Thinking in English

Is the internet making people stupid? Is it making us less intelligent? Certainly the internet is changing the way we think, the way we learn, and the way we read. But is this necessarily a bad thing? In this episode of Thinking in English we’ll try to shed some light on these questions! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/04/26/71-is-the-internet-making-people-stupid-english-vocabulary-lesson/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - thinkinginenglishpod@gmail.com Vocabulary List Paradox (n) - a situation or statement that seems impossible or is difficult to understand because it contain two opposite facts or characteristics It is a paradox that drinking a lot of coffee when you are thirsty can often make you feel even more thirsty Interruption (n) - an occasion when someone or something stops something from happening for a short period I worked all morning without interruption To reprogram (v) - to program (a computer or something similar) again or differently The computers were reprogrammed to correct the error Critical (adj) - giving opinions or judgments He has written a long critical piece evaluating the exhibition. Comprehension (n) - the ability to understand completely and be familiar with a situation, fact, etc He has no comprehension of the problem Nutrition (n) - the substances that you take into your body as food and the way that they influence your health Good nutrition is essential if patients are to make a quick recovery Barbarism (n) - unpleasant behaviour He witnesses some appalling acts of barbarism during the war Protracted (adj) - lasting for a long time or made to last longer than necessary We had a protracted discussion last night --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Museums around the world have historical artefacts in their collections with controversial histories. Many of their exhibits were taken or stolen from places around the world. And now, the original owners want their history back! In this episode of Thinking in English we’ll explore the question “Should these museums return those artefacts?” TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/04/21/70-should-museums-return-historical-artefacts-english-vocabulary-list/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - thinkinginenglishpod@gmail.com Vocabulary List Exhibit (n) - an object that is shown to the public in a museum The museum has an amazing collection of exhibits Artefact (n) - an object that is made by person and is of historical interest The museum’s collection includes artefacts dating back to prehistoric times Colonialism (n) - control by one country over another and its economy It took years for the country to end colonialism and achieve independence To benefit (v) - to be helped by something I feel that i have benefited from her advice To demolish (v) - to completely destroy a building, especially in order to use the land for something else A number of houses were demolished so that the supermarkets could be built To reclaim (v) - to take back something that was yours I reclaimed my suitcase from the lost luggage office To confiscate (v) - to take a possession away from someone when you have the right to do so, usually as a punishment and often for a limited period, after which it is returned to the owner The teacher confiscated my phone To proclaim (v) - to announce something publicly or officially, especially something positive She was proclaimed Queen at the age of 13 Encyclopaedic (adj) - containing a lot of information Her knowledge of France is encyclopedic --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twelve of the biggest European football clubs have announced their intention to form their own competition, known as the Super League. This has become a major news story, and has been criticized by fans, players, football club owners, and politicians across Europe. So, in this episode of Thinking in English I will explain what a Super League is, why clubs want to join it, and why it is such a controversial topic! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/04/19/69-the-european-super-league-explained-english-vocabulary-lesson/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - thinkinginenglishpod@gmail.com Vocabulary List Fixture (n) - a day and time agreed for a sports event Next season’s fixtures will be published early next month To establish (v) - to start a company or organization that will continue for a long time The brewery was established in 1822 Unanimously (adv) - in a way that is agreed or supported by everyone in a group All four proposals were unanimously approved To qualify (v) - to succeed in getting into a competition Nigeria was the first team to qualify for the world cup Founding (adj) - involved in establishing or originating an institution or organization There are three founding members of our company Domestic (adj) - relating to a person’s own country Domestic opinion has turned against the war Broadcasting (n) - the activity or business of sending out programmes on television or radio Huge amounts of money are spent on sports broadcasting Theoretically (adv) - used to say what is possible, although it may not actually happen It is theoretically possible --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On April 12th the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began. Millions of Muslims around the world are now fasting, observing the religious holiday, and celebrating with friends and family. In this episode of Thinking in English, I want to answer some of the most common questions people have about Ramadan, and introduce you to some religious vocabulary! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/04/14/68-ramadan-2021-an-introduction-to-islams-holy-month-english-vocabulary-lesson/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - thinkinginenglishpod@gmail.com Vocabulary List To observe (v) - to obey a law, rule, or custom People must observe the law To fast (v) - to eat no food for a period of time One day a week he fasts for health reasons practicing (adj) - actively involved in a religion He is a practicing Christian, and goes to church every week Holy (adj) - related to a religion or a god The Quran is the holy book of Islam Sacred (adj) - considered to be holy and deserving respect, especially because of a connection with a god This area is sacred to Buddhists Pilgrimage (n) - a special journey made by a pilgrim Muslims try to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life Dawn (n) - the period in the day when light from the sun begins to appear in the sky I wake up before dawn every morning Crescent (n) - a curved shape, like the moon when it is less that half of a circle The moon was a brightly shining crescent --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, passed away. His death has dominated news reporting in the UK and abroad. Prince Philip was an influential and well known international figure for over 70 years, carrying out thousands of meetings and engagements for the British royal family and his own personal passions. In this special episode of Thinking in English, lets answer the question “Who was Prince Philip?" TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/04/12/67-who-was-prince-philip-english-vocabulary-lesson/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - thinkinginenglishpod@gmail.com Vocabulary List  Outpouring (n) - an expression of strong feeling that is difficult to control His death at the age of 35 has caused an outpouring of grief Condolence (n) - sympathy and sadness for the family or close friends of a person who has recently died, or an expression of this, especially in written form World leaders from all over the globe offered their condolences To banish (v) - to send someone away, especially from their country, and not allow them to come back He was banished to an uninhabited island for a year Prestigious (adj) - very much respected and admired, usually because of being important He studied at a prestigious university Gratitude  (n) - a strong feeling of appreciation to someone or something for what the person has done to help you She sent them a present to show her gratitude Amoeba (n) - a very small, simple living creature consisting of only one cell All life started as amoebas Sensitive (adj) - easily upset by the things people say or do, or causing people to be upset, embarrassed, or angry He was very sensitive about his appearance and thought everyone was staring at him phenomenally (adv) - extremely, especially in a way that is surprising Her first novel was phenomenally successful Engagement (n) - an arrangement to do something or meet someone at a particular time and place We have a dinner engagement Thursday --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is wrong with Israel’s politics? In the last two years, they have had four different elections. Each time no leader has been able to form a government, and no political parties have been willing to work together. Despite an election being held only a few weeks ago in March, it is already a possibility that a new election will need to be held in the summer. Let’s discuss some of the problems in Israeli politics, as well as practice using advanced political vocabulary! TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/04/07/66-what-is-wrong-with-israels-politics-english-vocabulary-lesson/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - thinkinginenglishpod@gmail.com Vocabulary List Informed (adj) - having a lot of knowledge or information about something I will keep you informed about my decision Coalition (n) - the joining together of different political parties or groups for a particular purpose, usually for a limited time, or a government that is formed in this way By forming a coalition, the rebels and the oppositions parties defeated the government Short-lived (adj) - lasting only for a brief time I had a few relationships at college, most of which were fairly short-lived To convert (v) - to cause something to change in form or character Could we convert the bedroom to an office Threshold (n) - the level or point at which something starts to happen He earns £200 a month, which is way below the threshold for paying tax To fall out (phrasal v) - to argue with someone and stop being friendly with them He left home after falling out with his parents Allegation (n) - a statement, made without giving proof, that someone has done something wrong or illegal The allegations of corruption were not true Autocratic (adj) - demanding that people obey completely, without asking or caring about anyone else's opinions The president resigned after 30 years of autocratic rule --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Thinking in English we will discuss the Milk Tea Alliance. Protestors and pro-democracy activists in South East Asia have begun to connect with each other online using the hashtag Milk Tea Alliance. What is this alliance, how did it start, and what does it involve? And why does it use the name “milk tea?” Hopefully by the end of this episode you will be able to answer some, or all, of these questions! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/04/05/65-what-is-the-milk-tea-alliance-english-vocabulary-lesson/ Similar Episodes! Myanmar Coup - http://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/02/03/48-myanmar-military-coup-what-is-happening-and-why-english-vocabulary-lesson/ Democracy Rankings - http://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/03/08/57-is-democracy-dying-freedom-house-2021-report-english-vocabulary-lesson/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - thinkinginenglishpod@gmail.com Vocabulary List Viral (adj) - spreading or becoming popular very quickly on the internet He seems different since he went viral on Tik Tok Alliance (n) - a group of people or countries who have agreed to work together because of shared interests or aims In the USA, religious groups and conservative political parties have formed an alliance Prominent (adj) - very well known and important He is a prominent member of the royal family To advocate (v) - to publicly support or suggest an idea, development, or way of doing something The organisation advocates for human rights Neat (adj) - a drink without anything added to it She likes her whisky neat, with no ice or water To distinguish (v) - to notice or understand the different between two things, or to make one person or thing seem different from another I’m colour blind and can’t distinguish between red and green easily Boycott (v) - to refuse to buy a product or take part in an activity as a way of expressing strong disapproval People in China have boycotted H&M's products Nationalism (n) - a great, or too great, love for your own country Nationalism has been spreading through Europe recently --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the final Sunday of March, the UK and many other European countries adjust their time forward by one hour. This is known as Daylight Savings Time, or Summer time, and is designed to give people more hours of sunlight during the summer months. In this episode of Thinking in English we will look at the history and rationale for DST, before discussing whether or not we really need it in 2021! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/04/01/64-daylight-savings-time-why-do-we-change-our-time-in-the-summer-english-vocabulary-lesson/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - thinkinginenglishpod@gmail.com Vocabulary List To skip (v) - to leave one thing or place, especially quickly, in order to go to another This part of the book isn’t very interesting, so I’m going to skip it To switch (v) - to change suddenly or completely, especially from one thing to another, or to exchange by replacing one person or thing with another She started studying English, but switched to History in her second year Equator (n) - an imaginary line drawn around the middle of the earth unequal distance from the North Pole and the South pole Indonesia lies on the equator Industrialised (adj) - Used to describe a country, economy, area, etc. that has many businesses and factories involved in producing goods Even in the industrialised world illiteracy is a problem Agricultural (adj) - used for farming or relating to farming The country’s economy is mainly agricultural Consistent (adj) - always behaving or happening in a similar way Her work is sometimes good, but the problem is she’s not consistent To adjust (v) - to change something slightly, especially to make it more correct, effective or suitable If the chair is too high you can adjust it to suit you Rationale (n) - the reasons or intentions that cause a particular set of beliefs or actions I don’t understand the rationale for these restrictions Deprived (adj) - not having the things that are necessary for a pleasant life, such as enough money, food, or good living conditions As I work at night, I am often sleep deprived --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

North Korea has recently restarted missile tests, worrying neighbouring countries and international organisations. Why have they decided to do this now? This episode will look at a few different explanations for North Korea’s missile tests, as well as discussing the country's weapons programme in general! TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/03/29/63-north-korean-missile-tests-explained-english-vocabulary-lesson/ Myanmar Coup - http://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/02/03/48-myanmar-military-coup-what-is-happening-and-why-english-vocabulary-lesson/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - thinkinginenglishpod@gmail.com Vocabulary List Tumultuous (adj) - full of confusion, change, or uncertainty After the tumultuous events of 1990, Europe was completely changed Totalitarian (adj) - being a political system in which those in power have complete control and do not allow people freedom to oppose them North Korea may be a totalitarian regime To violate (v) - to break or act against something, especially a law, agreement, principle, or something that should be treated with respect They were charged with violating federal law Provocative (adj) - causing an angry reaction, usually intentionally In a deliberately provocative speech, she criticized the whole system of government To unveil (v) - to make something secret known The president’s new policy was unveiled at the press conference To prohibit (v) - to officially refuse to allow something Motor vehicles are prohibited from driving in the town centre Escalating (adj) - increasing in price, amount, rate, etc. The price of oil is escalating Stalemate (n) - a situation in which neither group involved in an argument can win or get an advantage and no action can be taken Despite long discussions, the workers and the management remain locked in stalemate Sanction (n) - an official order, such as the stopping of trade, that is taken against  a country in order to make it obey international law Economic sanctions will only be lifted when the aggressive nation withdraws its troops --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The plural of bird is birds, the plural of dog is dogs, but what is the plural of octopus? Is it octopuses, octopi, or octopodes? In this episode, we’ll discuss why no one seems to know the answer to this question, and look at the strange and confusing world of English plurals! Transcript -  https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2021/03/24/62-octopuses-vs-octopi-vs-octopodes-the-strange-world-of-english-plurals/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - thinkinginenglishpod@gmail.com Vocabulary List --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices