Discussing the corona virus and other meanings.

Focus on grammar: Using the verbs "wish" and "want" to express a desire. "Wish" in polite desires with the expectations of a yes or no answer. "Want" for less polite desires with and expectation of yes only. Sometimes "wish" also expresses formal requests in formal contexts while "want" expresses casual requests in casual contexts.

Grammar focus: What are the differences in the use of the verbs "To wish" and "To hope"? Discussing the contexts in which the two verbs are used to express the desire for something to happen.

Grammar point: Using the word "wish" as a noun and a verb. Sending wishes during festivals. Wishing people well. Wish / wishes (3rd person singular). Talking about past action: "I wish I had money." / "I wish I had seen him."

New Year 2020 first show. A recap of what happened on the show in 2019. Statistics on the number of listeners, which countries have the greatest numbers of listeners, which podcast platforms listeners use and major English language topics discussed in 2019.

New Year Plans: To get more listeners in Asia. To invite more guests speakers on the show. Tackle more English grammar and Examination English.

The big change: Dee's English Podcast extends from 10mins per episode to 15mins per episode from 2020 due to popular demand from loyal listeners.

Reading Comprehension series: Story: Laughter is the best medicine. A clever boy tricks a grumpy king into laughing and saves the kingdom from sadness.

English Reading Comprehension practice: Story: The Fox and the Crane. A cunning fox invites the friend the Crane to dinner but serves soup on flat plates so the crane can't enjoy it. After that the Crane plays the same trick by inviting the Fox to dinner and serving soup in a jug so the Fox can't have it.

English reading comprehension series: Story: Time is valuable. A boy called Anthony is lazy and likes to postpone things and that causes him to miss a great opportunity to attend a circus. Moral: Don't always postpone things.

English reading comprehension series: Story: Keep your eyes open. An old Lion pretends to be ill and eat up animals coming to check in on him but a Fox as clever as always doesn't fall into the trap. Morals: Be smart, look before your jump, keep your eyes open, listen to your sixth sense.

English Reading Comprehension series continues with a new story: Never be ungrateful. Two travelers seek shelter under a tree on a hot day but one of the travelers things the tree should have provided fruits too. Moral: We should appreciate the little we have.