Best Wildlife Photographers and (Silly) Pictures, 2024

In October, the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year Award 2024, was announced by the Natural History Museum in London, and Alberto Román Gómez (Spain) won the under 10 years award with the picture "Free as a Bird" (left). You can gaze at the stunning photos and read the descriptive captions in The Guardian report "Wildlife photographer of the year 2024 winners -in pictures". The captions are very succinct and precise so, rather suitable for C1 learners and above, where these words, among other, will come up: record-breaking [59,228 entries], an exhibition, a tadpole, a swarm, to snorkel, a lily pad, a stonechat bird, hefty, tricky, ownership, to roll [a log] over, to fruit, [slime] mould, a springtail, a split second, focus stacking, to mirror, a spot, a [camera] trap, a prey, an [elusive] lynx, fungi, gnarled, a birch tree, a lichen, a timeless [beauty] etc. 

NPR also covered the same competition with a more factual article, "Lynx, tiger and tadpoles, oh my: See the Wildlife Photographer of the Year winners", which is longer, more cohesive and easier to read perhaps, so, it can be recommended for B2 students and above, who will find words like: a lynx, a tadpole, a swarm, a lily pad, to lay [in wait], to track [animals], to set up, [camera] traps, to frame, a shot, to seize the moment, to stretch, to wrestle, a yacare caiman, a falcon, underwater, to narrow down, to be featured, a venue, to spark [creation], to coil itself, a snout, to snorkel [painstakingly], a lily pad, silt, to dodge, stunning, to hatch, wetlands, to rally [the community together] etc.

To add a touch of humour to wildlife art, B2 students can either have a peek at the Nikon Comedy Wildlife Gallery of Winners and Finalists 2024 or read the USA Today report on the winners of that competition, "'Squirrel stuck in a tree' tops funniest wildlife photos of the year: See the pictures". The final list of goofy winners was published on December 10th.

The pics will certainly bring a sunny smile (or raucous laughter) to learners, who may pick up new words like: a squirrel, [stuck], to stick, smooching, owlets, to highlight, a compromising [position], a [tree] hole, hind [legs], a statement, a raucous [laughter], to be shortlisted, ecstatic, to narrow down, a standalone [photograph], to showcase etc.

Back in April, the winners of the World Nature Photography Awards 2024 came out. B2 learners and above can click above to look at amazing pictures, and find interesting words in the captions and explanations like: hired, waterproof, a gannet, to dive into [water], anglerfish, a reef, a cheetah, a herd, a topi, dotted [across the valley], to cling [onto a foal], to launch, iconic [iguanas], a lizard, to bask, and many more.

Other interesting wildlife photography awards to check out are the British Wild Photography Awards and National Geographic best wildlife photos from 2024.

International Women's Day 2024

March 8th is International Women's Day.  BBC News explains the origins of the event in International Women's Day: When is it and why is it important?. This article is suitable for B2 students, who will come across interesting words like: to mark, a seed, to march, an advocate, to tie [to], a strike, a tsar, a blossom, the legacy, a trailblazer, to highlight, gender violence, an allegation, rape, to ban, to hinder, to defy [the rules], lengthy jail terms, to be abducted, a ransom, wellbeing.

In another article, BBC 100 Women 2023, you can read about the  most inspiring and influential women of 2023, including Spanish football player Aitana Bonmatí (this video is in Spanish, Catalan and English, with a voice over in Spanish), Qiyun Woo, a storyteller and environmentalist from Singapore; Timmit Gebru, an AI expert and anti-racial bias campaigner from Ethiopia, Huda Kattan, an American beauty businesswoman; Najla Mohamed-Lamin, a Western Sahara women's rights and climate activist; Isabel Farías Meyer, an early menopause campaigner from Chile; Sara Al-Saqqa, a general surgeon in the Palestinian Territories (the images in the video might hurt your sensibility); Sonia Guajajara, a State Minister in Brazil; America Ferrera, the actress who played Barbie and its iconic monologue.

Paulina Chiziane, a writer in Mozambique, Clara Elizabeth Fragoso Ugarte, a Mexican truck driver (this video is in Spanish); Xu Zaozao, an egg freezing campaigner in China (this video is in Chinese with English subtitles), Ulanda Mtamba, a campaigner against child marriage in Malawi.

Afroze-Numa, a shepherdess in Pakistan (the video is in Wakhi language with French subtitles), Neema Namadamu, a disability rights campaigner in Congo, Gloria Steinem, a feminist leader in the US, Sumini, a forest manager in Indonesia, Yael Braudo-Bahat, a peace activist in Israel, Vee Kativhu, a YouTuber in Zimbabwe and UK, Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, a Ugandan veterinarian, and Dayeon Lee, a campaigner for Kpop4Planet in South Korea, among other women. 

The articles and the videos can be used with C1 students and above. Some interesting words you can find in the BBC article are: to reveal, attorney, a wildfire, a flood, to tackle, to break down, overwhelming, to dismantle, a shepherdess, a yak, to die out, a flock, barter, bias, to be fired, to raise an issue, to freeze [he eggs], procedure, to take [the hospital] to court, the verdict, pending, to rally [K-pop fans], to pivot, a pledge, to prevent [the hospital] from [treating patients], to raid [a hospital], a target, to follow in her footstepts, early menopause, [ovarian] failure, to launch, a network, to grow up in [Oklahoma], to shun [a corporate career], to pursue [her passion], to enroll in [a school], a clientele, a brand, to encompass, a midfielder, to be crowned, to speak out [for equality], to be overshadowed, the fallout, the burgeoning [indigenous rights movement], to vow [to make], illiterate, to wreak on [an ecosystem], lead [actress category], to flee [violence], a sandstorm, grassroots, outskirts, to juggle, to set up, endangered, eroded, to downgrade, to address [a crisis], the mainstream, a seasoned [organisation], floods, deforestation, forestry, logging, at-risk [wildlife], rampant, poaching, to tackle [a crisis], to drop out [of school], to owe [much to her mentor], to foster [understanding].

To finish the entry with a joyful note, you can watch Dayeon dancing "Se Acabó" and celebrate International Women's Day, 2024:

Lunar New Year 2024: The Year of the Dragon

Lunar New Year starts today, February 10th, 2024.  It is a massive New Year celebration in China and in many Asian countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea (where it is called "Seollal"). Here you can find a list of links to articles and videos that show how this spring festival is celebrated across Asia.

The Straits Times of Singapore run this story three days ago "Roaring into the Year of the Dragon: S'pore scales up its Chinese New Year splendour", which shows incredibly spectacular photos of street decoration to celebrate Chinese New Year. This photo display is accessible for any level, but the descriptive written language of the captions makes them more suitable for C1 students, who will find interesting words like: to roar, to scale up, to spot, to weave, an animatronic [sculpture], a cloak, striking, an installation, to herald, auspicious, a myriad, ferocious [splendour], reminiscent, to pose [for photos], cute, on display, to bestow, blessing, a beast, to soar [skyward], a roundabout, a lantern, to put up, to share, to grace, to toil, repurposed, an attire, lightbulbs, Styrofoam, to embody, community spirit, a rendition, handcrafted, to debut, an outsize [version], a performance, vibrant, to perch, greetings, formidable, a mid-vault, to leap over, a waterfall, polyfoam, fibreglass, a resort, insta-worthy, to whip out [their phones], to slay, a pairing, to adorn, troops, overhead, to set [Chinatown] aglow, to launch, festive [lights]. larger-than-life, to be fitted, to snap [shots], a showcase.

A very popular tradition on Chinese New Year is giving family and friends a red packet, called "lai see", with money. The South China Morning Post explains this custom in detail in "Lunar New Year red packets: everything you need to know about giving and receiving 'lai see', from who and when to how much", do not miss the video with subtitles! It explains the complex social rules of the gift-giving exchange and a short tale that recounts its legendary origin. The article can be read by B2 students, whereas the video, which basically contains the same information, is problably more suitable for C1 learners.

Shine News reports on the preparations for the Lunar New Year in Qibao Ancient Town in Shanghai, in the article "Spring festivities flourish on Shanghai's streets", which also shows some pictures of local street decorations, lights and food. Shine News also explains "China's fascination with dragons: What's behind it?" with an article and a video. These short articles and the video are recommended for B2 students.

Other parts of the world also celebrate Chinese New Year. Zaragoza held a parade on Sunday 28th January, on the eve of saint Valero's holiday, with a dragon, a tiger and a Chinese folk show on El Pilar square. Sydney (Australia) holds a 4-week-long festival with loads of activities from Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese traditions.  You can check it out on Sydney Lunar Festival 2024. And ABS-CBN News in Manila (Philippines) reports on the culinary feasts in neighbouring countries: in Vietnam the delicacy to eat for Lunar New Year or "Tet" is 'dragon feet' chickens and in Cambodia people flock to markets to buy roasted pigs.

Finally, you can learn how Seollal is celebrated in Korea by watching this short video below  (0:59") with subtitles, which is suitable for C1 students. 

Best Winter Sun Holidays & Places to Visit in 2023

Playa de los Cristianos (Tenerife) has been named the best winter sun holiday destination in Europe by Holydo, a holiday rental search engine in the UK. Spain tops the list of winter sun destinations, but other featured destinations are Agios Nikolaos in Greece, Siracusa in Italy, Luz in Portugal and Cala Rossa in France. A list of the sunniest cities in Europe has also been published by Holydo Magazine, and, surpisingly enough, Zaragoza ranks number 12 in Europe!

In this article, which is suitable for B2 students, you can find descriptive adjectives and other interesting words like: average, whopping, dreamy, charming, a coastal [town], to beat, to check out, waterfront [restaurants], nearby [abandoned castles], stunning [streescapes], breathtaking [beaches], impressive [cliffs], turquoise [waters].

If you are already looking for ideas to travel in 2023, or you just want to do a little bit of online travel while it is cold and foggy outside, you can read this article from Afar.com, an experiential travel magazine from New York and San Francisco, with the 12 Best Places to Travel in 2023. The article comes with a video with subtitles (see below), which can be watched by B2 students, where you will see words like: to await, a seaside [village], to prevail, renovations, a hub, steamed [crabs], seasoning, freight, freshwater, to hop, glaciated, lobster rolls, heritage, to boast, to sit [on the shores], endangered species, vineyard, highlights, to debut, a flea market, entrepreneurial, the culinary [capital], pumpkins, meadows, to strech for [618 acres], to rewild, a cheetah, wetlands, grasslands, conservation, to figure out, to showcase, snow-capped [peaks], a thriving [art scene].

 

The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022

Travel + Leisure magazine has just published the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022, for their affluent American readers, featuring Alaska (left) among other national and international destinations. 

C1 students can do some virtual travel with the article 50 Best Places to Travel in 2022, they can look at the beautiful pictures and pick up English words galore, as the text is packed with descriptive adjectives, nouns and verbs like: a far-flung destination, a thrill, travel restrictions galore, albeit, to cross off [destinations], the hospitality industry was hit hard, downtime, to venture, to reap [the benefits], valiant [efforts], to teem with [fresh-air activities], to be raring, to make up for, splashy, hard-hit destinations, buzzy, stateside, to hold back, wellness, farm-to-table living, to stretch, overlooked, unspoiled [villages], picturesque, stunning, sleepy, underdog, harbinger, an eco-lodge, glamping, a [food] hotspot, local produce, an eager [traveler], vast, towering snow-capped [peaks], pristine [wilderness], to roll out [itineraries], to launch [new ships], myriad, a gathering, easy-going, to resume [service], a fleet [of jets], a sprawling [resort], perks, butler, to debut, a shutdown, a compelling [reason], seals, heli-hiking, a craps table, to skip, crystal-clear waters, [50 miles] off the coast, a day pass, to be whisked away, to indulge [in local food], conch, stew, rock lobster, hiatus, to keep an eye for, junkanoo, an all-inclusive [stay], vibrant, a spa, hammam [treatment], vendors, to stroll down, a boardwalk, ocean-front [food], rainforests, diver, a barrier reef, abundance, casual [spots,], luxe [resorts], an oceanfront [villa], a nonstop [flight], charm, a shining [example], a rooftop [library], an oenophile, unassuming, a wine cellar, draped, a estate, resilience, on tap, hilltop [suites], to glimpse, glitzy, to unveil, [room] renovations, an outpost, a mogul, to snag [the term], a venue, a low-key [escape], stunning, white-washed [buildings], to lust after, cerulean blue, to peruse, to seek out, to hop [aboard], to wield [lightsabers], to brush shoulders with, to be slated, to encapsulate [a definition], a [steel] monolith,

to be buzzing [with energy], to bolster, to carve out a name, the [luxury travel] realm, riesling [wine], to knock, a lighter-bodied [red wine], a [foodie] draw, festival roster, to grasp onto its charms, quaint [downtown], chock-full, storefronts, lining, sidewalk, [race] riots, a winery, a rock quarry, a quirky-cool [enclave], brand-new, a lush [setting], rolling [hills], nourishing [food], to be raised, to be foraged, bustling, to tack on [to], a [presidential] decree, to seek [to combat], amenities, a carbon-neutral footprint, to kick its signature into high gear, a cue, to soak, hot springs, a speakeasy [bar], a budding [surf scene], a state-of-the art [wave pool], a [wave] lagoon, pending [city approvals], a splash zone, a craft beer hotspot, a [biking] trail, alum, to grab [headlines], to make strides, to showcase, jetty, wary [of travelling], solace, to hop on [a flight], to straddle [three regions of Zambia], a hot air balloon, a sundowner, a lofty [resolution], to commence, sparkly [new] digs, to [venture] off the beaten track, snorkeling, scuba diving, to top, to splash out on [dinner and a show], to wrap [a project], a racetrack, the attendees, a medley [of cultures], a smattering [of terrain], verdant [rain forests], to blend, hawker food stalls, a coveted [resort], turquoise, an overwater [villa], primed for [snorkeling], zip-lining, to meld, sleek,

available for charter, a slew of [hotel openings], a [cocktail] curator, to set sail, a tagline, a suspended bridge, an all-nighter, high-end, alluring, otherworldly, cloud-shrouded, an uptick, to partake, volcanic terroir, a grueling [hike], ample [opportunities], a humpback [whale], an orca, to spot, nuanced, a gateway, to tag [a turtle], a hideaway, to put [an area] on the radar, a hub, moss-draped [streets], slick, hazy [ales], sours, a taproom, luster, to garner, cooped-up [city dwellers], to be enthralled, vortex, stargazing, to follow suit, revamped, glitz, to flock, skijöring, snowkiting, tobogganing, to pop up, rugged [land], a penthouse [room], over-the-top [hotels], a flagship [hotel], a stretch [of a path], a hillfort, [gourmet Mexican] fare, boho-chic [lodgings], a beachcomber, to lift off, to ramp up, a jaunt, the edge [of space], a dealbreaker. 

If you prefer urban travel, you can look at the pictures of the 25 Best Cities to Travel in 2022, also from Travel + Leisure magazine, which puts Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende (Mexico) at the top of this inventory and Ubud (Indonesia) ranking 3rd. The Spanish city of Seville is also included in this year's list at number 11. 

Women's Struggle Around the World

On International Women's Day, Rappler, publishes the video "In Contested Cybercrime Laws, Activists and Women Are in Danger" (6':49") about the repression of women's activism around the world.  Authoritarian regimes and dictatorships have passed cybercrime laws that punish feminist activists and other dissidents with imprisonment like Loujain-Al-Hathloul in Saudi Arabia, but also in other parts of Asia, like Myanmar, Thailand, Fiji, or the Philippines, where María Ressa, the CEO of Rappler and winner of the 2021 Nobel Prize for Peace, has been accused of "ciber libel" and has been jailed for writing critical articles against President Rodrigo Duterte's brutal anti-drug policies. At the end of the video, three women activists leave a final message: Momoko Nojo (Japan), Marine Maiorano Delmas (France) and Frida Guerrero (Mexico). 

This video with subtitles contains a lot of legal vocabulary, but the subtitles can allow even B2 students to follow it.  In the video you will find less frequent words to enrichen your vocabulary like: released [from prison], to be jailed, to fast-track, the lifting of prohibition, the male guardianship system, counter-terrorism law, [sexually] assaulted, a travel ban, vague [laws], dissent, a bill, a military takeover, [a law] to be in place, to stop [the state] from intervening, impinging on [public order], online abuse, a Trojan horse, uncanny [similar provisions], to engage in acts, cyber libel, a conviction, [an act] hotly contested, rendered, a tradeoff, chilling, most targeted groups [for harassment and attacks], [cases] recorded, perpetrated, intimidation, oftentimes, to defame, to rape, outspoken [women], submissive, domesticated, hate speech, sexist remarks, utilized, to assassinate their characters, divergent tactics, crackdowns.

If you are interested in the topic, you can read the article Women in South Asia: Hostile Encounters, published by Dawn (Pakistan), and International Women's Day: Plight and  Right of Nigeria Women, published by Vanguardngr.com (Nigeria). You can also listen to this 36 minute NPR radio interview where, María Resa talks to Terry Gross in Fresh Air about the crackdown on the press in the Philippines, a long interview with a script for C1 students and above.

"Our Planet" in International Biodiversity Week

You can celebrate International Biodiversity Week (18- 22 May) by watching the first episode of the Netflix documentary "Our Planet", which has just been released on YouTube.  The stunning beauty of the images, the music, and the impeccable English on the voice of Sir David Attenborough will surely open an imaginary window to the wonders of our natural world and the fragility of its future preservation.
Subtitles are available, so this 49':27" documentary can be enjoyed by B2 students and above.

Panic Buying and Coronavirus

Shoppers in the UK are rushing to the supermarkets to stockpile toilet paper, hand sanitiser, tinned food or pasta as fears to the spread of coronavirus grow (B2 level). 

If you want to find out more about the pychology of panic buying, and how it has been observed in different crisis and natural disasters all over the wold, you can read this longer article (C2 level). 

Crazy Rich Asians: a Hollywood Hit or a Flop?

Crazy Rich Asians is the first Hollywood release featuring an Asian and Asian-American cast since 1993's The Joy Luck Club.  It has been a box-office hit worldwide, making $230 million (Warner Bros invested $30 million in the movie). Film critic Richard Lawson describes it as a "fairy-tale romp, full of direct Cinderella references that has some muddied messaging about wealth.  Mostly it just whisks us away on a whirlwind tour of an almost fantastical world.  Crazy Rich Asians is breathless fun -but rather weightless too" (Vanity Fair). The richness of the language and the style make reading  this review a C2 task.

But in mainland China, the reception of the film has been quite different.  Katrina Yu, writing for Aljazeera, explains that Crazy Rich Asians has been a box office flop in China, it has only made $1.5 million, an "atrocious performance" according to independent China film industry consultant Jonathan Papish.  The film is not seen as "a celebration of Asian culture, but a demonisation of it", according to popular reviews on Chinese movie websites. This Arts & Culture report can also be recommended for C2 students.

Finally, you can listen to NPR and read a Fresh Air interview to Kevin Kwan, the writer of the best selling novel that the film is based on, where he talks about his upbringing in a wealthy family and his gradual exposure to Bohemian society in Singapore, and where he also responds to the criticism of the movie for starring Henry Golding, a half British, half Malay actor and model. This radio interview with a script could be accessible to C1 students.

The Chinese Around the World Celebrate the Year of the Pig

Chinese communities around the world are welcoming the Year of the Pig with family feasts, shopping sprees, trips back home or abroad or with prayers.  This article from CNA (China NewsAsia, in Singapore) reviews some to the celebrations and parades in Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, Hong-Kong, Sydney, Los Angeles and London.