Thinking in English

On today’s episode I want to discuss the idea of Universal Basic Income. This is a highly debated and controversial topic, with strong arguments on both sides! Would providing all residents or citizens of a country with small amounts of money on a regular basis improve people's lives? Or is it an Expensive Waste of Money? Or are there better methods? We’ll address these questions and more in this episode of Thinking in English Transcript! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/11/12/20-what-is-universal-basic-income-a-good-idea-or-an-expensive-waste-of-money/ Contact Us!!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - [email protected] Vocabulary List unprecedented (adj) - never having happened or existed in the past Unemployment has reached an unprecedented level To adapt (v) - to change, or to change something, to suit different conditions or uses Sometimes we have to adapt the design to suit the customers requirements unconditionally (adj) - in a way that is complete and not limited in any way He thanked his mother for being unconditionally supportive Automation (n) - the use of machines and computers that can operate without needing human control Automation will reduce the need for a large, highly skilled workforce Detractor (n) - someone who criticizes something or someone, often unfairly His detractors claim that his personality makes him unsuitable for leadership Proponent (n) - a person who speaks publicly in support of a particular idea or plan of action He is one of the leading proponents of capital punishments To attribute (v) - to say or think that something is the result of a particular thing Her success can be attributed to three main factors Implementation (n) - the act of starting to use a plan or system There will be a delay in implementation of the new regulations To exacerbate (v) - to make something that is already bad even worse This attack will exacerbate the already tense relationship between the two communities To empower (v) - to give someone official or legal authority, or the freedom or confidence to do something We empower our sales staff to make decisions without always having to consult their boss Comprehension Questions Q. The Namibian UBI trial gave 1000 people how much money? A. 100 Namibian dollars every month Q. What did research by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Finland, France, Italy, and the UK conclude? A. It “would not prove to be an effective tool for reducing poverty.” Q. Why did the Swiss government oppose UBI? A.They believe it would encourage fewer people to work and exacerbate the labour and skills shortages. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode I want to introduce you to eight incredibly useful business English idioms! These idioms will make you sound like a native speaker in no time! Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/11/11/19-eight-useful-business-english-idioms/ Contact Us!!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - [email protected] Vocabulary List crucial (adj) - extremely important or necessary Her work has been crucial to the project’s success To appreciate (v) - to recognize how good someone or something is and to value him, her, or it There’s no point buying him expensive wines - he doesn’t appreciate them Norm (n) - an accepted standard or a way of behaving or doing things that most people agree with Europe has a variety of cultural, political and ethical norms Auditor (n) - someone whose job is to carry out an official examination of the accounts of a business and to produce a report The external auditors come in once a year Engage in small talk (idiom) - to chat with someone about simple topics such as the weather or one’s career If you think that girl is pretty, why don’t you go over and engage in small talk? To arise (v) - to happen If any complications arise, let me know and i’ll help Idioms covered Big picture By the book Get down to business Hands are tied Learn the ropes On the same page See eye to eye Touch base --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we will look at democracy. What is democracy? What does democracy look like? Is democracy the best type of government? Transcript! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/11/08/18-what-is-democracy-english-vocabulary-lesson/ Contact Us!!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - [email protected] VOCABULARY LIST Under the spotlight (idiom) - if someone or something is under the spotlight, they are thoroughly examined, especially by journalists and the public The new tax law has put his earnings under the spotlight ultimate (adj) - most important My managers will make the ultimate decision about who to employ Feasible (adj) - able to made, done, or achieved With some extra resources, the project will be feasible contemporary (adj) - existing or happening now I don’t like contemporary art To govern (v) - to control and direct the public business of a country, city, group of people etc The country is governed by a military regime Assembly (n) - the process of coming together, or the state of being together The constitution protects freedom of assembly To incorporate (v) - to include something as part of something larger This car incorporates several new safety features judicial (adj) - relating to or done by courts or judges or the legal system The supreme court is the judicial branch of the government consolidated (adj) - made stronger and more certain His power was consolidated after his reelection legitimacy (n) - the quality of being legal, reasonable and acceptable The lawyers expressed serious doubts about the legitimacy of military action Comprehension Questions Q.Where did democracy start? A.Ancient Greece Q.Who is one of my favorite philosophers? A.Rousseau Q.Who said “democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others”? A.WInston Churchill --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, I want to introduce you to a traditional British festival and celebration that you probably haven't heard of before! Bonfire Night, held on November 5th every year, is a day when we set off fireworks, light fires, and so on! However, it is the history connected to religious disagreements and failed terrorist plots that is the most interesting part! Transcript here!!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/11/06/bonfire-night-a-unique-british-festival-with-an-explosive-history/ Contact us! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog: thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail: [email protected] VOCABULARY LIST ubiquitous (adj) - seeming to be everywhere Many languages are under threat from the ubiquitous spread of English To repress (v) - to control what people do, and prevent feelings, desires, or ideas from being expressed The government repressed all reports from the region unified (adj) - brought together, combined, or united The politicians find themselves unusually unified on this policy To persecute (v) - to treat someone unfairly or cruelly over a long period of time because of their race, religion, or political beliefs Religious minorities were persecuted during his regime The establishment (n) - the important and powerful people who control a country or an organization, especially those who support the existing situation Critics said judges were on the side of the establishment uprising (n) - an act of opposition, sometimes using violence, by many people in one area of a country against those who are in power There was a popular uprising in the capital Conspirator (n) - a person who plans secretly with other people to do something bad, illegal, or against someone's wishes He was a conspirator in the revolution To smuggle (v) - to take things or people to or from a place secretly and often illegally She was caught trying to smuggle 26 kilos of heroin out of the country elaborate (adj) - containing a lot of careful detail or many detailed parts They are making elaborate preparations for the wedding Tyranny (n) - government by a ruler or small group of people who have unlimited power over the people in their country or state and use it unfairly or cruelly COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS Q.When is Bonfire Night? A.5th November Q. How is bonfire night celebrated in the UK? A.Fireworks, Bonfires, burning models, eating toffee apples! Q.Where did the gunpowder plot conspirators plan to blow up? A.House of Lords (Parliament) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we will discuss the question should euthanasia or assisted suicide be legal? With New Zealand recently voting in support of an euthanasia law, we will look at some of the arguments and debates surrounding the issue! Transcript!! - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/11/04/16-should-we-have-the-right-to-die/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod GMAIL: [email protected] BLOG: thinkinginenglish.blog VOCABULARY LIST referendum (n) - a vote in which all the people in a country or area are asked to give their opinion about or decide an important political or social question A nationwide referendum will be held to decide the issue deliberately (adv) - intentionally; on purpose He did it deliberately to annoy me To relieve (v) - to make an unpleasant feeling, such as pain or worry, less strong She was give painkillers to relieve the pain Suffering (n) - physical or mental pain that a person or animal is feeling War causes widespread human suffering terminal (of a disease or illness) (adj) - leading to gradual death She has terminal cancer Compassionate (adj) - showing a strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for the suffering or bad luck of others and a wish to help them The public’s response to the crisis appeal was generous and compassionate dignity (n) - calm, serious, and controlled behaviour that makes people respect you I think everyone should be able to die with dignity Burden (n) - something difficult or unpleasant that you have to deal with or worry about My elderly mother worries that she is a burden to me Physician (n) - a medical doctor, especially one who has general skill and is not a surgeon My brother is a physician incompatible (adj) - not able to exist or work with another person or thing because of basic differences Maintaining high quality is incompatible with increasing output Comprehension Questions Q.What country voted in support of euthanasia recently? A.New Zealand Q.What is the euthanasia law called in that country? A.End of Life Choice Act Q.is the American Medical Association for or against euthanasia? A.Against --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, the final episode in this series on US election vocabulary, we will look at the Election Day. Who can vote? Where do they vote? How do they voter? When will the results be announced? When will the winner become president? These questions, and the vocabulary connected to them, will be answered in today's episode of Thinking in English! If you haven’t already, make sure you listen to episodes 6, 9, and 12 for even more political vocabulary!! FULL TRANSCRIPT: https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/11/01/15-election-day-vocabulary/ INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod BLOG: thinkinginenglish.blog EMAIL: [email protected] VOCABULARY LIST To go to the polls (v) - to vote The USA will go to the polls on November 3rd To cast (v) - to vote All the votes in the election have now been cast and counting has begun absentee (n) - someone who is absent If you can’t vote on election day, you can vote using an absentee ballot intimidation (n) - the action of frightening or threatening someone, usually in order to persuade them to do something that you want them to do As the election approaches, it will be difficult to prevent voter intimidation and fraud invalidation (n) - the action of stopping a document, ticket, law, etc. from being legal or officially acceptable Voting fraud led to the invalidation of the election To tamper (v) - to make changes to something that you should not, usually without enough knowledge of how it works or when you are trying to damage it I could see immediately that the lock had been tampered with suppression (n) -the act of preventing something from being seen or expressed or from operating The suppression of free speech electorate (n) - all the people who are allowed to vote The electorate chose Barack Obama as the next President of the USA surge (n) - a sudden and great increase There has been a surge in house prices recently --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we will look at the spookiest holiday in the western world. What are the origins of Halloween? Why do we dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, and trick or treat? All of these questions, and more, will be discussed on this episode of Thinking in English! FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/10/30/14-what-is-halloween/ Contact us! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Gmail: [email protected] Blog: thinkinginenglish.blog VOCABULARY LIST Clad (adj) - (of people) dressed, or (of things) covered A strange figure appeared in the doorway, clad in white Garment (n) - a piece of clothing He’s fussy about how his garments fit To sacrifice (v) - to kill an animal or person and offer them to a god or gods They sacrificed a sheep to their god Sacrifice (n) - the animal or thing that is offered/sacrificed The people offered a sheep as a sacrifice To dress up (phrasal v) - to put on special clothes in order to change your appearance He dressed up as a cowboy for the party To celebrate (v) - to take part in special enjoyable activities in order to show that a particular occasion is important We always celebrate our wedding anniversary by going out to dinner Bonfire (n) - a large fire that is made outside to burn unwanted things, or for pleasure We built a bonfire on the beach To land (v) - to arrive on land from the sea or air We should land at Paris Airport in 15 minutes Roots (plural n) - origins This city can trace its roots back to roman times COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS When is Halloween? 31st October Which ancient festival was the origin of Halloween? Samhain How much do Americans spend on Halloween annually? $6billion --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE! https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/10/27/13-local-citizenship/ On today’s episode, we will discuss the idea of Local citizenship! When national governments can’t, or don’t want to, deal with immigrant populations, it falls to local governments and decision makers to make proactive policies! CONTACT US INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog: thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail: [email protected] VOCABULARY To be concentrated (passive v) - to bring or come together in a large number or amount in one particular area Most of the country’s population is concentrated in the north To delegate (v) - to give a particular job, duty, right, etc. to someone else so that they do it for you As a boss you have to delegate responsibilities to your staff To devolve (v) - to cause power or responsibility to be given to other people To be a good manager, you must know how to devolve responsibility downwards vague (adj) - not clearly expressed, known, described, or decided I do have a vague memory of meeting her many years ago Decision-maker (n) - a person who decides things, especially at a high level in an organisation She faces long hours and extreme pressure in her position as the top decision-maker in the company Proactive (adj) - taking action by causing change and not only reacting to change when it happens Companies are going to have to be more proactive about environmental management fortunate (adj) - lucky You’re very fortunate to have found such a nice house supplementary (adj) - added to something else in order to improve it or complete it Teachers often create supplementary materials for their classes To contradict (v) - to say the opposite of what someone else has said, or to be so different from another fact or statement that one of them must be wrong COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS Q. What are some of the social and economic problems caused by ignoring immigrant issues? A.Poverty, dissatisfaction, racism, and crime are just a few Q. Where did I used to live? A.Japan Q. True or false? Former Prime Minister Shizo Abe said “Japan is an immigrant country” A.False --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FULL TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/10/25/12-even-more-us-political-vocabulary-english-vocabulary-lesson/ On today’s episode, we will continue our series of episodes focusing on vocabulary to help you understand the US election! With less than two weeks left, there is no better time to learn some new political words! Contact us! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog: thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail: [email protected] VOCABULARY To compromise (v) - to accept that you will reduce your demands or change your opinion in order to reach an agreement with someone Well, you want $400 and i say $300, so lets compromise on $350 Psychological (adj) - relating to the human mind and feelings We are concerned with the physical and psychological well-being of our employees uncompromisingly (adv) - in a way that is fixed and not changing, even when this may cause difficulties She was uncompromisingly hostile to him To drift (v) - to move slowly, especially as a result of outside forces, with no control over direction No one notices that the boat had begun to drift out to sea irrelevant (adj) - not related to what is being discussed or considered and therefore not important These documents are largely irrelevant to the present investigation To bear (v) - to have or continue to have something The stone plaque bearing his name was smashed to pieces interpretation (n) - an explanation or opinion of what something means The rules are vague and open to interpretation To opt (v) - to make a choice, especially of one thing or possibly instead of others Mike opted for early retirement To funnel (v) - to send something directly and intentionally No one knows who has been funneling weapons to the rebels --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE!! https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/10/23/11-tea-over-sea-and-cha-over-land-the-history-of-tea-colonialism-and-globalisation/ On today’s episode, we will look at the history of word tea. With few exceptions, there are only 2 words for tea around the world. How did this happen? How is it connected to globalisation and colonialism? Contact us! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Gmail: [email protected] Blog: thinkinginenglish.blog Vocabulary List beverage (n) - a drink of any type. Hot beverages include tea, coffee, and hot chocolate puzzling (adj) - difficult to explain or understand Interstellar is a rather puzzling film Colonialism (n) - control by one country over another and its economy, or support for such control The impact of colonialism is still felt throughout Africa Globalisation (n) - the development of closer economic, cultural, and political relations among all the countries of the world as a result of travel and communication becoming easy Optimists say globalisation means more cultural choices for everyone Dialect (n) - a form of language that people speak in a particular part of a country, containing some different words and grammar The poem is written in a northern dialect Coastal (adj) - positioned on, or relating to the coast In the UK, coastal towns are very busy in summer Approximately (adv) - close to a particular number or time although not exactly that number or time The job will take approximately three weeks, and cost approximately £1,000 COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS Q. What is the name of the ancient trade route between China and the Middle East? A.The Silk Road Q. What country spread the word tea around the world? A.The Netherlands (Dutch people) Q.Where did Portugal trade from in Asia? A. Macao --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/10/21/10-giant-cat-unearthed-in-the-peruvian-desert/ On today’s episode, we will look at the new discovery of a giant cat carved into the hills of Peru. The Nazca lines are one of the most impressive and mysterious ancient sites, with an unknown history and complicated design! Contact us! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Gmail: [email protected] Blog: thinkinginenglish.blog VOCABULARY LIST To unearth (v) - to discover something in the ground Building at the site was halted after human remains were unearthed earlier this month To depict (v) - to represent or show something in a picture or story The cave paintings depict a variety of human, bird and mythological figures and patterns To etch (v) - to cut a pattern, picture, etc., in a surface Rory ordered a baseball bat with his own name etched in the wood Feline (n) - a member of the cat family A wildlife park with tigers and various other felines Erosion (n) - the fact of soil, stone, etc. being gradually damaged and removed by the waves, rain, or wind Coastal erosion caused the cliff to collapse fertile (adj) - fertile land can produce large number of good quality crops In order to turn the deserts into fertile and productive land, engineers built a 800-mile canal speculation (n) - the activity of guessing possible answers to a question without having enough information to be certain News of the president’s illness fuelled speculation that an election will be held later in the year Ritual (n) - a set of fixed actions and sometimes words performed regularly, especially as part of a ceremony Coffee and the newspaper are part of my morning ritual Comprehension Question Q. Where are the Nazca lines located? A. Peru Q. How long is the cat etched into the hill? A. 37m or 120 ft Q. In 2014, which organisation activists smudged the surface of a Nazca Line during a demonstration calling for action on climate change? A. Greenpeace --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FULL TRANSCRIPT: https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/10/18/more-vocabulary-for-the-us-presidential-election/ Today’s episode is the second in a short series focusing on vocabulary to help you understand the US presidential election. If you haven’t already, please listen to episode 6, titled Vocabulary for the US Presidential Election Get in touch! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Gmail: [email protected] Blog: thinkinginenglish.blog VOCABULARY LIST Nuance (n) - a slight difference in appearance, meaning, sound etc Linguists explore the nuances of language Candidate (n) - a person who is competing to get a job or elected position There are three candidates standing in the election Weakness (n) - a particular part or quality of someone or something that is not good or effective His main weakness as a worker is his inability to follow orders veteran (adj) - having been involved in a particular activity for a long time She is a veteran campaigner for human rights office (n) - a position of authority and responsibility in a government or other organisation The new President takes office on January 20th To nominate (v) - to officially suggest someone for an election, job, position, or honour He has been nominated by the Green party as their candidate in the next election To allocate (v) - to decide officially that something should be given to a particular person The primary election allocated all the delegates to Donald Trump Ballot (n) - a system of secret voting Representatives were elected by ballot Obligated (adj) - morally or legally forced to do something I felt obligated to speak up and defend my friend’s reputation Battleground (n) - a place where an argument or competition is happening Pennsylvania and Ohio are key battlegrounds in this year’s election Comprehension Questions Q. Joe Biden was a Senator in which state? A. Delaware Q. How many electoral college votes does a Presidential candidate need to win? A. 270 Q. True or False? If i vote for a Republican President and a Republican Senator, i am split ticket voting A. False --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FULL TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE!!!: https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/2020/10/16/8-multiculturalism-a-solution-to-the-problems-of-diversity/ On today’s episode, we will discuss some ways different countries try to deal with immigrants. Some countries try to exclude immigrants from society, while others try to assimilate them. But could Multiculturalism be a better alternative? Contact us!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Gmail: [email protected] Blog: https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/ VOCABULARY LIST Society (n) - the people who live in a particular country or area and their way of life and customs: We live in a multicultural society Desirable (adj) - worth having and wanted by most people Medicine is regarded as a highly desirable career Immigrant (n) - a person who has come to a different country in order to live there permanently The USA has a large immigrant population exclusionary (adj) - causing someone or something not to be allowed to take part in an activity or to enter a place: The police set up an exclusionary zone around the crime scene assimilation (n) - causing, or making, someone become part of a group, country, society etc The assimilation of immigrants into American culture has been a constant feature of US history. multicultural (adj) - relating to or including people from different cultures: This company has a multicultural workforce To Regulate (v) - to control something, especially by making it work in a particular way: You can regulate the temperature in the house by adjusting the thermostat. Discrimination (n) - treating a person or particular group of people differently, especially in a worse way from the way in which you treat other people, because of their skin colour, sex, sexuality, etc The law has done little to prevent racial discrimination and inequality Identity (n) - who a person is, or the qualities of a person or group that make them different from others: I think my job gives me a sense of identity --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TODAY'S TRANSCRIPT: https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/2020/10/14/7-what-is-in-subways-bread/ On today’s episode, we will discuss the recent news that a court in Ireland has decided Subway’s bread is not bread, as well as looking at some of the implications Contact us! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog: https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/ email: [email protected] VOCABULARY LIST To scan (v) - to look through a text quickly in order to find a piece of information that you want or to get a general idea of what the text contains Scan the newspaper article quickly and make a note of the main points. intriguing (adj) - very interesting because of being unusual or mysterious She has a very intriguing personality customisable (adj) - used to describe something that you can change according to a customer's or user's particular needs: We offer customizable ringtones for your phone. accustomed (adj) - familiar with something: She quickly became accustomed to his messy ways savoury (adj) - Savoury food is salty or spicy and not sweet in taste: Pie can be sweet or savoury To rule (v) - to decide officially The government has ruled that the refugees must be deported. provision (n) - a statement within an agreement or a law that a particular thing must happen or be done We have inserted certain provisions into the treaty to safeguard foreign workers common sense (n ) - good sense and sound judgement in practical matters Windsurfing is perfectly safe as long as you have/use some common sense Comprehension Questions Q. What percentage of Subway bread is Sugar? A. 10% Q. What country’s supreme court ruled on this decision? A. Ireland Q. What does VAT mean? A. Value Added Tax --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode we will begin a series of episodes, which will run probably for the next three weeks, and will focus on the key vocabulary you need to understand the US election. Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/2020/10/11/6-vocabulary-for-the-us-presidential-election/ INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Check out our blog! - https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/ Send us an email! - [email protected] VOCABULARY LESSON To elect (v) - to decide on or choose, especially to choose a person for a particular job, by voting The President is elected for a four-year term of office. Requirement (n) - something that you must do, or something you need A good degree is requirement for many jobs Legislation (n) - a law or set of laws that is being created: New legislation offers a tax break for young families. To Veto (v) - to refuse to allow something My boss vetoed my taking any more time off this year. Assume (v) - to take or begin to have responsibility or control The new president assumes office at midnight tonight. To incapacitate (v) - to make someone unable to work or do things normally, or unable to do what they intended to do: The accident left me incapacitated for seven months. Suspicious (adj) - making you feel that something illegal is happening or that something is wrong: Her behaviour was very suspicious Characterisation (n) - a description of the most typical or important characteristics of someone or something: I don’t agree with your characterization of my hometown as a boring place to live. To emphasise (v) - to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to: I'd just like to emphasize how important it is for people to learn foreign languages. Federal (n) - relating to the central government, and not to the government of a region, of some countries such as the US the federal government COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS Q. Who is Joe Biden’s running mate? A. Kamala Harris Q. What are the only three requirements to become US president? A. To be 35 years of age, a natural born US citizen, and lived in the USA for at least 14 years Q. How many members does the House of Representatives have? A. 435 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FULL TRANSCRIPT AVAILABLE HERE -- https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/2020/10/09/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-citizen/ On today’s episode, we will discuss citizenship. What does it mean to be a citizen, how do you become a citizen, and what is the future of citizenship? Contact us! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Our blog : https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/ Our email: [email protected] Vocabulary List Citizenship (n) - the state of being a member of a particular country and having rights because of it: He was granted Canadian citizenship. Universal (adj) - Existing everywhere or involving everyone Music is often thought of as a universal language allegiance (n) - Loyalty or support for a ruler, country, group, or belief Soldiers have to swear allegiance to the King inclusion (n) - the act of including someone or something in a group She is being considered for inclusion in the Olympic team exclusion (n) -the act of not allowing someone or something to take part in an activity or join a group Her exclusion from the list of Oscar nominees was shocking To naturalise (v) - to make someone a legal citizen of a country they were not born in He is a naturalised US citizen mutually exclusive (adj) - to things that cannot happen together, or incompatible Flexibility and productivity are not mutually exclusive contribution (n) - something that you give or do to help produce or achieve something together with other people, or to help make something successful All contributions, no matter how small, will be much appreciated benefits (n) - money given by the government to people who need financial help, for example because they cannot find a job Unemployment benefit Comprehension Questions Q. What is a naturalised citizen? A. A person who becomes a citizen of a country after they are born Q. How much does it cost to become a citizen of St Kitts and Nevis in 2020? A. A $150,000 contribution to the country’s “Sustainable Growth Fund” and a minimum real estate investment of $200,000 Q. If your mother is from Qatar, but your father is not, are you a native Qatari citizen? A. No, you are not. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FULL TRANSCRIPT NOW AVAILABLE: https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/ On today’s episode, we will discuss the fastest people in human history, and think about what the future holds for mankind’s speed! Please contact us! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Gmail: [email protected] Vocabulary list Charitable (adj) - giving money, food, or help free to those who are in need the entire organization is funded by charitable donations. relative (adj) - If something is relative to something else, it changes according to the speed or level of the other thing: The amount of petrol a car uses is relative to its speed. To rocket (v) - to travel by rocket, or to rise, increase, or move very quickly The astronauts were rocketed into space. Mach (n) - a measurement of speed that is calculated by dividing the speed of an object, especially an aircraft, by the speed of sound circumnavigate (v) - to travel the whole way around something He circumnavigated the globe in 80 days To dub (v) - to give something or someone a particular name, especially describing what you think of it, him, or her: She was dubbed by the newspapers "the Angel of Death". To ratify (v) - to make an agreement official: Many countries have now ratified the UN convention on the rights of the child. To clock (v) - to take a particular time exactly to do or complete something: He clocked ten seconds in the 100 metres ramp up (Phrasal V) - to increase activity or the level of something The company announced plans to ramp up production to 10,000 units per month to meet demand. Comprehension Questions Q. In what position did marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge finish in the 2020 London marathon A. 8th Q. In what year did the Apollo 10 mission reach the fastest speed ever recorded in human history? A. 1969 Q. What country did T8 come from? A. Australia --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FULL TRANSCRIPT NOW AVAILABLE: https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/ On today’s episode, we will discuss the recent discovery of signs of life on the Planet Venus, talk about why it is surprising, and think about whether searching for alien life is important. Check out our social media and send us a message! Email: [email protected] INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Vocabulary List Phosphine (n) - a gas, a mixture of hydrogen and phosphorus Extraterrestrial (adj) - not from the planet earth In those rocks may lie the best chance of finding extraterrestrial life atmosphere (n) - mixture of gases around a planet These factories are releasing toxic gases into the atmosphere Astrobiologist (n) - a scientist studying the possibility of life in other parts of the universe Astrobiologists believe there may be life on Saturn’s moon Titan inhospitable (adj) - an area not suitable to live in Nothing can live in this inhospitable environment Scorching (adj) - very hot it was a scorching summer day habitability (n) - potential for life to live on a planet They are using this telescope to determine that planets habitability To flourish (v) - grow or develop healthily Parts of the city continue to flourish Desolate (adj) - empty and not attractive, with no people or nothing pleasant in it The house stood in a bleak and desolate landscape Comprehension Questions Q. What gas has been discovered in the atmosphere of Venus? A. Phosphine Q. How hot can the surface of Venus be? A. Up to 470 degree Celsius Q. What country’s spacecraft is currently orbiting Venus? A. Japan --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FULL TRANSCRIPT NOW AVAILABLE: https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/ On today’s episode, we will discuss the recent US presidential debate, and think about the potential alternatives for the future. Please contact us INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Email: [email protected] Vocabulary List surrogate (adj) -replacing someone else or used instead of something else Because she had no children of her own, her friend’s son became a kind of surrogate child to her Spectacle (n) - unusual or unexpected event or situation It was a strange spectacle to see snow in summer Consensus (n) - a generally accepted opinion, wide agreement They’re trying to build a consensus on the need to improve the city’s schools superficial (adj) - not complete and only the most obvious, not really important I only have a superficial knowledge of French To Squabble (verb) - to argue over something that is not important They are still squabbling over who will get the big office Prowess (n) - great ability or skill She is known for her sporting prowess To outwit (v) - to get an advantage over someone by acting more cleverly The cat outwitted the dog by climbing the tree. To abolish (v) -to officially end an activity or custom I think bullfighting should be abolished equitable (adj) treating everyone fairly and in the same way We all want an equitable tax system Comprehension Questions Q. For What party did Abraham Lincoln serve as a surrogate debater for in the days when presidential candidates did not publicly campaign? A. The Whig Party. Q. Who was British PM when the post war consensus ended? A. Margret Thatcher Q. How many time did Trump interrupt Biden? A. 73 times --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FULL TRANSCRIPT NOW AVAILABLE: https://thinkinginenglish741418158.wordpress.com/ On today’s episode of Thinking in English we will discuss some of the lesser known benefits of learning a foreign language. Please contact us! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Email: [email protected] Vocabulary Cognitive - of, relating to, being, or involving conscious intellectual activity (such as thinking, reasoning, or remembering) Researchers are debating whether heading balls can dent the cognitive skills of young soccer players for life. Longevity - a long duration of individual life, remaining popular for a long time For longevity in car design, you really need to keep it simple. Functionality - the quality of being useful, practical, and right for the purpose for which something was made: In civil engineering, a major component of functionality is safety. Multitask - to do more than one thing at a time: There's a stereotype that women tend to multitask better than men do. Counter-intuitive - Something that is counter-intuitive does not happen in the way you would expect it to: Steering a sailboat is counter-intuitive - you push the tiller the opposite way to the way you want to go. Alzheimer - a disease of the brain that mainly affects old people and results in the gradual loss of memory, speech, movement, and the ability to think clearly: Dementia- a medical condition that affects especially old people, causing the memory and other mental abilities to gradually become worse, and leading to confused behaviour: The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer's disease. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thinking in English is a podcast designed for intermediate and advanced English learners. I believe that thinking is an incredibly important step on the road fluency, and this podcast is going to help you achieve this by discussing topics ranging from politics and economics, to philosophy and science. Rather than "learning English", Thinking in English focuses on "learning in English." Learn something new, listen to something interesting, and improve your English at the same time! Conversation Clubs, bonus episodes, and more on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish My website - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/ Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Contact [email protected] to advertise on Thinking in English. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices