English Speeches' Newsletter #10

Hello, English Speeches community!

Warm greetings and welcome to the tenth edition of the English Speeches Newsletter. As we reach this milestone, we continue to strive to assist you in your English language journey, and we have curated a diverse selection of enriching content in this week's edition.

Here's what you can expect:

• A recent news article about the recent UFO hearing where a former military intelligence officer-turned-whistleblower revealed to House lawmakers that Congress is being kept in the dark about unidentified anomalous phenomena, known as UAPs or UFOs.

• Our tool of the week, BBC Learn English, a valuable resource for English learners of all levels, offering a wide range of free online English learning resources.

• A deep dive into the world of English learning with speeches, focusing on an inspiring speech by Anne Hathaway. We'll also test your understanding of the speech with a recap quiz and highlight specific grammar points for learning.

And much more…

We trust that the resources and insights we've shared will enrich your English learning journey and make it more engaging. Your feedback is crucial to us, and we welcome any thoughts or suggestions you might have. Our primary aim is to ensure that you not only learn but also find joy and fulfillment in the process of exploring the English language. 😊

↳ ENGLISH WITH NEWS

UFO Hearing: Whistleblower's Revelations

This week, we're focusing on the recent UFO hearing where a former military intelligence officer-turned-whistleblower revealed to House lawmakers that Congress is being kept in the dark about unidentified anomalous phenomena, known as UAPs or UFOs. David Grusch, who served for 14 years as an intelligence officer, alleged that executive branch agencies have withheld information about these mysterious objects for years. The hearing also included testimonies from two former fighter pilots who had firsthand experience with UAPs.

Key Words:

• Whistleblower: a person who informs on a person or organization engaged in illicit activity.

• Anomalous: deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected.

• Testimony: a formal written or spoken statement, especially one given in a court of law.

• Executive Branch: the part of government that has sole authority and responsibility for the daily administration of the state.

• Fighter Pilots: a military aviator trained to engage in air-to-air combat, air-to-ground combat, and sometimes electronic warfare.

↳ TOOL OF THE WEEK

BBC Learning English: Your Comprehensive English Learning Resource

This week, we spotlight BBC Learning English, a comprehensive tool beneficial for enhancing English studies. It offers a wide range of resources, from courses and grammar lessons to pronunciation guides and vocabulary exercises, catering to different proficiency levels.

What BBC Learning English brings to your English learning journey:

• Adaptability: BBC Learning English offers courses at different levels - easy, medium, and hard. It caters to your unique learning needs and evolves with you, adjusting to your pace and proficiency level.

• Engagement: BBC Learning English uses a variety of formats to make learning more enjoyable and less daunting. It includes interactive quizzes, stories for children, and even English through drama.

• Real-Time Learning: BBC Learning English offers immediate feedback on your exercises. This feature allows you to learn from and correct your mistakes promptly, reinforcing your understanding in real-time.

• Convenience: With its wide range of resources, BBC Learning English fits your learning into your schedule, not the other way around. You can learn whenever and wherever it suits you.

BBC Learning English is one tool among many. Give it a try and see if it complements your learning style. Always opt for the resources that suit you best.

↳ LEARN ENGLISH WITH SPEECHES

Decoding Anne Hathaway: A Journey of Advocacy

In this lesson, we delve into an inspiring speech by the esteemed actress, Anne Hathaway. Guiding you through this enlightening English learning expedition is Anna, your animated instructor.

Here's our exciting line-up:

• Comprehensive Analysis: Anna performs a thorough examination of Hathaway's speech, delving into its rich vocabulary, grammar, and semantics.

• Practical Examples: To simplify complex language concepts, concrete and understandable examples are offered.

• Life Lessons: Dive deep into Hathaway's personal evolution and learn the English expressions to articulate similar life experiences.

• Cultural Insights: Get a glimpse into Hathaway's unique perspective on life, thereby broadening your understanding of different worldviews.

Improve your English skills with our inspiring speech on our YouTube channel. Dedicate yourself to consistent practice and share your thoughts in the comments. Enjoy the journey of learning!

↳ SPEECH RECAP QUIZ

1. What does 'Which way is north?' mean in the context of Anne Hathaway's speech?
   a. It is a literal question about directions.
   b. It is a metaphor for guidance and finding one's path.
   c. It is a question about geographical locations.
   

2. What does Anne Hathaway mean by 'motherhood penalty'?
   a. The physical and emotional challenges of motherhood.
   b. The financial cost of raising children.
   c. The negative impact on a woman's career after becoming a mother.
   

3. What does 'can't afford not to' mean in Anne Hathaway's speech?
   a. It is too expensive to consider.
   b. It is not a priority.
   c. It is so important that it must be done despite the cost.

Remember to validate your answers. The correct solutions are provided at the end of this newsletter. Keep scrolling to assess your performance.

↳ GRAMMAR ESSENTIALS

In every edition of our newsletter, we simplify intricate grammar rules to help you master English one step at a time. This week, we're spotlighting the use of different verb tenses and modal verbs, integral elements Anne Hathaway employs in her speech.

What are Verb Tenses?

Verb tenses are used to express the time an action takes place - in the past, present, or future. For example, when Anne Hathaway says, "I was struck by that memory yesterday", she uses the past tense to describe an event that happened in the past.

What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. For example, when Anne Hathaway says, "I could barely walk", she uses the modal verb "could" to express her ability in the past.

Let's explore its use, with examples from Anne Hathaway's speech:

Past Tense: We use this tense to discuss what happened in the past. For example, "I was a young person," signifies that she is no longer a young person.

Modal Verbs: We use modal verbs to express ability, permission, request, capacity, suggestions, order, obligation, or likelihood. For example, "I could barely walk," shows her ability in the past.

Common Mistakes:

Be careful not to confuse different verb tenses and modal verbs. Understanding the correct usage of each is key to mastering English grammar.

Understanding the fundamental concepts of grammar is crucial to achieving fluency in English. Consistent practice will undoubtedly lead to triumph over any obstacles encountered along the way.

↳ +3000 ENGLISH PHRASAL VERBS

This comprehensive eBook is the perfect tool for mastering English phrasal verbs, an essential aspect of spoken and written English. It contains +3000 English phrasal verbs with clear explanations, example sentences, and usage, which would be beneficial for students, professionals, and language learners.

↳ ENGLISH SPEECHES

Rajesh Hamal: Be a Winner

In this edition, we bring you an inspiring speech by Rajesh Hamal, a revered superstar of Nepal. Known for his versatility in acting and his role as a host for the popular quiz show 'Ko Banchha Crorepati', Rajesh shares his wisdom on life, individuality, and the power of youth. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's emotions, making individual decisions, and the significance of growth in one's life.

Here's why this speech is beneficial for English learners:

• Inspirational Insights: Rajesh shares his life lessons and insights, providing unique perspectives that can foster critical thinking in English learners. His wisdom could inspire meaningful discussions in your English learning journey.

• Diverse Pronunciations: Pay attention to Rajesh's distinct accent as he delivers his speech. Understanding and appreciating different accents can be a crucial part of language mastery, improving listening comprehension skills.

• Idiomatic Language: Rajesh's speech is filled with idiomatic expressions that often don't translate directly but are a vital part of everyday English. Learning these can make your English sound more natural and fluent.

• Emotional Vocabulary: The speech delves into personal emotions and experiences, allowing English learners to pick up emotional vocabulary. Learning how to express feelings accurately in English can add depth and nuance to your conversations.

Immerse yourself in this engaging dialogue and enhance your English language skills!

↳ VOCABULARY SPOTLIGHT

In this edition, we're focusing on the words 'individuality', 'awareness', and 'growth' from Rajesh Hamal's speech.

Individuality: This noun denotes the quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind. It's a characteristic often associated with personal growth and self-awareness.

Example in a sentence: "Rajesh Hamal emphasized the importance of individuality and making one's own decisions."

Awareness: A noun that signifies the state or condition of being aware; having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact. It is frequently used to highlight the importance of understanding one's emotions and reactions.

Example in a sentence: "Rajesh stressed the importance of awareness in controlling one's reactions to situations."

Growth: This noun refers to the process of increasing in size, value, or importance. In the context of Rajesh's speech, it represents personal development and self-improvement.

Example in a sentence: "Rajesh Hamal believes that constant growth in knowledge and spirit is the key to a fulfilling life."

Enhance your English conversations and writings with these words. A diverse vocabulary can lead to successful communication!

↳ SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE

“Life is not a bed of roses.”

In this section, we'll look at Rajesh Hamal's remark that "life is not a bed of roses" in his speech.

"Life is not a bed of roses" is a phrase that means life is not always easy and pleasant; it has its share of hardships and challenges. It is often used to express the reality of life's difficulties and the need for resilience.

Example in a sentence: "Rajesh Hamal reminds us that 'life is not a bed of roses', indicating his belief in the inevitability of challenges and the importance of resilience."

Learning and using such phrases can help you understand the nuances of English and make your speech sound more natural and fluent. Don't be hesitant to incorporate them into your everyday speech!

↳ QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Learning English is like building a puzzle. Knowing the pieces is good, but we need to put them together!

Wanting to speak English is great, but we need to actually speak it. Maybe to friends, maybe to a pet, or maybe to a mirror. It doesn't matter!

So don't just learn new words or grammar rules. Use them! Write a sentence, say a phrase, or even start a conversation.

Remember, it's not just about knowing or wanting. It's about doing. Keep practicing!

English Quiz Answers: 1.b | 2.c | 3.c

We're grateful for your continued companionship on this language-learning voyage. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts, ideas, or inquiries. Together, we'll keep exploring, expanding, and expressing ourselves with confidence in the English language!

Keep learning and thriving,

Ricardo
Founder, English Speeches YouTube Channel