American English With Brent

This English lesson tells the story of Gen Z—the young generation taking to the streets to create a better future. Learn English vocabulary through real news about courage, hope, and social change.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Link of Original Newscast: https://youtu.be/ywJuZ8kCwBI?si=V-VAnZvXQI4yIqZk1. Gen Z: People born from the late 1990s to around 2010. : Gen Z uses social media to share their opinions and ideas.2. Taking to the Streets: When people go outside to protest or show their opinions publicly. : Many students are taking to the streets to ask for better education.3. Specific: Clear and exact; not general. : The teacher gave specific directions for the homework.4. Demands: Strong requests for something that people believe they deserve. : The workers made demands for higher pay and safer conditions.5. Social Justice: Fair treatment and equal rights for everyone in society. : Many young people care deeply about social justice and equality.6. Clashed: Fought or argued strongly with someone. : Protesters clashed with police during the march.7. Impeached: When a government leader is officially accused of doing something wrong. : The president was impeached after being accused of corruption.8. Step Down: To leave an important job or position. : The mayor decided to step down after ten years in office.9. Sweeping Across: Moving quickly or spreading over a large area. : A wave of protests is sweeping across the country.10. Corruption: Dishonest or illegal behavior, especially by people in power. : The people were angry because of corruption in the government.11. Taking On: To fight against or challenge someone or something. : The brave journalist is taking on powerful politicians in her articles.12. Spiraling: Getting worse or increasing quickly and out of control. : Prices are spiraling, and many families can’t afford food.13. Crackdown: Strong action by authorities to stop something bad or illegal. : The police started a crackdown on speeding and drunk driving.14. Galvanizing: Causing people to take action or become more active. : The speech was galvanizing—it made people want to change the world.15. Triggered: Caused a strong reaction, usually emotional. : The video triggered memories of the earthquake for many survivors.16. Routine: A regular way of doing things. : She follows a morning routine before going to school.17. C-Sections: A medical operation to deliver a baby through surgery instead of natural birth. : The doctor performed two C-sections last week.18. Woeful: Very bad, sad, or full of trouble. : The country’s economy is in a woeful state right now.19. Priorities: The most important things that must be done first. : Her top priorities are finishing school and helping her family.

A daring jewel heist just happened at the Louvre Museum in Paris — and we’re using this breaking news story to learn real English words you’ll see on the TOEFL and IELTS! Watch to discover key vocabulary like heist, brazen, and getaway while improving your English through current events.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Original News Link:https://youtu.be/QwdwC2NUlXI?si=TcrMiQjInCQ-Zrh61. Whether: Used to show a choice between two or more things. : She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.: I’m not sure whether he likes his new job.2. Hunt: To look for something or someone carefully. : He likes to hunt rabbits with his dog, Gus. 3. Priceless: So valuable that it cannot be given a price. : Her grandmother’s ring is priceless.4. Brazen: Very bold and not afraid of what others think. : The student brazenly used his phone during the test.5. Heist: A planned robbery, usually of money or valuable things. : The movie was about a bank heist.6. Widely Shared: Seen or known by many people. : The photo of the sunset was widely shared because it was beautiful.7. Vest: A piece of clothing worn on the upper body, often under or over a shirt. : The hunters wore orange vests so they could be seen easily.8. Disguised: Dressed or changed to look different to hide who you are. : The movie star disguised herself with sunglasses and a hat.9. Maintenance Worker: A person who fixes or takes care of buildings or machines. : The maintenance worker repaired the broken light.10. Lavish: Expensive, fancy, or full of luxury. : They lived in a lavish apartment with gold decorations.11. Captivated: Very interested or charmed by something or someone. : The crowd was captivated by the magician’s tricks.12. Oceans 11: A famous movie about a group planning a big casino robbery. : The students compared their project to Oceans 11 because it needed teamwork.13. Mount : To put on, organize, or begin something; or to climb. : The company plans to mount a big campaign to sell their new fish-flavored toothpaste.14. Audit: A careful check of money records or accounts. : The students did a small audit of how much paper the school uses each month.15. Deprioritized: Made less important than other things. : The student deprioritized video games to study for exams.16. Deplorable: Very bad and deserving strong dislike. : The living conditions in the building were deplorable.17. Construction Work: Building or repairing structures like houses, roads, or bridges. : Construction work started early in the morning.18. Snatched: Taken quickly or suddenly. : The man snatched the purse and ran away.19. Encrusted: Covered with a hard or decorative layer. : The necklace was encrusted with diamonds.: His shoes were encrusted with dried mud after the hike.: The walls of the cave were encrusted with colorful minerals.20. Getaway: The act of escaping, usually after a crime. : The robbers jumped into the getaway car.21. Intact: Not broken or damaged; still complete. : The phone fell on the floor, but the screen stayed intact.22. Diminish: To make or become smaller or weaker. : The doctor said the pain will diminish with time.: His energy diminished after running for so long.

🍁 Learn 11 fun English phrasal verbs and idioms for autumn! These natural expressions will help you sound more like a native speaker while talking about the fall season.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. 🍁 Autumn Idioms and Phrasal VerbsFall Apart👉 To break into pieces or stop working emotionally.🧩 After his dog died, he started to fall apart.Fall Behind👉 To not move as fast as others.🧩 She fell behind in her homework after falling and breaking her arm.Fall Through👉 To fail or not happen as planned.🧩 Our trip to the park fell through because it rained all day.Fall for Someone or Something👉 To start liking or loving someone.🧩 He fell for his best friend.Fell for It👉 To be tricked or fooled by someone or something.🧩 I told my brother there was a spider on his shoulder—he totally fell for it!Turn Over a New Leaf👉 To start fresh or change your behavior for the better.🧩 After summer vacation, she turned over a new leaf and studied harder.Bundle Up👉 To put on warm clothes.🧩 It’s cold outside—bundle up before you go out!Change Up👉 To do something in a different way.🧩 I wanted to change up my English learning, so instead of reading a book I listened to a podcast.Drift Off👉 To slowly fall asleep or lose focus.🧩 Last night, I drifted off while reading by the fire, never making it to bed.Rake In👉 To earn a lot of money easily.🧩 The coffee shop rakes in money during the fall festival.Rake Up👉 To collect fallen leaves.🧩 We raked up the leaves in the yard.Blow Over👉 To pass without causing much trouble.🧩 The storm blew over by morning.Leaf Through👉 To look quickly through a book, magazine, or papers.🧩 I leafed through the magazine while waiting for the bus.

🇻🇪 In this English lesson, we explore how Venezuela’s people are suffering under dictatorship and the fear of a possible U.S. invasion. Learn important vocabulary and expressions to understand and discuss this powerful news story in English.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. 💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to original newscast: https://youtu.be/P3lqs6haNx8?si=b8M61fHISGiPQMNB1. Considering: Thinking carefully about something before making a decision.: She is considering moving to another city for work.2. Soil: The top layer of the earth where plants grow; dirt.: Farmers need good soil to grow healthy crops.3. Combat: To fight against someone or something.: The government is trying to combat teen smoking.4. Under Control: When a problem or situation is being managed and is not dangerous anymore.: The fire is now under control thanks to the firefighters.5. Authoritarian: A person or government that expects people to obey rules without question.: The country is ruled by an authoritarian leader who allows no free speech.6. Covert: Secret or hidden; not done openly.: The spy carried out a covert mission at night.7. To Take Out: To remove or destroy something or someone.: The video game player took out all the robots on the screen.8. Non-Committal: Not showing a clear opinion or decision.: He made a non-committal shrug and changed the subject.9. Feeling Heat: Experiencing pressure or criticism from others.: The player was feeling the heat from the crowd after missing the goal.10. Legitimize: To make something legal or acceptable.: The artist’s success helped legitimize street art as real art.11. Regime Change: When one government is replaced by another, especially by force.: The United States were secretly drawing up plans for a regime change in Venezuela. 12. Carried Out: Done or completed; when an action or plan is performed.: Volunteers carried out repairs on the old playground.13. Narco : A person who sells or moves illegal drugs; short for narcotics dealer.: The police arrested a narco who was smuggling drugs across the border.14. Vessel: A large boat or ship that travels on water.: The navy vessel sailed into the harbor.15. Condemnation: Strong disapproval or saying that something is wrong or bad.: His cruel words earned him condemnation from his friends.16. Full-Fledged: Complete or fully developed.: After years of training, she became a full-fledged pilot.17. Lethal: Able to cause death; deadly.: The snake’s bite can be lethal to humans.18. Verify: To check that something is true or correct.: The reporter must verify all facts before writing the article.19. Blown to Smithereens: Completely destroyed into very small pieces.: The old building was blown to smithereens by the explosion.

✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Original Link to Newscast: https://youtu.be/8wl3j-ayOJg?si=Vl7camJRGYaZuFeI1. Take My Chances: To try something even if it might not work.: I’ll take my chances and try out for the soccer team.2. You Don’t Mind: You are okay with something; it doesn’t bother you.: I hope you don’t mind if I sit here.3. Incredible: Very good or amazing.: The view from the mountain was incredible!4. Respect: To think someone or something is important and treat them well.: We should respect our teachers and classmates.5. Successful: Doing well; reaching your goals.: She worked hard and became a successful doctor.6. Fantastic: Very good or wonderful.: The food at that new restaurant tastes fantastic.7. Best Seat: The most comfortable or most desired place.: Reporters had the best seat to witness history being made at the trial.8. Roasting: Making jokes about someone in a funny way: My friends were roasting me for being late again. 9. GDP (Gross Domestic Product): The total value of everything a country makes in a year.: The United States has one of the largest GDPs in the world.10. Come Here: To move closer to where the speaker is.: Come here and look at this picture!11. Going Well: Happening in a good or successful way.: My English classes are going well this year.12. 20-Minute Notice: A warning or message given 20 minutes before something happens.: The doctor has to perform emergency surgery with only 20 minutes notice. 13. Complements: something that fits well with something else.: The blue shirt complements your eyes.14. Unique: One of a kind; special or different from others.: The snowflake has a unique shape that no other snowflake has.15. Assembled: Put together or gathered in one place.: The students assembled in the gym for the school meeting.: We assembled all the materials we needed for the science project.

✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Ceasefire: An agreement to stop fighting for a time.: The two sides agreed to a ceasefire after many days of war.🤝 Brokered: Arranged or helped to make an agreement.: The peace deal was brokered by the United Nations.🪖 Withdrawal: When soldiers or troops leave a place.: The army’s withdrawal from the city began last night.🧍‍♀️ Displaced: Forced to leave your home because of war or danger.: Thousands of people were displaced after the major rainstorm.🚶 Trek: A long and difficult journey on foot.: Families made a long trek back to their homes in Gaza City.🚪 Pulls Out: Leaves or stops being involved; withdrawal : The country pulls out its soldiers from the region.💬 Address : To speak to a group or nation.: The president will address the people about the new ceasefire.🕯️ Remains: What is left of a dead person’s body.: The remains of the victims were found under the building.⚰️ Deceased: Dead (formal).: The deceased were honored in a special ceremony.🧍‍♂️ Hostage: A person held by force during a conflict.: The group released the last hostages after the agreement.🏙️ Hostage Square: A public place where people gather to support or remember hostages.: Families waited at Hostage Square for news about their loved ones.💭 Perhaps: Maybe; not for sure.: Perhaps I will study my English today. Perhaps not. 🌙 Coincide: Happen at the same time.: The baseball game coincides with my meeting, so I will not be able to go.👀 Apparently: It seems like something is true.: Apparently, peace is coming to Gaza.👏 Crediting: Saying that someone deserves praise or thanks.: Many are crediting Egypt for helping to stop the fighting.🛡️ Securing: Making something safe or protected.: The guard was securing the building before going home for the night. 💬 Implied: Suggested something without saying it directly.: She didn’t say it directly, but she implied that she was angry.🕊️ Mediators: People who help two sides solve a problem peacefully.: The mediators worked for days to reach a deal.🌊 Coastal: Near the ocean or sea.: The coastal area is famous for its beaches and seafood.🔙 Head Back: To return to a place.: I forgot my phone, so I had to head back home to get it. 🧩 Pieces to the Puzzle: Parts that help explain or complete a situation.: The detective found the last piece to the puzzle and solved the case.🚑 Red Cross: An international organization that helps people in emergencies, such as wars or natural disasters.: The Red Cross is bringing medicine and food to Gaza.⏳ Phase: A stage or part of a process.: The baby is in a phase where she cries a lot before going to bed.🕊️ Resolution: The ending or solution to a problem or story.: The movie had a happy resolution when the families made peace.

✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. 🕊️ Vocabulary for B1 Students1. Handed Over – gave something or someone to another person or group.➡️ The soldiers were handed over to the other side after the peace deal.2. Underway – happening now; already started.➡️ Talks between the two countries are underway in the capital city.3. Sabotaging – trying to stop or damage something on purpose.➡️ She kept sabotaging her own success by showing up late to every interview.4. Summit – a meeting between leaders of countries.➡️ World leaders met at a summit to discuss climate change.5. Captives – people kept as prisoners, often during war.➡️ The captives were finally released after many months.6. Delaying – making something happen later than planned.➡️ The storm is delaying our flight, so we have to wait at the airport.7. Jubilation – great joy and happiness.➡️ There was jubilation in the streets after the team won the championship.8. Custody – being kept by the police or another authority.➡️ The suspect is now in police custody.9. Deal – an agreement between two or more sides.➡️ They made a deal to exchange prisoners for peace.10. Anxious – worried or nervous.➡️ She felt anxious before taking her driving test.11. Batch – a group of things or people that are handled together.➡️ A new batch of aid supplies arrived at the border.12. West Bank – a region in the Middle East that is part of the Israel–Palestine conflict.➡️ Many people live in the West Bank under difficult conditions.13. Reunited – brought back together after being apart.➡️ The families were reunited after the hostages were freed.14. Life Sentence – punishment of spending the rest of one’s life in prison.➡️ He received a life sentence for the crime.15. Occupied – controlled by another group or army.➡️ The city has been occupied by foreign troops for years.16. Emotional – full of strong feelings like sadness, happiness, or anger.➡️ The teacher was emotional when her students graduated.17. Swap – exchange one thing for another.➡️ The soccer players swapped jerseys after the game.18. Accused – said to have done something wrong or illegal.➡️ He was accused of stealing money from the company.

On October 10, 2025, early in the morning (around 7:48 a.m. CDT) a massive explosion struck a munitions / explosives manufacturing facility operated by Accurate Energetic Systems near Bucksnort / McEwen, Tennessee. The blast destroyed at least one building, scattered debris over a half-mile radius, and was felt several miles away.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. Link to original newscast: https://youtu.be/NtxbFti4x98?si=K7-Kmkwba_iAqm_p1. Munitions: Weapons and bullets used in war.: The soldiers loaded their munitions before the battle began.2. Community: A group of people who live in the same area or share something in common.: Our community helped clean the park after the storm.3. Rural: Relating to the countryside, not the city.: Many people in rural areas grow their own food.4. Accurate: Correct and without mistakes.: The teacher said my answer was accurate.5. Facility: A building or place made for a special purpose.: The new sports facility has a big swimming pool.6. Manufactured: Made in a factory using machines.: These shoes were manufactured in Vietnam.7. Assumption: Something you think is true without proof.: My assumption was wrong — he wasn’t late, he was early!8. Delicate: Easily broken or damaged; needing careful handling.: Be careful — the glass vase is very delicate.9. Methodical: Done carefully and in an organized way.: He was methodical when checking each student’s homework.10. Leveled: Destroyed or made flat.: The tornado leveled several houses in the small town.11. Charred: Burned and blackened by fire.: We could smell the charred smell of burned leaves in the air.12. Insulation: Material that keeps heat, sound, or electricity inside or outside.: Good insulation keeps your house warm in winter.13. ATF: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — a U.S. government agency.: The ATF investigated the fire at the munitions factory.14. Stressed : To say something with extra force or importance.: The teacher stressed the importance of studying for the test.

✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use Code SUMMER10 for 10% off your conversation💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/join🌧 Wet Things VocabularyRain – Water that falls from the sky. It started to rain, so I opened my umbrella.Puddle – A small pool of water on the ground. The child jumped into the puddle with her boots.Pond – A small lake. Ducks were swimming in the pond.Lake – A large area of water surrounded by land. We went fishing at the lake.Ocean – The biggest body of salt water. Waves crashed loudly in the ocean.River – A long stream of water that flows to the sea. The river runs through the city.Stream – A small, narrow river. We crossed the stream by stepping on stones.Shower – Light or short rain. A quick shower wet the streets.Drizzle – Very light rain. It was only a drizzle, so I didn’t need my umbrella.Storm – Strong weather with heavy rain and wind. The storm knocked down some trees.Flood – Too much water covering the land. The flood filled the streets with water.Dew – Small drops of water on grass in the morning. The grass was wet with dew.Mist – Very light fog made of water. Mist covered the hills in the morning.Fog – Thick mist that makes it hard to see. The car drove slowly because of the fog.Ice – Frozen water. The pond was covered with ice in winter.Snow – Frozen water that falls as white flakes. The children built a snowman with the snow.Hail – Small balls of ice that fall from the sky. Hail hit the roof during the storm.Waterfall – Water falling down from a high place. We took a picture in front of the waterfall.Wave – Water moving up and down in the sea. The big wave splashed onto the beach.Spray – Water that is sent out in small drops. The garden hose made a spray of water.Splash – Water that flies when something hits it. He jumped into the pool with a big splash.Steam – Hot mist from boiling water. Steam rose from the pot of soup.Drop – A very small amount of water. A drop of rain fell on my hand.Tear – Water that comes from your eye when you cry. A tear rolled down her cheek.

✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code Fall15 for 15% off. 💙 OVER 100 BONUS ENGLISH LESSONS? Become a channel member. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakDTg9dhhAsr3WmHyJDa-g/joinLink to original newscast: https://youtu.be/H-o-ysnnypc?si=960Pdy6QHeyr0aHt🏛️ Government Shutdown VocabularyBring In – to include or introduce someone or something The teacher decided to bring in a guest speaker to the class to talk about their nursing career.Bring Onboard – to welcome someone into a group or team The company brought her onboard to help with the new project.Standoff – when two sides refuse to agree There was a standoff between the two teams about the rules.Optimistic – hopeful; believing things will turn out well He stayed optimistic even though the exam was hard.Doubt – not being sure about something She had doubts about whether she could finish the race on time.Dug In – refusing to change your opinion Both sides of the government dug in and wouldn’t compromise.Moderate – not extreme; in the middle He has moderate political views — not too strong on either side.Leader Thune – a U.S. senator and Republican leader (John Thune) Leader Thune said both parties need to work together.Shutdown – when the government or a business stops working for a time The park was closed during the government shutdown.Get Over – to recover from something It took him weeks to get over his illness.Chuck Schumer – a U.S. senator and Democratic leader Chuck Schumer spoke about helping workers during the shutdown.Potentially – possibly; maybe It could potentially snow tomorrow, so we might not have school.Disrupted – stopped from working normally Classes were disrupted when the internet went down.Resolved – ended or solved Their marriage problems were resolved after they met with a counselor.Vulnerable – weak or easily hurt Elderly people can be vulnerable during a heat wave.Elderly – old people The elderly need extra care during the winter.Paycheck – the money someone earns for work He waited for his paycheck to buy groceries.Interruption – a break or stop in something There was an interruption in the movie when the power went out.Non-Essential – not necessary or not the most important During a snowstorm, non-essential travel is not allowed.Wasted – used in a way that gives no good result All the food went bad and was wasted.WIC Benefits – government help for women, infants, and children to buy food Low-income families use WIC benefits to buy milk and baby food.SNAP Benefits – food money from the government for families in need Many people rely on SNAP benefits to buy groceries.Run Out – to use all of something We ran out of milk, so we went to the store.Obamacare – a U.S. law that helps people get health insurance Through Obamacare, more Americans can see a doctor.