📚 English Speeches' Newsletter #39

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Hello, English Speeches community!

Welcome to our 39th newsletter, your weekly treasure trove for enriching your English learning journey. This edition brings a kaleidoscope of knowledge, from the pulsating heart of American culture to the transformative power of cinema, aimed at expanding your vocabulary, enhancing your conversational skills, and deepening your cultural understanding.

  • English with News dives into the electrifying atmosphere of the Super Bowl, unraveling the layers of this American cultural phenomenon.

  • Speak Like a Native introduces the whimsical expression "when pigs fly," offering a playful glimpse into the world of English idioms.

  • Article of the Week explores how movies can be your gateway to learning English, from vocabulary enhancement and pronunciation practice to cultural insights and grammar in action.

  • English Speeches pays homage to Irrfan Khan, celebrating his legacy through a deep dive into his insights on acting, storytelling, and life's adventures.

Each section of our newsletter is designed to support your learning adventure, making English not just a subject to study but a world to explore. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a movie buff, or an admirer of profound speeches, there's something here to spark your curiosity and fuel your passion for learning.

ENGLISH WITH NEWS

What is the Super Bowl?

This week, we’re tackling a major event in American culture: the Super Bowl. Known as the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), the Super Bowl garners immense viewership each year, making it not just a sports event but a cultural phenomenon.

Super Bowl Football GIF by BrittDoesDesign

Key Words:

  • Super Bowl: (n.) The annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), celebrated as much for its sportsmanship as for its halftime shows and commercials.

  • NFL: (n.) National Football League, the professional American football league consisting of 32 teams, divided equally between the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC).

  • Halftime Show: (n.) A performance during the middle of the Super Bowl, featuring major artists, and is a significant highlight of the event.

  • Commercials: (n.) Advertisements broadcasted during the Super Bowl, known for their creativity, humor, and high production value. Companies often spend millions of dollars for a spot.

  • Touchdown: (n.) A method of scoring in American football, worth six points, achieved by a player possessing the ball crossing the opposing team's goal line.

The Super Bowl’s impact extends beyond the realm of sports, influencing aspects of American culture like entertainment, advertising, and the social fabric. It offers a unique lens through which to view and understand American culture, making it an excellent topic for English language learners interested in expanding their vocabulary and cultural knowledge.

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SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE

"When Pigs Fly": A Phrase of Impossibility and Skepticism

Happy When Pigs Fly GIF by Lisa Vertudaches

The idiom "when pigs fly" is a humorous way of saying that something will never happen. It's rooted in the idea that pigs, being earthbound animals, would be incapable of flight. This expression is used to convey skepticism towards the feasibility of an event or action, reflecting a scenario so unlikely it borders on the absurd. Through the ages, "when pigs fly" has been a colorful way to express doubt, embodying the creative and often humorous nature of idiomatic English.

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

How Can Movies Help You Learn English?

Movies are like magical doors that take you to different worlds, showing you new places and stories. But did you know they can also be great teachers, especially when you want to learn English? Yes, watching movies can make learning English fun and exciting.

Why Movies?

  • Vocabulary Boost: Movies introduce you to new words and how they're used in real-life situations.

  • Better Listening: You get better at understanding spoken English, different accents, and ways of speaking.

  • Pronunciation Practice: By listening and repeating what you hear, you can improve how you pronounce words.

  • Cultural Insights: Movies show you how English is used in different cultures, helping you understand the language better.

  • Grammar in Action: Watching characters talk helps you see how grammar is used in conversations, not just in textbooks.

Tips for Learning

  • Watch with Subtitles: Start with subtitles in your language, then switch to English subtitles to connect the words you hear with how they’re written.

  • Pause and Repeat: If you hear a new phrase or an interesting expression, pause the movie, repeat it, and try to use it in your own sentences.

  • Imitate the Actors: Try copying the way characters say things. It’s a fun way to practice pronunciation and intonation.

  • Discuss the Movie: Talk about the movie with friends or in study groups. This helps you practice speaking and share what you’ve learned.

Movies are not just for fun; they're a great tool for learning English. By watching movies, you can improve your language skills and enjoy the journey of learning. So, grab some popcorn and start your adventure with English through movies!

ENGLISH RESOURCES

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ENGLISH SPEECHES

Irrfan Khan: Gone Too Soon

This segment celebrates Irrfan Khan's remarkable journey, highlighting his reflections on the transformative power of storytelling, his passion for street sports, and a memorable encounter with a tiger. Khan's insights offer a deep dive into the essence of acting, the importance of finding one's voice through unique stories, and the liberating experience of embracing characters that resonate on a personal level.

Key Points for English Learners:

  • Unique Vocabulary: Khan's narrative introduces terms related to cinema, storytelling, and personal growth.

  • Conversational English: The dialogue between Khan and Pratury showcases informal and natural English usage, ideal for understanding everyday conversation.

  • Cultural Insights: Khan's experiences provide a glimpse into diverse cinema practices, offering learners cultural context.

  • Expressive Language: Through Khan's storytelling, learners can explore expressive ways to share experiences and emotions in English.

🤔 SPEECH RECAP QUIZ

Let's test your understanding of English grammar and the key points in the speech above:

  1. "When I started, people used to consider me as a good actor, but I could see that I was not ________ their heart."

    A. rule

    B. ruling

    C. ruled

  2. "It was mostly informative drama where you have to tell the audience what's going ________ your head."

    A. in
    B. on
    C. through

  3. "It's the ________ of the world, kids."

    A. way
    B. ways
    C. weighed

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 segment illuminates the words 'verbal drama' and 'spell' from the speech.

Verbal Drama: A type of drama that relies heavily on spoken word and dialogue to convey the story or emotions.

  • Example in a sentence: "Irrfan Khan discussed his challenges with verbal drama in television, preferring roles that allowed for more expressive behavior."

Spell: In the context of storytelling or experiences, it refers to a period of enchantment or deep engagement.

  • Example in a sentence: "Irrfan Khan shared how the story of 'The Warrior' cast a spell on him, deeply influencing his acting and perspective on storytelling."

ENGLISH RESOURCES

Ultimate English Mastery Combo

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+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!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

In your English learning journey, confidence is key, and it's built not on the foundation of perfection, but on your resilience in the face of mistakes. It's natural to worry about making errors, yet it's through these very errors that learning and growth occur.

Don't let the fear of being wrong hold you back. Each mistake is a valuable lesson, an opportunity to improve. By embracing your errors, asking questions, and seeking clarification, you refine your understanding and usage of the language.

So, speak up, write, and engage with the language boldly. Your confidence will grow not because you never make mistakes, but because you're not afraid to make them and learn from them. This fearless approach to learning English will accelerate your journey towards fluency and confidence. Keep going, embracing each error as a step forward!

NEWSLETTER RECOMMENDATIONS

Are you on the lookout for something intriguing and enriching? Dive into our specially selected collection of newsletters. We've scoured various topics to bring you the best, ensuring there's something for everyone. 🌍

From the latest trends to timeless wisdom, our recommendations are a gateway to a world of knowledge and discovery. Whether it's for learning, inspiration, or just a good read, you're sure to find something that piques your interest.

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