Vocabulary practice · Episode 195

Review the useful expressions from the episode

Study the episode’s central expressions with English definitions, nuance and examples, plus reviewed support-language versions where available.

B1–B2Everyday EnglishAbout 4 min + dynamic ads5 PDF versions available
FREE TRANSLATED PDF PACKSStudy this episode with support in your language EspañolDeutschFrançaisفارسی Open the PDF library →

A short study session

Read here, or listen on the episode page

This reader does not play audio. The link above opens the episode with this support selected; press Play or Resume when you are ready.

  1. Choose one expression. Read its definition, nuance and examples.
  2. Make it yours. Write one true sentence from your own life.
  3. Return to the episode. Listen for the expression in its original context.

Readable web version

Vocabulary from the episode

English only. Choose one support language if you need it.

Your reading position will be saved on this browser.

Expression 1

build up

To increase gradually over time.

Nuance: It often describes pressure, tension or energy that grows little by little.

Pressure builds up inside the kernel.

Traffic began to build up near the bridge.

Expression 2

burst open

To break open suddenly, often because pressure pushes from inside.

Nuance: It describes a sudden opening or rupture; it is more vivid than simply “open.”

The kernel bursts open when the pressure becomes strong enough.

The ripe seed pod burst open in the heat.

Expression 3

moisture

A small amount of water inside or on something.

Nuance: It refers to water already in or on a material; it does not necessarily mean that the material is wet.

Popcorn also needs enough moisture inside the kernel.

A dry sponge has little moisture.

Expression 4

kernel

One single seed from a corn plant.

Nuance: In this episode, it is the small hard piece of corn that can pop, not the popped snack.

One kernel popped before the rest.

A popcorn kernel contains water and starch.

Expression 5

starch

A natural substance in plants and foods such as corn, rice, and potatoes.

Nuance: In popcorn, heated starch expands as steam is released from the kernel.

Bread and potatoes both contain starch.

A popcorn kernel contains water surrounded by starch.

Expression 6

shell

A hard outer covering that protects something.

Nuance: For popcorn, the hard outer covering is more precisely called the hull.

A nut’s shell protects the part we eat.

The popcorn shell, or hull, keeps the contents inside.

Print or study offline

Choose a PDF version

Each button names the available language, format and file size. No email or account is required.

If a PDF does not open, use the complete web reader above and try the download again later. The episode audio remains available on its own page.

Put it back into context

Now listen for what you studied

The resource is support; the listening is the lesson. Return to the same episode and continue from your saved position.

Open episode 195 →