American English With Brent

The terrible fire that hit a tall building in Hong Kong yesterday is a huge disaster.. In this English lesson, we will first watch the newscast and talk about the search for many people who are still missing, and look at serious concerns about the materials used to fix the building. Over 20 new terms you can use in your next English conversation. ✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code BlackFriday for 20% off until December 1, 2025. Bonus English: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/usbrent/subscribe📺 Link to Newscast: https://youtu.be/nRvJ2LmTMvs?si=D9UdkGJI0R181XOTVocabulary List: News Report Terms1. Massive : Very, very big; huge. : The ship was massive compared to the small fishing boat.2. Residential : An area or building where people live (not for work or factories). : We live in a quiet, residential neighborhood with many families.3. High-Rise : A very tall building with many floors. : She lives on the 20th floor of a high-rise apartment building.4. Complex : A group of buildings that are used for a specific purpose. : The university has a new sports complex with a gym and a pool.5. Stands : To remain in a place; to stay standing and not fall. : Her best time to run a marathon still stands at four hours and 25 minutes.6. Executives : The top managers or bosses in a company. : The company executives met to make important decisions about money.7. Suspicion : A feeling that something is true or wrong, even without proof. : The police have a suspicion that the fire was started on purpose.8. Manslaughter : The crime of killing a person by accident or without planning to do it. : The driver was charged with manslaughter after the accidental crash.9. Inferno : A very large and dangerous fire that is out of control. : It took firefighters two days to stop the inferno in the forest.10. Gross Negligence : Being extremely careless; not paying attention to safety rules at all. : The company was sued for gross negligence because they ignored the safety warnings.11. Densely Populated : When many people live closely together in one area. : Bangladesh is a densely populated country; it is very crowded.12. Struggling : Trying very hard to do something that is difficult. : The student is struggling to understand the difficult math problem.: We could say that the math problem is very complex, or confusing.13. Charred : Burnt until it is black on the outside. : We left the pizza in the oven too long and the crust was charred.14. Scores : A large number of things or people. : Scores of people waited in line to buy tickets for the concert.15. Confirmed : To say that something is definitely true or correct. : The doctor confirmed that her leg was broken.16. Decades : Periods of time measuring 10 years (e.g., 20 years = 2 decades). : They have been best friends for three decades.17. Scaffolding : A temporary metal structure on the outside of a building used by workers to fix it. : The building is covered in scaffolding while they paint the outside walls.18. Bursting : Breaking open suddenly; or being very full. : Her suitcase was bursting because she packed too many clothes.19. Stunned : Very shocked or surprised; unable to react. : We were stunned into silence when we heard the bad news.

✅ 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/joinThanksgiving1. Turkey Day: A nickname for Thanksgiving. : Many people call Thanksgiving Turkey Day.2. Stuffing/ Dressing: Bread mixed with seasoning, cooked inside or outside the turkey. : My family makes delicious stuffing every year.2.5. I’m Stuffed: I ate so much food that I now feel very full.: After three plates of turkey and mashed potatoes, I’m stuffed.3. Leftovers: Food that is not eaten and saved for later. : We ate leftovers for two days after Thanksgiving.4. Feast: A very large meal. : My family prepares a big feast on Thanksgiving.5. Gravy: A thick sauce made from the turkey juices. : I put gravy on my mashed potatoes.6. Give Thanks: To say or think about what you are thankful for. : At dinner, we give thanks to have our family at the table and healthy.8. Black Friday: The big shopping day the day after Thanksgiving. : Many people go shopping on Black Friday.10. Pass the…: A phrase used at the dinner table to ask for food. : “Can you pass the mashed potatoes, please?”13. The Kids’ Table: A separate table where children sit during Thanksgiving dinner. : When I was young, I sat at the kids’ table every year.14. Gobble Gobble: The sound people say a turkey makes (a fun phrase). : The little kids laughed and said gobble gobble at the turkey picture.16. Holiday Traffic: Heavy car traffic during holiday travel. : We left early to avoid holiday traffic.17. Host / Hosting: The person who invites everyone to their home. : My aunt is hosting Thanksgiving this year.18. Potluck: A meal where each person brings a dish. : Our school has a Thanksgiving potluck with food from many countries.19. Seconds: A second serving of food (another plate). : The turkey was so good that I went back for seconds.20. Food Coma : Feeling very sleepy after eating too much food. : After dinner, everyone sat on the couch in a food coma.21. American Football: A popular U.S. sport played on Thanksgiving, where two teams run, throw, and kick an oval-shaped ball.: Many families watch American football together on Thanksgiving Day.22. Macy’s Parade: A famous Thanksgiving parade in New York City with balloons, music, and floats.: Many people watch Macy’s Parade on TV every Thanksgiving morning.29. Carve the TurkeyMeaning: To cut the cooked turkey into slices. Sentence: My uncle always carves the turkey at Thanksgiving.30. Set the Table: The plates, cups, and utensils arranged for the dinner.: The kids helped set the table before the meal.

The United States and Venezuela are facing growing tension in the Caribbean, especially as drug-smuggling boats lead to more military activity. In this lesson, you’ll learn 25 important vocabulary words that explain what’s happening—and help you understand English news more easily.✅ 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/1bu1G5RFvFU?si=MPkUXN-iN3oYbKU4 1. Buildup: a slow increase of something : There was a buildup of soldiers near the border. 2. Tensions: stress or bad feelings between groups or countries : Tensions grew between the U.S. and China over trade. 3. USS Gerald Ford: a very large U.S. Navy ship used for aircraft and military operations : The USS Gerald Ford sailed into the area for training. 4. Conducting: doing or carrying out an activity : The military is conducting training this week. 5. Joint Exercises: training done together by two or more countries : The U.S. and Trinidad are doing joint exercises. 6. Trinidad & Tobago: an island country in the Caribbean made of two main islands : The cruise ship arrived near Trinidad & Tobago. 7. Puerto Rico: a U.S. territory in the Caribbean : Many ships travel between Puerto Rico and nearby islands. 8. Specifically: in a detailed or exact way : They were looking specifically for a man in the crowd with a red jacket. 9. Essentially: basically; in simple terms : The whole movie is essentially about a magical quest. 10. Reaper Drones: unmanned aircraft used for watching or attacking targets : Reaper drones flew over the ocean to look for threats. 11. Hellfire Missiles: powerful missiles carried by drones or helicopters : The drone was armed with Hellfire missiles. 12. Suspected: thought to be guilty without proof yet : The boat was suspected of carrying drugs. 13. Smuggling: secretly moving illegal items from one place to another : The teenagers tried smuggling candy into the theater because the theater’s candy was too expensive. 14. Frequency: how often something happens : The frequency of buses on weekends is much slower. 15. Intensity: how strong or serious something is : The sun’s intensity was too strong, so I had to put on my sunglasses.: The movie’s intensity kept the students on the edge of their seats. 16. Particular: specific; one exact thing : I don’t want any candy; I want this particular one.: They chose that particular restaurant because it was quiet. 17. Naval: related to a country’s navy : There were many naval ships in the area. 18. Navel: the small round spot on your stomach (belly button) : He put sunscreen on his navel at the beach. 19. Destroyers: fast, powerful navy ships used for defense : Two destroyers were being built in a nearby naval shipyard. 20. Submarine: a special ship that can travel underwater : The submarine moved silently under the ocean. 21. Postured: positioned or arranged to show strength or readiness : The military postured its ships near the area to show it was ready. 22. Get Rid Of: to remove something; to throw something away : They want to get rid of old, broken equipment. 23. He’s In: he has decided to join or agree to something : We asked him to help us move this weekend, and he said, “I’m in.” 24. Vulnerable: easily hurt or in danger : Without warm clothes, we were vulnerable to the cold weather. 25. Antagonizing: making someone angry on purpose : He kept antagonizing the other group by shouting at them.

I had an interesting Airbnb experience in Montreal, and it taught me a lot of useful English phrases. I want to share them with you so you can use them on your next trip.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off.

In this lesson, I explain the viral news about President Trump’s rumored $2000 giveaway and what’s really going on. You’ll also learn useful English vocabulary from the story like pledge, low income, and double down.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. 📺 Link to Newscast: https://youtu.be/p-k3kNewOto?si=aSx2qPs9LxQtDvwv1. Doubling Down: To continue doing something strongly, even after problems or criticism. : He doubled down on his diet after seeing how much weight he had gained.2. Pledge: A serious promise to do something. : He pledged to his family that he would stop smoking and live a healthier life.3. Low Income: Earning little money, not enough for many basic needs. : Many low-income families receive help to pay for food and housing.4. Middle Income: Earning a moderate amount of money — not poor, not rich. : Middle-income families often work hard to pay for their homes and children’s education.5. High Income: Earning a lot of money. : Doctors and engineers are often in the high-income group.6. Dividends: Money paid to people who own shares in a company. : Her smart investments paid off, and the dividends helped her retire early.7. Tariff: A tax on goods brought into a country. : The U.S. placed a tariff on steel from other countries.8. Revenue: The total money a government or business earns. : Tourism brings a lot of revenue to the country each year.9. Stimulus Check: Money the government gives to people to help the economy during hard times. : Many Americans used their stimulus checks to buy food and pay rent.10. A Share: A small part of a company that someone can own. : Owning a share means you own a small part of a company.11. Congress: The part of the U.S. government that makes laws. : Congress voted to pass a new education bill.12. Inflation: When prices go up and money buys less than before. : Because of inflation, food and gas are more expensive this year.13. Debt: Money that you owe to someone. : The country has a lot of debt after years of borrowing money.14. Go Crazy: To become very excited, angry, or out of control. : Fans went crazy when the singer walked on stage.15. Deficit: When you spend more money than you have. : The government had a budget deficit after spending too much on the military.16. Surge: A sudden, strong increase.: She felt a surge of fear when the dog barked loudly. : There was a surge in gas prices after the war started.17. Surplus: When there is more of something than needed. : The farm had a surplus of corn after a good harvest.

I filmed today’s lesson at The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli in Columbia, South Carolina—one of the most famous places for huge, homemade cinnamon buns. In this video, you’ll learn how to order breakfast in simple, natural English just like people do in the United States.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off.

Every year on November 11, people in the United States celebrate Veterans Day to honor those who served in the military. In this lesson, you’ll learn the history, traditions, and important English words used to talk about this national holiday.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Veteran – Someone who served in the military. : My grandfather is a veteran who served in the Army.Military – The armed forces of a country. : The military protects the country.Serve – To work for your country, especially in the military. : Many men and women serve in the U.S. military.Honor – To show respect and thanks. : We honor our veterans for their bravery.Sacrifice – Giving up something important to help others. : Veterans made many sacrifices like leaving their families to keep us safe.Ceremony – A special event to remember or celebrate something. : There was a Veterans Day ceremony at the park.Memorial – A place built to remember someone or something important. : We visited the war memorial to lay flowers.Freedom – The right to live and speak freely. : Veterans helped protect our freedom.Parade – A public celebration with marching bands and flags. : The Veterans Day parade went through the city streets.Courage – Being brave even when it’s hard or scary. : Soldiers show great courage during war.

In this English lesson, you will learn terms that you might see on the IELTS or TOEFL exam. Together, we will watch a news clip that uses some very advanced terms.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Click for bonus English: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/usbrent/subscribe🦱 Want a hair transplant? Use Brent10 for 10% off: +90 538 545 34 42 on WhatsApp1. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration): The government agency that controls and oversees all air travel and safety in the United States. : The FAA makes sure airplanes fly safely in the sky.2. Bracing: Preparing yourself for something difficult or unpleasant. : She took a deep breath, bracing herself for bad news.3. Cancellations: The act of stopping or calling off something that was planned. : There were many flight cancellations because of the storm.4. Delays: When something happens later than expected. : Our flight had a two-hour delay.5. Sole: Only; not shared with others. : She was the sole passenger on the small plane.6. In the Coming Days: During the next few days; soon. : The weather will get colder in the coming days.7. Lead To: To cause something to happen. : Bad weather can lead to flight delays.: Improving your English can lead to a better job. 8. Systematic Way: A method that is organized and follows clear steps. : The TSA checks bags in a systematic way to keep everyone safe.9. Obtaining: Getting or gaining something, especially through effort. : He is obtaining his pilot’s license this year.10. Air Traffic Controllers: People who manage airplane takeoffs and landings to keep flights safe. : Air traffic controllers guide pilots through bad weather.11. Staffing Shortages: When there are not enough workers to do the needed jobs. : Staffing shortages at airports cause long lines.12. TSA (Transportation Security Administration): The U.S. government agency that checks passengers and luggage before flights. : The TSA makes sure no dangerous items are brought onto airplanes.13. Checkpoints: Places where security officers check passengers or vehicles. : We went through two TSA checkpoints before boarding the plane.14. Strain: Pressure or stress that makes something or someone work too hard. : The rope began to strain under the heavy weight.: Don’t lift that heavy box — you might strain your back.15. Exponentially: Increasing very fast; growing more and more quickly. : Her English skills are improving exponentially because she studies every day.: Gas prices rose exponentially last summer.16. Exhausted: Very tired; having no energy left. : After waiting all night for her flight, she felt exhausted.17. Compromise: An agreement where each side gives up something to solve a problem. : They made a compromise so that both teams could use the field.

Sound is everywhere — from a door slamming to thunder rolling across the sky. In this lesson, you’ll learn English words and expressions to describe all kinds of noises, from quiet buzzes to deafening booms.✅ 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/joinBang – A sudden, loud noise. The window closed with a loud bang during the storm.Boom – A deep, loud sound. We heard a big boom when the fireworks started.Crash – A loud breaking sound. The plates fell off the shelf and made a crash.Clang – A loud metal sound. The metal gate closed with a clang.Rattle – A fast shaking sound. The keys rattled in her pocket as she walked.Thud – A heavy, dull sound. The basketball hit the floor with a thud.Pop – A small, sharp sound. The balloon suddenly went pop at the party.Slam – To close loudly. He slammed the door because he was angry.Buzz – A humming sound. A fly buzzed around my head all morning.Whistle – A high, shrill sound. The referee whistled to stop the game.Shout – To speak very loudly. She had to shout so her friend could hear over the music.Yell – Another word for shout. The coach yelled instructions to the team.Cheer – Loud happy shouting. The fans cheered when their team scored a goal.Applause – Clapping hands loudly. The singer smiled as the crowd’s applause grew louder.Chant – Repeated singing or shouting. The protesters chanted for change in the city square.Belt out – To sing with power. He loves to belt out songs in the shower.Blare – Music played very loudly. Music blared from the speakers at the party.Blast – To play sound very loud. They blasted rock music while cleaning the garage.“Have a blast” is another way to say you are having fun.Roar (crowd) – A deep, loud noise from many people. The stadium roared when the team won.Echo – A sound that repeats. Her voice echoed in the empty hall.Engine – The loud part of a car. The car’s engine made a loud noise when it started.Horn – Car warning sound. The driver honked the horn to warn the cyclist.Siren – Emergency alarm. An ambulance siren wailed down the street.Alarm – A warning sound. The smoke alarm rang in the kitchen.Jackhammer – A loud tool. The jackhammer outside kept everyone awake.Drill – A loud machine for holes. The worker used a drill to fix the wall.Chainsaw – A very loud cutting tool. A chainsaw buzzed as they cut the tree.Thunder – Loud noise in a storm. Thunder rolled across the sky before the rain.Fireworks – Exploding lights with loud sounds. Loud fireworks lit up the night sky.Jet – A loud airplane. A jet flew overhead and made a roaring sound.Bark – A dog’s loud sound. The dog barked at the stranger.Howl – A long, loud cry. Wolves howled under the full moon.Roar (animal) – A lion’s deep sound. The lion’s roar could be heard far away.Squawk – A bird’s harsh cry. The parrot squawked when it wanted food.Deafening – So loud it hurts. The concert was so deafening I needed earplugs.Bustling – Busy and noisy. The bustling market was full of people and sounds.Thundering – Very loud, like thunder. The runner entered the stadium to thundering applause.Chaotic – Very noisy and disorganized. The classroom felt chaotic when everyone started talking.

Even More English: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/usbrent/subscribeMillions of Americans are struggling to eat as the government shutdown drags on. In this English lesson, you’ll learn emotional phrasal verbs and key vocabulary you’ll need for the TOEFL and IELTS while understanding how this crisis affects real families.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Link 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.