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Academic English

“I Love Trees”

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Level: Topic: Type: Speakers: Length:
difficult nature essay reading girl 01:57

Pre-Listening Exercise

Recycling and protecting the environment is very important in our world today. Now, you will listen to an award-winning essay on trees in which a girl explains why she loves trees? What ideas would you expect to hear in such an essay?

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. Trees make cities more beautiful and healthy.
  2. Spending time in parks improves people’s mental health.
  3. Nature should be protected even if it limits urban development.
  4. Parks are the best places for families to spend free time together.
  5. People notice the beauty of trees more in their hometown than when traveling.
  6. Planting more trees can help fight climate change.
  7. Some parks are better maintained than others, which affects their beauty.
  8. Technology makes people appreciate nature less than before.
  9. Cities without many trees feel less welcoming.
  10. Everyone should have easy access to green spaces like parks.

Idioms

“money doesn’t grow on trees” = don’t waste money because it isn’t always easy to come by
“Watch how much you spend because money doesn’t grow on trees.”

“have a green thumb” = special ability at making plants grow well
“She has a real green thumb for growing beautiful decorative trees.”

Listening Exercise

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

Post-Listening Exercise

What environmental problems can you think that pose great danger to nature and our world (e.g., acid rain, deforestation, water pollution)? Are these threats caused by human activity or by natural occurrences? What are some solutions to these problems? Share your ideas on these important issues.

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