Learn English with The Act

A seasonal anthology series that tells startling, stranger-than-fiction true crime stories with the first season following Gypsy Blanchard, a girl trying to escape the toxic relationship she has with her overprotective mother.

Why learn English with The Act?

"The Act" tells the real-life story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother, Dee Dee. Dee Dee convinces everyone that Gypsy has many serious illnesses, keeping her in a wheelchair and controlling every aspect of her life. As the story unfolds, you'll learn vocabulary related to medical conditions like "epilepsy," "muscular dystrophy," and "allergic reactions." You'll also hear common phrases used in everyday conversations, like "nice to meet you," "how are you doing," and "it's no problem." The show uses flashbacks, showing how Dee Dee controlled Gypsy from a young age, creating a complex and sometimes confusing narrative. The show explores difficult themes like deception, manipulation, and the struggle for independence. You'll encounter a range of emotions expressed by the characters, from love and concern to anger and frustration. The language used varies from casual conversations between neighbors to more formal interactions with doctors. Paying attention to how the characters speak in different situations will help you understand the nuances of English communication. The show also highlights the importance of clear communication, especially when dealing with medical professionals, which can be valuable for English learners navigating similar situations in real life. Watching "The Act" can be a helpful tool for English language learners because it exposes you to different accents and speaking styles. The show is set in the American Midwest, so you'll hear a distinct regional accent. You'll also see how body language and facial expressions contribute to communication, which is essential for understanding English speakers. Because the story is engaging, it can keep you motivated to learn and improve your comprehension skills. You’ll learn about complex family dynamics while improving your listening and comprehension abilities.

Words from The Act

Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in The Act:

slash: a sharp cut made with a knife or similar object
rape: to force someone to have sex without their permission
scream: a loud, high sound made when frightened, excited, or angry
tale: a story, usually one that is full of action and adventure or that is hard to believe
fairy: a British brand of liquid soap that lasts longer than other brands, often used for washing dishes
fairy: a small imaginary being with magical powers
enchant: to attract someone strongly and make them feel excited or interested
princess: a female person who is part of a royal family, especially a daughter of the king or queen
habitat: the place where a particular type of plant or animal is usually found
humanity: all people
dwell: to live in a particular place
homeless: without a home, typically living on the streets
producer: a person or company creating food, goods, or entertainment like movies, TV, radio or music
hurricane: a powerful storm with extremely strong winds
moss: a small green or yellow plant which grows on wet surfaces, rocks and trees