L5-U1-P4-1 Listening : Mysteries of Nature 1
Mysteries of Nature 1
There are many mysteries in nature.
Mysteries are things we don't understand, such as how the Egyptian pyramids were built.
In fact, we are surrounded by mysteries.
What we know about the world seems like very little.
Thing we don't understand are ...mysteries.
Mysteries are things we don't understand, such as how the Egyptian pyramids were built.
Scientists tell us that what we see in the universe is only a small part of what is there.
The rest is invisible, including dark matter and dark energy.
These two unknowns make up around 95% of the universe.
Evidence for their existence comes from their effects on what we can observe, such as the motion and positions of distant galaxies.
Most of what makes up the universe is invisible.
Evidence for their existence comes from their effects on what we can observe, such as the motion and positions of distant galaxies.
(1) Scientists tell us that what we see in the universe is only a small part of what is there.
(2) The rest is invisible, including dark matter and dark energy.
(3) These two unknowns make up around 95% of the universe.
(4) Evidence for their existence comes fromtheir effects on what we can observe, such as the motion and positions ofdistant galaxies.
The rest is invisible, including dark matter and dark energy.
Yet, though we know very little, we are able to build airplanes and communicate with smartphones.
In some ways we humans are very smart, or at least we think we are.
We still need to face big issues, like climate change, and that is going to be a huge challenge.
The challenge for humans will be our ability to adapt to our changing environment.
What's an example of a big issue? - global warming.
There are many mysteries in nature.
In fact, we are surrounded by mysteries.
In some ways we humans are very smart, or at least we think we are.
Mysteries are things we don't understand, such as how the Egyptian pyramids were built.
We still need to face big issues, like climate change, and that is going to be a huge challenge.
The challenge for humans will be our ability to adapt to our changing environment.
There are many mysteries in nature.
What we know about the world seems like very little.
In some ways we humans are very smart, or at least we think we are.
Mysteries are things we don't understand, such as how the Egyptian pyramids were built.
We still need to face big issues, like climate change, and that is going to be a huge challenge.
What about other forms of life?
How do they adapt?
Seasonal variations, for example, can be one of the greatest challenges for animals to overcome.
Overcoming such challenges is a great achievement, but hardly easy.
Some birds migrate thousands of kilometers each year to deal with seasonal changes.
These migrations are amazing.
Why do birds migrate? - to deal with seasonal changes.
Overcoming such challenges is a great achievement, but hardly easy.
Birds don't carry maps or compasses, yet they know where to go.
They have developed the ability to see the Earth's magnetic field.
This ability is a wonder of nature.
It takes advantage of the fact that the Earth is like a huge bar magnet.
It has a north pole, which is positive, and a south pole, which is negative.
Somehow the birds are able to see this magnetic field and use it to their advantage.
What ability do birds have to help them navigate? -They can see the Earth's magnetic field.
Somehow the birds are able to see this magnetic field and use it to their advantage.
And even the way birds fly together is amazing.
Many migrating birds fly in a V formation.
They do this to conserve energy.
In a V formation, birds can use the energy of the birds in front of them.
This energy comes from the air currents generated by the wings.
Conserving energy is necessary for the birds to survive the long journey.
How do the birds know this?
It's truly amazing how the birds know this.
Why do birds fly in a V formation? to conserve energy.
Some birds migrate thousands of kilometers each year to deal with seasonal changes.
They have developed the ability to see the Earth's magnetic field.
This energy comes from the air currents generated by the wings.
Seasonal variations, for example, can be one of the greatest challenges for animals to overcome.
Overcoming such challenges is a great achievement, but hardly easy.
Conserving energy is necessary for the birds to survive the long journey.
Some birds migrate thousands of kilometers each year to deal with seasonal changes.
Conserving energy is necessary for the birds to survive the long journey.
This energy comes from the air currents generated by the wings.
Seasonal variations, for example, can be one of the greatest challenges for animals to overcome.
Overcoming such challenges is a great achievement, but hardly easy.
L5-U1-P4-2 Listening : Mysteries of Nature 2
Mysteries of Nature 2
Another amazing example of survival is the salmon.
Salmon spend most of their lives in the ocean, which is saltwater.
Yet, when it's time to breed, they do so in freshwater rivers.
Salmon can adapt their bodies to survive in both saltwater and freshwater.
When it's breeding time, they return to the same river where they were born.
It seems as if they have a built-in map that guides them for hundreds of miles.
Where do salmon spend most of their lives? - in the ocean
(1) Another amazing example of survival is the salmon.
(2) Salmon spend most of their lives in the ocean, which is saltwater.
(3) Yet, when it's time to breed, they do so in freshwater rivers.
(4) Salmon can adapt their bodies to survive in both saltwater and freshwater.
Once they leave the saltwater, they don't eat.
They are determined to finish their journey, despite the many obstacles.
They swim against strong currents, jump over waterfalls and try to escape the claws of hungry bears.
Many die along the way, but enough of them survive to breed and produce the next generation.
Once they have laid their eggs, they die, having completed their journey.
It seems that their purpose in life is just to reproduce.
What do they do after laying the eggs? - they die
They swim against strong currents, jump over waterfalls and try to escape the claws of hungry bears.
Migration takes animals to new, more favorable environments when the seasons change.
Some of these journeys are long and dangerous, along routes with no obvious landmarks.
The longest migration is that of the Arctic tern.
It flies from pole to pole, twice a year.
If a tern achieves its average lifespan of 20 years, the distance it has flown will be equivalent to a journey to the moon and back.
A landmark is something easy to see and remember, like ...a river or bay.
Some of these journeys are long and dangerous, along routes with no obvious landmarks.
Humans also migrate, but seldom if ever for seasonal variations.
Unfortunately, human migrations are often due to human activities.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, large scale migrations have become a global problem.
Millions of migrants have had to leave their countries and look for new homes.
Many have died along the way or lived as refugees in camps until they are admitted into a new country.
So the question remains as to how our global community will face these challenges.
Most human migrations are due to ...human activities.
Humans also migrate, but seldom if ever for seasonal variations. Unfortunately, human migrations are often due to human activities. Since the beginning of the 21st century, large scale migrations have become a global problem. Millions of migrants have had to leave their countries and look for new homes.
Salmon spend most of their lives in the ocean, which is saltwater.
It seems that their purpose in life is just to reproduce.
Unfortunately, human migrations are often due to human activities.
Since the beginning of the 21st century, large scale migrations have become a global problem.
Some of these journeys are long and dangerous, along routes with no obvious landmarks.
L5-U1-P4-3 Vocabulary : Social Relations
Social Relations
To criticize someone is to point out their faults or mistakes.
Some people appreciate constructive criticism, which can help them develop their skills.
Some people cannot take any criticism without feeling hurt.
Learning how to provide and take constructive criticism is an important skill.
To praise someone is to let them know that they have done a good job.
Some people expect to be praised when they have performed well.
Knowing when and how to praise someone is an important skill.
It’s important not to praise people when they haven’t done a good enough job.
To apologize to someone is to admit that you have done something wrong or hurtful.
One way to apologize is to say you are sorry.
If your apology isn't accepted, it means the person hasn't forgiven you.
If you accidentally hurt someone it's usually a good idea to apologize.
If someone rejects your apology, it means they haven’t forgiven you.
To forgive someone is to accept their apology.
To order people to do something means to use your power or position to get them to do it.
Many people dislike being ordered to do things.
In many cases, it's better to make a request than order someone to do something.
A boss may order his employees to do something and they will usually agree to do it, even if they don't want to.
If someone doesn’t follow orders, he or she may be punished.
To encourage someone is to support their efforts and help build their confidence.
A good teacher encourages students to do their best.
To discourage someone is to take away their confidence.
Some people are discouraged if they don't reveive praise or recognition for their work.
An example of an order: "Get me some tea"
Some people appreciate constructive criticism, which can help them develop their skills.
Many people dislike being orderded to do things.
Some people cannot take any criticism without feeling hurt.
If someone rejects your apology, it means they haven’t forgiven you.
If someone doesn’t follow orders, he or she may be punished.
To encourage someone is to support their efforts and help build their confidence.
A boss may order his employees to do something and they will usually agree to do it, even if they don't want to.
It’s discouraging to work for someone who never shows appreciation for your hard work.
To take away someone's confidence means "to discourage".
A nice way to communicate or order is to phrased as "a request".
To admit that you have done something wrong or hurtful is to apologize.
If you have done a good job, you can expect to be praised.
To point out the mistakes in someone's work is to criticize.
An example of a request: - "Could I have some tea?"
Some people expect to be praised when they have performed well.
To encourage someone is to support their efforts and help build their confidence.
Knowing when and how to praise someone is an important skill.
One way to apologize is to say you are sorry.
A good teacher encourages students to do their best.
Some people are discouraged if they don't receive respect or recognition for their work.
A boss may use a request instead of a command as a way to show respect to an employee.
L5-U1-P4-4 Vocabulary : Science Vocabulary
Science Vocabulary
There are many different cycles in nature, such as the cycle of seasons.
A cycle is a series of events that repeat, such as the daily cycle of light and dark.
The time it takes for a cycle to repeat itself it its period.
The number of times a cyycle repeats itself within a period of time is its frequency.
To evolve means to change or improve over a period of time.
In biology, the theory of evolution says that advanced life forms, such as humans, have evolved from lower forms of life.
Life forms evolve because they have to adapt in order to survive.
According to science we have all evolved from simple one-called organisms.
A force of attraction brings two objects closer together, such as the force of gravity.
A force of repulsion pushes two objects away from each other, such as the force between two electrons.
Gravity is a force of attraction between two objects with mass.
If two people are attracted to each other they want to be together.
To transform means to change from one form into another.
A transformation occurs when an object takes on a new appearance or structure.
Over a period of time, the process of evolution can transform the appearance of species of life.
A good leader can transofrm an unsuccessful company into a successful one by changing how it is organized.
In marriage, a wife's attempt to transform the behavior of her husband is often unsuccessful.
To inherit something means to get it without having to ask or work for it.
A child from a very rich family may inherit a lot of money.
He inherited a large fortune when his parents died, so he doesn't have to work anymore.
A good friend of mine has never had to work, because evenint he has is inherited.
Eye and haircolor are inherited traits.
To change or improve over a period of time means to evolve.
To change from one form into another means to transform.
To receive something without having to work for it means to inherit.
What kind of force brings things together? -A force of attraction
What is a series of events that repeat itself? -A cycle
A good leader can transform an unsuccessful company into a successful one by changing how it is organized.
A force of attraction brings two objects closer together, such as the force of gravity.
(1) There are many different kinds of forces.
(2) There are forces of attraction, such as the force between positive and negative electric charges.
(3) There are also forces of repulsion.
(4) For example, two objects with the same electric charge will repel each other.
There are many different cycles in nature, such as the cycle of seasons.
Life forms evolve because they have to adapt in order to survive.
If two people are attracted to each other, they want to be together.
A force of attraction brings two objects closer together, such as the force of gravity.
A good leader can transform an unsuccessful company into a successful one by changing how it is organized.
L5-U1-P4-5 Dialogue : Handling Office Confiicts
Handling Office Confiicts
(W: Woman B: Boss K: Kevin)
W: Excuse me, do you have a minute?
B: I'm sorry, not right now. I'll be free in about 15 minutes. Could you come back then?
W: No, I'm afraid we have an emergency upstairs.
B: Can't you handle it?
W: No, I think it would be best if you were there.
B: OK, I'll finish this call and be right with you.
What's the problem? - They have an emergency upstairs.
(1) Excuse me, do you have a minute?
(2) I'm sorry, not right now.
(3) I'll be free in about 15 minutes.
(4) Could you come back then?
B: OK, what is it?
W: Kevin and Bob are shouting at each other, and it's upsetting everyone.
B: Oh, not again. Those two have got to grow up. Who started it?
W: I'm not sure, but they were even pushing each other.
In this case, "they have to grow up" means ...to act like adults and not children.
Kevin and Bob are shouting at each other, and it's upsetting everyone.
B: OK, this is unacceptable. You run on ahead and warn them that I'm coming. I want them to calm down before I get there. Can you do that?
W: OK, I'll do what I can to calm them down. But you know Kevin, he is such a hot head.
"Kevin is a hot head" means "he can't control his emotions".
Excuse me, do you have a minute?
Those two have got to grow up.
I want them to calm down before I get there.
Kevin and Bob are shouting at each other, and it's upsetting everyone.
I'm not sure, but they were even pushing each other.
B: OK, Kevin, I've warned you before. This has got to stop.
K: Yes, I know. But Bob doesn't cooperate. He is impossible to work with.
B: Even so, you can't go around pushing people. That's no way to handle things. If you weren't doing such a good job, I'd have to let you go right now. Your behavior just isn't acceptable.
"To let him go" means ...to fire him.
K: Yeah, I understand and I'm sorry. I just can't stand working with him.
B: I'm not sure what to do. What would you do if you were me? Do you have any suggestions?
K: To be honest, if I were you, I wouldn't have the two of us work in the same office. I know Bob has been with the company longer than I have, but he's doing a terrible job. When you are not around, he just bullies people. People are afraid of him.
Why people are afraid of Bob? - He acts like a bully.
How does Kevin feel about working with Bob? -He can't stand it.
B: OK, I'll look into it a bit more. But you've got to promise me to keep cool and not let this happen again.
K: OK, I'll try to handle things differently next time.
He'll "look into it" a bit more means ...he's going to get more information.
Even so, you can't go around pushing people.
I just can't stand working with him.
Do you have any suggestions?
Kevin thinks Bob doesn't cooperate and is difficult to work with.
If you weren't doing such a good job, I'd have to let you go right now.