WORDS AND THEIR STORIES: belittle

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Now, the VOA Special English program WORDS AND THEIR STORIES.

Today’s word is belittle.  It was first used by Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States.

Many years ago, a French naturalist, the Count de Buffon, wrote some books about natural history. The books were a great success even though some critics did not like them. Some critics said, “Count Buffon is more of a poet than a scientist.”

Grammar: unreal conditionals

A friend asks you what you would do if you won a million dollars in a lottery. You think it would be fun to spend the money on traveling, so this is how you answer.

You know what would be great is if I could take a few months off work and travel the world.

You know what would be (adjective)?

London Underground celebrates 150th anniversary

Happy anniversary!

 Yes, the London Underground is 150 years old this week which is amazing. Have a go at recognising underground systems around the world.

Making conversation

A-Ha - Lifelines

 One time to know that it's real.

One time to know how it feels.
That's all.

One call, your voice on the phone.

One place, a moment alone.
That's all.

What do you see?
What do you know?
One sign, what do I do?
Just follow your lifelines through
What if it hurts, what then?
What do we do?
What do you say?
Don't throw your lifelines away

Top 10 Pieces of Advice for Students

·        Remember Why You’re Learning English

Sometimes the going gets tough. Students are overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do for their other classes. Adults have too much going on at work. When students start complaining about their workload, 

Bank balance

You're at an ATM. You're seeing how much money is in your bank account. This is the message on the ATM screen.

Your balance is $2,154.