Level: Intermediate

Summary: In today’s story, our main character, Jenny, is flying home to Boston at the end of her vacation and experiences a problem with one of her bags.

Questions in this podcast:

1. What is the meaning of “travel light” in the text?

She usually prefers to travel light, but this time she had checked a bag because of the gifts she'd bought during her vacation in Peru.

1. What is the meaning of “off the beaten track” in the text?

After two weeks of exploring places off the beaten track in the Andes Mountains and a weekend at Miami beach, she was ready to head home to Boston.

FUN FACT: Another version of this phrase is “off the beaten path”!

(Adapted from the original story) Sweater Delayed by Tiffany Jackson, 2024

⁠⁠www.englishu.blog⁠⁠

Level: Intermediate

Summary: Troy's Aunt Anna, uses food to bring the community together. After Anna dies, Troy finds a way to keep her memory alive.

Challenging Vocabulary Words:

1. Fascinating (adj): extremely interesting or captivating

The documentary about space exploration was absolutely fascinating.

2. Sprinkle (v): to scatter small drops or particles of something

She likes to sprinkle cinnamon on her morning toast.

3. Husks (n): the dry outer covering of some seeds or fruits

The farmer removed the corn husks before cooking.

4. Shake (v): to move back and forth quickly

His hands would shake when he was nervous.

5. Arrange (v): to plan or organize something

Can you help me arrange the furniture in the living room?

(Adapted from the original story) Celebration of Life by Tiffany Jackson, 2024

⁠www.englishu.blog⁠

Level: Intermediate Adam and Grace understand that challenges come with aging. They also know that they can deal with those challenges with patience and love.

Includes vocabulary and quiz questions. (Adapted from the original story) Finding Grace by Tiffany Jackson, 2024

www.englishu.blog