Plain English | Learn English | Vocabulary, News, And Culture At The Right Speed For English Language Learners

" Many American and Canadian border towns operate as one big town. The border is simply an invisible boundary that residents cross several times each day. But during the pandemic, the border was closed to non-essential traffic. This divided towns, families, lovers, and even left some towns completely isolated. Plus, learn “closely-knit.” -- 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/358 -- 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.

" Which vaccine should I get? How many doses do I need? Will there be side effects? Allergic reactions? What about protection from all of the new variants? As the world launches its vaccination efforts, we are answering five frequently asked COVID vaccine questions. Plus, learn “a feature, not a bug.” -- 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/357 -- 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

" How would you like to work from the beaches of Barbados? Or perhaps you’d rather experience the shopping and architecture of Dubai? A growing list of countries are now offering extended-stay visas to attract remote workers. The trend started several years ago, but has accelerated since the pandemic sent most white-collar workers home from the office last year. Plus, learn “get around.” -- 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/356 -- 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 Engli

" In the early 2000s, Blockbuster Video was a thriving business. It had 9000 locations in 14 countries around the world. But their dominance in the video rental market did not last forever. Today, just one store remains, and it’s in a mountain town in central Oregon. Plus, learn “at its peak.” -- 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/355 -- 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 co

" In March, a massive cargo ship called the Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal for six days. The canal is one of the most important routes in global trade, and just six days without it revealed just how fragile the global supply chain is. The effects will likely be felt worldwide for months. Plus, learn “back 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/354 -- 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

" Volvo’s recent announcement to be fully electric by 2030 and move sales online is a huge stray from the car dealership model, which has been around almost as long as cars have. The age-old model is ripe for disruption, and this may be the start of something transformational. Plus, learn what it means to “stay on top of” 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/353 -- 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/J

" Non-fungible tokens, or NFT’s, are the latest craze in the online world. NFT’s offer a way for digital artists to sell their artwork, and recently, a digital piece sold for a record $69.3 million. How it all works is a little confusing, but this lesson breaks it down. Plus, learn what “bragging rights” are. -- 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/352 -- 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 gr

" Vaccine passport: the idea that once you get a vaccine, you can use a smartphone app to prove you’re vaccinated and have access to some pre-COVID activities. This sounds great – in theory. But several countries have adopted vaccine passports, and there have already been issues. Plus, learn “weight on your shoulders.” -- 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/351 -- 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

" Before the pandemic, there were many companies that were resistant to offering employees flexibility to work from home. A lot has changed over the past year, and companies are increasingly open to remote work options. This could mean more opportunity for neurodiverse employees, who struggle in traditional office environments. Plus, learn “catch-all.” -- 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/350 -- 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 a

" Duty-free shopping is a strange loophole in the retail industry. You can buy expensive, luxury items without paying the usual hefty taxes, but only international travelers can take advantage. For this reason, duty-free shops are usually located in airports. Without international travel, the duty-free industry did not fare well – except in one place. Plus, learn “add 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/349 -- 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 lik

" For years, sports betting was illegal in most of the United States. But in 2018, a Supreme Court ruling opened the door for individual states to legalize sports gambling. Things are ramping up as sports leagues are trying to rebound from a lost year due to COVID. The sports landscape is changing, for better or worse. Plus, learn “stay out of it.” -- 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/348 -- 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 Pl

" The ‘Nomadland’ cast only had two professional actors, and the rest were people that actually live the nomad life in America. The unconventional cast helped portray the real-life community behind the movie with depth and feeling. In this lesson, you’ll meet some of them and hear about their lives off-screen. Plus, learn what it means to “make ends meet.” -- 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/347 -- 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 fr

" Chloé Zhao’s ‘Nomadland’ explores the reality of nomad life in America through the lens of a widow forced into life on the road. It takes you through an exciting and mysterious plot and might even convince you that all who wander are not lost. This one is worth watching. Plus, learn “run into.” -- 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/346 -- 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

" This winter has brought snow to some unlikely places. Alongside the once-in-a-century pandemic, Madrid, Jerusalem, and parts of the American south all had record-breaking once-in-a-century winter storms this year. This caused a rush of excitement for some, and very dangerous and life-threatening conditions for others. Plus, learn “resort to.” -- 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/345 -- 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 PlainE

" The sleepy town of Serrana, Brazil was selected as the site for an important vaccine experiment. We know that coronavirus vaccines are effective at preventing symptoms, deaths, and serious cases. But we still don’t know whether vaccinated people can transmit the disease to others. Brazilian and Chinese researches and the residents of Serrana are on a mission to find out. Plus, learn “get in on the action.” -- 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/344 -- 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 supporti

" Jeff Bezos founded Amazon from his Seattle home in 1994. Since then, Bezos has built Amazon into the world’s largest online retailer. Twenty-seven years and billions of dollars later, Bezos is planning to step down as Amazon’s CEO and transition to executive chairman later in 2021. Plus, learn “step back from.” -- 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/343 -- 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 inglé

It was only a matter of time before the pandemic made its way into pop culture, and some TV shows have already started airing COVID-19 inspired storylines. But is it too soon? This lesson evaluates three popular TV shows that incorporated the coronavirusMentioned in this episode:Ready to improve your listening?Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

" Everyone knows about the mega American fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s. But America’s regional chain restaurants are some of the most loved. Several of these chains hail the type of enthusiasts that sport sweatshirts with the restaurant’s logo and post selfies while eating there on social media. Warning: this lesson might make you hungry. Plus, learn “go well 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/341 -- 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 o

" Normally, species evolve or thousands, or even millions, of generations. Evolution occurs far too slowly for humans to observe it happening in our relatively short lifetimes. But one species in Australia is evolving differently and faster than scientists have ever seen, and they are also causing all sorts of problems. Plus, learn “pick 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/340 -- 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 PlainEng

" Many people around the world are now accustomed to wearing face masks daily, but an unexpected side effect of this new norm is difficulty communicating. Not only do face masks make it harder to understand someone’s voice clearly, they also make it much more difficult to read facial expressions. Today, we’re discussing some tips to communicate while still masking up. Plus, learn “get away 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/339 -- 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