If everyone says they want peace, why is war so common? This deep dive traces the incentives—from industry and politics to identity and media—that profit from conflict, and shows how to redesign them so peace can compete and win.
From Foes to Neighbors | Listening Comprehension Practice
Sharpen your listening for international exams with a lecture on contact theory—how intergroup contact, equal status, common goals, and institutional support turn rivals into neighbors via co-ops, joint projects, and daily empathy builders. Includes advanced vocabulary and a 10-question MCQ quiz with detailed feedback.
The Ripple Effect of Calm: Does World Peace Begin With You?
Does world peace feel like an impossible dream? We explore the profound question of whether collective harmony can be achieved without individual inner peace. Dive into the connection between inner peace and world peace, and discover if the path to a better world starts within your own mind.
The Lovers of No Man’s Land | Novella
In a world divided by war, two lovers from enemy nations find each other, only to be accused of espionage. Their romance is twisted into a tale of treason, leading them through brutal interrogations and trials as diplomats negotiate a peace that may come too late. A tragic story of love, sacrifice, and a legacy that ultimately transcends the borders that condemned them.
Disinformation: The Silent Enemy of Peace—and How to Fight It Without Losing Ourselves
Bombs destroy cities; lies destroy trust. This deep dive explains how disinformation spreads, why it’s so persuasive, and practical ways communities and individuals can build resilience—plus a full language, speaking, and writing workshop.
Sports Diplomacy: Peace on the Pitch | Listening Comprehension Practice
Build exam-ready listening skills with a lecture on sports diplomacy—how truces, mixed squads, and fan codes of conduct de-escalate conflict. Includes advanced vocabulary and a 10-question international-exam-style MCQ quiz with detailed feedback.
The Tolerance Tightrope: To Save Paradise, Must We Banish the Snakes?
Can a tolerant society survive if it tolerates intolerance? We dive into Karl Popper’s famous Paradox of Tolerance, exploring the thorny question of where to draw the line to protect peace and freedom. Is unlimited tolerance a virtue or a fatal flaw?
When Guns Went Silent: The Rare Pauses That Prove Peace Is Possible
From the 1914 Christmas Truce to humanitarian corridors and local deals, this deep dive explores extraordinary moments when war stopped—briefly—and humanity took over. Learn the language, the lessons, and the craft of turning pauses into lasting peace.
Culinary Diplomacy: How Shared Meals De-escalate Tension and Build Trust | Listening Comprehension Practice
Practice high-level listening skills with a lecture on culinary diplomacy—how food rituals, shared kitchens, and tasting events can de-escalate tension and build trust. Includes advanced vocabulary and a 10-question exam-style MCQ quiz with feedback.
History’s Turning Points: Which Wars Shaped the World We Live In? (And How Did They Do It?)
Test and learn with a 20-question interactive quiz on pivotal conflicts—from the Napoleonic Wars and World Wars to the Cold War. Discover outcomes, hidden causes, and lasting lessons that still shape our daily lives, politics, and technology.
Recent Posts
From Socrates to the Scientific Method: A History of Critical Thinking
Explore the fascinating history of critical thinking, from the Socratic method in ancient Greece to the development of the scientific method. Learn how questioning dogma has fueled human progress for centuries.
Critical Thinking | Theme of the Week Overview
Feeling overwhelmed by information? Join the English Plus Podcast for Critical Thinking Week. Learn to spot fallacies, challenge biases, and get a practical toolkit to sharpen your mind.
The Author’s Shadow: Why a Writer’s Life Unlocks Their Masterpieces
Explore the debate: Should we read a book on its own, or does an author’s biography add profound meaning? Discover how the lives of Tolkien, Woolf, and Baldwin shaped their timeless works.
The Storybook Origins of Your Smartphone
Ever wonder where innovation comes from? Explore how asking “Imagine what if” – a practice rooted in literature – has shaped our reality, from technology to social change, and how you can use it to rewrite your own world.
The Ghost in the Machine: Can AI Write a Novel That Makes You Cry?
A deep dive into the intersection of AI and literature. We explore if AI can be truly creative, the philosophical questions of authorship, and how AI might augment—not replace—human writers.
How to Start a Reading Habit | Listening Comprehension
Develop a reading habit and improve your English listening! A friendly librarian gives five practical tips. Includes script, vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz for exam prep.