Skip to main content

Academic English

“Saving the Earth”

Level: Topic: Speakers: Length:
intermediate recycling man – girl 01:07

Pre-Listening Exercise

[ Randall created this listening activity on saving the environment with his daughter, Aubrey. She has appeared in many conversations on this site, including another one on saving the planet called, “Water Conservation,” produced in December 2016. ]

Speak Up, Take a Stand! Instructions for Getting the Conversation Started

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.

  • In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.

  • In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?

  • For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.

  1. Everyone should take responsibility for protecting the environment.
  2. One person can make a big difference in saving the Earth.
  3. Governments should do more than individuals to fight climate change.
  4. It’s too late to stop global warming.
  5. People should stop using plastic completely.
  6. Saving endangered animals is more important than building new homes.
  7. Companies that pollute should pay higher taxes.
  8. Recycling is not enough to save the planet.
  9. Technology can solve most of our environmental problems.
  10. People in rich countries should do more to protect the Earth than people in poor countries.

Idioms

“be way out in left field” = be totally wrong
Some people thought the scientist was way out in left field when he suggested that cooking oil could be recycled to power car engines. In the end, the scientist was right.”

“scratch the surface” = only begin to deal with a small part of the problem
The government is only beginning to scratch the surface in dealing with serious environmental issues.”

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

Post-Listening Exercise

Conduct research on how paper and glass are recycled and then report on the types of products that are produced from these recycled materials. Review how paper and other products are being overused at your home, school, or business, and propose ideas on how to reduce excess waste and promote recycling.

Online Investigation

What recycling programs are set up in your city to handle waste? What kinds of items can be recycled? What are the recycling guidelines?

Try More Free Listening at Dailyesl.com