In this episode of “English Vibes,” we explore NASA’s recent $843 million contract awarded to SpaceX to develop a vehicle for the decommissioning and safe return of the International Space Station (ISS) to Earth. We delve into the history and significance of the ISS, SpaceX’s pivotal role, and the challenges ahead. The episode includes a vocabulary review and discussion questions to enhance your English learning experience. Tune in for an engaging mix of space exploration and language practice!

English Vibes

SpaceX Given Contract to Destroy Space Station

"I Will Take a Nap!" is a delightful children's book by Mo Willems. It tells the story of Gerald the elephant, who is tired and wants to nap. However, his friend Piggie keeps interrupting him with various suggestions and activities. Throughout the book, readers follow Gerald's humorous attempts to find the perfect nap spot despite Piggie's interruptions. With its simple language and expressive illustrations, this charming story is easy to understand and enjoyable for readers of all ages.


Story Time for Kids with Teacher Amanda

Episode 3: I Will Take a Nap

On her first day at a new school, Sara was nervous. The computer suddenly stopped working in the middle of her lesson, and the students started whispering. Without panicking, she smiled, grabbed a marker, and turned the lesson into a game on the board. The students got excited and joined in. After class, another teacher said, “Wow, you were really on the ball.”
Sara laughed and said, “I had to be — teaching always keeps you on your toes.”


Tom works in an office. One morning, his boss asks for a report.
Tom already has the information ready. He answers quickly and fixes a small mistake.
The boss smiles and says,
“Good job, Tom. You’re really on the ball today.”

Idiom : "On the ball” means alert, quick to understand, and doing your job well.

If you are on the ball, you:
pay attention
understand quickly
react fast be
are prepared

Examples:
Our new teacher is really on the ball — she noticed the mistake immediately.
You have to be on the ball in this job; things change fast.

English Mini Lessons

On the ball

In this episode I’ll comment on an article titled: “Climate activists take hammers to famous painting in London Museum” published of the website of FoxNews. Don’t hesitate to participate in the discussion, just be respectful about it. Enjoy.

Useful vocabulary:
climate activists
an artwork
a collective
to make a claim
to fail someone
a societal problem
a debate
to remain rational
a suitable solution
scientific innovation
a rational mind
to cover the demand
a nuclear / gas-fired / coal fired power plant


Let's check out the news

Climate activists attack another artwork

Aprende español con un tema interesante "la Salud mental"

El otro lado de la moneda

La Salud Mental

¿CUÁL ES LA DIFERENCIA ENTRE UN ABOGADO Y UN CUERVO?

CHISTES MEXICANOS

¿CUÁL ES LA DIRENCIA ENTRE UN ABOGADO Y UN CUEVO?

Transcript is available ⁠⁠on meikasensei.com⁠⁠ for vocabulary description, and pictures, and more.

Using this podcast for EXTENSIVE LISTENING & SHADOWING can be effective. Each episode is 2-3 minutes long without long intro or music. So you can just listen during chores or walks.

【⁠やさしいにほんごブログ⁠】I post a blog with simple vocab and grammar with furigana for beginners, and natural Japanese for intermediate. This is the podcast version! The blog is designed to reflect the trends and seasons in Japan at that time. 

やさしいにほんご Podcast with Meika Sensei for Extensive listening & Shadowing

Ep. 7 Beginners : 大人になってもバイリンガルになれますか？ | Can I still be bilingual as an adult?

In this episode, Karen and Baiwei chatted about some interesting concepts and practices in traditional Chinese medicine.

TED-Ed video about Yin and Yang:
https://youtu.be/ezmR9Attpyc


Chillchat (Learn Chinese and Chill)

Fire In The Body? Amazing Traditional Chinese Medicine Theories 神奇的中医理论

In this episode, you’ll learn how to become a better writer for work. You may have noticed that some people have the gift of gab from an early age. But becoming a great writer takes some effort for everyone. In this episode, you’ll hear about my path to becoming a better writer, and I’ll share five tips to help you improve your business English writing skills. 

When you write in a polite, confident, clear, and concise manner, you will gain your emails answered quickly! You’ll also gain respect and approval of your ideas. You’ll also build relationships and achieve your goals, like securing more clients or making more sales. 

Episode originally published on September 25, 2020
Transcript at https://www.express-to-impress.com/how-to-become-a-better-writer/.