# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We Speak NYC videos tell the stories of New Yorkers who have come from all over the world to make New York City their home. The show helps English language learners improve their language skills, learn about their rights, and access City services.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
World Map / World Atlas / Atlas of the World Including Geography Facts and Flags - WorldAtlas.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Well-researched and entertaining content on geography (including world maps), science, current events, and more.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
About New York:
The Facts:
Capital: Albany.
Area: 54,555 sq mi (141,297 sq km).
Population: ~ 20,250,000.
Largest cities: New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, Albany, Utica, White Plains, Troy, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Schenectady, Niagara Falls, Binghamton, Rome, Long Beach, Poughkeepsie, North Tonawanda, Jamestown, Ithaca, Elmira, Newburgh, Kingston, Peekskill, Lockport, Middletown, Auburn, Watertown, Glen Cove, Saratoga Springs, Plattsburgh, Cortland, Amsterdam, Gloversville, Beacon, Batavia, Oswego, Lackawanna, Cohoes, Rye, Tonawanda.
Abbreviations: NY.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
About New York: The Facts: Capital: Albany. Area: 54,555 sq mi (141,297 sq km). Population: ~ 20,250,000. Largest cities: New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, Syracuse, Albany, Utica, White Plains, Troy, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Schenectady, Niagara Falls, Binghamton, Rome, Long Beach, Poughkeepsie, North Tonawanda, Jamestown, Ithaca, Elmira, Newburgh, Kingston, Peekskill, Lockport, Middletown, Auburn, Watertown, Glen Cove, Saratoga Springs, Plattsburgh, Cortland, Amsterdam, Gloversville, Beacon, Batavia, Oswego, Lackawanna, Cohoes, Rye, Tonawanda.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Online Map of New York City

Manhattan Maps

Manhattan Neighborhoods

Brooklyn Maps

Queens Maps

The Bronx Maps

Staten Island Maps

New York City Transport Maps

New York City Airport Maps

JFK Airport Maps

LaGuardia Airport Maps

Newark Airport Maps

New York City Railway Stations

About New York City:
The Facts:
State: New York.
County: Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island).
Population: ~ 8,650,000.
Metropolitan population: 24,000,000.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Online Map of New York City About New York City: The Facts: State: New York. County: Bronx, Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island). Population: ~ 8,650,000. Metropolitan population: 24,000,000.

# data[].attributes.headline
Breaking News English website -- readings, exercises, audio

# data[].attributes.subject
Breaking News English website -- readings, exercises, audio

# data[].attributes.headline
Map of the United Kingdom (the U.K - England, Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland)

# data[].attributes.subject
Map of the United Kingdom (the U.K - England, Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
About United Kingdom (UK):
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, for short known as Britain, UK and the United Kingdom, located in western Europe. It is an island a shape of which reminds of a rabbit. The UK is surrounded by Atlantic Ocean, Celtic Sea to the south-southwest, the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south. The Irish Sea separates Ireland and Great Britain. There are four countries in the UK: Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.

London is the capital and largest city in UK. It is one of the most important global cities. London is the financial center recognized not just in UK but across the world.

UK has a very good and stable economy. It's currency is British pound which is stronger than Euro or US dollar.

English is the official and national language which speaks not just UK but the whole world. Recognised regional languages are Irish, Cornish, Scottish Gaelic, Scots, Welsh and Ulster Scots.

Since 1952 and up till now The Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II. Elizabeth II is not just the monarch of the United Kingdom but also of 16 sovereign states. The Royal Family lives in London.

The Facts:
Capital: London.
Area: 93,628 sq mi (242,495 sq km).
Population: ~ 64,550,000.
Largest cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Liverpool.
Official language: English.
Currency: Pound sterling (£) (GBP).
Last Updated: November 10, 2023

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
About United Kingdom (UK): The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, for short known as Britain, UK and the United Kingdom, located in western Europe. It is an island a shape of which reminds of a rabbit.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Irregular verb forms and pattern exercise

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Intermediate_ESL_-_Health_-_Week_1[1] - S & D - exercises

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Financial Literacy for ESL Students - introduction to banking

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Financial Literacy for ESL Students - Checking accounts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Financial Literacy for ESL Students - Savings accounts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Financial Literacy for ESL Students - Loans

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Financial Literacy for ESL Students - Quiz

# data[].attributes.headline
Calling an ambulance for a medical emergency

# data[].attributes.subject
Calling an ambulance for a medical emergency

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Calling an ambulance for a medical emergency

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
See key dates for the 2022-2023 school year.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If this is your first time here, then read the Teacher's Guide to Using These Pages
If you can think of a good question for any list, please send it to us.Home | Articles | Lessons | Techniques | Questions | Games | Jokes | Things for Teachers | Links | Activities for ESL Students

Would you like to help?

If you can think of a good question for any list, please send it to us.

If you would like to suggest another topic, please send it and a set of questions to begin the topic.

Copyright © 1997-2010 by The Internet TESL Journal Pages from this site should not be put online elsewhere.

Permission is not required to link directly to any page on our site as long as you do not trap the page inside a frame. Once we upload a page, the page remains online and the URL will not be changed.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Conversation Questions for the ESL/EFL Classroom (I-TESL-J)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Interesting questions for discussions in Engish lessons.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
English @ the Movies is a lesson to help English learners understand what they see at the movies. - Episodes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There are three types of questions in English: direct, indirect, and question tags. Direct and indirect questions are used to ask for information you do not know, while question tags are generally used to clarify or confirm the information you think you know.

Each of these three question types can be used politely, but certain indirect forms are more formal and polite than other types of questions. One form to avoid when asking for things is the imperative form. Saying "Give me that" (imperative) instead of "Could you give me that" (indirect) puts you at risk of sounding rude. To learn more about how to ask polite questions, and use each form correctly, check out the overview below.

Asking Direct Questions

Direct questions are either yes/no questions such as "Are you married?"or information questions such as "Where do you live?" Direct questions ask for information immediately without including extra language such as "I wonder" or "Can you tell me."

Construction

Direct questions place the helping verb before the subject of the question:

(Question word) + Helping Verb + Subject + Verb + Objects ?

Making Direct Questions Polite

Direct questions can seem abrupt or even impolite at times, especially when asked by a stranger. For example, if you come up to someone and ask:

There is nothing wrong with asking questions in this manner, but to sound more polite, it's very common to add "excuse me" or "pardon me" at the beginning of a question. For example:

Key Words That Make Direct Questions More Polite

In informal situations, one could use the word "can" in a direct sentence. In the United States, "can" is considered to be incorrect for written English in particular because, in the past, it was not a word used when asking for something. Saying "May I have" instead of "Can I have" is preferred in the U.S. In the United Kingdom, the word is not frowned upon. Cambridge University publishes English teaching materials with the phrase "Can you lend me," "Can I have," etc.

In both countries, questions with "can" are made more polite by using "could:"

"Would" can also be used to make questions more polite:

Another way of making direct questions more polite is to add "please" at the end of the question. Please should not appear at the beginning of the question:

Could you fill in this form, please?

Could you help me, please?

Can I have more soup, please?

"May" is used as a formal means to ask for permission and is very polite. It is usually used with "I," and sometimes "we."

Asking Indirect Questions to Be Especially Polite

Using indirect question forms is especially polite. Indirect questions request the same information as direct questions, but they are considered more formal. Notice that indirect questions begin with a phrase ("I wonder," "Do you think," "Would you mind," etc.).

Construction

Indirect questions always begin with an introductory phrase and unlike direct questions, they do not invert the subject. To form an indirect question, use an introductory phrase followed by question words for information questions, and "if" or "whether" for yes/no questions.

Introductory Phrase + Question Word/"If"/"Whether" + Subject + Helping Verb + Main Verb?

Introductory phrase + question word (or "if") + positive sentence

I wonder if you could help me with this problem.

Do you know when the next train leaves?

Would you mind if I opened the window?

NOTE: If you are asking a "yes-no" question, use "if" to connect the introductory phrase with the actual question statement.

Do you know if she will come to the party?

I wonder if you can answer a few questions.

Can you tell me if he is married?

Otherwise, use a question word "where, when, why, or how" to connect the two phrases.

Using Question Tags for Clarification

Question tags turn statements into questions. Depending on the intonation of the voice, they are used to verify information that we think is correct or to ask for more information. If the voice goes up at the end of the sentence, the person is asking for more information. If the voice drops, someone is confirming information that is known.

Construction

We can understand question tags as having two parts separated by a comma. The first part uses the subject followed by a helping verb as used in direct questions ("Has she"). The second part uses the opposite form of the helping verb followed by the same subject ("Hasn't she").

Subject + Helping verb + Objects + , + Opposite Helping Verb + Subject?

Polite Questions Quiz

First, identify which type of question is asked (i.e. direct, indirect, or question tag). Next, provide a missing word to fill in the gap to complete the question.

1. Can you tell me ______ you live?

2. They won't attend this class, _____ they?

3. I wonder ______ you like chocolate or not.

4. ______ me, what time does the train leave?

5. Excuse me, _____ you help me with my homework?

6. Do you know how long Mark _____ been working for that company?

7. _____ I make a suggestion?

8. Excuse me, do you know _____ the next show begins?

Answers

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Here's How to Ask a Polite Question in English

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This guide teaches ESL students how to ask polite questions in English by reviewing direct questions, indirect questions, and question tags.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
9 Dialogue Scenarios plus extras Beginner - p.1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
9 Dialogue Scenarios plus extras Beginner - p.3

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Voice of America - Learn American English with VOA Learning English

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn American English with English language lessons from Voice of America. VOA Learning English helps you learn English with vocabulary, listening and comprehension lessons through daily news and interactive English learning activities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
9 Dialogue Scenarios plus extras Beginner p.5

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
9 Dialogue Scenarios plus extras Beginner p. 9

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
9 Dialogue Scenarios plus extras Beginner p. 2

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ActionNYC is for every immigrant New Yorker. It offers free, safe immigration legal help in a network of trusted community organizations and schools.**You must make an appointment to receive services. To make an appointment, call 1-800-354-0365 between 9AM-6PM, Monday - Friday or call 311 and say "ActionNYC"**

ActionNYC is a partnership between the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and the City University of New York.

Find free, safe immigration legal help in your community. It is important to meet with an immigration attorney about your options.

ActionNYC provides the following services:

Free legal screenings to find out if you qualify for any immigration benefit

Free legal help from an experienced attorney or accredited representative for a range of cases, including:

Citizenship

Green card applications and renewals

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

And more!

I have been the victim of immigration fraud. How can I report it?

Call the New York State New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636. The operators will take a report of your complaint and share it with prosecuting offices in New York City. 311 can also connect New York City residents to the New York State New Americans Hotline.

How does ActionNYC operate?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ActionNYC is for every immigrant New Yorker. It offers free, safe immigration legal help in a network of trusted community organizations and schools.**You must make an appointment to receive services. To make an appointment, call 1-800-354-0365 between 9AM-6PM, Monday - Friday or call 311 and say "ActionNYC"** ActionNYC is a partnership between the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs and the City University of New York.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Who are my representatives?

By Politiwatch. Donate →

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Find out who represents you in government | Who Are My Representatives

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Quickly find all the government officials who represent you, from the local sherrif to the president.

# data[].attributes.headline
Sample of a job interview for office work, w/ exercises

# data[].attributes.subject
Sample of a job interview for office work, w/ exercises

# data[].attributes.headline
Additional questions a Personnel Director might ask you when you are being interviewed for a new job:

# data[].attributes.subject
Additional questions a Personnel Director might ask you when you are being interviewed for a new job:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Additional questions a Personnel Director might ask you when you are being interviewed for a new job- 

# data[].attributes.headline
* ENG/VID (English video) website: many topics, many different speakers/teachers, 3 basic levels

# data[].attributes.subject
* ENG/VID (English video) website: many topics, many different speakers/teachers, 3 basic levels

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Are you confused about whether to add an s at the end of a word? It's not just for plural nouns, but also for verb endings, and there's also a pronunciation issue in some cases. Then, there's the added question of whether to add an apostrophe-even native English speakers get mixed up about that one! This lesson on when to add the s, and how exactly to add it, is designed to clarify all of this for you. Make sure to practice with the quiz after watching.

about engVid

Learn English for free with 2002 video lessons by experienced teachers. Classes cover English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, IELTS, TOEFL, and more. Join millions of English learners worldwide who are improving every day with engVid.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn English for free with hundreds of video lessons by experienced native-speaker teachers. English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, IELTS, TOEFL, writing, and more.

# data[].attributes.headline
How to use "should" and what to say when in the hospital (ENG/VID)

# data[].attributes.subject
How to use "should" and what to say when in the hospital (ENG/VID)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Giving advice in English with 'SHOULD' & tips for being in a hospital

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ready to learn some grammar and receive some important life advice at the same time? In this lesson, I will teach you how to use should when giving advice. I will also give you some life advice. I will teach you what to do if you need to go to a hospital where staff don't speak your language.

# data[].attributes.headline
Medical vocabulary to use at hospital (ENG/VID):

# data[].attributes.subject
Medical vocabulary to use at hospital (ENG/VID):

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn common English expressions used in hospitals and other medical settings. In the unfortunate event that you or someone you love needs to go to the hospital or a clinic, it will help you to know some basic medical vocabulary and expressions. For example, what is the difference between a stable and a critical condition?

# data[].attributes.headline
"Taking a leap of faith" idiom (from English At the Movies)

# data[].attributes.subject
"Taking a leap of faith" idiom (from English At the Movies)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
VOA Learning English presents news, features, audio, video and multimedia about the U.S. and the world in American English. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level. Words are spoken one-third slower for ESL learners.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Shola, an employee at a community TV station, finds her voice speaking about democracy, immigration, education, and other issues of importance to you, your family, and the times we live in. What difference can a voice make? Watch Shola’s Voice and discover the power of your own voice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Subject and Object Pronouns English as a Second Language (ESL) worksheet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pronouns interactive activity for A1/A2. You can do the exercises online or download the worksheet as pdf.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Pronouns - Choose the correct answers worksheet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pronouns online worksheet for 6. You can do the exercises online or download the worksheet as pdf.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Subject, Object, Possessive Pronouns worksheet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Pronouns online worksheet for ELEMENTARY. You can do the exercises online or download the worksheet as pdf.

# data[].attributes.headline
Example of a voter registration Form for New York state ONLY * Remember: to register to vote you (1) must be a citizen and (2) must register to vote IN THE STATE IN WHICH YOU LIVE. If you move to another state, you must re-register in that new state.

# data[].attributes.subject
Example of a voter registration Form for New York state ONLY * Remember: to register to vote you (1) must be a citizen and (2) must register to vote IN THE STATE IN WHICH YOU LIVE. If you move to another state, you must re-register in that new state.

# data[].attributes.headline
Example of a U.S. tax return for year 2021  (1040)

# data[].attributes.subject
Example of a U.S. tax return for year 2021  (1040)

# data[].attributes.headline
For more info about your NYC voting needs: 

# data[].attributes.subject
For more info about your NYC voting needs: 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
To change the text size on this website you can use your web browser's settings. Most browsers include functionality to let you increase or decrease the text on a web page. For example, to increase text size using:

# data[].attributes.headline
"The Purloined Letter" by Edgar Allan Poe

# data[].attributes.subject
"The Purloined Letter" by Edgar Allan Poe

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our story today is called "The Purloined Letter." It was written by Edgar Allan Poe. Poe is generally known for his horror stories. This is the third of three stories he wrote about Auguste Dupin and how he solves crimes. The story is about a stolen letter. It first appeared in 1844 in a yearly magazine. It was reprinted in many publications, newspapers and books. This is one of Poe's stories that influenced the development of the modern detective story.
One evening in Paris, during the autumn of eighteen forty-five, I went to visit a friend, Auguste Dupin. We were smoking our pipes and talking when the door of his apartment opened. Mr. Germont, the head of the Paris police force, came into the room.

"I came to ask your advice," Germont said to my friend Dupin. "I am trying to solve a very important case. It is also a very simple case, so I really need your help. But I thought you would like to hear about it, because it is so strange.

"My men and I have worked on this case for three months," Germont said. "It is a very simple case of robbery. But we still cannot solve it."

Dupin took the pipe out of his mouth. "Perhaps the mystery is too simple," he said.

Germont began to laugh. "Too simple?" he said. "Who ever heard of such a thing?"

I looked at Germont. "Why don't you tell us the problem?" I said.

Germont stopped laughing and sat down.

"All right," he said. "But you must never tell anyone I told you this."

"The wife of a very important person needs help. I cannot tell you her name, because her husband is a powerful man in the French government. Let us just call her Madame X. Three months ago, someone stole a letter from Madame X. She is offering a large amount of money to anyone who can return the letter to her.

"We know that her husband's political enemy, Mr. D'Arcy, stole the letter. We also know it is somewhere in his apartment. D'Arcy plans to use the letter to embarrass Madame X's husband and destroy his political power.

"As you know, I have keys which can open any lock in Paris. For the last three months, my men and I have spent every evening looking for the letter in his apartment. But we cannot find it."

Dupin stopped smoking. "Tell me how you looked for it," he said. Germont moved forward in his chair.

"We took our time," he said. "First, we examined the furniture in every room. We opened all the drawers. We looked under the rugs. We searched behind all the paintings on the walls.

"We opened every book. We removed the boards of the floor. We even took the tops off the tables to see if he had hidden the letter in the table legs. But we cannot find it. What do you advise me to do?"

Dupin puffed on his pipe. "What does the letter look like?" he asked.

"It is in a white envelope with a red stamp," Germont said. "The address is written in large black letters."

Dupin puffed on his pipe again. "I advise you to go back and search the apartment again," he said.

About one month later, Germont came back to see us.

"I followed your advice," he said. "But I still have not found the letter."

Dupin smiled. "I knew you would not find it," he said. Germont became very red in the face. "Then why did you make me search the apartment again?" he shouted.

"My dear Germont," Dupin said. "Let me tell you a little story. Do you remember the famous doctor, Louis Abernathy?"

"No!" Germont shouted. "Get to the point, Dupin!"

"Of course! Of course," Dupin said. "Once, a rich old man met Abernathy at a party. The old man was not feeling very well. He decided he would get a medical opinion from the doctor without paying for it. So he described his problems to Abernathy. 'Now doctor,' the old man said, 'suppose you had a patient like that. What would you tell him to take?'"

"'Oh, that is quite simple,' said Abernathy. 'I would tell him to take my advice.'"

Germont looked embarrassed. "Look here, Dupin. I am perfectly willing to pay for advice."

Dupin smiled at Germont. "How much money did you say the reward was?" he asked. Germont sighed. "I do not want to tell you the exact amount. But I would give fifty thousand francs to the person who helps me find that letter."

"In that case," Dupin said, "take out your checkbook and write me a check for fifty thousand francs. When you have signed the check, I will give you the letter."

Germont looked at Dupin with his mouth open. His eyes seemed to jump out of his head. Then he took out his checkbook and pen, and wrote a check for fifty thousand francs. He gave it to Dupin.

My friend examined the check carefully and put it in his pocket. Then he unlocked a drawer of his desk, took out the letter, and gave it to Germont.

The policeman's hands shook as he opened the letter. He read it quickly. Then he put it in his pocket and ran out of the room without saying a word.

"Dupin!" I said, as I turned to my friend. "How did you solve the mystery?"

"It was simple, my friend," he said. "Germont and his policemen could not find the letter, because they did not try to understand the mind of the man who stole it. Instead, they looked for the letter where they would have hidden it.

"Mr. D'Arcy is not a policeman. He is, however, very intelligent. He knew the police would search his apartment. He also knew how police think. So, he did not hide the letter where he knew they would look for it.

"Do you remember how Germont laughed when I said the mystery was difficult for him to solve because it was so simple?"

Dupin filled his pipe with tobacco and lit it. "Well, the more I thought about it, the more I realized the police could not find the letter because D'Arcy had not hidden it at all.

"So I went to visit D'Arcy in his apartment. I took a pair of dark green eyeglasses with me. I explained to him that I was having trouble with my eyes and needed to wear the dark glasses at all times. He believed me. The glasses permitted me to look around the apartment while I seemed only to be talking to him.

"I paid special attention to a large desk where there were a lot of papers and books. However, I saw nothing suspicious there. After a few minutes, however, I noticed a small shelf over the fireplace. A few postcards and a letter were lying on the shelf. The letter looked very old and dirty.

"As soon as I saw this letter, I decided it must be the one I was looking for. It must be, even though it was completely different from the one Germont had described.

"This letter had a large green stamp on it. The address was written in small letters in blue ink. I memorized every detail of the letter while I talked to D'Arcy. Then when he was not looking, I dropped one of my gloves on the floor under my chair.

"The next morning, I stopped at his apartment to look for my glove. While we were talking, we heard people shouting in the street. D'Arcy went to the window and looked out. Quickly, I stepped to the shelf and put the letter in my pocket. Then I replaced it with a letter that looked exactly like it, which I had taken with me. I had made it the night before.

"The trouble in the street was caused by a man who had almost been run over by a horse and carriage. He was not hurt. And soon the crowd of people went away. When it was over, D'Arcy came away from the window. I said good-bye and left.

"The man who almost had an accident was one of my servants. I had paid him to create the incident."

Dupin stopped talking to light his pipe. I did not understand. "But, Dupin," I said, "why did you go to the trouble of replacing the letter? Why not just take it and leave?"

Dupin smiled. "D'Arcy is a dangerous man," he said. "And he has many loyal servants. If I had taken the letter, I might never have left his apartment alive."
The Purloined Letter was written by Edgar Allan Poe and adapted by Dona De Sanctis. The storyteller was Shep O'Neal. The producer was Lawan Davis.
_______________________________________________________________

Quiz

Lesson Plan

This lesson plan, based on the CALLA Approach, teaches the learning strategies 'focus' and 'predict' to help students understand the story.

_____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

case - n. a situation that is being investigated or managed by someone (such as a police officer or social worker) in an official way

robbery - n. the crime of stealing money or property​

embarrass - v. to make someone feel confused, foolish or ashamed in front of other people

puff - v. to breathe smoke from a cigarette, pipe, etc., in and out of the lungs​

sigh - v. to take in and let out a long, loud breath in a way that shows you are bored, disappointed, relieved, etc.​

check - n. a piece of paper that is used to make a payment to someone using the money in a bank account

checkbook - n. a book containing checks for use with a checking account

franc - n. a basic unit of money that is used in some countries where French is spoken
Do you like to read detective stories? Who is the best detective story writer in your language? We want to hear from you. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works:

1. Write your comment in the box.

2. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google.

3. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is a blue circle with "D" on it. It is free.

Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our story today is called "The Purloined Letter." It was written by Edgar Allan Poe. Poe is generally known for his horror stories. This is the third of three stories he wrote about Auguste Dupin and how he solves crimes.

# data[].attributes.headline
Very high view of 4 of the 5 boroughs in NYC

# data[].attributes.subject
Very high view of 4 of the 5 boroughs in NYC

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ESL lessons and quizzes for beginning English students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ESL lessons and quizzes for low intermediate English students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ESL lessons and quizzes for intermediate English students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Everyday Grammar -- An Introduction to Verb Tenses

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Yes-No Questions in the Simple Present worksheet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Yes-No Questions online worksheet for Beginner/Low Intermediate. You can do the exercises online or download the worksheet as pdf.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Present Simple - Making Yes or No questions worksheet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Yes-no questions online worksheet for beginners. You can do the exercises online or download the worksheet as pdf.

# data[].attributes.headline
Chart of possible helping verbs to begin making Y/N questions and negative sentences

# data[].attributes.subject
Chart of possible helping verbs to begin making Y/N questions and negative sentences

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Helping words to begin Y:N questions and to make negative sentences

# data[].attributes.headline
Y/N present tense questions with "Do" helper

# data[].attributes.subject
Y/N present tense questions with "Do" helper

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Present Simple Tense - Questions worksheet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Yes-no questions online worksheet for basic. You can do the exercises online or download the worksheet as pdf.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Question words online worksheet for Intermediate. You can do the exercises online or download the worksheet as pdf.

# data[].attributes.headline
"Collocations," or common expressions that use specific forms (pp 4-7)

# data[].attributes.subject
"Collocations," or common expressions that use specific forms (pp 4-7)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Present Perfect and Past Simple online activity for 6-7

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Verb tenses online exercise for 6-7. You can do the exercises online or download the worksheet as pdf.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Verb Tenses sheet we did in 1/31/23 class

# data[].attributes.subject
The Verb Tenses sheet we did in 1/31/23 class

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Past simple, present perfect, present perfect continuous worksheet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Liveworksheets transforms your traditional printable worksheets into self-correcting interactive exercises that the students can do online and send to the teacher.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.text
Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks ahead of the vote to oust her from the Foreign Affairs Committee: "My leadership and voice will not be diminished if I'm not on this committee for one term. My voice will get louder and stronger...take your vote or not. I am here to stay."

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.original_text
Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks ahead of the vote to oust her from the Foreign Affairs Committee: "My leadership and voice will not be diminished if I'm not on this committee for one term. My voice will get louder and stronger...take your vote or not. I am here to stay." https://t.co/9nJjHAGwi4

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks ahead of the vote to oust her from the Foreign Affairs Committee: "My leadership and voice will not be diminished if I'm not on this committee for one term. My voice will get louder and stronger...take your vote or not. I am here to stay." pic.twitter.com/9nJjHAGwi4
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) February 2, 2023

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks ahead of the vote to oust her from the Foreign Affairs Committee: "My leadership and voice will not be diminished if I'm not on this committee for one term. My voice will get louder and stronger...take your vote or not. I am here to stay." https://t.co/9nJjHAGwi4

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks ahead of the vote to oust her from the Foreign Affairs Committee: "My leadership and voice will not be diminished if I'm not on this committee for one term. My voice will get louder and stronger...take your vote or not. I am here to stay." https://t.co/9nJjHAGwi4

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
Rep. Ilhan Omar speaks ahead of the vote to oust her from the Foreign Affairs Committee: "My leadership and voice will not be diminished if I'm not on this committee for one term. My voice will get louder and stronger...take your vote or not. I am here to stay."

# data[].attributes.headline
Simple Past, Past Perfect, and Past Perfect Progressive

# data[].attributes.subject
Simple Past, Past Perfect, and Past Perfect Progressive

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Simple Past, Past Perfect and Past Perfect Progressive worksheet

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Verb tenses online worksheet for 9th. You can do the exercises online or download the worksheet as pdf.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Learn English Tenses: PAST SIMPLE & PRESENT PERFECT

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The past simple and present perfect tenses are both used to talk about things that have happened. In this grammar lesson, I'll compare the tenses, so you have a clear idea of when to use each tense. We'll also talk about how each tense is formed, and go over time markers that can be used to identify each of the tenses.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Learn English Tenses: Past Simple, Past Continuous, Past Perfect, or Present Perfect?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Are you sure which past tense to use and when? Do you understand why? Save years of English mistakes by watching this important lesson in which I teach you about past tenses. Discover your strengths and weaknesses in a few minutes. Then, follow my suggestions to master the grammar tenses youll need to use more than any other in English.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.text
Thank you to everyone who called and messaged our office. 

The outpouring of support from our district and across the country has been incredibly uplifting. 

We will not back down in the face of hate.

We will continue to speak out.

# data[].attributes.wish_content.attachment_props.original_text
Thank you to everyone who called and messaged our office. 

The outpouring of support from our district and across the country has been incredibly uplifting. 

We will not back down in the face of hate.

We will continue to speak out. https://t.co/jG0yg3Rxyt

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
Thank you to everyone who called and messaged our office.

The outpouring of support from our district and across the country has been incredibly uplifting.

We will not back down in the face of hate.

We will continue to speak out. pic.twitter.com/jG0yg3Rxyt
— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) February 6, 2023

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props_source.data.text
Thank you to everyone who called and messaged our office. 

The outpouring of support from our district and across the country has been incredibly uplifting. 

We will not back down in the face of hate.

We will continue to speak out. https://t.co/jG0yg3Rxyt

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.original_text
Thank you to everyone who called and messaged our office. 

The outpouring of support from our district and across the country has been incredibly uplifting. 

We will not back down in the face of hate.

We will continue to speak out. https://t.co/jG0yg3Rxyt

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.metadata.attachment_props.text
Thank you to everyone who called and messaged our office. 

The outpouring of support from our district and across the country has been incredibly uplifting. 

We will not back down in the face of hate.

We will continue to speak out.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What Are Stative Verbs?

Stative verbs describe states. They do not describe actions. For example:

(Here, "am" is a stative verb. It describes a state.)
I caught a fish.

John knows where the treasure is hidden.

John found the treasure.
("Found" is not a stative verb. It describes an action. It is an action verb.)

Another Definition...

"Stative verbs describe a mental status or how something is or seems."

Table of Contents

More Examples of Stative Verbs

Some Verbs Can Be Stative Verbs or Action Verbs

The Difference between Stative Verbs and Action Verbs

Why Stative Verbs Are Important

Test Time!

More Examples of Stative Verbs

Stative verbs usually fit into one of the following categories:

Sarah agrees with you.

I believe that karma is real.

Time and health are two precious assets that we don't recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted. (Author Denis Waitley)
("Are" in this sentence is also a stative verb.)
Here are another five common stative verbs related to thoughts: "imagine," "know," "remember," "think," and "understand."

Lee loves pies.

Mark and Craig prefer cakes.

I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best. (British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli)
("Am" in this sentence is also a stative verb.)
Here are another five common stative verbs related to feelings: "hate," "like," "value," "want," and "wish." Here are another five common stative verbs related to senses: "appear," "look," "see," "smell," and "taste."

That dog belongs to me.

Ask the farmer who owns the field.

Science fiction is a kind of literature that embodies the highest aspirations of the human race. (Author Harlan Ellison)
("Is" in this sentence is also a stative verb.)
Here are another five common stative verbs related to possession: "consist," "comprise", "have," "include", and "possess."

This statue weighs a lot.

Your feet reach the end of the bed.

The problem spans two decades.

The marrow measures six inches.

Some Verbs Can Be Stative Verbs or Action Verbs

Remember that stative verbs are not action verbs. With a stative verb, there is no activity happening. This is a key point when identifying stative verbs because some of the verbs listed as stative verbs can be action verbs depending on the context.

The soup tastes lovely.

The chef tastes the soup.
(In this example, "tastes" is not a stative verb. It describes an action. It is an action verb.)

The room measures 400 square feet.

He measures the room with a laser range-finder.
(In this example, "measures" is not a stative verb. It describes an action. It is an action verb.)

The Difference between Stative Verbs and Action Verbs

The difference between a stative verb and an action verb can be subtle. Look at these examples:

John thinks it's true.

John thinks about you often.
(This time, there is activity involved. It is not just opinion. So, "thinks" is an action verb, not a stative one.)
Here is another example:

Mark has an issue.

Mark is having an issue with the new regulations.
(In this example, there is activity. "To have an issue with" means "to struggle with." Therefore, "is having" is an action verb.)
The trick is to identify whether there is any activity:

I hear your view, and it feels right to me.

People hear your words, but they feel your attitude. (Author John C. Maxwell)
(These are not stative verbs because there is activity.)

Why Stative Verbs Are Important

If you're learning or teaching English to an advanced level, then you must understand the difference between action verbs and stative verbs.

Stative verbs are not generally used in a tense with a progressive aspect (e.g., the past progressive tense, the present progressive tense, or the future progressive tense). In other words, stative verbs are not converted to present participles (the "ing" verb form) to create verb tenses.

I remembered where I left the keys.

I was remembering where I left the keys.
(Stative verbs are not used in the past progressive tense.)

That dog belongs to me.

That dog is belonging to me.
(Stative verbs are not used in the present progressive tense.)

All will appear normal.

All will be appearing normal.
(Stative verbs are not used in the future progressive tense.)
If a stative verb is used in a progressive tense, native English speakers will treat it as an action verb, not a stative verb. For example:
I was remembering where I left the keys. (Even though this example is marked wrong above, it could be correct. Native English speakers would assume that the speaker was in the act of remembering. In other words, they would treat it as an action verb not a stative one.)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Stative verbs describe states. They do not describe actions. Stative verbs usually fit into one of the following categories: thoughts (think, agree), feelings (love, hate), senses (seem, feel), possession (have, own), or measurements (span, measure). Stative verbs describe a mental status or how something is or seems.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Explain why Ratio and Patio aren't pronounced the same...

# data[].attributes.headline
"Collocations," or common expressions that use specific forms (pp 8-11)

# data[].attributes.subject
"Collocations," or common expressions that use specific forms (pp 8-11)

# data[].attributes.headline
"Collocations," or common expressions that use specific forms (pp 12-19)

# data[].attributes.subject
"Collocations," or common expressions that use specific forms (pp 12-19)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
You're walking down the street and see the police doing something you think should be filmed. Or, cops detained your friend and you want to see what happened. How do you get access to police body-cam footage, and what are your rights to film the police?

If you find yourself witnessing police activity or misconduct you want to record, or if you want to ask the police to hand over the footage from their body-worn cameras, you might have some questions about how - or even if - you can.

THE CITY wrote this guide to help. New York has strict laws promoting transparency concerning police activity and the public's right to record a police officer on duty in public. Here's how to access recordings made by the police, and what you can, and can't, get your hands on.
Can I film the police with a phone or camera? Are there any limits to how or where I can film the police?
Yes, you can record the police. The First Amendment protects that right, as do New York State and New York City law. As long as you don't physically interfere with the police on duty, you're allowed to stay, witness and record.

Keep in mind that whenever you record, however, you'll have to keep at a safe distance - which can differ depending on the situation - and comply with any instructions from the police. If they ask you to back up, for example, you must do it. But state law prohibits police officers taking away your recording device or otherwise interfering with your right to record them.

Michael Sisitzky, assistant director of policy at the New York Civil Liberties Union, noted that collecting civilian footage of police misconduct is much easier than getting body-cam video.

While policy changes and a growing emphasis on accountability and transparency have bolstered the public's right to access police records, actually getting those records may still require getting past administrative hurdles, like long Freedom-of-Information request wait times.

"It's really apparent in the footage that we saw from the killing of Eric Garner and the killing of George Floyd - these are all cases where the public became first aware of those encounters because of bystander footage," he said. "And that really speaks to the critical importance of folks who document police activity on their own. And that is absolutely a right that New Yorkers have."
Can I get access to the NYPD body-camera footage?
In recent years, NYPD officers, sergeants, lieutenants and specialized units have all been required to wear body cameras when they are on the job. They are allowed to turn it off sometimes - but more on that later.

The use began in April 2017, as part of a yearlong pilot program to examine the effects of body-worn cameras on the NYPD's controversial stop-and-frisk policy, when the department equipped 1,300 police officers with body cameras. Since then, the number has grown to over 24,000.

In February 2019, a New York appellate court ruled that footage from these cameras is not a personnel record, which are typically exempt from the state and federal freedom-of-information requests. That ruling opened up these recordings to requests from the public.

So, yes, you can get access to footage from body-worn cameras. But it's a process and can take a long time.

To get access to that kind of record in New York City, you will have to submit a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request through the city Open Records portal, or contact the police department's Public Records Access officer - more on that below. (FYI: FOIA covers access to federal records and FOIL covers access to state and city records.)

The NYPD has said it will publish body worn camera footage online relating to "critical incidents," which are those that result in death or serious physical injury, or the discharge of a firearm that hit or could have hit another person. They must do so within 30 days of the incident occurring, per the department's own policy.

The police commissioner can also choose to release footage that "will address vast public attention, or concern, or will help enforce the law, preserve peace, and/or maintain public order."

These videos are posted to the NYPD's YouTube channel and usually only contain excerpts from a more complete recording, said Sisitzky.

"It's often edited footage. They'll accompany it with sometimes a press release or an NYPD statement, providing what they consider to be contexts leading into their kind of version of what the public is about to see in that encounter," he said. "So it is still very much a NYPD-controlled process."
What kinds of footage can I access?
Accessing police body-worn camera footage is the public's right under the law, but even FOIA and FOIL have exceptions. Footage might not be released if it:

Results in unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Hampers an ongoing investigation.

Concerns an arrest that was later dismissed and sealed.

Violates a person's right to a fair trial.

Violates any other state or federal statutes.

Jennvine Wong, staff lawyer at the Cop Accountability Project at the Legal Aid Society, said the police often use those reasons to avoid releasing footage, even though access to most body-worn camera footage is covered under freedom-of-information laws.

"It is generally available to the public, but it is subject to certain FOIL exemptions, and the department will often use any and all of those exemptions as broadly as they can to not release body-worn camera footage especially if it's sensitive or they believe it might shed any other officers in a bad light," she said.
How can I access police footage?
Submitting a request for police footage is similar to making any other FOIL request, which reporters at THE CITY do often. Our best advice - and that of other subject experts - is to be very specific and detailed about the record you're looking for. That typically involves names, dates, places, file formats and any identifying numbers attached to the record that you can include. The more detail, the better.

Every government agency should have a Records Access officer handling FOIL and FOIA requests. Here is contact information for the NYPD's Records Access officer:
Lt. Richard Mantellino Legal Bureau - FOIL Unit One Police Plaza, Room 110-A New York, NY 10038 (646) 610-5296
You can also email foil@nypd.org.

You can also submit a FOIL request through the city's Open Records portal. You should receive a confirmation with a FOIL ID attached to your request, which you can use to check the status here.

Be prepared to wait - and to be persistent. Accessing public records is a notoriously long process, and although agencies have five days to acknowledge a FOIL request, it usually takes longer - sometimes months, or even years - to get the actual record.

"It would not be uncommon for it to take a long time or for the NYPD FOIL department to say that you'll have it within 30 days and then 15 days later, extend that time and continue to do that several times," said Wong.
What can I do if the police deny my request?
The NYPD has been slow to respond to requests from even other city agencies for body-worn camera footage in the past. In June 2020, a memo by the Civilian Complaint Review Board revealed that over 1,000 requests received no response.

If the department denies your request at the end of the waiting period, you have 30 days to file an administrative appeal. You can submit your appeal by email to FOILAPPEALS@nypd.org, or physically mail it to the NYPD's Records Access Appeal Officer:
Sgt. Jordan Mazur Legal Bureau-Civil Section One Police Plaza, Room 1406 New York, NY 10038 (646) 610-5400
If the appeal is denied, your next recourse is to file an Article 78 lawsuit, which allows you to take the agency you're FOILing to Civil Court to determine whether the denial - of both your initial request and the appeal - were appropriate.

You can file that legal paperwork yourself, but you may want to consider getting legal help with an Article 78 case.
Can the police turn their body worn cameras off?
They can. Officers are able to physically turn them on and off at their discretion; they alone operate the camera. That can become concerning when timing is a key factor in the content of the recording, experts said.

They are required to have their cameras on from start to finish when "an event requires it," said Wong, for instance, when they approach a civilian and ask for their license and registration, but it's not a perfect science.

"What we often see in criminal discovery is that you have officers that turn on body worn cameras too late, turn it off too early and, you know, and in some cases don't even turn it on at all," she said.

Police are allowed to turn them off, particularly in certain parts of the police station or precinct, when not on duty. But enforcement of those rules is not consistent, experts said.

"We have kind of long standing concerns about the NYPD not actually holding officers to account for violations of department rules and policies," Sisitzky said. "The policy is only as strong as the NYPD's willingness and desire to enforce it."

NYPD policy, as of 2021, determines that penalties for turning off body worn cameras, either unintentionally or intentionally, range from anywhere between 1 to 30 "penalty days," i.e. a forfeited vacation day or a day's suspension without pay).
Can I get access to footage from the cameras inside police stations?
In theory, that footage obtained by cameras fixed on the walls of a precinct should be fair game since there is no law exempting such footage from disclosure, Wong argued. The only possible objections the department may raise in that scenario might relate to invasion of privacy, in case the camera was pointing towards a cell where unrelated people are detained, for example.

While the law and its interpretation might seem straightforward, in practice, getting footage from cameras inside precincts can be even more challenging. THE CITY's own reporter waited months to get access to footage from inside the 73rd precinct; read more about that here. So while the steps to getting access to police footage, bodycam or otherwise, might be made clear on the department's website, keep your expectations tempered: the actual process will likely, ultimately, involve a long wait and bureaucratic hurdles.
Do you have more questions about accessing footage collected by the police or recording police activity? Let us know at ask@thecity.nyc and we'll try our best to answer them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Film the NYPD or Get Body Camera Footage

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
You're walking down the street and see the police doing something you think should be filmed. Or, cops detained your friend and you want to see what happened. How do you get access to police body-cam footage, and what are your rights to film the police?

# data[].attributes.headline
Fred and Ginger - "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off"

# data[].attributes.subject
Fred and Ginger - "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off"

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers -  Let's Call The Whole Thing Off HQ

# data[].attributes.headline
The Pointer Sisters sing "I'm So Excited"

# data[].attributes.subject
The Pointer Sisters sing "I'm So Excited"

# data[].attributes.headline
Internet Archive -- great resource website!

# data[].attributes.subject
Internet Archive -- great resource website!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Internet Archive: Digital Library of Free & Borrowable Texts, Movies, Music & Wayback Machine

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library offering free universal access to texts, movies & music, as well as 624 billion archived web pages.