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279 My first computer and new alternatives 2 Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/279-my-first-computer-and-new-alternatives-part2/ In a previous episode, we talked about the mouse, the keyboard, and the screen. Today, we'll learn about more parts of a computer. And with a short story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing any boring rules. Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your English fluency. If you want to help me, share the podcast with your friends and family. That would mean a lot. Thanks. Before we start, get the transcript of this episode for free. At: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast Ok, let's continue learning about computer parts: Now, let's talk about 'RAM.' RAM stands for 'Random Access Memory.' RAM is like a computer's working memory. It's where the computer keeps things while doing tasks, just like our brains remember stuff when we're busy. My old computer only had 8 megabytes of RAM. It's like having a small desk – you can only put a few things on it at once. Nowadays, computers have much more RAM, at least 8 gigabytes, which is like having a big desk with lots of space. This helps modern computers work faster and better. Another essential part of a computer is 'storage.' This is where we keep our files, such as photos and documents. The computer stores these files on a 'hard drive,' like a giant digital cabinet for our stuff. In the past, when we wanted to move information from one computer to another, we used something called a 'floppy disk.' Afloppy diskwas a small, flat, plastic thing that could only hold a tiny bit of information, like one page from a book. It was like using a small bag to carry your digital things. Today, we have much better ways to store our files. We use something called the 'cloud,' which is like a magical place on the internet where we can keep lots of information safely. Examples of cloud services include 'iCloud' from Apple, 'Google Drive,' 'Microsoft OneDrive,' and 'Dropbox.' It's like having a big online storage room where you can keep your digital stuff. The closest thing we have now to a floppy disk is a 'flash drive.' It's a tiny device that can hold much information, like a small digital bag for your files. Beforeflash drives, we used something else called 'CDs.' A CD was like a flat, round disc that could hold more information than a floppy disk. It was like a small, thin plate. Another way to store files, is by using an external hard drive. These external hard drives have evolved over time and have become more compact. But unlike flash drives, external hard drives may not always be compatible with other devices like tablets, smart TVs, and similar devices. That's why I tend to use external hard drives for backups. So, those are the parts of my first computer and how they compare to today's technology. My computer had a big mouse, a small box-like screen, a keyboard for typing, a small amount of RAM, and used floppy disks for storage. Nowadays, computers have sleek mice, flat and large screens, modern keyboards, lots of RAM, and use advanced storage options like the cloud and flash drives. So, that's how my computer was back then. It might seem very old now, but it was exciting then. Technology has changed a lot. Now, I want to hear about your first computer experiences. Did you have an old computer like mine, or was it different? Please share your stories with me!

Learn computer vocabulary in English by listening to Speak English Now podcast with teacher Georgiana #englishlearningpodcast #speakenglishnow #speakenglishnowpodcast Listen to the full episode here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/279-my-first-computer-and-new-alternatives-part2/

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277 Romeo and Juliet - Shakespeare for beginners part2 Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

Learn English with stories: Stress-Free LearningListen to full podcast episode here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/274-stress-free-english-learning-and-healthy-living-tips/

274 - Stress Free English Learning and Healthy Living Tips Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/274-stress-free-english-learning-and-healthy-living-tips/

273 Healthy Lifestyle - Sleep Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

English podcast - Do you get enough sleep? #podcast #health #sleep Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/273-healthy-lifestyle-sleep/

272 Be more positive when learning English Get the transcript here: https://speakenglishpodcast.com/272-be-more-positive-when-learning-english/ Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your fluency. LearningEnglishcan be enjoyable and useful, but also challenging.You might experiencefrustrationor havedoubtfulornegative thoughts. For instance, you might believe, "I can't speak English fluently," but a morepositiveway to approach it is, "I'm improving my English every day." It's crucial to know that negative thoughts can slow down progress. In this episode, we will exploreways to change these thoughtsand motivate you. Before you continue listening, go to my websiteSpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast, to get the transcript of this episode. Ok. Let's start! First, you'll need tospot negative thoughtswhen they happen. These might involve doubting your abilities or fearing making mistakes. Keeping ajournalto write down these ideas as they come up can help you understand when and why they happen. Think, "Age doesn't stop me from learning," instead of, "I'm too old to learn a new language." Or, remember that "Mistakes help me learn" when you catch yourself thinking, "I keep makingmistakeswhen I speak English." After you spot negative ideas, take a moment toquestion if they're really true or not. Reflect on these questions: Can I prove this idea, or is it just a feeling? Have I dealt with similar issues before? Am I being too hard on myself? Asking these questions helps you think more logically. For instance, instead of believing "I'll never speak English perfectly," consider "Learning a new language takes time and practice, but I can get better with persistence." Set Realistic Goals Setting achievable goals in language learning can fight negative thinking. Instead of aiming forperfectionright away, establish smaller,step-by-step objectives. Picture yourself succeeding every day. See yourself confidently engaging in English conversations and handling different communication situations. This mental image will boost your confidence and keep you motivated. Instead of fearing, "I'm embarrassed to speak English in front of others," think, "I'll start with smaller conversations to build confidence." And instead of thinking, "I'll never be as good as my friend at English," say to yourself "I'll focus on my progress and avoid comparisons." Reframing negative thoughtsisvitalwhen learning English. Remember, learning a language is a journey—stay determined, stay optimistic, and make sure you enjoy the process of learning and getting better at English. And now let's continue with a mini-story!

Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Hi, everyone! I’m Georgiana, your English teacher, and I’m here to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks. And if you want to help me, it’s very simple! 🔗Share the podcast 🎙️ with your friends and family. Great! Let’s start! Today, I will talk about the Internet’s fantastic journey – how it changed from big machines to the online world we know today. Imagine going back to the 1960s, a time of cool space adventures and bright colors. Back then, computers weren’t small like today. They were as big as rooms! Like friendly elephants waiting for special instructions. But guess what? These big computers couldn’t talk to each other. However, scientists and researchers wanted computers to talk. They dreamed of connecting these big computers, making a web linking people everywhere. That’s how the Internet started – they made a special language using ones and zeros so that computers could share information even if they were far apart. Now, let’s jump ahead to the 1990s. Think of slow dial-up Internet. That’s when the World Wide Web appeared. Imagine a huge library with doors open to different places when you click. But, you had to wait because pages loaded slowly, like a snail. I remember the “You’ve Got Mail!” sound and the funny noise when connecting to the Internet. The Internet had two sides – sometimes it was super cool, and other times it got in the way of using the phone. Today, the Internet is a big part of our lives. You can shop, talk to friends worldwide, and learn things without leaving your house. It’s like magic! Think about how far we’ve come – from big machines to a connected world where you can find all sorts of things, from facts to funny cat videos. And don’t forget, the Internet is not just for young people. People of all ages enjoy using it to connect with family and friends, play games, and learn new skills. It’s a tool that brings everyone together from all around the world.

264 Gaslighting and Its Effects Explained Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Have you ever wondered if someone intended to make you doubt your own perceptions, experiences, or understanding of events? We call this gaslighting. Today I will talk about this word that is becoming more and more popular. And with a point-of-view story you will improve your grammar in context, without memorizing rules. Before you start listening, go quickly to my website and get the transcript for free. Visit:SpeakEnglishPodcast.com/podcast Where does "gaslighting" come from? The word "gaslighting" comes from a play called "Gas Light."written in 1938 by Patrick Hamilton. In this play, a husband tries to make his wife think she is losing her mind. He does some tricky things, like secretly making the lights from gas lamps in their house dimmer, and then he tells her that she's just imagining these changes. This play later became a movie. Nowadays, when we say "gaslighting," we mean when someone tries to make another person unsure about their own memory or feelings, similar to what the husband did to his wife in the story. I'll explain a little more aboutgaslighting, as it is a subtle, powerful form of manipulation intended to make you unsure of what is real. When someone tries to make you doubt yourself,gaslightingoccurs. They want to control how you think, feel, and remember things. For instance, imagine your friend insists they never said something you clearly remember them saying. Over time, this can lead you to doubt your own memories. It's not a one-time occurrence; instead, it's a slow, ongoing process. This manipulation can occur in various relationships – with your family, friends, or coworkers. The individual usinggaslightingintends to make you unsure about what is true and have you rely on their version of events. You need to be able to recognizegaslighting. Look out for signs like someone denying they said something. They might also blame you or minimize your feelings. It's like they're trying to change your story, to make you see the world differently. If you suspectgaslighting, it's essential to seek support. You can talk to someone you trust, like a good friend, family member, or counselor. Sharing what you're going through can give you a better idea of the situation and help you feel more confident again. Always remember that your feelings and memories are valid.Gaslightingaims to make you doubt yourself, but you have the power to stand firm in your reality. By recognizing the manipulation and seeking assistance, you can protect yourself from its harmful effects.

260 Homophones in English Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast In today’s lesson, we’re going to explore the fascinating world of homophones. These are words that sound the same but have different meanings, and sometimes can be tricky for English learners. Don’t worry, though! By the end of this episode, you’ll have a solid understanding of homophones and be able to use them confidently in your everyday conversations. Before you start listening, make sure to get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com It’s free! So, let’s dive in! Homophones are words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings and may be spelled differently. They can often cause confusion, as they sound identical, but their meanings can vary. Let’s explore some common examples of homophones to help clarify their usage. Example 1: “Two,” “Too,” and “To” Although they sound exactly alike, they have different meanings and uses. “Two” refers to the number 2, such as “I have two cats.” “Too” means also or in addition, for example, “I want to go too.” “To” is a preposition used to express direction, purpose, or recipient, as in “I’m going to the park.” Example 2: “There,” “Their,” “They’re” Let’s break them down: “There” is used to indicate a location or a point being discussed, like “The keys are over there.” “Their” is a possessive pronoun that shows ownership, such as “They brought their books.” “They’re” is a contraction of “they are,” as in “They’re going to the movies.” Example 3: “Write” and “Right” Our final example focuses on two words that sound identical but have distinct meanings: “Write” means to put words on paper or create text, like “Please write your name.” “Right” can refer to correctness, direction, or the opposite of left, such as “The answer is right” or “Turn right at the intersection.” [END OF THE EXTRACT]

#259 Discovering Unique American Adventures Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Hi, everyone! Thanks for joining me for a new episode. I’m Georgiana, your English teacher. And I’m here to help you speak English fluently. Today, let’s explore the incredible American experiences you can only find in the USA! And with a fun mini-story, you will improve your English fluency. It’s almost like having a conversation with someone in English. Before we start, get the transcript on my website: SpeakEnglishPodcast.com Ok, let’s get started! The United States is known for its diverse culture, innovation, and unique things to do. In this episode, we’ll discover American experiences exclusive to this country. The breathtaking national parks. The USA is home to stunning natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. These parks offer magnificent beauty and outdoor adventures that you can only find in the USA. You will have another special experience when you visit the well-known Las Vegas Strip. It’s filled with glamour and excitement, featuring iconic hotels, casinos, and incredible shows. Las Vegas combines luxury and entertainment in a way that is uniquely American. Let’s not forget about Broadway shows. Broadway is considered the heart of live theater, and the USA is the home of this artistic treasure. With amazing productions and talented performers, Broadway offers an unforgettable theater experience that attracts people worldwide. Moving on to American music, the USA is recognized for being the origin of diverse musical styles. American music has had a significant impact, from jazz and blues to rock and hip-hop. Therefore, seeing live performances in the US is a real treat for music lovers. Next, we have American sports culture. Sports play a big role in American culture, whether attending a baseball game, experiencing the excitement of a basketball match, or feeling the community spirit of a college football game. Finally, let’s talk about the iconic landmarks. The US is filled with many remarkable landmarks that represent American heritage and pride. From the Statue of Liberty in New York to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, these landmarks tell the story of the United States’ rich history and accomplishments.

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258 Different types of Journalism, part2 Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast This time, I’ll share more types of writing in journalism. In an earlier episode, I talked about different types of newswriting, such as news, report, and interviews. And with a fun mini-story, you will practice your English speaking. We will explore opinion genres, where writing is done from a subjective perspective. This perspective can be the author’s or the media’s opinion. Let’s see what they are. #1 Editorial Imagine a newspaper reporting on an event and publishing various news articles, reports, and maybe interviews. This newspaper may publish an “editorial,” which expresses the newspaper’s opinion or position on the topic covered in the news. It usually reflects the media’s ideological stance. An editorial generally doesn’t mention the author and is not too long. Typically, it can be found on the first few pages. #2 Opinion Article An opinion article is a text that presents the viewpoint of a specific person, like a journalist, politician, or public figure. These articles don’t necessarily align with the media’s editorial stance. Ideally, diverse media outlets would have different opinion articles, enriching the content and allowing readers to compare different perspectives. #3 Column Yes, a column supports buildings, but in journalism, columns are something different, of course 🙂 They are similar to opinion articles but are usually shorter. Additionally, these have specific authors who write regularly, and usually focuses on topics like politics, sports, or lifestyle. The term “column” comes from arranging narrow vertical sections in old newspapers to save space on printed pages. #4 Letter to the Editor This is a common section in many newspapers and magazines where readers can send letters with their opinions, comments, and suggestions about the published articles and topics. The letter to the editor is a way for people to share their thoughts with the newspaper’s editors. Many times, these letters are written about a specific article in the newspaper or a topic that is currently important to the reader. I think this practice is becoming less popular because social media has changed how readers share their opinions on news and current topics.

252 Words and Phrases to Describe Small Quantities in English Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Transcript: Today, we’ll talk about words and phrases that can help you express the amount or quantity of something and when to use them effectively. Let’s start by discussing small quantities. If you only have a little bit of something, you might say “a few” or “some.” A few means three to five of something, while some are a bit more vague and can mean any small amount. For example, if you’re discussing job opportunities, you might say: I’ve applied for a few positions, but I haven’t heard back from any of them yet. If you’re talking about your progress in learning English, you could say: Even though I’ve been learning English for quite some time, I still face difficulties in speaking fluently. When you have a bit more of something but not a lot, you could say “several.” Several usually means more than three, but less than ten. For example, if you’re talking about books you bought from a bookstore, you could say: She bought several books from the store, including a mystery novel and a travel guide. Or maybe you need a “handful” or a “bunch” of something. A handful represents the amount that can be held in your hand, while a bunch refers to a group of things that are tied or held together. For example, if you’re at the beach collecting seashells, you could say: I picked up a handful of shells at the beach. If you’re asking for a snack from a bag of chips, you might say: Can you pass me the bag? I just want a small bunch. Ok, let’s continue! If you have a collection of items, you could say “a group” or “a cluster.” A group typically refers to a small number of things, while a cluster denotes a small group of things that are close together. For example, if you’re discussing a meeting you attended with indecisive people, you could say: I attended a meeting with a group of people who struggle to make decisions, but we couldn’t come to an agreement on what to discuss. [END OF THE EXTRACT] 252 Words and Phrases to Describe Small Quantities in English Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

251 Technical problems on Zoom – Speak English Now podcast Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Transcript: Do you need help with technical problems during Zoom calls? In this episode, we’ll cover common tech problems in Zoom meetings and how to handle them using helpful phrases. And you’ll practice your speaking with a fun mini-story. Zoom has become a crucial tool for remote work and communication. But, as you may have experienced, technical problems can pop up during a Zoom call. As an English learner, it’s important to feel comfortable using the app and handling any problems that may come up. Don’t worry if you’re not a tech expert. Learning the basics of Zoom will help you communicate better with your coworkers and clients. It’s a good idea to practice using Zoom’s simple features, like sharing your screen, using the chat, and muting your microphone. These features can make your Zoom meetings run more smoothly. To help you tackle these issues, I’ve prepared an example conversation on Zoom addressing common technical problems. Participants: John from the United States, Maria from Brazil, and Yuna from South Korea John: Hello, everyone. Can you hear me clearly? Maria: Yes, I can hear you, John. Yuna: Sorry, I’m having trouble hearing you. I may have a problem with the connection. John: No problem, Yuna. Can you check your internet connection or try refreshing your browser? Yuna: Sorry to interrupt, but my screen is blank. Is anyone else having this issue? Maria: No, my screen is working fine. John: Yuna, can you try exiting and then rejoining the meeting? Yuna: Okay, let me try that. Maria: John, I think you’re frozen. I mean, your screen is frozen. Can you hear me? John: Oh, sorry about that, Maria. I need to figure out what’s going on. Let me turn off my camera and then turn it back on. Maria: I’m also having some issues. The image and sound are out of sync on my end. Yuna: I agree, Maria; I noticed the same thing. [END OF THE EXTRACT] 251 Technical problems on Zoom – Speak English Now podcast Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

249 Zoom Business Meetings in English Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Do you get nervous when you need to speak English over Zoom? Don’t worry because in this episode, you’ll discover how to engage in a business meeting over Zoom. In the second part of this episode, you’ll learn grammar in context with a point-of-view story. Okay! Let’s start! I’m not sure if you’re good with technology, but as you know, over the past few years, many companies have adopted Zoom for work purposes. Therefore, you’re probably already familiar with this app. And you may have noticed that whenever we connect to Zoom, technical problems tend to arise. Sometimes it’s you, and other times a team member. However, today, let’s focus on some useful phrases that can make our work-related Zoom conversations more effective. To help you feel more confident and prepared, I have put together an example conversation on Zoom. Participants: John (the host), Mary, Sarah, and Mark. John: Good morning, everyone. Can you hear and see me, okay? Mary: Yes, John, we can hear and see you clearly. John: Great! Then let’s get started. So, the first point on our agenda is the new marketing campaign. Sarah, would you like to start? Sarah: Sure, John. I want to add something before we begin, though. We should also discuss our target audience and their preferences. John: That’s a good point, Sarah. Let’s add that to our discussion. Mary: Sorry, Sarah, I didn’t catch that. Could you repeat what you just said? Sarah: Of course, Mary. I mentioned that we should also discuss our target audience and their preferences. Mary: Thanks, Sarah. John: Alright, let’s move on to the next point. Mark, please update us on the sales figures. Mark: Sure, John. Our sales figures have been improving steadily, but we need to focus on our marketing strategies to reach our targets. John: That’s clear, Mark. Thanks for the update. Let’s discuss the next point on our agenda. Mary, please summarize the progress on the new project. Mary: Sure, John. To sum up, we have completed the initial design phase and are now moving onto the development stage. John: Great work, Mary. Thank you. Does anyone have any questions or comments before we wrap up? 249 Zoom Business Meetings in English Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

248 Obtaining a Green Card: Becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Transcript: Are you interested in becoming a permanent resident of the U.S.? Today, I will discuss how to obtain a Permanent Resident Card, commonly called a green card. This document allows you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. And with a mini-story, you will practice your speaking skills. Hi there! I’m Georgiana, your English teacher. Thanks for joining me for a new episode. My mission is to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks. And, if you want to help me, it’s very simple, just share the podcast with your friends. That would mean a lot. Thanks! Okay! Let’s start! A “green card” is a plastic card with the individual’s biographic information, photo, fingerprint, and expiration date issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Once called the “green card,” the card has kept its nickname, even though it is now yellowish and has a barcode on the back. The Permanent Resident Card is valid for ten years and must be renewed. However, the cardholder’s status as a “permanent resident” remains valid unless the status is abandoned or revoked by the U.S. government. Becoming a permanent resident gives you the right to live in the U.S. permanently, work in any legal job you are qualified for, be protected by all U.S., state, and local laws, and vote in local elections that don’t require U.S. citizenship. There are several other ways of obtaining it, but the most common way to get the Permanent Resident Card is through family sponsorship. If you have a U.S. citizen relative, they can submit a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf. The petition must be accepted before you can apply for the card. Another common way to get a green card is through a job offer. An American employer can file a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in your favor if they can prove that no other qualified American workers can fulfill the role and that you are the best fit for the job. As you can see, obtaining a green card can be a long and complex process. That’s why it’s important to consult an immigration lawyer to understand the steps and see if you are eligible. With the proper guidance, you can make your dream of living and working in the U.S. a reality. [END OF THE EXTRACT] 248 Obtaining a Green Card: Becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

247 How to Negotiate in English When Traveling Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Transcript: Today, we will talk about how to negotiate when buying something while traveling. With a mini-story, you can improve your fluency by engaging in a conversation. It’s like talking to another person in English. Hi there! I’m Georgiana, your English teacher. Thanks for joining me for a new episode. My mission is to help you speak English fluently with no grammar and no textbooks. And, if you want to help me, it’s very simple, just share the podcast with your friends. That would mean a lot. Thanks! To get the most out of the podcast and improve your fluency, I strongly suggest listening to each episode several times, if possible, on different days to better understand the material. Okay! Let’s start! When you travel to a foreign country, knowing how to negotiate the price when shopping is essential. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal: 1. Do your research Before you start bargaining, do your research. If haggling is a custom in the country you’re visiting, look up the item you want to buy to know what a good deal is. 2. Start low and work your way up – Make an offer lower than what you’re willing to pay, then work your way up to a price you’re both comfortable with. This strategy may help you to get the best possible deal, as the seller may be more likely to negotiate with you if you start low. 3. Make a counteroffer Making a counteroffer means making a different offer than the one you initially presented. 4. Know when to walk away – Don’t feel pressured to buy something if it’s more than you are willing to pay. 5. Pay cash – To get the greatest discount, it’s best to pay cash. [END OF THE EXTRACT] 247 How to Negotiate in English When Traveling Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

246 Easter 2023 in the US and Australia Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Today we will learn how Easter is celebrated in the United States and Australia. We will hear Tom and Sarah's conversation about their plans for Easter this year. And with a point-of-view story, you will learn grammar in context without memorizing boring rules. Hi! Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. I'm Georgiana, and my mission is to help you improve your fluency. If you want to support me, please share the podcast with your friends and family. It would mean a great deal to me. Thank you! Okay! Let’s start! Tom, from the United States, and Sarah, from Australia, were catching up on a video call before the Easter holiday. As they started chatting, they quickly realized they had different traditions and plans for celebrating the holiday. Let's listen to their conversation: Tom: Hey, Sarah! Happy Easter! Sarah: Happy Easter to you too, Tom! I hope you're doing well. Tom: Yes, I'm doing great. So, what are your plans for Easter this year? Sarah: I plan to attend church and celebrate Easter with my family. We usually have a big Easter dinner and spend time together. Tom: That sounds lovely. I'm also planning to celebrate Easter with my family. We usually have an Easter egg hunt and decorate Easter eggs. Sarah: Oh, that's a great tradition. We also decorate Easter eggs but don't have an egg hunt. Tom: That's interesting. Every family has their own traditions. Sarah: Definitely. What other traditions do you have for Easter? Tom: We usually go to church and have a big Easter brunch. We also exchange Easter baskets filled with candy and small gifts. Sarah: That sounds like so much fun. We don't exchange Easter baskets but give each other Easter cards. Tom: That's sweet. Do you have any special Easter foods that you eat? Sarah: Yes, we usually have ham, deviled eggs, and hot cross buns. Tom: That sounds delicious. My family has roasted lamb, mashed potatoes, and asparagus. Sarah: That sounds amazing. It's interesting to see how different cultures celebrate the same holiday. Get the full transcript here: speakenglishpodcast.com/podcast/

244 The court of Law in the USA —Part 1 Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Hi! I'm Georgiana. Thanks for joining me for another episode of the podcast. My mission is to help you improve your fluency. If you want to help me, pleasesharethe podcast. That would mean a lot. Thanks! Remember that you can get the text of this episode on my website SpeakEnglishPodcast.com Ok! Let’s start! Today I'll explain some words related to trials. While I'm hoping you'll never have to use these words in real life, becoming familiar with this language will help you better grasp the subject and engage in conversation on the topic. Come on, let’s start! #1 The Accused or Defendant The person who is accused of breaking the law is called the accused or defendant. They have the right to tell their side of the story and present evidence to the judge. For example: The police arrested the defendant. He is accused of having eaten the last cookie in the box. #2 Courtroom A courtroom is a place where legal cases are heard and decided. People go there when they are accused of doing something illegal or have a disagreement that needs to be settled by a judge or jury. Example: The trial of the defendant will take place in the courtroom. Okay, next word: #3 Crime A crime is an act or omission against the law punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both. For example, stealing is a crime. Example: - I just committed a crime! - What crime did you commit? - I ate the last cookie without sharing - that's an unforgivable crime! In this case, legally, it would not be a crime, but it is unforgivable to eat the last cookie without sharing it! #4 Accomplice An accomplice is a person who helps another to commit a crime or offense. There could be more than one person helping with the crime. Example: - I can't believe we did this. - Me neither. But no one saw how we ate the cookie. Now we are accomplices. #5 Lawyer or attorney What’s the difference between a lawyer and an attorney? What is a lawyer? A lawyer is someone who has been educated in the law and has completed law school. They can provide legal advice but cannot represent clients in court because they still need to pass the bar exam. What is an attorney? An attorney has graduated from law school and passed the bar exam in their state of practice; therefore, they can represent clients in court. Let me tell you a joke about lawyers: - Good morning, How much do you charge for a quick consultation? - 500 dollars for three questions. -Wow, isn't that a bit expensive? - Yes. And what is your third question? #6 Presumption of innocence This is important. The presumption of innocence means we should consider thedefendantinnocent until proven guilty in a court of law. One example: The judge reminded the audience that the presumption of innocence must always be maintained. It hasn't been determined if the accused ate the last cookie in the box. #7 Prosecutor A prosecutor is an attorney who brings criminal charges against a defendant and presents evidence in court to prove that the accused is guilty. Example: According to the prosecutor, the defendant ate the last cookie in the box, so the prosecutor presented evidence about it. And speaking of evidence... #8 Evidence Evidence is any information, document, testimony, observation, etc., presented to prove something is true. An example: Theprosecutorput theevidenceof the crime on the table, the empty box of cookies. Okay, it is useful to learn some basic terms related to a trial, and next week, we will continue to learn new vocabulary. Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

241 The Public Healthcare System in The U.S. Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Speak English Now Podcast with Georgiana Transcript: Are you curious about how the healthcare system works in the U.S.? In this episode, I will explain the basics of the American healthcare system. There is not one universal system, but a range of public and private insurance options. I will lay out how these plans work so that you can gain a better understanding. And yes. Contrary to what some people assume, public health care exists in the USA. There are several public systems, both federal and state. All Americans must have health insurance or face a federal offense. Therefore, everyone should be properly insured. If someone is unemployed, they may be eligible for federal or state public insurance programs to help them access the necessary health care services. Let’s find out more about public health in the U.S. In 1965, the federal government created Medicare and Medicaid, which provided health coverage to the elders and the poorest segments of the population. What are Medicare and Medicaid? Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily available to people 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, or people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Medicaid offers health insurance to countless Americans, such as eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. States must follow federal rules while running the program, which is funded by both state and federal money. Other programs, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), is a federal-state partnership program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Children’s Health Insurance Program provides health insurance coverage to low-income children and pregnant women who do not qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance. I hope you found this episode interesting. In the next one, I will continue talking about the healthcare in the U.S. [END OF THE EXTRACT] 241 The Public Healthcare System in The U.S. Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast

240 Paradox in English and Speaking Practice Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast Transcript: Do you like paradoxes? Today I will talk about the paradox (in English) of the magic bill, which has gone viral on social media. Ok, let’s start! A paradox is a fact, expression, or story that seems contrary to logic. I invite you to listen to this paradox and then assume the solution. Pay attention! A tourist arrives at a hotel. He is very picky about the rooms, so he asks the receptionist if he can see them first. The receptionist agrees but asks the tourist to leave $100 at the front desk. The tourist leaves a $100 bill and goes upstairs to look at the vacant rooms to see if he likes any of them. The hotel manager then takes this bill and goes to the butcher shop to pay a $100 debt to the butcher. The butcher goes to the bakery to pay the $100 debt he owes the baker and does so with the same $100 bill. The baker, in turn, takes the bill and pays his debt to his doctor with the same bill. Finally, the doctor returns to the hotel and pays a $100 debt he owes to the hotel manager. At that point, the tourist returns and tells the desk clerk that he does not want to stay at the hotel. He takes his $100 bill and leaves. The apparent paradox is that before the tourist arrived, the manager, the butcher, the baker, and the doctor owed $100. When the tourist recovers the $100 bill, the tourist, the manager, the butcher, the baker, and the doctor no longer owe anything. No one owes anything to anyone. No one has worked or produced anything, and no one has lost a single dollar. I think the key to understanding this supposed paradox is that each of the characters owed $100, but they were also owed $100. That is, everyone at some point would have to pay $100, but also at some point had to receive $100. In reality, the bill has not affected anyone’s economy. What has happened is that each person’s debt has been canceled. Now I think I need an aspirin 🙂 What do you think? Can you explain this story in your language? Or, could you explain this paradox directly in English? I know it’s even more difficult, but there is nothing impossible. 🙂 [END OF THE EXTRACT] 240 Paradox in English and Speaking Practice Get the transcript here: https://SpeakEnglishpodcast.com/podcast