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Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Plain English

Jeff at Plain English

Improve your English and learn about the world at the same time. Plain English brings you short, modern stories about culture, science, travel, business, and everyday life, all told in clear, natural English designed for learners. You’ll grow your vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and build your confidence one episode at a time. Like the show? Sign up free at PlainEnglish.com and get a personalized learning path.

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All Episodes

15:32

World Cup starts Monday | Learn English phrase 'risk it'

Plain English ·

2022/11/17

" The World Cup is the most-watched sports tournament in the world, and the 2022 edition starts Monday in the desert nation of Qatar. Here are some facts to get you ready for the big tournament. Plus, learn what it means to ""risk it."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/521 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current events and

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26:16

Elon Musk owns Twitter after long ordeal | Learn...

Plain English ·

2022/11/14

" Elon Musk, the world's richest man by some measures, has purchased Twitter, a social media network, for $44 billion, using a mixture of his own money and loans. Like many things with Musk, this was hardly straightforward. Plus, learn the English expression ""stand to."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/520 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons

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21:42

Americans can't agree on what to call these 5 things...

Plain English ·

2022/11/10

We all know that different countries call things differently (lift vs. elevator, for example). But even within the U.S., there are surprising differences in vocabulary. And these differences persist, even though much of the media is national. So grab a so

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21:22

Updates on BTS, monkeypox, and more | Learn English...

Plain English ·

2022/11/07

" Today's lesson is a look back at some recent lesson topics. Just months after the exit of Boris Johnson, British politics was plunged into tumult. Just one result: a recent prime minister was compared to a head of lettuce. Plus, learn the English expression ""distance yourself."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/518 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why

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16:22

American states fight each other over immigration |...

Plain English ·

2022/11/03

" America's national immigration policy has been broken for decades. Now, border state governors and big-city mayors are locked in a fight, with newly-arrived immigrants caught in between. It's a summary America's political and cultural dysfunction, all in one depressing story. Plus, learn the English expression ""find your way."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

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20:43

BBC turns 100 this month | Learn what it means for...

Plain English ·

2022/10/31

" The British Broadcasting Corporation turns 100 years old this month. The BBC started as a way for radio makers to convince people to buy a ""wireless."" Today, it supplies news, entertainment, and education to hundreds of millions of people every week. -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/516 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about current

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17:44

Asteroid crash: a test run to save humanity | Learn...

Plain English ·

2022/10/27

" If an asteroid were on a collision course with Earth, could we avoid disaster by pushing the asteroid off course? That's the question NASA attempted to answer by crashing an unmanned craft into a real asteroid. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""set off."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/515 -- Learning English should be fun! That’s why our lessons are about

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22:48

Europe braces for two cold winters | Learn phrasal...

Plain English ·

2022/10/24

" Natural gas powers factories, heats homes, and generates electricity. And in Europe, much of the gas supply came from Russia. However, Europe is in a rapid transition away from Russian gas as a result of the war in Ukraine. The transition is not easy. Plus, learn the English phrasal verb ""run on."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/514 -- Learning English should

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22:42

Cheating allegations in top-level chess | Learn what...

Plain English ·

2022/10/20

" The world of chess has been turned upside down after Norwegian Magnus Carlsen accused American teenager Hans Niemann of cheating. Though Niemann's rise has been swift, there's no evidence of foul play--except for the two times he previously admitted to cheating. Plus, learn the English expression ""stop short of."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/513 -- Learning

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19:52

How chess has evolved over centuries | Learn English...

Plain English ·

2022/10/17

" One of the most famous strategy games in human history, chess spread around the world over 1,000 years ago. Though the rules have changed a little, the biggest change has come with the advent of computers and their victory over human champions. Plus, learn the English expression ""tailor made."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/512 -- Learning English should be

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17:15

Would you eat a purple tomato? | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2022/10/13

" A new type of tomato is about to hit American grocery stores. It’s purple, it has enhanced nutrition, and it’s genetically-modified. But will the purple tomato be able to overcome skepticism about genetically-modified foods? This lesson might debunk some of the misconceptions you have about GM foods. Plus, learn what it means to have “an edge.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

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21:00

The illusion of ESG investing | Learn the expression...

Plain English ·

2022/10/10

" Are ESG funds all that they’re cracked up to be? Last week’s lesson covered what ESG investing is, and in theory, investing in companies that want to do more good sounds like a pretty good thing. However, today’s lesson covers that in practice, these ESG funds are coming up short. Plus, learn to ""welcome with open arms."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/510 --

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21:13

ESG funds and investing in good | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2022/10/06

" ESG stands for “environmental, social, and governance,” and ESG investing is a way to funnel your investments toward companies that meet higher standards in these three categories. Not only that, but sponsors of these funds promise that ESG funds will make the same return, or an even better return, in the long run. Plus, learn “nagging doubt.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

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18:42

Are AI-generated images art? | Learn the phrasal verb...

Plain English ·

2022/10/03

" A first-place finish at the Colorado State Fair art competition is sparking debate in the art community about whether AI-generated art should be considered art. The winning piece at the fair was an AI-generated image, and critics argue that the art was created by a machine, not a person, and so it isn’t art. But AI supporters beg to differ. Plus, learn “sift through.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can

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21:45

The unlikely path to Queen | Learn the English...

Plain English ·

2022/09/29

" As Queen Elizabeth II grew into adulthood, it was increasingly clear that she would, someday, be queen. But no one thought it would happen as soon as it did. This lesson covers her unlikely path to the monarch, the story of how she found out she was queen in the Kenyan countryside, her legacy, and more. Plus, learn “open the door.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at:

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16:30

Queen Elizabeth II’s long rule comes to an end |...

Plain English ·

2022/09/26

" Britain and the world are mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She died peacefully at the Balmoral Castle in northern Scotland earlier this month at age 96. She served as Britain’s monarch for 70 years, and upon her death, her son, Charles, became King. Plus, learn what it means to “pay respects.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/506 -- Learning English

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18:41

The resurgence of the mullet | Learn the phrasal verb...

Plain English ·

2022/09/22

" The mullet hairstyle is known for looking like business in the front, party in the back, and have typically been worn by men from rural, lower income areas of Australia. However, in recent years, the hairstyle has outgrown its unsophisticated reputation. The hairstyle is now popular among city-dwellers and with celebrities, and there is even a festival celebrating mullet-wearers. Plus, learn “catch on.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English

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19:24

Chilean voters reject rewritten constitution | Learn...

Plain English ·

2022/09/19

" Chilean voters recently voted not to adopt a proposed constitution. It all started in 2019, when in response to protests, Chileans first voted on whether they wanted a new constitution. The results showed that they did – sort of. Then, over the course of the past three years, a group of mostly left-leaning representatives drafted a new constitution, and this lesson dives into why it failed to pass. Plus, learn “boil over.” -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. --

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16:02

#QuietQuitting: Is this a good idea? | Learn the...

Plain English ·

2022/09/15

" Reeling from burnout and an always-on culture, many in Gen Z are subscribing to #QuietQuitting, the idea that they shouldn't give too much at work. But there are multiple interpretations to the term and career coaches warn of the consequences. Plus, learn the English phrase ""above and beyond."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/503 -- Learning English should be

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18:52

Ben & Jerry's takes its parent company to court |...

Plain English ·

2022/09/12

" Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's decided not to sell its product in the Palestinian territories, claiming that it didn't want to be part of an illegal occupation. But that stance got the company in trouble with its parent company. And the conflict turned ugly. Plus, learn the English expression ""take exception to."" -- At Plain English, we make English lessons for the modern world. -- Today’s full English lesson, including a free transcript, can be found at: https://plainenglish.com/502 -- Learning

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882 results

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