| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Difficult | Environment | Man | 03:56 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
First, name three environmental problems that face our world today, and how people can help solve these problems. What image comes to mind when you think of “recycling”?
- Every person has a responsibility to protect the environment.
- Governments should do more than individuals to solve environmental problems.
- Businesses should be punished for harming the environment, even if it costs jobs.
- People should avoid using cars and walk or bike instead.
- Climate change is the most serious problem facing the world today.
- Recycling is not enough to protect the environment.
- Technology can solve most of our environmental problems.
- It’s okay to cut down trees if the land is used for farming or housing.
- Rich countries should help poorer countries protect the environment.
- Protecting nature is more important than economic growth.
Idioms
“zero in on” = focus on or direction your attention to a particular issue
“I think we need to zero in on the main causes of water pollution and start solving them one at a time.”
“leave no stone unturned” = do everything possible to solve a problem
“Things might look bad, but we will leave no stone unturned in trying to find the answer to our company’s economic problems.”
Listening Exercise
Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)
Vocabulary and Sample Sentences
Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:
-
manufacture (verb): to make things in large numbers
– This company manufactures some of the best laptop computers. -
agenda (noun): a list of things to be done
– There are several things we need to discuss on the agenda. -
momentum (noun): the force that grows stronger over time
– I hope the students maintain their momentum until the end of the semester. -
essential (adjective): very important
– A good understanding of grammar is essential to better communication. -
pitch in (idiom): to help someone or a cause
– I hope everyone can pitch in and clean the office after the party. -
dispose of (something) (verb): to throw something away
– Please dispose of your trash before you leave the classroom. -
grasp (something) (verb): to understand something difficult
– I couldn’t grasp his decision to leave the company. -
expend (verb): to use or spend (time, effort, or energy)
– My brother expended too much time on fixing his car, and not enough effort on studying for his classes. -
implement (verb): to begin or carry out a plan
– When is the company going to implement their goals for the new year? -
achieve (verb): to reach something such as a goal
– How long do you think it will take your students to achieve their educational goals?
Post-Listening Exercise
What are five specific things individuals can do to protect the environment? What are some reasons why people do not recycle or are careless when they dispose of garbage? Are there any unique programs in your city or country that promote recycling and protecting the environment?