Podcasts about kaisems

In today’s passage, entitled “The Age of Humans,” you will hear about the huge impact we humans, in our relatively short history, have had on our planet and every living thing on it. Listen carefully to the passage and answer the questions that follow. As you listen, it’s OK to jot down some notes of important details and ideas, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening. Answers can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You may also download the lesson in PDF format to keep for your reference.  And be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to boost your word power!

In today’s passage, entitled “The Rise of Megacities,” you will hear about what makes a “megacity” and why more and more cities around the world will soon enter the “Megacity Club.” You will also learn about some of the problems cities encounter when they become overpopulated. Listen carefully to the passage and answer the questions that follow. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You may also download the lesson in PDF format to keep for your reference.  And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track!

In today’s passage, entitled “Saving the Rhinos,” you will hear about a baby rhinoceros named Lofo that barely escaped death. You will also learn about why protecting large herbivores (animals that live on plant life) like the African rhino is vital to our planet’s environmental health. As you listen, it’s OK to jot down some notes of important details and ideas, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You can also download the lesson in PDF format to keep for your reference.     Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track! 

In today’s passage, entitled “Nurturing the Arts,” you will hear about why many schools across America no longer offer arts classes. You will also learn about what the Los Angeles school district is doing to ensure that its students receive a well-rounded education.   Answers to the Listening Comprehension question can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Alternatively, you may download the lesson in PDF format to keep for your reference.   Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track to boost your word knowledge! 

In today’s passage, entitled “A Letter for Change,” you will hear about a socially conscious Massachusetts schoolgirl who had an idea for a much-needed change and decided to let the U.S. President know what was on her mind. You will also learn a little about the extraordinary woman who has been selected to be the face of the new $20 bill. As you listen, it’s OK to jot down some notes of important details and ideas, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track. You may also download the lesson to keep for your reference.  Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track to help boost your word skills. 

In today’s passage, entitled “Totally Awesome,” you will hear about why experiencing the sensation known as “awe” can make you a better person. You will also learn about some of the experiments researchers have conducted to study the impact “awe” has on human behavior and relationships. Listen carefully to the passage and answer the questions that follow. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You may also download the lesson to keep for your reference.   Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY WORDS bonus track.  

In today’s lesson, entitled Virtual History, you will learn a bit about the Great Fire of London of 1666. You will also hear about a fascinating new mobile phone app that can transport you back in time to key historical moments. That’s right. Time travel—well, sort of. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions are available as a separate track on the KA Voicecast website.  And be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to boost your word knowledge! 

In today’s lesson, entitled The Curious Case of the Walking Encyclopedia, you will listen to a passage about Kim Peek, an American savant who had a remarkable ability to memorize all sorts of things. You will also learn a little about autism and how our attitude towards people with autism has changed over the past thirty years.   Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to help boost your word knowledge!

In today’s lesson, entitled Where Are the Women?, you will learn a bit about the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. You will also hear why the Statue of Liberty and all that she stands for are not equally represented in parks and public squares in America’s great cities. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.   Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track to boost your word knowledge! 

In today’s passage, entitled “Killer Diseases” you will hear about how, in the 14th century, an epidemic wiped out nearly half of Europe’s population and also about how some diseases are transmitted from person to person.   Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track and PDF file.    Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track to boost your word knowledege!

In today’s lesson, entitled The Ship of Dreams, you will listen to a passage about the events leading up to and following the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers to Comprehension Questions are available on the KA Voicecast website.     Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Words bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Going Bananas, you will listen to a passage about why bananas are often called “Nature’s Perfect Power Snack.” You will also learn about a disease that could wipe out banana crops all over the world. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers to the Listening Comprehension Questions are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track. 

In today’s lesson, entitled A Broader View of Beauty, you will listen to a passage about where the Barbie doll’s creator got her inspiration, and why, after nearly 60 years, Barbie is undergoing a big transformation. Answers to the Listening Comprehension questions can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You may also download the lesson in PDF format to keep it for your reference.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track.  

In today’s passage, entitled “Man Up!” you will learn why one paleoanthropologist believes that mankind (and men in particular) has “let himself go,” so to speak, because of all this convenience and comfort. You will also hear about some of the amazing physical and mental feats that our human predecessors were capable of. Listen carefully to the passage then answer the questions that follow.     Listening Comprehension Questions and Answers can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track and downloadable PDF. 

In today’s lesson, entitled Seeds for Humanity, you will hear a passage about the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway where a group of scientists have been planning ahead against a possible “doomsday” future. Answers can be found on the KA Voicecast website.  Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Sustainable Living, you will hear a passage about the “ecological” and “carbon” footprints we all leave on the planet just by going about the business of daily living. You will also learn why pet dogs … well, you’ll see in a few minutes. Answers to the LISTENING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.   Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track!

In today’s lesson, entitled Drone Worry, you will listen to a passage about why remote-controlled drones and airplanes have the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration worried. You will also learn about some of the practical ways in which drones are being used today. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website.  Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Bonus track!!

In today’s lesson, entitled The Right to Sing, you will listen to a passage about how a simple little song became a household word, so to speak. You will also learn a what a copyright is and what laws protect music and other original work. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.  And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track to help boost your vocabulary skills! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Oh No! Another El Niño!, you will listen to a passage about how the unusual warming of surface waters in the South Pacific affects the weather all across the globe. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled O Christmas Tree! you will listen to a passage about how the Christmas tree tradition got started and about the real-vs.-artificial Christmas tree debate. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.    Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled From Dynamite to Peace, you will listen to a passage about how Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel developed a safe and effective explosive for industrial use. You will also learn why he established the Nobel Prizes to honor those people who have made valuable contributions to mankind. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers to this week's questions can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track. Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Bonus track. 

In today’s lesson, entitled A Long Time Ago, in a Galaxy Far, Far Away, you will listen to a passage about how Star Wars influenced the Hollywood film industry and why some collectors are willing to pay thousands of dollars for vintage Star Wars action figures. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Bonus Track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled It’s Elementary, you will be listening to a passage about how literature’s most famous detective helped pave the way for modern-day detectives’ crime-solving methods. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  Answers to today's Listening Comprehension questions are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  You may also download the lesson and keep it for your reference.   Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track to improve your understanding of the lesson itself and to give your vocabulary a big boost! 

In today’s passage, entitled “Fear Itself,” you will learn about various types of phobias and how fear can drive people to do things that are not always logical. Answers to Listening Comprehension Questions can be downloaded on the KA Voicecast website.   Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Bonus track to boost your vocab knowledge.

In today’s lesson, entitled Earth Impact, you will be listening to a passage about the Chelyabinsk Meteor incident. You will also learn why astronomers are keeping a close eye on some space objects that may be on a future collision course with our planet. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary Words bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Cleopatra, the Queen of Egypt, you will be listening to a passage about Cleopatra, one of the most powerful and most famous women in history. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.     Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.       Be sure to check out the Key Vocabulary bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled One Team, One Nation, you will be listening to a passage about how one of history’s most influential leaders used rugby to unite a divided nation. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening. Answers are available on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.    Be sure to check out the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to give your vocabulary a big boost!

In today’s lesson, entitled The Power of Social Media, you will be listening to a passage about how Facebook and other social-media networking sites got their start and about how dramatically “being connected” has changed the way we communicate today. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Answers can be found on the KA Voicecast website as a separate track.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track! 

In today’s lesson, entitled Pay It Forward, you will be listening to a passage about the philosophy of “forward giving” and how it may have gotten its start in a play written more than 2,300 years ago. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening. Answers can be found on the KA Voicecast website.       BE SURE TO LISTEN TO THE KEY VOCABULARY BONUS TRACK!   

In today’s lesson, entitled What’s In A Name? you will learn how some of America’s cities and natural landmarks got their names. You will also learn about the controversy surrounding the name of the tallest mountain peak in North America. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening. Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track for this lesson.      

In today’s lesson, entitled The Magical World of Reading, you will learn about all the positive effects reading has on your brain, imagination, and even character. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening.  

In today’s lesson, entitled An Aviation Mystery, you will learn about American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart and the events that led up to her disappearance nearly eighty years ago.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.    The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so stay tuned.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You can also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will improve your understanding of the passage itself and give you a bigger, better active vocabulary. 

In the 2014 award-winning movie The Imitation Game, British actor Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed Alan Turing, the inventor of a code-breaking machine that was used during World War II at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, England, to help the British and their Allies defeat the Germans.  And Bletchley Circle was a recent BBC mini-series about a group of highly intelligent women in the mid-1950s who help solve crimes by applying the code-breaking skills they gained while doing “spy” work at Bletchley Park.  So “Bletchley” is a hot topic right now, and in today’s passage, entitled “Breaking the Enigma,” you will learn all about Alan Turing’s machine, the German code it deciphered, and the dedicated men and women “code-breakers” who helped bring the war to a swifter end.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.    The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so make sure you stay tuned in.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You may also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost. 

In today’s lesson, entitled The Lion King Debate, you will be listening to a passage about Cecil, the African lion that was recently shot and killed by an American hunter.  You will also learn why so many conservationists are using Cecil’s death as a rallying cry to ban big-game “trophy” hunting.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.   The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so stay tuned.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You can also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will improve your understanding of the passage itself and give you a bigger, better active vocabulary.  

The basic practices of “teaching” and “learning” probably haven’t changed much in the last twenty or thirty years.  But that’s not quite true, because, as you know, teachers and students these days have access to more resources than ever before.  In today’s passage, entitled “Interstellar in the Classroom,” you will learn about why scientists and physicists would like to see the 2014 movie Interstellar used as a classroom tool to teach students about astrophysics and science.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  As you listen, it’s OK to jot down notes of important details and ideas, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening.    The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so make sure you stay tuned in.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You may also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost.   

In today’s passage, entitled “Burning Man,” you will learn about a festival held in the Nevada desert every year that offers its attendees an experience that can only be described as unique.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  As you listen, it’s OK to jot down some notes of important details and ideas, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening.  The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so make sure you stay tuned in.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You may also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost.   

On the evening of October 11, 1492, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus was patrolling the deck of his ship Santa Maria when he saw a “light glimmering at a great distance.” He later claimed that it vanished and reappeared several times during the night, each time dancing up and down “in sudden and passing gleams.” Five centuries later, on NASA’s first mission to the moon, astronaut Buzz Aldrin reported seeing a mysterious ringed object traveling alongside Apollo 11.  In 1974, the Beatles’ John Lennon witnessed a flattened, cone-shaped object hovering above New York City.   In today’s lesson, “Are We Alone?” you will listen to a passage about mankind’s long fascination with UFOs and space aliens.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening.  The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so make sure you stay tuned in.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You may also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost.     

In today’s lesson, entitled“The Winton Children,”you will listen to a passage about a remarkable Englishman named Nicholas Winton who is often called “Britain’s Schindler.” When the Second World War broke out, Winton masterminded an operation that rescued 669 Jewish children from almost certain death. (There were a couple of “Japanese Schindlers,” too, by the way.  Do you know who they were?) Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening.  The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so stay tuned.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You can also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will improve your understanding of the passage itself and give you a bigger, better active vocabulary.  

In today’s lesson, entitled A Mammoth Effort, you will be listening to a passage about the possibility of resurrecting animals that have long been extinct using modern advanced science and technology. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening.  The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so stay tuned.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You can also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will improve your understanding of the passage itself and give you a bigger, better active vocabulary.  

In today’s lesson, entitled A Trip of a Lifetime, you will be listening to a passage about some of the exciting, but costly school trips many pupils and students are going on these days.    Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so stay tuned.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You can also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will improve your understanding of the passage itself and give you a bigger, better active vocabulary.

In today’s listening passage, entitled “When I Grow Up,” you will learn why some skilled occupations are being phased out and also learn about some of the specialized courses that many universities and colleges are offering these days.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s a good idea to jot down some notes of significant details and ideas as you listen, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening.  The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so make sure you stay tuned in.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You may also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost.   

In today’s lesson, entitled Elon Musk: Watch This Space, you will be listening to a passage about one of the most innovative and visionary businessmen of the 21st century.   Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.     Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You can also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will improve your understanding of the passage itself and give you a bigger, better active vocabulary.

In today’s lesson, entitled To Binge, or Not to Binge, you will be listening to a passage about how cable and satellite television networks have changed the way viewers watch television and why “just one more,” has become an increasingly commonly used expression.     The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so make sure you stay tuned in.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You may also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost. 

In today’s lesson, entitled Lights Out, you will be listening to a passage about how a simple act like turning off lights at night could save the lives of millions of migrating birds.   Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  The correct answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so stay tuned.  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You can also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will improve your understanding of the passage itself and give you a bigger, better active vocabulary.

In today’s lesson, entitled The People’s Princess, you will be listening to a passage about how a shy English assistant kindergarten teacher became known to people everywhere as the “People’s Princess.”  The correct answers to the Listening Comprehension questions will follow immediately after the closing jingle..  Answers are also available on the KA Wordcast website as a separate track.   You may also download the lesson in PDF format and keep it for your reference.    And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost.   

In today’s lesson, entitled A Thousand Million, you will be listening to a passage about some of the wealthiest people in the world and the various ways a billion dollars could be spent. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening. And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will improve your understanding of the passage itself and give you a bigger, better active vocabulary.  

In today’s lesson, entitled Have You Heard ...?, you will be listening to a passage about why so many people indulge in gossiping and how the Internet has changed the nature of gossip. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening. And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost.   

In today’s lesson, entitled Happy Mother’s Day, you will be listening to a passage about how as a child a West Virginia schoolteacher got the idea to begin setting aside a special day to honor all mothers. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening. And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will improve your understanding of the passage itself and give you a bigger, better active vocabulary.  

For our final lesson, we will be looking at eighteen phrasal verbs and related idiomatic expressions based on the word “fall.”  By the end of the lesson, you should have a good grasp of all of these handy phrases and be able to make excellent use of them in your own writing and everyday communication.  And don’t forget: you can test your knowledge of today’s phrases before the lesson begins by taking the quick “pre-test” that is downloadable from our website.  Or, if you prefer, you can save the test for later to see how much you’ve learned.

In today’s lesson, entitled Seeing Double, you will be listening to a passage about why two complete strangers can look nearly identical to each other. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening. And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost.     

In today’s lesson, entitled Up, Up, and Away!  you will be listening to a passage about a company in England that is taking an old idea and combining it with green technology to build a lighter-than-air aircraft for the 21st Century.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening. And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost.     

In each lesson of KA Wordcast: Idioms and Phrasal Verbs, we introduce listeners to a number of important idioms, phrasal verbs, and other common English expressions and explain how to put them to effective use.  English is a funny language.  Sometimes, even a simple four-letter word can have multiple meanings and be the basis for dozens of phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions.  Take the word “slip,” for example.  As a noun, a “slip” can be a small mistake, a piece of paper, a docking place for a boat or ship, or even an article of clothing.  As part of a verbal phrase, it can mean to slide, to dress or undress, to leave quietly, and many others—as you’ll see today as we look at some common “slip”-based phrasal verbs and very useful related idiomatic expressions.   To test your knowledge of today’s phrases before the lesson begins, take the quick “pre-test” that is downloadable from our website.  Then, after the podcast, use the answer sheet to see how well you did. 

Today you’ll be listening to a passage entitled The Great Exhibition about how a Victorian-age exposition event in London set the precedence for the future of World’s Fairs. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening.  And be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will improve your understanding of the passage itself and give you a bigger, better active vocabulary.  

This week, the theme is trouble, those difficult situations that we all find ourselves in from time to time. Today, we will look at eighteen common idiomatic phrases and expressions that you can use to talk and write about those “low points” in our lives.  And we close off with a couple more phrases that will help you stay positive when things are not as good you’d like them to be.    To test your knowledge of today’s phrases before the lesson begins, take the quick “pre-test” that is downloadable from our website.  Then, after the podcast, use the answer sheet to see how well you did. 

Today you’ll be listening to a passage entitled What We Eat about how our eating habits have changed over the past sixty years and how this new diet is affecting our health. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening.  Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost.   

In today’s lesson, entitled Seeking Advice, you will be listening to two letters.  In the first very short one, a young man seeks advice about a specific career choice.  The second longer letter is the reply and advice the young man receives. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to take notes as you listen, but remember: don’t let your note-taking distract you from your listening.    Q&A will follow immediately after the closing jingle.      Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track.     

Today we will be looking at twelve of the most commonly used STAND-based phrasal verbs as well as a handful of useful, STAND-related idiomatic expressions.  You are likely to come across all of today’s phrases in everyday conversations, in books and magazines, in film and on TV, and on the Internet.  Make sure you take the pretest exercise before the lesson begins to test your knowledge.  Answers are available on the KA Wordcast website.   

In today's lesson of KA Wordcast Listen and Learn, you will be learning about the Space Race of the 1960s.  Listen to the passage carefully and answer the ten questions that follow.   Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.  This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself, and give your vocabulary a BIG BOOST!

In each Listen and Learn broadcast, we present you with additional material that will give your listening comprehension skills and confidence a big boost.  Each week, you will listen to a short passage on a different topic.   The topics are not only interesting and useful in their own right; they are the very topics that test-makers love to include on their exams.  After you listen to the passage, you will take a short quiz—ten comprehension questions that will make sure you understand and retain the information and ideas contained in the passage.  Today’s passage is entitled Why Waste Water?     ·     Key vocabulary words from the passage are explained in the bonus track.  Each word is spelled out, clearly defined, and accompanied by its most common synonyms and antonyms.   Sample sentences show you how the word is used—and how to use it.  What better way to build up your active vocabulary!

In today's episode of KA Voicecast, Olwen will be talking about Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic children's novel, The Secret Garden.   We will also be listening to a short passage entitled "Hello! Hello!"  about how the word "hello" became a common telephone greeting.  Listening comprhension quiz to follow! 

Today, we look at some very useful and common English phrases based on the word "BREAK"   Be sure to challenge yourself with the pretest exercise, available on the KA Voicecast website. 

For many of us, the beginning of a New Year often is “just like starting over,” and so for this lesson, we will take a look at some terrific phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions that you are likely to hear your friends, classmates, family, and co-workers use when they start talking about their 2015 New Year’s resolutions, those firm promises they have made to themselves to study harder, live healthier, be nicer—to be all-round better people.  And by the way, if listening regularly to KA Wordcast is one of your resolutions for 2015, that’s fantastic news!     To test your knowledge of today’s phrases before the lesson begins, take the quick “pre-test” that is downloadable from our website.  Then, after the podcast, use the answer sheet to see how well you did. 

In today’s passage, “Art Attack,” we will be talking about why some people destroy works of art. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow. Jot down some notes as you listen, but make sure your note-taking doesn’t distract you from your listening. And be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track. This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself, and give your vocabulary a big boost. 

Today’s passage has to do with a time-honored custom: the sending and receiving of holiday-season greeting cards as practiced in the West and in Japan.     Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track. This will help improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost. 

.   The title of today’s lesson, “Laughter is the best medicine,” is an old saying that means that laughing and cheerfulness are very good for you and can help solve many problems, both physical and emotional—and, according to the latest scientific research, that’s no joke!  Today we will look at twenty of the most commonly used and heard idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs about laughter and humor.

Today you will be listening to a passage entitled “Comet 67P and the Origin of Life” about the Rosetta spacecraft, a data-gathering probe the European Space Agency sent into outer space more than a decade ago to search for answers to one very important question.   Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track. This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost! 

Tune in to listen to two favorite Christmas stories told by KA Voicecast's very own Olwen Bartlett and Dan Blasor.    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at KA Voicecast! xxx Sumi Olwen Dan 

Christmas is just over two weeks away, and the big rush to buy holiday gifts for friends and family is already upon us. So now is a good time to learn some fun and useful expressions about shopping.  There are dozens of shopping-related phrases in the English language, but today we will only look at twenty of the most common and widely used.  In fact, many of today’s phrases have become song, book, or movie titles, so you’re probably quite familiar with them. 

In today’s passage, “A Solid Eight,” you will hear how recent studies have shown that a naturally occurring internal body clock governs our sleep cycles.  You will also take a step back in time and learn about our ancestors’ unusual sleep customs.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s a good idea to jot down some notes of significant details and ideas as you listen, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track.  This will help improve your understanding of the passage itself as well as give your vocabulary a big boost!  

In this week's episode of KA Voicecast, Sumi picks her Top Ten Christmas movies! Learn some fantastic new vocabulary words and check your understanding of some key words.  Pre-Christmas special! 

Today’s story, “Jigsaw Puzzle Discovery,” is about a dinosaur that, until about 50 years ago, no one knew had ever existed.  Even after it was discovered, scientists could find out very little about it.  But now, new clues have helped solved the mystery of this intriguing creature.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track.  This will help improve your understanding of the passage itself, as well as give your vocabulary a big boost. 

Today, we’ll look at 22 common phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions that will be “just what the doctor ordered” when you want to talk about your health or doctor visits. This lesson is available to download in PDF format.  To test your knowledge of today’s phrases before the lesson begins, take the quick “pre-test” that is downloadable from our website.  Then, after the podcast, use the answer sheet to see how well you did.      

Today, you will be listening to a passage entitled “Solar Roadways” about a recent invention that could save our planet and all life on it from the disastrous effects of global warming and climate change, two phrases that you’re no doubt already well familiar with. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  As you listen, it’s always a good idea to jot down some notes of important details and ideas, but don’t let your note-taking get in the way of your listening.    Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track.  This will help you with your understanding of the passage itself as well as give your vocabulary a big boost!  

Today’s listening passage, entitled “The Man with the Golden Arm,” is about how one man has expressed his gratitude, not just at Thanksgiving but all year round for more than half a century.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to jot down some notes of important details and ideas as you listen, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening.  Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track!  

If you attend Kikokushijo Academy and are a regular KA Wordcast listener, you no doubt speak two (or more!) languages, and in this, you’re very lucky, as today’s listening passage will show.  Entitled “The Bilingual Advantage,” the article is about the many benefits of speaking a second language, not just for communication, but for basic learning as well. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to jot down some notes of important details and ideas as you listen, but try not to let your note-taking get in the way of your listening.  Be sure to listen to the Key Vocabulary bonus track.   This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost.    

Today, we’ll be looking at 22 phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions based on the word FACE, expressions that you are likely to hear almost every day.  Be sure to challenge yourself and check out the PRETEST exercise, availble for download on the KA Voicecast website. 

Today, you will be listening to a passage entitled “Under the Sea” about some of the amazing creatures that live deep beneath the ocean’s waves.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  As you listen, it’s always a good idea to jot down some notes of important details and ideas, but don’t let your note-taking get in the way of your listening.  Make sure you check out the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track!  This will help you improve your understanding of the passage itself and give your vocabulary a big boost!  Available as a bonus track as well as on the kavoicecast.com website.   

With Halloween upon us, today we’ll have a little “scary” fun and check out some informal, but useful phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions that you are likely to hear or come across as the day for witches, goblins, and ghosts, not to mention “trick-or-treating,” draws near.  Be sure to test your knowledge by download the PRETEST from the KA Voicecast website! 

Though not exactly a “ghost story,” today’s passage, entitled “The House that Sarah Built,” is perfectly timed for Halloween.  You will be hearing about how an ordinary farmhouse was transformed into a sprawling mansion, all because of one woman’s mysterious obsession with the supernatural.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.  It’s always a good idea to jot down some notes of important information as you listen, but don’t let your note-taking get in the way of your listening.    Listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track to help with your understanding of the passage and to give your vocab a big BOOST! 

Today's passage is about how some passionate sports fans show their support for their favorite team. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.         Make sure you listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track!  

Olwen returns this week with KA Top Picks!  Today, she will be talking about A Fault in Our Stars by John Green.  The Story Time story is A Series of Unfortunate Events.  We will do a listening comprehension exercise based on your knowledge of some of the vocabulary words you will be hearing today. 

Today you will be listening to a passage entitled How We Give that looks at some of the new and exciting ways we now have to show our love and generosity through charitable giving.  Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the ten questions that follow.     Listening comprehension questions and answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle, so please stay tuned in.    Be sure to listen to the KEY VOCABULARY bonus track!

Today you will be listening to a passage entitled A Shift in Dialect? about how linguists are scratching their heads over a particular speech trend. Listen carefully to the passage and then answer the questions that follow.     Listening comprhension questions and answers will follow immediately after the closing jingle so be sure to stay tuned in.   

In this week's episode of KA WORDCAST Idioms and Phrasal Verbs, we look at 15 common idioms and phrasal verbs based on the word WALK.   Take the pre-test exercise before listening to see how well you know today's idioms.  The pre-test is available for download from the KA Voicecast website.