Hello, I’m Mandeep. Welcome to my Watch and Learn English substack. My aim is to teach “real-life” English using videos and topics that are in the news.
What’s on this week?
When two American astronauts went into space for a test mission in early June, they expected to be home within a week. Three months later, they’re still there - stuck on the International Space Station.
Our video this week looks at what went wrong and when these two brave space explorers are going to make it home.
When I choose a video, I correct the subtitles and give you notes so you can make sense of any language and culture that’s key to understanding.
This week we have:
Video of the week. A news report about two astronauts who can’t get home.
Language focus. Phrases and idioms to use when things don’t go to plan.
Comprehension test. Check your understanding of this week’s video.
Let’s get started!
1. Video of the week - Astronauts stuck in space
Two American astronauts, Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams, left Earth for the International Space Station (ISS) on 5 June for a test mission. They expected to return home after a few days.
However, due to problems such as leaks and the thrusters of their spacecraft shutting down, they are still in space over two months later.
NASA is considering other ways to bring them back safely. One option is to send them back to Earth in 2025 with a SpaceX spacecraft. This would mean they could spend over eight months on the ISS. NASA still hasn’t decided on the best way to bring them home.
If any of this is new vocabulary for you, remember that when you watch the video, you can click on any word in the subtitles for a teacher’s note that explains everything!
Watch the video … and learn!
Click here to watch the video with clear, correct captions (not auto-generated), definitions for the key vocabulary, and an option to slow the video down to help you catch every word.
What did you think of the interview? Would you be scared out there in space? Let me know in the comments!
2. Language Focus
Vocabulary to use when a problem delays a project
In the video, a Canadian astronaut explains that in space exploration we have to be prepared for bumps in the road. This means “problems that delay our progress”.
This week we’re going to look at some words and idiomatic phrases that you can use when something sets you back - or stops you from moving forward.
Listen to the conversation below. I’m going to talk about a problem at work. I’ll use expressions that explain our progress has stopped. How many did you hear? After you listen, read below to see if you were right!
"Our project has been going well, but we’ve hit a few snags. Yesterday, we ran into a small glitch with the software, which caused a slight detour. It’s nothing major—just a hiccup. We also faced a minor setback when the new design didn’t meet the client’s expectations. It’s just another stumbling block, though, and I’m sure we can overcome it soon. These things happen!"
3. Comprehension questions
Now watch the video again and answer the comprehension questions. I’ll put the answers in the comments below.
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Spaced out!