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 develop effective listening abilities Therefore, English teachers should incorporate authentic listening materials into their lessons to ensure students are well-prepared 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 goal of listening lessons is to increase learners' independence when engaging with real-world foreign language scenarios, which is best achieved through authentic texts Authentic texts are naturally occurring spoken materials not tailored specifically for language learners, often accessed through technology such as radio, television, videos, the Internet, or CD-ROM Incorporating these genuine resources helps learners develop practical listening skills in real-life contexts.
In today's age of globalization, preparing students for real-life situations is a key concern for English teachers, students, and parents alike Incorporating authentic materials into high-level English courses for high school students enhances engagement and meets educational expectations These materials also introduce students to target language cultures, making language learning more enjoyable and motivating Additionally, using authentic listening resources in national exams, such as the Provincial Contest for Gifted Students, offers both challenges and rewards for teachers and students, fostering a richer learning experience.
At our High School for Gifted Students, English major students have access to a wide range of listening materials, primarily designed for exam preparation However, these materials often focus on improving test scores for assessments like IELTS and TOEFL rather than developing practical communication skills To address this gap, incorporating authentic listening resources into the classroom is an effective strategy to enhance students' real-life listening and conversational abilities.
With the increasing accessibility of the Internet, both teachers and students can easily access a wide range of authentic listening materials However, many educators find these recordings challenging to use effectively in classroom listening activities To address this, I propose specific strategies to design activities that help English language learners, especially English major students, enhance their comprehension of authentic listening texts These approaches facilitate better understanding and engagement with real-world audio content, improving overall 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 at a high school for gifted students from 2016 to 2021, focusing on integrating authentic listening materials into classroom practice I primarily use these authentic listening resources during morning lessons for 11th-grade students majoring in English, especially those preparing for the Provincial Contest for Gifted Students Incorporating authentic listening materials helps enhance listening skills and prepares high-achieving students for competitive exams.
The scope of the study
This study aims to propose effective methods for integrating authentic listening materials into the high school curriculum, enhancing students' exposure to real-life communicative situations Incorporating authentic materials helps students develop practical language skills, leading to significant improvements in their overall language competence Using real-world listening exercises prepares students for real-life conversations, making language learning more relevant and engaging Adapting authentic listening resources into classroom activities aligns with best practices in language education and supports students' communicative proficiency.
This study recommends several sources for adapting authentic materials, providing a useful guideline for teachers interested in incorporating genuine resources into their daily teaching practices Utilizing authentic materials can enhance language learning by offering real-world context, making lessons more engaging and relevant for students Teachers seeking to enrich their curriculum should consider exploring these adaptable sources to effectively integrate authentic content into their teaching strategies.
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, such as print, video, and audio resources like menus, job applications, voice mail messages, and radio programs, are encountered daily by students and serve as valuable learning tools These materials are naturally occurring and not specially designed for classroom use, which enhances their authenticity and relevance They can be categorized into two main types: print and auditory materials ESL, adult secondary education (ASE), and adult basic education (ABE) students all significantly benefit from authentic print materials, while ESL learners often find authentic auditory resources particularly useful for developing listening 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—alongside authentic language usage This comprehensive exposure prepares them to navigate various English dialects and face real-world communication challenges confidently in an international environment.
Using authentic materials in high school English classes offers several key benefits for advanced students Authentic texts contain features—such as natural intonation, speech rate, and background noise—that are absent in textbooks, providing a more realistic language experience According to Gilmore (2007), textbook language is a distorted version of real language, which may limit students' exposure to genuine communication Incorporating authentic listening and reading materials bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world language use, better preparing students for real-life interactions Therefore, integrating authentic resources as supplements enhances students' language skills and overall preparedness for authentic communication outside the classroom.
Authentic language significantly enhances students' motivation and interest by bringing them closer to native speakers and providing a real-world understanding of the language These materials make learning English more engaging and exciting, capturing the flavor of everyday life For English major students aspiring to study abroad, authentic resources are especially relevant, as they prepare them to communicate effectively and interact socially in real-world situations Incorporating authentic materials into language learning is essential for developing practical communication skills and cultural competence.
Benefits of using authentic listening materials
Authentic materials play a vital role in language teaching and learning by providing real-world context that enhances students' understanding of the target language Researchers like Guariento and Morley (2001), Wilcox and Oaks (1999), and Weyers (1999) highlight that authentic resources better scaffold learners' language development compared to specially created materials These genuine resources offer significant advantages, enriching both linguistic skills and cultural understanding beyond the scope of traditional teaching materials.
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 indicates that authentic materials effectively enhance students' listening skills and boost their motivation Numerous studies highlight that authentic materials offer real-world language exposure, making learning more engaging and meaningful They provide learners with practical vocabulary and contextual usage, which facilitates better comprehension Additionally, authentic materials foster greater motivation by connecting classroom learning to real-life situations, encouraging active participation and confidence Overall, integrating authentic materials into language instruction is proven to lead to significant improvements in listening proficiency and learner motivation.
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 greatly enhance foreign language learning; however, teachers often face significant challenges in implementing them Practical difficulties such as finding suitable texts or audio recordings, designing effective tasks, and ensuring relevance can discourage their use Authentic materials may include complex language structures and cultural references that are unfamiliar or unengaging for students, making integration into lessons more complicated Despite these obstacles, authentic resources remain valuable, but their effective incorporation requires careful planning and effort (Jennie, 2015).
Using authentic materials to develop listening skills can be challenging and time-consuming, especially when teachers need to listen to recordings multiple times to ensure they understand the content and important details This process becomes even more difficult when transcripts are unavailable, requiring teachers to repeatedly listen to the recordings to accurately grasp the language used before designing effective listening tasks.
Many teachers hesitate to incorporate authentic audio materials due to limited knowledge on selecting suitable recordings and effectively utilizing them This lack of expertise can discourage educators, leading them to rely on safer, less time-consuming course books instead Using authentic sources enhances language learning and engagement, making it essential for teachers to develop skills in choosing and exploiting genuine materials.
Authentic materials offer significant advantages in foreign language teaching, making them a valuable resource for educators Despite some challenges, the benefits of incorporating authentic materials into lessons outweigh the drawbacks Therefore, teachers should seriously consider using authentic materials as an effective aid to enhance language learning and student engagement.
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 broadcasts are available 24/7 The widespread availability and low cost of radios enable teachers to incorporate live radio programs into their lessons easily Renowned stations like BBC World Service and Voice of America (VOA) offer continuous on-air content, making them valuable resources for enhancing language skills through real-world audio experiences.
Many non-English speaking countries broadcast programs or even have dedicated stations in English, providing valuable listening resources Radios are easily accessible, but they pose challenges for language learners due to the absence of non-verbal cues that aid comprehension To effectively incorporate radio programs into language learning, teachers should select appropriate programs and design global listening tasks suited to their students' proficiency levels For example, with intermediate learners about to listen to a travel radio program, teachers can implement specific listening strategies to enhance understanding and engagement.
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 plants various crops into a field, providing ample water and care After time, these seeds grow into fruits, vegetables, or grains, ready for harvest When the plants are full and mature, it becomes time to harvest the produce, ensuring fresh and nutritious foods for consumption.
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.
Implementing group discussions and presentations based on listening activities enhances language learning by encouraging active engagement with authentic audio content Using radio as a listening resource provides learners with exposure to native speaker models, addressing gaps often found in traditional classroom settings Prioritizing extensive listening for enjoyment fosters a positive learning environment and improves comprehension skills, while shifting the focus away from testing helps reduce learner anxiety and promotes natural language acquisition This approach creates an immersive experience that supports the development of listening skills in a meaningful and enjoyable way.
Video clips
Incorporating video clips into the classroom enhances learners' access to comprehensive listening experiences by providing visual context alongside auditory input This multisensory approach allows students to see and hear the content simultaneously, enriching their understanding and engagement Using videos helps develop listening skills within a more authentic and immersive language environment, making language learning more effective and enjoyable.
In Unit 8: Celebrations (English 11), I include a 2-minute video titled "The Story of Thanksgiving Day" by SteelehouseMedia.com to enhance students' listening skills This engaging listening activity offers insights into the historical significance and cultural perspectives surrounding Thanksgiving, serving as an effective post-activity to reinforce lesson content and promote critical thinking.
The Internet
The rapid development of Internet facilities has been driven by advances in powerful computer technology and increasing user demand for innovative applications These improvements enable educators to direct learners to online sites for listening practice, provided they have the necessary software Here are some websites that teachers can use to create listening tasks and students can utilize for self-study.
3.1 BBC (Online) : http://www.bbc.co.uk/
The BBC World News TV service offers a wide range of news articles and reports, making it a valuable resource for both teachers and students The platform features short, one-minute news reports on global events, as well as videos on business, science, and entertainment, which are ideal for quick and engaging learning Many educators, including myself, use the "One Minute World News" videos to help advanced students improve their listening skills, as the fast-paced delivery challenges them but also boosts their motivation Staying updated with the latest international news also keeps students enthusiastic and eager to learn, enhancing their overall engagement with current affairs.
3.2 BBC (Radio): http:// www.bbc.co.uk/radio/
BBC Radio offers a dedicated online platform for users to access a wide variety of radio programs By visiting the categories page, listeners can easily explore and select content such as news, sports, entertainment, and documentaries This convenient service provides a rich selection of radio shows for users to enjoy anytime, anywhere.
3.3 CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/
CNN, similar to its British counterpart, offers an excellent video channel where teachers and students can access the latest news updates, making it a valuable educational resource Additionally, CNN provides a diverse podcasting service featuring shows across various interests, enhancing learning opportunities for students The platform also offers transcripts for some shows, providing an extra tool to improve listening skills and support language 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 valuable insights into science and environmental topics Covering issues such as global climate change, the Great Lakes, and oceans, these recordings enhance listening skills and expand students’ scientific vocabulary Additionally, the program promotes environmental awareness and encourages conservation efforts among learners.
3.5 Repeat After Us: http://www.repeatafterus.com/
Repeat After Us was founded by a passionate high school student with a love of literature, offering a diverse collection of recorded texts categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels The website features a wealth of original material, making it an excellent resource for listening practice Students can choose from categories such as poetry, drama, prose, or children’s short stories, depending on their proficiency level.
3.6 CBC Podcasts: http://www.cbc.ca/ideas/podcasts/
The Canadian broadcasting company offers a diverse selection of news, sports, and entertainment programs, providing extensive content for all audiences Teachers and students can easily access their favorite shows by downloading MP3 files or subscribing through iTunes, ensuring they stay updated and never miss any important content.
3.7 NPR: http://www.npr.org/
Provincial Public Radio provides a 24-hour program stream and hourly news summaries, making it an ideal resource for students seeking continuous updates The platform also features a diverse selection of podcasts covering topics from animals to global news, catering to a wide range of interests.
3.8 The British Council: http://www.britishcouncil.org/
Discover top-quality podcasts available for download on the British Council’s website, featuring native speakers to enhance language learning Each podcast includes a script, making it a valuable resource for both teachers and students to practice and improve language skills These engaging audio lessons are an excellent addition to any language education toolkit, providing authentic pronunciation and cultural insights to boost fluency.
3.9 Newsy: http://www.newsy.com/
Newsy is my favorite website for video news reports because it provides transcripts directly below the videos, which is especially helpful for ESL students Students can choose to display the transcript for easier understanding or hide it to improve their listening skills and enhance their comprehension This feature makes Newsy an excellent resource for both language learners and those seeking accessible, accurate news coverage.
3.10 The Weather Channel: http://www.weather.com/video/
The Weather Channel offers more than just weather forecasts; it provides short video clips that deliver timely weather updates These videos feature subtitles, ensuring clear understanding even when audio is difficult to hear due to weather conditions This combination of visual and written information enhances viewer engagement and keeps audiences informed.
3.11 Breaking News: https://breakingnewsenglish.com
This resource is ideal for intermediate to advanced students seeking news stories that enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills New stories are added weekly, each accompanied by audio to improve listening practice Students can select from a variety of themes listed at the bottom of the page, making it easy to find relevant and engaging content aligned with their interests and learning goals.
Many language learners watch English TV shows and movies outside of class, but few realize they can use these as opportunities to boost their listening skills Teachers can play a vital role by recommending specific English movies and TV programs that effectively enhance listening comprehension Incorporating authentic media into language practice helps students improve their understanding of spoken English in real-life contexts.
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?
In the next lesson, I gather students' ideas about a recent game show they watched, asking questions like, "Who watched the game show last weekend? What interesting points can you share?" This approach encourages class discussions and student presentations, enhancing speaking skills and promoting engagement with popular media topics.
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 one of the biggest environmental issues our planet faces today Although some plastics can be recyclable, it doesn’t mean that everyone can leave wrappers and packaging to pollute ecosystems Around eight million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, and this number is expected to increase significantly in the next decade By 2050, there could be more plastic in the water than fish, threatening marine life that mistakes plastic for food or gets trapped in discarded human waste.
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
Humans have over 600 muscles that constitute 1/3 to 1/2 of our body weight, playing a vital role in movement, support, and connection through attached tissues Consistent care and proper treatment are essential, as daily habits influence muscle growth or atrophy When performing actions like opening a door, the brain signals motor neurons to contract muscles, generating movement by pulling on bones; larger challenges trigger stronger signals and more motor units In cases like opening a heavy iron door, the nervous system recruits additional muscles—planting feet, engaging the core, and tensing back muscles—to generate the necessary force, demonstrating how the body leverages all available resources to meet physical demands and emphasizing the importance of maintaining muscular health for optimal function.
Muscle growth occurs through a cycle of microscopic damage and subsequent repair; when muscle fibers experience stress, they sustain small injuries that trigger the release of inflammatory molecules called cytokines, activating the immune system to repair and strengthen the tissue To stimulate hypertrophy, muscles must be exposed to higher workloads than usual, especially through eccentric contractions, which generate effective growth conditions; without continuous resistance training, muscles will shrink in a process known as atrophy Proper nutrition, including adequate protein intake rich in amino acids, along with hormones like insulin-like growth factor and testosterone, is essential for repairing damaged fibers and promoting muscle growth, primarily during rest and sleep Factors such as age, gender, and genetics influence the body's ability to repair and grow muscle, with young men having a hormonal advantage and genetic differences affecting immune responses to muscle damage Ultimately, consistent effort—tearing, eating right, resting, and challenging the muscles—is necessary for meaningful growth, illustrating that progress requires stress and adaptation.
( source : https://www.listen-and-write.com/youtube/choose/17911)
The rapid growth of cities over the past century has led to challenges such as housing shortages, sanitation issues, and rising crime rates To address these problems, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a set of criteria for creating healthy cities, emphasizing a clean and safe environment, equitable access to basic services for all residents, and active community involvement in local governance A healthy city promotes overall wellbeing by ensuring that the entire population benefits, not just privileged groups One example of efforts to meet these criteria is Sri Lanka's ‘Community Contracts System,’ which aimed to improve infrastructure in impoverished squatter settlements by involving residents directly in construction projects, leading to better housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities for the community.
This article highlights successful community development projects in West Africa and Egypt, addressing key urban issues In Mali's capital city, a cooperative led by secondary school graduates tackled sanitation problems in the old central quarters by establishing a garbage collection system and educating locals about environmental health, resulting in improved living conditions and increased environmental awareness Similarly, in Cairo’s Makattam district, a Women’s Centre empowered impoverished young women through skills training in sewing and weaving, providing equipment to enable them to earn independent livelihoods and enhancing their social status These initiatives demonstrate that cities possess the resources to address urban challenges effectively and improve residents’ quality of life.
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 most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet today, with plastic waste polluting oceans, landscapes, and even the air we breathe through microscopic particles Most plastic items are designed to resist disintegration, leading to persistent environmental clutter, especially since many are single-use products, resulting in ever-increasing plastic waste If plastic pollution continues to worsen, the impact on ecosystems and human health could become even more severe Stay informed about these critical issues by subscribing to Unveiled for more insightful content and updates on environmental topics.
Many plastics are recyclable, but overall, improper disposal leads to significant environmental harm, with wrappers, bottles, and packaging cluttering ecosystems Each year, approximately eight million tons of plastic enter the oceans, and this pollution is expected to triple in the next decade By 2050, there may be more plastic than fish in the water, posing a severe threat to marine life Aquatic creatures often mistake plastic for food or become trapped in discarded human waste, causing widespread harm to marine ecosystems.
Recent data reveals that nearly 50% of marine vertebrates have been eradicated between 1970 and 2012, and ongoing plastic pollution threatens to worsen this crisis If plastic use persists at current levels, entire species may become extinct, resulting in severe disruptions throughout the marine food chain as predators ingest plastic through their prey The massive accumulation of plastic in our oceans has led to the formation of at least five large garbage patches worldwide, with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) being the largest Located between California and Hawaii, the GPGP spans an area twice the size of Texas and contains approximately 1.8 trillion plastic pieces, some dating back to the 1970s Notably, these patches consist solely of plastic on the ocean’s surface, highlighting the urgent need to address marine plastic pollution.
It’s estimated that 99% of all plastic in the water is unaccounted for below the waves.
Microplastics, measuring five millimeters or less, pose a significant threat as these tiny particles often go unnoticed by the human eye Unlike organic matter, microplastics do not break down easily and can persist in the ocean for centuries Consequently, fish ingest these plastics not out of mistake, but as an unavoidable consequence of their presence in marine environments, leading to serious ecological concerns.
Microplastics are so tiny that they can be absorbed into animals' bodies through respiration or via small plankton carriers, enabling them to ascend the food chain and ultimately reach humans through seafood consumption, directly impacting human health In addition to oceans, landfills overflowing with plastic waste pose a significant environmental threat, as the proliferation of non-biodegradable litter contaminates natural habitats and spreads into rivers and groundwater Plastics leaching toxic chemicals into groundwater can affect drinking water supplies, while discarded plastics eventually find their way back into oceans, 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 air, which can be inhaled, potentially entering our lungs, bloodstream, and other organs Completely removing existing plastic pollution is nearly impossible and would take a very long time, but preventing further escalation is achievable through habit change, increased recycling, and reduced plastic dependence Currently, plastic pollution affects almost every part of the Earth; if production and irresponsible disposal continue, landfills, garbage heaps, and floating trash islands will keep growing, with increasingly severe negative impacts on the environment.
(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 typically arrives at the stadium about two hours before a home game to enjoy a pre-match drink at the bar He always wears his football kit, including his shirt and scarf, and finds his usual spot in the stands, following a personal routine As the stadium begins to fill approximately half an hour before kickoff, supporters become loud and energized, fueling team spirit and creating an electrifying atmosphere Supporters often engage in friendly banter during player warm-ups, with the excitement and adrenaline building as the game day approaches.
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?
Many people wonder how group singing starts spontaneously, even when there is no designated leader Typically, a specific person initiates the song, but often it's unclear who begins or why Despite the lack of formal leadership, the entire group instinctively joins in, creating a seamless and collective singing experience This phenomenon showcases the natural synchronization and shared enthusiasm within a group, making spontaneous group singing a powerful social and musical expression.
Todd: Now is it always the same songs, or do the team come up with new songs from time to time?
Phil explains that supporters, not the team, create most of the songs, with a core set of chants for each team and occasional special songs for particular occasions For local derbies or rival matches, supporters often introduce specialty songs to emphasize the significance of the game Additionally, new songs may emerge based on recent events, such as a player being in the news, making the chants relevant and timely.
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
In that challenging season, Phil's team faced tough odds against a formidable opponent, knowing defeat was likely due to their weaker performance Despite the odds, they approached the game with a positive, party-like attitude, embracing the experience regardless of the outcome This mindset reflected their acceptance of the situation and their focus on enjoying the game regardless of the result.
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 biomass but are responsible for destroying 83% of wild mammals and half of our plant life, according to a groundbreaking study from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel This is the first comprehensive analysis of the weight of all life forms on the planet, highlighting humanity's dominant ecological impact Lead researcher Professor Ron Milo emphasized the lack of prior holistic biomass estimates and expressed hope that the study will offer a new perspective on the significant role humans now play in shaping Earth's ecosystems.