Quiet English with Jacque

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Four men. One small boat. An ocean that doesn't care.

In this episode, we begin Stephen Crane's classic American story, The Open Boat — a true survival tale told with quiet power. After their ship sinks, four men find themselves adrift on the Atlantic in a tiny open boat, taking turns rowing, bailing water, and watching for shore.

This is a story about endurance. About working together. About what it means to keep going when the sea gives you no promises.

Perfect for English learners and anyone who ne...

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Season 4, Episode 2: To Build a Fire (Part 2 — Final Episode) Based on the short story by Jack London

The fire has gone out. The matches are nearly gone. And the cold is growing deeper.

In this peaceful but powerful conclusion to To Build a Fire by Jack London, we follow the man through his final moments in the frozen Yukon wilderness. As his body grows still and quiet, the wolf-dog beside him begins to understand what the man could not.

This is a story about nature, humility, and th...

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To Build a Fire (Part 1)

*Based on the short story by Jack London*

Welcome to Season Four of Quiet English with Jacque.

We begin with one of the most powerful adventure stories ever written — *To Build a Fire* by Jack London.

A lone man walks through the frozen Yukon wilderness, confident and unafraid. Beside him, a wolf-dog moves quietly through the snow — sensing something the man cannot yet understand. The cold is not ordinary cold. And the...

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In this peaceful final episode of Quiet English with Jacque, we conclude The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde.

As winter fully covers the city, the little swallow remains faithfully beside the Happy Prince through the cold and darkness. Together, they discover the true meaning of love, sacrifice, kindness, and compassion.

In this emotional conclusion, the swallow makes his final choice, and the story reminds us that the greatest beauty is often found not on the outside… but within the heart.

This episode is designed especially for intermediate En...

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In this peaceful episode of Quiet English with Jacque, we continue The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde.

Winter has arrived, and the city grows colder each night. The little swallow remains beside the Happy Prince as they discover a poor little girl alone in the snow, frightened and crying after losing her matches.

To help her, the prince makes a great sacrifice… giving away his final sapphire eye.

This gentle episode explores kindness, friendship, sacrifice, and the quiet warmth that comes from helping others.

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In this peaceful episode of Quiet English with Jacque, we continue the moving story of The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde.

As winter slowly arrives, the little swallow stays beside the Happy Prince for another night. Together, they discover a young writer who is cold, discouraged, and losing hope.

To help him, the prince makes another sacrifice… giving away one of his beautiful sapphire eyes.

This gentle episode explores kindness, encouragement, and the quiet ways hope can change a person’s life.

✨ This episode is perfec...

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🎧 Episode 11: The Happy Prince (Part 2)

In this peaceful episode of Quiet English with Jacque, we continue the beautiful story of The Happy Prince.

A small swallow agrees to stay one more night with the prince… and together they bring comfort to a poor mother and her sick child. As the little bird performs a quiet act of kindness, something unexpected begins to happen inside his own heart.

This gentle episode reminds us that even the smallest act of compassion can bring warmth, hope, and conne...

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🎧 Episode 10: The Happy Prince (Part 1)

In this peaceful episode of Quiet English with Jacque, we begin the beautiful story of The Happy Prince written by Oscar Wilde

High above the city stands the statue of the Happy Prince—covered in gold and admired by everyone below. But although he looks beautiful and happy on the outside, he carries deep sadness in his heart as he watches the suffering around him.

One quiet night, a small swallow stops to rest beneath the statue… and an unexpected friends...

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🎧 Episode 4: The Giant’s Garden of Love | The Selfish Giant (Part 4)

In this final, peaceful episode of Quiet English with Jacque, we come to the end of The Selfish Giant.

The giant’s heart has changed, and his garden is now filled with laughter, warmth, and joy. But he is still waiting for one special child… the little boy who helped him understand kindness.

As the years pass, something beautiful—and unexpected—happens.

This gentle story reminds us that love, kindness, and compassion can change ev...

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🎧 Episode 3: A Small Change in the Garden | The Selfish Giant (Part 3)

In this gentle episode of Quiet English with Jacque, we continue the story of The Selfish Giant.

Something begins to change in the giant’s garden.
A small sound… a bird singing… and suddenly, life starts to return.

As the children find their way back, the trees begin to bloom again—but one small boy is left alone in the cold. In this quiet and meaningful moment, the giant begins to understand something important.<...

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🎧 Episode 2: The Giant Builds the Wall | The Selfish Giant (Part 2)

In this peaceful episode of Quiet English with Jacque, we continue the story of The Selfish Giant.

After chasing the children away, the giant builds a high wall around his garden. But something unexpected begins to happen… spring comes everywhere else, yet his garden remains cold and silent.

This episode is perfect for intermediate English learners who want to improve listening through slow, clear, and meaningful storytelling and anyone looking for a calm and relaxing story...

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In this gentle and relaxing episode of Quiet English with Jacque, we begin a new story: The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde.

Follow along as children discover a beautiful garden filled with soft green grass, blooming trees, and bright flowers. But one day, everything changes when the giant returns.

This episode is designed for intermediate English learners, with clear pronunciation, natural pacing, and simple, descriptive language to help you understand and enjoy the story.

Take a deep breath, listen closely, and let the story carry you.

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Episode Title: A White Heron – Part 3 | Quiet English with Jacque.

In this episode of Quiet English with Jacque (formerly English Your Second Language), we complete our gentle reading of the classic short story A White Heron by Sarah Orne Jewett.

This podcast is a peaceful reading space for those who love quiet stories… and those learning English.

In Part 3, Sylvia rises early and walks into the forest at dawn. As she climbs high above the trees, she discovers the secret of the white heron—and must make a quie...

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In Part Two of A White Heron, we follow Sylvia deeper into the quiet woods as she faces a difficult choice—one that tests her heart, her courage, and her connection to nature.

A charming young hunter arrives, bringing curiosity, kindness, and a tempting reward. But as Sylvia guides him through the forest, she discovers that protecting something beautiful may require sacrifice.

This episode explores themes of innocence, trust, and the powerful bond between humans and the natural world. Told in gentle, clear English, it’s perfect for listeners who...

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In this episode of Quiet English with Jacque, we begin a gentle, three-part reading of “A White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett. This classic public domain story follows Sylvia, a young girl who discovers a special connection to nature. As you listen, let the slow, clear English and calm storytelling help you relax and absorb both the beauty of the language and the quiet power of the story. Stay with me for the next chapters, and enjoy each peaceful moment.

Slow, kind, calm English for listeners everywhere.

Ne...

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Hello… and welcome to Quiet English with Jacque.

This podcast was formerly called English Your Second Language with Jacque.

If you have been listening before, I’m so glad you are still here.

And if you are new… welcome.

This is a place to relax… and listen to gentle, clear English.

Take a slow breath…

and let’s begin.

Slow, kind, calm English for listeners everywhere.

New episod...

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Quiet English with Jacque was formerly known as English Your Second Language with Jacque  

Season Title: Relaxing English Stories for Peaceful Listening

In this special season with Jacque, you are invited to slow down and relax while listening to gentle, meaningful English stories.

These episodes are designed to help you improve your English naturally through calm, clear storytelling. Each story is read at a comfortable pace, allowing you to listen without stress or pressure.

These peaceful moments will help you build confidence, improve your listening s...

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Let’s talk about When Winter Feels Long. It’s ENGLISH YOUR SECOND LANGUAGE with Jacque. Jacque slowly and gently reviews the feelings you may experience if you live in a cold climate like she does. Practice your listening and speaking English skills here with Jacque (Jackie).

Slow, kind, calm English for listeners everywhere.

New episodes weekly.

🌐 https://www.facebook.com/EnglishYourSecondLanguage?

📩 JacqueEddyVoice@gmail.com

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please follow and share this podcast. I’d love to hear from you—let me kno...

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ENGLISH YOUR SECOND LANGUAGE presents Valentine’s Day. What is Valentine’s Day? Why is it celebrated? When did it start? Who is Valentine? Where is it celebrated? How is it Celebrated?

All this and more as we practice English. Slowly, carefully, and kindly. 

Welcome.

Slow, kind, calm English for listeners everywhere.

New episodes weekly.

🌐 https://www.facebook.com/EnglishYourSecondLanguage?

📩 JacqueEddyVoice@gmail.com

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please follow and share this podcast. I’d love to hear from you—l...

Let‘s talk about Valentine’s Day. Do you celebrate it. Who do you wish a happy Valentine’s Day to?

It’s English Your Second Language with Jacque.  

Slow, kind English for learners everywhere.

New episodes weekly.

🌐 https://www.facebook.com/EnglishYourSecondLanguage?

📩 JacqueEddyVoice@gmail.com

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please follow this podcast and share it with someone who’s learning English too. I’d love to hear from you—let me know where you’re listening from!

You can email me at jacqueeddyvoi...

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What if the secret to beating those January blues isn't forcing yourself back into high gear, but taking intentional small steps instead?

English Your Second Language with Jacque welcomes English learners worldwide to explore the post-holiday transition, sharing practical vocabulary for putting away Christmas decorations (think "take down" and "tidy up"). She tackles the very real phenomenon of post-holiday blues—that low mood many experience after celebrations end—with advice like maintaining brightness and practicing gratitude. (Because sometimes we all need that reminder.)

With Michigan's winter bringing only 25-35 perc...

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Have you ever wondered how Americans actually celebrate New Year's Eve at home? Jacque pulls back the curtain on her family's cozy celebration in Grand Rapids, Michigan, complete with chili, hot chocolate, and board games. She walks through essential winter vocabulary like lake effect snow, wind chill, and black ice (terms that can literally keep you safe during Michigan winters). 


Throughout the episode, Jacque encourages listeners to practice speaking aloud, because repetition is how language learning actually happens. She assigns homework: write and recite three personalized sentences daily for one w...

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Beyond the twinkling lights and wrapped packages, Christmas holds a profound spiritual meaning that many overlook. Jacque unpacks the heart of this beloved holiday, revealing why Christians celebrate December 25th as more than just another day on the calendar.

Tune in to discover how embracing Christmas's deeper invitation can transform your holiday experience beyond the commercial noise.

Slow, kind, calm English for listeners everywhere.

New episodes weekly.

🌐 https://www.facebook.com/EnglishYourSecondLanguage?

📩 JacqueEddyVoice@gmail.com

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please f...

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Jacque, host of English Your Second Language, invites listeners on a descriptive journey through December in Michigan. She paints a vivid picture of the season's frigid temperatures, often dropping to twenty degrees Fahrenheit or below, accompanied by gentle or heavy snowfall that blankets everything in white. Jacque explains the necessity of winter attire like coats, mittens, and scarves, describing getting dressed as preparing for an adventure. She shares how December transforms her home into a festive space with Christmas lights, decorations, and warm comfort foods like soup and stew. Jackie emphasizes the season's...

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Jacque presents a podcast on Commas with a US Thanksgiving theme. Join her as she looks at 2 very important rules for using commas (,) from that little grammar book, Elements of Style. 

Slow, kind, calm English for listeners everywhere.

New episodes weekly.

🌐 https://www.facebook.com/EnglishYourSecondLanguage?

📩 JacqueEddyVoice@gmail.com

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please follow and share this podcast. I’d love to hear from you—let me know where you’re listening from!

You can email me at jac...

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Jacque hosts a podcast dedicated to teaching clear English, and today she focuses on Rule 1 from "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr., which addresses forming possessive singular nouns by adding an apostrophe and the letter S. She explains that this rule is crucial for professional, correct, and understandable writing, using examples like "the girl's book" and "the dog's tail" to demonstrate how possession clarifies meaning. Jacque emphasizes that the apostrophe S rule applies to people's names, animals, organizations, and places, ensuring clarity in both written and spoken English. In this grammar...

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Jacque breaks down what fluency really means—and it's not about being perfect. (Spoiler: even native speakers mess up sometimes.)

Fluency is simply speaking and understanding English naturally without overthinking every word. Jacque explains how this skill opens doors in education, employment, and travel while building genuine connections. The secret? Just ten minutes of daily practice through listening, speaking, reading, and writing can transform your abilities.

What could you accomplish if you practiced English every morning while making coffee? Jacque shares Maria's inspiring story—a shy professional who gained flue...

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Dive Into Beach English: Your Complete Guide to Seaside Conversations

This week on English Your Second Language with Jacque, our host breaks down everything you need to confidently chat at the beach.

What You'll Learn:

Jacque covers practical vocabulary and essential phrases for beach outings. You'll master expressions like “the beach is beautiful" and "let's build a sandcastle," plus critical safety language: avoiding swimming too far out, applying sunscreen, and staying with friends.

The Episode Includes:

A realistic dialogue between friends at the be...

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Jacque welcomes listeners to her English practice podcast, focusing on library visits. She shares how libraries have been special to her family, with weekly trips while raising her children. Jacque encourages English learners to use libraries regularly, starting with children's books before advancing to more complex texts. She teaches practical phrases for greeting librarians, asking for help finding books, and checking out materials. Jacque emphasizes the importance of obtaining a library card and provides a practice dialogue between a librarian and visitor. She concludes by reviewing key vocabulary including "library," "librarian," "library card,"...

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Master Restaurant English Like a Native Speaker!

Ever felt nervous about ordering food in English? This episode transforms restaurant anxiety into confidence with essential vocabulary and real conversations you'll actually use.

Jacque takes English learners step-by-step through every part of the dining experience. From greeting your server with "I'm fine, thank you" to politely ordering with "I would like," you'll learn the exact phrases that make you sound natural and confident. 

The episode covers crucial skills like asking for menu recommendations, ordering drinks with specific preferences (ice o...

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Master Airport English Like a Pro Traveler

Ever felt anxious about navigating an airport in English? Jacque from English Your Second Language transforms airport stress into confidence with her comprehensive virtual airport walkthrough.

This episode takes you on a guided journey through three crucial airport stages: check-in, security, and gate navigation. Jacque teaches essential phrases like "I need to check in," "Can I have a window seat?" and how to respond calmly to security requests such as "take off your shoes" and "empty your pockets."

What You'll...

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Jacque guides learners through a doctor's visit, modeling greetings, symptom descriptions, nurse interactions, and medication questions. She leads listeners in repeating useful phrases, practices a nurse-doctor-patient dialogue, and clarifies vocabulary like doctor, nurse, medicine, appointment, and healthy. Emphasizing confidence-building, Jacque urges repeated practice so students feel ready and comfortable for real medical appointments.

Slow, kind, calm English for listeners everywhere.

New episodes weekly.

🌐 https://www.facebook.com/EnglishYourSecondLanguage?

📩 JacqueEddyVoice@gmail.com

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please follow and share this podcast. I’d love...