Is Your English Really English? A Quiz on the Global Gift of Words
Does your vocabulary come from Hindi, Swahili, or Chinese? This fun quiz teaches you the global origins of ‘shampoo,’ ‘safari,’ ‘ketchup,’ and more!
Danny Ballan
Author
Host and founder of English Plus Podcast. A writer, musician, and tech enthusiast dedicated to creating immersive educational experiences through storytelling and sound.
You may also Like
read more
Where Did Your Shirt Come From? A Quiz on the Global Origins of Fashion
This fun fashion quiz helps you trace the global origins of textiles. Match patterns like Paisley, Kente cloth, and Batik to their home countries and celebrate our shared textile heritage.
Why Are Africa’s Borders So Straight? A Quiz on the “Scramble for Africa”
Compare the maps of Africa from 1880 to 1914. This quiz explains the “Scramble for Africa,” the Berlin Conference, and the lasting legacy of the borders that shape the continent today.
Recent Posts
The Storyteller | The Memory Pawnshop | The Story and The Crucible
A cyberpunk short story by Danny Ballan about a man who trades his painful memories for success—only to discover that resilience, empathy, and humanity cannot be bought without suffering.
The Great January Hoax: Why Your Biological Clock Hates Your New Year’s Resolution
Stop blaming your willpower. Discover why biology makes January the worst time for resolutions and how a “Soft Start” can save your year.
The Teacher | The Fresh Start Blueprint 1 | The Monday Myth
Learn how to leverage the “Fresh Start Effect” and “Temporal Landmarks” to set strategic OKRs and master the Future Perfect tense.
The Cipher | The Bittersweet Science of Nostalgia | Word Power
Why do we yearn for the past? In this Word Power episode, we explore the psychology of nostalgia while mastering advanced vocabulary like wistful, evocative, and rose-colored glasses.
The Year of the Open Door: A Manifesto for 2026
Happy New Year! Kick off 2026 with my biggest update yet. We’re introducing a new community-funded model, revealing an ambitious AI game project, and opening the vault on 15 years of unreleased music and stories. Plus, join our new creative challenges and Discord server. Let’s make this year unforgettable together!
Becoming the Luminary: Why Your New Year’s Resolution Should Be About Character, Not Weight
Tired of failed weight-loss resolutions? This New Year, try a “Character Resolution.” Learn how to become a “Luminary”—a source of light, warmth, and stability in your workplace and home.
0 Comments