Word of the Day
breed [briːd] n.
A breed is a group of animals within a species.
→ I like small dog breeds, such as terriers.
Idiom of the Day
(to be) down on one's luck
→ in a period of bad luck (especially regarding finances)
Example: After being down on his luck for months, Ken finally got a new job and has started dating a lovely woman.
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Listening
James Monroe: Likeable
James Monroe easily won election in 1816. He had a relaxed, likeable personality and was popular with voters. In addition, many saw him as a last connection to the country’s founding generation.
Unlikely Love Stories
Unlikely Love Stories
People often say that love turns up in the unlikeliest of places or that love will serendipitously find you when you least expect it. In some love stories, those old cliches couldn’t be more accurate.
Leave Only Footprints
Leave Only Footprints
Burn it or bury it. In most places around the world, that’s what we do with our garbage. Pretty grim choices that present disheartening ecological challenges. Incineration emits harmful gases and dust, exacerbating pollution of the air, land, and water, ...
The Crane Wife
The Crane Wife
Youhei was a poor farmer. One day he found a wounded bird at his door. Youhei brought the bird inside and cared for her until she was strong enough to fly away.
James Madison: Scholar
James Madison: Scholar
James Madison was elected in 1808. He was a capable president who served two terms. But most Americans do not remember Madison for his presidency. They remember him for work he did earlier.
Extraordinary Acts By Ordinary People
Extraordinary Acts By Ordinary People
Did you know there are real life superheroes in the world? Or at least, people who can perform superhuman acts of strength and bravery? You may have heard some of these amazing stories in the news. Stories about ordinary people suddenly performing extraordinary acts.
Thomas Jefferson: Complex
Thomas Jefferson: Complex
Jefferson is often linked to the country’s history of self-government, separation of church and state, and public education.
Vocabulary
Dating and Marriage Vocabulary in English
This dating and marriage vocabulary guide provides common expressions used in English to speak about romance, going out and getting married including the verbs, nouns, and idioms used with these expressions.
Food Vocabulary for English Learners
Food Vocabulary for English Learners
Eating and enjoying a meal together provides the opportunity to speak English and enjoy yourself. The relaxing atmosphere of sharing a meal together helps the conversation flow.
English Idioms in Pictures #Jump the Gun
English Idioms in Pictures #Jump the Gun
Denise was planning on telling her grandparents that the doctor said she was going to have twins, but when her dad found out he jumped the gun and told them before Denise could say a word.
English Idioms in Pictures #Cough Up
Say, Greg. Did you finally get that computer that you wanted so much? Not yet. I needed to raise a couple of hundred dollars more.
English Idioms in Pictures #Hit the Hay
Listen, Kim. We're going to be really busy with moving tomorrow, and we've got to get an early start.
English Idioms in Pictures #Bend Over Backwards
When Joan first started teaching she was afraid that she would have a lot of trouble getting used to the kids and to the faculty.
English Idioms in Pictures #Bite the Dust
Andy did exceptionally well in all of the track events, but he bit the dust in the high jump competition.
Dating and Marriage Vocabulary in English
This dating and marriage vocabulary guide provides common expressions used in English to speak about romance, going out and getting married including the verbs, nouns, and idioms used with these expressions.
Food Vocabulary for English Learners
Food Vocabulary for English Learners
Eating and enjoying a meal together provides the opportunity to speak English and enjoy yourself. The relaxing atmosphere of sharing a meal together helps the conversation flow.
English Idioms in Pictures #Jump the Gun
English Idioms in Pictures #Jump the Gun
Denise was planning on telling her grandparents that the doctor said she was going to have twins, but when her dad found out he jumped the gun and told them before Denise could say a word.
English Idioms in Pictures #Cough Up
English Idioms in Pictures #Cough Up
Say, Greg. Did you finally get that computer that you wanted so much? Not yet. I needed to raise a couple of hundred dollars more.
English Idioms in Pictures #Hit the Hay
English Idioms in Pictures #Hit the Hay
Listen, Kim. We're going to be really busy with moving tomorrow, and we've got to get an early start.
English Idioms in Pictures #Bend Over Backwards
English Idioms in Pictures #Bend Over Backwards
When Joan first started teaching she was afraid that she would have a lot of trouble getting used to the kids and to the faculty.
English Idioms in Pictures #Bite the Dust
English Idioms in Pictures #Bite the Dust
Andy did exceptionally well in all of the track events, but he bit the dust in the high jump competition.
Reading
Going Nuts? It May Be a Mast Year
Trees in some regions are going nuts this fall. Acorns are bouncing off houses and heads. Walnuts are covering walkways. Pecans are hitting parked cars.
Bike Traffic Causes a New Kind of Road Rage
Bike Traffic Causes a New Kind of Road Rage
Bike riding has become popular in Paris, France. It’s so popular that it is causing traffic jams. Bike lanes fill up with too many bicycles and scooters. Riders wait in wheel-to-wheel lines.
72 Years Later, Woman Gets Answer to Note on an Egg
72 Years Later, Woman Gets Answer to Note on an Egg
One day, she and her friends hatched a plan to have some fun. They wrote notes on a few of the eggs. Then they sent the eggs into the world, like messages in a bottle.
Connecticut City Is Still Mad at Benedict Arnold
Connecticut City Is Still Mad at Benedict Arnold
Two hundred forty-two years ago, Benedict Arnold led a group of soldiers that burned New London, Connecticut, to the ground. The city still won’t forgive or forget.
Dolphin Moms Use Baby Talk to Call to Their Young, Study Finds
Dolphin Moms Use Baby Talk to Call to Their Young, Study Finds
People can tell right away when someone is talking to a baby or a small child. The person’s voice gets higher. Sometimes they talk slower or use silly sounds and words.
German Apple Grower Tests Out Solar Roofs for Orchard
German Apple Grower Tests Out Solar Roofs for Orchard
Christian Nachtwey lives in Germany. He grows apples. Many of his trees are shaded by solar panels. That means Nachtwey ends up with two harvests: fruit and power.
Lionhead Bunnies Take Over Florida Neighborhood
Lionhead Bunnies Take Over Florida Neighborhood
They are called lionhead rabbits. That’s because of the fluff around their heads. The bunnies can be found all over Wilton Manors, Florida.
Do Spiders Sleep? New Research Shows That They Might
Do Spiders Sleep? New Research Shows That They Might
Scientists studied baby jumping spiders like the one above. They wanted to see if the spiders sleep.
The Chapel
The Chapel
She was walking lazily, for the fierce April sun was directly overhead. Her umbrella blocked its rays but nothing blocked the heat - the sort of raw, wild heat that crushes you with its energy.
Good Neighbours
Good Neighbours
After school one winter day, Jack's mother told him to go out and play in the snow.