logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2024
20m 49s

East-coast living: the pros and cons (Fo...

Plain English
About this episode

Today's story: The east coast of the U.S., between Washington, D.C., and Boston, is home to about 50 million people. It has rich history, great cultural treasures, top-notch universities, and four distinct seasons. But the winters are harsh, costs can be high, and the pace of life is fast.

Learn this English expression: To focus on something is to dedicate time and attention to a specific project

Full lesson: https://plainenglish.com/688

--

Upgrade all your skills in English: Plain English is the best current-events podcast for learning English.

You might be learning English to improve your career, enjoy music and movies, connect with family abroad, or even prepare for an international move. Whatever your reason, we'll help you achieve your goals in English.

How it works: Listen to a new story every Monday and Thursday. They're all about current events, trending topics, and what's going on in the world. Get exposure to new words and ideas that you otherwise might not have heard in English.

The audio moves at a speed that's right for intermediate English learners: just a little slower than full native speed. You'll improve your English listening, learn new words, and have fun thinking in English.

--

Did you like this episode? You'll love the full Plain English experience. Join today and unlock the fast (native-speed) version of this episode, translations in the transcripts, how-to video lessons, live conversation calls, and more. Tap/click: PlainEnglish.com/join

Here's where else you can find us: Instagram | YouTube | WhatsApp | Email

Mentioned in this episode:

Ready to improve your listening?

Ready to listen fast? Improve your listening with the fast version of this and every episode. The full-speed version is a fresh recording and it sounds just like someone speaking to a native speaker (with no AI or computer manipulation!) You can even listen on a podcast app Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Up next
Today
The hot new trend is an ice-cold bath [archive]
<p>Today's episode is one from the archives, originally number 583. Enjoy!</p><p>--</p><p>Cold plunges are the new health trend championed by high-fliers and ordinary people alike. By submerging yourself water that's 15 degrees Celsius (or colder!), you can manage stress, reduce ... Show More
13m 41s
Nov 20
Parkrun is the world’s free running club
<p><strong>Today's story:</strong> Parkrun is a free, volunteer-run event that takes place every Saturday morning in parks around the world. Participants run, jog, or walk a 5K route, and the focus is on community, health, and fun—not competition. What started with just 13 runner ... Show More
15m 4s
Nov 17
The quest to make snake bites less lethal
<p><strong>Today's story: </strong>Snake bites kill over 100,000 people each year, but antivenom (the treatment for poisonous snake bites) has hardly changed in a century. Today, doctors have to know the type of snake that bit a patient, and the hospital has to have the right ant ... Show More
14m 52s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2022
#312 How To Advance Your English FAST: Start Teaching!
<p>When you are at intermediate level, it's much harder to see progress in your English learning. You find yourself in this intermediate zone that seems to last forever. Some people even call it the "plateau purgatory".</p> <p>But if you want to take your English to a true advanc ... Show More
40m 13s
Dec 2022
#315 Studying English Should NOT Be Boring — How to Make it Fun & Easy
<p><span class="notion-enable-hover" data-token-index="0" data-reactroot="">Connecting your passions and hobbies with your English learning is a surefire way to not only enjoy the process but also improve your English considerably. In today's episode, a very special guest from th ... Show More
32 m
Feb 2022
#274 Fast & Easy Trick to Expand your English Vocabulary
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of the greatest challenges for Upper-intermediate learners is to continue making progress in their English. We've had countless students tell us about this problem: They already speak English quite well but still have some things to improve. ... Show More
41m 26s
Aug 2021
#247 - Feeling Stuck in Your English? Here's WHY and HOW to Improve it!
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You often ask us questions about how to reach the next level in your English. At the beginning, progress feels so fast, but then it becomes slower and slower, and you get stuck at the same level for a while, and you just don't know how to break ... Show More
32m 22s
Aug 2022
#298 School English vs Street English: How to Speak Natural, Fluent English
<p>If you want to sound more natural when speaking English, you need to STOP speaking "School English". In today's episode, you will learn some tips and tricks to sound more natural in English. You will also be able to better understand the difference between formal and informal ... Show More
42m 38s
Jan 2023
#321 How to Improve Your English for WORK
<p>Have you seen learners who use their English <strong data-stringify-type="bold">at work</strong> at a high level of proficiency, and can speak fluently about their projects; they do presentations, lead meetings, and seem to sound very professional when you talk to them?<br /> ... Show More
35m 52s