Listening
Life & Conditions 1
There are many forms of life on Earth, including human beings.
Life exists in a variety of conditions.
Some forms of life live in a watery environment, like the oceans.
Other forms of life can be found in very dry areas like deserts.
However, for any form of life to exist, conditions must be right.
When conditions are not right, that form of life will become extinct.
To become extinct means to die out completely.
Conditions must be right for life to exist.
Millions of years ago there were forms of life that no longer exist.
When conditions changed, these forms of life died out.
One extinction event happened about 250 million years ago.
This was the largest extinction event of all time.
Many forms of life became extinct.
Ninety six percent of all life in the oceans died out.
Most insects also became extinct.
This event happened over a period of several million years.
The causes of this extinction event are still unknown.
Possible causes include large volcanic eruptions and global warming.
Some scientists believe that there were several causes.
They believe that a series of events caused the extinctions.
Scientists are working to better understand what really happened.
Life & Conditions 2
In modern times we humans face changing conditions.
For humans to live, we need clean air and clean water.
Pollution is now a growing problem around the world.
Pollution poisons the air and water that we depend on.
Polluted air makes people sick and afraid to go outside.
Polluted water poisons our food supply.
As a result, we never know which foods are safe to eat.
Human beings cannot live in a poisoned environment.
Therefore, pollution is a major threat to our existence.
Humans need temperatures to be in a comfortable range.
To be in a comfortable range means to be neither too hot nor too cold.
With global warming, global temperatures are rising.
As temperatures rise, the polar icecaps will melt.
As the polar icecaps melt, ocean levels will rise.
Areas of some countries will soon be under water.
People will be forced to relocate from flooded areas.
In nature, even small changes can sometimes have large effects.
It’s difficult to predict what’s going to happen.
The entire ecosystem that we depend on is changing.
Some of these changes are irreversible.
Irreversible changes cannot be undone.
Let’s hope that humans are smart enough to understand how the world is changing.
With more understanding, we can make better choices about what to do.
We can face the challenges of pollution and global warming.
We need to do this before it’s too late.
This planet Earth is our only home and we need to protect it.
Vocabulary
Forms of life
Mammals are covered by hair or fur, have a backbone and are warm-blooded.
All female mammals produce milk for their young.
Reptiles are covered by scales and include snakes, lizards and turtles.
Reptiles have a backbone and are cold-blooded, which means they often rely on external sources of heat.
Birds are covered by feathers and are warm-blooded.
Most birds can fly and many types of birds migrate great distances.
Most insects such as ants and bees have a small, 3-part body with 3 pairs of legs.
Some insects, like mosquitoes, spread diseases that cause the deaths of many humans.
Unlike animals, plants get the energy that they need from the sun.
Plants convert light energy, along with carbon-dioxide and water, into chemical energy.
Instruments
Scales and rulers are used to measure weight and length.
Units of weight include kilograms and pounds, and units of length include centimeters and inches.
These instruments are used to observe very large and very small objects.
Telescopes are used by astronomers, and microscopes are used by biologists and doctors.
These appliances are used in the kitchens of almost every home.
Stoves are used to heat food, and refrigerators are used to keep foods cool or cold.
Household tools like these are used to build and repair things.
Hammers are used to pound in nails and screwdrivers are used to turn a scow.
Dialogue
Dating Anniversary
Fine Dining
W：do you know what day it is today?
M：what do you mean ?Is it a special day?
W：oh, so you don’t remember.
M：remember what? What’s so special?
W：it’s our anniversary. We started dating a year ago today.
M：oh, really, I’m sorry.
M：just a minute. What do you think this is?
W: oh, it’s a necklace.
M：do you like it?
W：yes, I do. It’s lovely, especially the red heart. May I put it on?
M：no, let me do it.
W：so you did remember.
M: of course I remembered. It’s a very special day for both of us.
W: I have something for you too.
M：you do?
W：yes, but it will have to wait until later.
M：oh, I can’t wait. Tell me what it is.
W：can you guess what it is?
M：could you give me a hint?
W：we went there six month ago.
M：oh, you mean Alfredo’s.
W：yes, are you excited? You said you really like the food there.
M：yes, that’s true.I also remember the dessert. Do you?
W：yes, but let’s not talk about that now. Let’s now ruin the surprise.
Fine Dining
W：That restaurant looks nice.
M：Yes, but it looks expensive.
W：Let’s go in and look at the menu. Wow the menu looks great, especially the fish.
M：Yes, it looks good, but look at those prices.Let’s try somewhere else.
W：Sometimes it’s ok to spend a little money.
M：Yes, but these prices are a bit too high, don’t you think?
W：Yes, there are a bit high. But don’t you think I’m worth it? Let’s enjoy ourselves.
M: Ah, ok, if you put it that way. Let’s see if we can get a table.
W：I’m glad you have your credit card.
M：I sure hope the food is good.
W：Stop worrying. Let’s just enjoy.