Letter Y
Listen and repeat then sing along.
yo-yo, yak, yogurt, yacht

I don't have a yo-yo.
I don't have a yak.
I don't have yogurt.
I don't have a yacht.

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Phonics The Alphabet 

Letter Y

Analysis of the cultural, social and linguistic content, of the text of the song La sera dei miracoli di Lucio Dalla
Analisi culturale, sociale e linguistica del testo della canzone La sera dei miracoli di Lucio Dalla
Análisis cultural, social y lingüístico de la letra de la canción La sera dei miracoli de Lucio Dalla


SOLO MUSICA ITALIANA  PODCAST

La sera dei miracoli di Lucio Dalla|Aprende italiano cantando|Learn italian singing

Letter S
Listen and repeat then sing along.

soap, sun, socks, seal
I see the soap. 
I see the sun.
I see the socks.
I see the seal. 

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Letter S

This is a classical idiom story that almost everyone knows in China. Idiom stories not only tell people stories, but also convey great truths. Hope you enjoy it.

Learn Chinese with Lia

Idiom story  刻舟求剑 Make a mark on the boat side to get the sword

Is academic success about working hard or just being naturally good at something? What do you think? 

In this episode, Nick gives you some ideas on this topic

IELTS with Nick - World Knowledge 

Do you think academic success is more about hard work or natural ability?

Letter R
Listen and repeat then sing along.
rice, rose, rabbit, robot

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Letter R

This is the first short episode in the story where two people meet. See the transcript below to help aid your comprehension.

Welcome English learners! Today we’re going to begin a story that will last for several episodes. You can listen to the story episode by episode and grow your vocabulary and listening skills. Enjoy!

James looked over his shoulder. He saw something running toward him very fast. His heart started beating rapidly. He thought it was a person, but when he turned to face them, he realized that it wasn’t a person. It was a large black dog. The dog was getting closer and closer, but it wasn’t barking at him. In fact, the dog looked happy. Then he saw why the dog was running. There was a tennis ball bouncing and rolling toward him and the dog was chasing it.

James looked up and saw a woman about one hundred yards away from him. She was short and blonde. The dog grabbed the ball with his mouth and started running back toward her.

“Good boy!” she said.

“That’s a beautiful dog you have,” James said to her.

“Thanks! Actually, he’s not my dog. I’m just watching him for a friend this weekend.” she replied.

“Oh, I see,” said James. “Well, how did your friend get you to dog-sit for them?” James asked.

“That’s actually along story,” she answered with a smile.

James liked her smile and he had time to spare. He walked casually toward her and the dog. 

“I’ve got time. What’s the story?” James asked. “My name’s James, by the way.”

“Jennifer. Nice to meet you. Well, it actually started a few months ago when I was hanging out with my friend…” she said.

Well, that’s the end of the story for this episode. Tune in to the next episode to hear more about what happens with Jennifer and James. Be sure to write down any new vocabulary and listen again to improve your comprehension. See you next time!


Stories in English

James Meets Jennifer

Is college worth the time and money? Americans are increasingly skeptical about the value and cost, according to a new survey.

And most said they feel the US higher education system is moving in the "wrong direction."

Overall, only 36% of adults said they have a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in higher education, according to a report released by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation. That confidence level has declined steadily from 57% in 2015.

Some of the same opinions have been reflected in declining enrollment numbers as colleges contend with the effects of the student debt crisis, concerns about the high cost of tuition and political debates over how they teach about race and other topics.

"It's so expensive, and I don't think colleges are teaching people what they need to get a job," said Randy Hill, a 59-year-old driver from Connecticut.

He added: "You graduate out of college, you're up to [your] eyeballs in debt, you can't get a job, then you can't pay it off. What's the point?"

The June 2024 survey's overall finding — that 36% of adults feel strong confidence in higher education — is the same as the year before.

But what concerns researchers is that more Americans — 32% — said they have "very little" or no confidence in higher education.

Experts say that fewer college graduates could lead to labor shortages in fields from health care to information technology.

For those who choose not to go to college, it often means lower lifetime earnings — 75% less compared with those who get bachelor's degrees, according to Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce. And during an economic downturn, those without degrees are more likely to lose jobs.

However, others still see the value in higher education. College student Kristen Freeman from California told The Associated Press: "I think higher education can give students the spark to want to change the system."

Practice Listening, Reading & Comprehension

Many US Adults Unsure if College is Worthwhile

In the audio recording there are 2 questions answered:

1 -  How easy is it to travel around your country?

2 - Which method of travel do you consider the safest? Why?

Let me know some of your ideas how you'd answer these questions.

Tune in regularly for more.

To Your Success!