Learning English Podcast - January 09, 2025
VOA Learning English Podcast - VOA Learning English
Deep Dive
Who is currently recognized as the world's oldest person, and what is her age?
Sister Ina Canabaro, a 116-year-old nun from Brazil, is recognized as the world's oldest person. She was born in 1908 and has lived through significant historical events, including World War I.
What organization confirmed Sister Ina Canabaro as the world's oldest person, and what evidence supports this claim?
Longevic Quest, an organization that tracks individuals over 110 years old, confirmed Sister Ina Canabaro as the world's oldest person. They verified her early life records and filmed her in February, showcasing her vitality and humor.
What is the significance of Pope Francis appointing Sister Simona Brambilla to lead a major Vatican office?
Pope Francis appointed Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to lead a major Vatican office, the Dicastery for the Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. This marks a historic step in increasing women's leadership roles in the Roman Catholic Church.
Why are small businesses in the U.S. concerned about a potential TikTok ban?
Small businesses fear a TikTok ban would harm their revenue, as many rely on the platform for marketing, advertising, and direct sales. TikTok estimates that businesses could lose over $1 billion in monthly revenue if the ban takes effect.
What are the national security concerns cited by U.S. officials regarding TikTok?
U.S. officials accuse TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, of sharing user data with the Chinese government. They also warn that China could use TikTok to spread misinformation and harm the mental health of young users.
How has TikTok impacted small businesses like Crown's Corner Mechanic?
TikTok has significantly boosted small businesses like Crown's Corner Mechanic by helping them reach a wider audience. Owner Desiree Hill credits TikTok for her business's growth, enabling her to open a shop with five employees and attract daily customers through the platform.
What alternatives are small businesses considering if TikTok is banned?
Small businesses are exploring alternatives like Instagram Reels, Snapchat, and YouTube Shorts. However, experts note that transitioning to these platforms may be challenging, especially in retaining younger audiences who are accustomed to TikTok.
What is the key difference between using '-ing' and '-ed' endings in English grammar?
The '-ing' ending describes the source of a feeling (e.g., 'The match is exciting'), while the '-ed' ending describes how someone feels as a result (e.g., 'I feel excited'). This distinction helps clarify whether something is causing an emotion or experiencing it.
What example illustrates the correct use of '-ing' and '-ed' endings in English?
An example is: 'The soccer match is exciting, but I feel excited.' Here, 'exciting' describes the match as the source of excitement, while 'excited' describes the person's emotional response.
- Sister Ina Canabaro, 116 years old, is the world's oldest living person according to Longevic Quest.
- She attributes her long life to her Catholic faith.
- She is a soccer fan and celebrated her 116th birthday with her local club.
Shownotes Transcript