News in Slow English
Learn American English online with us! In our course we emphasize all aspects of language learning from listening comprehension, rapid vocabulary expansion, exposure to English grammar and common idiomatic expressions, to pronunciation practice and interactive grammar exercises. In our program we discuss the Weekly News, English grammar, and English expressions, and much more in simplified English at a slow pace so that you can understand almost every word and sentence.
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News in Slow English - Episode 15
12/22/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 15
In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with a discussion about the vote on Thursday by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to repeal rules that ensure a fair and open internet, also called “net neutrality.” Next, we’ll talk about the Norwegian Parliament’s decision to decriminalize all drug use. Then, we’ll have a conversation about the discovery of a solar system that is more than 2,500 light years away. The discovery was made by NASA scientists using artificial intelligence developed by Google. And finally, we’ll talk about a new item added to UNESCO’s “intangible heritage” list -- the Neapolitan technique of pizza twirling. Net neutrality rules repealed in the U.S. Norwegian Parliament votes to decriminalize drugs Scientists discover a “twin” solar system with eight planets Naples pizza-twirling wins UNESCO heritage status The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Superlatives. And we’ll conclude our program with another English expression: “To get out of hand.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 14
12/14/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 14
In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with a discussion about the result of the Alabama Senate elections that were held on Tuesday. Next, we’ll talk about the decision announced by the French government on Sunday to ban the use of mobile phones in school for students under the age of 15. Then, we’ll have a conversation about bitcoins, which are traded on some of the stock markets. And finally, we’ll remember a French pop singer, Johnny Hallyday, who died last week at the age of 74. - Doug Jones upsets Roy Moore in closely watched Senate race - France to ban mobile phones in schools - Bitcoin futures trading begins as price skyrockets - Johnny Hallyday, the Elvis Presley of France, dies As always, the second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll highlight the use of today’s topic: Order of Adjectives. And we’ll wrap up our program with another English expression: “To put your heart and soul into (something).”
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News in Slow English - Episode 13
12/08/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 13
For the first half of our program, we’re going to look at what’s happening around the world this week. We will begin with President Donald Trump’s announcement to formally recognize the city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Next, we’ll comment on Time Magazine’s choice of 2017 Person of the Year. Following that, we’ll talk about the world’s largest battery installed in Australia that could ease power shortages. And finally, and on a lighter note, we’ll talk about the ugliest Christmas tree that set a new trend in Montreal that celebrates imperfections. President Trump formally recognizes Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, reversing decades of diplomacy “The Silence Breakers” named Time’s Person of the Year World’s largest battery could ease power shortages in Australia Montréal’s “ugly” Christmas tree becomes a tradition As always, the second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Participle Adjectives. And we’ll close this week’s program with a new English expression: “A drop in the bucket.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 12
11/30/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 12
In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with Pope Francis's speech in Myanmar that met with criticism from various human rights groups. Next, we’ll talk about the engagement of Prince Harry to American actress Meghan Markle. Then, we’ll have a conversation about a prediction that 2018 will be a year of higher earthquake activity due to a slight deceleration in the Earth’s rotation. And finally, we’ll talk about a man who plans to launch himself in a homemade rocket to prove that the Earth is flat. - Pope Francis avoids direct references to Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar speech - Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce engagement - Changes in Earth’s rotation may cause more major earthquakes in 2018 - Man plans to launch himself in homemade rocket to prove that the Earth is flat The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll demonstrate the use of today’s topic: Possessive Pronouns. And we’ll end this week’s program with a brand new English expression: “To make a long story short.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 11
11/23/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 11
As always, we’re going to start the program with a discussion of current events. We will begin with President Trump’s reversal on his own decision to allow the importation of elephant “trophies.” Next, we’ll talk about two E.U. agencies leaving the UK following Brexit. Then, we’ll have a conversation about a Leonardo da Vinci painting that was sold last week for $450 million. And finally, we’ll talk about an event that shocked many soccer fans – the Italian national soccer team has lost its chance to play in next year’s World Cup. - President Trump reverses decision to allow imports of elephant “trophies” - Amsterdam, Paris to host key E.U. agencies following Brexit - Leonardo da Vinci painting sells for record-breaking $450 million - Italy fails to qualify for World Cup for first time in six decades The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Personal Pronouns. And we’ll conclude our program with another English expression: “To rain on someone’s parade.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 10
11/16/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 10
In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with the new European joint defense pact - PESCO. Next, we’ll talk about a new poll in Australia that shows overwhelming support for gay marriage. Then, we’ll have a conversation about the “Me Too” movement in which more than 1.7 million people in 85 countries have shared their experiences of sexual assault, abuse, or harassment. And finally, we’ll talk about a new video campaign in Poland to promote higher birthrates. - European ministers sign joint defense pact - Australians vote to legalize same-sex marriage - As “Me Too” movement gains momentum, questions emerge about its lasting impact - Poles encouraged to “breed like rabbits” in new video campaign The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Pronouns. And we’ll conclude our program with another English expression: “To blaze a trail / To be a trailblazer.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 9
11/09/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 9
For the first part of our program, we’re going to look at what’s happening around the world this week. We will begin with two tragedies that took place in the U.S., one in Texas and the other in New York. Next, we’ll look into the results of the elections in Italy that present an opportunity for former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to re-enter national politics. Following that, we’ll talk about the new iPhone X which went on sale last Friday and drew thousands to Apple Stores around the world. And finally, we’ll talk about the 2017 World Series and the victory of the Houston Astros over the Los Angeles Dodgers. - Church shooting, truck attack kill dozens in two separate incidents in the U.S. - Silvio Berlusconi begins political comeback - Crowds worldwide rush to buy latest iPhone - Houston Astros win World Series As always, the second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Gender Neutral Nouns. And we’ll close this week’s program with a new English expression: “A cock and bull story.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 8
11/02/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 8
For the first portion of our program, we are going to dive into this week’s headlines. We’ll start with a discussion on the first criminal charges brought against some of President Trump’s former aids on Monday by Special Counsel Robert Mueller in the Russian meddling investigation. Next, we’re going to talk about the Russian use of social networking platforms Facebook, Google and Twitter to influence the outcome of the 2016 United States presidential election. After that, we’ll discuss the publishing of Stephen Hawking’s doctoral thesis on Cambridge University's website. And finally, we’ll talk about the findings of a study suggesting that drinking alcohol could improve one’s pronunciation when speaking a foreign language. - First charges filed in Russian meddling investigation - Facebook, Twitter, and Google admit to wide-reaching Russian influence - Stephen Hawking’s doctoral thesis crashes its host website - Drinking alcohol improves pronunciation in second language, study shows As always, the second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Irregular Noun/Verb Agreement. And we’ll close this week’s program with a new English expression: “To bridge the gap.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 7
10/26/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 7
For the first half of our program, we’re going to look at what’s happening around the world this week. We’ll begin with a discussion of China’s most important political event that ended on Tuesday - the Communist Party Congress. Next, we’ll address the results of Czech elections and the nomination of the Populist billionaire Andrej Babiš. After that, we’ll discuss the discovery by scientists from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) of a 30 mile-long cave on the surface of the moon. And finally, we’ll talk about a rumor that has spread throughout social media this week. Xi Jinping is China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong Populist billionaire to become next Czech leader Cave on moon’s surface could serve as shelter for humans Melania Trump imposter theory captivates the internet As always, the second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Countable and Uncountable Nouns. And we’ll close this week’s program with a new English expression: “To go back to the drawing board.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 6 - Weekly Intermediate English Program
10/19/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 6 - Weekly Intermediate English Program
In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with news of the liberation of Raqqa, the Syrian city occupied by the Islamic State. Next, we’ll talk about the results of Austria’s national elections which were held last Sunday. Then, we’ll have a conversation about a study which seems to challenge what we previously believed about the domestication of dogs. And finally, we’ll talk about an Italian woman who was granted the right to earn paid time off in order to care for her sick dog. City of Raqqa falls to U.S.-backed Syrian forces Austria shifts to the right following national elections Domestication has not made dogs cooperate more with each other, when compared to wolves Italian woman wins right to earn sick pay to care for ailing dog The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Plural Nouns. And we’ll conclude our program with another English expression: “Actions speak louder than words.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 5 - Learn English through current events
10/12/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 5 - Learn English through current events
For the first part of our program, we are going to dive into this week’s headlines. We’ll start with the ongoing tension between Catalonia and the Spanish government. Next, we’re going to cover the firing of movie executive Harvey Weinstein last Sunday over allegations of sexual misconduct. After that, we’ll talk about the work of Richard Thaler, a US economist, and the winner of this year's Nobel Prize in Economics. And finally, we’ll discuss the controversial decision by Austrian authorities to fine a man wearing a shark costume, accusing him of violating a new law which forbids people to wear any face covering in public. Uncertainty continues over Catalan secession Movie executive Harvey Weinstein fired following sexual allegations US economist Richard Thaler wins this year's Nobel Prize in Economics Man in shark costume fined under Austria's 'burqa ban' law The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll demonstrate the use of today’s topic: Units of Quantity -- Most, Almost, and Almost All. And we’ll end this week’s program with a brand new English expression: “To be a stick-in-the-mud.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 4 - Learn English through current events
10/05/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 4 - Learn English through current events
In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history which took place in Las Vegas on Sunday night, leaving 59 dead and more than 500 injured. Next, we’ll discuss the constitutional crisis in Spain following the Catalonian independence referendum. Then, we’ll have a conversation about the government of Saudi Arabia’s decision to lift the ban on women drivers. And finally, we’ll talk about an Italian woman who decided to marry herself, following a new trend gaining popularity: sologamy or self-marriage. Deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history leaves 59 dead in Las Vegas Spain in constitutional crisis following Catalonian independence referendum Saudi Arabia to allow women to drive Italian woman marries herself, saying “each of us must first of all love ourselves” The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Units of quantity - many, much, few, a lot, plenty, every, and whole. And we’ll conclude our program with another English expression.
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News in Slow English - Episode 3 - Learn English through current events
09/28/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 3 - Learn English through current events
We’ll begin with the challenges that Puerto Rico is facing in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Next, we’ll talk about the kneeling controversy in the National Football League (NFL). Following that, we’ll discuss the results of a poll conducted by the BBC which reveals that nearly 4 in 5 Internet users worry about the increase in fake news stories. Finally, we’ll talk about the decision of an acclaimed French chef to renounce his Michelin stars. Catastrophe worsens in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria NFL players, coaches, team owners unify to protest Trump remarks Nearly 4 in 5 Internet users worry about fake news Acclaimed French chef renounces his Michelin stars As always, the second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s topic: Units of quantity--some, no, not any. And we’ll close this week’s program with a new English expression: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 2 - Intermediate English Podcast
09/21/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 2 - Intermediate English Podcast
In the first part of our program, we’re going to discuss current events. We will begin with the General Assembly of the United Nations. Next, we will talk about tensions ahead of the Catalonia independence vote planned for October 1st. Then, we will discuss NASA’s decision to end the Cassini spacecraft’s Saturn expedition mission after 13 years. And finally, we will talk about the performance of a robot named YuMi, that led the Lucca Philharmonic Orchestra last week in Pisa, Italy, to open the first International Festival of Robotics. Donald Trump brings “America First” philosophy to U.N. Tensions rise in Spain ahead of proposed Catalonia referendum Cassini’s Saturn exploration mission ends Robot conductor receives praise in debut performance The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s grammar topic: Article Omission. And we will conclude our program with another English expression: “To cost an arm and a leg.”
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News in Slow English - Episode 1 - Intermediate English Podcast
09/14/2017
News in Slow English - Episode 1 - Intermediate English Podcast
In the first part of our program, we’re going to talk about the devastation left by hurricane Irma. Next, we’ll discuss the ethnic cleansing campaign in Myanmar against the Rohingya minority. We’ll continue with a controversial study conducted by Stanford University claiming that a computer algorithm can determine the sexual orientation of an individual from a photograph. And we’ll conclude the first section of our show with the National Syrian soccer team’s victory that has brought the team closer to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. Hurricane Irma leaves dozens dead in the U.S. and Caribbean Myanmar reportedly plants landmines in campaign against Rohingya minority Artificial intelligence infers sexual orientation more accurately than humans Syrian soccer team inches closer to World Cup spot The second part of our show will be dedicated to American culture and the English language. In the grammar section of our program, we’ll illustrate the use of today’s grammar topic: Definite and Indefinite Articles. And we will conclude our program with an English expression: “To burn the candle at both ends.”
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