📚 English Speeches' Newsletter #47

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

Hello, English Speeches community!

Welcome to our 47th newsletter, a dedicated resource designed to enhance your mastery of English through diverse and engaging content. Each section is crafted to enrich your understanding and application of the English language within various contexts.

  • In English with News, we delve into the recent drone attacks in the Middle East, focusing on critical vocabulary like 'escalated' and 'diplomatic', and exploring the intricacies of international relations.

  • Speak Like a Native explores the phrase "under fire," explaining its origins in military contexts and its modern implications in facing criticism or challenges.

  • Our Article of the Week equips you with practical strategies for initiating English conversations, essential for effective communication in new social environments.

  • In English Speeches, we dissect a speech by S. Jaishankar at the UN, emphasizing India’s global commitments and the sophisticated use of language reflecting diplomatic and cultural nuances.

Join us on this educational journey to broaden your horizons and deepen your English language skills. Let's embrace this learning adventure with enthusiasm and a commitment to improvement. Happy learning! 😊

ENGLISH WITH NEWS

Iran Drones Attack on Israel

This week, we focus on a recent significant event in the Middle East, where Iran reportedly launched drone attacks on Israel. This incident has escalated tensions in the region and highlighted ongoing security and diplomatic challenges.

Key Words:

  • Escalated: (v.) To increase in intensity or magnitude. (The tensions in the Middle East have escalated following the drone attacks.)

  • Drone: (n.) An unmanned aircraft or ship guided by remote control or onboard computers. (The drones used in the attack are believed to be sophisticated in technology.)

  • Diplomatic: (adj.) Relating to the management of relationships between countries. (The diplomatic relations between Iran and Israel are under severe strain.)

  • Tension: (n.) Mental or emotional strain, often referring to strained relations between groups or countries. (The drone attacks have significantly increased regional tensions.)

The incident not only informs us about current geopolitical developments but also emphasizes the importance of understanding international relations and security issues.

SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE

"Under Fire": The Military Origins of a Common Expression

Music Video Fire GIF by Sabaton

The expression "under fire" originally referred to the literal experience of being in the range of gunfire or artillery in military contexts. This phrase dates back to the times when battles were fought with cannons and muskets, and soldiers had to perform under the stress and danger of incoming projectiles.

Today, "under fire" is commonly used to describe someone who is undergoing severe criticism or scrutiny in any situation, not just military. Just as soldiers had to maintain composure and focus despite the dangers, people today use the term to express the pressure of facing public criticism or challenges in their professional and personal lives.

ENGLISH RESOURCES

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ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

7 Tips on How to Start an English Conversation

This week, we turn our attention to the art of starting English conversations—a vital skill for English learners aiming to immerse themselves in new social environments. Our featured article offers practical tips to help ease the anxiety that comes with initiating conversations, particularly in unfamiliar settings.

heart love GIF by Erick Oh

Key Insights:

  1. Shared Experiences: Acknowledge common situations to break the ice and start a conversation naturally.

  2. Positive Observations: Begin interactions with positive remarks to set a friendly tone.

  3. Compliments: Use sincere compliments as effective ice-breakers.

  4. Soliciting Opinions: Show genuine interest in others' views to encourage engagement.

  5. Offering Help: Demonstrating helpfulness can make you more approachable.

  6. Finding Common Ground: Identify mutual interests or backgrounds to deepen connections.

  7. Seeking Assistance: Asking for help can be a great conversation starter that also shows humility.

Each tip is designed not just to start a conversation but to sustain it, making your interactions more meaningful and enjoyable.

ENGLISH SPEECHES

S. Jaishankar: India's Five Pledges

Learn English with S. Jaishankar as he addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Explore India's commitments on its 75th independence anniversary, emphasizing development, heritage, and global cooperation.

Key Points for English Learners:

  • Complex Vocabulary: The speech is rich in formal and diplomatic terms such as 'multilateralism', 'civilizational', and 'diplomacy'.

  • Advanced Sentence Structures: Jaishankar uses intricate sentence constructions that are great for learners to analyze.

  • Cultural and Historical Context: The speech provides insights into India's history and its current international stance, a valuable context for language learners.

🤔 SPEECH RECAP QUIZ

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

  1. "We are resolved to make India a developed country in the next 25 years. We will achieve this through ________ measures."

    A. specific
    B. specifically
    C. specified

  2. "Our rich civilizational heritage will be a source of pride and of strength. This includes ________ for the environment ingrained in our ethos."

    A. care
    B. caring
    C. careful

  3. "India offers partnerships based on their needs and ________ priorities."

    A. they
    B. their
    C. them

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 'multilateralism' and 'heritage' from Jaishankar's speech:

Multilateralism: (n.) An alliance involving multiple countries working together on a given issue.

  • Example in a sentence: Jaishankar advocates for multilateralism to address global challenges.

Heritage: (n.) Valued qualities or traditions that are passed down through generations.

  • Example in a sentence: He speaks of India's rich heritage as a fundamental strength in its global interactions.

These vocabulary words help elucidate key concepts from the speech and enhance English comprehension skills.

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 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!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Communication is not just about exchanging information; it's a vital tool that resolves misunderstandings and fosters personal growth. Each opportunity to communicate in English is an avenue to clarify doubts and build connections, which are crucial for both language mastery and personal development.

Embrace every chance to engage in English, whether through speaking, listening, writing, or reading. These activities are more than mere practice—they are building blocks for your confidence and capabilities. Through active communication, you are not only enhancing your language skills but also paving the way for broader personal and professional achievements. Keep communicating, keep evolving.

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.a | 2.a | 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

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