Everyday Grammar: Contronyms

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Review of Level 2 Lessons 16 - 20

Let's Review! You're already more than halfway through Let's Learn English Level 2. Good job! Now, let's review lessons 16-20. Watch each video and then take the review quiz below. And, don't forget to let us know what you've learned and enjoyed so far in Level 2!   Review of Lessons 16 - 20  Lesson 16: Find Your Joy! Grammar focus: Past habitual with used to and would Topics: Discussing recreation preferences Lesson 17: Flour Baby, Part 1 Grammar focus: Reflexive pronouns Topics: Interpreting information and advice; giving instructions Lesson 18: Flour Baby, Part 2 Grammar focus: Reflexive pronouns Topics: Following instructions; describing an accident​ Lesson 19: Movie Night Grammar focus: Indirect questions​ Topics: ​Politely correcting someone's behavior; asking for something politely Lesson 20: The Test Drive Grammar focus: Reported speech  Topics: Discussing opinions; describing similarities and differences​   Listening Quiz See how well you understand the latest lessons by taking a listening quiz. Play each short video, then choose the best answer. ​ ​Free Materials Download the VOA Learning English Word Book for a dictionary of the words we use on this website. For Teachers Send us an email if you have comments on this course or questions.       Comments How is your progress in Level 2? What have you learned? What skills would you like to improve? And, how do you like Level 2 so far?  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 the Let's Learn English Level 2 course.

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For Today’s U.S. Teens, School Shootings Are Common

The young people who experienced the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida, were born in or after 1999. In that year, two students killed 13 classmates at Columbine High School in Colorado. Since then, the United States has had six more of the 10 deadliest school shootings in its history. Along with those events, there have been smaller, less publicized acts of gun violence on campuses. The Washington Post newspaper found that, since 1999, more than 150,000 children have experienced a shooting at their school. The Post reporters note that those numbers are conservative. They do not include suicides or accidents with guns that happen at school, or shootings that happen after classes have ended. In other words, today’s high school students have been raised at a time when school shootings in the U.S. have become common. The cumulative effect of this gun-related school violence may help explain the recent protests by young people. Since the school shooting in Florida February 14, Parkland students and other American teenagers have been publicly calling for stronger U.S. gun laws. These activists have held demonstrations and gone on day strikes from school. They have spoken on television, posted on social media, and met directly with President Trump and other officials. Last Wednesday, hundreds of high school-age students gathered outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Juliet Cable was one of them. She said, "I think that this current fight for gun control is a fight that students and teenagers and children are having to fight. We're the ones who need to stand up and call attention to it and change it." America’s teenagers Other mass shootings in recent U.S. history have inspired calls for increased gun control measures. But the way many Parkland teenagers are answering this month’s violence in Florida is different, say gun-control activists. Kristin Brown is the co-president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. "We've certainly seen a groundswell of anger rise up following mass shootings in the past, but nothing like this in terms of the momentum or youth engagement," Brown said. The young people’s efforts are consistent with what researchers have been learning about today’s teenagers. After the 2016 presidential election, the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research asked 790 American teenagers questions about their political views. The researchers learned that, in general, U.S. teenagers are worried about the country’s future, and they believe Americans do not agree about basic values.   Amanda Lenhart was the senior research scientist at AP-NORC at the time of the study. She told VOA that the teenagers in the study sounded tired – even exhausted – of the country’s political conflict. They expressed “deep weariness of the divided status quo,” Lenhart said. At the same time, Lenhart said, teenagers hoped things could get better. A majority had taken action on a political issue they cared about. Teenagers who used social media were especially politically engaged. Today’s teenagers have, in her words, a “youthful energy that inspires them to act,” Lenhart said. They want the future to be better, she said, so they are going to stand up and make it better. Fifteen-year-old Sofia Hidalgo, an activist from Maryland, echoed that idea in a conversation with VOA. “We got our voices out there in big publications so that people could see change, and there is going to be a change in mentality. And we are going to succeed in combating hate and fear with love and peace.” ​Generation gun? Abby Kiesa is with the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement at Tufts University in Massachusetts. She noted in an email to VOA that many of today’s teenagers are insisting on being heard. At the same time, she said, “We must continue to broaden and diversify the youth who have the encouragement and access to tell their stories.” Research scientist Amanda Lenhart made a similar point. Today’s teenagers are among the most racially and ethnically diverse groups in U.S. history. Trying to talk about a “generation” often hides important differences among people, she said. But, Lenhart said, part of what forms the idea of a generation is “living through big moments at the same time at a very similar life stage.” For today’s teenagers, the big moments that come to define their generation may be their shared experience as students at a time when schools can be scenes of violence. As Parkland student Jaclyn Corin told the New Yorker magazine, “We have grown up with this problem.” I’m Caty Weaver. And I’m Ashley Thompson.   Kelly Jean Kelly reported this story for VOA News. Caty Weaver was the editor.  _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   campus - n. the area and buildings around the school cumulative - adj. increasing or becoming better or worse over time inspire - v. to make or cause someone to do something groundswell - n. a fast increase in public support of something momentum - n. the strength or force that allows something to continue or to grow stronger or faster as time passes exhausted - adj. completely worn out or tired weariness - n. reluctance to see or experience more of something engaged - adj. busy with activity diversify - v. to change (something) so that it has more different kinds of people or things encouragement - n. something that makes someone more likely to do something access - n. a way of getting near, at, or to something or someone We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.  

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English in a Minute: See the Writing on the Wall

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Experts Debate Financial Future of American Higher Education

  Sweet Briar College is a small, private women’s college in the American state of Virginia. In 2015, the school’s governing board grew concerned about its financial future and considered closing the school. But after a change in leadership and the hard work of its employees and former students, Sweet Briar stayed open. Now, almost three years later, Sweet Briar College is “doing remarkably well,” says Teresa Tomlinson. She is the head of the school’s board of directors. She says the schools has been able to buy back $8 million of its debt and reduce its operating costs by almost $15 million. Tomlinson told VOA that the school was able to help its financial situation by making changes to its study program. Sweet Briar now aims to better meet the needs of the next generation of students by tying their studies to the demands of the modern working world.   However, not all small, private colleges like Sweet Briar have been able to keep up with the changing demands. In recent months, some have said they can no longer operate. For example, St. Gregory’s University in Oklahoma, Memphis College of Art and Grace University in Omaha, Nebraska have all announced they will be closing. These announcements made observers question what the future may be for American higher education. The research company Gallup asked chief business officers at more than 400 American schools whether they agree with media reports that tell of a financial crisis in higher education. About 70 percent of them said they believe those reports are correct.  Gallup released the public opinion study last August. Valerie Calderon is a senior researcher with Gallup. She says such concerns may come from the fact many Americans feel they have less money to spend on higher education. The cost of higher education in the country has increased greatly over the past 30 years. Also, the U.S. economy, Calderon says, has been growing at a slower rate. This has made some American families think twice about investing a lot of money in a costly degree program, she says. Fewer students are enrolling in higher education programs, the National Student Clearinghouse found. The organization studies American education. Last year, it reported that the overall number of students in higher education programs was 1.5 percent less than the year before. So, why have the costs of higher education gone up so much? Calderon says part of the reason is because schools are employing more administrators. “Colleges have employed more highly paid professionals who don’t teach, driving up the ratio of workers per student,” she told VOA. Ken Redd is a senior researcher with the National Association of College and University Business Officers. He says that schools have, in fact, employed more people whose jobs do not directly relate to teaching. But that is because of the changing nature of who the schools’ students are, he says.  Many colleges and universities have been doing more in recent years to help poor students get an education, for example. Redd says these students may need more support in their studies, because they often went to high schools that did not prepare them well for college. Redd also says many schools are doing more to support students who face other difficulties, such as physical and mental health issues. This means schools must hire support staff. All these efforts cost the schools money, which means their tuition costs may rise. In addition, the U.S. government has created more rules that colleges and universities must follow. For example, in 2015 the Department of Education began holding schools responsible for creating an office to receive and investigate complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination. This came as part of a greater effort to enforce the law known as Title IX. Such efforts add extra costs, Redd says. Redd adds that many schools have tried hard to combat the rising costs for students. Financial aid awards have increased overall. Some schools also employ special reductions and limits to tuition increases. But Redd does have concerns. He says that a decreasing number of students and limited financial resources could put small, private schools at risk of closing, especially rural ones. He fears the effect this may have on students growing up in rural areas. “Eight out of ten students … in the United States go to a college within 20 miles [or 32 kilometers] of their home,” Redd said. “A school closing in a rural community would not necessarily lead to students picking up and going to a college in the city or going to a college in another state.” In other words, the students may choose to not pursue higher education at all. But Richard Ekman of the Council of Independent Colleges, or CIC, remains unconcerned. His organization represents more than 650 private colleges and universities across the U.S. He says recent media reports of a higher education crisis are untrue. He adds that, historically, few colleges have closed permanently. Schools that come close to closing are often bought by or combined with other similar or larger schools. “Not all will succeed, of course,” Ekman said. “But most will, to judge from what we’ve seen so far. That won’t stop the business officers from worrying. But it means that very few colleges go out of business.” During the 2011-2012 school year, for example, just 10 colleges and universities across the country closed, according to the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics. At that time, the United States was facing a severe economic recession. Ekman says that for schools to survive, they need to try to appeal to students in different ways. For example, Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, took note of the local area’s growing industry for small, independent breweries. So it designed a program to train students in brewing. And Adrian College in Michigan observed a lack of schools with competitive college fishing teams. So the school started one, drawing in students who were looking to join the nationally recognized sport. 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. How strong financially are colleges and universities in your country? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ QUIZ ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   board – n. a group of people who manage or direct a company or organization remarkably – adv. done in a way that is unusual or surprising degree – n. an official document and title that is given to someone who has successfully completed a series of classes at a college or university enroll(ing) – v. to become a member or participant administrator(s) – n. a person whose job is to manage a company, school, or other organization professional(s) – n. someone who does a job that requires special training, education, or skill ratio – n. the relationship that exists between the size, number, or amount of two things and that is often represented by two numbers hire – v. the relationship that exists between the size, number, or amount of two things and that is often represented by two numbers staff – n. to give work or a job to someone in exchange for wages or a salary tuition – n. money that is paid to a school for the right to study there combat – v. to try to stop something from happening or getting worse pursue – v. to try to get or do something over a period of time according to – prep. as stated, reported, or recorded by (someone or something appeal to – p.v. to be liked by someone breweries – n. companies that makes beer, an alcoholic drink made from malt and flavored with hops

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Do You Know Which Way the Wind Blows?

  Now, the VOA Learning English program Words and Their Stories, our weekly show about common expressions in American English. Wind is a powerful force in nature. Wind energy is partly responsible for great waves in the world's oceans. Winds can help create powerful storms, such as tornadoes and hurricanes. From very light winds, or breezes, to strong gales, wind is a force you can't see but can surely feel. Its power can be captured to create electricity for cities and the countryside. Wind can also power many expressions in American English.  Let's start with a simple one. If you run like the wind, you are a very fast runner. After running, sometimes you can feel energized. The runner gets what we call a second wind. We use this expression when we were tired, but then get more energy to finish something. For example, sometimes I feel tired after work. But after a short rest and a cup of tea, I get my second wind. I'm ready to do something fun with my friends and family.  Now, people who throw caution to the wind take a chance. This means they become careless or carefree, depending on the situation. People forget what they should be doing and just do what they want to instead. Now, if you are doing something difficult, it is good to have the wind at your back. This way it is easier to go forward. It's always more difficult to do something in a strong wind -- unless you are sailing. Knowing the direction of the wind is the most important part of sailing. When wind fills a sail, it makes the boat go faster. When you or I have wind in our "sails," we have the energy and power to do what we what. If you take the wind out of someone's sails, you keep them from reaching their objectives. You create a barrier or block them in some way. In life, it’s a good idea to surround yourself with people who want to fill your sails with wind and not take it out. Wind and sailing give us another expression. If you are three sheets to the wind, you have had way too much alcohol to drink. You are so drunk that you have a hard time standing up. Several websites explain that in this expression "sheets" are the ropes used to control the sails on a boat or ship. If these ropes are left blowing in the wind, the crew might lose control – sort of like a drunk person. Now, let's turn from sailing to music. Many songwriters use the image of wind in their songs. If something such as an idea is blowing in the wind, it is being discussed but has yet to be decided. You might have heard Bob Dylan’s song "Blowin' in the Wind." How many deaths will it take 'til (until) he knows That too many people have died? The answer, my friend, is blowin' (blowing) in the wind The answer is blowin' in the wind The answer, my friend, is blowin' (blowing) in the wind The answer is blowin' in the wind Does Dylan mean the answer is undecided? Or does he mean that the answers to the problems he sings about will spread across the world like seeds carried away by the wind? When asked in an interview, he didn’t give a clear answer. He simply said the answer is “blowin’ in the wind.” Dylan uses another "wind" expression in the song “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” But the meaning is clear when he sings "you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows." Here, he means that you don't need someone knowledgeable or in power to confirm something for you. Just trust yourself. You can figure it out on your own. So, when you know which way the wind blows, you know what is going on. Now, some things are hard to do when there is no wind. Sailing a boat and flying a kite are two good examples. But other things are really hard to do in the wind, such as lighting a candle. That brings us to our last expression for today. A candle in the wind describes something that is weak, unprotected and likely to fail or possibly even die. In the early 1970s, Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote the song "Candle in the Wind" in honor of actress Marilyn Monroe, who died at the age of 36. In 1997, Elton John performed a version of the song, with different wording, at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales. She died in a car crash in Paris while trying to escape photographers. Like Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana was only 36 years old. And that’s Words and Their Stories. I’m Anna Matteo.   If you have similar expression using "wind" in your language, let us know in the Comments Section. Or simply practice using one or more of the expressions you heard here.   It seems to me you lived your life Like a candle in the wind Never knowing who to cling to When the rain set in And I would have liked to have known you But I was just a kid Your candle burned out long before Your legend ever did. And I would have liked to have known you But I was just a kid Your candle burned out long before Your legend ever did.   Anna Matteo wrote this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ____________________________________________________________________ Words in This Stories   carefree – adj. having no worries or troubles figure it out – phrasal verb to come to understand someone or something better candle – n. a usually molded or dipped mass of wax or tallow containing a wick that may be burned

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US Mail Goes Digital, Seeks to Make Junk Mail Fun

  The United States Postal Service is offering a way for people interested in seeing tomorrow’s mail today. The postal service will send customers images of all their letters, magazines and other mail before they arrive.       The new service is called Informed Delivery. It is an attempt by the U.S. government agency to remain competitive in an ever-changing world. Postal service officials say the increased use of email, digital messaging services and social media have made it difficult to stay relevant. David Rupert is a media relations specialist with the postal service who spoke about all the competition the agency now faces. “Whether you turn on a television, or your computer, or people come to your door with different products and services, all of those are competing for the consumer’s time and energy,” he said. Interested users are first required to sign up for Informed Delivery. The service is not available in all areas. Once registered, the consumer receives a daily email with virtual images of letters and other things to be delivered. The U.S. Postal Service says giving people the chance to see their mail before it arrives can be useful for planning purposes. It can especially help those who have a mailbox at their local post office so they know when to go and get their mail. Jocelyn Coatney of Los Angeles thinks Informed Delivery is a good idea.  “I think I would like that a lot, especially with checks and things coming in, and things coming in from grandkids. That would be a nice service,” she said. Another postal offering is a service that seeks to make advertising-related mail – often called junk mail - more fun. The service uses virtual and augmented reality to let consumers interact with their junk mail. Many companies put special coding on their advertising. These images can be scanned with a mobile device to give users an interactive experience. Some companies even put virtual reality eyeglasses in the mail to make their ads come to life. Consumers have mixed reactions to the virtual and augmented reality advertising. Postal service user Victor Teah said he does not consider all ads junk mail. “You can find some good things within junk mail. It’s a good idea. We’ll see how it works out,” he said. But Jocelyn Coatney does not think it would change her mind about junk mail. “For some, that might be fun. But for me, I wouldn’t have any use for it," she said. I'm Bryan Lynn.   Elizabeth Lee reported this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   delivery – n. the act of taking something to a person or place relevant – adj. relating to something in a useful way customer – n. someone who purchases a product or service consumer – n. person who buys goods and services virtual – adj. existing or occurring on computers or on the internet check – n. a written order informing a bank to pay an amount of money to a named person grandkid – n. a grandchild augmented reality – n. an enhanced version of reality using technology to add digital information on an image of something scan – n. the act or process of using a special machine to see the inside of something  

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Indonesia Passes Law to Stop Criticism of Politicians

  While many Indonesians watch for possible changes in the nation’s criminal code, Indonesia’s House of Representatives has quietly passed changes to another law. The legislation is the revised Law on Representative Assemblies, also known as the MD3 law. Critics say the new measures will limit criticism of Indonesian politicians. They say it also will make lawmakers less likely to take responsibility for their actions. Under the new rules, representatives in parliament are permitted to bring charges against people who “undermine its honor or that of its members.” In addition, investigations into members of parliament must be approved by the House Ethics Council. Critics say a target of the new legislation will likely be Indonesia’s anti-corruption commission, or the KPK. Groups like Indonesia Corruption Watch and the Association for Elections and Democracy have launched an online campaign to fight the measures. The campaign has gathered more than 170,000 signatures. But the amendments can likely only be overturned by a Constitutional Court ruling. Eight political parties supported the amendments. One of them is the Democratic Party of Struggle, or PDIP, of Indonesian President Joko Widodo. For months, PDIP members have been calling for MD3 to be passed. The United Development Party and the National Democratic Party protested the legislation, but they were outvoted. Andreas Harsono is a researcher with Human Rights Watch in Jakarta. He said, "Indonesia’s parliament is one of the least trusted state institutions. It does not help that they passed such a repressive law. It’s going to create more and more problems in Indonesia.”  Late reaction to the law Ian Wilson teaches at Murdoch University in Australia. He says debate over the proposed criminal code changes may have helped direct public attention away from the anti-democratic effect of the MD3 amendments. Indonesian lawmakers are considering a proposal to criminalize sexual acts between homosexuals. The proposed changes also would criminalize sex outside of marriage. “It’s safe to assume the timing was at least partially intentional,” Wilson said. The most divisive parts of the MD3 law are also relatively well ‘hidden’ within the legislation. “It’s a fairly well practiced stratagem in Indonesia,” he added. Last week, the Forum on Law and Constitutional Studies asked the Constitutional Court to consider the MD3 Law. The group said that its requirements, like ordering citizens to appear by force, are not in line with the Indonesian constitution. Yohanes Sulaiman is a defense expert at General Achmad Yani University. He said, “The main way to oppose this measure is through the Constitutional Court. The other way [to resist], which is more difficult, would be for citizens to organize, and keep getting arrested. If they keep resisting, they can see how far Parliament is willing to push enforcement of the law.” ​ Legal protection from criticism “Most politicians [around the world] know that they should have thick skin. Not in Jakarta,” said Harsono. In recent years, many Indonesians have faced legal troubles after criticizing politicians on social media. “The House is just a bunch of people who are really proud and sure of themselves,” said Sulaiman. “Of course, this will be a way for them to attack their critics.” He added that the House has been concerned over increased pressure from the KPK. Last year, work by the anti-corruption group led to the detention of House Speaker Setya Novanto. The MD3 law can be seen as an attempt by the House to strengthen its power while public opinion of it is very low. Wilson said the MD3 law is unusual because it gives legislators powers similar to, or even greater than, that of the court system. Wilson said the law will increase people’s opinion that parliament is “a self-serving institution.” He suggested that hurting public trust in the parliamentary system in this way might even increase the appeal of other parties, including Islamists. Indonesian journalists and the media also have expressed shock over the amendments. These groups say the legislation will reduce press freedoms. Abdul Manan is head of the Alliance of Independent Journalists. He warned that the law could become a tool to limit freedoms. He said, "The subjective nature of the wording means that journalists can easily be ensnared for doing their job, and the law can become another tool with which to suppress…the press." I’m Jonathan Evans.   Krithika Varagur reported this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted the report for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   code – n. a system of rules undermine – v. to weaken or wash away online – adj. involving a computer or computer system institution – n. an established organization stratagem – n. a trick designed to fool the enemy assume – v. to accept as true intentional – adj. planned; done by design bunch – n. group proud – adj. very pleased with who you are or what you have done ensnare – v. to catch or take in We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.  

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Smartphone App Helps Snakebite Victims

  Scientists in Denmark have developed a venom test kit to help doctors treat victims of snake bites. The kit was created to be simple and has only two pieces of equipment: a centrifuge and a smartphone. For victims, treating a snakebite requires the use of anti-venom. However, receiving the correct form of treatment can be difficult. The victim must first know which kind of snake bit them. That is because each poisonous snake produces a different kind of venom. The new venom testing kit can help solve this problem. Snake venom is made up of various protein patterns. The different patterns in the venom can be used to determine the snake species. Catherine Larsen is a scientist at the Technical University of Denmark, or DTU. She said researchers found these patterns after testing different snake venoms with different small proteins.       Ivan Doudka is also with DTU. He explained that the kit works by using a smartphone app to analyze a serum sample from the patient. To create the sample, the patient’s red blood cells need to first be separated. This is done by using a centrifuge which is a device created to separate fluids. The centrifuge is operated by hand and needs to be spun quickly to separate the substances. The sample is then put into a special container that keeps the condition of the plasma serum the same. After 30 minutes, the sample is placed into a clear container called a cuvette. The cuvette is used with a machine known as a spectrophotometer which analyzes the liquid by measuring the amount of light that is absorbed by it. By connecting the spectrophotometer to a smartphone a smartphone app is used to show the results. The app then identifies the type of snake and suggests the most effective anti-venom. Andreas Laustsen, another DTU scientist, said the test kit will help doctors make quicker, possibly life-saving decisions. The team’s work could help the estimated five million people who are bitten by snakes each year.  Those bites kill at least 100,000 people a year, and lead to around 400,000 venom-related amputations. I'm Rachel Dennis.    VOA's Kevin Enochs reported this story. Rachel Dennis adapted it for Learning English. Ashley Thompson was the editor.  _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story   venom - n. poison produced by an animal kit- n. ​a set of tools or supplies that a person uses for a particular purpose or activity​ equipment - n. ​supplies or tools needed for a special purpose​ centrifuge - n. a machine that uses centrifugal force to separate substances or parts of substances (centrifugal - adj. moving away from a center) analyze - v. ​to study (something) closely and carefully​ serum - n. ​the part of blood that is like water and that contains substances (called antibodies) that fight disease​ sample - n. ​a small amount of something that gives you information about the thing it was taken from​ amputation - n. ​the action of cutting off a part of a person's body

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Lesson 22: Next Summer...

Summary Anna and her producer, Amelia, are planning the new children's show. Anna has lots of ideas for the show. Will Amelia like them and work well with Anna?   Speaking Learn to pronounce the new words for this lesson and how to talk about your favorite season and vacation activities.  Pronunciation Use this video to learn how to do shadowing, or repeating soon after you hear a native speaker. Conversation   Anna: Washington, D.C. has four seasons: winter, spring, summer and autumn or fall. My favorite season is summer because of summer vacation!Hey, that will be a great subject for my new work assignment -- the children’s show. I can teach what families in the U.S. do during summer vacation.Today, I’m planning the show with Amelia. This is the first time we are working together. I hope we can work well together. Hi, Amelia! Amelia: Hi, Anna! So, what are we going to talk about on the first show? Anna: I want to talk about summer vacation. Amelia: That will be fun! Are you going on vacation this summer? Anna: No. This summer I am too busy. Amelia: That’s too bad.  Anna: It’s okay. I can go on vacation next summer. This show will be a lot of fun too! Amelia: So, Anna, what’s the plan for the show? Anna: First, we’re going to introduce the subject. Then we can show pictures and video. Amelia: We can show tons of video! Anna: Right! We can interview children and have guests, too. Amelia: Kids can ask us questions. Anna: Great idea! Finally, we can read the questions and tell them where to learn more. Amelia: Okay, let’s try it! Anna: Let’s do it! Anna: Hi there! And welcome to … Amelia, we don’t have a name for the show. Amelia: We’ll think of a name later. For now, we'll call it “The Show.” Anna: Great. Hi there! And welcome to “The Show.” Anna: Today we are going to take you on a summer vacation! You will see popular things to do on vacation! Anna: One is camping. When you go camping, you cook, sleep and play outdoors! Amelia: When I go camping, Anna, I like to go hiking and fishing. Anna: Me, too. Those are fun things to do when you go camping! Anna: These people are hiking. Amelia: Okay, let’s talk about the next vacation. Anna: Another popular summer vacation is going to an amusement park. At an amusement park, you go on rides and eat lots of fun food! Amelia: I love cotton candy … ! Anna & Amelia: and rollercoasters! Amelia: This show is going to be a lot of fun. Anna: I know! Anna: This is riding a rollercoaster! Amelia: Whoooo! What is the last vacation? Anna: One of the most popular vacations is … going to the beach! Anna & Amelia: I love the beach! Anna: When I see that blue ocean, I want to leave Washington, D.C. immediately and go to the beach! Anna: Maybe next summer. Amelia: But right now, it’s time to work! Anna: Right. Until next time ...   Writing What is your favorite season? What do you like to do when you go on a vacation? Tell us about the next vacation you plan to go on. Write to us by email or in the Comments section. Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice 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 Plan. When we learn a new language, planning helps us to continue to learn well. In the video, you can see Amelia and Anna planning for the new children's show. Notice how they talk about a list of the things they will do. "First, we’re going to introduce the subject. Then we can show pictures and video. ... We can interview children and have guests too. Great idea! Finally, we can read the questions and tell them where to learn more." How do you plan when using or learning English? Write to us in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.   Quiz Listen to short videos and test your listening skills with this quiz. ______________________________________________________________ New Words amusement park - n. a place that has many games and rides (such as roller coasters and merry-go-rounds) for entertainment beach - n. an area covered with sand or small rocks that is next to an ocean or lake camping - n. the activity of sleeping outdoors in a tent usually for enjoyment cotton candy - n. candy made from sugar that is boiled, spun into a soft material using a special machine, and then wound around a stick fishing - n. the sport or business of catching fish guest - n. a usually well-known person who is invited to appear or perform on a program hike - n. to walk a long distance especially for pleasure or exercise immediately - adv. without any delay introduce - v. to speak briefly to an audience about something that is about to begin kid - n. a young person outdoors - adv. outside a building or not inside a building plan n. - a set of actions that have been thought of as a way to do or achieve something plan - v. to think about and arrange the parts or details of (something) before it happens or is made right - adv. in a direct course or manner right now = immediately rollercoaster - n. a ride at an  amusement park which is like a small, open train with tracks that are high off    the ground and that have sharp curves and steep hills season - n. one of the four periods into which the year is commonly divided subject - n. the person or thing that is being discussed or described swimming - n. the sport or activity of moving through water by moving your arms and legs vacation - n. a period of time that a person spends away from home, school, or business usually in order to relax or travel The Four Seasons: spring - n. the season when plants and trees begin to grow summer - n. the warmest season of the year autumn - n. the third season of the year, when crops and fruits are gathered and leaves fall winter - n. the coldest season of the year ______________________________________________________________ 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 what you do in different seasons. 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: Talking about a sequence of events using going to to talk about future events Topics: Vacations; Seasons Learning Strategy: Planning Speaking & Pronunciation Focus: Talking about plans; vacation activities; shadowing and summarizing ______________________________________________________________ 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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February 23, 2018

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

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