On December 25

On December 25, 2000, many people across North America received a rare Christmas treat when the moon passed in front of the sun resulting in a partial solar eclipse.

Solar eclipses occur when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, and the moon's shadow covers part of the Earth, and a total solar eclipse takes place when the moon's shadow blocks out the sun entirely. What made this particular solar eclipse unique was that this event has occurred on December twenty-fifth only 30 times during the past 5000 years, the last time in 19.

But people must be exceptionally careful when attempting to view a solar eclipse. Without taking precautionary measures, one can permanently damage the retina of the eye; however, there are several safe methods of witnessing this heavenly marvel.

First, you can view a solar eclipse by using eclipse safety glasses for filtering out the sun's harmful rays. They should be used when any part of the sun is visible.

Sunglasses can block out some of the sun's ultraviolet rays, but the results can be very deceptive. The eye's natural reaction to this darken state when wearing sunglasses is to make the pupil larger, which allows in more light and can intensify the damage to your eye.

You can watch an eclipse by projecting the sun's image on a piece of paper either by using a telescope, or easier yet, by creating a pinhole in a piece of paper and viewing the result on another piece of paper, thus called a pinhole projector.

Only during a total eclipse when the sun is completely and briefly covered can you watch the eclipse without eye protection. Even then, extreme caution should be taken.

In case you didn't catch this last spectacular eclipse on December twenty-fifth, 2000, there's no

need to fret. Your posterity can record the next eclipse on Christmas in the year 2307, but only if they're visiting the west coast of Africa for the holidays.

Key Vocabulary [Top]

treat (noun): a special experience

- Going to Disneyland for Christmas will be a real treat for the kids.

partial (adjective): incomplete

- The win for the team was only a partial victory since their starting player was injured and will be unable to compete for the next few games.

exceptionally (adjective): extremely

- The boy is exceptionally bright for his age.

precautionary (adjective): taken in advance to protect against possible danger

- As a precautionary step, I believe we should check all of the equipment again to make sure it is working properly.

measures (noun): steps, methods, or procedures

- The astronauts took drastic measures to prevent a collision with the oncoming asteroid.

witness (verb): watch or view

- I'm not sure if we will be able to witness the lunar eclipse because the skies are cloudy.

deceptive (deceive) (adjective, also verb): mislead, often deliberately or inadvertently

- The stars at times seem to twinkle in the night sky, but this perception can be somewhat deceptive. Actually, the star light passing through the atmosphere creates this effect.

intensify (verb): to make stronger

- Over the past several weeks, solar flare activity has intensified disrupting radio transmissions in some parts of the world.

fret (verb): to worry unnecessarily of excessively, or be unhappy

- The boy fretted over losing his favorite toy.

1. What is the name of the girl being interviewed?

A. Alice

B. Ellen

C. Alex

2. She says we should save water when ______________.

A. washing cars

B. cleaning clothes

C. taking a bath

3. The girl's second suggestion is about _____________.

A. separating different types of garbage

B. disposing of trash properly

C. having a family clean-up party

4. By recycling paper, we can ___________________.

A. protect the forests

B. cut down on waste

C. save money

5. What does the girl do once a month?

A. She visits a recycling center.

B. She cleans a neighborhood park.

C. She collects newspapers.

Score =

Correct answers:

1. Alex

2. taking a bath

3. disposing of trash properly

4. protect the forests

5. She collects newspapers.

Interviewer: Today, I'm interviewing nine-year-old Alex about her feelings on how people can help save the environment. So, Alex, how can we save the environment?

Alex: By saving water.

Interviewer: Well, how can we do that?

Alex: By not using too much water when we wash dishes, take a bath, and when we do other things, like watering the plants outside.

Interviewer: Oh, I think I can do that. What else?

Alex: When drinking or eating something outside, you should keep the garbage until you find a trashcan to put it in because littering makes our planet dirty. Do you like seeing trash all over the

ground?

Interviewer: No, I don't. Do you have any final suggestions?

Alex: Yes. We shouldn't waste paper because trees are being cut down to make the paper. By recycling paper, we save the forests where animals live.

Interviewer: So, how can children recycle paper, I mean, everyday?

Alex: Well, for example, when I was in kindergarten, I used to save the newspapers so that I could make things make out of them, like paper trees, instead of just throwing them away. Now, the children in our neighborhood collect newspapers once a month to take them to a recycling center.

Interviewer: That's great. Well thanks Alex for your ideas.

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1. This presentation was most likely part of which type of recording?

A. a TV weather program on seasonal changes

B. an informal discussion between friends

C. an academic speech at school

2. Based on what you heard, how would you characterize the winter season?

A. January receives about 30 inches in snow.

B. Winter temperatures hover below freezing for the 3-month period.

C. Outdoor activities tend to be popular during this season.

3. Which statement is NOT true about the spring?

A. Spring usually begins at the end of March.

B. Plentiful wind currents make some outdoors activities possible.

C. Nighttime temperatures dip below 50 degrees.

4. What is the summer season like in this area?

A. mild and breezy

B. hot and dry

C. warm and humid

5. What is one activity people like to do in the fall?

A. go and see the fall colors

B. clean their houses

C. have a fall picnic

Score =

Correct answers:

1. an academic speech at school

2. Outdoor activities tend to be popular during this season.

3. Nighttime temperatures dip below 50 degrees.

4. hot and dry

5. go and see the fall colors

Hello everyone. Have you ever wondered what the weather is like in other places around the world? Today, I'd like to talk to you about the changing seasons in my city which was the assigned topic for this class.

First of all, the winter season usually begins in December and ends in early March. The coldest month is January, and temperatures can drop below freezing for most of this month. The city usually averages about 30 inches of snow during this entire, 3-month period. Occasionally, we have snow storms that can drop a foot of snow in a very short period of time. Winter activities during this season include sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Spring usually arrives in late March, and the temperatures hover around 50 degrees during the day. It is a beautiful season because the flowers start to bloom. It is also sometimes windy, and this is great for flying kites. People in my city often like to go on picnics, stroll through the parks, and play outdoor games.

Next, summer starts in June, as temperatures slowly rise to around 80 degrees. The summer in my city is very dry with little rain throughout the season, and temperatures can soar above 100 degrees in August. Fortunately, the weather is very dry with low humidity, so it is pleasant even on hot days. Popular activities during this season hiking, fishing, camping, water skiing, and outdoor sports including football and soccer.

And finally, summer changes to fall in late September when the weather cools off, and the trees begin to change colors. A lot of people enjoy driving into the mountains and viewing the fall colors. It is also a time when people clean up their yards and gardens in preparation for the winter season.

So, as you can see, my city has a lot to offer no matter when you visit this area.

Key Vocabulary [Top]

occasionally (adverb): from time to time, now and then, once in a while

- We occasionally go on picnics during the spring and summer seasons.

sledding (noun): the activity or sport of ridding on a sled, usually in snow

- I took the kids sledding yesterday down a real fun hill, and we had a great time.

hover (verb): remain somewhat steady

- You should be prepared from cold weather this weekend because temperatures will hover around freezing.

stroll (verb): take a leisurely walk

- During the early spring, you often see couples strolling through the park.

soar (verb): rise quickly

- The weather forecast predicts that temperatures will soar in to the 100s by the middle of the week.

humidity (noun): wetness in the air

- Because I live in a dry climate, I'm not used to the humidity when I travel.

1. Which word best describes the man's initial reaction right after he found out that he had been diagnosed with cancer?

A. shock

B. anger

C. self-pity

2. What did the man do after he first learned of his illness?

A. He underwent immediate surgery.

B. He retired from his job.

C. He researched cancer treatments.

3. After several months with the disease, what was the man's main source of consolation?

A. his family and friends

B. his belief in God

C. his doctors' encouragement

4. Who was mainly responsible for checking on and adjusting the man's medications in the home?

A. relatives

B. his wife

C. a hospice

5. According to the story, what can we learn from such difficult and emotional experiences?

A. All people will face death, and thus, we must prepare for it spiritually.

B. Our characters can be strengthened by such adversity.

C. Families provide the best support system during such a crisis.

Score =

Correct answers:

1. shock

2. He researched cancer treatments.

3. his belief in God

4. a hospice

5. Our charcters can be strengthened by such adversity.

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I once had a friend that was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and the news that he might only live up to six months was a great shock to him, his family, and his friends. However, in spite of the dire prognosis, he was initially determined to look into all available treatments that might cure or extend his life. I think that when you find yourself in such situations, you tend to look up every possible avenue for hope of preserving your life.

As the months progressed and his health grew worse, I noticed an unexpected change in attitude that came over him. He had also been a jovial person with an upbeat personality, but rather (than) give in to discouragement and self-pity, he took comfort his faith in God and humanity. His conversations focused on others rather than himself, and he spoke of the afterlife as something he was prepared for, believing that his deceased ancestors, including his mother and father, were there waiting for him.

During the last few months, weeks, and days of his life, he was kindly cared for by family, friends,

his loving wife, who looked after both his physical and emotional needs, and workers from a local hospice came to the home to help regulate his medication and provide any other needed support. He didn't complain about his fate, and he willingly allowed others to serve him, realizing they were the benefactors of something more.

Indeed, one might ponder why God allows death and suffering in our world, but for me, such experiences taught me to value family more and kindness for others. You often can't learn these important attributes in the lap of luxury, and perhaps, such an experience is the greatest and final gift the terminally ill can give those left behind.

Key Vocabulary [Top]

diagnose (verb): determine the nature of a problem

- This test will diagnose whether she has the disease.

terminal (adjective): ending in or approaching death

- His wife has a terminal illness and isn't expect to live through the end of the week.

in spite of (preposition): regardless of

- Nathan was very cheerful in spite of his medical condition.

dire (adjective): awful, fearful, nearly hopeless

- The family found themselves in dire financial conditions after the loss of their father.

prognosis (noun): a prediction of the course of a disease

- With the development of new medications, the long-term prognosis for someone with that disease is good.

jovial (adjective): merry, cheerful

- My sister was still somewhat jovial in spite of her medical condition.

upbeat (adjective): cheerful, positive

- In spite of all my mother's emotionally challenges, she always tried to remain upbeat about life.

self-pity (noun): a feeling of sorrow for personal sufferings

- Although she was suffering from cancer, the woman felt there was little time for self-pity and devoted the rest of her life to service.

deceased (adjective): dead

- Both of my parents are deceased, and I only have one brother who is still living.

hospice (noun): a program providing medical and emotional care for the terminally ill and their families

- A local hospice came into our home to care for my grandfather while he was terminally ill.

benefactors (noun): someone who helps other people

- Many benefactors have contributed goods and money to the poor in our area.

ponder (verb): reflect or think deeply on something, meditate

- When you find yourself in dire circumstances, people often tend to ponder the purpose of life.

attributes (noun): qualities or characteristics

- There are so many attributes I admire in Mindy, my sister.

lap of luxury (noun): a condition of wealth and comfort

- Some people live in the lap of luxury while others live a relatively simple lifestyle from day to day.

Vocabulary Activities [Top]

1. What would be the best title for this lecture?

A. Important Keys to Recycling Paper

B. Technological Advances Improve Recycling

C. Steps to Improving Recycling

2. According to the article, paper materials that are difficult to recycle include:

A. copy paper

B. document shred

C. food wrappers

3. In some cases, recycling could be hazardous to the environment if special precautions are not taken because:

A. industrial emissions are sometimes created in the process.

B. chemical waste is sometimes produced as a result.

C. a great deal of energy is expended to create new products.

4. According to the lecture, the demand for recyclable materials in the manufacturing of new products is sometimes sluggish because

A. some governments are unwilling to support expensive recycling methods.

B. there is a lack of advanced technology to process the materials.

C. businesses do not invest enough money into research.

5. Which is NOT one of the main keys to recycling as mentioned in the lecture?

A. government regulation of waste

B. better technology

C. more demand for recycled materials

Score =

Correct answers:

1. Steps to Improving Recycling

2. food wrappers

3. chemical waste is sometimes produced as a result.

4. the lack of advanced technology to process the materials.

5. government regulation of waste

Commentator:

We hear it a lot in the news these days:

\"Recycle newspapers and save a tree. Collect bottles and cans so they can be reused in the manufacturing of new products.\"

Protecting our delicate environment seems to be on the agenda of politicians, government leaders, and citizens in many parts of the world to show support for mother nature. The concept of green consumerism has gained momentum more and more over the last decade, and the public

feels moved to pitch in and help. However, three essential keys needed to power this movement include a more informed public, the development of improved technology, and a greater demand for recycled materials.

Let's use paper as an example. The first step is to raise public awareness about the recycling process, to explain the kinds of materials that can be recycled, and provide ways on how to properly dispose of them. Local governments should educate the public on how to properly sort reusable materials from those, like waxed paper, carbon paper, plastic laminated material such as fast food wrappers, that can't be recycled very easily. Then, a system of collecting these sorted materials needs to be established. The Public interest might be there, but soon may wane if there isn't a system where they can take these materials to be recycled. Sometimes, we become complacent when it comes to recycling, but when you speak in terms of actual facts and figures that everyone can understand, people become more cognizant of the problem. I remember reading one time that the energy saved from one recycled can provides enough power to operate a television for three hours. Give the public information they can grasp, and then you will increase your chances of gaining followers.

Second, technological progress has been made on many fronts, but governmental agencies need to step up their support for companies involved in recycling by providing tax incentives, low-cost loans, or even grants to upgrade equipment and to encourage further research. One breakthrough has been the development of a new manufacturing process that uses enzymes to help remove ink from paper in more energy efficient and environmentally safe methods. Recycling paper materials can be expensive in both monetary and environmental terms. The difficulty in removing print from paper, the amount of energy expended during the process, and caustic waste that is sometimes produced are costs that companies incur that are then passed on to the consumer.

The final key is to increase demand for the growing surplus of resources waiting to be recycled. This process (or rather, problem) has appeared in various regions of the world where the technology to process the used materials lags far behind the amount being collected for recycling. There may be a great outpouring of support; yet the great stumbling block to implementing the second stage of this plan could be impeded by the corporate sector's inability to find commercial enterprises interested in using recycled goods especially when the cost exceeds those of virgin materials.

Recycling is a crucial key to protect our planet. The three keys mentioned are important ways to achieve this end.