English Recordings

A．I have to get going.
B．Oh, that's too bad. I wish you could stay longer.
A．I wish I could.

A．I don't want to go back.
B．Me, neither.
A．I wish I could stay here longer.

A．Has anyone heard from him yet?
B．No.
A．It's out of character for him.

This week-end, I was at Tadoussac in Canada. This town is world renowned as the best site to watch whales in North America! For those who have never visited this region, Tadoussac is at the junction of the Saint Lawrence River and the Saguenay River. The interactions of these two rivers generate a high production of organisms that will feed whales, seals and so on. For the protection of this brittle environment, the government of Canada and the one of the province of Quebec had created in the 1970’s two National Parks : the “Saguenay-St.Lawrence marine Park” and the “Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park”. Whale 101 : In America, whales arrive in the North (Canada) to eat from April to September. Afterwards, they go back in the Caribbean islands to reproduce.

This penalty had been explained by the Buddha to the horse trainer Kesi. He would use it against monks who could not be persuaded to reform their behavior either through admonition or discipline. Whoever could not be trained in this way would be considered as dead in the Order: he would not be spoken to, whatever he did. When Channa heard this, he became so horrified that he fainted. When he regained his senses, he was deeply ashamed that the Master had proclaimed this penalty against him as his last instruction to the Order. This gave him the impetus to put forth his most strenuous effort and within a short time he became an arahant. So this penalty showed itself to be the Buddha’s last act of compassion for the benefit and happiness of the monk Channa, being effective even after the Buddha’s death. When Channa had become a holy one, he went to Ananda and begged him for a repeal of the penalty. Ananda replied that as soon as he had attained release from the cankers the penalty had ceased to be operative.

The evening arrived; the boys took their places. The master, in his cook's uniform, stationed himself at the copper; his pauper* assistants ranged themselves behind him; the gruel* was served out; and a long grace* was said over the short commons. The gruel disappeared; the boys whispered to each other, and winked at Oliver; while his next neighbours nudged him.
Child as he was, he was desperate with hunger* (…). He rose from the table; and advancing to the master, basin and spoon in hand, said, somewhat alarmed at his own temerity: "Please, sir, I want some more."
The master was a fat, healthy man; but he turned very pale. He gazed in stupefied astonishment on the small rebel for some seconds (…). The assistants were paralysed with wonder; the boys with fear*. "What!" said the master at length, in a faint voice. "Please, sir," replied Oliver, "I want some more." The master aimed a blow* at Oliver's head with the ladle (…).
The board were sitting in solemn conclave, when Mr. Bumble rushed into the room in great excitement, and addressing the gentleman in the high chair, said, "Mr. Limbkins, I beg your pardon, sir! Oliver Twist has asked for more!" There was a general start. Horror was depicted on every countenance. "For more!" said Mr. Limbkins. "Compose yourself, Bumble, and answer me distinctly. Do I understand that he asked for more, after he had eaten the supper* allotted by the dietary?" "He did, sir," replied Bumble. "That boy will be hung," said the gentleman in the white waistcoat. "I know that boy will be hung."
Nobody controverted the prophetic gentleman's opinion. An animated discussion took place. Oliver was ordered into instant confinement; and a bill was next morning pasted on the outside of the gate, offering a reward of five pounds to anybody who would take Oliver Twist off the hands of the parish. In other words, five pounds and Oliver Twist were offered to any man or woman who wanted an apprentice to any trade, business, or calling.
From Oliver Twist, (chapter two), by Charles Dickens,1838

adapted, disappeared, founded, turned, tasted, switched, rushed, designed, realised

lived in terrible conditions.
worked in a factory.
earned very little money.
decided to become an actress.
cooked dinner for the whole family.
finished work at 7 p.p. every day.
visited France and Italy in 1852.

Light ‘L’ sample sentences:

My Accent Adventure blog is less popular than my English Harmony blog.

Our relationship adviser has pleaded guilty for manslaughter!

How long is this going the last for?

Our plane is going to land in less than eleven minutes.

Can you put the replacement cartridges in a safe place, please? Absolutely!

Dark ‘L’ sample sentences:

I will tell you all the necessary details in the e-mail.

Eating small meals more frequently is more beneficial to your health.

Can you pass me the little candle from the top shelf?

Medal and metal sounds the same when Americans speak!

Did you install the firewall?

It’s totally irresponsible!

If your business isn't profitable, it’s going to go to the wall.

Did you drink the whole bottle of oil?

Her name begins with a P. Who is she?

His name begins with an R. Who's that boy?

She is English, she is from London. What's her name?

She is in France. Who is she?

She loves Football. What's her nationality?

Her dress is red. Where is she from?

His ball is orange. His shoes are orange and his shorts are orange too. Where is he from?

Can you see Suzy? Where is she from?

They are German. Who are they?

They are friends. Where are they from?

Her T-shirt is green. Her hair is blonde. Where is she from?

Where is Roy from?