English Lesson Library
Actor Alec Baldwin, crewmember charged in accidental movie-set shooting
Actor Alec Baldwin and another crewmember have been charged with involuntary manslaughter, after a gun accidentally fired and killed a cinematographer during the filming of a movie in 2021. Plus, learn the English expression “meet the definition.”
What happens when cemeteries run out of burial plots?
Death is forever, but at many cemeteries, a burial plot may not be. That’s because some cemeteries are running out of space for new caskets. What can be done about it? Here are some ways different cultures deal with this grave problem. Plus, learn what it means to be ‘short’ (but not in stature).
Collapse of FTX: what happened and what comes next
FTX was a cryptocurrency futures exchange. However, the firm suddenly collapsed into bankruptcy in late 2022, leaving millions of customers without their deposits. The 30-year-old founder is charged with fraud and could face over 100 years in jail. Plus, learn English phrasal verb “pay up.”
Winnie-the-Pooh is a killer (and other scary tales of expired copyright)
Copyright on films, drawings, and literature lasts a long time…but it doesn’t last forever. While classic novels have been in the public domain for decades, some Hollywood icons like Winnie the Pooh are entering the public domain, allowing anyone to create re-makes of beloved characters. Plus, learn English phrasal verb “slim down.”
Banking crises of the past hold lessons for crypto today
How does a bank get in trouble? It’s usually one of two problems: a liquidity crisis or a solvency crisis. Both are bad, but a solvency crisis is worse. Knowing this can help us understand the crypto crises of the present day. Plus, learn English expression “sour on.”
Dublin: Explore music, literature, and (obviously) drinks in Ireland’s capital city
Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, is a great place to explore the best of Irish culture: the music, the drinks, and the literature. While you’re there, you can also explore the Irish Emigration Museum, cross the Ha’Penny bridge, and fill up with a full Irish breakfast. Plus, learn the English expression “plan ahead.”
New drug aims to reduce progression of Alzheimer’s disease
A new drug has been shown to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease by targeting protein buildup in the brain. While this drug makes just a small difference, it opens up a new avenue for treatments in the future. Plus, learn the English expression “show promise.”
Was Qatar a good choice? The pros and cons of 2022’s World Cup host
Qatar, the first World Cup host in the Middle East, faced criticism for its migrant labor system and human rights record. Critics questioned whether the country won the rights to host the tournament fairly. But it was time for the World Cup to go to the Middle East–and Qatar wasn’t nearly as bad as some previous hosts.
Looking back on the 2022 World Cup
The World Cup was full of on- and off-the-field stories. Argentina won in a thrilling final on penalties, making host Qatar the real winner. Morocco carried the banner of the Arab world into the semifinals. Germany and Belgium took early flights home. Plus, learn the English expression “grow closer.”