Explanation: Have you ever wondered why onions make you cry? When you cut an onion, it releases a gas that can irritate your eyes and cause tears. Discover the simple science behind onion tears and learn a few easy ways to reduce them while cooking.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

     1. Sensitive /ˈsensɪtɪv/ (adjective): Easily affected by something.

         My eyes are sensitive to bright light.

     2. Release /rɪˈliːs/ (verb): To allow something to come out or become free.

         Cutting an onion can release a gas into the air.

     3. Protect /prəˈtekt/ (verb): To keep someone or something safe.

         Tears help protect our eyes.

    4 . Discover /dɪˈskʌvə/ (verb): To find or learn something for the first time.

        Scientists have discovered many interesting facts about plants.

    5. Ingredient /ɪnˈɡriːdiənt/ (noun): One of the foods or substances used to make a dish.

         Onion is a common ingredient in many soups.

 Phrasal Verb

• Get into /ɡet ˈɪntuː/: To enter or reach a place.
  

  Be careful not to let soap get into your eyes.

 Idiom

• In the blink of an eye /ɪn ðə ˌblɪŋk əv ən ˈaɪ/ : Very quickly or suddenly.

  Your eyes can start watering in the blink of an eye when you cut an onion.
  
  

Read more: Why Do Onions Make Us Cry?

 

Why Do Onions Make Us Cry?

Onions are used in kitchens all around the world. People add them to soups, salads, sauces, and many other dishes. They can make food taste better, but they can also do something strange: they can make us cry. Many people have wondered why this happens. The answer is simple and interesting.

An onion grows under the ground. While it is growing, it takes in different things from the soil. Some of these contain sulphur. The onion uses these substances to make special chemicals inside its cells. When the onion is whole, these chemicals stay in different parts of the cells.

Everything changes when we cut the onion. The knife breaks the cells and allows the chemicals to mix. This creates a gas that moves into the air. The gas can quickly get into our eyes.

Our eyes are very sensitive. When the gas reaches them, it mixes with the water on the surface of our eyes. This causes irritation. Our eyes can start watering in the blink of an eye. They produce more tears to wash the irritating substance away. So, crying while cutting an onion is actually the body’s way of protecting the eyes.

Scientists have studied onions and the chemicals they produce. They have discovered more about why onions make people cry. Their research has helped us understand that the tears are not caused by the smell of the onion alone. They are mainly a reaction to the gas released when we cut it.

But can we stop the tears? People have tried many different methods. One simple idea is to cool the onion before cutting it. A cold onion may release the gas more slowly. Using a sharp knife can also help because it damages fewer cells than a blunt knife.

Some people cut onions near an open window or use a kitchen fan. Moving air can carry some of the gas away from the face. Others say that cutting an onion under running water can help, although this may not always be practical.

Onions have another interesting side too. They contain useful nutrients and are part of many healthy meals. People have eaten onions for thousands of years, and today they are still an important ingredient in kitchens around the world.

So, the next time your eyes start watering while you are preparing dinner, remember that your onion is not trying to make you sad! Your eyes are simply protecting themselves. Now you know the simple science behind those tears.

Grammar Notes

Present Perfect

The Present Perfect is used to talk about past actions or experiences that have a connection to the present.

Structure:

Subject + have/has + past participle

Examples from the article:

• Many people have wondered why this happens.
• Scientists have studied onions.
• They have discovered more about why onions make people cry.
• People have tried many different methods.
• People have eaten onions for thousands of years.

We use have with I, you, we, they and plural nouns.

We use has with he, she, it and singular nouns.

Example:

Scientists have studied onions for many years.

She has tried a new way to cut onions.

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Five Questions Based on the Article

• Where do onions grow?

• What happens to the onion’s cells when we cut it?

• Why do our eyes produce more tears?

• What have scientists discovered about onions?

• What are two ways to reduce tears when cutting an onion?
  
  

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Explanation: This article explains why growth can feel uncomfortable at first. It shows that change may seem like a loss, but it is a natural and necessary part of becoming better and stronger over time.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

     1. Growth /ɡrəʊθ/ (noun): Becoming bigger, better, or more developed

         Growth takes time.

     2. Change /tʃeɪndʒ/ (noun/verb): To become different or make something different

         Change is not easy.

     3. Improve /ɪmˈpruːv/ (verb): To become better

         She wants to improve her English.

    4. Comfortable /ˈkʌmf.tə.bəl/ (adjective): Feeling relaxed, safe, and without stress

         I feel comfortable at home.

    5. Result /rɪˈzʌlt/ (noun): What happens at the end of something

         The result is good.

 Phrasal Verb

• Deal with /diːl wɪð/ : To handle or manage a problem or situation
  
  We must learn to deal with change in life.

 Idiom

• No pain, no gain /nəʊ peɪn nəʊ ɡeɪn/ : You must work hard to achieve success
  

  He studies every day—no pain, no gain.
  
  

Read more: Why Growth Feels Like Loss at First

 Why Growth Feels Like Loss at First

Growth is a good thing. People want to grow in life. They want to be better, stronger, and happier. But sometimes, growth does not feel good at the beginning. It can feel strange, difficult, and even sad.

When we grow, we often change our habits. We may stop doing things we liked before. We may also leave some people or places behind. This can make us feel uncomfortable. It can feel like we are losing something important.

For example, a student who wants to improve may study more and spend less time with friends. At first, this feels like a loss. The student may feel lonely or tired. However, this is a part of growth.

Growth also brings new situations. New situations can be scary because we do not know what will happen. When we try something new, we may feel unsure. This feeling is normal. It does not mean something is wrong.

Sometimes, we want to stop and deal with the change by going back to our old life. We want to choose what feels safe and easy. But if we always stay the same, we cannot grow. Growth needs change, and change is not always comfortable.

Also, growth takes time. We do not see results quickly. This can make us feel like we are not improving. But real growth is slow. Step by step, we become better.

There is an idiom: no pain, no gain. It means that we must go through difficulty to achieve something good. Growth may feel like a loss at first, but it is not a real loss.

In the end, growth helps us become a better version of ourselves. Even if it feels hard now, it will feel right later. So, we should not give up. We should keep going and trust the process.

Grammar Notes

 Present Simple Tense

We use present simple for general facts and habits.

  Example:

• Growth is a good thing.

• People want to grow.

  Structure:
  Subject + verb (s/es for he/she/it)

  “Can” for Ability/Possibility

 We use can to show possibility.

  Example:

• Growth can feel difficult.

• It can feel like a loss.
  
  

 “When” for Time Clauses

 We use when to talk about time.

  Example:

• When we grow, we change.
  
  

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Five Questions Based on the Article

• Why can growth feel difficult at the beginning?

• What do people sometimes leave behind when they grow?

• Why do new situations feel scary?

• What does the student do to improve?

• What does “no pain, no gain” mean?
  
  

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Explanation: This article explains why tolerance is important in daily life. It shows how empathy, listening, and respect help people understand each other, live peacefully, and build strong, caring communities together.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

     1. Tolerance /ˈtɒlərəns/ (noun): Accepting people and ideas that are different.

         Tolerance helps people live together peacefully.

     2. Empathy /ˈɛmpəθi/ (noun): Understanding how another person feels.

         Empathy helps us be kind to others.

     3. Respect /rɪˈspɛkt/ (noun): Polite and kind behaviour towards others.

         We should show respect to everyone.

    4. Patient /ˈpeɪʃənt/ (adjective): Able to wait calmly.

        She is patient when people speak slowly.

    5. Community /kəˈmjuːnɪti/ (noun): A group of people living or working together.

        A strong community supports all its members.

 Phrasal Verb

• Get along /ɡɛt əˈlɒŋ/ : To have a friendly relationship.
  

  They get along well at work.

 Idiom

• Put yourself in someone’s shoes /pʊt jɔːˈsɛlf ɪn ˈsʌmwʌnz ʃuːz/: To imagine how another person feels.

  Try to put yourself in her shoes before you speak.
  
  

Read more: Why Tolerance Matters: Empathy and Understanding in Everyday Life

 Why Tolerance Matters: Empathy and Understanding in Everyday Life

Tolerance means accepting people who are different from us. In everyday life, we meet people with different ideas, cultures, and habits. When we show tolerance, we make life kinder and more peaceful. Tolerance helps us live together without anger or fear.

Empathy is a big part of tolerance. Empathy means trying to feel what another person feels. When we listen to others and think about their feelings, we understand them better. This helps us speak kindly and act with care. Sometimes, we do not agree with others, but empathy helps us stay calm and respectful. It reminds us to put ourselves in someone’s shoes before we judge.

Understanding grows when we talk and listen. Simple actions, like asking questions and listening without interrupting, can change a lot. When people feel heard, they feel valued. This builds trust and friendship. In families, schools, and workplaces, understanding helps people get along and work as a team.

Tolerance also matters in small daily moments. For example, someone may speak slowly or have a different opinion. Instead of getting angry, we can be patient. We can smile, wait, and show respect. These small acts make a big difference. They create a safe space where everyone feels welcome.

In a diverse society, tolerance helps us learn. We learn new ideas, foods, and traditions from others. This makes life richer and more interesting. When we accept differences, we grow as people. We become more open and confident.

Tolerance does not mean we must change who we are. It means we respect others while being true to ourselves. We can share our ideas politely and listen to different views. This balance helps reduce conflict and builds peace.

Empathy and understanding are skills we can practise every day. We can start by being kind, listening more, and offering help. When someone is tired or upset, we can lend a hand or say a kind word. These actions show that we care.

In the end, tolerance makes everyday life better. It creates happier homes, stronger friendships, and safer communities. When we choose empathy and understanding, we choose a better future for everyone.

Grammar Notes

• This article uses present simple tense to talk about general truths (e.g. Tolerance means accepting people). It also uses modal verbs like can to show possibility and ability (e.g. we can be patient). Simple connectors such as when, because, and instead of help ideas flow clearly.

 

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Five Questions Based on the Article

• What does tolerance mean?

• How does empathy help people understand others?

• Why is listening important in daily life?

• How can small actions show tolerance?

• How does tolerance make communities better?
  
  

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Explanation: The article explains why time can feel fast or slow. It shows how feelings, activities, age, and stress change how we experience time in daily life, even though time itself never changes.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

     1. Feel /fiːl/ (verb): To experience something.

         I feel happy today.

     2. Busy /ˈbɪzi/ (adjective): Having many things to do.

         She is busy at work.

     3. Bored /bɔːd/ (adjective): Feeling no interest.

         He feels bored in class.

    4. Stress /strɛs/ (noun): Worry or pressure.

        Too much stress is not good.

    5. Change /tʃeɪndʒ/ (verb): To become different.

        Our feelings can change.

 Phrasal Verb

• Pass by /pɑːs baɪ/ : To go or move past, especially when talking about time.
  
  When you are happy, the hours pass by quickly.

 Idiom

• Time flies /taɪm flaɪz/ : Time feels like it passes very quickly.

  When we have fun, time flies.
  
  

Read more: Why Does Time Sometimes Feel Like It Passes Quickly and Sometimes Slowly?

 Why Does Time Sometimes Feel Like It Passes Quickly and Sometimes Slowly?

Time is the same for everyone, but how we feel time is not always the same. Sometimes a day feels very short. At other times, one hour feels very long. Many people ask why this happens. The answer is linked to our mind, our feelings, and what we are doing.

When we are happy and busy, time often feels fast. For example, when you talk with friends or play a fun game, hours can pass quickly. In these moments, many people say time flies. This happens because the brain is active and focused. It does not check the clock often. When we enjoy an activity, we forget about time, and the hours pass by very quickly.

On the other hand, time can feel slow when we are bored or unhappy. If you are waiting in a long line or doing a hard task, each minute can feel heavy. The brain has little interest, so it looks at the time again and again. This makes time feel slow. When we are tired or sad, our mind also works more slowly, and this can change how we feel time.

Another reason is new experiences. When we do something new, the brain works harder. It takes in more information. Later, when we remember the day, it feels long because many things happened. But when we do the same things every day, time can feel short because days look the same.

Age also plays a role. For children, many things are new. Days feel long because they learn and see new things all the time. For adults, life can feel faster. Work and daily habits repeat. This makes months and years seem to pass quickly.

Our body clock also matters. When we are well rested, time feels normal. When we are tired, time can feel slow. Stress can make time feel strange too. In a stressful moment, seconds can feel very long. This is because the body is ready to act and the mind is very alert.

We can change how we feel time. Doing new activities can help time feel richer and fuller. Enjoying small moments can help us feel calm. When we live with attention, time feels more balanced.

In the end, time does not change, but we do. Our mind, feelings, and actions shape how time feels every day.

Grammar Notes

• Present Simple tense

• Simple sentences

• Cause and effect using because

• Basic linking words (when, but, and)
  
  

   Short Grammar Lesson:

    The present simple is used to talk about facts and daily life.
    Example: Time feels slow when we are bored.

    We use because to give a reason.
    Example: Time feels fast because we are happy.

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Five Questions Based on the Article

• When does time feel fast for many people?

• Why does time feel slow when we are bored?

• How do new experiences change how we feel time?

• Why do children feel time differently from adults?

• How can we help time feel more balanced?
  
  

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Explanation: This article explores how fairytales shape our ideas about beauty. It explains how stories often link beauty with kindness and shows why real beauty is more than looks. It encourages readers to value inner qualities and teach children positive messages.

Commonly Used Words from the Article

1. Story /ˈstɔːri/ (noun): A description of events, real or imagined.

   She read a story about a dragon.

2. Beauty /ˈbjuːti/ (noun): The quality of being nice to look at.

   People often talk about her beauty.

3. Kind /kaɪnd/ (adjective): Being nice and helpful.

   He is a kind person who helps other.

4. Message /ˈmesɪdʒ/ (noun): A meaning or idea in words or stories.

   The story has a good message.

5. Real /ˈrɪəl/ (adjective): True or not fake.

   This is a real problem we must talk about.

   
          Audio File of the Article

The Influence of Fairytales on Our Perception of Beauty

Fairytales are stories we often hear when we are very young. They are full of magic, princesses, castles, and happy endings. But these stories do more than entertain us. They also help shape the way we think, feel, and see the world — especially about beauty.

In many fairytales, beautiful people are kind, good, and happy. Ugly characters are often bad or jealous. For example, in Snow White, the Queen is angry because Snow White is “the most beautiful of all.” In Cinderella, the stepsisters are not beautiful and they are mean. These stories give the message that beauty means goodness.

These messages can stay in our minds as we grow up. We may believe that to be liked or loved, we need to look a certain way — thin, tall, with perfect hair or skin. This idea is not true, but fairytales can make it seem real.

Today, many people are trying to change this idea. New books and films show heroes and heroines who are different. Some are not very good-looking, but they are smart, brave, or kind. This helps children see that beauty is not the most important thing.

Also, real beauty comes in many forms. People can be beautiful when they smile, when they help others, or when they are confident. It is not just about the outside. Fairytales are just stories. They can be fun, but we should remember that real life is different.

In the end, we must teach young people that everyone is special in their own way. Beauty is not about how you look — it is about who you are.

Grammar Notes

Grammar Focus: Present Simple Tense
The article mostly uses the present simple tense, which we use to talk about facts, routines, and general truths.

Examples from the article:

• “Fairytales are stories we often hear…”

• “They also help shape the way we think…”

• “Real beauty comes in many forms.”

Grammar Tip: Use the base form of the verb with “he/she/it” + s in the present simple.
Example: She smiles, He helps, It seems.

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Five Questions Based on the Article

• What kind of stories are fairytales?

• In Cinderella, what are the stepsisters like?

• Why do fairytales give a strong message about beauty?

• What are some new stories showing today?

• What is real beauty, according to the article?

   

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