📚 English Speeches' Newsletter #23

Hello, English Speeches community!

We're back with the 23rd edition of our newsletter, and oh boy, do we have a treat for you! Let's take a sneak peek at what awaits you in this week's exciting issue:

• 🌍 The Spooky Story of Halloween: Ever wondered where Halloween comes from? This week, we unravel the fascinating history behind this spooky holiday. Get ready to learn words like 'Halloween,' 'pagan,' and 'Samhain' as we explore its rich roots.
  

• 📝 Lights, Camera, English! Our Article of the Week dives into the magical world of movies and how they can help you learn English. From visual vocabulary to cultural context, this article is a must-read for all movie buffs and English learners.
  

• 🎬 Gandhi's Wisdom: Join Anna, your animated guide, on a lexical adventure as we explore the world of Mahatma Gandhi. Learn how to use Gandhi's quotes in your daily life and enrich your English vocabulary and grammar.
  

• 🎤 Tom Hanks Takes the Stage: Don't miss our featured speech by the legendary actor Tom Hanks. He shares his wisdom at Harvard University's graduation ceremony, offering a blend of American culture, complex sentences, and inspirational vocabulary.

We're thrilled to bring you another week of amazing content that's both educational and entertaining. Your feedback is our inspiration, so feel free to share your thoughts with us. Dive in, enjoy, and as always, happy learning! 😊

🌍 ENGLISH WITH NEWS

The Origins of Halloween

This week, we're diving into the fascinating history of Halloween. Did you know that Halloween has both Christian and pagan roots? The name "Halloween" comes from "All Hallows' Eve," which is the day before All Saints' Day, a Christian holiday. But Halloween also has origins in the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, which was believed to be a time when the boundary between this world and the next became especially thin.

Key Words:

• Halloween: (n.) A holiday celebrated on October 31st, often involving costumes, trick-or-treating, and spooky themes.
  

• Pagan: (adj.) Relating to a religion that worships many gods, especially one that existed before the main world religions.
  

• Christian: (adj.) Relating to Christianity, a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
  

• Samhain: (n.) An ancient Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
  

• Boundary: (n.) A line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.
  

• Gaelic: (adj.) Relating to the Celtic language of Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man.

This exploration into the origins of Halloween is more than just a seasonal curiosity; it's a journey into the rich tapestry of human history and belief. It shows how traditions can evolve over time, blending different cultures and religions into celebrations that unite us all!

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

📝 ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

How Can Movies Help You Teach English?

This week, we're diving into an enlightening article that explores the magic of using movies to learn English.

Here's a quick rundown:

• Visual Vocabulary: Movies are a colorful blend of images, actions, and words. This visual context helps you understand new words and phrases as they are used in real-life situations.
  

• Listening and Pronunciation: Movies offer a variety of accents and speaking styles. This helps you improve your listening skills and gives you a chance to practice pronunciation.
  

• Cultural Context: Movies show you different cultures and how language is used in various settings. This helps you understand the deeper meanings behind phrases and idioms.
  

• Grammatical Grasp: Watching characters interact in movies lets you see grammar in action. This makes learning rules like tense and sentence structure more enjoyable.
  

• Interactive Learning: The article emphasizes that learning with movies is not just passive watching. It encourages you to engage with the content, making your learning experience more active and fun.

Diving into the role of movies in English education isn't merely an entertaining endeavor; it's a transformative approach to mastering language skills. The article reveals how the cinematic world can serve as a dynamic classroom, enriching your vocabulary, enhancing your listening abilities, and offering cultural insights that textbooks often miss.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

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💬 LEARN ENGLISH WITH QUOTES

Gandhi's Wisdom: A Lexical Adventure

Today, we're diving deep into the world of Mahatma Gandhi, a man whose words have inspired millions. Guiding you on this linguistic journey is Anna, your animated instructor, who's as passionate about Gandhi's philosophy as she is about teaching English!

Here's our exciting line-up:

• Quote Unveiling: Anna deciphers Gandhi's quotes, focusing on the rich vocabulary, grammar, and the life lessons they offer.

• Everyday Wisdom: Learn how to apply the language and ideas from Gandhi's quotes in your daily life.

• Philosophical Pearls: Immerse yourself in Gandhi's profound thoughts and learn English phrases to express similar viewpoints.

• Cultural Context: Gain insights into Gandhi's unique perspective on life, enriching your understanding of different worldviews.

As you continue your English learning adventure, remember that each quote is a treasure trove of linguistic gems. Keep exploring, keep questioning, and most importantly, keep learning!

🤔 QUOTE RECAP QUIZ

1. What does 'altruism' mean in the context of Gandhi's quote "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others"?
   a. Selfishness
   b. Indifference
   c. Selflessness

2. What does Gandhi mean by 'indomitable will' in "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will"?
   a. Physical strength
   b. Unbreakable determination
   c. Weak spirit

3. What does 'retaliatory justice' refer to in "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind"?
   a. Revenge-based justice
   b. Peaceful resolution
   c. Fairness

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

📚 GRAMMAR ESSENTIALS

In each edition of our newsletter, we break down complex grammar rules to help you master English one step at a time. This week, we're shining a light on the use of Imperative Sentences, a key feature in many of Gandhi's quotes.

What are Imperative Sentences?

Imperative sentences give commands or make requests. For example, in Gandhi's quote "Live as if you were to die tomorrow," the word "Live" is an imperative verb.

How to Use Imperative Sentences?

Imperative sentences usually start with the base form of the verb, like "Live" or "Learn."

Examples from Gandhi's Quotes:

Expressing Urgency: In the quote "Live as if you were to die tomorrow," the imperative "Live" conveys a sense of urgency.

Giving Advice: In "You must be the change you want to see in the world," the phrase "be the change" is an imperative form offering advice.

Common Mistakes:

Be careful not to confuse imperative sentences with interrogative (question) sentences. For example, "Will you live?" is a question, not a command.

Understanding imperative sentences can add depth to your English expressions. Try crafting your own sentences using imperative forms and share them with us!

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🎤 ENGLISH SPEECHES

Tom Hanks: We Are All But Human

In this edition, we bring you an inspiring commencement address by the Oscar-winning actor, Tom Hanks, at Harvard University's 372nd graduation ceremony. Known for his versatile roles in film and his down-to-earth personality, Tom Hanks urges the Class of 2023 to be the superheroes of their own stories, fighting for truth, justice, and the American way.

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

• Cultural Context: Tom Hanks delves into American ideals and history, offering a rich cultural backdrop that can help English learners understand the nuances of American English and values.
  

• Complex Sentences: Pay attention to how Tom Hanks uses complex sentences to convey his thoughts. This can be a good exercise in understanding sentence structure and improving listening skills.
  

• Figurative Language: The speech is filled with metaphors and analogies, especially when talking about superheroes. Learning these can make your English more colorful and expressive.
  

• Inspirational Vocabulary: Tom Hanks uses words that evoke emotion and inspire action. Learning these words can help you express yourself more effectively in English.

Download the PDF with the full transcript, audio, and English lesson to dive deeper into this inspiring speech. Just click the link below and enrich your English learning experience!

DOWNLOAD HERE!

📝 VOCABULARY SPOTLIGHT

In this edition, we're focusing on the words 'hubris', 'indifference', and 'manifest destiny' from Tom Hanks' speech.

Hubris: This noun refers to excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall. It's a term that can be used to describe the flaws of characters in stories or real-life situations.

Example in a sentence: "Tom Hanks warned against the hubris that can lead to the destruction of societies."

Indifference: This noun signifies a lack of interest, concern, or sympathy. It's often used to describe attitudes that can be harmful to collective well-being.

Example in a sentence: "Indifference, according to Tom Hanks, is a lethal enemy to truth and justice."

Manifest Destiny: This is a term often used in American history to describe the 19th-century belief that the expansion of the U.S. was both justified and inevitable.

Example in a sentence: "Tom Hanks spoke of manifest destiny to highlight the responsibility that comes with freedom."

Enhance your English conversations and writings with these words. A rich vocabulary can make your communication more effective!

🗨️ SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE

"We Are All But Human"

In this installment, we're examining a phrase used by Tom Hanks in his speech: "We are all but human."

"We are all but human" is a phrase that emphasizes our shared humanity, with all its flaws and virtues. It's often used to remind us that despite our differences, we're all human beings with similar needs and emotions.

Example in a sentence: "Tom Hanks used the phrase 'We are all but human' to remind us of our shared responsibilities and potential for greatness."

Learning and using such phrases can help you understand the nuances of English and make your speech sound more natural and fluent. Feel free to incorporate them into your everyday conversations!

💬 QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Embarking on the English learning journey, it's key to have faith in each step you take. The path might seem long, but every moment spent studying is guiding you forward.

Sometimes, progress feels slow, but remember, growth often happens behind the scenes. Your consistent effort is planting seeds that will flourish.

Stay dedicated, keep practicing, and trust in your journey. Before you know it, you'll be reaping the fruits of your labor. Your English prowess awaits; let the results be your testament. Stay the course!

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

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

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