English Speeches' Newsletter #18

Hello, English Speeches community!

Warm greetings and welcome to the 18th edition of our English Speeches Newsletter! As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to your English learning journey remains steadfast. This edition is packed with fresh, engaging, and educational content designed to elevate your English skills.

Here's a sneak peek of what's in store for you:

• 🌍 Diplomatic Tensions: Dive into the current diplomatic row between Canada and India. Understand the key terms like 'assassination' and 'vehemently' as we break down this complex issue. This real-world example will not only keep you updated but also enrich your vocabulary and comprehension skills.
  

• 📚 Master Your English: Discover essential tips for mastering English, from surrounding yourself with the language to engaging with fluent speakers. This article provides practical advice that you can apply in your daily life, making your English learning journey more effective.
  

• 🎬 Cinema Meets Language: Lights, camera, action! We're thrilled to introduce our brand-new series, 'Learn English with Movies.' Our first feature is the iconic Bollywood hit, '3 Idiots.' From vivid storytelling to real-world applications, this cinematic experience promises to make your English learning both fun and insightful.
  

• 🎙 Speech Analysis: Embark on a journey of empowerment and resilience with Ivanka Trump's graduation speech. Learn formal English, inspirational vocabulary, and even pick up some complex sentences. Plus, our vocabulary spotlight and 'Speak Like a Native' section will help you sound more like a native speaker.

And there's so much more to explore...

With this 18th edition, we aim to provide content that is not only educational but also engaging. Your growth and feedback inspire us, and we're eager to hear your thoughts on this edition. Together, let's make English learning an enriching and enjoyable experience. Dive in, immerse yourself, and happy learning! 😊

↳ ENGLISH WITH NEWS

Diplomatic Tensions Between Canada and India

This week, we're diving into a diplomatic issue between Canada and India. The tension arose when Canada accused the Indian government of being involved in the assassination of a Sikh separatist activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, on Canadian soil. Both countries have expelled senior diplomats, and India has temporarily suspended visa services for Canadian citizens. The situation has put other Western countries in an uncomfortable position and has the potential to affect international relations.

Key Words:

• Diplomatic Row: (n.) a serious disagreement between countries.
  

• Assassination: (n.) the act of killing someone, usually a public figure, for political reasons.
  

• Outrage: (v.) to make someone very angry or shocked.
  

• Vehemently: (adv.) in a strong and emotional way.
  

• Suspend: (v.) to temporarily stop something from continuing or being in operation.

This news article provides a real-world example of how diplomatic relations can affect countries and their citizens. It's a complex issue, but understanding the key terms can help you grasp what's happening.

↳ ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

5 Tips for Mastering English

This week, we're exploring a fantastic article that offers five essential tips for learning and improving your English skills. Here's a quick rundown:

1. Surround Yourself With English: The article suggests immersing yourself in English by watching movies, reading books, and listening to audiobooks. This exposure helps you get comfortable with the language.
   

2. Concentrate When Consuming Content: Paying close attention when you listen or read is crucial. It helps you pick up new vocabulary and understand sentence structure.
   

3. Engage With Fluent Speakers: If possible, try to interact with people who are fluent in English. This helps you understand the nuances of both formal and casual speech.
   

4. Take Writing Courses: Writing is not just about putting words on paper; it's about organizing your thoughts clearly. The article recommends taking writing courses to improve this skill.
   

5. Prepare a Curriculum: Having a structured learning plan can make your journey easier. The article suggests seeking experienced teachers or online resources for this.

These tips are not just about learning rules; they're about practical application in daily life. For a more in-depth look, check out the full article.

↳ LEARN ENGLISH WITH MOVIES

The Iconic Bollywood Hit, '3 Idiots'

🎬🍿 Lights, camera, action! We're thrilled to kick off our brand-new series, 'Learn English with Movies,' where cinema meets language learning. Today, we're diving into the heart of Bollywood with the unforgettable film, '3 Idiots.' Guiding you through this one-of-a-kind English learning experience is Anna, your animated instructor, who's as passionate about movies as she is about teaching English!

Here's our captivating line-up:

• Vivid Storytelling: We dissect the movie's compelling narrative, exploring its rich vocabulary, grammar, and themes.
  

• Real-World Applications: To make complex language concepts relatable, we offer practical examples drawn from the movie.
  

• Life's Ups and Downs: Dive into the emotional rollercoaster of the characters and learn English expressions to articulate similar life experiences.
  

• Cultural Kaleidoscope: Gain insights into Indian culture and societal norms, thereby enriching your understanding of diverse worldviews.

Improve your English skills with our movie analysis on our YouTube channel. Engage in consistent practice and share your thoughts in the comments. Enjoy this cinematic learning experience!

↳ SPEECH RECAP QUIZ

1. What does 'ragging' mean in the context of '3 Idiots'?
   a. A cleaning activity
   b. Teasing or tormenting, especially in colleges
   c. A type of dance
   

2. What is the significance of 'Rancho' in the movie?
   a. He is the villain
   b. He challenges the educational system
   c. He is the college director
   

3. Who is 'Phunsukh Wangdu' in the story?
   a. Pia's fiancé
   b. The real identity of 'Rancho'
   c. A famous Bollywood actor
   
   Remember to check your answers. The correct solutions are provided at the end of this newsletter. Scroll down to see how you did!

↳ GRAMMAR ESSENTIALS

In each edition of our newsletter, we break down complex grammar rules to help you master English step by step. This week, we're focusing on the Present Perfect Continuous Tense and Idiomatic Expressions, both prominently featured in '3 Idiots'.

What is the Present Perfect Continuous Tense?

This tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues in the present. It is formed using "have/has been" + "present participle" (ing-form).

What are Idiomatic Expressions?

Idioms are phrases where the words together have a meaning different from the dictionary definitions of individual words. For example, "hit the books" doesn't mean literally hitting books; it means to study hard.

Examples from '3 Idiots':

Present Perfect Continuous: "Farhan and Raju have been searching for Rancho for years."

Idiomatic Expression: "Love finds a way," meaning love can overcome obstacles.

Common Mistakes:

Don't confuse idiomatic expressions with literal meanings. Understanding the context is key to grasping the intended message.

Mastering these grammar essentials will make you more fluent in English. Consistent practice is the key to overcoming any language barriers you may face.

↳ ENGLISH RESOURCES

Ultimate English Mastery Combo

Unlock the power of English with this comprehensive combo, meticulously crafted by the English Speeches team, celebrated creators with over 4.5 million YouTube subscribers.

+3000 English Phrasal Verbs: Delve into the intricacies of English phrasal verbs with over 3000 entries, each accompanied by clear explanations and examples.

Learn English with Speeches: Embark on a transformative journey through iconic speeches. This eBook not only offers clear explanations and practical exercises but also provides insights into the cultural nuances and real-life contexts of English.

Together, these resources promise a holistic learning experience, ensuring you communicate effectively and confidently. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer to elevate your English proficiency!

↳ ENGLISH SPEECHES

Ivanka: Empowerment and Resilience

In this edition, we bring you an uplifting graduation speech by Ivanka Trump, delivered to the class of 2020 at WSU Tech. As the daughter of former President Donald Trump, Ivanka shares her insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of resilience, and the power of innovation, especially during uncertain times.

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

• Historical Context: Ivanka draws from historical events to make her points, offering English learners a chance to understand how language can be used to frame and discuss history. This can enrich your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of English in a broader context.
  

• Formal Language: The speech is a great example of formal English, which is often used in academic and professional settings. Understanding this style can help you in writing essays, reports, and even in job interviews.
  

• Inspirational Vocabulary: Ivanka uses words that are meant to inspire and uplift. Learning these words can help you express positivity and encouragement in English, which is great for both written and spoken communication.
  

• Complex Sentences: The speech includes a variety of complex sentences that are grammatically rich. Understanding these can improve your sentence structure and writing skills in English.

Dive into this motivational speech and elevate your English language skills!

↳ VOCABULARY SPOTLIGHT

In this edition, we're focusing on the words 'empowerment', 'resilience', and 'innovation' from Ivanka's speech.

Empowerment: This noun refers to the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life.

Example in a sentence: "Ivanka Trump spoke about the empowerment of graduates, encouraging them to take control of their futures."

Resilience: This noun describes the ability to bounce back from setbacks or difficulties; it's the mental toughness that helps people adapt to challenges.

Example in a sentence: "Ivanka emphasized the resilience of the WSU Tech graduates, praising their ability to adapt and overcome."

Innovation: This noun refers to the introduction of new ideas, methods, or inventions. It's often used in the context of business or technology but can apply to any field.

Example in a sentence: "Ivanka Trump highlighted the innovation that arises from challenges, inspiring graduates to think creatively."

Expand your English vocabulary with these empowering words!

↳ SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE

"Seize the Day"

In this installment, we're examining a phrase that encapsulates the essence of Ivanka Trump's speech: "Seize the Day."

"Seize the Day" is a phrase that encourages people to make the most of the present moment rather than deferring things into the future. It's a call to take action now and is often used to inspire or motivate.

Example in a sentence: "In her speech, Ivanka Trump urged graduates to 'seize the day,' emphasizing the importance of taking immediate action to achieve their goals."

Learning phrases like this can help you sound more like a native speaker and understand the cultural nuances of English. Feel free to use it in your daily conversations to inspire others!

↳ QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Learning English is a bit like playing a game. At first, the rules might seem confusing and it's easy to feel lost.

But as you practice and learn more, your confidence grows. Suddenly, words start making sense, and sentences flow naturally.

And when you reach that point of confidence, where you truly believe in your abilities? That's when the magic happens!

You'll find that not only can you understand and speak English, but you'll also do it with flair. Keep building that confidence, because with it, you're unstoppable in your language journey!

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

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