Designing listenimg tasks using authentic listening materials for students partaking in the Provincial English Contests...10 1... The aim of all listening lessons should be to allow lear
Rationale of the study
Listening is the most frequently used language skill and plays a vital role in daily communication and education Despite its importance, the development of listening skills has often been overlooked in language instruction In English classrooms, where comprehensive listening is essential for learning, students must become effective listeners Therefore, English teachers should use authentic listening materials to better prepare students for successful communication.
The question of how to help learners develop effective listening skills brings attention to the methods we use and the type of materials we introduce our learners to.
The primary goal of listening lessons is to enable learners to achieve greater independence when understanding real-world foreign language situations This is best accomplished by incorporating authentic texts—spoken materials that are not specifically designed for language learners but are naturally used in authentic contexts Such texts are typically accessible through technologies like radio, television, video, the Internet, or CD-ROM, providing learners with genuine listening experiences that enhance their language skills and prepare them for real-life communication.
In today’s era of globalization, preparing students for real-life situations is a top priority for English teachers, students, and parents Incorporating authentic materials into high-level courses for high school English majors enhances the learning experience by aligning with real-world expectations Authentic materials also immerse students in the target language culture, making learning more engaging and motivating Additionally, using authentic listening resources in exams, such as the Provincial Contest for Gifted Students, offers both challenges and rewards for teachers and students, fostering practical language skills essential for success.
At our High School for Gifted Students, English major students have access to a wide range of listening materials However, many of these resources are primarily designed for exam preparation, such as IELTS and TOEFL, which may not adequately prepare students for real-life communication challenges To address this gap, integrating authentic listening materials into the classroom is an effective strategy to enhance students' practical listening skills and overall language proficiency.
With the increasing accessibility of the Internet, teachers and students now have easy access to a wide range of authentic listening materials However, many educators find these recordings challenging to utilize effectively in classroom listening activities This article proposes practical strategies to design engaging activities that enhance English language learners' comprehension of authentic listening texts These approaches are especially beneficial for English major students aiming to develop their listening skills.
Aims of the study
- Giving an overview of authentic materials and sources to obtain them
- Suggesting some ways to design exercises from the authentic materials so as to help English language learners develop their listening skills.
- Introducing some websites and programs for teachers and students to exploit authentic materials.
Participants of the study
This study is based on my teaching experience integrating authentic listening materials into my instruction at a High School for Gifted Students from 2016 to 2021 I primarily utilize these materials during morning lessons for 11th-grade students majoring in English, focusing on enhancing their listening skills These authentic listening resources are especially used as advanced practice for high-achieving students participating in the Provincial Contest for Gifted Students, aiming to improve their performance and language proficiency.
The scope of the study
This study aims to integrate authentic listening materials into the high school curriculum to enhance students' language skills Familiarizing students with real-life communicative situations through authentic listening exercises can significantly improve their language competence Incorporating these materials into teaching practices provides practical experience, making language learning more effective and engaging Adapting authentic listening content helps students develop better listening comprehension skills and prepares them for real-world communication.
This study offers valuable guidance for teachers seeking to incorporate authentic materials into their daily instruction It highlights several key sources from which educators can adapt materials, making it a useful resource for enhancing lesson authenticity By exploring these suggested sources, teachers can effectively integrate real-world content into their teaching strategies This approach not only enriches the learning experience but also aligns with best practices for using authentic materials in education.
The study also gives some suggestions for teachers to design some forms of exercises so as they can use in their every day lessons.
The adaptation of authentic listening materials for promoting listening skill in classroom and the provincial contest for gifted students
Theoreotical background
What are authentic materials?
Authentic materials, including print, video, and audio resources like menus, job applications, radio programs, and voice mail messages, are encountered by students in their daily lives and serve as effective learning tools These materials are not designed specifically for classroom use but are valuable because of their real-world relevance, enhancing language learning for ESL, ASE, and ABE students While authentic print materials benefit all learners, ESL students particularly gain from authentic auditory materials, with ABE and ASE students also finding them useful for developing language skills.
Why should we use authentic listening materials?
In today's globalized world, students must be exposed to diverse varieties of English, including British, American, Australian, Japanese, and Singaporean English, to prepare them for real-world language challenges Understanding these different English variants enhances their communication skills and cultural awareness Learning authentic language usage equips students to navigate international environments effectively and confidently Embracing a broad spectrum of English helps students adapt to global contexts and succeed beyond the classroom.
Using authentic materials in teaching, especially for higher-level high school English students, offers significant benefits Authentic texts contain features that are absent in textbooks, providing a more accurate representation of real language use According to Gilmore (2007), textbook language is a "poor representation of the real thing," as it is simplified and modified to support student learning Additionally, designed materials often lack elements such as natural intonation, speech rate, and background noise, which are present in authentic spoken English Incorporating authentic listening materials prepares students more effectively for real-world communication, enhancing their listening skills and overall language competence.
Authentic language significantly boosts students' motivation and interest by bringing them closer to real speakers and enhancing their understanding of the culture These materials make learning engaging and exciting, as they reflect the flavors of everyday life For English major students aiming to study abroad, authentic resources are particularly relevant, helping them develop practical communication skills Using authentic materials is essential for preparing students to confidently interact and communicate effectively in real-world, target language environments.
Benefits of using authentic listening materials
Authentic materials play a crucial role in language teaching and learning, as many educators and students recognize their value in providing more effective language acquisition These resources offer significant advantages over artificially created teaching materials, enhancing both linguistic skills and cultural understanding (Guariento & Morley, 2001; Wilcox & Oaks, 1999; Weyers, 1999 cited in Al Azri & Al-Rashdi, 2014) By scaffolding students' learning more effectively, authentic materials support a more natural and engaging language learning experience, benefiting learners both linguistically and non-linguistically.
Studies concerning the use of authentic materials have shown that they have a positive effect on learners' achievement Otte (2006, cited in Al Azri & Al-Rashdi,
Research from 2014 demonstrates that authentic materials effectively enhance students’ listening skills and boost their motivation Numerous studies highlight that authentic materials provide real-world language exposure, making learning more meaningful and engaging They help students develop practical listening abilities essential for real-life communication, while also increasing their interest and confidence in language learning Incorporating authentic materials into language instruction offers numerous benefits, including improved comprehension, increased motivation, and better preparation for real-world language use.
guide learners toward the language they need for their particular context;
provide exposure to real language.
relate more closely to learners ' needs.
help learners to produce better language.
help learners to acquire the language faster.
motivate learners to communicate, because they help make communication ‘real’.
provide words and constructions that students probably never see in non- authentic formal materials.
encourage teachers to adopt creative teaching approach.
In addition to the linguistic advantages, authentic materials also have some non- linguistic benefits They make a positive contribution in the field of language teaching and learning in that they:
have a positive effect on learner motivation and encourage them to learn better
makes learners more confident to deal with real life situations
Help prepare learners for the ‘real’ world of communication;
improve the learners' cultural awareness.
Students will learn better and benefit greatly from the use of authentic materials.
Teachers can adapt their use of authentic materials to suit the language proficiency level of the students.
4 Drawbacks of using authentic listening materials
Using authentic materials can significantly enhance students’ foreign language learning experiences; however, teachers often face practical challenges when incorporating these resources The process of finding suitable texts or audio recordings that match learners’ interests, language level, and cultural relevance is time-consuming and complex Additionally, authentic materials may include difficult vocabulary, complex grammatical structures, or cultural references that students are unfamiliar with or find unengaging, making their integration into lesson plans more challenging for educators (Jennie, 2015).
Utilizing authentic materials to develop listening skills can be challenging and time-consuming for teachers, as they often need to listen to recordings multiple times to accurately understand the content, important details, and language used This process becomes even more demanding when transcripts are unavailable, requiring teachers to repeatedly listen and review until they can confidently design effective listening tasks.
Many teachers tend to avoid using authentic audio materials due to a lack of knowledge on how to select appropriate recordings and effectively utilize them in lessons This challenge often discourages educators, leading them to rely on safer, less time-consuming course books instead Incorporating authentic sources can enrich language learning, but overcoming these obstacles is essential for teachers to confidently integrate real-world audio into their teaching strategies.
Authentic materials offer significant advantages in foreign language teaching, making them a valuable teaching aid Research shows that the benefits of using real-world resources outweigh any disadvantages, highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing language learning Therefore, educators should seriously consider integrating authentic materials into their teaching strategies to improve student engagement and language proficiency.
Ways of using different types of authentic materials
Radio
Using real-time radio in the classroom provides an accessible and authentic listening practice for learners, as radio programs are available 24/7 and can be easily incorporated into lessons The affordability of radios allows language teachers to obtain devices for classroom use, enhancing students’ exposure to real-life language in context Prominent stations like BBC World Service and Voice of America (VOA) continuously broadcast, offering learners authentic content to improve their listening skills and cultural understanding.
Many non-English speaking countries broadcast programs or have dedicated stations in English, providing valuable listening practice Although radios are easily accessible, they pose one of the greatest challenges for language learners due to the absence of non-verbal cues, which are essential for understanding messages Teachers should select appropriate radio programs and plan global listening tasks, such as guiding intermediate learners through a travel broadcast with carefully structured activities to enhance comprehension.
Today we are going to listen to a program on the radio for ten minutes about Harvest festival Before we listen answer my question:
- What can you see from the picture? What are people doing with those festivals?
The radio guide tells us in that this program is about Havest Festival around the world
Activity 1: Fill in the blank with words or phrases: Teacher gets students to listen and do the tasks designed.
A farmer in the world plants numerous seeds into a field, initiating the journey of crop cultivation With proper watering and sunlight, these seeds grow into mature fruits, vegetables, or grains Once the plants are full and ready, it becomes time to harvest the ripe produce This marks the crucial moment for farmers to collect the fruits, vegetables, or grains from their fields, ensuring a successful harvest.
Activity 2: Decide whether the following statements are True or False:
1 People have been celebrating the harvest for millions of years.
2 During the festival, people celebrate and drink
3 They wish to have better crop next year.
Groups of three engage in a brief discussion about the key points they heard from the program, followed by each group presenting their notes and reflections Using radio in this interactive way provides learners with authentic exposure to native speaker models, enriching their language learning beyond traditional classroom methods This approach emphasizes extensive listening for enjoyment, fostering a positive attitude towards language acquisition while reducing anxiety associated with testing comprehension Incorporating radio listening enhances listening skills, promotes authentic language exposure, and supports learners' natural development of listening proficiency.
Video clips
Using video clips in the classroom enhances learners' listening skills by providing access to richer language contexts Videos allow students to see visual cues and gestures alongside auditory information, making it easier to comprehend and retain content Incorporating videos into lessons creates an engaging learning environment that benefits learners in developing both listening comprehension and overall language proficiency.
In the English 11 lesson on Unit 8: Celebrations, I incorporate a focused listening activity featuring a 2-minute video titled "The Story of Thanksgiving Day" by SteelehouseMedia.com This video provides students with insights into the traditions and significance of Thanksgiving, encouraging them to understand different perspectives The activity serves as a valuable post-lesson exercise to enhance listening comprehension and cultural awareness Incorporating multimedia resources like this video helps engage students and reinforces key concepts related to celebrations and historical events.
The Internet
The rapid development of Internet facilities has been fueled by advances in powerful computers and increased user demand for innovative applications This growth enables educators to direct learners to online sites for listening practice, utilizing appropriate computer software Here are some websites that teachers can use to create listening tasks and students can access for independent study, enhancing their language learning experience.
3.1 BBC (Online) : http://www.bbc.co.uk/
The BBC’s World News TV service offers a wide range of news articles and reports, providing valuable resources for both teachers and students With hundreds of short videos and programs, including one-minute world news reports on business, science, and entertainment, it is an excellent tool for enhancing global awareness I frequently download the One Minute World News for my advanced students, as the fast-paced content challenges their listening skills and keeps them motivated with the latest international news.
3.2 BBC (Radio): http:// www.bbc.co.uk/radio/
BBC Radio is a dedicated online platform offering a wide selection of radio programs, including news, sports, entertainment, and documentaries To get started, visit the categories page where you can easily browse and select from various genres Whether you're interested in staying updated with current events or enjoying entertainment shows, BBC Radio provides diverse content to suit every listener's preferences.
3.3 CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/
CNN, like its British counterpart, offers an excellent video channel that allows teachers and students to access the latest news It also provides a diverse podcasting service with shows catering to various interests, making it a valuable educational resource Additionally, CNN offers transcripts for some shows, enabling students to improve their listening skills and enhance comprehension.
3.4 Earthwatch Radio: http://ewradio.org/
Earthwatch Radio, produced by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Sea Grant Institute and Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, offers diverse stories focused on science and the environment, emphasizing global climate change, the Great Lakes, and oceans Its recordings are effective tools for enhancing listening skills and expanding students' scientific vocabulary Additionally, the content promotes environmental awareness and encourages students to take action in protecting the planet.
3.5 Repeat After Us: http://www.repeatafterus.com/
Repeat After Us was founded by a passionate high school student with a love for literature, offering a diverse selection of recorded texts categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels The website features extensive original content, making it an ideal resource for listening practice; students can explore poetry, drama, prose, or children’s stories, choosing the difficulty level that best suits their skills.
3.6 CBC Podcasts: http://www.cbc.ca/ideas/podcasts/
The Canadian broadcasting company offers an extensive range of news, sports, and entertainment programs, providing diverse content for all audiences Teachers and students can easily stay updated by downloading MP3 files or subscribing via iTunes, ensuring they never miss their favorite shows.
3.7 NPR: http://www.npr.org/
Provincial Public Radio provides a 24-hour program stream and hourly news summaries, making it an excellent resource for students seeking up-to-date information The station also offers engaging podcasts covering diverse topics such as animals and global news, catering to a wide range of interests.
3.8 The British Council: http://www.britishcouncil.org/
Discover a selection of high-quality podcasts available for download on the British Council’s website, featuring native speakers to enhance language learning These podcasts come with accompanying scripts, providing valuable resources for both teachers and students to improve listening and comprehension skills effectively.
3.9 Newsy: http://www.newsy.com/
Newsy is my favorite video news website because it provides transcripts directly below each video, which is highly beneficial for ESL students The availability of transcripts allows students to read along or hide them for more challenging listening practice This feature enhances comprehension and learning, making Newsy an excellent resource for language learners seeking reliable video news content.
3.10 The Weather Channel: http://www.weather.com/video/
The Weather Channel offers more than just weather forecasts; their short video clips provide timely weather updates with clear subtitles, ensuring viewers can easily understand even in noisy or challenging weather conditions.
3.11 Breaking News: https://breakingnewsenglish.com
Ideal for intermediate to advanced learners, our news stories enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills through engaging content New stories are published weekly and include audio features to improve listening skills Users can select from a variety of themes listed at the bottom of the page to tailor their practice experience.
Many language learners watch English TV programs and movies outside of class but often overlook these activities as opportunities to enhance their listening skills Teachers can play a vital role by recommending specific English movies and TV shows that effectively develop students' listening comprehension Incorporating targeted English media into study routines can significantly improve language listening skills and overall fluency.
In the lesson of Entertainment I ask students to watch a TV programs as homework: "This weekend you are going to watch a TV game show on TV
( preferably in English channel).Then next week you have to report what you have seen to the whole class." Students have to make a report basing on the following questions:
- What is the name of the game show?
- What are the rules of the show?
- Why do you like it? Why not?
During the next lesson, I gather students' ideas about a recent game show by asking, "Who watched the game show last weekend? What can you tell us about it?" This encourages class discussions or presentations, allowing students to share their insights and perspectives on the show they watched.
Designing listenimg tasks using authentic listening materials for students
Exercise 1
Write NO MORE THAN THREE words for each answer.
Bigger challenge leads to the brain’s (3) _
Question 4-8 Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS for each answer.
What THREE factors does the speaker mention to repair damaged muscle fiber?
Which TWO elements affect the role of the repair mechanism?
Choose TWO letters A-E Which aspects of meaningly muscular growth are mentioned?
Exercise 2
Question 1-5 Complete the flow – chart below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
CRITERIA FOR A HEALTHY CITY equal priority for all inhabitants provide a (1) _ environment satisfy (2) _
(3) are available and easily accessible
Local government ensures every (4) _ rights and the involvement of (5)
Question 6 -10 Complete the table below Write NO MORE THAN ONE words for each answer.
Cairo girls with no (7) _ and job
Where How poorest section construct infrastructure old central (8) _ set up (9) a poor area show how to sew and _(10)
Exercise 3
You are going to hear a talk about plastic pollution Listen carefully and fill in the missing information with NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS
Plastic pollution is a critical environmental issue threatening our planet's health While some plastics are recyclable, leaving wrappers and packaging in the environment harms ecosystems Each year, approximately eight million tons of plastic enter the oceans, and this amount is projected to increase significantly over the next decade By 2050, plastic in the water could surpass the amount of fish, endangering marine life that mistakes plastic for food or becomes trapped in human waste Reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling efforts are essential to protect ocean health and preserve marine biodiversity.
Indicate whether the following statements are true or not by writing T (True) or
6 There are so much plastic in the ocean that five huge garbage islands have been made up around the world.
7 The great Pacific Garbage Patch floats from California to Hawaii.
8 Poisonous chemicals from plastics can affect our drinking water supply.
9 Incinerating plastic is a feasible solution to tackle the problem.
10 We can not prevent the plastic pollution from stretching and getting worse.
Exercise 4
Question 1-4 Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D
1 What is part of his game day routine?
C He goes to the café for drinks.
D He sits in the different spot.
2 What does he say about the songs they sing?
A They often insult the other team.
B There is a designated leader for the songs.
C The songs are the same for every game.
D The songs often reflect former events.
3 What do they discuss about the derby game?
B How do the player play
4 What does he say about the away game he went to?
B It took 7 hours to get there.
C He was not satisfied by the result.
D The opposition was a strong team.
Complete the sentences with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS
5 There is no (5) leader on this team, but a few of us have kind of taken charge.
6 He acts very _ (6) and you never know what he is going to do next.
7 Now is the time when the team members need their fans to get (7) them and motivate them to win.
8 When our team plays them, there is always a lot of _
9 It takes about _(9) to drive to my office from here.
10 The team doesn’t _ (10) any of the songs.
9 half-an-hour10.come up with
Exercise 5
Listen to the news and answer the following questions
1 What fraction of all living things on Earth do humans represent?
2 What percentage of wild mammals have humans destroyed?
3 What did researchers find out for every class of creature on Earth?
4 What was a professor shocked not to find and estimate on?
5 What did a professor say plays a very dominant role on Earth?
6 What percentage of all living things on Earth are humans?
7 What do we share the same biomass percentage as?
8 What percentage of the world's birds is raised on farms?
9 What two animals form most of the world's livestock?
10.What does a professor hope we eat less of?
Exercise 6
Listen to the recording and decide if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).
1 Facebook's CEO has unveiled full details of a new crypto-currency
2 A blue paper will outline more details of the crypto-currency
3 The new crypto-currency will be called Virgo
4 The new crypto-currency will have very low fees.
5 The article says the new crypto-currency has no similarities with Bitcoin
6 The new crypto-currency will be backed by the dollar, euro and yen
7 A finance company said the crypto-currency could really help Facebook
8 The company said Facebook could create new ways of making money
Exercise 7
Listen to the recording and write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS in each space.
1 A lawsuit has been filed to challenge the _ in the state of Alabama
2 The American Civil Liberties Union threatened _ if their constitutional right to reproductive system was attacked.
3 The “Human Life Protection Act” bans all abortions in the state, except when it is needed to prevent a _ to the mother.
4 Doctors performing an abortion could be sentenced up to _ in prison.
5 One of the biggest points of contention with the bill is that there is no exceptions for _
6 President Donald Trump was not in favour of the ban because it lacked _.
7 According to the two groups pushing the law to be reversed the ban was a
Exercise 8
Listen to the recording and choose the correct answer
1 In what country might it become illegal to raise children on a vegan diet? a) Peru b) England c) Belgium d) Australia
2 What did doctors say raising children on a vegan diet was? a) unethical b) healthy c) ideal d) worrying
3 Who is Georges Casimir? a) a vegan b) a professor c) a chef d) an activist
4 How long could a prison sentence be for raising children on a vegan diet? a) three years b) 12 months c) two months d) up to two years
5 What essential things did the doctors say must be from animal products? a) carbohydrates b) vitamin C c) fatty acids d) saturated fats
6 How did the animal rights group PETA react to the doctors' ruling? a) politely b) angrily c) online d) with venom
7) Who is Dawn Carr? a) a professor b) a doctor c) a chef d) a PETA spokeswoman
8 What did the article say hardened arteries could lead to? a) headaches b) strokes c) obesity d) an inability to taste
9 What did a vegan say her children thrived on? a) cabbage b) a balanced vegan diet c) three meals a day d) restaurant food
10 Whose responsibility did a vegan say it was that children got nutrients? a) parents b) the government c) children d) schools
Exercise
1 Nuclear fuel rods are being removed from Fukushima's No 3 plant
2 The removal of the fuel rods is five years behind schedule
3 There were problems with the devices that were made for the removal
4 One reason for the delay is high levels of radiation in the area
5 There are more than 1,500 rods at Fukushima's nuclear power plant
6 Work on removing the fuel rods will finish at the end of 2020.
7 A power company worker said the company is in a hurry to finish
8 Japan's Prime Minister said the area would not be rebuilt
Exercise
Listen to the recording and write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS in each space.
1 A bill has been introduced to recognize the country’s ethnic Ainu _ as an “indigenous” people.
2 Ainu people are recognized after decades of their _.
3 The Ainu originate in Japan’s northern islands of Hokkaido, north-eastern Honshu, and islands between _.
4 It is estimated that there are about _ people in the ethnic Ainu minority group.
5 According to Japan’s government, it is important to protect the _ of the Ainu people.
Exercise
For questions 1-10, listen to Theresa May resignation’s speech and supply the blanks with the missing information WRITE NO MORE THAN FIVE WORDS in each space provided
1 In 2016, the British people _ the European Union.
2 According to Theresa May, when you give people a choice, you _ what they decide And she has tried her best to do that.
3 She tried to negotiate the term of exit and a new relationship with their neighbors, but she failed to convince MPs to _ for three times.
4 She took perseverance for granted, but then she realized that it’s time for a new Prime Minister to lead that effort for the _.
5 She announces that she will resign as a leader of on Friday 7 June.
6 The is not only a call to leave EU, but also a call to make the United Kingdom a country that truly works for everyone.
7 She believed that the deficit is almost eliminated, our national debt is falling and we are .
8 Three values that guided her throughout her career were:
9 The unique privilege of this office is to use this platform to give a voice to the voiceless, to that still scar our society.
10 She will resign with no ill-will, but _ to have had the opportunity to serve the country I love.
7 bringing an end to austerity
10 with enormous and enduring gratitude
Exercise
From 1-7, listen to a talk on the history of dogs and fill in the missing information
WRITE NO MORE THAN FOUR WORDS in each space provided
1 Dogs, human’s best friends, evolved from , one of our oldest rivals.
2 Wolves, one of the main rivals at the top of the food chain nearly 100,000 years ago, could exert over 300 lbs of pressure in and sniff out prey more than a mile away.
3 Over time humans found various uses for some docile wolves that show less aggression to them These animals helped to , and might guard camps and warn of approaching enemies.
4 Proto-Dogs or Wolf-Dogs seem to have appeared around 33,000 years ago and were mainly different by their smaller size and a shorter snout full of
5 As the product of artificial selection, many of their aesthetic characteristics come with inborn health problems, such as breathing difficultly or being
6 Generations of selection for domestication have favored more _ that were pleasing to humans.
7 The diversity of breeds of wolves today is the result of a relationship that _, agriculture, and even the disappearance of our Neanderthal cousins.
1 Canis lupus / the gray wolf
Exercise
From 1-6, listen to a piece of news about new transparency with healthcare prices and decide whether if the following statements are true (T) or false (F).
1 The public is quite satisfied with the contemporary surprise medical bills.
2 Andrew Haymann found it insane to pay the medical bill of $5,000 for a plastic surgery by a surgeon who’s not in the network
3 Donald Trump has a clear explanation for the problem.
4 Elisabeth Rosenthal supports the transparency so that you can make consumer decisions in elective surgeries, elective admissions.
5 If one person is charging less, and they see that the company next door is charging twice as much, they will raise the price to that sticky ceiling It's called sticky pricing.
6 Now doctors are employed by hospitals, so they can control what we charge
Exercise
From 1-5, listen to a piece of sports new about the latest developments in the future of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba and decide whether if the following statements are true (T) or false (F)
1 Manchester United intends to sell Pogba next season.
2 Manchester United released him to Juventus with 89 million pounds.
3 Paris Saint German is one of the clubs that are interested in Pogba.
4 Manchester has developed a different approach in their transfer strategy this summer: building a younger and hungrier team.
5 Manchester United intends to buy Daniel James, one of the young and preferably homegrown players
Exercise
From 1-10, listen to a lecture about how to form a habit and fill in the missing information WRITE NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS in each space provided.
1 The right amount of time to add a new habit or _ like watching the news from your life is 30 days.
2 Before he began his , he would never have been so adventurous to hike up Mt Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
3 He tried to write a day for a month to finish to novel.
4 There's nothing wrong with big, crazy challenges but a .
5 He advises us to think about something we have always wanted to try and _ for the next 30 days
Tapescripts
Muscles, numbering over 600 and constituting up to half of our body weight, are essential for movement, support, and overall bodily function They are continuously influenced by how we care for them daily, affecting whether they grow or wither When you attempt to open a door, your brain sends signals to motor neurons, causing muscles to contract and generate movement; as the challenge increases, more motor units are recruited In situations where your muscles alone can't produce enough force, your nervous system engages additional muscles—such as tightening your core and legs—to help accomplish the task, demonstrating the coordinated effort of your muscular and nervous systems.
Muscle growth begins with microscopic damage to muscle fibers caused by stress, which triggers the release of inflammatory molecules called cytokines, activating the immune system to repair and strengthen the muscles This cycle of damage and repair leads to hypertrophy, making muscles bigger and stronger as they adapt to increased workloads; however, minimal activity from everyday tasks typically doesn't stimulate significant growth High-tension exercises, especially eccentric contractions during muscle lengthening, create optimal conditions for muscle development, but proper nutrition, hormones like testosterone and insulin-like growth factor, and adequate rest are essential for effective repair Protein intake supplies amino acids necessary for tissue regeneration, while recovery—particularly during sleep—enhances the repair process Factors such as age, gender, and genetics influence muscle repair efficiency, with younger men and individuals with robust immune responses having an advantage Ultimately, consistent challenge, proper nutrition, rest, and stress are crucial for maximizing muscle growth, reflecting the principle that meaningful progress requires effort and stress.
( source : https://www.listen-and-write.com/youtube/choose/17911)
The rapid growth of cities over the last century has led to challenges such as inadequate housing, poor sanitation, and increased crime To address these issues, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established criteria for a healthy city, emphasizing a clean, safe environment, equitable access to basic needs, and available health services for all residents Additionally, effective local governance involving the entire community is essential for urban health For example, Sri Lanka's 'Community Contracts System' focuses on improving infrastructure in squatter settlements through resident-led projects, thereby enhancing living conditions and economic opportunities for the poorest populations These initiatives exemplify how cities worldwide are working to meet WHO's standards and create healthier, more inclusive urban environments.
This article highlights innovative community projects addressing urban challenges in West Africa and Egypt In Mali's capital city, a cooperative comprising graduates initiated a sanitation improvement campaign, educating residents through films and discussion groups, particularly targeting women and adolescents, leading to better household hygiene and environmental awareness Similarly, in Egypt's Cairo, a project at a Women’s Centre in Makattam focused on empowering young women from impoverished families by teaching sewing and weaving skills, providing equipment, and enabling them to generate income, thereby enhancing their social status and quality of life These initiatives demonstrate that cities possess the resources necessary to address local issues and improve residents' living conditions through community-driven solutions.
What it takes is a stronger will and a better distribution of resources.
( Source : https://www.listen-and-write.com/youtube/show/18292)
WHAT IF PLASTIC POLLUTION GETS WORSE?
Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing our planet today, with plastic waste contaminating our oceans, landscapes, and even the air we breathe through microscopic particles Since most plastics are designed to resist disintegration, they persist in the environment for hundreds of years, especially as many are single-use items, leading to an ever-increasing accumulation of non-biodegradable waste If plastic pollution continues to worsen, the impact on marine life, terrestrial ecosystems, and human health could be devastating Stay informed on these critical issues by subscribing to Unveiled for more insightful content and updates on environmental challenges.
Although some plastics are recyclable, many are improperly discarded, leading to environmental pollution Every year, approximately eight million tons of plastic enter the oceans, threatening marine life Experts predict that plastic pollution could triple in the next decade, and by 2050, there may be more plastic in the water than fish This is devastating for aquatic ecosystems, as marine creatures often mistake plastic for food or become entangled in human trash Reducing plastic waste is crucial to protect our oceans and marine biodiversity.
Recent studies reveal that nearly 50% of marine vertebrates have been wiped out between 1970 and 2012, with plastic pollution significantly exacerbating this decline If plastic use continues unchecked, entire species risk extinction, disrupting the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems through cascading effects along the food chain The ocean is now home to at least five massive garbage patches composed mainly of buoyant plastics, which are continually expanding The largest among them is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), located between California and Hawaii, spanning an area twice the size of Texas and containing approximately 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, some dating back to the 1970s It’s important to note that these patches only consist of plastic on the ocean’s surface, highlighting the severe scope of marine plastic pollution.
It’s estimated that 99% of all plastic in the water is unaccounted for below the waves.
Microplastics smaller than five millimeters pose a significant threat to marine life, as their tiny size allows them to go unnoticed by the human eye These microscopic particles, which never fully break down like organic materials, can persist in the ocean for centuries, disrupting ecosystems Consequently, fish and marine animals inadvertently ingest these plastics, making such exposure an unavoidable accident rather than a mistake Addressing the prevalence of microplastics is crucial to protecting ocean health and safeguarding marine species from long-term environmental harm.
Microplastics are extremely tiny, allowing them to be absorbed into animals’ bodies through respiration or via plankton carriers, highlighting their ability to Bioaccumulate up the food chain to seafood-consuming humans, thus directly threatening human health Plastic pollution is not limited to oceans; overflowing landfills are increasingly common, and as they expand into natural environments, the spread of non-biodegradable litter worsens Additionally, plastics can leach toxic chemicals into groundwater, contaminating drinking water supplies in some areas These materials often reach rivers and eventually return to the ocean, perpetuating the cycle of pollution.
Finding a solution to the issue (beyond simply not using plastic) is a problem, too.
Incinerating plastic is dangerous for nearby individuals and significantly contributes to air pollution, ozone depletion, and climate change It releases microplastics into the atmosphere, risking inhalation and potential entry into our bloodstream and organs Completely removing existing plastic pollution is nearly impossible and would take a very long time, but we can prevent the problem from worsening through changing habits, increasing recycling, and reducing our reliance on plastic both individually and collectively Today, plastic pollution affects nearly every corner of the Earth, and as long as plastic continues to be mass-produced and irresponsibly disposed of, landfills, garbage heaps, and floating islands of trash will keep growing, causing ongoing environmental harm.
(Source: https://www.voicetube.com/videos/75137 )
Todd: Now, Phil, you're from England and you're a big football fan
Phil: Yeah, very much Definitely Football's one of my main passions in life
Todd: OK, I'm a huge American football fan, and I know American football there's a what happens when you go watch a British match, like a Premiere League match?
Like what's the routine from morning to night? Like if you're a fan?
Phil prepares for home games by arriving at the stadium about two hours before kickoff He typically stops at a local bar to enjoy a beer and then dons his football kit, including his shirt and scarf, before heading into the stadium Phil has a tradition of sitting or standing in the same spot in the stands, creating a routine that enhances his matchday experience As the stadium fills up about half an hour before kickoff, supporters become loud and enthusiastic, energizing the crowd and rallying behind the team Supporters’ banter and cheers intensify as players warm up on the pitch, contributing to the electric atmosphere of a home game.
Todd: Right, and then what happens like during the game? In British soccer you have a lot of songs, correct?
Phil: Yeah, there's a lot of songs Generally they're either supporting the team or insulting the other team or local rivals
Todd: Right, right And like how do you know when to sing? Like somebody just busts out in song or do you have a leader or?
In many musical groups, there isn’t a designated leader, yet a spontaneous coordination occurs when starting songs Often, a member initiates singing, but it’s common for everyone to start singing simultaneously without a clear leader This collective initiation creates a seamless, spontaneous musical moment, highlighting the organic and collaborative nature of the group’s performance.
Todd: Now is it always the same songs, or do the team come up with new songs from time to time?
Phil explains that team supporters are responsible for creating chants and songs, not the team itself Typically, a core group of songs is dedicated to each team, with occasional specialty songs for specific occasions For local derby matches or rivalries, supporters develop unique chants to emphasize the significance of the game Additionally, new songs may emerge based on recent events, such as a player’s recent news coverage, reflecting current team or player storylines that energize and unify fans during matches.
Todd: That's cool So you said "derby", that's your team?
Phil: Derby is the term when a local game when you play like your rival team, we call it like a local derby in English football
Todd: It's called a local derby
Phil: Derby is also the name of the team, but that's just coincidence
Todd: Oh, OK So, derby means when you play your rival team?
Phil: Yeah, you play a local team, a team that's based near to you It's called a derby game
Todd: A derby game And it's D-A-R-B-Y?
Todd: Oh, so it's like derby OK
Todd: Got it Phil: In English, we pronounce it derby, yeah
Todd: Derby! OK, interesting OK, sorry Do you ever go the away games?
Phil: Yeah Yeah, I used to travel quite a lot I once traveled nine hours to an away game
Phil: And my team lost that day And because we lost, we went down to the league below I was not very happy on the way home
Phil admitted that his team was underperforming that year and faced a much stronger opposition, so they anticipated a loss Despite this, they approached the game with a positive and relaxed attitude, viewing it as a celebratory experience rather than a failure.
Todd: Well, cool Thanks for talking about the Premiere League
(Source : http://www.elllo.org/english/0701/T712-Phil-Soccer.htm )
Exercise 5 SOUTH KOREA FOOTBALL FAN’S ANGER AT RONALDO NO -SHOW
Humans make up a tiny fraction of Earth's total life but are responsible for the destruction of 83% of all wild mammals and 50% of our plant life, highlighting our significant ecological impact A groundbreaking study from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel is the first to analyze the biomass of every class of organism on the planet, providing a comprehensive understanding of Earth's biological composition Lead researcher Professor Ron Milo emphasized the lack of prior holistic estimates and hopes this study will shed light on the dominant role humanity now plays in shaping Earth's ecosystems.