Learning English Podcast - August 31, 2024

On today’s podcast, the U.S. census office reports that the share of foreign-born people is higher today than it has been since 1910 ; Finland returns to books in school followed by a discussion about why Finland is making the change; then, all about ‘can’ and ‘can’t’ on Lesson of the Day.

On today’s podcast, first private space walk crew returns to Earth; some poisonous plants look like common foods followed by a discussion about avoiding dangerous plants; then, ‘tons of’ and similar expressions on Lesson of the Day.

On today’s podcast, experts debate whether artificial intelligence tools will cause mass job losses; scientists confirm an electric field above Earth’s poles followed by a discussion about why scientists did not make the confirmation earlier; then fast pronunciation on Lesson of the Day.

On the weekend podcast, James Earl Jones’ voice lives on through AI; we answer a listener’s question about ‘perhaps’ and ‘maybe;’ what is your ‘North Star?’ followed by a discussion on VOA Learning English; the final part of 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue,' by Edgar Allen Poe on American Stories.

On the weekend podcast, James Earl Jones’ voice lives on through AI; we answer a listener’s question about ‘perhaps’ and ‘maybe;’ what is your ‘North Star?’ followed by a discussion on VOA Learning English; the final part of 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue,' by Edgar Allen Poe on American Stories.

On today’s podcast, a school shooting raises questions about cellphone bans in U.S. schools followed by a discussion about ‘distract’ and ‘disrupt;’ learn about modals on Everyday Grammar; then, on Lesson of the Day, some good examples of stereotypes.

On today’s podcast, the world produces a lot of plastic pollution every year; learn all about Apple’s new iPhone 16 followed by a discussion of what users might think of the new AI-powered device; then, tag questions on Lesson of the Day.

On today’s podcast, all schools in Gaza are closed as the fighting there continues; report: how is banning using only race for college admissions going? followed by a discussion on what a ‘disadvantaged area’ is; then, ‘bored’ and ‘boring’ on Lesson of the Day.

On today’s podcast, Typhoon Yagi hits northern Vietnam causing deadly flooding and heavy damage to some factories; experts are worried about ‘ultraprocessed foods’ followed by a discussion the prefix ‘ultra;’ then, ‘unusual’ and ‘usual’ on Lesson of the Day.

On today’s podcast, bitcoin miners are providing energy for artificial intelligence companies; a SpaceX mission aims to carry out the first private spacewalk followed by a discussion how the idea got off the ground; then, “homesickness” on Lesson of the Day.