Hi, I’m Sen and this is Today in History — the series where you’ll learn about interesting moments from the past, all while improving your listening skills.

You’re going to hear a set of historical events twice. The first time through, listen as if it’s a piece of music. Just take in the sounds and rhythm of what is said. Don’t try and focus too much on the individual words or phrases. That’s what the second time through is for.

Let’s begin. So, what happened today in history?

On July 14, 1957, Rawya Ateya became a member of the Egyptian parliament. This made her the first female member of parliament in the Arab world. During her time in politics, she helped progress women’s rights.

On the same day in 2013, a statue of Rachel Carson was put up in Massachusetts, in the U.S. She was an American biologist, conservationist and author, who played a key role in the global environmental movement. Her 1962 book, “Silent Spring”, made a huge number of American people aware of environmental issues for the first time.

On July 14, 2017, Maryam Mirzakhani died of cancer at the age of 40. She was an Iranian mathematician who also worked as a professor at Stanford University in the U.S. In 2014, she became the first woman and first Iranian to receive the Fields Medal — the most prestigious award in mathematics.

How was that? This kind of listening is great for getting used to how English really sounds. And, at the same time you might have understood some of the main themes. If you didn’t on the first listen, then no worries — let’s listen again.

On July 14, 1957, Rawya Ateya became a member of the Egyptian parliament. This made her the first female member of parliament in the Arab world. During her time in politics, she helped progress women’s rights.

On the same day in 2013, a statue of Rachel Carson was put up in Massachusetts, in the U.S. She was an American biologist, conservationist and author, who played a key role in the global environmental movement. Her 1962 book, “Silent Spring”, made a huge number of American people aware of environmental issues for the first time.

On July 14, 2017, Maryam Mirzakhani died of cancer at the age of 40. She was an Iranian mathematician who also worked as a professor at Stanford University in the U.S. In 2014, she became the first woman and first Iranian to receive the Fields Medal — the most prestigious award in mathematics.

Let’s have a look at some of the more difficult words. Firstly, a ‘parliament’ is the group of people who make the laws for their nation. Secondly, do you know what a ‘conservationist’ is? It’s someone who works to protect animals, plants and the environment. And how about the word ‘prestigious’? You might have guessed from the context that it’s used to describe something which is very impressive. As usual, feel free to rewind and listen to these words again.

That’s it for now. But, I’ll be back tomorrow with more historical facts. So, join me then for another episode of Today in History.

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Episode notes:

parliament: the group of people who are chosen, or elected, to make the laws for their nation
conservationist: someone involved in conservation — work to protect animals, plants and the environment
prestigious: something which is very well thought of or impressive