ASEAN, China Expected to Approve Agreement on South China Sea

  China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, are set to approve a framework for a code of conduct in the South China Sea. ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to approve the document next week during a meeting in the Philippines. China’s foreign minister also will attend. The conference begins August 2 in Manila. The Philippines currently holds the chairmanship of ASEAN. In 2002, China and ASEAN committed to begin work on a framework on nations’ behavior in the South China Sea. Previous negotiations over the years have failed to produce agreement. But in May, China announced it had reached agreement with ASEAN on a framework. Officials have not provided many details about the document. According to VOA’s Khmer Service, the framework is a non-binding code of conduct. That means it is not considered the basis for a law. It reportedly calls for closer cooperation to avoid disputes in the South China Sea. An official from the area who did not want to be named provided VOA Khmer with a copy of the document. The goal of the document is to "establish a rules-based framework containing a set of norms" to guide the conduct of parties in the South China Sea. China claims most of the South China Sea as part of its territory. Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Brunei and Vietnam also claim parts of the sea. This has led to disputes between China and some of its neighbors. In some areas, China has created artificial islands and built military bases. The framework calls on ASEAN members to “promote mutual trust, cooperation and confidence, prevent incidents and manage incidents should they occur.” It also urges creation of “a favorable environment for the peaceful settlement of the disputes; to ensure maritime security and safety and freedom of navigation and overflight.” During a recent visit to the Philippines, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised the framework code of conduct. He said it shows that China and ASEAN “have full capability and wisdom to solve disputes and safeguard the stability of the South China Sea.” He added: "If there are still forces outside the region, who don't want to see stability in the South China Sea, and still want to stir up trouble in the South China Sea, we need to stand together and we need to say no to them together." The framework document states that it is "not an instrument to settle territorial disputes or maritime delimitation issues." This language, along with the fact that the framework is non-binding, has led some experts to question its effectiveness. Tang Siew Mun is head of the ASEAN Studies Center at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore. He says the framework suggests ASEAN and China can work together on a "sensitive issue,” but it is just the first of many steps in the process. "The COC would only have meaning if it were legally binding. But it is unsure if the negotiating parties would be agreeable to a fair and just structure of managing relations in the South China Sea," Tang said. However, some experts suggest the agreement might ease tensions. Shihoko Goto is a northeast Asia expert at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington D.C. She told VOA Khmer the latest framework can be useful. This is because it identifies possible sources of conflict and commits to finding common ground to avoid confrontations, Goto said. "That is progress, as worries about territorial claims continue," she added. I’m Bryan Lynn.   Sok Khemara reported this story for VOA’s Khmer Service. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English, with additional material coming from Reuters and Xinhua news services. Mario Ritter 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   framework – n. basic structure of something code of conduct  – n. set of laws or regulations governing behavior for a group or organization non-binding – adj. having no legal force confrontation – n. argument or clash over something confidence – n. feeling or belief that something is true or will happen maritime – adj. of or relating to the sea wisdom – n. knowledge of what is proper or reasonable stir – v. to cause something delimitation – n. the marking of limits or boundaries  

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English @ the Movies: 'You Will Soon Pay'

Our English @ the Movies saying today is "you will soon pay." It comes from the film “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.” In it, pirate Jack Sparrow is in trouble again. Watch the video, then take the quiz. See if you know what "you will soon pay" means!

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Iran Launches Rocket; Trump Seeks to Test Nuke Deal

  Iran announced Thursday that it had successfully launched a rocket carrying a satellite into space. State television in Iran claimed the “Simorgh” rocket can carry a 250- kilogram satellite as far as 500 kilometers above Earth. The report did not say what the rocket was carrying into space. In the Farsi language, “Simorgh” means “phoenix.” The rocket launch comes after the United States moved earlier this month to increase economic sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missile program. Thursday’s launch did not violate the 2015 nuclear agreement signed by Iran, the U.S., China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and the European Union. In the agreement, Iran agreed to pull back its nuclear program in exchange for billions of dollars in sanctions relief. The United States has expressed concern, however, that the rocket technology Iran is developing could possibly be changed and used as long-range missiles. Earlier this week, Iran announced it would open a new facility to produce missiles able to target aircraft as well as cruise missiles. Meanwhile, the Associated Press (AP) reported Thursday that President Donald Trump’s administration is pushing for inspections of Iranian military areas. Senior U.S. officials said the inspections of the suspicious military areas will test the nuclear deal. Trump has long criticized the current nuclear deal. Trump aides have said there are serious problems with the deal. If the problems are not fixed quickly, it is likely that Trump will pull out. Officials said the U.S. is talking with European leaders to work on a follow-up agreement that would stop Iran from re-starting nuclear development once the deal expires in about 10 years. The officials were not named because they did not have approval to speak publically. The deal has a complex process for inspecting Iran’s military areas. There are many chances for Iran to delay the process. It is likely that Iran would resist the Trump administration’s inspection requests. If Iran says no to the inspections, then Trump may say that Iran is breaking the deal. That would then place the blame on Iran if the deal collapses. If Iran agrees to the inspections, it would help those in the administration who support staying with the deal. Earlier this month Trump wanted to declare that Iran was in violation of the agreement. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) checked for violations. It found there were only small problems. The U.S. agreed to wait for another three months before acting. In three months there will be another deadline to check if Iran is violating the deal. This week, Trump told The Wall Street Journal he expects to say Iran is not complying. “If it was up to me, I would have had them noncompliant 180 days ago,” Trump said. American businesses hope the deal survives so they can follow economic opportunities in Iran. The aviation industry, for example, recently signed billions of dollars of contracts to sell passenger planes to Iranian airlines. I’m Anne Ball.  Anne Ball adapted this story for Learning English from VOA News and Associated Press stories. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit us on our Facebook page. ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story ballistic missile – n. a weapon that is shot through the sky over a great distance and then falls to the ground and explodes facility – n. something (such as a building or large piece of equipment) that is built for a specific purpose cruise missile – n. a large military weapon that flies close to the ground and is directed to a specific place to explode inspection – n. the act of looking at something closely in order to learn more about it, to find problems, etc. : the act of inspecting something suspicious – adj. causing a feeling that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly : causing suspicion comply – v. to do what you have been asked or ordered to do sanction – n. an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country, etc. — usually plural  

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Starting Sentences With Conjunctions

  The film Finding Forrester tells a story of a high school student who becomes friends with a famous writer named William Forrester. Forrester published a single book, then withdrew from public life. Forrester teaches the student about writing. In one scene, he gives this piece of advice: "You should never start a sentence with a conjunction… It's a firm rule." In today's program, we are going to explore that “rule.” Should writers not use conjunctions such as but and and at the beginning of a sentence? What are coordinating conjunctions? Many writing students are confused about conjunctions. Perhaps their teacher told them they should never write sentences that begin with conjunctions. Yet, they have seen sentences beginning with conjunctions in newspapers and books. So, should you or shouldn’t you? Before we answer the question, here are some important definitions. But and and come from a group of words called coordinating conjunctions. These words connect two or more structures.   Consider this example: I disapproved of his study habits, and I told him so. This example sentence has two independent clauses. An independent clause is a group of words that could make a complete sentence. Let's study the sentence closely. The sentence has a subject, I, and a predicate, disapproved of his study habits. The second part of the sentence, I told him so, also has a subject, I, and a predicate, told him so. What about but? Here is an example: She claimed to be the best student in her class, but I suspect she's joking. Once again, this sentence has two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.  The important point, writes English grammar expert Martha Kolln, is that coordinating conjunctions connect structures as equals. They show that structures or ideas have an equal weight or importance in the sentence. There is a difference, however. And shows that the structures go together; but shows that the structures contrast. Conjunctions can be used with a variety of punctuations, notes Max Morenberg, an English grammar expert. They can even connect two or more sentences. Using conjunctions to connect sentences can show how ideas relate to one another across sentences. The use of conjunctions can also give a certain flow - or abruptness - to a writer's sentences. Conjunctions and Style Let's look at famous examples from literature. Novelist Vladimir Nabokov is famous for the beautiful way he uses language. Most critics say his 1955 book, Lolita, is a classic. If you read the book, you will notice that Nabokov sometimes starts sentences with conjunctions. In one of the first lines of Lolita, Nabokov uses but to start a sentence: "She was Dolly at school. She was Dolores on the dotted line. But in my arms she was always Lolita.”      ​In this example, Nabokov creates a pattern in the first two sentences. Then, he breaks the pattern by using a different sentence structure. The word but helps to show a contrast between ideas, and it also helps to create a mix of sentence styles. Nabokov's use of but at the beginning of the sentence lends a poetic quality. The word adds interest and drama. Nabokov also uses "and" to begin a sentence Nabokov used and at the beginning of a sentence, too. At the end of Lolita, the lead character Humbert Humbert is writing a goodbye to Lolita that he knows she will never read. In the last paragraph, and begins several sentences. The usage gives the reader the idea that each sentence holds equal importance. It also gives the reader the feeling that Humbert is writing the thoughts as quickly as they enter his mind. Consider the last two sentences of Lolita: "I am thinking of aurochs and angels, the secret of durable pigments, prophetic sonnets, the refuge of art. And this is the only immortality you and I may share, my Lolita. Should you use conjunctions at the beginning of a sentence? You might think that you should begin writing sentences that begin with conjunctions. Nabokov did it! So did other famous writers, such as Jane Austen and Mark Twain. We suggest that you be careful about using conjunctions at the beginning of sentences. Teachers have good reasons for repeating this rule. First, students often use conjunctions incorrectly. This can confuse the reader. Second, many students use conjunctions too often. This creates a repetitive writing style. Remember: you should use many different sentence structures when you are writing. Think of Nabokov's writing – he used conjunctions to give style to his writing. He did not begin every sentence in the same way! What can you do? We started this report with a question: can you begin a sentence with a conjunction? The answer is yes. Should you begin a sentence or a paragraph with a conjunction? That answer depends on your writing ability.   The next time you are reading the news or a book, try to look for examples of but or and at the beginning of a sentence. Ask yourself why the writer formed the sentence that way. Does the choice make stylistic sense? The process of mastering conjunctions can be difficult and lengthy. But you will make progress -- with time. And we will be here to help! I'm John Russell. And I'm Pete Musto.   John Russell wrote this story for Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor.  We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   conjunction – n. grammar a word that joins together sentences, clauses, phrases, or words coordinating conjunction – n.  a conjunction (such as and, or, or but) that joins together words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance clause – n. grammar a part of a sentence that has its own subject and verb controversial – adj. relating to or causing much discussion, disagreement, or argument contrast – n. something that is different from another thing — + to aurochs – n. large, black European wild ox, extinct since 1627. pigment – n.  a substance that gives color to something else immortality – n. the quality or state of someone or something that will never die or be forgotten repetitive – n.  happening again and again: repeated many times

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American Football Player Leaves NFL to Study Math

  This is What’s Trending Today. John Urschel was living a life many athletes only dreamed of. He was a player in the National Football League (NFL). Until Thursday, the 26-year-old Urschel played for the Baltimore Ravens football team. But not anymore. He announced he was giving up football to study math at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Urschel played in the NFL for three years. He came to the Ravens after playing in college at Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania. Urschel was known among American sports fans for being both a good football  player and also a mathematician. Urschel studies complex math, like advanced algebra and machine learning. He wrote about his studies in a 2015 article in The Player’s Tribune. It was called “Why I Still Play Football.” He wrote that he loves math, but also loved to play football.   “There’s a rush you get when you go out on the field, lay everything on the line and physically dominate the player across from you.” Urschel was an offensive lineman. That means he used his large body – over 1.9 meters tall and 136 kilograms – to keep the opposing team’s players from tackling his teammates. But it also means that he ran into other players over and over again. Earlier this week, a study was released about the brains of American-style football players. Researchers examined the brains of 111 former NFL players who had died. All but one of them showed signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. That is the brain disease known as CTE. It is linked to hits to the head that are common in football. The brains were donated by families of the former football players. The Baltimore football team posted the news on Twitter. The team just started practicing for the new season this week. Baltimore’s coach is John Harbaugh. He said: “we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” Urschel has not yet talked about his retirement. But the announcement came after the new study was released on Tuesday Urschel is not the only [football] player to announce his retirement this week. Andrew Hawkins was a wide receiver for the New England Patriots. He retired on Tuesday at the age of 31, announcing his plans to study business and economics. Hawkins earned a master’s degree from Columbia University earlier this year. Many people reacted to Urschel’s news on Twitter, calling him a “genius” and praising his decision.    And that’s What’s Trending Today.   I’m Dan Friedell.   Dan Friedell wrote this story for VOA Learning English based on reports by the Baltimore Sun and Washington Post. Mario Ritter was the editor. What do you think about Urschel's choice? We want to know. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.   ____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story rush – n. a strong feeling or emotion caused by a drug or by something exciting dominate – v. to have control of or power over (someone or something) tackle – v. to forcefully seize (someone) and cause that person to fall to the ground chronic traumatic encephalopathy – n. a brain disease caused by regular impacts to the head practice – n. the activity of doing something again and again in order to become better at it endeavor – n. a serious effort or attempt genius – n. a very smart or talented person : a person who has a level of talent or intelligence that is very rare or remarkable

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Google Giving Money to Groups That Help People Find Jobs

  Google is offering financial assistance to groups that can help people get the skills and connections they need to find jobs. Jacquelline Fuller is president of Google.org. On Wednesday, she said that “the way we work is changing.” She noted new jobs require and depend on technology. Fuller said, “We want to make sure that as many people as possible can make the most of the new jobs, industries and opportunities that are emerging.” She said Google is providing $50 million over two years to provide financial help for groups working on finding people jobs. Google’s money will first go to non-profit groups in the United States and Europe. Later, Fuller said, groups in other parts of the world will get money. Fuller said Google is looking for groups that can do one of three things: Help connect job seekers with jobs; do research to find what kind of job training works best at putting people into jobs; or provide help for low-wage workers who work in the service industry, such as restaurant employees, cleaners and store clerks. “Service jobs are the fastest growing category of jobs in the U.S., Europe and many other developed economies,” Fuller said. But she said many low-income workers find it difficult to get help when they run into trouble, such as sickness or injury. Low-income workers often do not get paid when they are unable to work. Fuller talked about the National Domestic Workers Alliance, which she said is already getting financial help from Google. The alliance collects money from domestic workers through a small monthly payment. Domestic workers often work in people’s homes, providing services such as cleaning. That money collected from the workers is used to help workers who need to take time off their jobs deal with an emergencies. Pew found divide on technology effects In 2014, Pew questioned over 1,000 experts in technology, the economy and job creation about the effects of new technology. The experts were divided, Pew said. About half expected robots and other technology to take jobs away from large numbers of people. For example, car companies are increasingly using robots, instead of people, to build cars. But about half the experts expect just as many new jobs to replace the old ones lost to technology, Pew said. The Pew report said these experts believe people “will create new jobs, industries, and ways to make a living,” just as people have been doing since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. I’m Caty Weaver.   Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do  was the editor. We want to hear from you. What do you think it will take for you to get a good job? What kind of help would you like to receive as move toward the job market? Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   opportunity - n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done emerge - v. to become known or apparent clerk - n. a person who works in a story and helps sell products category - n. a group of people or things that are similar in some way alliance - n. a relationship in which people agree to work together robot - n. a machine that controlled by a computer that does work, often done in the past by people

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Kenyan Girls Develop App to End FGM

  Five Kenyan schoolgirls have developed an app to help women and girls end female genital mutilation (FGM). The girls will soon take part in the yearly international “Technovation” competition in California. Technovation is supported by Google, Verizon -- a mobile telephone company -- and the United Nations. The competition supports girls as they learn the skills they need to become technology entrepreneurs and leaders. Girls who develop apps to end problems in their communities can win money. The Kenyan girls hope to win a $15,000 prize for creating “I-cut,” an app that they hope will help end FGM. I-cut connects girls who may soon be forced to undergo FGM with rescue centers. It also gives legal and medical help to those who are suffering from the effects of FGM. The app has five sections: help, rescue, report, information on FGM and donate and feedback. The girls are all between 15 and 17 years old. They are the only Africans chosen to take part in this year's competition. Their East African nation is one of the most technologically advanced countries on the continent. Stacy Owino is one of the girls who developed the app. She says “FGM is a big problem affecting girls worldwide and it is a problem we want to solve.” She and the four other developers will fly to California on August 6th for the competition at Google headquarters. They recently visited the computer company’s offices in Nairobi. Owino said, “This whole experience will change our lives. Whether we win or not, our perspective of the world and the possibilities it has will change for the better.” Ivy Akinyi plans to become a computer programmer. She says she and the other girls “just have to use this opportunity as a stepping stone to the next level.” The girls are from the western city of Kisumu. One of them, Synthia Otieno, says they call themselves the “Restorers” because they want to “restore hope to hopeless girls.” FGM is illegal in Kenya. But one in four Kenyan women and girls have had their external genitalia either partially or completely removed. The girls are from the Luo tribe, which does not practice FGM. But the girls say they have friends who have been “cut.” Purity Achieng is one of the developers. She says a close friend in school “was cut (and) never came back to school. She was among the smartest girls I knew.” I’m Ashley Thompson.   Daniel Wesangula reported this story from Nairobi for the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. Hai Do 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   female genital mutilation – n. the cutting and partial or total removal of external female genital organs for non-medical reasons. entrepreneur – n. a person who starts a business and is willing to risk loss in order to make money app – n. a computer program designed for use on mobile phones or tablets undergo – v. to experience or endure (something) feedback – n. helpful information or criticism that is given to someone to say what can be done to improve a performance, product, etc. perspective – n. a way of thinking about and understanding something (such as a particular issue or life in general) programmer – n. a person who creates computer programs stepping stone – n. something that helps you get or achieve something level – n. a position or rank in a scale; a position that is high or low when compared to others practice – n. the action of doing or using something cut – v. to use a sharp tool (such as a knife) to remove or slice something  

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Thailand Celebrates King's Birthday by Releasing 1,066 Turtles

  Hundreds of people gathered at a beach in Thailand on Wednesday to release 1,066 turtles into the sea. The event was one of many around the country celebrating the birthday of Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The number 1,066 represents two important numbers for the king: 10 and 66. The king is commonly known as King Rama X – the "X" meaning "10." And, he will be 65 years old on July 28. The number 66 is one more than his age, to wish him long life. The large crowd, including members of the Royal Thai Navy and students, released the turtles at the Sea Turtle Conservation Centre in Chonburi. Athichanan Srisevok is a Thai actress and supporter of Thailand's conservation efforts. She said, in Thailand, turtles represent long life. With the release, she wished the king good health and long life. The turtles released on Wednesday were raised from eggs collected by the navy from nearby Koh Kram island. Some of the turtles were as young as one week old.   Thai Buddhists believe that releasing animals from capture is also one way of gaining good karma. They believe that a person's actions decide their karma, or how their next life will be. The birthday celebrations are expected to include ceremonies at Buddhist holy places across Thailand. That includes an alms-giving event for more than 600 Buddhist monks in the capital city of Bangkok. Alms-giving is the practice of giving money or food to poor people. Rama X became king in December, following the death of his highly respected father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in October. I'm Alice Bryant.   Alice Bryant adapted this story for Learning English based on a Reuters news report. Hai Do was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   alms-giving – n. (also spelled almsgiving) the practice of giving money or food to poor people conservation – n. the protection of animals, plants, and natural resources monk – n. a member of a religious community of men who usually promise to remain poor, unmarried, and separated from the rest of society

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July 27, 2017

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

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News Words: Ransomware

Ransomware is a crime committed in the cyber world. Find out what it means in this week's News Words.

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11 Apps to Help People Eat Healthy and Stay Fit

  Eating healthy and staying fit can be difficult. You may want to eat tasty food that is easy to prepare. You may want be inspired to exercise and stay in shape. The good news is there are apps for that. Apps can help you plan meals that are healthy, delicious and nutritious. Apps can show recipes and nutrition information. They can also help plan grocery lists, meals, exercise and more. An online chart shows 11 highly rated apps that can help you eat healthier and stay fit more easily. Apps for planning meals Paprika Paprika is an app to help users plan meals, shop and cook. You can save recipes from websites and from other apps to Paprika. The app can help keep a record of the foods you have in your home so when you go shopping you know what you need to buy. The calendar in the app lets you plan meals for the week or month. Paprika can create a shopping list based on the meals you plan and what food you already have at home. The app lets you have multiple recipes open at the same time. You also can set multiple timers in the app. The app even knows from the recipe how much time should be on the timer. Paprika is available for iPhone/iPad, Android, Amazon Fire tablets, Mac and Windows for less than five dollars. Learn more about Paprika and get links to the app at the Paprika app website. Mealime Mealime has recipes that take under 30 minutes to cook. You can also set how many people you are cooking for and note any allergies people might have. You can set the app to avoid foods you do not like, or for choices such as vegetarian eating. The app can show you recipes that fit your needs. The app can also create a shopping list from the recipes you choose. The Mealime app is free. There is also a version you can pay for. It provides more features, including recipe saving and additional nutritional information. Links to the Mealime app for iPhone/iPad and Android are available at the Mealime website. MealBoard MealBoard is another app that can suggest recipes and help you plan meals. This app can suggest recipes based on the food you already have in your home. Mealboard can keep a list of what food you have and what you need to buy. This app can scan bar codes to add items to your list. You can also note the expiration dates using this app so you know when your food is no longer usable. Mealboard lets users save recipes from websites and then search them by foods used in the recipes. For example, you can search for recipes that have “chocolate” in them.   MealBoard is available for iPhone and iPad for under four dollars. Eat This Much Eat This Much is an app that can help you stay on your diet by learning your eating goals and preferences. The app will then suggest recipes based on the information you have given. Tell the app how many calories you want to eat and how many meals per day you want to eat, up to nine.  Then tell the app what you like to eat: anything, vegetarian, low fat, etc. The app will plan meals for you and suggest recipes so you can follow your diet. The app will create a shopping list based on the recipes you choose. Eat This Much recently started a food home delivery service in the U.S. to make shopping easier. Eat This Much is a free app for iPhone/iPad and Android. A paid version is available with more features. Links to the app and more information are available at the Eat This Much website. Pepperplate Pepperplate is a free app that helps organize your meals. You can save recipes from websites, or add your own recipes to the app. The app lets you add recipes to a calendar so you can plan your meals for up to a month at a time. Pepperplate also will create a shopping list for you. The app is free for iPhone/iPad, Android, and Windows. Links to the app are available at the Pepperplate website. Apps for nutrition and calorie counting IEatWell The IEatWell app supports healthy eating by giving users rewards for eating the right foods. If you like earning rewards for meeting your goals, IEatWell may work well for you. Instead of measuring how much you eat, IEatWell measures how well you eat. Tell the app what you are eating for your meal. You can even add a photo. The app will rate how healthy your meal is, then give you a reward if you are eating well. The rewards are digital badges, such as Feeling Better and More Energy. IEatWell is available free for iPhone, iPad and Android. IEatWell for iPhone/iPad IEatWell for Android Lose It! Lose It! is an app that keeps track of your calories and exercise to help users lose weight. You can set a goal, then record what you eat and how much you exercise. The app lets users type in the food they eat or scan the bar code on labels. LoseIt! just added a new feature called Snap It that lets users enter food by taking a photo. Lose It! also has a community feature so you can get support and discuss with others your weight loss goals, tips and more. Lose It! is a free app. But there is also a version that costs money. It removes ads, suggests recipes and provides more features. Links to the Lose It! app for iPhone/iPad, and Android are available at the Lose It! website. MyFitnessPal MyFitnessPal is an app that helps keep track of your calories, with what you eat and how much you exercise. You can save recipes and meals that you eat often to make adding them faster. You can also read reports within the app from the MyFitnessPal blog for more information about healthy eating. One recent report told of a healthy way to eat ice cream for breakfast. The app is free and a paid version is available to remove ads, and get additional features. MyFitness Pal for iPhone/iPad MyFitnessPal for Android Fooducate Want to learn more about the foods you eat? Fooducate may hold some surprises for you. The foods you think are healthy just might not be. Fooducate is an app that helps you track calories and grades the foods you eat based on their nutrition. Get straight A's for eating well. Get F's if you're eating unhealthy food. The app can suggest the healthiest foods to help you get better grades. The app also has a community feature that lets users share healthy eating ideas with others. Find suggested recipes from the app and from others in the community. Fooducate is available free for iPhone/iPad and Android. You can pay to remove ads and add features. Links to the Fooducate app are available at the Fooducate website. My Diet Diary My Diet Diary is another app to help track calories and exercise. This app helps users eat foods that are nutritious. You can keep records of what you eat, and get notices to eat healthy foods. The app also has a community to ask questions and get answers about nutrition and weight loss. My Diet Diary for Android My Diet Diary for iPhone and iPad App for fitness Fitbit App The makers of the Fitbit fitness tracker have an app that helps you track your fitness without buying a Fitbit. Use the MobileTrack feature of the app to use your phone as a fitness tracker. The app will record the number of steps, calories burned and distance you move. You must have your phone with you for MobileTrack to work. The app also works with the Fitbit fitness tracker to keep track of your movement throughout the day. The Fitbit app is available free for iPhone/iPad and Android with links at the Fitbit app website. I’m Rick Hindman. And I’m Caty Weaver.   Carolyn Nicander Mohr wrote this report for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. Have you ever used a meal planning, nutrition or fitness app to stay healthy? Have you used any of the apps mentioned in this article? Do you have any apps you recommend to help you eat healthy and stay fit? Share your thoughts in the Comments Section below or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story inspire - v.   to make (someone) want to do something delicious - adj. very pleasant to taste nutritious - adj. having substances that a person or animal needs to be healthy and grow properly : promoting good health and growth recipe - n. a set of instructions for making food grocery - n. food sold at a store multiple - adj. more than one​ timer - n. a device that makes a sound when a certain amount of time has passed​ allergy - n. a medical condition that causes someone to become sick after eating, touching, or breathing something that is harmless to most people vegetarian - n. a person who does not eat meat bar code  - n. a group of thick and thin lines that is placed on a product so that a computer can get the price of the product and other information about it expiration date - adj. the date when something (such as milk or medicine) can no longer be sold because it may no longer be good or effective​ diet - n. the food that a person or animal usually eats calorie - n. a unit of heat used to indicate the amount of energy that foods will produce in the human body reward - n. something of value that is given or received for something that has been done or that is offered for something that might be done​ digital badge - n. an indicator of accomplishment, skill, quality, or interest that can be earned in an app​ ______________________________________________________________ Chart used with permission of Lakeshore Convention Center

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