English Speeches' Newsletter #3

Hello, English Speeches community!

Welcome to the third edition of English Speeches’ Newsletter, where we bring you weekly updates on everything related to learning English. In this issue, we have a variety of topics and resources to help you improve your English skills and expand your knowledge. You will find:

• An easy English news article about a dam collapse in Ukraine, with key words and a link to the full story.

• A tool of the week recommendation: Duolingo, an interactive app that makes learning English fun and convenient.

• A lesson on how to learn English with speeches, featuring an in-depth analysis of Shakira’s inspiring speech by our instructor Anna.

• An English quiz to test your comprehension of Shakira’s speech and vocabulary.

• And more…

We hope you enjoy this newsletter and find it useful for your English learning journey. Feel free to share your feedback and suggestions with us. Happy reading and learning! 😊

↳ EASY ENGLISH NEWS

Dam Collapses in Ukraine

In this week's news, we're focusing on a significant disaster in Ukraine where a dam has tragically collapsed. This unfortunate incident took place in a region currently under Russian control. The collapse of the dam has posed a severe threat, with the potential to adversely affect thousands of individuals residing in the area. What amplifies the gravity of this situation is the fact that the region is presently occupied by Russia. The residents, therefore, are left to deal with the devastating aftermath of this calamity alone, without the direct assistance of Ukrainian authorities. This is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and aid.

Key Words:

• Dam: a barrier built across a river to control the water flow

• Collapses: to fall down or inward suddenly; cave in

• Aftermath: the situation resulting from an important (usually destructive) event

• Occupied: being controlled by a foreign military power

[Read the full article here]

↳ TOOL OF THE WEEK

Duolingo: Your interactive English companion

This week, we highlight Duolingo, a user-friendly tool beneficial for enhancing English studies. Its interactive, game-like format, where learners earn points and race against the clock, transforms the learning process into a fun, engaging experience, providing a motivational boost for those challenging study days.

What Duolingo brings to your English learning journey:

• Adaptability: Duolingo caters to your unique learning needs with personalized lessons. It evolves with you, adjusting to your pace and proficiency level.

• Engagement: Duolingo uses gamification elements like points, levels, and timers to make learning more enjoyable and less daunting.

• Real-Time Learning: Duolingo 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 bite-sized lessons, Duolingo fits your learning into your schedule, not the other way around. You can learn whenever and wherever it suits you.

Duolingo 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 Shakira's Inspiring Speech

In today's lesson, we're diving into an engaging speech by the globally acclaimed artist, Shakira. Our enthusiastic instructor, Anna, is all set to guide you through this captivating English learning voyage.

Here's what we have planned:

• In-depth Analysis: Anna conducts a comprehensive exploration of Shakira's speech, dissecting its vocabulary, grammar, and stylistic intricacies.

• Real-life Examples: We furnish authentic examples to simplify complex English concepts.

• Personal Growth: Unravel Shakira's personal stories and master how to share similar experiences in English.

• Cultural Understanding: Understand Shakira's cultural background through her words, enriching your global consciousness.

Don't miss this chance to polish your English skills while enjoying a compelling speech. Head over to our YouTube channel, watch the video, and start your exciting learning journey. Remember, consistent practice is key! Dive in and share your thoughts in the comments section. Enjoy your learning!

↳ ENGLISH QUIZ

1. What does 'philanthropy' mean as mentioned in Shakira's speech?
   a. a love for dance
   b. the desire to promote the welfare of others
   c. a preference for a specific type of music
   d. the act of performing on stage
   

2. In the context of Shakira's speech, what does 'global' refer to?
   a. the style of her music
   b. her popularity around the world
   c. her favorite type of food
   d. her range of dance moves
   

3. What does it mean to 'inspire', as Shakira does through her speech?
   a. to bore or tire
   b. to confuse or puzzle
   c. to stimulate or motivate
   d. to prevent or stop

Don't forget to validate your answers! You'll find the correct responses to the English Quiz at the end of this newsletter. Keep reading to see how you did!

↳ +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

Narendra Modi: India-Australia Partnership

Our recommendation for this edition is a historic address from Narendra Modi, the esteemed Prime Minister of India. In this insightful discourse, Modi discusses the importance of international partnerships and their role in shaping our global society.

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

• Cultural Context: Modi's speech provides a rich cultural context, offering learners an opportunity to understand the nuances of language within the framework of Indian and Australian relations.

• Rhetorical Techniques: Modi's use of rhetorical techniques, such as repetition and metaphor, can help learners understand how to use these strategies to emphasize points and engage an audience.

• Varied Sentence Structure: The speech showcases a variety of sentence structures, from simple to complex, which can help learners understand how to construct and understand different types of sentences in English.

• Real-World Themes: The speech's focus on international relations and societal development provides learners with vocabulary and context related to these important real-world themes.

Enjoy this opportunity to enhance your linguistic abilities while also gaining inspiration from a world leader!

↳ PHRASAL VERB BREAKDOWN

Set forth

"Set forth" is a phrasal verb that means to begin a journey, to start an action or process, or to present information or ideas in a structured manner.

Example from Modi's speech: "Today, I have come to unite in spirit, as we were once by geography – a spirit that is fed by many stirring stories of human success and sacrifice. And, today I have come to set forth in a clear manner the path of partnership and collaboration between our nations."

↳ IDIOM EXPLAINER

Turn of the Century

The idiom "turn of the century" is used to refer to the transition from one century to the next. It is often used to denote a significant change or development occurring around that time.

Example from Modi's speech: "Since the turn of this century, India has been the second fastest growing economy in the world." In this context, Modi is highlighting the significant economic growth that India has experienced since the beginning of the 21st century.

↳ QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Envision a future where fluency is yours, and you'll be grateful for never giving up. Embrace the challenges, stay committed, and persevere. Your unwavering determination will guide you to triumph. Keep pushing forward, honing your language skills, and conquering new heights.

Remember, this chapter is molding you into the proficient English speaker you aspire to be. Embrace the journey, for soon you'll look back with gratitude, knowing that your resilience led you to success. Embrace the challenges, and let your unwavering spirit shine!

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