Chapter 1: Early Life and Adoption

Discover Steve’s beginnings in San Francisco, his adoption by Paul and Clara Jobs, and how time spent in his father’s garage sparked a lifelong passion for invention.

Chapter 2: Learning and Curiosity

Follow twelve-year-old Steve as he builds a custom workbench, teams up with his friend Wozniak, devours electronics books, and joins the HP Explorer Club—laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs.

Chapter 3: College and Calligraphy

See how a brief stint at Reed College and a single calligraphy class opened Steve’s eyes to the importance of typography and design—lessons that would later shape every Apple product.

Chapter 4: Starting Apple Computer

Witness the garage-based partnership of Steve and Wozniak as they build the Apple I, launch Apple Computer in 1976, and set the stage for the personal-computer revolution with the Apple II.

Chapter 5: Leaving Apple, NeXT, and Pixar

Learn about Steve’s dramatic exit from Apple in 1985, his founding of NeXT, and his bold investment in Pixar—moves that would redefine animation and computing.

Chapter 6: Return to Apple and Lasting Legacy

Explore Steve’s triumphant return in 1997, the “Think Different” campaign, and the breakthroughs of the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad—products that transformed Apple into a global icon.

Chapter 7: Health, Farewell, and Inspiration

Reflect on Steve’s courageous battle with illness, his transition to Chairman, and his lasting wisdom—“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”—that continues to inspire innovators everywhere.

About Steve Jobs’s life (full story)

Mia, Leo, Emma, Jay, and Zeta are invited as VIP guests to Nebulon’s grand Music & Light Festival. Mia and Emma decorate the stage with glowing lanterns and ribbons, while Leo and Jay learn to play alien instruments—a light harp and a sound orb—under Zeta’s gentle guidance. As the festival begins, their harmonized music and coordinated lights create a dazzling performance that lights up crystal pillars and fills the sky with rainbow beams. Through teamwork and creativity, the friends discover how music and color can unite a crowd and celebrate the magic of Nebulon’s culture.

1. Vocabulary

2. Useful Phrases

3. Phrasal Verbs

Learner Tip: Choose a few words or phrases each day, write simple example sentences with them, and practice aloud to build both your vocabulary and confidence!

The Lost Alien Pet

Join Mia, Leo, Emma, Jay, and their alien friend Zeta on a brand-new Nebulon adventure in “The Lost Alien Pet”! When Zeta’s fluffy, glowing pet Sprocket goes missing in the Crystal Gardens, the team forms a detective squad, follows glowing paw prints, and uses Nebulon’s light-and-sound language to unlock secret puzzles. Watch as they:

1. Gather clues in a sparkling crystal garden
2. Tap musical rhythms on glowing pillars
3. Open a hidden chamber of lanterns
4. Reunite with Sprocket through teamwork and curiosity

Perfect for listening practice, vocabulary building, and inspiring young learners to use teamwork and compassion to solve problems.

Watch video

1. Vocabulary

2. Useful Phrases

3. Phrasal Verbs

Other stories: 101 Short Stories for learning English 

Join Mia, Leo, Emma, Jay, and their new alien friend Zeta on an unforgettable journey beneath the sparkling surface of Nebulon! In this fun English story for kids, you’ll learn how teamwork, curiosity, and imagination can unlock any mystery. Watch as the children:

1. Meet Zeta in Mia’s backyard

2. Blast off in a cardboard spaceship

3. Explore glowing crystal caves

4. Solve a secret puzzle together

5. Celebrate their adventure and make memories that last a lifetime

Wath video

Here are key vocabulary items, useful phrases, and phrasal verbs from “Zeta’s Visit and The Crystal Caves of Nebulon,” each with an English explanation to help learners:

1. Vocabulary

2. Useful Phrases

• “take your seats”
  Ask people to sit down in their assigned places (e.g. aboard the spaceship).

• “fasten your seat belts”
  Secure your seat belt before moving or flying.

• “We have arrived at…”
  A way to announce that you have reached a destination.

• “You have solved the puzzle!”
  A congratulatory phrase when someone figures out a problem or riddle.

• “We will never forget this day.”
  A sentiment expressing that the memory will last forever.

3. Phrasal Verbs

Other stories: 101 Short Stories for learning English 

On a warm summer evening in the small town of Sunnyvale, some curious children met in Mia’s backyard. The sky was very dark blue, full of bright stars that seemed to say, “Come have fun!” Mia, who led the group, had an idea: “Let’s build a spaceship and go to the stars!” Using cardboard boxes, colorful markers, and scraps of fabric, the kids turned the yard into a make-believe rocket

When their “spaceship” was ready, Mia shouted, “All aboard!” Leo, Emma, and Jay climbed inside the box. Jay counted down in a loud voice: “Three… Two… One… Blast off!” They closed their eyes and pretended to fly into the night sky….

Read more: 

Other English stories: 101 Short Stories for learning English | Beginner to Advanced Level (text, audio, and video)

Today’s topic is a surprising twist in U.S.-China trade relations.

In April 2025, President Trump announced that electronics like smartphones and laptops would be exempt from new tariffs on Chinese imports. Tech companies and consumers felt relieved.

But just hours later, the administration clarified that these products would still face a 20% tariff under a different policy aimed at pressuring China over fentanyl.

This sudden reversal created confusion across the tech industry and financial markets.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear a dialogue between Anna and Ben as they react to this news, share their thoughts, and explore the possible impact on everyday life.

Let’s dive into what happened – and what it means for companies, consumers, and the global economy.

CONVERSATION

Anna:
Hey Ben, did you see the news about the tariffs on electronics? Things are getting a bit crazy again.

Ben:
Oh yeah, I did! First, they said smartphones and laptops would be exempt, and then just a few hours later—bam! A 20% tariff under a different category. What’s going on?

Anna:
Exactly. It’s like a complete U-turn. A lot of companies were relieved at first, thinking they’d been spared. And then… confusion everywhere.

Ben:
Yeah, I read that the exemptions were supposed to help reduce the impact on consumers. I mean, no one wants to pay more for a phone or a laptop, right?

Anna:
Right! Especially now when people depend so much on their devices for school, work, and even daily life. If prices go up, that could hit a lot of people hard.

Ben:
And let’s not forget the tech companies. I bet Apple, Dell, and others had already started planning around the exemption. Then suddenly, they’re back to square one.

Anna:
Exactly! I saw someone online say this kind of mixed messaging makes it really hard to do business. How can companies make smart decisions when policies keep changing?

Ben:
Totally. And the reason they gave this time was related to fentanyl policy. It seems like the administration is using trade tools to apply pressure on China for unrelated issues.

Anna:
Yeah, and that’s a bit risky. Mixing economic policy with drug enforcement can complicate things even more.

Ben:
Agreed. And from what I read, markets reacted badly too. Stocks dropped because investors hate uncertainty.

Anna:
Makes sense. Stability is key in the business world. When things change overnight, it creates panic.

Ben:
Exactly. And what’s really interesting is how much power one announcement can have. A short statement from the President and the whole tech industry reacts instantly.

Anna:
True. It shows how connected everything is—politics, economics, technology. One decision can cause a ripple effect across the globe.

Ben:
And it’s not just about gadgets. It’s also about jobs, supply chains, shipping costs… all of that can be affected.

Anna:
Absolutely. If companies need to pay more for imported parts, they’ll either raise prices or cut costs somewhere—maybe by reducing jobs or moving production.

Ben:
Right. It’s a chain reaction. Also, I was thinking—what about small businesses? They might not survive such sudden price jumps.

Anna:
Good point. A big company like Apple might absorb some of the costs, but smaller businesses probably can’t. It’s definitely a tough spot.

Ben:
So what do you think will happen next?

Anna:
Hard to say. Maybe there’ll be another policy shift. Or maybe companies will try to move production out of China to avoid tariffs altogether.

Ben:
That’s already happening, I think. Vietnam, India, and Mexico are becoming popular alternatives.

Anna:
But moving factories isn’t easy or cheap. It takes time, planning, and a lot of money.

Ben:
Yeah, and even then, you still have to deal with new rules and challenges in those countries.

Anna:
So basically, there’s no quick fix. Just a lot of uncertainty.

Ben:
Exactly. And for us as consumers, we’ll probably just see higher prices and fewer choices for a while.

Anna:
I guess now’s a good time to buy a new laptop before things get worse!

Ben:
Haha, good idea! Or maybe I’ll just hold on to my old one and hope it lasts another year.

Anna:
Same here. Well, let’s hope things settle down soon—for everyone’s sake.

Ben:
Fingers crossed. Thanks for chatting, Anna. This was really interesting.

Anna:
Always a pleasure, Ben!

Vocabulary List

1. Tariff

   • Definition: A tax imposed on imported goods.

   • Example: The new tariff increased the cost of imported electronics.

2. Exemption

   • Definition: An official permission to not follow a rule or law.

   • Example: Certain medical devices received an exemption from the new regulations.​

3. Confusion

   • Definition: A state of being unclear or uncertain.

   • Example: The sudden policy change led to widespread confusion among businesses.​

4. Back-and-forth

   • Definition: A situation where decisions or opinions keep changing.

   • Example: The back-and-forth on the policy made planning difficult.​

5. Consumer

   • Definition: A person who purchases goods or services.

   • Example: Consumers are concerned about potential price increases.​

6. Financial markets

   • Definition: Places where financial securities are traded.

   • Example: Financial markets reacted negatively to the unexpected announcement.

Today’s topic is all about Tesla, China, and the impact of global tariffs.

Recently, Tesla has decided to stop selling two of its high-end models, the Model S and Model X, in China.
Why?
Because of rising trade tensions between the United States and China.

The U.S. has imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, and China responded with a 125% tariff on American imports.
This trade war has made it too expensive for Tesla to sell some of its cars in China.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear a dialogue between Anna and Ben, as they dive into this issue, share their thoughts, and explore what this means for the future of global business.

Make sure to stay until the end, because we’ll also break down some useful vocabulary and phrases from the conversation.

Let’s get started!

CONVERSATION

Anna:
Hey Ben, have you read the latest news about Tesla pulling some of its cars from the Chinese market?

Ben:
Yeah, I caught that on CNN. They stopped selling the Model S and Model X in China, right?

Anna:
Exactly. It’s all because of the new tariffs between the U.S. and China. The U.S. slapped a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, and China hit back with a 125% tariff on American goods, including electric vehicles.

Ben:
That’s pretty brutal. So basically, the cost of importing American-made Teslas into China just skyrocketed?

Anna:
Yup. That made the Model S and Model X way too expensive for Chinese consumers. It’s hard to compete when your price jumps by over 100%.

Ben:
Totally. And what makes it even trickier is that Tesla has a Gigafactory in Shanghai. So the locally-made Model 3 and Model Y are much cheaper and don’t face the same tariffs.

Anna:
Exactly. It’s a smart move, honestly. But it also shows how vulnerable companies are to geopolitical decisions.

Ben:
True. Elon Musk even criticized the U.S. government. He said the tariffs are hurting American businesses, not helping them.

Anna:
He has a point. A trade war might seem tough on paper, but it ends up being bad for businesses on both sides. Plus, it confuses consumers.

Ben:
And the global supply chain gets even messier. I read somewhere that companies are now rethinking where they manufacture products, just to avoid high tariffs.

Anna:
Yeah, that’s called “supply chain diversification.” Companies are starting to build factories in other countries like Vietnam, India, and Mexico to spread out the risk.

Ben:
That’s smart. But isn’t it expensive to relocate production?

Anna:
Definitely. But for big players like Tesla, it might be cheaper in the long run than paying huge tariffs or losing market share.

Ben:
Good point. I wonder how Chinese consumers feel about this. Do you think they’ll switch to local EV brands?

Anna:
Actually, many already have. Chinese brands like BYD and Nio are growing fast. They offer high-tech features at competitive prices, and now they have a price advantage too.

Ben:
Wow. So Tesla’s losing market share in China?

Anna:
It looks that way. China is the world’s largest EV market, so this could have long-term effects on Tesla’s global position.

Ben:
Do you think this will push Tesla to produce more models locally in China?

Anna:
Maybe. Local production helps them avoid tariffs and stay competitive. But it also raises concerns about intellectual property and technology transfer.

Ben:
True. Some U.S. companies are worried that manufacturing in China could lead to copycat products.

Anna:
It’s a delicate balance. You want access to a massive market, but you don’t want to lose your edge.

Ben:
Exactly. I just hope both governments can work things out. A prolonged trade war helps no one.

Anna:
Totally agree. Meanwhile, for consumers like us, it just means fewer choices and higher prices.

Ben:
Yikes. So much for my dream of getting a Model S in the future!

Anna:
Haha, maybe wait until they sort out the tariffs—or move to Shanghai!

Vocabulary List – Tesla, Tariffs & Trade

1. Tariff (noun)

Meaning: A tax placed on imported or exported goods
Example: China imposed new tariffs on electric vehicles from the U.S.”

2. Supply chain (noun)

Meaning: The entire system of producing and delivering a product, from suppliers to customers
Example: Tesla may have to change its supply chain to avoid tariffs.”

3. Trade war (noun)

Meaning: A conflict between countries where each side imposes tariffs or restrictions on the other’s goods
Example: The trade war between the U.S. and China has affected many global companies.”

4. Manufacturing hub (noun)

Meaning: A central location where many goods are produced
Example: China is a major manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.

5. Relocate (verb)

Meaning: To move to a different place
Example: Some companies are relocating their factories to Vietnam.

6. Market share (noun)

Meaning: The portion of sales a company has in a particular market
Example: Tesla is trying to increase its market share in Asia.

7. Geopolitical tension (noun phrase)

Meaning: Political conflict between countries that affects international relations
Example: Geopolitical tensions can lead to higher tariffs and supply chain issues.

8. Export (verb/noun)

Meaning: To send goods to another country for sale
Example: Tesla exports cars from China to other parts of the world.

9. Diversify (verb)

Meaning: To vary or expand the range of something (like markets or suppliers)
Example: Tesla wants to diversify its supply chain to reduce risks.”

10. Uncertainty (noun)

Meaning: A situation where outcomes are unknown or unpredictable
Example: Economic uncertainty is making companies rethink their global strategies.”

11. Tense (adjective)

Meaning: Nervous or difficult, usually describing a situation or relationship
Example: Relations between the U.S. and China have become tense again.”

12. Investment (noun)

Meaning: Money put into something to gain profit or benefit
Example: Tesla has made large investments in its Shanghai factory.”

In this lesson, we explore Steve Jobs’ iconic commencement address, where he shares his personal journey, the importance of following your passion, and valuable life lessons. Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, uses his personal experiences of dropping out of college, facing failure, and confronting death to inspire us to live authentically and pursue our dreams

2. Listening to the Speech

Listen carefully to the full speech (or selected segments). Focus on understanding the tone, pace, and key points made by Jobs.

Part 1: The Dropout and Calligraphy Story

Part 2: The Story of Love and Loss

Part 3: The Story about Death and Life Lessons

3. Analysis and Lesson Extraction

• Dropout & Calligraphy:
  Key Lesson: Sometimes unconventional paths and seemingly unrelated experiences (like learning calligraphy) can lead to groundbreaking innovations.

• Love and Loss:
  Key Lesson: Failure is not the end but a stepping stone to growth and creativity. Embrace setbacks as opportunities to start over.

• Death and Life Lessons:
  Key Lesson: Facing our mortality can clear our vision and remind us to live authentically, prioritizing what truly matters.

4. Vocabulary and Phrases

Objective: Expand your vocabulary and understand useful phrases from the speech.

Key Vocabulary/Expressions to Learn:

• “Drop out” – Leaving a formal course of study before completion.
• “Calligraphy” – The art of beautiful handwriting or lettering.
• “Rebound” or “comeback” – Recovering from a setback.
• “Connect the dots” – Understanding how past experiences relate to future outcomes.
• “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” – A call to remain eager, curious, and willing to take risks.

5. Practice Writing

Enhance your writing skills by expressing your own opinion on the lessons learned from the speech.

• Which of Steve Jobs’ stories resonated with you the most and why?
• How can the lessons from this speech be applied to your own life or studies?
• What does ‘Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish’ mean to you in today’s context?”

Please share your opinion in the comment box

Learning English doesn’t have to mean diving into grammar books or memorizing endless vocabulary lists. One of the most engaging ways to enhance your language skills is by immersing yourself in storytelling, mainly through short stories. By combining these stories with videos, ebooks, and AI tools, you can create an enjoyable learning experience.

Once you’ve made significant progress in your English skills, you can take your learning further by creating a video version of your favorite short story. This creative challenge tests your understanding of the language and allows you to use the words and vocabulary you’ve learned engagingly and practically.

Why Short Stories?

Short stories are an excellent starting point for English learners because they are concise and enjoyable. Here’s why they are so effective:

Memorable and Engaging

Short stories provide a complete narrative, beginning, middle, and end in just a few pages or minutes. They are easier to follow and remember than lengthy novels.

Natural Language

Unlike textbooks, short stories expose you to real-life expressions, idioms, and conversational phrases, helping you build fluency.

Diverse Genres

From mystery to romance, short stories cover various genres, allowing you to expand your vocabulary and experience different sentence structures.

The Benefits of Videos for Learning English

Pairing short stories with videos offers a multi-sensory learning experience that enhances comprehension and retention.

Why Videos Work:

1. Improved Pronunciation and Listening Skills: Videos showcase native speakers’ accents, tone, and rhythm.
2. Contextual Understanding: Visual elements provide context, making new vocabulary and expressions more straightforward to understand.
3. Repetition at Your Pace: Videos can be paused, replayed, and studied repeatedly for better understanding.
4. Motivation and Fun: Videos are entertaining, keeping you engaged and consistent in your practice.

How AI Tools Can Help

Modern tools like AI video generators, let you create videos based on stories or text. These tools are precious once you’ve improved your English proficiency.

Turn Learning into Creation

After mastering a short story, use an AI text-to-video tool to bring it to life. Rewrite the story in your own words, incorporating the vocabulary and phrases you’ve learned, and then create a video adaptation.

Why This Helps:

• Test Your Understanding: Transforming text into video challenges you to summarize, interpret, and articulate the story in English.
• Showcase Your Vocabulary: Writing your version of a story lets you practice using new words and expressions in context.
• Engage with Visual Learning: Adding animations, visuals, and voiceovers strengthens your comprehension and creative skills.

The Role of Ebooks in Language Learning

Ebooks combine the benefits of traditional reading with modern convenience. They are perfect for reinforcing language skills.

Key Benefits:

1. Instant Translations and Definitions: Most ebook readers provide built-in dictionaries to explain unfamiliar words.
2. Interactive Notes and Highlights: Highlight key phrases to revisit later and reinforce learning.
3. Portability and Accessibility: you can read ebooks anywhere, making it easy to study on the go.

Step-by-Step Approach to Boosting Your English

1. Start with Simple Short Stories
   • Choose stories with straightforward vocabulary and sentence structures.
   • Pick genres that you enjoy to stay motivated.
2. Combine Reading with Watching
   • Look for video adaptations of the stories on platforms like YouTube.
   • Watch these after reading to reinforce comprehension.
3. Build Vocabulary
   • Use ebook features to highlight and define unfamiliar words.
   • Practice writing sentences with new vocabulary.
4. Practice Speaking
   • Try “shadowing” by repeating sentences from story videos to improve pronunciation.
   • Summarize the story in your own words and record yourself to evaluate your fluency.
5. Create a Video Version
   • Once confident, rewrite your favorite short story in English using the vocabulary and grammar you’ve learned.
   • Use AI tools to create a personalized video adaptation of the story.
6. Engage with Online Communities
   • Share your video creation with others in language learning forums.
   • Seek feedback and connect with peers to discuss your favorite short stories.

Conclusion

Learning English becomes more enjoyable when you combine short stories, videos, ebooks, and AI tools. Once you’ve improved your skills, you can take the ultimate proficiency test by creating a video version of your favorite story. This creative exercise allows you to practice writing, speaking, and interpreting the language in your own words.

Dive into the world of stories, unleash your creativity, and make learning English an exciting journey. Happy learning!

Do you believe we can improve our English speaking, and listening skills effectively through short stories?

Do you believe in this way of learning?

First, take a look at the benefits that reading stories bring to you:

• Understand deeper and broaden understanding
• Know more vocals and how they are used in real contexts
• Motivate imagination, create your own story
• Enhance communication skill

In this lesson, we will share with you six short stories (in the video) illustrated by the colorful pictures, please listen carefully to find out what the meaning of each story

To learn how to use the short stories above to improve your English speaking, and listening skills effectively, we have already written an e-book with the title “How to Learn English Effectively through Short Stories”

Download: books.helenadailyenglish.com

Now, it’s time to listen to the short stories on YouTube:

Ebook content:

1. Introduction
2. Usage guide
3. Chapter 1. Why learn English through short stories
4. Chapter 2. Short story
5. Chapter 3. How to practice
5.1. Skimming and listening
5.2. Speaking
a. Practice with yourself
b. Practice with your partner 5.3. Reading comprehension
5.4. Writing
6. The meaningful lessons
7. Bonus/Extra
7.1. Linking words
7.2. Other stories

You will find parts 5,6,7 in the E-book “How to Learn English effectively through short stories”.  If you are really interested in our e-book, click the link above to download it.

This e-book is designed to help you to improve your English skills through short stories illustrated with colorful pictures. It is considered one of the most effective approaches to learning English.

It will take such a long time and effort to master any language but we hope that this e-book can contribute partly to your English learning process.

Download: books.helenadailyenglish.com