Plain English

" Flip phones were popular in the early 2000s, but Samsung wants to bring them back. They just released the Galaxy Z Flip 3, a modern flip phone with paper-thin folding glass. The glass is rated for 200,000 folds, but the jury is out on the durability of this phone. Plus, learn what it means for something to “hold up.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s f...

" The September 11 Museum has a wide-ranging collection of artifacts, including architectural remnants, recovered artifacts, and electronic media. The collection on display is powerful yet heavy, but it is a worthwhile spot to visit when in New York. Today’s lesson is the second part of the two-part lesson on the museum. Plus, learn what it means to “go to great lengths.” -- At Plain English, we m...

" Last week, lesson 397 discussed what happened on September 11, 2001. In part 1 of 2 lessons, today covers the Ground Zero Museum and Memorial in New York that was built where the Twin Towers once stood. The museum tries to strike a balance between honoring the victims and telling the story of what happened there, and you’ll learn what “strike a balance” means. -- At Plain English, we make Englis...

" September 11, 2001 is a day Americans will never forget. Americans that were alive at the time have moments that stuck with them, like where they were when it happened or bits and pieces from the 24/7 media coverage that followed. This lesson looks back on the tragedy and heroism of 9/11 and commemorates the day that changed America. Plus, learn “wrest control.” -- At Plain English, we make Engl...

" In the past, artists needed record labels and agents to promote their music and try to land radio spots. Now, with streaming services like Spotify and Deezer, artists can upload music to the platforms on their own. But this means the competition is higher than ever, and the power is in the hands of the streaming services. Plus, learn “light on.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for t...

" The new movie “Stillwater” stars Matt Damon and Camille Cottin. The movie is inspired by the real-life crime story about Amanda Knox, the American student who was convicted of murdering her roommate while studying abroad in Italy. Knox was not consulted about the new movie using her story, and she isn’t pleased. Plus, learn “inspired by.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the mode...

" Lionel Messi is one of the greatest footballers of all time, and he’s spent his entire career thus far with FC Barcelona. He moved to Barcelona at age 13 to join the young programs associated with the club. Barcelona and Messi both wanted to stay together, but apparently it was financially impossible. Now, he’s off to play in Paris. Plus, learn “bid farewell.” -- At Plain English, we make Englis...

" Comics and cartoon drawings date back to the 1800s. Until recently, comics were typically published in newspapers or books and tell a story over time. But now, there are Webtoons: digital comics that are designed specifically to be read on a smartphone. Welcome to 21st century comics! Plus, learn “identify with.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full...

" Japan drew the short straw with hosting the 2020-turned-2021 Olympic Games. Under pressure from the International Olympic Committee, Japan hosted the most expensive and controversial Olympic Games to date. Now that the Games have officially wrapped up, this lesson takes a look at how the Tokyo Olympics panned out for Japan, the athletes, sponsors, and more. Plus, learn “back away from.” -- At Pl...

" Several American food brands have been around for over a century, including a coffee brand from 1850 and a condiment that dates all the way back to 1876. Some things, and recipes, never change. This lesson gives you a taste of the American diet – for better or for worse. Plus, learn “still around.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson,...

" Several American food brands have been around for over a century, including a coffee brand from 1850 and a condiment that dates all the way back to 1876. Some things, and recipes, never change. This lesson gives you a taste of the American diet – for better or for worse. Plus, learn “still around.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson,...

" “Judge Judy” is an American daytime courtroom television show that’s been airing for over 25 years. The popular show attracts 10 million American viewers each weekday afternoon. Judge Judy settles small disputes and is famous for her signature no-nonsense style. The show is ending next month, but Judge Judy’s legacy and many life lessons will live on. Plus, learn “abide by.” -- At Plain English,...

" The Delta variant is rapidly spreading throughout the globe, and it’s causing a higher percentage of hospitalizations and serious cases than the original strains of COVID-19. Yet, some people with relatively easy access to vaccines are still hesitant to get jabbed. It’s a complex topic that is rooted in history and distrust. Plus, learn “pale in comparison.” -- At Plain English, we make English...

" Jürgen Conings was a Belgian soldier that stole military weapons and set off a massive 35-day manhunt in May. He was apparently radicalized by far-right online conspiracy theories. Conings was already on the Belgian watchlist, and there seem to have been some major oversights by the country’s military. Plus, learn “swept up in.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world....

" On July 11, Richard Branson traveled aboard his own Virgin Galactic rocket ship on the first private flight to space. He beat out his billionaire rivals: Jeff Bezos of Blue Origin and Elon Musk of SpaceX by just a few days. Branson hopes this is the start of commercial space travel becoming more of a reality. Plus, learn “on the way.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern w...

" For at least 100 years, kids have been learning in schools in the same format: a teacher and a class full of students with little technology. Then, Covid abruptly forced teachers and schoolchildren into virtual learning. This meant many disadvantaged students missed out on a big part of their education, but could some of the advantages of virtual learning stick around for good? Plus, learn “spac...

" China’s Communist Party celebrated 100 years in power this month. From its humble beginnings in a house in Shanghai, to strict control over more than a billion people, this lesson walks through some of the ups and downs of the party over the past century. Plus, learn “take place.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free...

" New York City is experimenting with ranked-choice voting, where you rank the candidates in order of your preference. Countries like Australia and Ireland have been doing this for a century, and it’s a way to pick a clear winner in an election. There are a lot of advantages to this style of voting, but there is one very, very big disadvantage. Plus, learn “square off.” -- At Plain English, we mak...

" A fully occupied condominium building in Surfside, Florida tragically collapsed in the middle of the night. Rescue efforts ran into several complications, and many people are still unaccounted for. The building board was apparently warned of the structural issues back in 2018, and an investigation is looking into what triggered the collapse. Plus, learn “act on.” -- At Plain English, we make Eng...

" When Britney Spears was 26, she had just gone through a series of personal meltdowns. As a result, her father was legally appointed as her financial and personal conservator, meaning he has full control of her life and finances. But thirteen years later, Britney – and a movement of her fans – are fighting to get her out of it. Plus, learn what it means to “raise awareness.” -- At Plain English,...

" The world is facing a semiconductor shortage. Semiconductor microchips are in everything nowadays: from laptops, to cars, and even some toothbrushes. Demand for these tiny chips was already on the rise, and then the pandemic supercharged demand. Countries are scrambling to build more capacity, but it will be years before new factories are up and running. Plus, learn “cutting edge.” -- At Plain E...

" This spring, Law & Order introduced its latest installment in the franchise: “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” One of the Law & Order series is the longest-running live-action drama in American television history, with 22 seasons and counting. But the new show is different, and will make you want to tune in week-after-week. Plus, learn “land on.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for th...

" After a year of pandemic life and working from home in comfortable pants, Gen Z has declared that skinny jeans should be gone for good. Some millennials are rejoicing about ditching the uncomfortable style, while others are defending their beloved skinny jeans (and side hair parts, while they’re at it). Plus, learn “break out.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -...

" The gig economy – the future of work – is here, and consumers love it. We can get a ride, order food, or even have our dogs walked with the tap of an app. But the gig economy relies on its workers to be independent contractors, and some recent court cases are challenging that model. Should Uber drivers be employees or contractors? Plus, learn what the “middle ground” is. -- At Plain English, we...

" A new dinosaur was discovered in Australia, named the “Australotitan cooperensis,” or “Cooper” for short. The dinosaur was enormous, even for dinosaur standards. It was two stories tall and as long as a basketball court, making it one of the top 15 largest dinosaurs ever discovered. Plus, a dinosaur-sized coincidence and learn what “named after” means. -- At Plain English, we make English lesson...