Rationale of the study
Listening is a crucial language skill that significantly impacts daily communication and education Despite its importance, the development of listening abilities has often been overlooked in language instruction In English classrooms, effective listening is essential for learning, making it vital for teachers to equip students with the necessary skills To enhance students' listening proficiency, educators should incorporate authentic listening materials into their lessons.
To help learners develop effective listening skills, it is essential to focus on the methods and materials used in lessons The primary goal should be to foster learners' independence in understanding foreign language audio in real-world situations This can be achieved by utilizing authentic texts, which are spoken materials not specifically designed for language learners and are typically accessed through various technologies such as radio, television, the Internet, or CD-ROMs.
In today's globalized world, English language teachers face the challenge of preparing students for real-life situations, a concern shared by students and parents alike To create a motivating high-level course for high school English majors, incorporating authentic materials is essential, as it aligns with educational expectations and enhances cultural understanding of the target language This approach not only makes the learning experience more enjoyable but also increases motivation among students Furthermore, the integration of authentic listening materials in the Provincial Contest for Gifted Students has proven to be both challenging and rewarding for teachers and students.
At our High School for Gifted Students, English major students have access to diverse listening materials; however, many are tailored for exam preparation, such as IELTS or TOEFL, rather than equipping students for real-life communication challenges To address this issue, incorporating authentic listening materials into the classroom can significantly enhance students' practical listening skills.
As the Internet expands, both teachers and students can easily access a wide variety of authentic listening materials Despite this, many educators believe that these recordings are too challenging for classroom listening activities This paper proposes effective strategies to create activities that will aid English language learners in comprehending 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 essential listening practice for exceptional students preparing for the Provincial Contest for Gifted Students.
The scope of the study
This study aims to propose methods for integrating authentic listening materials into high school curricula, enhancing students' exposure to real-life communicative situations and ultimately improving their language competence.
This study offers various sources for adapting materials, providing valuable guidance for teachers interested in incorporating authentic resources into their daily instruction.
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 everyday life, serve as valuable learning tools for students Examples include change-of-address forms, job applications, menus, voice mail messages, radio programs, and videos Unlike traditional classroom materials, these resources are not specifically designed for educational purposes, which enhances their authenticity and relevance Authentic materials fall into two primary categories: print and auditory Students in English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Secondary Education (ASE), and Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs can significantly benefit from utilizing authentic print materials, while ESL learners often engage with authentic auditory materials, which can also be advantageous for ABE and ASE students.
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 of the language, along with authentic language use, is crucial for preparing students to navigate the real-world challenges they will encounter.
Teachers should incorporate authentic materials in high school English classes, particularly for advanced students, due to their distinct features that textbooks lack According to Gilmore (2007), textbook language often fails to accurately represent real-world language use, as it is modified to facilitate learning This alteration results in a significant gap between authentic and textbook language, missing critical elements of natural spoken English, such as realistic intonation, speech rate, and background noise By using authentic listening materials alongside textbooks, students can better prepare for real-world communication.
Authentic language materials significantly enhance students' motivation and interest, allowing them to connect more deeply with native speakers and grasp the nuances of everyday communication These resources are particularly valuable for English major students aspiring to study abroad, as they provide essential preparation for effective social interaction in a target language environment.
Benefits of using authentic listening materials
Authentic materials play a crucial role in language teaching and learning, as they effectively support students in acquiring a target language (Guariento & Morley, 2001; Wilcox & Oaks, 1999; Weyers, 1999 cited in Al Azri & Al-Rashdi, 2014) These resources provide significant advantages over traditional teaching materials, enhancing both linguistic and non-linguistic aspects of language acquisition.
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 conducted in 2014 demonstrated that authentic materials effectively enhance students' listening skills and boost their motivation Numerous studies highlight the benefits of using authentic materials in educational settings, emphasizing their role in fostering engagement and improving language proficiency.
• 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, providing them with practical context and relevance Educators can effectively tailor these materials to match the language proficiency levels of their students, ensuring that all learners can engage meaningfully with the content.
4 Drawbacks of using authentic listening materials
While authentic materials can greatly 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 effective tasks The search for relevant materials that align with students' knowledge and interests can be daunting Additionally, authentic materials may include complex language structures and unfamiliar cultural references that could disengage students (Jennie, 2015).
Developing listening skills with authentic materials poses challenges for teachers, as they must often listen to recordings and verify transcripts, which can be time-consuming In cases where no transcript is available, teachers may need to repeatedly listen to ensure they fully understand 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 them This hesitation often leads teachers to rely on conventional course books, which are perceived as safer and less time-consuming options.
The benefits of utilizing authentic materials in foreign language teaching significantly surpass the drawbacks, highlighting their value as effective educational tools Consequently, educators should prioritize the integration of these materials in their teaching strategies.
Ways of using different types of authentic materials
Radio
Using real-time radio in the classroom provides an easily accessible form of authentic listening practice for learners, as radio programs are available 24/7 and are affordable for most language teachers Stations like BBC World Service and Voice of America offer continuous programming, while many non-English speaking countries also feature English broadcasts However, radio can be challenging for language learners due to the absence of non-verbal cues that aid comprehension, requiring them to focus intensely on listening skills To effectively incorporate radio programs, teachers should select appropriate programs and design global listening tasks tailored to their students' levels, such as preparing an intermediate group for a travel-related broadcast.
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 waters them diligently With the right combination of sunlight, water, and time, these seeds grow into healthy fruits, vegetables, or grains When the plants are ripe and full, it’s time for the 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.
In groups of three, learners engage in discussions about the program, followed by presentations based on their notes This approach provides access to native speaker models, which may be lacking in traditional classrooms By emphasizing extensive listening for pleasure, we shift the focus away from testing comprehension, encouraging a more relaxed and enjoyable learning experience.
Video clips
Incorporating video clips in the classroom enhances students' access to information by providing a visual context alongside audio, allowing them to engage with the material more effectively This multimodal approach not only enriches their listening experience but also aids in the development of their listening skills within a more comprehensive language environment.
In Unit 8: Celebrations for English 11, I incorporate a 2-minute video titled "The Story of Thanksgiving Day" by SteelehouseMedia.com to enhance student engagement This listening activity serves as a post-lesson step, prompting students to share their thoughts on the individuals featured in the video.
The Internet
The rapid advancement of Internet facilities has been fueled by the power of modern computers and the growing demand for innovative technological applications With access to suitable computer software, learners can enhance their listening skills by visiting various online resources Below are recommended websites that teachers can utilize to create listening tasks, as well as platforms for students to practice 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 a variety of topics such as business, science, and entertainment I frequently download the One Minute World News for my advanced students, as its challenging listening speed enhances their skills Additionally, the latest global news keeps students motivated and engaged during lessons.
3.2 BBC (Radio): http:// www.bbc.co.uk/radio/
BBC Radio offers a distinct online service where users can access a wide variety of radio programs To begin exploring, it's advisable to visit the categories page, where listeners can select from an array of options including news, sports, entertainment, and 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 counterpart Additionally, CNN provides a diverse podcasting service catering to various interests, along with transcripts for select shows, which serve as valuable resources for enhancing students' listening skills.
3.4 Earthwatch Radio: http://ewradio.org/
Earthwatch Radio, produced by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Sea Grant Institute and the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, features diverse stories on science and environmental topics, emphasizing global climate change, the Great Lakes, and oceans The recordings enhance listening skills and introduce students to a variety of scientific terminology while fostering awareness of environmental protection.
3.5 Repeat After Us: http://www.repeatafterus.com/
Repeat After Us, founded by a passionate high school student, offers a diverse collection of recorded texts for students at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels The site features a wealth of original material, making it an excellent resource for listening practice Students can explore various genres, including poetry, drama, prose, and children's short stories, to find suitable content that matches their skill 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 Educators and learners can easily download MP3 files or subscribe through iTunes to stay updated with their favorite content.
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 diverse range of podcasts covering topics from animals to global news.
3.8 The British Council: http://www.britishcouncil.org/
Discover excellent podcasts available for download on the British Council's website, featuring native speakers and accompanied by scripts that are valuable resources for both teachers and students.
3.9 Newsy: http://www.newsy.com/
Newsy stands out as my preferred website for video news reports due to its feature of providing transcripts directly below the videos, which is particularly beneficial for ESL students This platform allows students the flexibility to either display the transcript or hide it, offering an option for more challenging listening practice.
3.10 The Weather Channel: http://www.weather.com/video/
The Weather Channel offers more than just video weather forecasts; it features concise clips with subtitles for improved accessibility, ensuring viewers can easily follow along despite challenging audio conditions.
3.11 Breaking News: https://breakingnewsenglish.com
This resource is ideal for intermediate to advanced students, featuring news stories accompanied by vocabulary and comprehension exercises New audio stories are added weekly, allowing learners to engage with current events Students can select from a variety of themes listed at the bottom of the page to enhance their learning experience.
Many language learners engage with English TV shows and movies outside of class, yet few recognize this as a chance to enhance their listening skills Teachers can play a crucial role by recommending specific English films and TV programs that 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 a recent task by asking, "Who watched the game show last weekend? What insights can you share?" This approach fosters 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 critical environmental challenge, with around eight million tons entering the ocean annually While some plastics are recyclable, this does not justify the careless disposal of wrappers and packaging that harm ecosystems If current trends continue, plastic waste in the ocean is projected to increase significantly over the next decade By 2050, the volume of plastic in the water could surpass that of fish, posing a severe threat to marine life, which may mistake plastic for food or become entangled in 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
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 1/3 to 1/2 of our body weight, require consistent attention to grow and avoid atrophy When you attempt to perform a physical task, your brain sends signals to motor neurons, initiating muscle contractions that enable movement If faced with a challenging task, like opening a heavy door, your brain recruits additional muscles to generate the necessary force This process causes microscopic damage to muscle fibers, which, while seemingly harmful, triggers a repair response from the immune system, leading to muscle growth To stimulate hypertrophy, muscles must be subjected to greater workloads than they are accustomed to, as everyday activities often lack the required stress for growth Proper nutrition, particularly protein intake, along with hormones like testosterone, is essential for repairing damaged fibers, with significant repair occurring during rest, especially at night Factors such as age, gender, and genetics influence an individual's muscle-building potential Ultimately, meaningful muscle growth necessitates a cycle of challenge, stress, and recovery.
( source : https://www.listen-and-write.com/youtube/choose/17911)
In response to the challenges posed by rapid urban growth, cities worldwide are implementing innovative solutions to create healthier environments The World Health Organization (WHO) outlines criteria for a healthy city, emphasizing the importance of a clean and safe environment, meeting the basic needs of all inhabitants, providing accessible health services, and fostering community involvement in local governance One notable initiative is Sri Lanka's 'Community Contracts System,' which empowers residents of squatter settlements to improve their infrastructure, enhancing both living conditions and economic opportunities In Mali, a cooperative formed by local students tackled sanitation issues in the capital by establishing a garbage collection system and educating the community about hygiene, resulting in improved public health and environmental awareness Additionally, a project in Makattam, Egypt, focused on empowering young women from impoverished backgrounds by teaching them sewing and weaving skills, enabling them to gain financial independence and a higher status in their community These examples illustrate that with determination and equitable resource distribution, cities can effectively address urban challenges and improve the quality of life for their residents.
( Source : https://www.listen-and-write.com/youtube/show/18292)
WHAT IF PLASTIC POLLUTION GETS WORSE?
Plastic pollution is a critical environmental challenge facing our planet today, with vast amounts of plastic waste contaminating our oceans, landscapes, and even the air we breathe This raises a pressing question: What if plastic pollution worsens? If you're eager for facts and have a curious mind, consider subscribing to Unveiled for more intriguing content and updates The core issue with plastic is its inability to fully decompose, as many products are designed for single-use, leading to an ever-increasing accumulation of non-biodegradable materials.
Every year, approximately eight million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans, significantly harming ecosystems While some plastics are recyclable, many people fail to recycle, resulting in wrappers, bottles, and packaging littering the environment If current trends continue, plastic pollution is expected to triple in the next decade, posing an increasing threat to marine life and habitats.
By 2050, the amount of plastic in the ocean may surpass the population of fish, posing a grave threat to marine life Aquatic animals are at risk of ingesting plastic, mistaking it for food, or becoming ensnared in litter carelessly discarded by humans.
Recent statistics reveal that nearly half of marine vertebrates were lost between 1970 and 2012, and if plastic consumption continues unchecked, this decline will worsen, leading to the extinction of entire species and severe repercussions throughout the food chain as predators ingest plastic through their prey The ocean now contains an alarming amount of 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 This patch 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, and it is important to note that these patches consist solely of plastic found on the ocean's surface.
Approximately 99% of all plastic in the ocean remains unaccounted for beneath the surface, with smaller pieces, known as microplastics, posing a particularly grave threat Measuring five millimeters or less, these minuscule particles are often invisible to the naked eye and can persist in marine environments for centuries, as they do not decompose like organic materials Consequently, it is no longer a mere error for fish to ingest this plastic; it has become an inevitable occurrence.
Microplastics, due to their minuscule size, can be absorbed by animals through respiration and even through tiny plankton This leads to microplastics traveling up the food chain, ultimately affecting human health as seafood-eating humans consume contaminated marine life The issue extends beyond oceans, as overflowing landfills filled with plastic have become alarmingly common, encroaching on natural environments and spreading non-biodegradable waste Additionally, plastics can leach toxic chemicals into groundwater, posing a risk to our drinking water supply, while much of this debris finds its way back into rivers and oceans.
Finding a comprehensive solution to plastic pollution is challenging, as simply avoiding plastic isn't enough Incinerating plastic poses dangers, contributing to air pollution, ozone depletion, and climate change, while releasing microplastics that can enter our lungs and bloodstream Completely eliminating existing plastic from the environment seems nearly impossible and time-consuming However, we can prevent the situation from worsening by changing our habits, enhancing recycling efforts, and collectively reducing our reliance on plastic Currently, plastic pollution affects nearly every part of the Earth, and without responsible production and disposal, the accumulation of waste will continue to escalate, leading to increasingly severe consequences.
Phil, a dedicated football fan from England, shares his passion for the sport Todd, an avid American football enthusiast, inquires about the experience of attending a Premier League match in England He asks Phil to describe the typical game day routine for fans, from morning preparations to the evening's conclusion.
On home game days, I typically leave for the stadium about two hours early, stopping by the bar for a beer before the match I always wear my football kit, including my shirt and scarf, and find my usual spot in the stands, as it's become a tradition for me As the game approaches, the stadium fills up with excited supporters, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with noise and adrenaline The banter between fans, including a few from the opposing team, adds to the excitement as 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 curiosity about the phenomenon of group singing, noting that while there is no official leader, a specific individual often initiates the song He observes that people seem to spontaneously join in at the same time, creating a collective experience around a particular tune, although he remains unsure of who starts it or the reasons behind it.
Todd: Now is it always the same songs, or do the team come up with new songs from time to time?
Supporters, not the team, create the songs that resonate during games, with a core set of anthems for each team Specialty songs often emerge for local derby matches against rival teams, reflecting the heightened emotions of those encounters Additionally, new songs may arise in response to recent events, such as a player making headlines, showcasing the dynamic nature of fan culture.
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 reflected on the team's expectations, acknowledging their poor performance that year and the strength of the opposing team Despite anticipating a loss, they maintained a positive attitude and approached the game with a festive spirit, 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 small fraction of Earth's life, they are responsible for the destruction of 83% of wild mammals and half of plant life Lead researcher Professor Ron Milo emphasized the lack of a comprehensive estimate of global biomass, prompting this groundbreaking investigation He aims to highlight the significant impact humanity has on the planet's ecosystems.