English Lesson Library

At this point, people are taking any excuse to pack their bags and head out of cities, and right now is prime time for fall foliage and “foliage tourism” across North America. Some places even depend on the vibrant and varied colors of fall for the majority of their tourism revenues. Plus, learn what “leaf peepers” are and the phrasal verb “roll around.”

Uruguay might be the only country in the world that is currently welcoming foreigners with open arms. The tiny country of 3.5 million is trying to attract 200,000 new residents. For what Uruguay lacks in flare, it makes up for in stability – which might be exactly what people want most right now. Plus, learn the English expression “fed up.”

It’s all fun and games until all the fun and games are canceled. In the latest in pandemic-related cancelations, Rio’s carnival parade has been postponed indefinitely. Vendors that rely on the carnival for most of their annual income are grappling with the announcement. Plus, learn what it means to “keep your options open.”

Today, we are revisiting five previous episode topics: Alexei Navalny was poisoned; e-scooters and micromobility are making a comeback in the pandemic era; a new zero-alcohol drink was released; progress in the return to pro sports; and an update on the race for a Covid-19 vaccine. Plus, learn the phrasal verb “to break down.”

The live music industry is in trouble. Their business model isn’t exactly pandemic-friendly: they rely on packing as many people into a small indoor space as possible. Live music venues were among the first to close, and they will be the last to reopen – if they’re able to reopen at all. Plus, learn what it means to “weather the storm.”