Speak English Today

Parenting is challenging and every parent has their own parenting styles. Some parents agree to be on the same page while others prefer to use the good cop, bad cop parenting. What is a good cop, bad cop parenting? It is when you and your spouse take opposing roles when dealing with your children. For example, when the child refuses to have his/her breakfast, the mother chooses to be the enforcer and discipline the child. On the other hand, the husband presents himself as a good parent who is a sympathizer, allowing the child to not have his/her meal. However, according to some sources, this parenting style may harm the child. In what ways does this style have a negative effect on the child? 

Study notes: http://bit.ly/study_notes_26 

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. For those of you who are in a relationship, you can expect candlelight dinners and roses. But do you have no one to celebrate it with? Don't worry, we're all in the same boat and we believe that it shouldn't stop you from expressing love, wishing others happiness, and sending them warm fuzzy feelings--in any type of form. Here's our guide to surviving Valentine's Day.

Wait, what? You have someone to celebrate it with? Well, we have you covered as well. Here are some greetings you can use to express that love to them.

Study notes: http://bit.ly/study_notes_25 

According to the CEO and founder of Betts Recruiting, a US recruitment firm, you should have a clear pitch when being asked to tell more about yourselves during a job interview. What are the important phrases you should say to land your dream job?

Your resume looks perfect. You have highlighted the relevant skills and experience. Your attire is professional. What else do you need to prepare to give a lasting and positive impression? As a job-seeker, you should stand out from other applicants by understanding what to say and what phrases your employers want to hear. 

In today's episode, we share the necessary steps in successfully securing a new job.

Study notes: http://bit.ly/study_notes_24 

As a marketer, have you been struggling with increasing conversions from your online platforms? Especially in the face of increasingly competitive market? What’s worse, customers today are multitasking and have a short attention span - they quickly shift from one digital platform to another.

Moreover, they have more ways to skip your commercial messages. As a result, marketers are forced to design a new strategy on how to keep engaging their spread-out customers.

We (and someone else from English Today who knows a little or two) would like to share some secrets to boosting your online conversions in 2020. Check it out!

Study notes: http://bit.ly/study_notes_23 

Indonesia is a big country comprising diverse cultures, ethnicities, languages and religions, with Islam being the dominant religion. One famous Islamic attribute is “peci”, which is worn by males on Islamic occasions such as Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It is also commonly worn at weddings and funerals as well as it has become a symbol of nationalism. But have you ever questioned its history? Who introduced “peci” to Indonesia?

Lucky you, we have done our research to answer your curiosity. Let’s discover the origin of “peci” from in this episode!

Study notes: http://bit.ly/study_notes_22 

What are the things that annoy you? When someone cuts the line? When the train is late? When being stuck in traffic? When food delivery takes so long? Name all the things that drive you crazy!

There is actually a term to express this, namely “pet peeves." It is an idiom which means “something that you particularly dislike.” Pet peeves exist in almost every area of our life, including at work and in relationships. But how can you deal with pet peeves? Do you keep your silence when things can  be changed?

Listen to these tips!

Study notes: http://bit.ly/study_notes_21 

Are you facing failure right now? Do you just get down and feel bad for yourself? Now, let us throw a quote at you, one you may also recognize, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”

What is the basis of this quote? It means, when you have problems, use them to breed opportunities instead. How you respond to life’s lemons is what matters the most. In fact, some of the most impactful inventions were created out of difficulties.

How do we live by this quote? Let’s find out and be inspired!

Study notes: http://bit.ly/study_notes_20 

Happy New Year 2020, dear SET-lers (SET Listeners)!

New year, new decade! We know, we know... every year, people around the world (including yourself) make New Year's Resolutions, hoping to become better versions of themselves. However, many struggle and even fail to achieve their goals.

Let's make a fresh start! We've put together a plan to help you realize your dreams!

Study notes: http://bit.ly/study_notes_19 

Merry Christmas, dear SET-lers (SET Listeners)! That is if you celebrate Christmas.

Have you bought gifts for your friends and family yet? What kind of gift giver are you? Maybe for someone very special, you might be looking for a gift that is expensive. However, most people agree that it's the thought that counts. What do you think? Is it really the thought that counts?

Whichever gift giver you are, it is time to relax at home and listen to this episode on gift-giving.

Warmest holiday wishes for you!

Study notes: http://bit.ly/study_notes_18 

Do you realize that some of the animals and plants you eat, materials you use, and even medicines you consume are being manipulated? Manipulated? What does it mean? Should we be concerned?

Welcome to the world of ‘Genetic Engineering’! ‘Engineering’ is the scientific application to build, design, invent, and test machines and systems, with the goal to make our lives better. On the other hand, ‘genetic’ comes from the word ‘genes’, which are made up of DNA carrying information about the traits of living things.

Simply, ‘genetic engineering’ is the scientific act of manipulating DNA and genes tailored to our benefit. But what does manipulation even mean? What are the examples?

Study notes: http://bit.ly/study_notes_17