Rationale of the study
Listening is a crucial language skill essential for effective communication and education, yet it often receives inadequate focus in language instruction In English classrooms, where comprehensive listening is vital for learning, it is imperative for students to develop strong listening abilities Consequently, English teachers must incorporate authentic listening materials into their lessons to enhance students' listening skills and ensure their success.
To help learners develop effective listening skills, it is essential to focus on the methods and materials used in lessons The primary goal of listening exercises should be to foster independence in understanding foreign languages in real-world situations, which can be achieved through the use of authentic texts These texts, which include spoken materials not specifically designed for language learners, are typically accessed through various technologies such as radio, television, video, and online platforms.
In today's globalized world, it is essential for English language teachers to prepare students for real-life situations, addressing the concerns of students and their parents Utilizing authentic materials in high-level English courses for high school majors not only meets educational expectations but also immerses students in the target language culture, enhancing their learning experience Furthermore, incorporating authentic listening materials in the Provincial Contest for Gifted Students has proven to be both challenging and rewarding for teachers and students alike.
At our High School for Gifted Students, English major students have access to diverse listening materials, primarily focused on test preparation for exams like IELTS and TOEFL While these resources may improve exam scores, they often fall short in equipping students for real-life communication challenges To address this issue, incorporating authentic listening materials in the classroom can significantly enhance students' practical listening skills.
The increasing accessibility of the Internet provides both teachers and students with a wealth of authentic listening materials Despite this, many educators believe that these recordings are too challenging for classroom use This paper aims to propose effective activities designed to enhance English language learners' comprehension of authentic listening texts, particularly benefiting English major students.
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 draws on my teaching experience from 2016 to 2021 at a High School for Gifted Students, where I implemented authentic listening materials in morning lessons for 11th-grade English majors These materials served as a listening practice tool for exceptional students preparing for the Provincial Contest for Gifted Students.
The scope of the study
This study aims to explore effective methods for integrating authentic listening materials into high school curricula, thereby enhancing students' exposure to real-life communication scenarios and significantly improving their language competence.
This study offers valuable sources for adapting materials, serving as a helpful guideline for teachers interested in incorporating authentic materials into their daily teaching practices.
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 encountered in daily life, serve as valuable learning tools for students These materials, such as job applications, menus, and radio programs, are not specifically designed for classroom use, making them particularly effective for real-world learning They can be categorized into print and auditory types, benefiting various groups, including English as a Second Language (ESL), adult secondary education (ASE), and adult basic education (ABE) students While ESL learners frequently engage with authentic auditory materials, ABE and ASE students can also find significant value in these resources.
Why should we use authentic listening materials?
In today's globalized world, it is essential for students to be familiar with various forms of English, including British, American, Australian, Japanese, and Singaporean English Exposure to these diverse versions, along with the 'real language,' equips them to navigate the challenges they will encounter in their future endeavors.
Teachers should incorporate authentic materials into their curriculum, especially for high school English majors, due to the significant differences between textbook language and real-world language According to Gilmore (2007), textbook language often fails to accurately represent authentic communication, as it is modified to facilitate learning Authentic materials provide essential elements of spoken English, such as realistic intonation, natural speech rates, and background noise, which are often absent in designed materials By utilizing authentic listening materials as supplements to textbooks, students can better prepare themselves for real-world language use.
Authentic language materials significantly enhance student motivation and interest by providing a closer connection to native speakers and their everyday experiences This exposure not only makes learning feel more exciting and relevant but is particularly beneficial for English majors aspiring to study abroad To effectively communicate and engage socially in a target language environment, utilizing authentic materials is essential for thorough preparation.
Benefits of using authentic listening materials
Teachers and students increasingly recognize the significance of authentic materials in language education, as these resources effectively support the acquisition of a target language (Guariento & Morley, 2001; Wilcox & Oaks, 1999; Weyers, 1999 cited in Al Azri & Al-Rashdi, 2014) Authentic materials provide distinct advantages over traditional teaching resources, enhancing both linguistic and non-linguistic learning experiences.
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 highlights that authentic materials effectively enhance students' listening skills while boosting their motivation Various studies have identified several key benefits of using authentic materials in educational settings.
• 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.
Utilizing authentic materials significantly enhances students' learning experiences and outcomes Educators can tailor these materials to align with the varying language proficiency levels of their students, ensuring effective engagement and comprehension.
4 Drawbacks of using authentic listening materials
While authentic materials can enhance foreign language learning, teachers often face significant challenges in their implementation Despite recognizing their value, many educators are deterred by the time-consuming process of sourcing suitable texts or audio recordings and creating relevant tasks Additionally, these materials may include complex language structures or cultural references that students find difficult or unengaging (Jennie, 2015).
Utilizing authentic materials to enhance listening skills can be challenging and time-consuming for teachers They often must listen to recordings and verify transcripts, and in cases where no transcripts exist, they may need to repeatedly listen to the audio to fully grasp the content, important details, and language used before creating effective tasks.
Many educators refrain from utilizing authentic materials due to uncertainty in selecting suitable recordings and effectively leveraging the content This hesitation often leads teachers to rely on conventional course books, which are perceived as safer and more time-efficient options.
The benefits of utilizing authentic materials in foreign language teaching significantly surpass the drawbacks, making them a valuable resource for educators Consequently, teachers should earnestly integrate these materials into their instructional practices to enhance language learning outcomes.
Ways of using different types of authentic materials
Radio
Utilizing real-time radio in the classroom offers an accessible way to provide authentic listening practice for learners With programs available around the clock, and the affordability of radios, language teachers can easily incorporate this resource into their lessons Stations like BBC World Service and Voice of America, along with English broadcasts in non-English speaking countries, provide ample content However, radio can be challenging for language learners due to the absence of non-verbal cues, making it essential for students to concentrate on their listening skills To effectively integrate radio programs, teachers should select appropriate broadcasts and create global listening tasks tailored to their learners' levels, such as preparing an intermediate group for a travel-themed program.
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? When is it held?
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 seeds in a field and diligently waters them With the right combination of sunlight, water, and time, these seeds grow into healthy fruits, vegetables, or grains Once the plants are mature and ready for harvest, it is time to collect the produce from the fields.
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.
In groups of three, participants engage in discussions about insights gained from the program, followed by presentations summarizing their notes Utilizing radio as a learning tool provides learners with exposure to native speaker models, which may be lacking in traditional classroom settings This approach emphasizes extensive listening for enjoyment rather than focusing on testing comprehension, as students are encouraged not to take notes while listening.
Video clips
Incorporating video clips in the classroom enhances learners' access to information by providing visual context alongside audio, which fosters improved listening skills in a more immersive language environment.
In Unit 8: Celebrations of the English 11 curriculum, a two-minute video titled "The Story of Thanksgiving Day" by SteelehouseMedia.com is presented to students This engaging listening activity serves as a post-lesson step, encouraging students to share their thoughts and reflections on the video content.
The Internet
The rapid advancement of Internet facilities has been fueled by the power of modern computers and the growing demand for innovative applications With access to suitable software, learners can enhance their listening skills through various online resources Below are several websites that teachers can utilize to create engaging listening tasks, as well as platforms for students to study independently.
3.1 BBC (Online) : http://www.bbc.co.uk/
The BBC's World News TV service provides a wealth of news articles and reports, making it an invaluable resource for both teachers and students With hundreds of short videos, including one-minute world news reports, the platform covers various topics such as business, science, and entertainment I frequently download the One Minute World News for my advanced students, as its fast-paced listening presents a challenge that enhances their skills Additionally, the content features the latest global news, which keeps students motivated and engaged while learning.
3.2 BBC (Radio): http:// www.bbc.co.uk/radio/
BBC Radio offers an extensive online platform for users to access a wide variety of radio programs To explore the diverse options available, it is advisable to begin with the categories page, where listeners can select from genres such as news, sports, entertainment, or documentaries.
3.3 CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/
CNN features a robust video channel that keeps teachers and students updated with the latest news, similar to its British equivalent Additionally, CNN provides a diverse podcasting service catering to various interests, and it includes transcripts for select shows, offering students an extra resource to enhance their listening skills.
3.4 Earthwatch Radio: http://ewradio.org/
Earthwatch Radio, produced at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by the Sea Grant Institute and the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, features diverse stories on science and the environment, focusing on global climate change, the Great Lakes, and the oceans The recordings enhance listening skills and introduce students to a broad array of scientific terminology, while also raising awareness about environmental protection.
3.5 Repeat After Us: http://www.repeatafterus.com/
Repeat After Us, founded by a passionate high school student, offers a diverse selection of recorded texts for students at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels The site features a wealth of original content, making it an excellent resource for listening practice Students can explore various genres, including poetry, drama, prose, and children's short stories, allowing them to choose materials that match their proficiency and comfort level.
3.6 CBC Podcasts: http://www.cbc.ca/ideas/podcasts/
The Canadian broadcasting company offers a diverse range of news, sports, and entertainment programs, catering to various interests Teachers and students can easily access content by downloading MP3 files or subscribing through iTunes, ensuring they stay updated with 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 It also features a variety of podcasts covering diverse topics, including animals and world news.
3.8 The British Council: http://www.britishcouncil.org/
Discover an array of excellent podcasts available for download on the British Council's website, featuring native speakers and accompanied by scripts that are beneficial for both teachers and students.
3.9 Newsy: http://www.newsy.com/
Newsy stands out as my preferred video news source, particularly for ESL students, as it provides transcripts directly beneath each video This feature is advantageous for learners, allowing them to choose whether to display the transcript for assistance or hide it to enhance their listening skills.
3.10 The Weather Channel: http://www.weather.com/video/
The Weather Channel offers more than just video weather forecasts; it provides short clips with subtitles for audio that may be hard to hear due to weather conditions.
3.11 Breaking News: https://breakingnewsenglish.com
Designed for Intermediate to Advanced students, this resource features news stories accompanied by vocabulary and comprehension exercises New stories, which include audio, are added weekly, allowing users to select from a variety of themes listed at the bottom of the page.
Many language learners often watch English TV shows and movies outside of class, yet they rarely view this as a chance to enhance their listening skills Language teachers can play a crucial role by recommending specific English films and programs that can help students improve their listening abilities.
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' thoughts on the recent task by asking, "Who watched the game show last weekend? What insights can you share?" This approach encourages a lively class discussion or presentation about the shows they have viewed.
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) _
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?
Which aspects of meaningly muscular growth are mentioned?
Exercise 2
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)
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 major environmental challenge we face today While some plastics are biodegradable, it doesn’t justify the careless disposal of wrappers and packaging that harm ecosystems Annually, approximately eight million tons of plastic enter our oceans, with projections indicating this figure will increase in the next decade By 2050, the ocean could contain more plastic than fish, posing a significant threat to marine life, as creatures may mistake plastic for food or become entangled in discarded 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
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.
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
Listen to the recording if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).
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
Exercise1: WHAT MAKES MUSCLES GROW?
Muscles, which comprise about one-third to one-half of our body weight, play a crucial role in movement and stability They require consistent attention and care, as daily treatment influences their growth or decline When performing a task, such as pulling open a door, the brain sends signals to motor neurons, prompting muscle contractions that generate movement If faced with greater resistance, like a solid iron door, the brain engages additional muscles to exert the necessary force This process also causes microscopic damage to muscle fibers, which triggers an immune response that repairs and strengthens the tissue, leading to muscle hypertrophy To stimulate new muscle growth, it’s essential to expose muscles to higher workloads than they are accustomed to; otherwise, they may shrink due to muscular atrophy Effective muscle growth also relies on proper nutrition, particularly adequate protein intake, hormones like testosterone, and sufficient rest, especially during sleep Factors such as age, gender, and genetics can influence muscle-building potential, as some individuals have more robust repair mechanisms Ultimately, meaningful muscle growth requires embracing challenges and stress, allowing the body to adapt and strengthen.
( source : https://www.listen-and-write.com/youtube/choose/17911)
Rapid urban growth has led to various challenges such as inadequate housing, sanitation issues, and rising crime rates The World Health Organization (WHO) outlines criteria for healthy cities, emphasizing the need for a clean and safe environment, fulfillment of basic needs for all residents, accessible health services, and community involvement in governance Projects around the world are addressing these criteria In Sri Lanka, the 'Community Contracts System' improved infrastructure in squatter settlements by empowering residents to participate in the development process, enhancing both living conditions and economic opportunities In Mali, a cooperative formed by local graduates tackled sanitation issues in the city’s old quarters, raising public awareness and improving hygiene practices Meanwhile, in Egypt, a Women's Centre in Makattam provided vocational training for illiterate young women, enabling them to gain skills and earn a living, thereby enhancing their social status and quality of life These initiatives demonstrate that cities have the potential to thrive and support their populations with better resource distribution and commitment to community welfare.
( Source : https://www.listen-and-write.com/youtube/show/18292)
WHAT IF PLASTIC POLLUTION GETS WORSE?
Plastic pollution is a critical environmental challenge, with our oceans filled with plastic debris, landscapes marred by trash, and even the air contaminated by microplastics As we explore the alarming question of what could happen if plastic pollution escalates, it's essential to stay informed Subscribe to Unveiled for more intriguing insights and hit the bell for updates! The persistent issue with plastic lies in its inability to fully decompose, as many products are intentionally designed for single use, leading to an ever-increasing accumulation of non-biodegradable waste.
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental issue, with around eight million tons of plastic entering the oceans annually While some plastics are recyclable, many people fail to recycle, leading to an increase in waste such as wrappers and water bottles that harm ecosystems It is projected that plastic pollution will triple in the next decade if current habits do not change.
By 2050, the amount of plastic in the oceans may surpass that of fish, posing a grave threat to marine life Aquatic animals often confuse plastic for food, leading to ingestion, while others become ensnared in discarded human waste.
Recent statistics reveal that nearly half of marine vertebrates were lost between 1970 and 2012, and if plastic consumption continues unchecked, these numbers could worsen, leading to the extinction of entire species and severe disruptions in the food chain as predators ingest plastic through their prey The ocean is now inundated with plastic, resulting in the formation of at least five massive garbage islands globally, 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 pieces of plastic, some of which date back to the 1970s It's important to note that these patches consist solely of plastic found on the ocean's surface.
An estimated 99% of plastic in the ocean remains unaccounted for, with smaller pieces, known as microplastics, posing a significant threat These particles, measuring five millimeters or less, are nearly invisible to the naked eye and can persist in marine environments for centuries As a result, fish inadvertently consume these plastics, making it an unavoidable consequence rather than a mere mistake.
Microplastics are so minuscule that they can enter an animal's body through respiration or via tiny plankton, allowing them to ascend the food chain and ultimately impact human health through seafood consumption The issue extends beyond oceans, as overflowing landfills have become alarmingly common, spreading non-biodegradable waste into natural habitats This pollution can contaminate drinking water supplies, with plastics leaching toxic chemicals into groundwater, and ultimately, these materials find their way back into rivers and oceans.
Finding a solution to plastic pollution extends beyond merely avoiding its use Incinerating plastic poses dangers, contributing to air pollution, ozone layer depletion, and climate change, while also releasing microplastics into the air that can enter our lungs and bloodstream Completely eliminating existing plastic from the environment seems nearly impossible and would take a long time However, we can prevent the situation from worsening by changing our habits, enhancing recycling efforts, and reducing our overall reliance on plastic both individually and collectively Currently, plastic pollution permeates nearly every part of the Earth, and as long as plastic continues to be mass-produced and irresponsibly discarded, the accumulation of waste will escalate, leading to increasingly severe consequences.
Phil, an avid football fan from England, shares his passion for the sport, highlighting the excitement surrounding a Premier League match day He contrasts this with Todd's experience of American football, emphasizing the unique rituals and routines fans engage in from morning until night when attending a British football match.
On home game days, I typically leave for the stadium about two hours early, allowing time for a pre-game drink at the bar Clad in my football kit, complete with shirt and scarf, I make my way to my usual spot in the stand, as it's become a cherished tradition As the stadium fills up, the atmosphere intensifies with supporters rallying behind the team, creating a wave of excitement and adrenaline The playful banter among fans, including a few from the opposing team, adds to the vibrant pre-game energy while players warm up on the pitch.
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?
Phil expresses his curiosity about the spontaneous nature of group singing, noting that while there isn't a designated leader, someone always initiates the song He reflects on the phenomenon where everyone seems to join in at once, highlighting the mystery behind who starts the singing and why certain songs are chosen.
Todd: Now is it always the same songs, or do the team come up with new songs from time to time?
Supporters, rather than the team, create the songs that resonate with fans, typically revolving around a core set of anthems for each team During local derby matches against rival teams, unique specialty songs emerge, often influenced by recent events or player news, leading to the creation of new chants that reflect the current atmosphere and sentiments of the fans.
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 acknowledged that his team was not performing well that year and faced a strong opposing team, leading to a collective expectation of loss Despite this, they approached the game with a celebratory attitude, making the experience more enjoyable.
Todd: Well, cool Thanks for talking about the Premiere League
(Source : http://www.elllo.org/english/0701/T712-Phil-Soccer.htm )
SOUTH KOREA FOOTBALL FAN’S ANGER AT RONALDO NO -SHOW
A recent study from the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals that while humans make up a minuscule portion of Earth's life, they are responsible for the destruction of 83% of wild mammals and half of plant life This groundbreaking research, led by Professor Ron Milo, is the first to analyze the weight of various life forms on the planet Milo expressed his surprise at the absence of a comprehensive estimate of biomass components and aims for the study to highlight humanity's significant impact on Earth.