If you’re studying English or planning to take English courses in the UK, it’s not just about language learning. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this fascinating country. One such traditional practice worth exploring is Morris dancing. Originating from rural England, this vibrant and rhythmic dance form is a celebration of community, history, and folklore. Join us on a journey to discover the captivating world of Morris dancing.
What is Morris Dancing? Morris dancing is a centuries-old English folk dance tradition that involves a group of dancers performing intricate steps, often accompanied by live music from instruments such as the accordion, fiddle, or melodeon. The dancers, adorned in colorful costumes and distinctive accessories, showcase their skill, coordination, and exuberance through the rhythmic movements and lively choreography.
Traditions and Customs: Each Morris dancing troupe, known as a “side,” has its unique style and costumes, making every performance a visual feast. The dancers may wear bell-pads on their legs that create a jingling sound, adding to the festive atmosphere. Handkerchiefs, sticks, and even swords are often incorporated into the dance routines, adding an element of flair and excitement.
Cultural Significance: Morris dancing is deeply rooted in British culture and is commonly associated with seasonal celebrations, particularly during spring and summer festivals like May Day. The dances are believed to have pagan origins, with some rituals dating back to ancient times. It’s a wonderful way to experience the heritage and traditions of rural England.
Joining the Fun: If you’re interested in experiencing Morris dancing firsthand, you’re in luck! Many communities across the UK host workshops and events where you can learn the basic steps and become part of the dance. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create lasting memories.
English Language and Cultural Immersion: By participating in Morris dancing workshops or attending performances, you not only enhance your English language skills but also gain insight into British customs, history, and social traditions. Engaging with cultural activities like Morris dancing provides a unique and memorable experience that goes beyond traditional language learning.
As you embark on your English language journey in the UK, consider exploring the vibrant world of Morris dancing. It’s a fantastic way to enrich your language learning experience, connect with local communities, and delve into the cultural tapestry of England. So, lace up your dancing shoes, embrace the rhythm, and let Morris dancing captivate your senses as you discover the heart and soul of this captivating tradition.
Frenchies (not a derogatory word for French people, but meaning French Bulldogs!) have ousted Labradors as the US’s “Top Dog” for the first time in thirty years. These cuddly buddies are, however, not loved by everyone.
Watch the video and then do the accompanying English exercises below.
The news is a consistent and endless source of entertainment, knowledge and discovery. It plays a vital part in our lives and is important to keep up with.
There are many reasons to read, watch or listen to the news. Understanding the ramifications of recent legislation passed. Listening to recent events and grasping the potential consequences to your country. Or, simply listening to what’s happening in other countries so you can compare them to your own. It’s a staple in our lives and the most reliable way to get information.
That’s why Scrambled Eggs has decided to unite two of your biggest worlds. That is, learning English and keeping up with current events. We hope our challenging listening, vocabulary and comprehension exercises bring these worlds together in a satisfactory and entertaining way.
That’s all for introductions, let’s get to today’s Learn English with the News topic:
For the first time in thirty years, the U.S. has a new favorite dog breed. Adorable in some eyes, (deplorable) in others, the (sturdy), push-faced, (perky)-eared, and distinctively (droll) French bulldog became the nation’s most prevalent purebred dog last year. Frenchies (ousted) Labrador retrievers from the top spot after a record 31 years.
There’s concern that demand, plus the premium that some buyers will pay for “exotic” coat colors and textures, is engendering quick-(buck) breeders and unhealthy dogs. The British Veterinary Association has urged people not to buy flat-faced breeds, such as Frenchies. The Netherlands has prohibited breeding very short-(snouted) dogs, and the country’s agriculture minister aims to outlaw even owning them.
Social media and celebrity owners gave the dogs fresh (exposure). Still more came last year, when U.S. TV audiences watched a Frenchie take second place at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and then win the National Dog Show hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia.
Some other breeds are prone to (ailments) ranging from hip dysplasia to cancers, and mixed-breed dogs also can get sick. But recently published research involving about 24,600 dogs in Britain suggested that Frenchies have “very different, and largely much poorer” health than do other canines, largely due to the foreshortened, wrinkly face that (encapsulates) the breed’s indefinable quality.
The American Veterinary Medical Association is exploring ways to improve flat-faced dogs’ welfare.
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French Bulldog Becomes Top US Dog Breed | True or False
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Before Frenchies, Labradors were the top dog breed.
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French Bulldogs are liked by some and hated by others.
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A Frenchie won first place at Westminster.
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The Netherlands encourages their breeding.
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Many flat-faced dog breeds suffer health issues.
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And that’s it for today’s English lesson, where you can improve your English with the news and current events. Do you have any comments or special requests for us for the next edition of Learn English with the News? Please leave any feedback you have in the comments section below. We would love to help you on your quest to learn the English language!
For other Learn English with the News segments, check out the rest of our posts:
Full text for French Bulldog Becomes Top US Dog Breed:
For the first time in thirty years, the U.S. has a new favorite dog breed. Adorable in some eyes, deplorable in others, the sturdy, push-faced, perky-eared, and distinctively droll French bulldog became the nation’s most prevalent purebred dog last year. Frenchies ousted Labrador retrievers from the top spot after a record 31 years.
There’s concern that demand, plus the premium that some buyers will pay for “exotic” coat colors and textures, is engendering quick-buck breeders and unhealthy dogs. The British Veterinary Association has urged people not to buy flat-faced breeds, such as Frenchies. The Netherlands has prohibited breeding very short-snouted dogs, and the country’s agriculture minister aims to outlaw even owning them.
Social media and celebrity owners gave the dogs fresh exposure. Still more came last year, when U.S. TV audiences watched a Frenchie take second place at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and then win the National Dog Show hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia.
Some other breeds are prone to ailments ranging from hip dysplasia to cancers, and mixed-breed dogs also can get sick. But recently published research involving about 24,600 dogs in Britain suggested that Frenchies have “very different, and largely much poorer” health than do other canines, largely due to the foreshortened, wrinkly face that encapsulates the breed’s indefinable quality.
The American Veterinary Medical Association is exploring ways to improve flat-faced dogs’ welfare.
Super Mario: Plumber, Doctor, Artist, Pop Culture Icon. He does it all. Super Mario Bros. is turning 40 this year and over that time he and his crew have become known all around the world across multiple generations.
Watch the video and then do the accompanying English exercises below.
The news is a consistent and endless source of entertainment, knowledge and discovery. It plays a vital part in our lives and is important to keep up with.
There are many reasons to read, watch or listen to the news. Understanding the ramifications of recent legislation passed. Listening to recent events and grasping the potential consequences to your country. Or, simply listening to what’s happening in other countries so you can compare them to your own. It’s a staple in our lives and the most reliable way to get information.
That’s why Scrambled Eggs has decided to unite two of your biggest worlds. That is, learning English and keeping up with current events. We hope our challenging listening, vocabulary and comprehension exercises bring these worlds together in a satisfactory and entertaining way.
That’s all for introductions, let’s get to today’s Learn English with the News topic:
Over the decades, Mario has appeared in more than 200 games, among them Nintendo's original Mario Bros (turning 40 in March 2023), alongside his (sibling) Luigi, and the Mario Kart series. His adventures have inspired (merch) and (spin-offs) including the new animated feature The Super Mario Bros Movie. Mario has steadily powered up from an arcade (sprite) to a household name and pop culture icon.
Mario's now massive presence stems from (low-key) beginnings. Prior to his 1981 debut in Donkey Kong, Mario had been called Ossan (Japanese for “middle-aged guy”), Mr Video and Jumpman in development. His original 8-bit design was instantly recognisable: (stout), bright, bearing a distinctive cap and mustache; by the arcade release of Mario Bros, his character adapted, switching roles from carpenter to Italian-American plumber.
Since then, Mario has remained an unmistakable character across all kinds of (incarnations), including a flying tanuki (a Japanese raccoon dog) to a bee and a cat. His roles have ranged from Dr Mario to artist/composer and athlete. Meanwhile, Mario’s surrounding cast has grown increasingly (vast), yet even when these characters front their own games, they’re ultimately defined by their link to him: a sibling like Luigi; (sidekicks) like Princess Peach and Yoshi; or (adversaries) like Donkey Kong, Bowser and Wario.
Mario brings generations together to play. Racing your friends, children or parents in Mario Kart becomes a timeless experience while Mario remains a grounding force, a familiar friend in a crazy accelerated world.
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And that’s it for today’s English lesson, where you can improve your English with the news and current events. Do you have any comments or special requests for us for the next edition of Learn English with the News? Please leave any feedback you have in the comments section below. We would love to help you on your quest to learn the English language!
For other Learn English with the News segments, check out the rest of our posts:
Over the decades, Mario has appeared in more than 200 games, among them Nintendo’s original Mario Bros (turning 40 in March 2023), alongside his sibling Luigi, and the Mario Kart series. His adventures have inspired merch and spin-offs including the new animated feature The Super Mario Bros Movie. Mario has steadily powered up from an arcade sprite to a household name and pop culture icon.
Mario’s now massive presence stems from low-key beginnings. Prior to his 1981 debut in Donkey Kong, Mario had been called Ossan (Japanese for “middle-aged guy”), Mr Video and Jumpman in development. His original 8-bit design was instantly recognisable: stout, bright, bearing a distinctive cap and mustache; by the arcade release of Mario Bros, his character adapted, switching roles from carpenter to Italian-American plumber.
Since then, Mario has remained an unmistakable character across all kinds of incarnations, including a flying tanuki (a Japanese raccoon dog) to a bee and a cat. His roles have ranged from Dr Mario to artist/composer and athlete. Meanwhile, Mario’s surrounding cast has grown increasingly vast, yet even when these characters front their own games, they’re ultimately defined by their link to him: a sibling like Luigi; sidekicks like Princess Peach and Yoshi; or adversaries like Donkey Kong, Bowser and Wario.
Mario brings generations together to play. Racing your friends, children or parents in Mario Kart becomes a timeless experience while Mario remains a grounding force, a familiar friend in a crazy accelerated world.
