Synopsis
Do you want to practice English but think many speakers go too fast? Do you want to improve your listening and reading skills at the same time?Plain English is a weekly audio program spoken at the right speed for English language learnersjust a little bit slower than native speed. Each episode features a selection of news stories or current events from around the world, followed by a discussion of the English vocabulary and English phrases used in the episode.Each episode has full transcripts available free online at PlainEnglish.com, where you can read along as you listen. Native Spanish speakers can also view interactive transcripts with definitions of key words and phrases.Learning a language should be about using it and enjoying it, not always about studying. We like to say that Plain English is for English learners but not about learning English. Engage with the show on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/PlainEnglishPod) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/PlainEnglishPod) or e-mail feedback to jeff@plainenglish.com.
Episodes
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How did monkeypox become a public health crisis? | Learn the English expression ‘clamor for’
18/08/2022 Duration: 22minCOUNTDOWN TO 500: Are you ready to help celebrate our 500th lesson? Here are 4 ways to get involved: Record a video - Help us celebrate by telling us about your Plain English experience Enter the giveaway - You'll get multiple chances to win great prizes, including free Plus memberships Follow us on Instagram or join our Facebook group so you can be ready to watch the live stream on September 3 Mark your calendar for the live stream on Sept 3. On today's lesson: Monkeypox is a disease that first emerged in humans in Africa in 1970, but the current outbreak is spreading rapidly across Europe and the Americas. It can be spread through physical contact and respiratory droplets. Sound a little too familiar? There is a vaccine being used to fight it, but there is far more demand than supply right now. Plus, learn “clamor for.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/495 -- Learning E
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Will healthcare be the next industry Amazon revolutionizes? | Learn the English expression ‘time will tell’
15/08/2022 Duration: 24min" Amazon is acquiring One Medical, a popular network of doctors’ office in the United States. One Medical takes a modern, hybrid approach to primary care by offering a blend of the in-office experience with technology for added patient convenience and accessibility. Some critics are worried that Amazon is only interested in the medical data. Plus, learn “time will tell.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/494 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like
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Webb telescope’s long journey to launch | Learn the English expression ‘a crack at’
11/08/2022 Duration: 23min" The James Webb telescope is already sending back breathtaking images from space, but it apparently wasn’t easy getting the telescope up and running. The project hit several bumps along the way, which resulted in it being years late and billions of dollars over budget. Plus, learn what it means to take “a crack at” something. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/493 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join --
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Asian carp or copi? An ugly fish gets a tasty rebrand | Learn the English expression ‘overrun with’
08/08/2022 Duration: 24min" Asian carp were first introduced in the United States in the 1970s as a solution to a growing algae problem. Now, the species has created more problems than they’ve solved. As the invasive fish continues to march northward, Americans are trying to eat their way out of the problem. Plus, learn “overrun with.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/492 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés g
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James Webb telescope is like a time machine | Learn the phrasal verb ‘turn over’
04/08/2022 Duration: 24min" The James Webb Space Telescope launched in December 2021, and just seven months later, it has sent its first images from deep in space back to Earth. This has been a project twenty years in the making, and the telescope will help build a better understanding of the universe, its creation, and what it contains now. Plus, learn “turn over.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/491 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEngli
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The Elon Musk v. Twitter saga | Learn the phrasal verb ‘side with’
01/08/2022 Duration: 23min" Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has gone back-and-forth about buying Twitter over the past few months. They finally came to an agreement for Musk to buy the company, but then the stock market tanked and now Musk wants out. A state court will decide whether he has to go through with the deal. Plus, learn “side with.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/490 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Apre
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Boris Johnson era is coming to an end | Learn the phrasal verb ‘go after’
28/07/2022 Duration: 26min[Free workshop] Don't miss our free Active Learning workshop at PlainEnglish.com/active In the workshop, you'll learn: The difference between active and passive learning How to be an active learner in English How Plain English can help you be more active See it all at PlainEnglish.com/active On today's lesson: Boris Johnson stepped down as leader of Britain’s Conservative Party after three years leading the U.K. government. His tenure has had many challenges, including negotiating Brexit, leading the country through COVID-19, and supporting the war in Ukraine. But he’s also had his fair share of scandals. Plus, learn “go after.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/489 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more
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21 teenagers died at a South African nightclub, and nobody knows why | Learn the English expression ‘pass out’
25/07/2022 Duration: 24min" Twenty-one teenagers were tragically found dead in a South African nightclub after they were out celebrating the end of the school term. One survivor said she smelled a bad odor in the nightclub, but weeks later, authorities still do not know for sure what happened. Plus, learn “pass out.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/488 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con
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California dreamin': kids can snooze their alarm clocks | Learn the phrasal verb ‘stay up' | Active learning workshop
21/07/2022 Duration: 21min[Free Workshop]: Make faster progress in English by being an active learner. See a preview of our free workshop at PlainEnglish.com/active On today's lesson: A new California law mandates that high schools start the school day no earlier than 8:30 AM and middle schools no earlier than 8:00 AM. This is in an effort to work with teenagers’ biological clocks that naturally tell them to sleep around 11 and wake up around 8. But how will this work logistically? Plus, learn “stay up.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/487 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and
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Planning for your digital death | English expression ‘up to date’ | New workshop
18/07/2022 Duration: 24minAnnouncing: Want to make faster progress in English? Check out our new workshop, all about active learning strategies at PlainEnglish.com/active End-of-life planning is a terrifying thing for most people to consider, but just a few minutes of planning can set your loved ones up for success with your digital assets. Last week, we covered what exactly happens to your digital assets when you die, and this lesson covers how exactly to set up your digital legacy. Plus, learn “up to date.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/486 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast
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What happens when you (online) die | Learn the English expression ‘in progress’
14/07/2022 Duration: 24min" In estate planning, it’s common to think about who will inherit personal possessions, bank accounts, investments, real estate, and other property. But we rarely consider what happens to our digital assets and accounts. This lesson dives into what happens when you die – digitally. Plus, learn “in progress.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/485 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gra
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K-pop band BTS is taking a break | Learn the English expression ‘loom over’
11/07/2022 Duration: 22min" BTS – the most popular band in the world –are taking a “temporary break.” The band announced the break during a live-streamed anniversary dinner party for fans. They spent over 40 minutes explaining the reasoning behind the break, and you can tell it was an emotional moment for the band. Plus, learn “loom over.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/484 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende ingl
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Should you bring your ‘whole self’ to work? | Learn the English expression ‘on the surface’
07/07/2022 Duration: 19min" In an effort to improve company culture and employee morale, many companies have put out messaging encouraging employees to bring their “whole selves” to the workplace. But what does that mean, exactly? And should we really be doing that? This lesson puts that idea to the test. Plus, learn what “on the surface” means. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/483 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprend
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A controversial new tour is dividing the golf world | Learn the phrasal verb ‘pass up’
04/07/2022 Duration: 24min" An upstart league called LIV Golf is disrupting the tranquility that has long defined professional golf. The decision to join – or not join – the tour has torn the golf world into two. The tour is offering some of the world’s best players enormous sums of money to play, but there is controversy surrounding where exactly that money is coming from. Plus, learn “pass up.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/482 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like
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The benefits of keeping a journal | Learn the expression ‘get off on the right foot’
30/06/2022 Duration: 21min" Journaling is an age-old practice that is known for its mental health benefits. There are many ways to keep a journaling practice that don’t require long entries on pen and paper. In fact, you don’t need to devote much time at all to experience the benefits. Plus, learn what it means to “get off on the right foot.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/481 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende i
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A Wimbledon without rankings points | Learn the phrasal verb ‘hand out’
27/06/2022 Duration: 20min" Wimbledon is the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, but this year, players won’t earn any points towards their world rankings by competing in the tournament. Wimbledon is caught up in a political controversy, which led the governing body of tennis to strip it of its ATP points. Plus, learn “hand out.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/480 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende i
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Just how big is the world’s largest plant? | Learn the phrasal verb ‘look into’
23/06/2022 Duration: 20min" The world’s largest plant was recently discovered off the western coast of Australia. The plant is a ribbon weed that researchers estimate to be about 4,500 years old. It grows entirely below the surface of the water and covers and astonishing area. Plus, learn what it means to “look into” something. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/479 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en
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A royal party for 70 years as Queen | Learn the English expression ‘look down on’
20/06/2022 Duration: 20min" Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning monarch in the over 1,000-year history of the United Kingdom. She has been Queen of the U.K. for 70 years, or since 1952, when she was just 25 years old. The U.K. through her an epic party to celebrate. Plus, learn “look down on.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/478 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con nuestro curso de
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Unlock the hidden features of Google Maps | Learn the English expression ‘brand-new’
16/06/2022 Duration: 20min" Google Maps, the world’s most popular mapping application, is known for helping people get from one place to another. But did you know that the app is packed with other hidden features? Today’s lesson covers several of those features that you might not know about. Plus, learn “brand-new.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/477 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too. -- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join -- Aprende inglés gratis en línea con n
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The American UFO craze | Learn the English expression ‘raise the stakes’
13/06/2022 Duration: 25min"The US government has kept a running list of UFO sightings since the 1940s, and until recently, the list was kept secret. Today, we’re talking about the strange history of UFO’s in American culture, including the frenzy they created in the 1960s. Plus, what to expect for the future of UFOs and learn “raise the stakes.”--At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world.-- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/476-- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and trending topics you care about: business, travel, technology, health, science, politics, the environment, and so much more. Our free English lessons always include English expressions and phrasal verbs, too.-- Learn even more English at PlainEnglish.com, where we have fast and slow audio, translations, videos, online English courses, and a supportive community of English learners like you. Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com/Join-- Aprende ingl