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📚 English Speeches' Newsletter #27

📚 English Speeches' Newsletter #27

Learn English with Speeches, News, Grammar, Quizzes & More

English Speeches
November 27, 2023 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

Hello, English Speeches community!

Welcome to the 27th edition of our newsletter, where we continue our journey through the fascinating world of English. This week, we're bringing you a mix of thought-provoking and educational content:

📰 Dive into the heart-touching story of hope and resilience from Uttarakhand, India, in "English with News."
🤔 Discover the surprising origin of the word "goodbye" in our "Did You Know?" section.
🌐 Learn why mastering English is a game-changer in our "Article of the Week."
🎤 Get inspired by Anand Mahindra's speech on purpose in life, a great resource for learning business and motivational English.

Each segment in this edition is designed to not only improve your English skills but also to provide insights into different cultures, histories, and personal stories. Join us on this enlightening journey as we continue to explore the vast and vibrant world of English. Happy learning and exploring!

ENGLISH WITH NEWS

Understanding the Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse: A Story of Hope and Resilience

This week, we delve into a recent news event from Uttarakhand, India, where a tragic tunnel collapse has captured the attention of the nation and the world. This incident highlights themes of hope, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. It's a poignant story that resonates with people everywhere, reflecting on the strength and determination of those affected.

Key Words:

Tunnel Collapse: (n.) A structural failure where a tunnel caves in or collapses.
Resilience: (n.) The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Adversity: (n.) Difficulties or misfortune.
Hope: (n.) A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

The story of the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse is not just a news event; it's a human story that speaks to the resilience and hope of individuals facing incredible challenges. For English learners, this story offers an opportunity to explore complex emotions and situations, enhancing their understanding of English in real-world contexts. It also provides a chance to learn new vocabulary related to disasters, human emotions, and resilience, deepening their language skills and cultural awareness.

DID YOU KNOW?

"Goodbye": A Shortened Blessing in English

The word "goodbye" in English has a fascinating origin, stemming from a shortening of the phrase "God be with ye." This phrase was commonly used in the 16th century as a way of wishing someone well upon parting. Over time, it was contracted into "goodbye," reflecting a common pattern in English where longer phrases are condensed into shorter, more convenient forms. This evolution showcases the dynamic nature of the English language, where expressions adapt and change over time, influenced by everyday speech patterns and cultural shifts.

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

5 Compelling Reasons to Learn English

This week, we turn our attention to the compelling reasons why learning English can be a transformative experience. English, being one of the most spoken languages globally, opens doors to numerous opportunities and experiences.

Here's a snapshot of the key insights:

Expands Your Social Opportunities: English allows you to interact with people from different continents and cultures, enhancing your ability to make international friends and even explore cross-cultural relationships.
Improves Your Use of the Internet: With most online content, including popular services and social media platforms, primarily in English, mastering the language significantly enhances your digital experience and access to information.
Expands Your Knowledge Sources: English proficiency enables you to read a wider range of books, including translated works from various cultures, and enjoy media like movies and news in English, broadening your understanding of the world.
Helps You Market Yourself: In the digital age, where online marketing predominantly uses English, proficiency in the language is crucial for effectively presenting yourself or your business online.
Gives You a Career Advantage: English mastery can be a valuable addition to your CV, signaling discipline and a broad scope of knowledge to employers, and opening up more business opportunities.

Learning English is more than just acquiring a new language; it's about embracing a skill that can significantly improve both your personal and professional life. For a deeper exploration of these reasons and how they can impact your life, don't miss out on the full article.

ENGLISH RESOURCES

+3000 English Phrasal Verbs + Audiobook

This is your ultimate guide to mastering English phrasal verbs, a key part of everyday English conversations and writing.

What's Inside the eBook?

Over 3000 English phrasal verbs explained in a simple way.
Example sentences to show you how to use them in real-life situations.
Tips on usage, making it easier for you to remember and apply them.

Why Add the Audiobook?

Listen on the go! Whether you're commuting, exercising, or just relaxing, you can keep learning.
Improve your listening skills and pronunciation.
Our audiobook is narrated in a clear and easy-to-understand voice, perfect for English learners.

This combo is great for students, working professionals, and anyone who wants to speak English more fluently. Don't miss out on this fantastic learning opportunity!

ENGLISH SPEECHES

Anand Mahindra: Purpose in Life

In this inspiring speech, Anand Mahindra, a renowned business leader, shares his insights on navigating life and career in a complex world. He draws from his personal experiences and the history of his company, Mahindra and Mahindra, to emphasize the power of purpose and the importance of adapting to changing realities.

Key Points for English Learners:

Vocabulary and Phrases: The speech is rich in business and motivational vocabulary, including terms like 'centrality of purpose', 'transnational', and 'epitaph'.
Complex Sentences and Structures: Mahindra's speech features complex sentence structures, offering learners an opportunity to understand advanced English expressions and storytelling techniques.
Cultural and Historical References: The speech provides insights into Indian history and global economic changes, enhancing cultural understanding through English.

SPEECH RECAP QUIZ

What is the central theme of Anand Mahindra's speech?
a. The importance of technology in business
b. Embracing purpose in life and career
c. The history of Indian independence
How does Mahindra describe the role of purpose in business?
a. As a secondary aspect
b. As a key motivator and guide
c. As an unnecessary element
What analogy does Mahindra use to describe the future world?
a. A wanderer with a purpose
b. A smooth sailing ship
c. A well-oiled machine

Check your understanding and see if you've grasped the key points of the speech. The correct answers are waiting for you further down—keep reading to see how you did!

VOCABULARY SPOTLIGHT

This edition highlights the words 'epitaph' and 'transnational' from the speech.

Epitaph: A noun that refers to a phrase or statement written in memory of a person who has died, especially as an inscription on a tombstone.

Example in a sentence: "Mahindra mentioned how consultancy firms were busy writing the epitaph of his company during a crisis."

Transnational: An adjective describing something that extends or operates across national boundaries.

Example in a sentence: "Mahindra described his company's evolution into a transnational entity, adapting its purpose to new global realities."

SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE

"Embrace the Ought, Not the Is"

In this installment, we're examining the phrase "embrace the ought, not the is," used by Anand Mahindra in the context of idealism and reality.

This phrase suggests focusing on how things should be (the ideal), rather than accepting them as they are (the reality). It's commonly used in motivational and aspirational contexts.

Example in a sentence: "Anand Mahindra encouraged the graduates to embrace the ought, not the is, urging them to shape the world according to their ideals."

ENGLISH RESOURCES

Download our PDFs, audio, and lessons!

For those of you who have been eagerly waiting for more ways to delve deeper into our content, here is what you will get:

📁 Dive Into a Vast Library: Gain immediate access to over 250 folders, nearly 1,000 files from the speeches showcased on our channel.
📩 Weekly Learning Boost: Every week, receive an email with the latest speech's PDF transcript, audio, and a specially designed English lesson. Dive in, learn, and repeat!
🌱 Stay Updated & Engaged: With new premium content added regularly, your learning experience will always feel fresh and engaging.

Learning is a journey, and every speech is a new destination. We deeply trust in the value of our work and its impact on those learning English. That's why we're offering a 30-day trial for you to explore and experience firsthand.

Get your FREE trial today!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In mastering English, it's not just what you know, but how you use that knowledge. Learning vocabulary and grammar rules is a start, but the real learning happens when you apply them in real conversations.

Being willing to improve is great, but it's the action – speaking, writing, and engaging in English – that truly counts. It's in doing that you transform your understanding into practical skill.

So, don't just store up knowledge. Put it into action. Every conversation, every written word, every attempt to communicate, brings you closer to fluency. Remember, to truly master English, you must do more than just learn – you must apply and do. Keep practicing!

English Quiz Answers: 1.b | 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!

📚 English Speeches' Newsletter #27