Learn the
differences
between American
and British English
American vs. British English
Today in the Fun Easy English classroom you are going to learn about
and listen to the differences between American and British English
and watch a few really cool movie trailers.
Hey
if you cannot understand something on this page,
then use the Fun Easy English
dictionary
(opens in a new window)
British English is generally easy to understand but not as widely
spoken.
The spelling of many words is different such as the American
spelling of COLOR as opposed to the British spelling of COLOUR.
Pronunciation
is often different and even completely different words are
used to describe the same thing.
It is important to understand the differences between American and
British English.
Until next time.
Video:
James Bond Movie Trailer with British English
GoldenEye. In the film, Bond fights to prevent an arms syndicate
from using the GoldenEye satellite weapon against London in order to
cause a global financial meltdown.
Many movies such as the newer James Bond movies use both American
and British English. Try to listen for the differences.
Video:
James Bond Movie Trailer with British English
Tomorrow Never Dies. Bond tries to stop a media mogul from
engineering world events and starting World War III.
Many movies such as the newer James Bond movies use both American
and British English. Try to listen for the differences.
Video:
James Bond Movie Trailer with British English
The World Is Not Enough. The film's plot revolves around the
assassination by Renard of Sir Robert King and Bond's subsequent
assignment to protect King's daughter, Elektra, who had previously
been held captive by Renard. During his assignment, Bond unravels a
scheme to increase petroleum prices by triggering a nuclear meltdown
in the waters of Istanbul.
Many movies such as the newer James Bond movies use both American
and British English. Try to listen for the differences.
From
YOUR Teacher:My
Favorite English
What is my favorite English? American English of course.
I am originally from Buffalo, New York and I speak with
a very standard American English accent. Why is American
English my favorite? I think it is the easiest to
understand and learn due to the wide use of American
English in the media including Hollywood movies,
television, radio, newspapers, and magazines.
Yup I know some of you out there will post some comments
about this. Go ahead. It is always nice to know the
thoughts and opinions of others.
Survey:What is your favorite English?
Everyone has a preference for learning a certain English
dialect. Pick your favorite English on the survey below.
From
YOUR Teacher:The
Longest Page in the World
The following test is 100 questions which made this a
very long page.
Can you take the entire test?
If you make it to the end, post a comment at the bottom
of the page. lol.
Test:
American vs. British English
This is a test of your understanding of
the differences between American and British English. There
is a total of 100
questions. For each question decide if the word in
bold print is American or
British English? Good luck.
1. flat, apartment?
a. American
b. British
2. chips, crisps?
a. American
b. British
3. movie, film?
a. American
b. British
4. cackhanded, clumsy?
a. American
b. British
5. lift, elevator?
a. American
b. British
6. garden, yard?
a. American
b. British
7. detour, diversion?
a. American
b. British
8. truck, lorry?
a. American
b. British
9. umbrella, brolly?
a. American
b. British
10. advertisment, commercial?
a. American
b. British
11. cookie, biscuit?
a. American
b. British
12. pudding, dessert?
a. American
b. British
13. gully, gutter?
a. American
b. British
14. house (one story), bungalow?
a. American
b. British
15. loo, the toilet, bathroom?
a. American
b. British
16. dustman, garbage man?
a. American
b. British
17. cashier, bank teller?
a. American
b. British
18. zee (letter), zed?
a. American
b. British
19. can, tin?
a. American
b. British
20. serviette, napkin?
a. American
b. British
21. flog, sell?
a. American
b. British
22. parade, carnival?
a. American
b. British
23. candy, sweets?
a. American
b. British
24. peckish, hungry?
a. American
b. British
25. postbox, mailbox?
a. American
b. British
26. refectory, cafeteria?
a. American
b. British
27. traffic jam, tailback?
a. American
b. British
28. charge call, collect call?
a. American
b. British
29. jello, jelly?
a. American
b. British
30. dollar bill, note?
a. American
b. British
31. gasoline, petrol?
a. American
b. British
32. postman, posty, mail carrier?
a. American
b. British
33. living room, lounge?
a. American
b. British
34. pence, cents?
a. American
b. British
35. butty, sarny, sandwich?
a. American
b. British
36. zip code, post code?
a. American
b. British
37. eraser, rubber?
a. American
b. British
38. mail, post?
a. American
b. British
39. car park, parking lot?
a. American
b. British
40.
torch, flashlight?
a. American
b. British
41. flannel, washcloth?
a. American
b. British
42. line, queue?
a. American
b. British
43. cocktail stick, toothpick?
a. American
b. British
44. bleachers, terrace?
a. American
b. British
45. dungarees, overalls?
a. American
b. British
46. mackintosh, raincoat?
a. American
b. British
47. vacation, holiday?
a. American
b. British
48. clingfilm, plastic wrap?
a. American
b. British
49. entree, starter, appetizer?
a. American
b. British
50. chat show, talk show?
a. American
b. British
51. bap, hamburger bun?
a. American
b. British
52. cotton candy, candy floss?
a. American
b. British
53. oven, cooker?
a. American
b. British
54. football, soccer?
a. American
b. British
55. pants, trousers?
a. American
b. British
56. pastry base, pie crust?
a. American
b. British
57. pullover, jumper, sweater?
a. American
b. British
58. movie theater, cinema?
a. American
b. British
59. hire, rent?
a. American
b. British
60. overpass, flyover?
a. American
b. British
61. suspenders, garter belt?
a. American
b. British
62. tap, faucet?
a. American
b. British
63. windscreen, windshield?
a. American
b. British
64. fairy cake, cupcake?
a. American
b. British
65. dear, expensive?
a. American
b. British
66. license plate, number plate?
a. American
b. British
67. pants, knickers, underwear?
a. American
b. British
68. pavement, sidewalk?
a. American
b. British
69. rubbish, trash?
a. American
b. British
70. private school, public school?
a. American
b. British
71. state school, public school?
a. American
b. British
72. savoury biscuit, cracker?
a. American
b. British
73. dressing gown, robe?
a. American
b. British
74. vest, waistcoat?
a. American
b. British
75. vest, undershirt?
a. American
b. British
76. closet (bedroom), wardrobe?
a. American
b. British
77. shopping
cart/basket, trolley?
a. American
b. British
78. glue, gum?
a. American
b. British
79. picnic basket, picnic hamper?
a. American
b. British
80. jacket potato, baked potato?
a. American
b. British
81. estate agent, realtor?
a. American
b. British
82. naturist, nudist?
a. American
b. British
83. call (on the
phone), ring?
a. American
b. British
84. jelly, jam?
a. American
b. British
85. lollipop man, crossing guard?
a. American
b. British
86. bin, dustbin
(outside), trash can?
a. American
b. British
87. chemist, drugstore?
a. American
b. British
88. pharmacist, chemist?
a. American
b. British
89. wellingtons,
wellies, golashes?
a. American
b. British
90. dinner jacket, tuxedo?
a. American
b. British
91. kiss (passionate), snog?
a. American
b. British
92. tart, a
flirt?
a. American
b. British
93. squire, guv'nor, sir?
a. American
b. British
94. ladybird, ladybug?
a. American
b. British
95. semidetached house, duplex?
a. American
b. British
96. on/off ramp, slip road?
a. American
b. British
97. take-out (food), take-away?
a. American
b. British
98. kitchen
towel/paper, paper towel?
a. American
b. British
99. motor/carriage way, freeway (expressway)?
a. American
b. British
100. off licens, offy, liquor store?
a. American
b. British
Additional Lessons
About These
Lessons
The following classroom lessons are great for students
who want additional conversation, listening, and reading
practice.
Conversation Lesson -
Beginner Level. Let's
Learn English conversation lesson
with a conversation video, a video script, audio
listening practice, video speaking practice, video
pronunciation practice, a new
words section, and a writing activity.
Conversation Lesson
18 - She Always Does That
(Beginner -
Conversation, Listening, Reading)
In this lesson Anna reads the news for the first time.
She learns that there is a right way and a wrong way to
read the news.
Lesson Video
Watch the video and then do the activities on this page.
Video Script
Anna: Hello, from Washington, D.C.! Today at work I am reading the news for the
first time. I am really nervous. But my boss, Ms. Weaver, is here to help me.
Caty: Now, Anna, remember. When we read the news we are always reading facts. We
never show our feelings.
Anna: Sure thing, Ms. Weaver.
Caty: Great. Are you ready?
Anna: Yes.
Caty: Okay, let’s try the first story!
Anna: Hello, and welcome to The News.
Anna: A new book is very popular with children and families. This is it.
Anna: It is about a lost duckling. The duck's mother cannot find him.
Caty: Stop! Anna, when you say the words “duck” and “duckling” you look really
sad.
Anna: I do?
Caty: Yes. Sad is a feeling.
Anna: Sad is not a fact. Sorry. Let me try again.
Caty: Okay, she’s trying again! And go.
Anna: Hello, and welcome to The News. A new book is very popular with children
and families. This is it.
Anna: It is about a lost duckling. The duck’s mother can not find ‘im. But a
family gives him a home.
Caty: Stop! Anna, you are doing it again.
Anna: This story is very sad.
Caty: I have an idea. Let’s read the second story. She’s reading the second
story. And … go!
Anna: Hello , and welcome to The News. In Indiana, a grandmother is the first
80-year-old woman to win The Race Car 500.
Anna: That is awesome!
Caty: Stop! Stop! Anna, please -- no feelings.
Anna: Right. But it is awesome that an 80-year-old grandmother wins a car race.
Caty: Just the facts, Anna.
Anna: Right.
Anna: Hello, and welcome to The News. In Indiana, a grandmother is the first
80-year-old woman to win The Race Car 500.
Anna: She rarely talks to reporters. But when she does, she often says, “Nothing
can stop me now!”
Anna: I am very happy for her!
Caty: Stop, stop, stop!! Anna, you cannot say you are happy.
Anna: But I am happy.
Caty: But you can’t say it.
Anna: Why?
Caty: This is the News. Happy and sad are feelings. You can’t have them in The
News.
Anna: Okay. I got it.
Caty: Okay. Let’s try the third story. She’s reading the third story!
Anna: Hello and welcome to The News.
City politicians in Big Town are using city money to have a big party on a
cruise ship. They are taking the money for the party from the children’s
library.
Anna: What?! That makes me very angry.
Caty: No, no, no! Anna, you cannot say you are angry! This is The News!!!
Anna: What can I do, Ms. Weaver? Take out my feelings and put them here … on the
news desk?
Caty: Yes. Yes. That’s right! Now you’ve got it!
Caty: Let’s repeat the first story.
Anna: This is going to be a very long day.
Anna: Until next time!
Listening
Now practice listening to only the audio portion of the conversation.
Speaking
Anna reads the news for the first time. She learns that there is a right way and
a wrong way to read the news.
Pronunciation
This video teaches about shortened forms of object pronouns that begin with a /th/
or /h/ sound. You also learn about two different ways to pronounce the "s"
ending on verbs like "talks" and "says."
New Words
angry –
adj. having a strong feeling of being upset or
annoyed
cruise ship –
n. a large ship that stops at different ports
and carries passengers who are traveling for pleasure
desk –
n. a piece of furniture that is like a table
and often has drawers
duck –
n. a bird that swims and has a flat beak, a
short neck, a heavy body, short legs, and webbed feet
duckling –
n. a young duck
fact –
n. a true piece of information
feeling –
n. an emotional state or reaction
get –
v. to understand (something or someone)
Indiana –
n. state of the U.S.
long –
adj. lasting or continuing for a great amount
of time
lost –
adj. not knowing where you are or how to get to
where you want to go
popular –
adj. liked or enjoyed by many people
race car –
n. a very fast car that is used in professional
auto racing
rarely –
adv. not very often
repeat –
v. to say (something) again
sad –
adj. not happy
story –
n. a description of how something happened
throw –
v. to cause (something) to move out of your
hand and through the air by quickly moving your arm forward
win –
v. to achieve victory in a fight, contest,
game, etc.
Activity
In this lesson, Anna is nervous because she is reading
the news for the first time. How do you feel when you do
something for the first time? Write about it and tell us
about yourself or a friend doing something at work or
school for the first time. Write about it in the
Facebook Comments section below. Use the Activity Sheet
to practice writing and using ordinal numbers.
Click
lesson activity to get the printable PDF version. The
page opens to a new window.
Study all 52 English conversation lessons. Let's Learn
English conversation lessons each with a conversation
video, a video script, audio listening practice, video
speaking practice, video pronunciation practice, a new
words section, and a writing activity.
These
lessons are for beginners.
The complete lesson includes an audio program explaining this
topic, the script for the audio program, a words in this story section,
and other important information.
Click for the complete lesson
Audio Program
Listen to the audio program explaining this topic.
The complete lesson includes an audio program explaining this
topic, the script for the audio program, a words in this story section,
and other important information.
Click for the complete lesson
Audio Program
Listen to the audio program explaining this topic.
The lesson includes an audio program explaining this
topic, the script for the audio program, a words in this story section,
and other important information.
Click for the complete lesson
Audio Program
Listen to the audio program explaining this topic.
Hey Students,
Use this dictionary and reference to look up any words you do not
understand in Fun Easy English.
