American English With Brent

I thought checking into my Airbnb would be easy… until I found out there are two elevators! Come with me as I try not to get lost — and teach you some English along the way.✅ 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/join1. Lanyard*Definition:* A string or strap you wear around your neck to hold something, like an ID card or keys.*Example:* The teacher wore a lanyard with her school ID on it.---2. Octopi*Definition:* The plural form of *octopus*, meaning more than one sea animal with eight arms.*Example:* We saw two octopi swimming in the big tank at the aquarium.---3. Cacti*Definition:* The plural form of *cactus*, a plant that usually grows in hot, dry places and has spines.*Example:* There are many cacti in the desert because they don’t need much water.---4. Terrace*Definition:* A flat outdoor area next to a building, often used for sitting or eating.*Example:* We had breakfast on the terrace and enjoyed the warm weather.---5. Airbnb*Definition:* A website and app where people can rent homes, rooms, or apartments for short stays.*Example:* We stayed in an Airbnb while visiting South Carolina for the weekend.

Millions of families in the United States may soon lose food help because of the government shutdown. Learn important English words and phrases while we talk about this sad but real story.✅ 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 Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/8jmIjZEjQng?si=LCGJUZYvmNTG5GgB1. Drags On: Continues for a long time and feels slow or boring. : When class drags on, students look at the clock a lot.: The rainy day drags on, and there is nothing fun to do.2. Count On: To depend on someone or something. : People count on doctors when they are sick.: She counts on her alarm clock to wake her up every morning.3. Portion: A part of something, like food or money. : Each student got one portion of cake at the party.: A big portion of the town was without power after the storm.4. Rely On: To trust or depend on someone or something. : Many people rely on their phones to wake them up in the morning.5. Louisiana: A state in the southern United States, known for cities like New Orleans. : My cousin lives in Louisiana, where they celebrate Mardi Gras every year.6. Run Out: To use all of something so that nothing is left. : We ran out of milk, so we can’t make cereal today.7. Funds: Money saved or used for a special purpose. : The school needs more funds to buy new computers.8. Relieved: Feeling happy because something bad did not happen. : The team was relieved after winning the close game.9. Skeptical: Not sure if something is true; having doubts. : I was skeptical when my friend said he saw a UFO.10. Gearing Up: Getting ready or preparing for something. : The store is gearing up for the holiday rush.: The firefighters are gearing up for a long night of work.11. Slammed : Extremely busy with a lot of work to do. : The hotel was slammed during the summer vacation.12. Stretched Thin: Having too many things to do and not enough time or energy. : The hospital staff are stretched thin after many long shifts.13. Layoffs: When workers lose their jobs because the company has no money or work. : The news about factory layoffs made many families worried.14. Stock Up: To buy a lot of something so you don’t run out later. : People stocked up on food before the big storm.: We stocked up on snacks for the long road trip.15. Food Insecurity: Not having enough food or worrying about getting food. : The school started a program to help students with food insecurity.16. Provide: To give something that is needed. : The hospital provides care for everyone, even without money.17. Both Sides of the Aisle: People from different political parties working together..in the U.S. it’s the Republicans and Democrats. : The new law was supported by both sides of the aisle.18. Hanging in the Balance: Uncertain; the result has not been decided yet. : Peace talks continued late into the night, with the future of the country hanging in the balance.: The rescue mission is dangerous, and the workers’ safety is hanging in the balance.19. Sobering: Serious and makes you stop and think. : Seeing the hospital full of patients was a sobering sight.: The news about the hurricane in Jamaica was a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be.

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This English lesson tells the story of Gen Z—the young generation taking to the streets to create a better future. Learn English vocabulary through real news about courage, hope, and social change.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Link of Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/ywJuZ8kCwBI?si=V-VAnZvXQI4yIqZk1. Gen Z: People born from the late 1990s to around 2010. : Gen Z uses social media to share their opinions and ideas.2. Taking to the Streets: When people go outside to protest or show their opinions publicly. : Many students are taking to the streets to ask for better education.3. Specific: Clear and exact; not general. : The teacher gave specific directions for the homework.4. Demands: Strong requests for something that people believe they deserve. : The workers made demands for higher pay and safer conditions.5. Social Justice: Fair treatment and equal rights for everyone in society. : Many young people care deeply about social justice and equality.6. Clashed: Fought or argued strongly with someone. : Protesters clashed with police during the march.7. Impeached: When a government leader is officially accused of doing something wrong. : The president was impeached after being accused of corruption.8. Step Down: To leave an important job or position. : The mayor decided to step down after ten years in office.9. Sweeping Across: Moving quickly or spreading over a large area. : A wave of protests is sweeping across the country.10. Corruption: Dishonest or illegal behavior, especially by people in power. : The people were angry because of corruption in the government.11. Taking On: To fight against or challenge someone or something. : The brave journalist is taking on powerful politicians in her articles.12. Spiraling: Getting worse or increasing quickly and out of control. : Prices are spiraling, and many families can’t afford food.13. Crackdown: Strong action by authorities to stop something bad or illegal. : The police started a crackdown on speeding and drunk driving.14. Galvanizing: Causing people to take action or become more active. : The speech was galvanizing—it made people want to change the world.15. Triggered: Caused a strong reaction, usually emotional. : The video triggered memories of the earthquake for many survivors.16. Routine: A regular way of doing things. : She follows a morning routine before going to school.17. C-Sections: A medical operation to deliver a baby through surgery instead of natural birth. : The doctor performed two C-sections last week.18. Woeful: Very bad, sad, or full of trouble. : The country’s economy is in a woeful state right now.19. Priorities: The most important things that must be done first. : Her top priorities are finishing school and helping her family.

A daring jewel heist just happened at the Louvre Museum in Paris — and we’re using this breaking news story to learn real English words you’ll see on the TOEFL and IELTS! Watch to discover key vocabulary like heist, brazen, and getaway while improving your English through current events.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Original News Link:https://youtu.be/QwdwC2NUlXI?si=TcrMiQjInCQ-Zrh61. Whether: Used to show a choice between two or more things. : She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.: I’m not sure whether he likes his new job.2. Hunt: To look for something or someone carefully. : He likes to hunt rabbits with his dog, Gus. 3. Priceless: So valuable that it cannot be given a price. : Her grandmother’s ring is priceless.4. Brazen: Very bold and not afraid of what others think. : The student brazenly used his phone during the test.5. Heist: A planned robbery, usually of money or valuable things. : The movie was about a bank heist.6. Widely Shared: Seen or known by many people. : The photo of the sunset was widely shared because it was beautiful.7. Vest: A piece of clothing worn on the upper body, often under or over a shirt. : The hunters wore orange vests so they could be seen easily.8. Disguised: Dressed or changed to look different to hide who you are. : The movie star disguised herself with sunglasses and a hat.9. Maintenance Worker: A person who fixes or takes care of buildings or machines. : The maintenance worker repaired the broken light.10. Lavish: Expensive, fancy, or full of luxury. : They lived in a lavish apartment with gold decorations.11. Captivated: Very interested or charmed by something or someone. : The crowd was captivated by the magician’s tricks.12. Oceans 11: A famous movie about a group planning a big casino robbery. : The students compared their project to Oceans 11 because it needed teamwork.13. Mount : To put on, organize, or begin something; or to climb. : The company plans to mount a big campaign to sell their new fish-flavored toothpaste.14. Audit: A careful check of money records or accounts. : The students did a small audit of how much paper the school uses each month.15. Deprioritized: Made less important than other things. : The student deprioritized video games to study for exams.16. Deplorable: Very bad and deserving strong dislike. : The living conditions in the building were deplorable.17. Construction Work: Building or repairing structures like houses, roads, or bridges. : Construction work started early in the morning.18. Snatched: Taken quickly or suddenly. : The man snatched the purse and ran away.19. Encrusted: Covered with a hard or decorative layer. : The necklace was encrusted with diamonds.: His shoes were encrusted with dried mud after the hike.: The walls of the cave were encrusted with colorful minerals.20. Getaway: The act of escaping, usually after a crime. : The robbers jumped into the getaway car.21. Intact: Not broken or damaged; still complete. : The phone fell on the floor, but the screen stayed intact.22. Diminish: To make or become smaller or weaker. : The doctor said the pain will diminish with time.: His energy diminished after running for so long.

🍁 Learn 11 fun English phrasal verbs and idioms for autumn! These natural expressions will help you sound more like a native speaker while talking about the fall season.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. 🍁 Autumn Idioms and Phrasal VerbsFall Apart👉 To break into pieces or stop working emotionally.🧩 After his dog died, he started to fall apart.Fall Behind👉 To not move as fast as others.🧩 She fell behind in her homework after falling and breaking her arm.Fall Through👉 To fail or not happen as planned.🧩 Our trip to the park fell through because it rained all day.Fall for Someone or Something👉 To start liking or loving someone.🧩 He fell for his best friend.Fell for It👉 To be tricked or fooled by someone or something.🧩 I told my brother there was a spider on his shoulder—he totally fell for it!Turn Over a New Leaf👉 To start fresh or change your behavior for the better.🧩 After summer vacation, she turned over a new leaf and studied harder.Bundle Up👉 To put on warm clothes.🧩 It’s cold outside—bundle up before you go out!Change Up👉 To do something in a different way.🧩 I wanted to change up my English learning, so instead of reading a book I listened to a podcast.Drift Off👉 To slowly fall asleep or lose focus.🧩 Last night, I drifted off while reading by the fire, never making it to bed.Rake In👉 To earn a lot of money easily.🧩 The coffee shop rakes in money during the fall festival.Rake Up👉 To collect fallen leaves.🧩 We raked up the leaves in the yard.Blow Over👉 To pass without causing much trouble.🧩 The storm blew over by morning.Leaf Through👉 To look quickly through a book, magazine, or papers.🧩 I leafed through the magazine while waiting for the bus.

🇻🇪 In this English lesson, we explore how Venezuela’s people are suffering under dictatorship and the fear of a possible U.S. invasion. Learn important vocabulary and expressions to understand and discuss this powerful news story in English.✅ 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 original newscast: https://youtu.be/P3lqs6haNx8?si=b8M61fHISGiPQMNB1. Considering: Thinking carefully about something before making a decision.: She is considering moving to another city for work.2. Soil: The top layer of the earth where plants grow; dirt.: Farmers need good soil to grow healthy crops.3. Combat: To fight against someone or something.: The government is trying to combat teen smoking.4. Under Control: When a problem or situation is being managed and is not dangerous anymore.: The fire is now under control thanks to the firefighters.5. Authoritarian: A person or government that expects people to obey rules without question.: The country is ruled by an authoritarian leader who allows no free speech.6. Covert: Secret or hidden; not done openly.: The spy carried out a covert mission at night.7. To Take Out: To remove or destroy something or someone.: The video game player took out all the robots on the screen.8. Non-Committal: Not showing a clear opinion or decision.: He made a non-committal shrug and changed the subject.9. Feeling Heat: Experiencing pressure or criticism from others.: The player was feeling the heat from the crowd after missing the goal.10. Legitimize: To make something legal or acceptable.: The artist’s success helped legitimize street art as real art.11. Regime Change: When one government is replaced by another, especially by force.: The United States were secretly drawing up plans for a regime change in Venezuela. 12. Carried Out: Done or completed; when an action or plan is performed.: Volunteers carried out repairs on the old playground.13. Narco : A person who sells or moves illegal drugs; short for narcotics dealer.: The police arrested a narco who was smuggling drugs across the border.14. Vessel: A large boat or ship that travels on water.: The navy vessel sailed into the harbor.15. Condemnation: Strong disapproval or saying that something is wrong or bad.: His cruel words earned him condemnation from his friends.16. Full-Fledged: Complete or fully developed.: After years of training, she became a full-fledged pilot.17. Lethal: Able to cause death; deadly.: The snake’s bite can be lethal to humans.18. Verify: To check that something is true or correct.: The reporter must verify all facts before writing the article.19. Blown to Smithereens: Completely destroyed into very small pieces.: The old building was blown to smithereens by the explosion.

✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Original Link to Newscast: https://youtu.be/8wl3j-ayOJg?si=Vl7camJRGYaZuFeI1. Take My Chances: To try something even if it might not work.: I’ll take my chances and try out for the soccer team.2. You Don’t Mind: You are okay with something; it doesn’t bother you.: I hope you don’t mind if I sit here.3. Incredible: Very good or amazing.: The view from the mountain was incredible!4. Respect: To think someone or something is important and treat them well.: We should respect our teachers and classmates.5. Successful: Doing well; reaching your goals.: She worked hard and became a successful doctor.6. Fantastic: Very good or wonderful.: The food at that new restaurant tastes fantastic.7. Best Seat: The most comfortable or most desired place.: Reporters had the best seat to witness history being made at the trial.8. Roasting: Making jokes about someone in a funny way: My friends were roasting me for being late again. 9. GDP (Gross Domestic Product): The total value of everything a country makes in a year.: The United States has one of the largest GDPs in the world.10. Come Here: To move closer to where the speaker is.: Come here and look at this picture!11. Going Well: Happening in a good or successful way.: My English classes are going well this year.12. 20-Minute Notice: A warning or message given 20 minutes before something happens.: The doctor has to perform emergency surgery with only 20 minutes notice. 13. Complements: something that fits well with something else.: The blue shirt complements your eyes.14. Unique: One of a kind; special or different from others.: The snowflake has a unique shape that no other snowflake has.15. Assembled: Put together or gathered in one place.: The students assembled in the gym for the school meeting.: We assembled all the materials we needed for the science project.

✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Ceasefire: An agreement to stop fighting for a time.: The two sides agreed to a ceasefire after many days of war.🤝 Brokered: Arranged or helped to make an agreement.: The peace deal was brokered by the United Nations.🪖 Withdrawal: When soldiers or troops leave a place.: The army’s withdrawal from the city began last night.🧍‍♀️ Displaced: Forced to leave your home because of war or danger.: Thousands of people were displaced after the major rainstorm.🚶 Trek: A long and difficult journey on foot.: Families made a long trek back to their homes in Gaza City.🚪 Pulls Out: Leaves or stops being involved; withdrawal : The country pulls out its soldiers from the region.💬 Address : To speak to a group or nation.: The president will address the people about the new ceasefire.🕯️ Remains: What is left of a dead person’s body.: The remains of the victims were found under the building.⚰️ Deceased: Dead (formal).: The deceased were honored in a special ceremony.🧍‍♂️ Hostage: A person held by force during a conflict.: The group released the last hostages after the agreement.🏙️ Hostage Square: A public place where people gather to support or remember hostages.: Families waited at Hostage Square for news about their loved ones.💭 Perhaps: Maybe; not for sure.: Perhaps I will study my English today. Perhaps not. 🌙 Coincide: Happen at the same time.: The baseball game coincides with my meeting, so I will not be able to go.👀 Apparently: It seems like something is true.: Apparently, peace is coming to Gaza.👏 Crediting: Saying that someone deserves praise or thanks.: Many are crediting Egypt for helping to stop the fighting.🛡️ Securing: Making something safe or protected.: The guard was securing the building before going home for the night. 💬 Implied: Suggested something without saying it directly.: She didn’t say it directly, but she implied that she was angry.🕊️ Mediators: People who help two sides solve a problem peacefully.: The mediators worked for days to reach a deal.🌊 Coastal: Near the ocean or sea.: The coastal area is famous for its beaches and seafood.🔙 Head Back: To return to a place.: I forgot my phone, so I had to head back home to get it. 🧩 Pieces to the Puzzle: Parts that help explain or complete a situation.: The detective found the last piece to the puzzle and solved the case.🚑 Red Cross: An international organization that helps people in emergencies, such as wars or natural disasters.: The Red Cross is bringing medicine and food to Gaza.⏳ Phase: A stage or part of a process.: The baby is in a phase where she cries a lot before going to bed.🕊️ Resolution: The ending or solution to a problem or story.: The movie had a happy resolution when the families made peace.

✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. 🕊️ Vocabulary for B1 Students1. Handed Over – gave something or someone to another person or group.➡️ The soldiers were handed over to the other side after the peace deal.2. Underway – happening now; already started.➡️ Talks between the two countries are underway in the capital city.3. Sabotaging – trying to stop or damage something on purpose.➡️ She kept sabotaging her own success by showing up late to every interview.4. Summit – a meeting between leaders of countries.➡️ World leaders met at a summit to discuss climate change.5. Captives – people kept as prisoners, often during war.➡️ The captives were finally released after many months.6. Delaying – making something happen later than planned.➡️ The storm is delaying our flight, so we have to wait at the airport.7. Jubilation – great joy and happiness.➡️ There was jubilation in the streets after the team won the championship.8. Custody – being kept by the police or another authority.➡️ The suspect is now in police custody.9. Deal – an agreement between two or more sides.➡️ They made a deal to exchange prisoners for peace.10. Anxious – worried or nervous.➡️ She felt anxious before taking her driving test.11. Batch – a group of things or people that are handled together.➡️ A new batch of aid supplies arrived at the border.12. West Bank – a region in the Middle East that is part of the Israel–Palestine conflict.➡️ Many people live in the West Bank under difficult conditions.13. Reunited – brought back together after being apart.➡️ The families were reunited after the hostages were freed.14. Life Sentence – punishment of spending the rest of one’s life in prison.➡️ He received a life sentence for the crime.15. Occupied – controlled by another group or army.➡️ The city has been occupied by foreign troops for years.16. Emotional – full of strong feelings like sadness, happiness, or anger.➡️ The teacher was emotional when her students graduated.17. Swap – exchange one thing for another.➡️ The soccer players swapped jerseys after the game.18. Accused – said to have done something wrong or illegal.➡️ He was accused of stealing money from the company.