Learn English with The Blacklist

Raymond "Red" Reddington, one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives, surrenders in person at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He claims that he and the FBI have the same interests: bringing down dangerous criminals and terrorists. In the last two decades, he's made a list of criminals and terrorists that matter the most but the FBI cannot find because it does not know they exist. Reddington calls this "The Blacklist". Reddington will co-operate, but insists that he will speak only to Elizabeth Keen, a rookie FBI profiler.

Why learn English with The Blacklist?

"The Blacklist" is a thrilling TV show about Raymond Reddington, a former government agent turned criminal mastermind, who mysteriously surrenders to the FBI. He offers to help them catch dangerous criminals on his "Blacklist," but only if he speaks with a specific profiler, Elizabeth Keen. The show follows their complicated relationship as they work together to stop terrorists, assassins, and other bad guys. You'll learn vocabulary related to crime, law enforcement, and espionage, like "surrender," "abduction," "classified," "interrogate," and "immunity." The plot twists and turns keep you guessing, making it exciting to watch and learn. The show explores themes of trust, betrayal, family secrets, and the blurred lines between good and evil. You'll encounter a range of emotions, from fear and suspense to determination and loyalty. The characters speak in both formal and informal English, using idioms and slang, which will help you understand different speaking styles. For example, you'll hear expressions like "stone," meaning unresponsive, or "he's on to us," meaning someone has discovered their secret. This variety of language will enrich your vocabulary and comprehension skills. "The Blacklist" is a great choice for English learners because it's engaging, uses varied language, and exposes you to American accents. The fast-paced dialogue and exciting storyline will keep you motivated to follow along and improve your listening skills. The show's popularity means you can find lots of online resources, like subtitles and transcripts, which can be helpful learning tools. By watching "The Blacklist," you can enhance your English while enjoying a gripping story.

Words from The Blacklist

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

cooper: a person who makes wooden barrels
appointment: a planned meeting or visit at a specific time, often related to work
tattoo: a permanent picture or design marked on a person's skin using ink and needles
volunteer: a person who does a job for no money
classified: secret and available only to certain people
briefcase: a flat case used to carry papers and documents
alias: a false name, especially one used by a criminal or an actor
lab: a short form of the word laboratory
rfid: a way of tracking objects or people using small electronic devices that send out radio signals
assemble: to gather as a group
intel: a short form of the word intelligence: secret information, such as about enemy groups, governments, or crimes
naval: related to the navy of a country
groom: to take care of a horse by cleaning and brushing it
admiral: a high ranking officer in the navy
leak: liquid or gas escaping from a container through a small hole or crack