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Learn English with Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.

Why learn English with Law & Order: Special Victims Unit?

This episode of Law & Order: SVU tells the story of a taxi driver who is murdered. The detectives soon discover the victim was using a fake identity, and his real name was Stefan Tanzic, a war criminal wanted for rape. The investigation uncovers several women who were victims of Tanzic, each with a motive for revenge. Learners can expand their vocabulary with words related to law and crime, such as "detective," "homicide," "victim," "suspect," "evidence," and "testify," as well as legal terms like "indictment" and "arraignment." The show also uses common expressions and idioms, which are helpful for understanding everyday conversation. The story explores themes of justice, revenge, and the long-term effects of trauma. The detectives face difficult ethical questions as they investigate. The show uses a range of emotional language, from anger and grief to fear and desperation, which can help learners understand how to express feelings in English. The dialogue between characters is realistic and natural, providing examples of different speaking styles and accents. The show frequently portrays courtroom scenes, exposing learners to formal legal language and procedures. Watching Law & Order: SVU can be a useful tool for English language learners. The clear pronunciation and moderate speaking pace make it easier to follow the dialogue. The show's engaging plot and characters can keep learners motivated to continue watching and learning. Because the series deals with complex legal and emotional situations, it can be a valuable way to learn vocabulary and expressions related to these topics, improving overall comprehension and communication skills.

Words from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit:

heinous: morally very bad
detective: a police officer or person who investigates crimes and catches criminals
vicious: very cruel or violent, often with a desire to hurt someone or something
felony: a serious crime such as murder or rape; the act of committing such a crime
elite: a small group of people with high levels of influence or skill, due to factors like wealth or ability
stab: pushing a sharp pointed object into something, often causing injury
cigar: a hand-rolled bundle of dried tobacco leaves smoked without the paper found in cigarettes
licence: an official document giving permission to do something
victor: the person who wins a battle, competition, or game
wallet: a small folding case used to hold paper money, credit cards, and other items
robbery: taking money or goods from someone, often with threats or violence, especially from a bank or store
stabbing: very sharp, sudden, and strong
necessarily: used to say that something is essential or cannot be avoided
whoever: any person who
paperwork: documents related to a job, activity, or legal issue, such as forms, reports, or contracts