Blog - English Plus Podcast

Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover: Meaning and Importance

by Danny Ballan | Apr 12, 2024 | Daily Shorts

Understand the deeper meaning behind the idiom “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Learn when it’s wise advice and when a different approach may be needed.

The Power of “Extol”: Meaning, Usage, and When to Choose a Different Word

by Danny Ballan | Apr 12, 2024 | Word Power Shorts

Learn the meaning of the word “extol” and discover when to use it for powerful praise – and when it might be overkill. Get examples and alternatives!

Saffron: Why the World’s Most Expensive Spice Costs a Fortune

by Danny Ballan | Apr 12, 2024 | Flash Facts

Did you know it takes 75,000 flowers to make just one pound of saffron? Discover the labor-intensive process behind this precious spice and why it’s so costly.

The Anchoring Effect: How First Impressions Shape Your Decisions

by Danny Ballan | Apr 12, 2024 | Know Yourself

Discover how the anchoring effect subtly influences your choices. Learn how this psychological bias works and ways to make more informed decisions.

“I Hope So” and More: Unpacking the Many Uses of “Hope”

by Danny Ballan | Apr 12, 2024 | English Usage

Explore the different ways we use the word “hope” in everyday English. From expressing desires to uncertain expectations, get examples and explanations!

Conquer “Between” Confusion: Common English Mistakes and Fixes

by Danny Ballan | Apr 12, 2024 | Common Mistakes in English

Struggling with “between” in English? Learn the most frequent errors people make with “between”, why they’re wrong, and how to use it like a pro.

“And Still I Rise”: Maya Angelou’s Timeless Anthem of Resilience

by Danny Ballan | Apr 12, 2024 | Poetry

Explore the defiant spirit of Maya Angelou’s “And Still I Rise.” Discover the poem’s enduring power, themes of resilience, and its ongoing cultural impact.

Could Society Function without any Form of Lying?

A World Without Lies: Could a Society Function?

by Danny Ballan | Apr 12, 2024 | Spotlights Shorts

Is absolute honesty possible? Explore the complex question of whether a society could operate without any form of deception, and the potential consequences.

Alexander the Great’s Victory at Gaugamela: Glory or Folly?

by Danny Ballan | Apr 12, 2024 | War and Peace

Explore the epic Battle of Gaugamela, where Alexander the Great crushed the Persian Empire. Was his victory a triumph or the start of a cycle of endless war?