The fastest way to improve your English is to read along in the Learning Guide as you listen. You’ll improve through listening and reading at the same time!

In the Learning Guide, you’ll also get additional vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast today by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 760 – Paycheck Deductions

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “stub” and “wages.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Voluntary Payroll Deductions.”
“All employees are “subject to” (affected by) “mandatory” (not optional) payroll deductions for taxes and certain benefits, but some employees…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 331
Topics: Ask an American: Online money management; don’t worry versus don’t bother; not only; to move/get past a feeling; pronouncing wool versus wall

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Piggy Banks.”
“For many Americans, a “piggy bank” is a “symbol” (an object or image that represents something) of saving and “frugality” (not wasting money). A piggy bank is a small object…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 761 – Animals in a Zoo

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “the next best thing” and “to rise up.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Types of Zoos.”
“There are many different types of zoos in the United States. A “traditional” (common; as things were done in the past) zoo has animals in many different cages…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

Will the Learning Guide help me learn English faster?  Yes!
Are Learning Guides expensive?  No!

Become a Basic or Premium Member and you’ll get the Learning Guide.  We designed them specifically for English learners like you.  Get more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member today!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 758 – Showing Off a New Purchase

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “baby” and “to whip it out.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Luxury Taxes and Sin Taxes.”
“A “luxury tax” is a “tax” (a way for a government to receive money) on “luxury goods” (products that are very expensive and nice, but “nonessential” (not necessary; optional)) such as…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 330
Topics: American Authors – Toni Morrison; Homeboy/Homegirl Industries & Father Greg Boyle; screw versus bolt versus nut; to kidnap versus to abduct; to sharpen (one’s) ax

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Gang Hand Signs.”
“Belonging to a group sometimes means “adopting” (taking on; accepting) certain types of “identifying” (showing who one is and where one belongs) things…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 759 – Worrying About Your Children

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “natural” and “to take after.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “GPS Tracking of Children.”
“Parents always worry about their children, “wondering” (wanting to know) where they are, whom they are with, and whether they are safe. In the past, parents had to ask their children to share that information…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

If you enjoy our podcasts, please consider supporting ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!

By becoming an ESL Podcast Member, you get the Learning Guide with even more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member today!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 756 – Holding Structured and Unstructured Meetings

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to fall to” and “free for all.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Business Meeting Agendas.”
“At most business meetings, each “attendee” (person who participates in a meeting) is given a copy of the agenda. The agenda lists each item of business and the…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 329
Topics: American Presidents: Jimmy Carter; The Lost Ship of the Desert Legend; phrases used to ask for status updates; to start off for; likely versus probable

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Dune Buggies.”
“If you live in or near a desert, you may be familiar with “dune buggies,” which are vehicles that look like cars, but with very large and wide wheels…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 757 – Getting Political Support

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.
In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to sign on” and “first things first.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Common Events Before an Election.”
“Most political candidates organize many events in the weeks and months “prior to” (before) elections. These events help them “garner” (gather; earn; get) support and…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

The Macmillan Dictionary company holds (has) a contest each year to determine the best English language website and blog on the Internet. This year, ESLPod.com and the ESL Podcast Blog have been nominated for the best website and best blog!  We are happy to be nominated, but we need your help to win.  

If you believe we have the best English language website and blog, please vote for us!  It’s easy and will take less than one minute to do.

To vote for us for the best website, click here and look for “ESL Pod.” (Do not vote for “English Cafe.” That is not our website.)

To vote for us for the best blog, click here and look for “ESL Podcast Blog.”

Voting is simple: Just find our name and click on the “Vote” box.  That’s all you do!  You don’t have to give your email or sign-up for anything. Voting ends on January 31st, so vote today before you forget!

The most important reward for us here at ESL Podcast is knowing that we are able to help people improve their English. Because of this, we don’t normally pay much attention to awards, but since these awards are chosen by the users — people like you — we do care what you think!  So vote and wish us luck!

~ Jeff and Lucy

Do you want to improve your English in 2012? Start now by becoming an ESL Podcast member!

We designed the Learning Guide to help you learn English better and faster. Get more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member today!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 754 – Being in a Flood

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “soaked” and “go ahead.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “The Biggest U.S. Floods.”
“Most people are “familiar with” (have seen) images from the “horrific” (terrible; awful) flooding caused in and around New Orleans, Louisiana by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But there have been many other large…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 328
Topics:  The Scopes Trial; American Cities: Aspen and Vail, Colorado; The City of New York versus New York City; verge versus brink; to compliment versus to complement

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “The Play Inherit the Wind.”
“In 1955, two “playwrights” (authors of plays), Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee “debuted” (showed for the first time) a play called Inherit the Wind.  This play was a “parable”…” – READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 755 – Rejecting Newer Technology

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to act up” and “spring.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Classic Video Games.”
“Pong is one of the “classic” (traditional; one of the first of something and still admired) video games. Released in 1972, it was based on a tennis game…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

It’s a new year! Are you finally ready to reach a higher level of English? The Learning Guide is the answer.

We designed the Learning Guide to help you learn English better and faster. Get more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast today by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!
………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 752 – Working With Unreliable People

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to hold up” and “line.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “The Unreliable Narrator.”
“A “narrator” is the character or person who tells the story in a book, show, or play. A “first-person narrator” is a character in the story who tells the story from his or her perspective, using the word “I.” A “third-person narrator” is an…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 327
Topics:  Famous Americans: Lucille Ball; The Great Depression; hermit versus loner versus introvert; other than versus rather than; Et tu, Brute?

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “The Cecil B. DeMille Award.”
“If you are a “fan” (enthusiastic follower) of television shows and movies, you may look forward to the Golden Globe Award show each year. Unlike the Emmy Awards, which “honor” (give recognition and respect to) only television shows…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 753 – Enduring Hazing

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “club” and “to streak.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Film Depictions of Hazing: A Few Good Men.”
“A “highly acclaimed” (popular; admired; reviewed favorably) 1992 film called A Few Good Man “depicts” (shows) a fascinating, “dramatized” (exaggerated for a play or movie) instance of hazing…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

You didn’t get the holiday present you wanted? Give yourself the gift of English!

We designed the Learning Guide to help you learn English better and faster. Get more vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast today by becoming a Basic or Premium Member!
………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 750 – After Christmas Sales

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to get up” and “what else.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “The Biggest Shopping Days of the Year.”
“Most Americans think that “Black Friday” (the day after Thanksgiving, in late November) is the “biggest shopping day” (the day with the greatest sales) of the year, but that is a “myth” (something that most people believe, but actually is not true)…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 326
Topics: Movie: Bonnie and Clyde; Community Supported Agriculture (CSA); to cut (someone) loose versus to set (someone) free versus unrestrained; adjectives versus “who” phrases; words used to describe computer touch screens

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Vertical Farming.”
“People don’t generally think of farming when they think of cities, or “urban” areas. They think of a lot of buildings and a lot of people. But what if you could farm within buildings?…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 751 – Describing One’s Taste in Music

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to grown on (someone)” and “all ears.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Major and Indie Record Labels.”
“A “record label” is the name of the company that produced a song or album, and its name and “logo” (an image representing an organization or business) appears on the CD. The largest record labels are “referred to as” (called)…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

There are only a few days left before Christmas and you’re still wondering what to get friends and family? Give them something they can really use: an ESL Podcast Membership!

With an ESL Podcast Basic or Premium Membership, they’ll get the Learning Guide with helpful vocabulary, language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Get the Learning Guide for your friends and family, and support ESL Podcast by giving a Basic or Premium Membership today!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 748 – Writing a Letter of Inquiry

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to enclose” and “consideration.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “What Personnel Officers Do.”
“A personnel officer is a ‘human resources’ (related to staffing an organization or business) ‘generalist’ (someone who knows a little bit about many things, but is not an expert in one particular area). Most personnel officers are ‘tasked with’…”  - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 325
Topics:  Movie - Bonnie and Clyde; Community Supported Agriculture (CSA); to cut (someone) loose versus to set (someone) free versus unrestrained; adjectives versus “who” phrases; words used to describe computer touch screens

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Vertical Farming.”
“People don’t generally think of farming when they think of cities, or ‘urban’ areas. They think of a lot of buildings and a lot of people. But what if you could farm within buildings?…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 749 – Getting Standard Medical Test Results

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “physical” and “range.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about what typically occurs when you see a doctor for a “Standard Physical.”
“Doctors check many things during an annual physical, depending on a patient’s ‘health history’ (records of what kinds of medical problems a person has had in the past). But all ‘standard’ (typical; common) physicals begin with…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

Wondering what to get your friends and family? Give them the gift of English!

An ESL Podcast Premium or Basic Membership will help them learn English better and faster. They’ll get more vocabulary and language explanations, sample sentences, comprehension questions, cultural notes, and more.

Make your family and friends happy and support ESL Podcast by giving a Basic or Premium Membership today!
………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 746 – Traveling Over the Holidays

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “at all costs” and “to think (something) out.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Airport Lounges” in American airports.
“An ‘airport lounge’ is a special room or ‘suite’ (group of rooms) in an airport that only certain people have access to. Most lounges are owned by the airlines, and ‘frequent fliers’…”  - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 324
Topics:  Stephen Foster and his songs; “ish” suffix; California casual; “If it be your will”

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Horseracing and the Daily Racing Form.”
“The song ‘Camptown Races’ mentioned in this English Cafe has long been ‘associated’ (connected) with horseracing. In fact, some racetracks’…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 747 – Visiting a Ranch

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to look the part” and “bit.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Cowgirls in the Old West.”
“When people think about the ‘Old West’ (the lifestyle in the Western United States in the late 1800s), they often ‘picture’ (imagine; see images in their mind of) cowboys, but cowgirls…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide

Are you tired of not understanding what you hear in English? Get the Learning Guide and see in the complete transcript every word you hear on the podcasts. Get extra help with new vocabulary, test yourself with comprehension questions, and learn more about American culture.

Get the Learning Guide and support ESL Podcast by becoming a Basic or Premium Member today!

………

ON MONDAY
ESL Podcast 744 – Dealing With a Mistake

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “on (someone’s) end” and “to screw up.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “How Companies Place Business Orders.”
“Large companies can ‘place’ (make) orders and pay for their purchases in many ways. One of the most common is a ‘purchase order’…”  - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON WEDNESDAY
English Cafe 323
Topics: American Presidents – John Adams; the Boy/Girl Scouts; What time is it? versus What is the time?; to rock; for all intents and purposes

In the Learning Guide:  Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear).
In “What Insiders Know,” you will read about “Presidents Related to Other Presidents.”
“In American politics, it is not uncommon to find ‘legacies,’ or people who hold the same position as their father or mother, or some other older relative. As in any other ‘profession’…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide
…

ON FRIDAY
ESL Podcast 745 – Welcoming a Houseguest

In the Learning Guide: Get a full transcript (written version of every word you hear), vocabulary list and sample sentences, and comprehension questions.

In “What Else Does it Mean,” learn the other meanings of “to talk to (oneself)” and “to hog.”
In the “Culture Note,” learn about “Houseguest Etiquette.”
“Americans often invite other people to stay in their homes, especially friends or relatives who are visiting from far away. Although there aren’t any written rules, it is important for those visitors to be aware of houseguest ‘etiquette’…” - READ MORE in the Learning Guide