Blog
Stories, insights, and learning adventures
Treacherous — A Vocabulary Story
The Treacherous Path to Tiger's Nest --Fatma adjusted her rucksack and squinted up at the monastery clinging to the cliff face above. Bhutan's mountain air bit...
Temerity — A Vocabulary Story
The Markets of Marrakesh --In the labyrinth of Marrakesh's souk, Diana clutched her mother's shopping list and a fistful of dirhams. She was eleven, visiting...
Tactless — A Vocabulary Story
Listening Tastes Better --Fernando had been looking forward to the Istanbul Grand Bazaar for weeks. His older cousin Teresa, who had lived in Turkey for two...
Brittle — A Vocabulary Story
The Brittle Crossing --High in the Patagonian foothills of Chile, Jorge gripped the rope of an old footbridge while his cousin Ann hesitated behind him. They...
Tolerance — A Vocabulary Story
Terrible Differently --Maya and Sam had been paired for the science project, and three days in, Maya's tolerance was running thin. "Could you stop tapping?"...
Lambaste — A Vocabulary Story
The Football Reporter --In a buzzing café in Buenos Aires, eleven-year-old Antonio sat opposite his older cousin, Carmen, who worked as a sports journalist....
Torturous — A Vocabulary Story
The Long Wait for Bibi --The minute hand on the kitchen clock seemed broken. Nancy stared at it, willing it forward, but each tick was torturous. Torturous...
Tumult — A Vocabulary Story
The Quiet Bell of Kyoto --In a busy market in Kyoto, a girl named Hana held her ears. The tumult was too loud. Carts rolled. Vendors shouted. Pots clanged....
Laborious — A Vocabulary Story
The Lighthouse Keeper's Apprentice --On the windswept cliffs of County Clare, Ireland, twelve-year-old Paulo had begged his aunt Sonia for a summer job. She...
Mortal — A Vocabulary Story
The Mortal Coil of Cairo --Zahra crouched in the narrow alleyway behind the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, her sketchbook balanced on her knees. Above her, copper...
Fidelity — A Vocabulary Story
The 1974 Curve --The office had emptied by eight when Priya stopped at Anjali's desk and zoomed in on the screen. "You've smoothed the curve here." Anjali...
Lacklustre — A Vocabulary Story
The Lacklustre Lantern --In the bustling night markets of Hoi An, Min was determined to win the annual lantern competition. His older cousin, Hui, a...