The longest railway line in the world opened on Wednesday. The line joins China's capital Beijing with the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. The line is 2,298 kilometers long and stretches across half of China. The first train left Beijing station at 9 a.m. and arrived in Guangzhou eight hours later. The super-fast train travels at an average speed of 300 kph and cuts the journey time from 20 hours to just eight. It stops at 35 different cities along its route.
A total of 310 trains will run between the two cities each day. A one-way ticket for the journey costs US$138. China's government hopes the train will help the country's economy as business people can now travel across the country a lot quicker.
Chinese media say the bullet train service started on 26 December to commemorate the birth of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The train is also a sign of China's plan to become the world's leader in high-speed rail travel. It already has 8,600 km of high-speed railway track, which is more than any other country in the world.
It plans to extend this to 16,000 km by 2015 and 50,000 km by 2020. China Ministry of Railways spokesman Zhou Li told reporters: "The opening of the Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed line shows China's high-speed railway network has started to take shape." A passenger who traveled on the first train explained how proud she was of the train, saying: "It's amazing China has developed so quickly".
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. Which two cities does the new high-speed line joined?
2. How long is the railway line?
3. How much faster is the high-speed journey?
4. How much high-speed railway track does China currently have?
5. What did Zhou Li say about China's high-speed railway network?
6. What feeling did a passenger have for the train?
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What do you think about this article?
2. Do you like travelling by train? Why or why not?
3. Would you like to ride on China's new high-speed train? Why?
4. Can you describe the different kinds of trains in your country?
5. Which country do you think has the best railway network?
6. What do you think of China's plans?
Some supporting links:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-20848298
http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/12/26/china-opens-worlds-longest-high-speed-rail-route/
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-12/26/c_132063630.htm
Article Source
Thursday 27 December 2012
Monday 24 December 2012
Bread That Stays Fresh for 60 days
American scientists say they can make bread last for up to two months. They have found a way to stop mold or fungus growing on bread and other food. The researchers are from a biotechnology company called MicroZap. The company's name gives a clue to how their technology works. They use high-powered microwaves to zap the food and kill anything that could grow fungus.
They started their project to find an answer to the "superbugs" that are found in many U.S. hospitals. However, they soon discovered that their technique could sterilize food. The scientists say they only need to microwave the bread for about ten seconds and then it is OK to eat 60 days later. They also say the taste of the bread stays the same.
The scientists believe their discovery could stop people throwing away so much food. Studies show that Americans put around 40 per cent of the food they buy into the trash. Having food that lasts longer would save people money and help the Earth.
Another benefit of MicroZap's technology is in stopping disease. Illness from food has a huge impact on society. There are 76 million cases of food poisoning in America every year, with 5,000 deaths. It costs the economy about $6 billion annually. The company hopes to use its technology soon in making safe, ready-made meals for war zones and areas hit by disasters. MicroZapping could become the best thing since sliced bread.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. Who said they could make bread last longer?
2. What kind of company is MicroZap?
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. Do you like eating bread? Why or why not?
2. What do you think about MicroZap's new technology?
3. How do you think MicroZap's technology could help the world?
Some supporting links:
http://www.microzap.net/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20540758
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/nov/30/microwave-zaps-food-bugs-shelf-life
Article Source
They started their project to find an answer to the "superbugs" that are found in many U.S. hospitals. However, they soon discovered that their technique could sterilize food. The scientists say they only need to microwave the bread for about ten seconds and then it is OK to eat 60 days later. They also say the taste of the bread stays the same.
The scientists believe their discovery could stop people throwing away so much food. Studies show that Americans put around 40 per cent of the food they buy into the trash. Having food that lasts longer would save people money and help the Earth.
Another benefit of MicroZap's technology is in stopping disease. Illness from food has a huge impact on society. There are 76 million cases of food poisoning in America every year, with 5,000 deaths. It costs the economy about $6 billion annually. The company hopes to use its technology soon in making safe, ready-made meals for war zones and areas hit by disasters. MicroZapping could become the best thing since sliced bread.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. Who said they could make bread last longer?
2. What kind of company is MicroZap?
| 3. What did scientists discover their technique could do to food? 4. What are the benefits of MicroZap's technology? 5. What could MicroZapping become? |
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. Do you like eating bread? Why or why not?
2. What do you think about MicroZap's new technology?
3. How do you think MicroZap's technology could help the world?
| 4. How much food do you throw away and why? 5. What are other ways you know to make a certain food stays longer? |
Some supporting links:
http://www.microzap.net/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-20540758
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/nov/30/microwave-zaps-food-bugs-shelf-life
Article Source
Saturday 22 December 2012
American Man Travels a Million Miles in 2012
An American man flew one million miles in 2012. Tom Stuker, 59, passed the million mark on a flight from London to Chicago on December 6. Mr Stuker works as a car sales consultant and has to fly all over the world. He frequently flies to Asia and Australia, and has taken about 400 flights so far this year. He always uses the U.S. airline United.
He joined the company's frequent flyer program in 1983 and has since flown 11 million miles with United, on over 6,000 flights. A United Airlines spokesperson said that in 2012, Mr Stuker had flown the same distance as 40 times around the Earth. It added that if all of Mr Stuker's miles were put together, he would be in the air for 73 days non-stop.
Mr. Stuker told reporters that 2012 was a record year for him and that he was "tired". He said: "I know I'll never fly this much again in a year." He said he is looking forward to flying a lot less next year – perhaps around half-a-million miles. Stuker said he likes flying but is sad that passengers are becoming less patient. He said: "When you're on a plane, remember certain common courtesies.
Don't talk so loud on a phone that 18 rows can hear you. And when you take off your shoes, understand that maybe your feet don't exactly smell like roses." Mr Stuker always flies first class these days. He said he didn't think he could spend so long in economy class. He enjoys special services from United other passengers do not get.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. How old is the man who flew a million miles?
2. How many flights did he take in 2012?
3. When did he join United Airline's frequent flyer program?
4. What does he think of other passengers?
5. What does Mr Stuker advise passengers to not do?
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What do you think of flying a million miles in a year?
2. What are the best and worst things about flying?
3. Is flying better than going by train, driving and going by ship?
4. Can you describe a good airline service for you?
5. What do you think of people who talk loudly on their phones?
6. What experiences have you had of other people's smelly feet?
7. How different do you think it is to fly first class?
Article Source
Will the World End on Friday?
Many people have been preparing for months for the end of the world. There have been stories on the Internet for the past decade that the world will end on December 21. This is the day of the "Mayan Apocalypse," when a Mayan calendar predicts the end of us all. However, many other people do not believe the world will end in a day or two.
The Chinese government has recently arrested 93 people for spreading doomsday rumors on the Internet. Meanwhile, in Russia, Chechnya leader Ramzan Kadyrov sensibly advised people not to buy Armageddon candles. He wrote on his website: "Does no one realize that once the end of the world comes, candles won't help them?"
So what might happen on Friday? The Internet is full of stories about giant tsunamis and asteroids that will finish us. More common stories are that the black hole at the center of the galaxy will swallow the Earth, or that a planet called "Nibiru" will hit us.
NASA says Nibiru was meant to destroy us in May 2003, but when nothing happened, "the doomsday date was moved forward to December 2012". NASA adds: "If Nibiru was real…astronomers would have been tracking it for at least the past decade, and it would be visible by now to the naked eye." English teachers worldwide have told their students they cannot use the apocalypse as an excuse not to do homework.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. How long have some people been preparing for the end of the world?
2. What thing was used to predict the end of the world?
3. What did Ramzan Kadyrov say about buying candles?
4.What might a black hole do to the Earth?
1. What do you think of "end of the world" stories?
2. What would you do if the world was going to end next week?
3. What do you think about stories that asteroids will destroy the Earth?
4. Why do you think people believe these stories?
5. Are you interested in astronomy?
Article Source
The Chinese government has recently arrested 93 people for spreading doomsday rumors on the Internet. Meanwhile, in Russia, Chechnya leader Ramzan Kadyrov sensibly advised people not to buy Armageddon candles. He wrote on his website: "Does no one realize that once the end of the world comes, candles won't help them?"
So what might happen on Friday? The Internet is full of stories about giant tsunamis and asteroids that will finish us. More common stories are that the black hole at the center of the galaxy will swallow the Earth, or that a planet called "Nibiru" will hit us.
NASA says Nibiru was meant to destroy us in May 2003, but when nothing happened, "the doomsday date was moved forward to December 2012". NASA adds: "If Nibiru was real…astronomers would have been tracking it for at least the past decade, and it would be visible by now to the naked eye." English teachers worldwide have told their students they cannot use the apocalypse as an excuse not to do homework.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. How long have some people been preparing for the end of the world?
2. What thing was used to predict the end of the world?
3. What did Ramzan Kadyrov say about buying candles?
4.What might a black hole do to the Earth?
| 5. What is the name of the planet that is meant to destroy us? EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS |
1. What do you think of "end of the world" stories?
2. What would you do if the world was going to end next week?
3. What do you think about stories that asteroids will destroy the Earth?
4. Why do you think people believe these stories?
5. Are you interested in astronomy?
Article Source
Saturday 15 December 2012
Having Children Makes Women Live Longer
A new report says that women who do not have children may die earlier than those who do. Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark looked at over 21,000 couples between 1994 and 2005. They all tried to have children, without success. The women all went to special clinics for IVF treatment – a technique where doctors fertilize the woman's egg in a laboratory.
The researchers said that women who could not have children were four times likelier than mothers to die early. Some doctors have said the report might cause childless women to worry about dying early. The truth is there is a very small risk of an early death. Just 316 women died during the 11-year study. Very few of those died earlier than average.
One critic of the report said the study was very misleading. Dr Ingrid Collins, a psychologist, told the BBC: "This is a very specific situation of people who are trying to have children. The study's findings cannot be used to [talk about] the whole general population." She added: "People having IVF tend to be desperate for a child.
If they are unsuccessful, they may be depressed. It may be this [depression] rather than the childlessness that [causes an earlier death]." Another psychologist, Dr Helen Nightingale, agreed, saying: "Being childless without a doubt reduces your fight for life….The support of a family, the focus on your children and grandchildren, and the desire to watch how they turn out drives your [will] to survive."
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. Where are the researchers from?
2. What is the name of the treatment at the special clinics?
3. What might the report cause childless women to worry about?
4. Who spoke to the BBC about the report?
5. What did the doctor say is a more likely cause for an earlier death?
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. Have you ever thought about the effect on health of not having a child?
2. How many children is it best to have?
3. Why do some people not want to have children?
4. What is the best thing about having children?
5. Which is best – having a boy or a girl?
Article Source
The researchers said that women who could not have children were four times likelier than mothers to die early. Some doctors have said the report might cause childless women to worry about dying early. The truth is there is a very small risk of an early death. Just 316 women died during the 11-year study. Very few of those died earlier than average.
One critic of the report said the study was very misleading. Dr Ingrid Collins, a psychologist, told the BBC: "This is a very specific situation of people who are trying to have children. The study's findings cannot be used to [talk about] the whole general population." She added: "People having IVF tend to be desperate for a child.
If they are unsuccessful, they may be depressed. It may be this [depression] rather than the childlessness that [causes an earlier death]." Another psychologist, Dr Helen Nightingale, agreed, saying: "Being childless without a doubt reduces your fight for life….The support of a family, the focus on your children and grandchildren, and the desire to watch how they turn out drives your [will] to survive."
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. Where are the researchers from?
2. What is the name of the treatment at the special clinics?
3. What might the report cause childless women to worry about?
4. Who spoke to the BBC about the report?
5. What did the doctor say is a more likely cause for an earlier death?
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. Have you ever thought about the effect on health of not having a child?
2. How many children is it best to have?
3. Why do some people not want to have children?
4. What is the best thing about having children?
5. Which is best – having a boy or a girl?
Article Source
Saturday 1 December 2012
Finland Has World's Best Education System
A new report into world education shows Finland has the best system. The global study is called "The Learning Curve" and is from the British magazine "The Economist". It aims to help governments provide a better education to students. The 52-page report looked at the education system in 50 countries.
Researchers analyzed millions of statistics on exam grades, literacy rates, attendance, and university graduation rates. Asia did well in the report, with South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore finishing second, third, fourth and fifth. The United States came 17th in the study, while Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia filled the bottom three positions in the top 50.
The Learning Curve reported on five things that education leaders should remember. The first is that spending lots of money on schools and teachers does not always mean students will learn. Second is that "good teachers are essential to high-quality education".
The report said teachers should be "treated as the valuable professionals they are, not as technicians in a huge, educational machine". Numbers three and four are that a country's culture must have a strong focus on the importance of education, and parents have a key part to play. Finally, countries need to "educate for the future, not just the present." The report said: "Many of today's job titles…simply did not exist 20 years ago."
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. What was the new report all about?
2. In which position did South Korea finish on the list?
3. How many things did the report want education leaders to remember?
4. What must a country's culture have a strong focus on?
5. What did the report say about many job titles today?
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. Why do you think Finland's education system is so good?
2. What do you think of the education system in your country?
3. How can schools provide a better education to students?
4. Do you think spending lots of money on teachers and schools means the education is better?
5. Should teachers get paid the same as lawyers, doctors and bankers? Why or why not?
Article Source
Researchers analyzed millions of statistics on exam grades, literacy rates, attendance, and university graduation rates. Asia did well in the report, with South Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore finishing second, third, fourth and fifth. The United States came 17th in the study, while Mexico, Brazil and Indonesia filled the bottom three positions in the top 50.
The Learning Curve reported on five things that education leaders should remember. The first is that spending lots of money on schools and teachers does not always mean students will learn. Second is that "good teachers are essential to high-quality education".
The report said teachers should be "treated as the valuable professionals they are, not as technicians in a huge, educational machine". Numbers three and four are that a country's culture must have a strong focus on the importance of education, and parents have a key part to play. Finally, countries need to "educate for the future, not just the present." The report said: "Many of today's job titles…simply did not exist 20 years ago."
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. What was the new report all about?
2. In which position did South Korea finish on the list?
3. How many things did the report want education leaders to remember?
4. What must a country's culture have a strong focus on?
5. What did the report say about many job titles today?
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. Why do you think Finland's education system is so good?
2. What do you think of the education system in your country?
3. How can schools provide a better education to students?
4. Do you think spending lots of money on teachers and schools means the education is better?
5. Should teachers get paid the same as lawyers, doctors and bankers? Why or why not?
Article Source
Gangnam Style Most-watched YouTube Video
The video to the global smash hit song Gangnam Style has become the most-watched clip in YouTube's history. It has had almost 825 million views in the past five months and is moving quickly towards one billion. The video currently has 5,473,726 likes and 338,504 dislikes. Canadian teen idol Justin Bieber previously held the record for the most YouTube views with his 2010 blockbuster Baby.
Gangnam Style is by 34-year-old South Korean singer Psy. His iconic dance and catchy tune have captured the imagination of millions of people worldwide. The video pokes fun at the glitzy Gangnam district of South Korea's capital Seoul. In it, he is seen dancing around the city pretending to ride a horse and twirl a lasso.
Gangnam Style first appeared on YouTube in July. It took just five months to reach the 800-million mark, over two years quicker than Bieber's song. A statement from YouTube Trends called the rise in popularity of the video as "unprecedented". It said: "The video has been a massive hit at a global level unlike anything we've ever seen before.
Each day, Gangnam Style is still being watched between 7 and 10 million times." The dance has led to thousands of copycat videos being posted online, each with their own version of it. Even U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon attempted it. Mr Ban joked: "I'm a bit jealous. Until two days ago, someone told me I was the most famous Korean in the world. Now I have to relinquish that."
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. How many views has Gangnam Style had?
2. What song did Gangnam Style beat to be the most watched?
4. What does the video do to Seoul's Gangnam district?
5. How long did it take the video to get 800 million views?
6. What did YouTube Trends say about the video's popularity?
7. When Ban Ki-moon find he was the second-most famous S. Korean?
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What springs to mind when you hear the word 'YouTube'?
2. What do you know about and think of Gangnam Style?
3. What role does YouTube play in your life?
4. What's the best video you've seen on YouTube?
5. Why do you think Gangnam Style has been so successful?
Article Source
Gangnam Style is by 34-year-old South Korean singer Psy. His iconic dance and catchy tune have captured the imagination of millions of people worldwide. The video pokes fun at the glitzy Gangnam district of South Korea's capital Seoul. In it, he is seen dancing around the city pretending to ride a horse and twirl a lasso.
Gangnam Style first appeared on YouTube in July. It took just five months to reach the 800-million mark, over two years quicker than Bieber's song. A statement from YouTube Trends called the rise in popularity of the video as "unprecedented". It said: "The video has been a massive hit at a global level unlike anything we've ever seen before.
Each day, Gangnam Style is still being watched between 7 and 10 million times." The dance has led to thousands of copycat videos being posted online, each with their own version of it. Even U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon attempted it. Mr Ban joked: "I'm a bit jealous. Until two days ago, someone told me I was the most famous Korean in the world. Now I have to relinquish that."
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. How many views has Gangnam Style had?
2. What song did Gangnam Style beat to be the most watched?
| 3. What has the video captured globally? |
4. What does the video do to Seoul's Gangnam district?
5. How long did it take the video to get 800 million views?
6. What did YouTube Trends say about the video's popularity?
7. When Ban Ki-moon find he was the second-most famous S. Korean?
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What springs to mind when you hear the word 'YouTube'?
2. What do you know about and think of Gangnam Style?
3. What role does YouTube play in your life?
4. What's the best video you've seen on YouTube?
5. Why do you think Gangnam Style has been so successful?
Article Source
Thursday 29 November 2012
How an Allowance Helps Children Learn About Money
Many children first learn the value of money by receiving an
allowance. The purpose is to let children learn from experience at an age when
financial mistakes are not very costly.The amount of money that parents give to their
children to spend as they wish differs from family to family. Timing is another
consideration. Some children get a weekly allowance. Others get a monthly
allowance.
In any case, parents should make clear what, if anything, the child is expected to pay for with the money. At first, young children may spend all of their allowance soon after they receive it. If they do this, they will learn the hard way that spending must be done within a budget. Parents are usually advised not to offer more money until the next allowance.
The object is to show young people that a budget demands choices between spending and saving. Older children may be responsible enough to save money for larger costs, like clothing or electronics. Many people who have written on the subject of allowances say it is not a good idea to pay your child for work around the home. These jobs are a normal part of family life.
Paying children to do extra work around the house, however, can be useful. It can even provide an understanding of how a business works. Allowances give children a chance to experience the things they can do with money. They can share it in the form of gifts or giving to a good cause. They can spend it by buying things they want. Or they can save and maybe even invest it.
Saving helps children understand that costly goals require sacrifice: you have to cut costs and plan for the future. Requiring children to save part of their allowance can also open the door to future saving and investing. Many banks offer services to help children and teenagers learn about personal finance.
A savings account is an excellent way to learn about the power of compound interest. Interest rates on savings can be very low these days. But compounding works by paying interest on interest. So, for example, one dollar invested at two percent interest will earn two cents in the first year. The second year, the money will earn two percent of one dollar and two cents, and so on. That may not seem like a lot. But over time it adds up.
In any case, parents should make clear what, if anything, the child is expected to pay for with the money. At first, young children may spend all of their allowance soon after they receive it. If they do this, they will learn the hard way that spending must be done within a budget. Parents are usually advised not to offer more money until the next allowance.
The object is to show young people that a budget demands choices between spending and saving. Older children may be responsible enough to save money for larger costs, like clothing or electronics. Many people who have written on the subject of allowances say it is not a good idea to pay your child for work around the home. These jobs are a normal part of family life.
Paying children to do extra work around the house, however, can be useful. It can even provide an understanding of how a business works. Allowances give children a chance to experience the things they can do with money. They can share it in the form of gifts or giving to a good cause. They can spend it by buying things they want. Or they can save and maybe even invest it.
Saving helps children understand that costly goals require sacrifice: you have to cut costs and plan for the future. Requiring children to save part of their allowance can also open the door to future saving and investing. Many banks offer services to help children and teenagers learn about personal finance.
A savings account is an excellent way to learn about the power of compound interest. Interest rates on savings can be very low these days. But compounding works by paying interest on interest. So, for example, one dollar invested at two percent interest will earn two cents in the first year. The second year, the money will earn two percent of one dollar and two cents, and so on. That may not seem like a lot. But over time it adds up.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
1. What is the purpose of not offering more money to children until their next allowance?
2. According to this article, is it true that paying children to do extra work is useful?
3. What are the advantages of saving?
3. What are the advantages of saving?
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. Do you agree with this article?
2. In your family, are you teaching your children how to budget their allowance?
3. Do you think it is good to pay children in doing some extra work at home?
4. What do you think is the advantage of teaching children how to save money?
5. How important is money to you?
Monday 26 November 2012
Most Divorces Due to Household Chores
Most people believe that the biggest grounds for divorce are either infidelity or arguments over money. However, a new report from British law firm Gateley suggests otherwise. According to its analysis of 350 divorce cases, seven out of ten divorces occur because of disputes over who does what household chores. Twenty per cent of divorces are due to unfaithfulness.
Gateley says gone are the days when the wife did all the cooking and cleaning. Dual income marriages now mean split responsibilities for vacuuming, doing the dishes and tidying. Gateley advised couples to discuss who does what before walking down the aisle. A spokeswoman said that, "going into a marriage blind could be a recipe for disaster".
Conversely, a study in Norway suggests that couples who share household chores are more likely to split up. Thomas Hansen, co-author of the report 'Equality in the Home,' said the divorce rate among couples who shared housework equally was 50 per cent higher than for those where women did all the work.
Mr Hansen said that in Norway women did most of the housework in 70 per cent of marriages, and were "largely happy" to do so. An adverse side effect of marital discord is that many families are now "too poor to split up". The U.K. charity Relate said that in many middle-income families, couples stay together because they can't afford to divorce. Relate says this results in a "toxic" home environment.
EXERCISE 1. PRONUNCIATION/WORD VOCABULARY
1.Infidelity [IN-FEE-DE-LI-TI]
Meaning: (noun) Unfaithful to a moral obligation especially when it comes to marriage.
Example Sentence: She found out that her husband was guilty of infidelity.
2.Dispute [DIS-PYUT]
Meaning: (verb) To argue or to question something
Example Sentence: You can dispute your bill if you think it is higher than your expectations.
3.Discord [DIS-KORD]
Meaning: (noun) Lack of agreement or harmony between two people; Always fighting
Example Sentence: My husband and I always have discord because we both have a very high pride.
4.Adverse [AD-VERS]
Meaning:(adjective) Acting different to what you are saying; to disagree to someone's interest; a different effect
Example Sentence: The adverse effects of drugs are severe so it shouldn't be allowed in the market.
5.Toxic [TOK-SEEK]
Meaning: (adjective) Something dangerous and poisonous
Example Sentence: Chemicals thrown in the ocean are toxic especially for the fish.
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What do you think of household chores being a big factor in divorces?
2. Do you think husband and wife should help each other in doing household tasks? Why?
3. Men are generally physically stronger, so should they do more of the housework?
4. What is your most hated household chore, and why?
5. What is the easiest household task for you? Why?
Article Source
Gateley says gone are the days when the wife did all the cooking and cleaning. Dual income marriages now mean split responsibilities for vacuuming, doing the dishes and tidying. Gateley advised couples to discuss who does what before walking down the aisle. A spokeswoman said that, "going into a marriage blind could be a recipe for disaster".
Conversely, a study in Norway suggests that couples who share household chores are more likely to split up. Thomas Hansen, co-author of the report 'Equality in the Home,' said the divorce rate among couples who shared housework equally was 50 per cent higher than for those where women did all the work.
Mr Hansen said that in Norway women did most of the housework in 70 per cent of marriages, and were "largely happy" to do so. An adverse side effect of marital discord is that many families are now "too poor to split up". The U.K. charity Relate said that in many middle-income families, couples stay together because they can't afford to divorce. Relate says this results in a "toxic" home environment.
EXERCISE 1. PRONUNCIATION/WORD VOCABULARY
1.Infidelity [IN-FEE-DE-LI-TI]
Meaning: (noun) Unfaithful to a moral obligation especially when it comes to marriage.
Example Sentence: She found out that her husband was guilty of infidelity.
2.Dispute [DIS-PYUT]
Meaning: (verb) To argue or to question something
Example Sentence: You can dispute your bill if you think it is higher than your expectations.
3.Discord [DIS-KORD]
Meaning: (noun) Lack of agreement or harmony between two people; Always fighting
Example Sentence: My husband and I always have discord because we both have a very high pride.
4.Adverse [AD-VERS]
Meaning:(adjective) Acting different to what you are saying; to disagree to someone's interest; a different effect
Example Sentence: The adverse effects of drugs are severe so it shouldn't be allowed in the market.
5.Toxic [TOK-SEEK]
Meaning: (adjective) Something dangerous and poisonous
Example Sentence: Chemicals thrown in the ocean are toxic especially for the fish.
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What do you think of household chores being a big factor in divorces?
2. Do you think husband and wife should help each other in doing household tasks? Why?
3. Men are generally physically stronger, so should they do more of the housework?
4. What is your most hated household chore, and why?
5. What is the easiest household task for you? Why?
Article Source
Thursday 22 November 2012
World's Children Care Most About Education
A global survey has asked 6,204 children in 47 countries around the world about their hopes, dreams and fears. The worldwide "Small Voices, Big Dreams" report is from the children's charity ChildFund. It asked ten- to twelve-year-olds six questions about the world and their future. It discovered that education, food and the environment are their biggest worries.
A Child Fund spokesman said: "We're always surprised…to see how much [importance] children…put on education." He added that he was pleased children saw the link between education and a better future: "It shows the depth of maturity of children, who clearly understand the connection between education and changing their worlds for the better."
The children were asked the question: "If you were president or leader of your country, what would you do to improve the lives of children in your country?" Most said they would focus on education. The children also answered the question "What are you most afraid of?"
Over 25 per cent of kids in developing countries said their greatest fear was dangerous animals and insects. The environment was also a big concern for the children. The report says: "Across the world, nearly half of children said they would either plant more trees, build additional green spaces or decrease littering to help improve the planet." Regarding future careers, almost 20 per cent of children want to be a professional athlete when they grow up.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What springs to mind when you hear the word '10-year-old'?
2. What was your life like when you were ten years old?
3. What were your biggest fears when you were 10? Are you still afraid?
4. Do you think all 10-year-olds worry about education?
5. What were your dreams when you were ten, and have those dreams changed?
6. Did you worry about the environment when you were ten?
Article Source
A Child Fund spokesman said: "We're always surprised…to see how much [importance] children…put on education." He added that he was pleased children saw the link between education and a better future: "It shows the depth of maturity of children, who clearly understand the connection between education and changing their worlds for the better."
The children were asked the question: "If you were president or leader of your country, what would you do to improve the lives of children in your country?" Most said they would focus on education. The children also answered the question "What are you most afraid of?"
Over 25 per cent of kids in developing countries said their greatest fear was dangerous animals and insects. The environment was also a big concern for the children. The report says: "Across the world, nearly half of children said they would either plant more trees, build additional green spaces or decrease littering to help improve the planet." Regarding future careers, almost 20 per cent of children want to be a professional athlete when they grow up.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
| 1. | How many countries were in the survey? |
| 2. | What kind of organization is ChildFund? |
| 3. | How many questions were in the survey? |
| 4. | What link pleased a Childfund spokesman? |
| 5. | How do children think education changes their world? |
| 6. | What would most children focus on if they were leader of their country? |
| 7. | What are over a quarter of children afraid of? |
| 8. | What was also a big concern for children? |
| 9. | What extra things do children want to build? |
| 10. | What career choice is mentioned at the end of the news story? |
1. What springs to mind when you hear the word '10-year-old'?
2. What was your life like when you were ten years old?
3. What were your biggest fears when you were 10? Are you still afraid?
4. Do you think all 10-year-olds worry about education?
5. What were your dreams when you were ten, and have those dreams changed?
6. Did you worry about the environment when you were ten?
Article Source
Monday 19 November 2012
Bamboo Shortage a Risk to Pandas
The giant panda is already on the endangered list. The number of pandas in the world has been falling for decades. There are several reasons for this. One is that many of the panda's forests have gone. They have been cut down to make towns and cities. Another is the fact that the animal breeds very slowly and has few cubs (baby pandas).
The panda is now facing another big threat to its survival – a shortage of food. A new report shows that bamboo, the panda's main food, is disappearing because of climate change. Bamboo is pretty much the only food the panda eats. Ninety-nine per cent of its diet is bamboo. An adult panda needs around 38 kilograms of bamboo every day.
The study predicts that nearly all the bamboo in China's Qinling Mountains could disappear by the end of this century because of global warming. That means pandas would have nothing to eat. The study said: "Results suggest that almost the entire panda habitat in the [Qinling] region may disappear by the end of the 21st century."
The researchers said the only chance of survival the panda has is if they move higher up the mountains. Scientist Jianguo Liu warned that we must start helping pandas now, saying: "It is tough, but I think there's still hope, if we take action now." Panda lovers are shocked at this latest bad news. Panda expert Chang Leng said it was time for the world to wake up and help the panda.
EXERCISE 1. PRONUNCIATION/WORD VOCABULARY
1. endangered [EN-DEYN-JERD]
Meaning: (adjective) Decreasing in number of species.
Example Sentence: Because of hunting, crocodiles are now considered endangered in the Philippines.
2. threat [THRET]
Meaning: (noun) Something dangerous or harmful
Example Sentence: He was willing to use violence and threats to get what he wanted.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What do you think of pandas?
2. How can we protect pandas and their food and habitat?
3. How can we slow down climate change?
4. How sad would you be if all the pandas disappeared?
5. Have you ever seen a panda? Tell me about it.
Article Source
The panda is now facing another big threat to its survival – a shortage of food. A new report shows that bamboo, the panda's main food, is disappearing because of climate change. Bamboo is pretty much the only food the panda eats. Ninety-nine per cent of its diet is bamboo. An adult panda needs around 38 kilograms of bamboo every day.
The study predicts that nearly all the bamboo in China's Qinling Mountains could disappear by the end of this century because of global warming. That means pandas would have nothing to eat. The study said: "Results suggest that almost the entire panda habitat in the [Qinling] region may disappear by the end of the 21st century."
The researchers said the only chance of survival the panda has is if they move higher up the mountains. Scientist Jianguo Liu warned that we must start helping pandas now, saying: "It is tough, but I think there's still hope, if we take action now." Panda lovers are shocked at this latest bad news. Panda expert Chang Leng said it was time for the world to wake up and help the panda.
EXERCISE 1. PRONUNCIATION/WORD VOCABULARY
1. endangered [EN-DEYN-JERD]
Meaning: (adjective) Decreasing in number of species.
Example Sentence: Because of hunting, crocodiles are now considered endangered in the Philippines.
2. threat [THRET]
Meaning: (noun) Something dangerous or harmful
Example Sentence: He was willing to use violence and threats to get what he wanted.
3. expert [EKS-PERT]
Meaning:(adjective) Displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience
Meaning:(adjective) Displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience
Example Sentence: The company has become expert at adapting its products for new clients.
| 1. | What kind of list is the panda on? |
| 2. | Why have the panda's forests disappeared? |
| 3. | What does the article say about the panda's breeding habits? |
| 4. | What does the figure of 99 mean? |
| 5. | What kind of panda eats around 38 kg of bamboo a day? |
| 6. | When might the Qinling Mountains bamboo disappear? |
| 7. | What did the study say the panda must do to survive? |
| 8. | What did Jianguo Liu say must start now? |
| 9. | Who did this latest news shock? |
| 10. | What did Chang Leng say it was time for the world to do? |
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What do you think of pandas?
2. How can we protect pandas and their food and habitat?
3. How can we slow down climate change?
4. How sad would you be if all the pandas disappeared?
5. Have you ever seen a panda? Tell me about it.
Article Source
"Toilet Theme Park" opens in S. Korea
A city in South Korea has added a new attraction to its cultural landscape - the world's first "Toilet Theme Park". The Restroom Cultural Park in the city of Suwon is proving a huge hit with locals and tourists alike. The latest tourist site is dedicated to the memory of former city mayor Sim Jae-duck, affectionately known as "Mr Toilet".
He believed the toilet is a very important and under-appreciated aspect of world culture. Visitors to the park can admire its toilet-bowl-shaped exhibition hall as well as dozens of bronze statues in various toilet positions. They can even sit on Mr Kim's original toilet, which includes a full-length glass door that mists up when it is being used.
Suwon has become well known for the promotion of toilet culture. The city attracts toilet-related artwork from around the world to its galleries. It famously hosts the Golden Poop Art Festival – a celebration of one of the calls of nature. The city also lists dozens of its own public toilets as tourist attractions on its website.
Sim Jae-duck's own giant, toilet-shaped house, now a museum, should be the must-see for enthusiasts. Mr Sim's fascination with toilets supposedly began because he was born in the smallest room of his mother's house. He said in 2007: "The toilet…can save humankind from diseases [and is] a place for introspection. The toilet is also a central living place that possesses culture."
EXERCISE 1. PRONUNCIATION/WORD VOCABULARY
1. Affectionately [A-FEK-SHU-NEYT-LI]
Meaning: (adverb) motivated by love or affection
Example Sentence: Before saying goodbye, she affectionately hug her husband.
2. Mists [MIST]
Meaning: (verb) to become moist; (noun)water in the form of particles floating or falling in the atmosphere at or near the surface of the earth and approaching the form of rain.
Example Sentence: We could not clearly see the seashore because of the mist.
3. Enthusiasts [EN-TU-ZEE-YASTS]
Meaning: (adjective) Someone who is very interested in doing something.
Example Sentence: I am an adventure enthusiast.
4. Fascination [FA-SEE-NEY-SHUN]
Meaning: (noun) the state of feeling an intense interest in something
Example Sentence: She has a fascination when it comes to shoes.
5. Introspection [IN-TROS-PEK-SHUN]
Meaning: (noun) an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
Example Sentence: When I am alone, I always do an introspection about the things happened to me in a day.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What do you think of a Toilet Theme Park?
2. How interested are you in visiting this park?
3. Do you think other Toilet Theme Parks will open around the world?
4. What can the park do to attract more visitors?
5. What new exhibitions could the park have?
Article Source
He believed the toilet is a very important and under-appreciated aspect of world culture. Visitors to the park can admire its toilet-bowl-shaped exhibition hall as well as dozens of bronze statues in various toilet positions. They can even sit on Mr Kim's original toilet, which includes a full-length glass door that mists up when it is being used.
Suwon has become well known for the promotion of toilet culture. The city attracts toilet-related artwork from around the world to its galleries. It famously hosts the Golden Poop Art Festival – a celebration of one of the calls of nature. The city also lists dozens of its own public toilets as tourist attractions on its website.
Sim Jae-duck's own giant, toilet-shaped house, now a museum, should be the must-see for enthusiasts. Mr Sim's fascination with toilets supposedly began because he was born in the smallest room of his mother's house. He said in 2007: "The toilet…can save humankind from diseases [and is] a place for introspection. The toilet is also a central living place that possesses culture."
EXERCISE 1. PRONUNCIATION/WORD VOCABULARY
1. Affectionately [A-FEK-SHU-NEYT-LI]
Meaning: (adverb) motivated by love or affection
Example Sentence: Before saying goodbye, she affectionately hug her husband.
2. Mists [MIST]
Meaning: (verb) to become moist; (noun)water in the form of particles floating or falling in the atmosphere at or near the surface of the earth and approaching the form of rain.
Example Sentence: We could not clearly see the seashore because of the mist.
3. Enthusiasts [EN-TU-ZEE-YASTS]
Meaning: (adjective) Someone who is very interested in doing something.
Example Sentence: I am an adventure enthusiast.
4. Fascination [FA-SEE-NEY-SHUN]
Meaning: (noun) the state of feeling an intense interest in something
Example Sentence: She has a fascination when it comes to shoes.
5. Introspection [IN-TROS-PEK-SHUN]
Meaning: (noun) an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings
Example Sentence: When I am alone, I always do an introspection about the things happened to me in a day.
COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS
| 1. | What did South Korea add to its cultural landscape? |
| 2. | Who is the theme park proving a huge hit with? |
| 3. | Whose memory inspired the creation of the theme park? |
| 4. | What is unusual about the exhibition hall at the theme park? |
| 5. | What happens to Sim Jae-duck's original toilet when someone uses it? |
| 6. | What has Suwon become famous for? |
| 7. | What is the Golden Poop Art Festival a celebration of? |
| 8. | What is unusual about Sim Jae-duck's house? |
| 9. | Why did Sim Jae-duck become interested in toilets? |
| 10. | What did Sim Jae-duck say toilets possess? |
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What do you think of a Toilet Theme Park?
2. How interested are you in visiting this park?
3. Do you think other Toilet Theme Parks will open around the world?
4. What can the park do to attract more visitors?
5. What new exhibitions could the park have?
Article Source
Friday 16 November 2012
America re-elects President Barack Obama
Americans voted to re-elect incumbent president Barack Obama on Tuesday in one of the closest contests in U.S. history. President Obama saw off the challenge of Republican opponent Mitt Romney, who asked the nation to pray for Mr Obama in his goal to re-ignite the American economy. It was a nail-biting finish to what was a long, exhausting, bitter and expensive election campaign.
Pre-election polls and TV stations said either man could have won the presidency. It all depended on several swing states, the winner of which would secure the 270 electoral votes needed to guarantee victory. Once the state of Ohio went to the Democrats, Obama knew he had another four years in the White House.
Many Americans felt relief that the election has now been decided. They had to endure dozens of nightly advertisements in what was the most expensive campaign in history. Most voters complained that the ads were overly negative and simply attacked the other side rather than outlining policy promises.
Despite the poor state of the American economy, voters once again put their faith in Mr Obama. Many believe Obama won against all the odds. Thomas L Friedman of the New York Times wrote: "No one can know for sure what complex emotional chemistry tipped this election Obama's way…It came down to a majority of Americans believing that…Obama was trying his hardest to fix what ails the country."
EXERCISE 1. PRONUNCIATION/WORD VOCABULARY
1. incumbent [IN-KUM-BENT]
Meaning: (noun) One that occupies a particular position or place
Example Sentence: Voters will have the chance to see the incumbent and her opponent in a series of three debates.
2. re-ignite [RE-IG-NAYT]
Meaning: (verb) to begin to glow again; to make it prosper again
Example Sentence: The team reignite their aim to win the championship.
3. nail-biting [NEYL-BAY-TING]
EXERCISE 2. SHARING IDEAS
1. What do you think of Barack Obama?
2. Who did you like better – Obama or Romney? Why?
3. What do you think of America's democratic process?
4. What do you think of two billion dollars being spent on the election?
5. What do you think is the importance of election?
Article Source
Pre-election polls and TV stations said either man could have won the presidency. It all depended on several swing states, the winner of which would secure the 270 electoral votes needed to guarantee victory. Once the state of Ohio went to the Democrats, Obama knew he had another four years in the White House.
Many Americans felt relief that the election has now been decided. They had to endure dozens of nightly advertisements in what was the most expensive campaign in history. Most voters complained that the ads were overly negative and simply attacked the other side rather than outlining policy promises.
Despite the poor state of the American economy, voters once again put their faith in Mr Obama. Many believe Obama won against all the odds. Thomas L Friedman of the New York Times wrote: "No one can know for sure what complex emotional chemistry tipped this election Obama's way…It came down to a majority of Americans believing that…Obama was trying his hardest to fix what ails the country."
EXERCISE 1. PRONUNCIATION/WORD VOCABULARY
1. incumbent [IN-KUM-BENT]
Meaning: (noun) One that occupies a particular position or place
Example Sentence: Voters will have the chance to see the incumbent and her opponent in a series of three debates.
2. re-ignite [RE-IG-NAYT]
Meaning: (verb) to begin to glow again; to make it prosper again
Example Sentence: The team reignite their aim to win the championship.
3. nail-biting [NEYL-BAY-TING]
Meaning: (noun) A situation marked by tense nervousness or apprehension, especially in a contest whose outcome is uncertain.
Example Sentence: They are both good in singing so it is nail-biting competition for the audience especially for their supporters.
Example Sentence: They are both good in singing so it is nail-biting competition for the audience especially for their supporters.
1. What do you think of Barack Obama?
2. Who did you like better – Obama or Romney? Why?
3. What do you think of America's democratic process?
4. What do you think of two billion dollars being spent on the election?
5. What do you think is the importance of election?
Article Source
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