American English With Brent

In this English lesson, we discuss the shocking event in Minneapolis where the Mayor told federal agents to leave the city after a tragic shooting. We will learn important vocabulary words like "chaos," "spin," and "distrust" to help you talk about this difficult news story.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. Vocabulary List: Definitions & Examples * Swirling around * Definition: Moving in circles; often used when many rumors or stories are being talked about. * Sentence: There are many rumors swirling around about the new office rules. * Collectively * Definition: Done by people acting together as a group. * Sentence: The students collectively decided to ask for a longer break. * Get to the bottom of this * Definition: To find the real cause or the truth of a problem. * Sentence: I don't know why the car won't start, but I will get to the bottom of this. * Get justice * Definition: To get a fair result or punishment after something bad or illegal happens. * Sentence: The family is going to court because they want to get justice. * Dreaded * Definition: Something that makes you feel very worried, bored, or afraid. * Sentence: It is finally time for the dreaded Monday morning meeting. * Internally * Definition: Inside something (like a person's mind or inside a company). * Sentence: He looked happy, but internally he was feeling very sad. * Chaos * Definition: A situation where there is no order and everything is confusing. * Sentence: It was total chaos at the mall during the holiday sale. * Distrust * Definition: The feeling that you cannot believe or rely on someone. * Sentence: There is a lot of distrust between the two neighbors. * Spin this (Politics) * Definition: To tell a story in a way that makes a person look good, even if the situation is bad. * Sentence: The politician tried to spin this mistake to make it look like a good idea. * Self-defense * Definition: Protecting yourself from harm or an attack. * Sentence: He took a class to learn how to use self-defense. * Recklessly * Definition: Doing something dangerous without caring about the results or safety. * Sentence: He was driving recklessly and almost hit a tree. * Priorities * Definition: The things that are most important and should be done first. * Sentence: My priorities this year are finishing school and finding a job. * Problematic * Definition: Something that causes problems or is difficult to deal with. * Sentence: The lack of clean water in the city is very problematic. * Culture * Definition: The habits, traditions, and beliefs of a specific group of people. * Sentence: I love traveling to different countries to learn about their culture. * That's on you * Definition: A phrase used to say that something is your responsibility or your fault. * Sentence: I warned you to bring a jacket; if you are cold now, that's on you.

The shocking capture of Nicolas Maduro has the world wondering if the leaders of Cuba or Colombia are next on the U.S. target list. In this English lesson, we break down the vocabulary behind this developing story and discuss who might be the next to fall.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 1. Striking SimilaritiesDefinition: Looking very much alike.Example: The two brothers have striking similarities; they have the same nose and eyes.2. InterventionDefinition: Stepping in to fix a problem.Example: The fight was bad, so it needed the teacher's intervention to stop it.3. ObligationDefinition: Something you have to do; a duty.Example: It is your obligation to pay your taxes every year.4. SafeguardDefinition: To keep something safe.Example: We wear helmets to safeguard our heads while biking.5. General NoriegaDefinition: A former military leader of Panama who was arrested by the U.S.Example: General Noriega was sent to prison for his crimes.6. Bring to JusticeDefinition: To catch a criminal and punish them in court.Example: The police worked hard to bring the thief to justice.7. AssaultDefinition: Attacking or hurting someone physically.Example: He went to jail for assault after hitting a man in the street.8. To the DayDefinition: Exactly on that specific date.Example: We have been married for 20 years to the day.9. CapturedDefinition: Caught by the police or an enemy.Example: The mouse was captured in the trap.10. Drug TraffickingDefinition: Moving and selling illegal drugs.Example: He was arrested at the airport for drug trafficking.11. Mixed ResultsDefinition: Some good things happened, but some bad things happened too.Example: The new rule had mixed results; some people liked it, but others hated it.12. Cost DearlyDefinition: To pay a very high price (in money or pain).Example: His mistake cost him dearly; he lost his job and his house.13. UnderminedDefinition: Made weak slowly over time.Example: The rain undermined the wall, and it eventually fell down.14. StabilityDefinition: Being safe, steady, and not changing.Example: Children need stability at home to feel safe.15. ChavezDefinition: Hugo Chávez, a famous former leader of Venezuela.Example: Many people in Venezuela still talk about President Chavez.16. BuoyedDefinition: Held up; made to feel happier or stronger.Example: The good news buoyed his spirits.17. Eff Around and Find OutDefinition: (Slang) If you do something bad, you will get a bad result.Example: Do not tease that bear, or you will eff around and find out.18. AdversariesDefinition: Enemies.Example: In the game, the two teams are adversaries.19. On NoticeDefinition: To be warned that you are in trouble.Example: The bad student was put on notice that he might be expelled.20. Inject our WillDefinition: To force others to do what we want.Example: The boss tried to inject his will on the team, but they ignored him.21. CrosshairsDefinition: Being the target (like in the scope of a gun).Example: The politician is in the crosshairs of the news reporters.22. Warning Shot Across the BowDefinition: A final warning before attacking.Example: The teacher gave a warning shot across the bow before calling the parents.23. Suffice it to SayDefinition: Short version: "I will just say this..."Example: Suffice it to say, the party was a disaster.24. IncompetentDefinition: Bad at your job.Example: The incompetent waiter dropped our food three times.25. SenileDefinition: Losing memory or mental power because of old age.Example: My dog is getting senile and forgets where his food bowl is.

Today, we’re analyzing the explosive reports of the U.S. operation against Nicolás Maduro to help you master 20 advanced English terms used by top journalists and political analysts. From understanding what it means to 'give the green light' to the legal weight of an 'illegitimate regime,' this lesson will give you the vocabulary you need to discuss global breaking news with confidence.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinVocabulary List1. Authoritarian * Definition: Describes a government or leader that demands strict obedience and limits personal freedom. * Example: The citizens protested against the authoritarian government because they wanted free elections.2. Alleged ties * Definition: Connections or relationships that people suspect exist, but have not been officially proven yet. * Example: The reporter investigated the alleged ties between the mayor and the construction company.3. Negotiations * Definition: Formal discussions between people or groups to try to reach an agreement. * Example: After weeks of negotiations, the two countries finally signed a peace treaty.4. Correspondent * Definition: A journalist or reporter who sends news stories from a specific location or on a specific topic. * Example: Our foreign correspondent is reporting live from London tonight.5. Mar-a-Lago * Definition: A large resort and club in Florida owned by Donald Trump, often used for political meetings. * Example: The President met with his advisors at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend.6. Aware * Definition: Knowing that something exists, or having knowledge about a situation. * Example: Are you aware that the meeting time has changed to 3:00 PM?7. Immediate * Definition: Happening right away without waiting. * Example: The doctor said the patient needs immediate attention.8. Per (from) * Definition: A formal way to say "according to" or "based on what was said by." * Example: Per the manager's email, the office will be closed on Friday.9. Facilities * Definition: Buildings, equipment, or services provided for a particular purpose (like a gym, hospital, or factory). * Example: The hotel has excellent sports facilities, including a pool and a tennis court.10. Escalated * Definition: Became more serious, intense, or worse very quickly. * Example: The argument escalated quickly when they started shouting at each other.11. Regime * Definition: A government, especially one that is considered strict or unfair. * Example: The new regime made many strict laws that the people did not like.12. Illegitimate * Definition: Not allowed by law or rules; not valid or real. * Example: The court decided that the contract was illegitimate because it wasn't signed properly.13. Initial * Definition: Existing or happening at the beginning; first. * Example: My initial reaction to the news was surprise, but later I understood why it happened.14. Gather * Definition: To bring things or people together in one place; strictly in news contexts, it can also mean "to understand" or "to conclude." * Example (Group together): The teacher asked the students to gather around the desk. * Example (Understand): From what I can gather, the project is almost finished.15. Confirm * Definition: To state clearly that something is definitely true or correct. * Example: Can you confirm your flight reservation by clicking the link in the email?16. Several * Definition: More than two but not many; a few. * Example: I have visited that museum several times because I love art.17. Said out loud * Definition: To speak words so that others can hear them, rather than just thinking them. * Example: He accidentally said out loud what he was thinking, and everyone heard him.

Is Canada closing its doors to new immigrants in 2026? Join me to practice your English and learn essential vocabulary like "ambitious" and "influx" as we break down this difficult situation.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 1. Ambitious * : Having a strong desire to succeed or do something difficult. * : She is very ambitious and plans to open her own restaurant next year.2. Hard Landing * : A difficult or rough end to a situation (often used when the economy suddenly slows down). * : After losing his job, he had a hard landing and had to move back in with his parents.3. Acknowledging * : Admitting that something is true or real. * : My boss is finally acknowledging that we need to hire more staff.4. Welcomed * : To accept someone or something with happiness/pleasure. * : We welcomed the cool weather after a very hot summer.5. Eventually * : In the end; after a long time. * : I didn’t like coffee at first, but I eventually started to love it.6. An About-Face * : A complete change of opinion or plan (turning 180 degrees). * : The company did an about-face and decided to let employees work from home again.7. Seismic * : Very big, powerful, or having a huge effect (like an earthquake). * : Moving to a new country was a seismic change for my family.8. Played Out * : How a situation developed or ended. * : We were nervous about the meeting, but it played out better than we expected.9. Influx * : The arrival of a large number of people or things at the same time. * : The hospital had an influx of patients during flu season.10. Slashed * : Reduced or cut by a large amount. * : The car dealership slashed prices to sell more cars before the end of the year.11. Sweeping * : Affecting many people or things; wide-ranging. * : The new mayor made sweeping changes to the city's parking rules.12. Layoffs * : When an employer ends a worker's job, usually because there is not enough work or money. * : The factory announced layoffs, so many workers are looking for new jobs.13. A Cap * : An upper limit on an amount or number. * : There is a cap on how much money you can transfer from the bank each day.14. Reduction * : The act of making something smaller or less. * : We noticed a reduction in our heating bill after we fixed the windows.15. Frosh * : A slang word for a first-year student (freshman) in high school or university. * : My son is a frosh in college, so he is still learning his way around campus.16. Quarter * : A period of three months (companies and schools often divide the year into four quarters). * : Our sales team tries to reach a new goal every quarter.17. Tuition * : The money you pay to be taught in a college or private school. * : They are saving money to pay for their daughter's college tuition.18. Burden * : Something heavy or difficult that you have to carry or deal with (like a difficult responsibility). * : Caring for a sick relative can be a heavy burden, but we do it with love.19. Infrastructure * : The basic systems a city needs to work, like roads, bridges, and power lines. * : The city needs to spend more money to fix the crumbling infrastructure like the old bridges.20. A Pipeline * : A system or plan where people or projects move from one stage to the next. * : The construction crew is digging up the street to fix the gas pipeline.21. Eligible * : Having the right to do or get something; qualified. * : You are eligible to vote in the election after you become a citizen.22. The Trades * : Skilled manual jobs that require special training, like plumbing, welding, or electrical work. * : Jobs in the trades are very popular right now because they pay well and are always needed.

This lesson covers the vocabulary from yesterday's meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where they discussed a proposed peace plan and the future of the Donbas region. We will define key terms like 'thorny issue,' 'demilitarized zone,' and 'pony up' to help you understand the complex negotiations reported in the news.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 🎮 Link to Vocabulary Game: https://gemini.google.com/share/621d1628f1b7📺 Link to Newscast: https://youtu.be/0GRN3zBlcQ8?si=r2DtIrCIBW5aXJru1. Short and Sweet * Definition: Brief, simple, and to the point. * Example: "I kept my speech short and sweet so people wouldn't get bored."2. Takeaway * Definition: The main piece of information you learn from something. * Example: "The main takeaway from the meeting is that we need to work faster."3. Thorn * Definition: A small, sharp point on the stem of a plant. * Example: "Be careful holding that rose, it has a sharp thorn."4. Thorny Issue * Definition: A complicated problem that is difficult to handle. * Example: "Politics is often a thorny issue at family dinners."5. Tossed Out * Definition: To reject an idea or throw something away. * Example: "The judge tossed out the evidence because it was not clear."6. On Board With * Definition: To agree with a plan or be part of a team. * Example: "My boss is finally on board with letting us work from home."7. Donbas * Definition: An industrial region in Eastern Ukraine often mentioned in the news. * Example: "The reporter is traveling to the Donbas to report on the war."8. Cede * Definition: To give up power or land to someone else. * Example: "After losing the war, the country had to cede territory to the winner."9. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) * Definition: An area between two fighting countries where no soldiers or weapons are allowed. * Example: "It is strictly forbidden to cross the demilitarized zone."10. Buffer * Definition: Something that separates two things to prevent conflict or damage. * Example: "I use music as a buffer to block out the street noise."11. Stack up * Definition: To compare one thing against another. * Example: "This new burger doesn't stack up to the one at the other restaurant."12. Fortress * Definition: A building or place strictly protected from attack. * Example: "The bank is built like a fortress to protect the money."13. Blank Checks * Definition: Giving someone total freedom to spend money or do what they want. * Example: "The government cannot give blank checks to the military; they must have a budget."14. Dry Up * Definition: To slowly disappear or become unavailable (usually money or interest). * Example: "As soon as the money dried up, the workers left the project."15. What’s Your Take? * Definition: What is your opinion or perspective? * Example: "I think this is a bad idea, but what’s your take?"16. No Strings Attached * Definition: Without special conditions or hidden rules. * Example: "This is a free gift, no strings attached."17. Corrupt * Definition: Dishonest; using power to get money illegally. * Example: "The corrupt mayor was arrested for taking bribes."18. Auditing * Definition: An official inspection of an organization's accounts or records. * Example: "The IRS is auditing the company to make sure they paid their taxes."19. Hinted At It * Definition: To suggest something indirectly. * Example: "He didn't say he was angry, but his tone hinted at it."20. Step Up * Definition: To take action or responsibility when necessary. * Example: "We need more volunteers to step up and help clean the park."21. Pony Up * Definition: (Slang) To pay money that is required or owed. * Example: "You lost the bet, so now you have to pony up."

New York City is paralyzed by its worst snowstorm in three years, and in this lesson, you’ll learn the exact English vocabulary used to report on this historic weather event. Watch now to improve your listening skills while we analyze the chaos unfolding on the streets of NYC.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. Bonus English: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/usbrent/subscribe

Did the President just drag the US into a new conflict in West Africa without warning? Watch to uncover the shocking details behind the Nigeria strike and why critics are saying this move went too far.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Newscast: https://youtu.be/-n5MYIea8_A?si=lYkbLtKUYrU9D3tnVocabulary List: 1. Nigeria * : A large country located in West Africa. * : My neighbor moved to our city from Nigeria last year.2. Multiple * : More than one; many. * : I called you multiple times, but you didn't answer the phone.3. Claiming * : Saying that something is true (even if others might doubt it) or saying you own something. * : He is claiming that he finished his homework, but the teacher hasn't seen it yet.4. Previously * : Before now; in the past. * : I previously worked at a bank, but now I am a teacher.5. Slaughtering * : Killing many people or animals in a violent way. * : The farmer is responsible for slaughtering the chickens for the market.6. Hell To Pay * : A phrase used to say that there will be big trouble or severe punishment later. * : If I crash my dad’s car, there will be hell to pay.7. Capable * : Having the skill or ability to do something well. * : She is a very capable student; she always gets good grades.8. Coordinated * : Planned and organized well so that people work together effectively. * : The dance team looks great because their movements are perfectly coordinated.9. Underscores * : To emphasize or show that something is very important. * : The recent accident underscores the need for safer roads in our town.10. Lacking in Will * : Not having enough desire, determination, or motivation to do something. * : He wants to learn guitar, but he is lacking in will to practice every day.11. Commitment * : A promise to do something or to stay loyal to something. * : Adopting a dog is a big commitment because you have to take care of it for years.12. Picking up (in the context of understanding) * : Learning or understanding something new, usually without much effort. * : She is picking up English very quickly by watching American movies.13. Militants * : People who are aggressive and willing to use force or violence for a political cause. * : The news reported that militants attacked a village near the border.14. Took place * : Happened. * : The wedding took place on a beautiful beach in Florida.15. The impact * : The strong effect or influence that something has. * : My favorite teacher had a huge impact on my life.16. Carried out * : Completed or performed a task or plan. * : The scientists carried out the experiment in the laboratory.17. On the same page (Idiom) * : Thinking in a similar way; agreeing with each other. * : Before we start the group project, let's make sure we are all on the same page.18. Several * : More than two, but not a large number (usually between 3 and 5). * : I have visited that restaurant several times because the food is delicious.19. Ramping up * : Increasing the level, speed, or amount of something. * : The store is ramping up its security because of the busy holiday season.20. Deep-rooted * : Firmly established and difficult to change. * : He has a deep-rooted fear of spiders because one bit him when he was a child.21. First-hand * : Getting information or experience directly yourself, not from books or other people. * : I didn't just read about the storm; I experienced it first-hand.

What really happened during the attack in Sydney, and who is the man that saved so many lives? Watch this lesson to improve your English vocabulary and learn the truth about the "Bondi Hero."✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Link to Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/FqRqoj-14B4?si=XAUJdfjehOv1EZjWVocabulary List for B1 Students1. Terrorist Attack: A violent action meant to scare people for political or religious reasons.: The news reported a terrorist attack that happened in the city center yesterday.2. In Custody: Being held or kept by the police; under arrest.: The police caught the man, and he is now in custody.3. An Individual: One single person.: The police said an individual entered the bank and asked for money.4. Potentially: Possibly; something that could happen or be true in the future.: This is a potentially dangerous situation, so please stay inside.5. Amid: In the middle of or during something.: He stayed calm amid all the noise and confusion.6. Horror: A strong feeling of shock, fear, or disgust.: She stared in horror as the vase slipped from her hands and shattered on the floor.7. Heroism: Great bravery; acting like a hero.: The mayor gave the man an award for his heroism during the rescue.8. Tackling: Pushing someone to the ground to stop them (often used in sports like football or rugby).: The brave passenger was seen tackling the attacker to the floor.9. Struggle: A physical fight or a difficult effort to do something.: He struggled against the strong wind that was pushing him backward.10. Identified: Recognized or named; knowing who someone is.: The doctor identified the cause of the patient's stomach pain.: We identified the correct path on the map before we started hiking.11. Hailing : Praising or cheering for someone enthusiastically.: Everyone is hailing the young woman as a hero for saving the dog.12. Extraordinary: Very special, unusual, or amazing.: It is extraordinary that he finished the marathon in under two hours.13. Courage: Bravery; the ability to do something even when you are frightened.: After a few minutes, he finally plucked up the courage to ask her to dance.14. Disarm: To take a weapon (like a gun or knife) away from someone.: You must enter a code to disarm the security alarm when you walk in.15. Engaging: Getting involved in a situation or conflict; confronting someone.: The security guard was engaging the suspect when help arrived.16. Linked: Connected or related to something else.: Detectives believe this car is linked to another robbery last week.17. Probing: Investigating or asking deep questions to find the truth.: Scientists are currently probing the ocean floor to find new species of fish.18. Motives: The reasons why a person does something.: Her motive for improving her English was to get a better job and more money.

Boost your fluency with this massive 2-hour English learning compilation! I’ve gathered some of my best lessons from the archives to create the ultimate continuous study session. This video is packed with essential vocabulary, clear definitions, and real-world examples to help you master the language without interruption. Whether you use it for a deep-dive study session or listen in the background to improve your listening comprehension, this mega-lesson is designed to take your English to the next level. Grab your notebook and let’s get to work!✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off.

Improve your English listening comprehension by learning about the recent flooding in the United States. I will teach you the essential words you need to know to understand news reports about this natural disaster.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. 💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Newscast: https://youtu.be/-3HxiCU-cNs?si=RTfl_ndGTwetFaTMLocations1. Washington State: A U.S. state located in the Pacific Northwest : It rains very often in Washington State.2. Washington D.C.: The capital city of the United States, located on the East Coast.: The President lives in Washington D.C., which is very far from Washington State.3. Surging: Moving quickly and powerfully in a wave.: The surging water rushed down the street and covered the cars.4. Shattering Records: Breaking an old record by a large amount.: The heavy snowfall is shattering records for the month of December.5. Attic: The room or space at the very top of a house, just under the roof.: He hid the family’s Christmas gifts in the attic until Christmas morning. 6. Hoisting: Lifting something heavy up, usually with ropes or a machine.: He hoisted his wife onto his shoulders so she could see the band on stage a little better. 7. Volunteer: A person who works for free to help others.: A volunteer helped fill sandbags to stop the water.8. Rescue: To save someone from a dangerous situation.: Firefighters used a boat to rescue the dog from the flood.9. In The Midst: In the middle of something.: We are in the midst of a terrible storm.10. Swift: Moving very fast.: The river water was swift and dangerous to swim in.11. Peak: The highest point or the top (often of a mountain).: They reached the mountain peak just a little after lunchtime. 12. Peek: To look at something quickly or secretly.: She wanted to peek inside the box, but decided to wait until Christmas.13. Governor: The elected leader of a state government.: The Governor told everyone to stay off the roads because they were too icy.14. Critical: Very serious, dangerous, or important.: It is critical that we put gas in the car before we drive too much further. 15. Potentially: Possibly; something that might happen in the future.: This storm could potentially ruin our vacation. 16. Crest: The highest level a river reaches during a flood before it goes back down.: The river is expected to crest at 20 feet tomorrow morning.17. Meteorologist: A scientist who studies weather and predicts the forecast.: The meteorologist on TV said the rain will stop soon.18. Enormous: Very, very big.: Today was pretty stressful. She had an enormous headache when she got home.19. Portion: A part or share of something.: She gave him the largest portion of cake because it was his birthday. 20. Entirely: Completely or 100%.: The bridge was entirely covered by water.21. Banks : The land along the sides of a river.: The water rose over the banks of the river and flooded the park.22. Creeks: Small streams of water (smaller than a river).: The heavy rain turned small creeks into rushing rivers.23. Streams: Flowing water that moves across the land (smaller than a river).: Many streams flow down from the mountains into the lake.