Thinking in English

Latest Episodes:

291. What is the Happiest Country in the World? (And Why is it Always Finland?) (English Vocabulary Lesson) Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

Finland has been ranked as the happiest country in the world for the seventh time in a row. But why?

What is happiness? And how is it measured?

This episode of Thinking in English discusses the Cantril Ladder, why the World Happiness Report might not accurately test happiness, and why Finland keeps coming top of the rankings!

Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/04/08/291-what-is-the-happiest-country-in-the-world-and-why-is-it-always-finland-english-vocabulary-lesson/

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VOCABULARY LIST

Cantril Ladder (Noun): A method used to measure life satisfaction and happiness by asking individuals to rate their lives on a scale from 0 to 10.
Metaphor (Noun): A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
Ranking (Noun): The action of arranging items or individuals in a particular order based on specific criteria.
Subjective (Adjective): Based on personal opinions, feelings, or experiences rather than objective facts.
Wealth (Noun): Ownership of valuable possessions or resources, typically in the form of money or assets.
Contentment (Noun): A state of satisfaction and ease with one's circumstances or situation.
Well-being (Noun): The state of being comfortable, healthy, and happy.

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290. What is the Gig Economy? (English Vocabulary Lesson) Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

Gig work, freelancers, independent contractors, and the gig economy. These are terms that are becoming increasingly relevant to the way we work in the 21st century.

Today, I want to take a deeper look at the gig economy. We’ll define some key vocabulary, look at the history and development of the gig economy, discuss some criticisms and think about the future of work!

Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/04/01/290-what-is-the-gig-economy-english-vocabulary-lesson/

Gig (Noun): A temporary job or task.
Freelancer (Noun): An individual who works independently, providing services to multiple clients rather than being employed by a single company.
Employment (Noun): The state of being employed, where the employee provides services in exchange for compensation.
Benefits (Noun): Additional perks or advantages provided to employees beyond their regular salary, such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off.
Client (Noun): A person or organization that engages the services of another individual or company to perform a specific task or project.
Contractor (Noun): A person hired to perform specific services under the terms of a contract, often operating independently or as part of a contracting firm.
Flexibility (Noun): The ability to adapt or change easily according to varying circumstances or needs.

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289. How is TikTok Changing the English Language?: TikToklish and Algospeak Explained (English Vocabulary Lesson) Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

Download ELSA for free and get 7 days pro membership for free: https://bit.ly/ELSAxTHINKINGINENGLISH ⁠ ⁠Get up to 85% off of ELSA lifetime membership by going to elsaspeak.com/promocode and use my code THINK85⁠ TikTok is changing the way we speak and use English. It is contributing to the invention of new vocabulary. New ways of communicating and censoring words are seen across the platform. And a new accent or way of speaking is developing! Today, I want to take a deep look into TikTok and its influence on the English language! ⁠ Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/03/25/289-how-is-tiktok-changing-the-english-language-tiktoklish-and-algospeak-explained-english-vocabulary-lesson/ My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEST YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL - https://thinkinginenglish.link/placement-level-test/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinking in English Bonus Podcast - https://www.patreon.com/collection/10513⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog⁠ Vocabulary Slang (Noun): Informal language used by a particular group, often characterized by unconventional words or phrases. Popularisation (Noun): The process of making something widely known or accepted. Viral (Adjective): Quickly and widely spread, especially through social media or the internet. Trend (Noun): A general direction in which something is developing or changing. Nuances (Noun): Subtle differences or shades of meaning. Sensitive (Adjective): Requiring careful handling or treatment; easily affected. Moderation (Noun): The act of keeping within reasonable limits or avoiding extremes. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support

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288. The End of Remote Work?: "Return to Office" Explained! (English Vocabulary Lesson) Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

Join the Conversation Club TODAY! - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠

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During the pandemic, millions of employees began to do their job from home and work remotely. Four years later, remote work is still a feature of the workplace.

But will this last? Is the end of remote work around the corner?

Let’s discuss remote work and the “return to office” movement on today’s episode of Thinking in English!

⁠TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/03/18/288-the-end-of-remote-work-return-to-office-explained-english-vocabulary-lesson/ ⁠

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Vocabulary

Remote (Adjective): Located far away; distant.
Mandate (Noun): An official order or command issued by an authority.
Hybrid (Adjective): Combining two different elements.
White-Collar (Adjective): Relating to professional or office-based work, typically performed in a corporate setting.
Blue-Collar (Adjective): Relating to manual or industrial work.
Productivity (Noun): Measure of efficiency or output
Flexible (Adjective): Capable of being modified easily to suit changing circumstances or requirements.

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287. The History of Tea! (English Vocabulary Lesson) Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

Try Lingoda's Language SPRINT - https://try.lingoda.com/Thinking20 Use code - THINKING20 - for an exclusive discount!

Tea is the second-most popular beverage in the world (behind water). How much do you know about the history of this delicious drink?

Join me today for a discussion on the history of tea, from mysterious and mythical Chinese emperors to a Portuguese princess in London! At the same time, we’ll learn a lot of new and interesting words while testing your listening skills.

Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/03/11/287-the-history-of-tea-english-vocabulary-lesson/

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Vocabulary

Beverage (Noun): A drink, especially one other than water; a liquid for drinking.
Steep (Verb): To soak in a liquid, typically water, to extract flavours or to soften.
Infuse (Verb): To introduce flavours or qualities into a liquid by soaking or steeping.
Medicinal (Adjective): Having properties or qualities that are beneficial for health.
Dynasty (Noun): A series of rulers from the same family.
Blend (Noun): A mixture of different elements or substances.
Oxidation (Noun): The chemical reaction that occurs when a substance reacts with oxygen, often causing a change in colour.

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286. Who is Responsible for the Most Deaths in History?: The Story of Thomas Midgely Jr! (English Vocabulary Lesson) Mar 04, 2024

Show notes

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Today I want to tell you the story of Thomas Midgely Jr. He was a scientist, engineer, and incredibly successful inventor. His creations revolutionised transportation and made refrigerators and air conditioners possible.

Unfortunately, his inventions were also incredibly harmful. They caused millions of deaths and perhaps harmed the world more than any other human creations. Let’s discuss why and how he is accidentally responsible for the most deaths in human history!

TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/03/04/286-who-is-responsible-for-the-most-deaths-in-history-the-story-of-thomas-midgely-jr-english-vocabulary-lesson/

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Vocabulary

Lead (Noun): A heavy metal element (Pb)
Gasoline (Noun): A volatile, flammable liquid used as fuel in engines.
Consequence (Noun): The result or effect of an action, decision, or condition.
Refrigeration (Noun): The process of cooling or preserving food, goods, or spaces using artificial means.
Engine Knock (Noun): The metallic knocking sound in an internal combustion engine caused by premature ignition of fuel.
CFCs (Abbreviation, Noun): Chlorofluorocarbons, a group of compounds containing carbon, chlorine, and fluorine, once used as refrigerants and propellants.
Atmosphere (Noun): The envelope of gases surrounding a planet, particularly Earth, held in place by gravity.

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285. Are Electric Cars Environmentally Friendly? (English Vocabulary Lesson) Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

Check Out Simple English News Daily - https://www.send7.org/

Listen to SEND7 on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QctJjCUuHefLzeZWDoXqc?si=5b708c937f0b4802

Are electric cars actually environmentally friendly? Are they a good option for people who want to reduce their carbon footprints? What is the most environmentally friendly form of transport? Are electric cars the future?

Let’s discuss these questions on today’s episode of Thinking in English!

TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/02/26/285-are-electric-cars-environmentally-friendly-english-vocabulary-lesson/

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Vocabulary

Emissions (noun): Release of gases into the air, often contributing to air pollution.
Hybrid car (noun): Vehicles that combine an internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system.
Renewable (adjective): Relating to energy derived from resources that are naturally replenished, such as sunlight, wind, or rain.
Fossil fuel (noun): Energy resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
Carbon footprint (noun): The total amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, that an individual, organization, or product is responsible for.
Public transport (noun): Shared transportation services, such as buses, trains, and trams, available for use by the general public.
Environmentally friendly (adjective): Practices, products, or behaviours that have minimal negative impact on the environment.

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284. What is Language Anxiety? And How to Overcome Anxiety While Using English? (English Vocabulary Lesson) Feb 19, 2024

Show notes

TEST YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/10/29/free-english-test-check-your-level-today/

Language anxiety is a problem that many English learners and non-native English speakers face every day!

Today, I want to talk in depth about language anxiety. We’ll discuss the causes and consequences of anxiety while using a foreign language, and I’ll give you a few different tips and strategies on how to improve your confidence and reduce your anxiety while speaking in English!

Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/02/19/284-what-is-language-anxiety-and-how-to-overcome-anxiety-while-using-english-english-vocabulary-lesson/

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Vocabulary

Anxiety (Noun): A feeling of unease, nervousness, or worry.
Fear (Noun): An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.
Stress (Noun): Mental or emotional strain resulting from challenging situations, circumstances, or pressures.
Predisposition (Noun): A tendency or inclination to a particular condition, behaviour, or outcome.
Apprehension (Noun): Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.
Evaluation (Noun): The act of assessing or judging the quality, value, or performance of someone or something.
Self-Awareness (Noun): Conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires.

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283. Who Were the Anglo-Saxons? (English Vocabulary Lesson) Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Today, I want to introduce a piece of British history. We’ll look at the Anglo-Saxons and discuss the myths and reality behind this group of people.

From the Roman Empire and Saxon tribes migrating from mainland Europe, to kingdoms, Viking raids, and a king shot in the eye with an arrow, this is the story of the Anglo-Saxons.

Transcript - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/02/12/283-who-were-the-anglo-saxons-english-vocabulary-lesson/

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Vocabulary

Anglo-Saxon (noun): A member of the Germanic tribes that settled in England from the 5th century AD
Invade (verb): To enter a place with the intention of taking control, often by force.
Monasteries (noun): Religious communities where monks live.
Descendants (noun): People who are the children, or later generations of a particular ancestor or group.
Settlement (noun): The act or process of establishing a community or group of people in a new location.
Raid (noun/verb): A sudden and swift attack, often carried out for the purpose of seizing goods or causing damage.
Tribe (noun): A social group consisting of families or communities sharing common ancestry, language, and customs.

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282. Should Vaping be Banned? (English Vocabulary Lesson) Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The United Kingdom has announced plans to ban certain types of e-cigarette and restrict the sale of other vaping products.

Let's discuss some of the key terms surrounding "vapes", look at why the UK is banning these products, and examine the debate around vapes in more detail!

My Links ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TEST YOUR ENGLISH LEVEL - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2024/10/29/free-english-test-check-your-level-today/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thinking in English Bonus Podcast - https://www.patreon.com/collection/10513⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NEW YOUTUBE Channel!!! - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog⁠⁠

Vocabulary

Disposable (adjective): Designed to be thrown away after use.
E-cigarettes (noun): Electronic devices that heat a liquid to produce vapour, typically containing nicotine, offering an alternative to traditional smoking.
Inhale/Exhale (verbs): To breathe in and out, respectively.
Vapour (noun): A substance in the air, usually a liquid.
Combustion (noun): The process of burning.
Addictive (adjective): Causing a strong dependence on a substance, typically a drug like nicotine.
Regulation (noun): The process of controlling and managing an activity through rules and laws.

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