American English With Brent

Learn easy English words while we talk about Donald Trump and Iran. This simple lesson helps you practice your English and understand big world news today.✅ Preview the advanced classes that will help you watch and read the news in English in just 30 days here: https://brent-watson-s-school.teachable.com/l/products☀️ Summer is the perfect time to level up your English fluency!Private 1-on-1 conversation sessions are officially back. Let’s work together in a comfortable space to build your speaking confidence, sharpen your pronunciation, and fix common mistakes.👉 Click here to reserve your 60-minute session:https://brent-watson-s-school.teachable.com/l/products⚠️ Note: Private coaching slots are limited weekly, so grab your time slot early!💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/join1. Fleshed OutDefinition: To add more details or information to a basic plan or idea.Example: Before we start building the new garden, we need to get the plan completely fleshed out.2. StasisDefinition: A time when nothing is moving, changing, or growing.Example: My savings account has been in stasis because I have had to pay for so many car repairs lately.3. TangiblyDefinition: In a way that is very clear, real, and easy to notice (often something you can touch or feel).Example: Getting a new office chair tangibly improved my back pain at work.4. Figured OutDefinition: To understand something or find the answer to a problem.Example: My husband finally figured out how to fix the broken washing machine.5. Virtually NothingDefinition: Almost zero; almost nothing at all.Example: By the time Friday arrives, there is virtually nothing left in our refrigerator.6. TollsDefinition: A fee or tax you pay to drive on certain roads or bridges. (Note: It can also mean a bad effect, like "working late takes a toll on your health.")Example: We had to pay three tolls on the highway during our family vacation.7. Take ControlDefinition: To become the boss, the leader, or the person managing a situation.Example: When the children started arguing, the mother had to take control of the room.8. Herbert HooverDefinition: The 31st President of the United States.Example: Herbert Hoover was the American president during a very difficult economic time.9. Great DepressionDefinition: A long, sad period in the 1930s when many people across the world lost their money, jobs, and homes.Example: My grandparents learned how to cook very cheap meals during the Great Depression.10. HoovervillesDefinition: Poor, dirty towns built by homeless people during the 1930s (named after President Hoover).Example: Families who lost their houses had to build small shacks in Hoovervilles to stay warm.11. AnnalsDefinition: Historical records or history books written year by year.Example: The invention of the internet will always be remembered in the annals of history.12. BravadoDefinition: When someone acts like they are very brave and confident, but they are actually hiding that they are scared or unsure.Example: The new manager spoke with a lot of bravado, but he did not know how to run the store.13. NeoconsDefinition: A short word for "neoconservatives," which is a political group in the United States that believes in strong military power.Example: My friends like to discuss the beliefs of the neocons when we watch the evening news.14. Blank-odd YearsDefinition: A phrase used to guess a number of years, meaning "a little more than." For example, "twenty-odd years" means maybe 21, 22, or 23 years.Example: I have worked as a mechanic for thirty-odd years.15. He Fell For ItDefinition: He believed a trick, a lie, or a joke.Example: I told my son that broccoli was magic dinosaur food, and he fell for it!

In this video, we look at a big global news story about Donald Trump to test your listening skills. Watch the full lesson to learn advanced vocabulary and prove your English is ready for the next level!✅ Preview the advanced classes that will help you watch and read the news in English in just 30 days here: https://brent-watson-s-school.teachable.com/l/products☀️ Summer is the perfect time to level up your English fluency!Private 1-on-1 conversation sessions are officially back. Let’s work together in a comfortable space to build your speaking confidence, sharpen your pronunciation, and fix common mistakes.👉 Click here to reserve your 60-minute session:https://brent-watson-s-school.teachable.com/l/products⚠️ Note: Private coaching slots are limited weekly, so grab your time slot early!1. Chief CorrespondentDefinition: The main or most important reporter for a news company.Example: The chief correspondent traveled to London to report on the important news.2. Pick up where we left offDefinition: To start an activity again from the exact point where you stopped before.Example: We ran out of time in yesterday’s meeting, so let’s pick up where we left off today.3. DefyingDefinition: Refusing to obey a person, a rule, or a law.Example: The young boy is defying his parents by refusing to eat his vegetables.4. PleadingDefinition: Asking for something in a very serious, emotional, or urgent way.Example: The children were pleading with their father to take them to the park on Sunday.5. Salvage (v)Definition: To save something from being lost, ruined, or destroyed.Example: Our vacation was rainy, but we managed to salvage the trip by visiting indoor museums.6. CeasefireDefinition: An agreement between two fighting sides to stop shooting or fighting.Example: The two countries finally agreed to a ceasefire so they could talk about peace.7. AllyDefinition: A person, group, or country that helps and supports you, especially in a difficult situation.Example: My coworker is a great ally because she always helps me when I have too much work.8. Blow up (ruin a plan)Definition: To completely ruin, destroy, or spoil a plan or arrangement.Example: I forgot my passport, which is going to blow up our plans for the weekend trip.9. ReferencedDefinition: Mentioned or talked about a specific person, book, or piece of information.Example: In his email, my boss referenced the project we finished last month.10. Stark (grim)Definition: Very serious, harsh, sad, or unpleasant to look at.Example: The doctor gave us a stark warning about the dangers of eating too much sugar.11. Had their fun (idiom)Definition: Enjoyed themselves for a period of time, but now that time is over and it is time to be serious.Example: The kids had their fun playing outside all afternoon, and now they must do their homework.12. Go alongDefinition: To agree with an idea or accept what other people want to do.Example: I do not completely like the new schedule, but I will go along with it to keep the peace.13. "I call the shots"Definition: A phrase that means "I am the person who makes the decisions or has the power here."Example: In this kitchen, I call the shots, so please follow my recipe.14. DespiteDefinition: Used to say that something happens even though there is something else trying to stop it.Example: Despite the heavy rain, the parents went to watch their son's soccer game.15. VergeDefinition: To be very close to experiencing or doing something.Example: After working a twelve-hour shift, the tired mother was on the verge of tears.16. Subject to...Definition: Dependent on something else happening, or forced to follow a specific rule.Example: Our outdoor picnic is subject to the weather, so we might stay inside if it rains.17. IgnoranceDefinition: A lack of knowledge, understanding, or information about something.Example: His ignorance about basic cooking meant he burned the rice every time.

Improve your English vocabulary with this exciting B1 English lesson about real breaking news. Discover how to easily read and watch the news in English while practicing important new words!✅ Preview the advanced classes that will help you watch and read the news in English in just 30 days here: brent-watson-s-school.teachable.com/l/pdp/the-breaking-news-decoder💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink: https://youtu.be/b49T1oYvtqM?si=NBCZstHj5Ob9PBToVocabulary List & Definitions 1. Suspected Definition: Believed by people to be guilty of something, but not yet proven. Example: The police stopped the suspected bank robber down the street. 2. Terrorist Definition: A person who uses violence and fear to achieve political goals. Example: Security at the airport is very strict to prevent terrorist attacks. 3. Ivanka Trump Definition: An American businesswoman and the daughter of the 45th U.S. President, Donald Trump. Example: During her father's presidency, Ivanka Trump worked as an official advisor. 4. IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) Definition: A large branch of Iran's military that protects the country's Islamic political system. Example: The news reported on a new statement issued by the IRGC in Iran. 5. Iraqi National Definition: A citizen or person from the country of Iraq. Example: The engineer moving to our city is an Iraqi national. 6. Taken into Custody Definition: Arrested or held by the police or government authorities. Example: After a short chase, the driver was taken into custody. 7. Plot Definition: A secret plan made by a group of people to do something illegal or harmful. Example: The movie was about a plot to steal a famous painting from the museum. 8. Qasem Soleimani Definition: A powerful Iranian military general who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020. Example: The death of Qasem Soleimani caused major political tension in the Middle East. 9. Burn Down the House (Idiom) Definition: To completely destroy everything, or to cause extreme chaos/destruction to fix a problem. Example: We need to fix our company's small budget issues, but we don't need to burn down the house and fire everyone. 10. Indianapolis Definition: A major city in the United States and the capital city of the state of Indiana. Example: Many people travel to Indianapolis every year to watch the famous car race. 11. Complicit Definition: Involved with other people in an illegal activity or wrongdoing. Example: Even though he didn't steal the money, he was complicit because he helped hide it. 12. Execution (Completing a task) Definition: The act of doing, finishing, or performing a planned action or job. Example: The team's execution of the new business plan was perfect. 13. Execution (Killing) Definition: The legal killing of a person as a punishment for a serious crime. Example: In some countries, the execution of dangerous criminals is allowed by law. 14. Surveillance Definition: The careful watching of a person, place, or situation, usually by the police or using cameras. Example: The department store installed new surveillance cameras to stop shoplifting. 15. Analysis Definition: A careful study of something to learn about its parts, what it means, or how it works. Example: The doctor did a blood analysis to see why the patient felt so tired. 16. Revenge Definition: The act of hurting someone because they hurt you first. Example: He broke my phone on purpose, so I took revenge by hiding his keys. 17. It's Only a Matter of Time Definition: An expression meaning that something is certain to happen in the future, even if we don't know exactly when. Example: If you practice English every day, it's only a matter of time before you speak fluently.

Improve your English vocabulary and listening skills with this real breaking news lesson about the scary Ebola virus. This video explains useful medical words to help English learners understand real news reports easily.✅ Better English in 30 Days Here: https://brent-watson-s-school.teachable.com/l/pdp/the-breaking-news-decoder?coupon_code=LAUNCH50💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to the Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/hArARBrwzKM?si=hWYp4c1NcgfRbVID1. MegaphoneDefinition: A cone-shaped device that you speak into to make your voice much louder.Example Sentence: The police officer used a megaphone so the large crowd could hear his instructions.2. ActivistDefinition: A person who works hard to bring about social or political change.Example Sentence: The environmental activist gave a great speech about the importance of clean water.3. Raise AwarenessDefinition: To increase public knowledge or understanding about an important issue.Example Sentence: We are walking in the parade today to raise awareness for breast cancer.4. PreventativeDefinition: Something done to stop a bad thing (like a disease or accident) from happening.Example Sentence: Washing your hands with soap is a great preventative measure against the flu.5. EbolaDefinition: A very serious, and often deadly, disease caused by a virus.Example Sentence: Doctors traveled from all over the world to help treat patients with Ebola.6. TransmittedDefinition: Passed from one person or place to another.Example Sentence: The common cold is easily transmitted when people cough or sneeze near each other.7. Physical ContactDefinition: Touching someone or something.Example Sentence: You can catch the virus through direct physical contact with a sick person.8. UrgentDefinition: Very important and needing immediate action or attention.Example Sentence: He had to leave work early because he received an urgent phone call from his family.9. MandatoryDefinition: Required by a rule or the law; you do not have a choice.Example Sentence: Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory when driving a car in the United States.10. VoluntaryDefinition: Done by your own choice, not because you are forced to do it.Example Sentence: The extra English homework is voluntary, but it will help you learn the language faster.11. EnforcedDefinition: Making sure that people obey a rule or a law.Example Sentence: The speed limit is strictly enforced by the police on this highway.12. EpidemicDefinition: A situation where a disease spreads very quickly to a large number of people in a community.Example Sentence: The city closed all the schools during the flu epidemic to keep children safe.13. CapsulesDefinition: Small, oval-shaped pills that contain medicine.Example Sentence: The doctor told me to take two capsules of medicine every morning with a glass of water.14. SamplesDefinition: Small amounts of something used for testing or to show what the rest is like.Example Sentence: The nurse took blood samples from the patients and sent them to the laboratory.15. Tracing BackDefinition: A phrasal verb meaning to follow the history or path of something to find exactly where it started.Example Sentence: Scientists are tracing back the virus to find out which city it came from.16. OutbreakDefinition: The sudden start or fast spread of a disease or violence.Example Sentence: After the outbreak of the virus, the local hospital became very busy.17. Chain of TransmissionDefinition: The way a disease passes from one person, to another, to another, like links in a metal chain.Example Sentence: Doctors try to keep sick patients at home to break the chain of transmission.

In today’s lesson, we are going to explore a recent, sensational news headline by analyzing how to interpret and discuss complex political claims in English. We will break down key vocabulary terms like "disputing" and "posing a threat" to help you better understand and evaluate news reporting with confidence.✅ Better English in 30 Days Here: https://brent-watson-s-school.teachable.com/l/pdp/the-breaking-news-decoder?coupon_code=LAUNCH50💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to Newscast: https://youtu.be/7n8fMSS_Kn4?si=7Gycp3M5Cu-UjcA6Vocabulary List: Definitions & Examples1. DisputingDefinition: (Verb) Arguing against something or saying that a statement is not true.Example: The customer is disputing the charge on his credit card because he didn't buy that item.2. Poses a ThreatDefinition: (Phrase) Creates a danger or a risk.Example: The heavy snow poses a threat to drivers on the highway tonight.3. A PoseDefinition: (Noun) A specific position of the body, usually for a photograph, painting, or exercise.Example: The yoga teacher asked us to hold a difficult pose for thirty seconds.4. News OutletDefinition: (Noun) A company or organization that reports the news, like a newspaper, TV channel, or website.Example: FOX and CNN are famous news outlets that report stories from all over the world.5. Outlet StoreDefinition: (Noun) A shop that sells a specific brand's products directly to the public at a lower price.Example: We drove to the outlet store to buy some running shoes at a discount.6. Guantanamo BayDefinition: (Proper Noun) A U.S. military base and prison located in Cuba, frequently mentioned in international news.Example: Many international news stories discuss the political situation regarding the prison at Guantanamo Bay.7. AccusedDefinition: (Verb/Adjective) Blamed for doing something wrong or illegal.Example: The manager was accused of stealing money from the company.8. FraudulentDefinition: (Adjective) Done in a fake or illegal way to trick people, usually to get money.Example: Be careful of fraudulent emails that ask for your bank password.9. JustifyDefinition: (Verb) To give a good reason or explanation for an action or decision.Example: Can you justify why you were late for the important meeting this morning?10. Reference Definition: (Verb) To mention or talk about something or someone.Example: The instructions for the IKEA desk referenced a tool that definitely was not included in the box.11. AxiosDefinition: (Proper Noun) An American news website known for writing short, easy-to-read articles.Example: I read an interesting article about the global economy on Axios this morning.12. ContributorDefinition: (Noun) A person who gives something (like articles, time, or money) to help a project or organization.Example: She is a regular contributor to the local newspaper and writes an article every week.13. What Do You Make Of...Definition: (Phrase) An expression used to ask for someone's opinion or how they understand something.Example: What do you make of the new company rules? Do you think they are fair?14. MidwayDefinition: (Adverb) In the middle of a process, place, or period of time.Example: We stopped to get some coffee midway through our long drive to the mountains.