The Melting Pot
Each week, I will send out some handy tips and useful exercises for adults learning to navigate and use the English language. You are welcome to share this newsletter with friends and colleagues.
The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island in the New York Harbor. She was a gift from France to commemorate the 100th anniversary celebration of the United States' Independence Day. Since then, she has stood as a symbol of freedom to immigrants arriving in search of a better life. The famous quote on a plaque at the base reads “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This is when the USA became known as a "melting pot" of sorts because it is a country that is a unique blend of immigrants from around the world. Read more about the Statue of Liberty here: Statue of Liberty - Wikipedia
As a result, the USA celebrates many holidays that came from other cultures, such as Dia de Los Muertos from Mexico, St. Patrick's Day from Ireland, and Mardi Gras (Carnival) from France. Although English is the most widely spoken language, the US has no "official" language, with over 350 languages spoken by its residents.
Vocabulary
Language Level - B2
We continue to add to our vocabulary words from the Oxford 3000.
A list of 3000 words someone should know if they are taking the CEFR (Common European Framework Reference) language tests.
- sentence (v)
- sequence (n)
- session (n)
- settle (v)
- severe (adj)
- shade (n)
- shadow (n)
- shallow (adj)
- shame (n)
- shape (v)
Study these words with Quizlet
Grammar Tip
Language Level - B2
What are homographs?
Homographs are words that are spelled the same but have different meanings.
Some also change pronunciation depending on the meaning (REcord noun vs. reCORD verb).
In a country as culturally diverse as the United States, homographs appear everywhere — in newspapers, on menus, in speeches, and in conversations. Knowing them helps you understand English in real life.
Exposure: See Them in Action
Read both sentences for each word. Notice how the meaning changes.
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record
- The Ellis Island Museum holds the record of millions of immigrants. (noun: stored information)
- Volunteers will record interviews in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Arabic. (verb: capture sound/video)
-
park
- Families meet in the city park for summer food festivals. (noun: public green space)
- Please park your car behind the community center. (verb: leave a vehicle in a place)
-
lead
- The cultural center will lead a walking tour of the neighborhood. (verb: guide)
- Some old buildings have lead pipes that must be replaced. (noun: a heavy metal)
-
present
- The mayor will present an award to the International Food Fair committee. (verb: give formally)
- Each performer received a thank-you present after the show. (noun: gift)
-
object
- Many residents object to removing the historic mural. (verb: protest)
- The carved totem pole was the most beautiful object in the exhibit. (noun: thing)
-
address
- I will address the new citizens at tonight’s ceremony. (verb: speak to)
- Please write the address of the cultural center on the invitation. (noun: location)
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row
- Our group sat in the front row during the multicultural music concert. (noun: line of seats)
- Two vendors had a loud row over whose stand had better empanadas. (noun: argument)
-
minute
- Please wait a minute while we set up the international dance group. (noun: 60 seconds)
- The quilt had minute stitches, showing incredible skill. (adjective: tiny)
Pronunciation Spotlight 🎤
Some homographs change meaning and pronunciation. Stress usually shifts to the first syllable for nouns and the second syllable for verbs.
WordNoun (stress first syllable) Verb (stress second syllable)
recordREcord → /ˈrek.ɔːrd/ reCORD → /rɪˈkɔːrd/
presentPREsent → /ˈprez.ənt/ preSENT → /prɪˈzent/
objectOBject → /ˈɒb.dʒɪkt/ obJECT → /əbˈdʒekt/
addressADdress → /ˈæd.res/ adDRESS → /əˈdres/
💡 Tip: Say the noun and verb versions out loud. Feel how the stress moves like a see-saw.
Let's Practice!
Choose the correct meaning for each sentence.
- The Ellis Island Museum holds the record of millions of immigrants.
a) To capture sound or video
b) A written document or stored information
- Please park your car behind the community center.
a) A public green space
b) To leave a vehicle in a place
- The cultural center will lead a walking tour of the neighborhood.
a) A heavy, gray metal
b) To guide or be in charge
- The mayor will present an award to the International Food Fair committee.
a) A gift
b) To give or show something formally
- Many residents object to removing the historic mural.
a) A physical thing you can see or touch
b) To disagree or protest
- Please write the address of the new cultural center on the invitation.
a) The location of a place
b) To speak to a group
- Two vendors had a loud row over whose stand had better empanadas.
a) A line of things or seats
b) A noisy argument
- The quilt had minute stitches, showing incredible skill.
a) A unit of time equal to 60 seconds
b) Very small or tiny
Reading and Listening Tip
Language Level - B2
I grew up on Schoolhouse Rock videos that were shown during cartoon time on Saturday mornings. Here's a great one about "The Great American Melting Pot." Read with CC and follow along.
Weekly Challenge
Language Level - C1
A bonus video! A Ted Talk about Immigrants in the USA. Why did I choose this video for a challenge? The speaker does not speak with a standard American English accent, so it may challenge you to listen and understand the language while learning a bit about the history of immigration in the US.
How can I help?
Send me a message if you have any questions or feedback!
