Shocking images of violence and unrest are coming out of the United States, but do you have the vocabulary to understand what is really happening? In this English lesson, we break down the news reports to help you master advanced words related to protests, riots, and civil conflict.📝 If you want to review the words from today's lesson, click the link below to download my Free News Vocabulary Guide: https://american-english-with-brent.kit.com/bcb3b9f6f21. Tensions * Definition: Bad feelings between people or groups that might lead to a fight. * Example: There are tensions between the two neighbors because of the loud music.2. Crackdown * Definition: Serious action by the police or government to stop bad behavior. * Example: The school started a crackdown on cell phone use in class.3. Columbus, Ohio * Definition: A large city in the United States (the capital city of Ohio). * Example: My cousin lives in Columbus, Ohio.4. Fatal * Definition: Causing death. * Example: The accident was fatal; sadly, the driver died.5. Kicked Off (started) * Definition: Started or began. * Example: The soccer game kicked off at 3:00 PM.6. DHS * Definition: The "Department of Homeland Security." It is a US government group that keeps the country safe. * Example: The DHS checks passports at the airport.7. A Traffic Stop * Definition: When police force a driver to stop their car to check for a problem. * Example: He got a ticket for speeding during a traffic stop.8. Undocumented * Definition: Not having official papers to live or work in a country. * Example: It is difficult for undocumented people to get a driver’s license.9. Convicted * Definition: Found guilty of a crime by a court. * Example: He was convicted of stealing the money.10. Dragged * Definition: Pulled something heavy along the ground. * Example: I dragged the heavy bag into the house.11. Fateful moment * Definition: A specific time that changes the future forever. * Example: Meeting his wife was a fateful moment in his life.12. SUV * Definition: A large car that is good for families. * Example: We put all our luggage in the back of the SUV.13. Approach * Definition: To come closer to something. * Example: The train will approach the station soon.14. Reverses * Definition: Drives backward. * Example: Look behind you before the car reverses.15. Accelerating * Definition: Going faster. * Example: The plane is accelerating down the runway.16. Rare * Definition: Not common; very hard to find. * Example: Snow is very rare in the desert.17. Radicalized * Definition: Made to believe in extreme or dangerous ideas. * Example: The young man was radicalized by angry videos he saw online.18. Pressed (asked) * Definition: Asked many times or pushed for an answer. * Example: The reporter pressed the President for an answer.19. Risk * Definition: A chance that something bad or dangerous might happen. * Example: There is a risk of rain tomorrow.20. Deranged * Definition: Crazy; acting very strangely. * Example: The man was acting deranged and yelling at the wall.21. Leftist * Definition: A person who supports liberal political ideas (usually wanting social change). * Example: The leftist group wants the government to pay for college.22. Obstruct * Definition: To block or get in the way. * Example: Do not obstruct the door; people need to get out.23. Tragedy * Definition: A very sad event where people often die or get hurt. * Example: The sinking of the Titanic was a huge tragedy.24. Frustration * Definition: Feeling angry or upset because you cannot do what you want. * Example: I shouted in frustration when I lost my keys.25. Passed Judgment * Definition: Gave a strong opinion saying something is good or bad. * Example: The teacher passed judgment on the student's poor behavior.

In this English lesson, we discuss the shocking event in Minneapolis where the Mayor told federal agents to leave the city after a tragic shooting. We will learn important vocabulary words like "chaos," "spin," and "distrust" to help you talk about this difficult news story.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. Vocabulary List: Definitions & Examples * Swirling around * Definition: Moving in circles; often used when many rumors or stories are being talked about. * Sentence: There are many rumors swirling around about the new office rules. * Collectively * Definition: Done by people acting together as a group. * Sentence: The students collectively decided to ask for a longer break. * Get to the bottom of this * Definition: To find the real cause or the truth of a problem. * Sentence: I don't know why the car won't start, but I will get to the bottom of this. * Get justice * Definition: To get a fair result or punishment after something bad or illegal happens. * Sentence: The family is going to court because they want to get justice. * Dreaded * Definition: Something that makes you feel very worried, bored, or afraid. * Sentence: It is finally time for the dreaded Monday morning meeting. * Internally * Definition: Inside something (like a person's mind or inside a company). * Sentence: He looked happy, but internally he was feeling very sad. * Chaos * Definition: A situation where there is no order and everything is confusing. * Sentence: It was total chaos at the mall during the holiday sale. * Distrust * Definition: The feeling that you cannot believe or rely on someone. * Sentence: There is a lot of distrust between the two neighbors. * Spin this (Politics) * Definition: To tell a story in a way that makes a person look good, even if the situation is bad. * Sentence: The politician tried to spin this mistake to make it look like a good idea. * Self-defense * Definition: Protecting yourself from harm or an attack. * Sentence: He took a class to learn how to use self-defense. * Recklessly * Definition: Doing something dangerous without caring about the results or safety. * Sentence: He was driving recklessly and almost hit a tree. * Priorities * Definition: The things that are most important and should be done first. * Sentence: My priorities this year are finishing school and finding a job. * Problematic * Definition: Something that causes problems or is difficult to deal with. * Sentence: The lack of clean water in the city is very problematic. * Culture * Definition: The habits, traditions, and beliefs of a specific group of people. * Sentence: I love traveling to different countries to learn about their culture. * That's on you * Definition: A phrase used to say that something is your responsibility or your fault. * Sentence: I warned you to bring a jacket; if you are cold now, that's on you.

The shocking capture of Nicolas Maduro has the world wondering if the leaders of Cuba or Colombia are next on the U.S. target list. In this English lesson, we break down the vocabulary behind this developing story and discuss who might be the next to fall.✅ Speak Better English With Me https://brentspeak.as.me/ Use code NewYear for 25% off. 1. Striking SimilaritiesDefinition: Looking very much alike.Example: The two brothers have striking similarities; they have the same nose and eyes.2. InterventionDefinition: Stepping in to fix a problem.Example: The fight was bad, so it needed the teacher's intervention to stop it.3. ObligationDefinition: Something you have to do; a duty.Example: It is your obligation to pay your taxes every year.4. SafeguardDefinition: To keep something safe.Example: We wear helmets to safeguard our heads while biking.5. General NoriegaDefinition: A former military leader of Panama who was arrested by the U.S.Example: General Noriega was sent to prison for his crimes.6. Bring to JusticeDefinition: To catch a criminal and punish them in court.Example: The police worked hard to bring the thief to justice.7. AssaultDefinition: Attacking or hurting someone physically.Example: He went to jail for assault after hitting a man in the street.8. To the DayDefinition: Exactly on that specific date.Example: We have been married for 20 years to the day.9. CapturedDefinition: Caught by the police or an enemy.Example: The mouse was captured in the trap.10. Drug TraffickingDefinition: Moving and selling illegal drugs.Example: He was arrested at the airport for drug trafficking.11. Mixed ResultsDefinition: Some good things happened, but some bad things happened too.Example: The new rule had mixed results; some people liked it, but others hated it.12. Cost DearlyDefinition: To pay a very high price (in money or pain).Example: His mistake cost him dearly; he lost his job and his house.13. UnderminedDefinition: Made weak slowly over time.Example: The rain undermined the wall, and it eventually fell down.14. StabilityDefinition: Being safe, steady, and not changing.Example: Children need stability at home to feel safe.15. ChavezDefinition: Hugo Chávez, a famous former leader of Venezuela.Example: Many people in Venezuela still talk about President Chavez.16. BuoyedDefinition: Held up; made to feel happier or stronger.Example: The good news buoyed his spirits.17. Eff Around and Find OutDefinition: (Slang) If you do something bad, you will get a bad result.Example: Do not tease that bear, or you will eff around and find out.18. AdversariesDefinition: Enemies.Example: In the game, the two teams are adversaries.19. On NoticeDefinition: To be warned that you are in trouble.Example: The bad student was put on notice that he might be expelled.20. Inject our WillDefinition: To force others to do what we want.Example: The boss tried to inject his will on the team, but they ignored him.21. CrosshairsDefinition: Being the target (like in the scope of a gun).Example: The politician is in the crosshairs of the news reporters.22. Warning Shot Across the BowDefinition: A final warning before attacking.Example: The teacher gave a warning shot across the bow before calling the parents.23. Suffice it to SayDefinition: Short version: "I will just say this..."Example: Suffice it to say, the party was a disaster.24. IncompetentDefinition: Bad at your job.Example: The incompetent waiter dropped our food three times.25. SenileDefinition: Losing memory or mental power because of old age.Example: My dog is getting senile and forgets where his food bowl is.