ESL Podcast 900 - Simplifying Information

to come along - to make progress or advance toward some goal or completion

How are your vacation plans coming along?

to simplify - to make something simpler, less complex, and easier to understand

The agency could improve customer satisfaction by simplifying the application process.

key concept - a main idea; one of the most important ideas or facts that a person is trying to communicate through speech or writing

The five-paragraph essay starts with an introduction, then presents three key concepts, and then ends with a conclusion.

to dumb (something) down - to make something too simple or basic, usually by removing the most important or interesting information

It must have been hard for a genius like Albert Einstein to dumb his ideas down and explain them so that other people could understand them.

instinct - a behavior or reaction that a person or animal is born with, something that does not need to be taught or learned

Babies are born with an instinct to suck.

non-specialist - an ordinary person with a normal amount of knowledge, not an expert or something with a lot of knowledge about a technical topic

Many researchers struggle to describe their work clearly for non-specialists when they apply for funding.

to capture the essence - to clearly explain the most important parts of something so that someone who is not familiar with it can understand the main idea without knowing all the details

This photograph really captures the essence of life on the streets in New Orleans.

simplistic - very simple, especially overly simple, without any details or complex information, usually used to describe something in a negative way

The novel's characters are too simplistic. They don't seem to have any deep emotions or thoughts.

rule of thumb - a general guideline, but not something that is written down or official

In the kitchen, Yukato's rule of thumb is to bake everything at 350 degrees.

to jump out at - to catch someone's interest and attention; to be the thing that gets the most attention

I don't want any typos to jump out at my teacher when he reads my essay.

pattern - a repeating design or sequence, like AABBBAABBB

The children had to identify the pattern in a series of colored beads and then extend it.

run-through - a trial presentation, used to receive feedback and improve one's style and content before making the full presentation in front of a real audience

Before making a big presentation, James likes to record himself in a run- through and then watch himself on the screen.

to nail - to do something very well; to meet one's goal

Wow, we nailed that presentation! The clients are definitely going to select our proposal.

to be on (someone) - to be paid for by someone as a special treat

The coffee's on me. It's the least I can do to thank you for meeting with me.

to change (one's) mind - to change one's opinion; to make a different decision

Harold was going to spend the weekend at the coast, but then he changed his mind and decided to stay at home instead.