In this lesson, we read "The Emperor's New Clothes" by Hans Christian Andersen, a satirical and timeless 19th-century Danish fairytale about a vain monarch whose obsession with vanity and social status leaves him vulnerable to two clever tricksters.

A sharp meditation on pride, human folly, and the collective silence born from the fear of appearing foolish.

Suitable age: 8+ (children, teenagers, and adults)

This video includes a full vocabulary practice session and homework exercises.

A full free video lesson is available on YouTube & Substack.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:51 About Hans Christian Andersen

04:48 Story: The Emperor's New Clothes

15:39 Vocabulary

30:45 Homework: Exercises A & B

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In this lesson, we read "The Last Lesson" (La Dernière Classe) by Alphonse Daudet, a deeply moving and famous 19th-century French short story set during the Franco-Prussian War that explores themes of language, identity, and patriotism.

A young French boy arrives late to school, only to discover that today is his last lesson ever taught in French.

Suitable age: 12+ (middle school and above)

This video includes a full vocabulary practice session and homework exercises.

A full free video lesson is available on YouTube & Substack.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:10 About Alphonse Daudet

05:34 Reading — The Last Lesson

14:17 Vocabulary Practice — B2 words & idioms explained

26:27 Homework — True/False and fill-in-the-blank exercises

Social Media

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YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@engsolved/

Substack https://engsolved.substack.com/podcast

In this lesson, we read The Elixir of Life (L'Élixir de longue vie) by Honoré de Balzac, a dark and unsettling 19th century French tale about Don Juan Belvidéro, a charming but ruthless nobleman who abandons his dying father at a banquet, only to discover the old man possesses a magical elixir capable of restoring life.

A sardonic meditation on selfishness, death, and a life lived without love.

Suitable age: 15+ (older teenagers and adults)

This video includes a full vocabulary practice session and homework exercises.

A full free video lesson is available on YouTube & Substack.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:21 About Honoré de Balzac

06:40 Reading — The Elixir of Life

55:10 Archaic Vocabulary (25 words)

1:20:49 C2 Vocabulary (17 words)

1:27:28 C1 Vocabulary (19 words)

1:35:01 Homework — comprehension exercises

Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/engsolved/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/engsolved

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@engsolved/

Substack https://engsolved.substack.com/podcast