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Suggested terms: This, America, VOA Special English
Click one for hint, twice for full word
play a part in
Meaning: To contribute to or influence something.
Example: Root beer played a part in shaping the modern food and beverage industry.
at the root of
Meaning: To be the main cause or origin of something.
Example: Root beer was at the root of the Marriott hotel empire.
launch into
Meaning: To begin something important or ambitious.
Example: Selling root beer helped launch the Marriott family into the restaurant business.
bring back memories
Meaning: To cause someone to remember past experiences.
Example: Root beer often brings back memories of childhood for many Americans.
look for
Meaning: To search for something.
Example: The Root Beer Brothers look for new brands wherever they travel.
root beer
IPA (UK): /ˈruːt bɪə/
IPA (US): /ˈruːt bɪr/
Meaning: A sweet, carbonated soft drink flavored with roots, herbs, and spices.
Meaning: A sweet, carbonated soft drink flavored with roots, herbs, and spices.
Example: Root beer is considered a classic American beverage.
float (root beer float)
IPA (UK): /fləʊt/
IPA (US): /floʊt/
Meaning: A dessert drink made by adding ice cream to a soft drink.
Meaning: A dessert drink made by adding ice cream to a soft drink.
Example: A root beer float is made by adding vanilla ice cream to root beer.
franchise
IPA (UK): /ˈfræn.tʃaɪz/
IPA (US): /ˈfræn.tʃaɪz/
Meaning: A business system where individuals buy the right to operate under a company’s brand.
Meaning: A business system where individuals buy the right to operate under a company’s brand.
Example: A&W helped create the idea of franchising in the restaurant industry.
brewery
IPA (UK): /ˈbruː.ə.ri/
IPA (US): /ˈbruː.ɚ.i/
Meaning: A place where beer or other beverages are produced.
Meaning: A place where beer or other beverages are produced.
Example: Many breweries in the U.S. also make their own root beer.
extract
IPA (UK): /ˈek.strækt/
IPA (US): /ˈek.strækt/
Meaning: A concentrated flavoring taken from plants or other sources.
Meaning: A concentrated flavoring taken from plants or other sources.
Example: Early root beer kits included a powder mix and a liquid extract.
Other Listening Exercises
The History of Root Beer
In progressB2 · 14:26