Pierre Geslin via VOA Learning English (Special English)
VOA (The Voice Of America) is a great Website (you can also follow VOA on Facebook) to learn American English.VOA uses “Special English”… But what is so “special” about it?
Three Elements Make Special English Unique.It has a core vocabulary of 1500 words. Most are simple words that describe objects, actions or emotions. Some words are more difficult. They are used for reporting world events and describing discoveries in medicine and science.
Special English writers use short, simple sentences that contain only one idea. They use active voice. They do not use idioms.
Special English broadcasters read at a slower pace, about two-thirds the speed of standard English. This helps people learning English hear each word clearly. It also helps people who are fluent English speakers understand complex subjects.
