Thinking in English

Latest Episodes:

176. What was the French Revolution? (English Vocabulary Lesson) Oct 03, 2022

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The French Revolution was one of the most influential events in modern human history. Today, let’s talk about the causes, events, and consequences of the revolution, while learning some useful English vocabulary!

TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/10/03/what-was-the-french-revolution/

Vocabulary List

Revolution (n) – a change is the way a country is governed, usually to a different political system and often using violence or war

The country seems to be heading towards revolution

Republic (n) – a country without a king or queen, usually governed by elected representatives and a president

San Marino in Europe is considered the oldest republic in the world

Noble (adj) – belonging to a high social rank in a society, especially by birth

He was born into a famous noble family

To culminate (v) – if an event or series of events culminates in something, it ends with it, having developed until it reaches this point

Their many years of research have finally culminated in a cure for the disease

The Enlightenment (n) – the period in the 18th century in Europe when many people began to emphasize the importance of science and reason

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was one of the greatest Enlightenment thinkers

Treason (n) – (crime of) showing no loyalty to your country

In 1606 Guy Fawkes was executed for treason

Feudalism (n) – the social and land-owning system of western Europe in the Middle Ages in which people served noble families and in exchange were supported and given land

Capitalism replaced feudalism in western Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries

Fraternity (n) – a feeling of friendship and support

The Olympics have become a way to promote fraternity between nations

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175. The Language of Protesting (English Vocabulary Lesson) Sep 28, 2022

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English is the language of protesting across the world. Let’s learn the vocabulary and techniques you need to protest in English and understand why people take to the streets.

TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/09/28/the-language-of-protesting/

Vocabulary List

Morality (n) – a personal or social set of standards for good or bad behaviour and character

Technology’s morality is determined by its political or social use

Hijab (n) – the head covering that some Muslim women wear when they are outside

Iranian law requires women to wear a hijab while in public

To spark (v) – to cause the start of something

The visit of the Donald Trump sparked mass demonstrations

Unrest (n) – disagreements or fighting between different groups of people

It is feared that the civil unrest in that country could lead to war

Zealot (n) – a person who has very strong opinions about something, and tries to make other people have them too

He is a religious zealot

To detain (v) – to force someone to officially stay in a place

A suspect has been detained by the police for questioning

Outage (n) – a period when a service, such as electricity, is not available

The radio news reported power outages affecting 50 homes

Decisively (adv) – quickly, effectivley, and confidently

If they had acted more decisively, they could have saved him

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What Is “Burnout”? And How Can You Avoid It While Studying English? Sep 21, 2022

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Have you ever felt exhausted, tired, unmotivated, and negative towards your work or language learning journey? If so, you may have experience “burnout.” Today, let’s learn about the different types of burnout, why they are bad for language learners, and how to avoid suffering from them while studying English!

TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/09/21/what-is-burnout-and-how-can-you-avoid-it-while-studying-english/

Vocabulary List

Development (n) – the process in which something grows or changes and becomes more advanced

The region needs more development

Indicator (n) – something that shows what a situation is like

House prices are an indicator of the country’s economic health

Well-being (n) – the state of feeling healthy and happy

Yoga can improve people’s feeling of well-being

Life expectancy (n) – the length of time that someone is likely to live

Life expectancy in Europe has greatly increased in the past 100 years

Goalpost (n) – the aim, goal, or conditions for success

In terms of minimum income, the HDI goalpost is $100

Decline (n) – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength

Home cooking seems to be in decline

Crisis (n) - a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering

The country’s leadership is in crisis

Shock (n) – a sudden, unexpected, and usually unpleasant event or experience

It was a shock to see her looking so ill

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172. What Happens When the Queen Dies? (English Vocabulary Lesson) Sep 14, 2022

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The UK is currently preparing for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last week at the age of 96. While the death of the Queen came as a shock, the government and Royal Family have been preparing for this moment for decades. Today, let’s discuss what happens when a British monarch passes away!

TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/09/14/what-happens-when-the-queen-dies/

Vocabulary List

Accession (n) – the time when someone starts a position of authority, especially a king or a queen

1952 was the year of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne

Half-mast (n) – a flag that is at half mast has been brought down to a point halfway down the pole as an expression of sadness at someone’s death

The flags at Buckingham Palace were all flying at half-mast

Sombre (adj) – serious, sad, and without humour or entertainment

The funeral was a sombre occasion

Oath (n) – a promise that you will tell the truth or that you will do what you have said

Presidents take an oath to uphold the constitution

Proclamation (n) – an official announcement

The proclamation of the new king was announced around the UK

To pay (one’s) respects (idiom) – to offer or express one’s condolences or sympathy, particuarly to someone’s family following their death

Thousands of people are expected to pay their respects to the Queen

Procession (n) – a line of people who are all walking or travelling in the same direction, especially in a formal way

The funeral procession will start at 10am

To line a street (idiom) – if people or things line a road, they are present in large in numbers along its edges or sides

Millions of people will line the streets of London

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171. The Life of Queen Elizabeth II (English Vocabulary Lesson) Sep 12, 2022

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Queen Elizabeth II has passed away. Today I want to introduce the story of her life – from unexpectedly becoming Queen, to the breakup of the British Empire, to her later years of popularity.

TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/09/12/171-the-life-of-queen-elizabeth-ii-english-vocabulary-lesson/

Vocabulary List

Reign (n) -the period of time when a king or queen rules a country

Queen Elizabeth’s reign lasted 70 years

Monarch (n) – a king or queen

Britain’s head of state is a constitutional monarch

Duty (n) – work you have to do for your job or because you feel it is right

Queen Elizabeth felt it was her duty to serve the UK

To succeed (v) – to take an official job or position after someone else

King Charles III has succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth II

Heir (n) – a person who will legally receive money, property, or a title from another person when that person dies

Prince William is now the heir to throne

Coronation (n) – a ceremony at which a person is made king or queen

Queen Elizabeth’s coronation took place in 1953

Scandal (n) – an action or event that causes shock or disapproval

Despite scandals, the Queen remained popular in the UK

Condolence (n) – sympathy or sadness for the family or friends of a person who has died

World leaders have sent their condolences to King Charles and the Royal Family

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170. Who was Gorbachev? (English Vocabulary Lesson) Sep 07, 2022

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Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, has passed away. News reports around the world described him as one of the most influential political figures of all time. Today, let’s discuss how Gorbachev rose to such a powerful position, his influence as a leader, and his legacy today!

TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/09/07/who-was-gorbachev/

Vocabulary List

Breakup (n) – the division of something into smaller parts

The breakup of the oil tanker caused severe damage to the environment

Legacy (n) – something that is a part of your history or that remains from an earlier time

The war has left a legacy of hatred

To eclipse (v) – to make another person or thing seem much less important, good, or famous

The economy has eclipsed all other issues during this election

Innovation (n) – a new idea or method

What is the next innovation in computer technology?

Repression (n) – the use of force or violence to control a group of people

The political repression in this country is enforced by terror

To crush (v) – to defeat someone completely

The president used the army to crush the rebellion

Catastrophe (n) – a sudden event that causes very great trouble or destruction

The war has been a catastrophe

To restructure (v) – to organize a company, business, or system in a new way to make it operate more effectively

The department is currently undergoing a restructure

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169. There Is No Such Thing As A Fish... (English Vocabulary Lesson) Sep 05, 2022

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There is no such thing as a fish. You might not believe me right now, but by the end of the episode I’m confident you will understand, and maybe even agree, with my opinion. Let’s learn some biological English vocabulary while trying to answer the question… Do fish actually exist?

TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/09/05/169-there-is-no-such-thing-as-a-fish-english-vocabulary-lesson/

Vocabulary List

Vertebrate (n) – an animal that has a spine

Cows, frogs, and ostriches are all vertebrates

cold-blooded (adj) – cold-blooded animals can only control their body heat by taking in heat from the outside or by being very active

Snakes and lizards are cold-blooded animals

Limbless (adj) – having no limbs (no arms, legs, or wings)

Snakes are limbless reptiles

Common ancestor (n) – one species which is the ancestor of two or more species later in time

Humans and gorillas share a common ancestor

To evolve (v) – to develop gradually

Dogs evolved from wolves

Descendant (n) – an animal that lives after and is related to another animal that lived in the past

Lemurs are descendants of early primates

To distinguish (v) – to notice or understand the difference between two things

It is difficult to distinguish between these two species

Characteristic (n) – a typical or noticeable quality of someone or something

A squashed face is an unfortunate characteristic of pugs

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168. Should Kids Have Homework? (English Vocabulary Lesson) Aug 31, 2022

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Is homework beneficial? Should kids have homework? Or is homework a waste of time? Today, we are going to look at this debate, practice thinking in English, and learn some useful vocabulary at the same time!

TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2022/08/31/168-should-kids-have-homework-english-vocabulary-lesson/