VOA · As It Is
Intermediate · B1–B2learner speed4:182025-03-03public domain
As It Is is VOA Learning English's daily news magazine. Each report covers a current story in clear, learner-speed English with a controlled vocabulary — the closest thing to real news broadcasts that intermediate learners can fully digest, and ideal raw material for dictation.
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01The wives of American presidents are called first ladies.
02But when America's first president, George Washington, took office, this name was not yet in use.
03So, at the time, people questioned what his wife, Martha Washington, should be called.
04Many people started using Lady Washington, while others sometimes called her Mrs.
05President or Lady Presidentess.
06The White House Historical Association says Martha Washington was born on June 2, 1731.
07She was raised in New Kent County, Virginia.
08She was taught to read and write at a young age, the association notes.
09This developed into a lifelong love for different kinds of literature, including books, magazines, and scripture.
10George Washington was Martha's second husband.
11Her first, Daniel Custis, died at the age of 45.
12Martha married George on January 6, 1759.
13George Washington was sworn in as president in 1789 in New York City, the nation's first capital.
14But Martha was not at his side.
15She remained at their large home and farm in Virginia called Mount Vernon.
16At the time, Mrs.
17Washington said she was too busy preparing for the move to attend the inauguration.
18Patricia Brady is a historian and writer of the book Martha Washington, An American Life.
19She writes that during the first year, Martha generally followed the guidance of her husband and other early leaders about what duties she should have.
20Brady wrote that Martha pretty much did what she was asked to do, Although she made things much less formal, much less like royalty.
21One day a week, Mrs.
22Washington and Abigail Adams, wife of Vice President John Adams, held events where they received guests.
23Brady said Mrs.
24Washington always dressed beautifully but modestly.
25She usually wore simple clothes and little jewelry.
26She favored high-quality clothing that was made in America.
27The White House Historical Association notes Martha's weekly meetings with visitors helped set important social and political precedents for the First Lady position.
28After George Washington's second term as president, he and Martha returned to Mount Vernon.
29They continued to accept visitors, supervise their property, and raise grandchildren.
30In the winter of 1799, George Washington was working outside when he got sick.
31He died two days later on December 14th.
32Less than three years after that, Martha died at Mount Vernon.
33I'm Brian Lynn.
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