sexual transmission of Zika may be more common than they had thought. The first case of Zika virus transmission in the United States was reported in Texas in early February. Health officials confirmed that it was contracted through sex and not a mosquito bite. Although sexual transmission of Zika is possible, health officials said that the main cause of Zika is still from mosquito bites. They urged people to prevent mosquito bites by using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts, and using window screens. CDC had an advisement for men who have recently traveled to areas with Zika. They advised using condoms or avoiding sexual contact with pregnant women or women who could become pregnant. At least 29 countries in the Americas have experienced Zika outbreaks. The World Health Organization has declared the spread of Zika a global health emergency. On Tuesday, the CDC added two more countries, Trinidad and Tobago and the Marshall Islands, to its Zika virus travel advisory.   I’m Ashley Thompson. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   transmission – n. the act or process by which something is spread or passed from one person or thing to another mosquito – n. a small flying insect that bites the skin of people and animals and sucks their blood repellent – n. a substance that is used to keep something out or away condom – n. a thin rubber covering that a man wears on his penis during sex in order to prevent a woman from becoming pregnant or to prevent the spread of diseases

from Voice of America http://ift.tt/1R2ugSg
via IFTTT