Lesson 48: Protecting the Environment
15Jun
DIALOGUE
In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: protecting the environment. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again.
Kevin and Dorothy are talking about recycling to protect the environment.
Devin: Emily, Do you have a recycling program in San Francisco?
Emily: Absolutely! It’s our responsibility to protect the environment and decrease pollution.
Devin: I agree. In my opinion, every country should recycle to reduce waste and save our planet.
Emily: In addition, I think there should be a penalty if people don’t recycle their waste.
Devin: Does your city provide recycling bins?
Emily: Yes, they are free of charge.
Devin: That’s great! Have you ever been to a recycling center?
Emily: No, but I’m sure there’s a lot of plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
Devin: Don’t forget about glass jars, bottles, and newspapers.
Emily: I wish everyone would help to eliminate waste to protect our environment.
VOCABULARY
Go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.
Vocabulary/ Expressions
recycling program | (n) a plan or system to collect recyclable materials Our city just started a recycling program. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
responsibility | (n) a duty to take care of something You have the responsibility to do your homework. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
pollution | (n) something that makes the land, air, or water dirty and not safe Throwing trash in the water creates water pollution. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
reduce waste | (phrase) to make less trash To reduce waste everyone should recycle glass, plastic, and metal. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
penalty | (n) punishment for breaking a rule or law The penalty for littering is $300 or 1 month in prison. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
recycling bins | (n – plural) a box that is used to keep bottles, cans, newspapers, etc. in Everyone needs to have a recycling bin to help reduce waste. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
recycling center | (n) a place where plastic, glass, metal, etc is taken to be recycled The recycling center is responsible for collecting the bins. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
aluminum cans | (n – plural) a container made of the metal aluminum; a can of Coca-Cola Aluminum cans need to be recycled. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
jars | (n – plural) a container typically made of glass The glass jars have jelly in them. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
eliminate | (v) to remove; get rid of Everyone has the responsibility to eliminate waste. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EXERCISE
Practice answering the following questions with your tutors. You can use the sample answers to come up with your own answer.
- What are some types of pollution?
- There’s noise pollution in cities from cars.
- When there’s a lot of light it creates light pollution.
- Your answer:
- What can people do to help reduce pollution?
- To reduce pollution people should recycle wastes like glass, metals, and plastic.
- Big companies can help by not polluting the water.
- Your answer:
- Why should we recycle?
- I think we should recycle because it keeps the world beautiful and free of trash.
- From my point of view, the world would be a better place if people recycled more.
- Your answer:
- Does your country have a penalty for people who throw trash in the streets or water?
- Yes, the penalty for littering is $300.
- Unfortunately, my country does not have a penalty for littering.
- Your answer:
- Who do you think is responsible for protecting the environment?
- Personally speaking, the government has the responsibility.
- In reality, everyone does. However, I think the government has the biggest responsibility.
- Your answer:
CONVERSATION
Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.
- What are some things that can be recycled?
- Should large companies be more responsible in protecting the environment? Why?
- Should governments collect items to recycle for free? Why or why not?
- Why do people throw trash on the ground (litter)?
- How can you help to protect the environment?
WRAP-UP
Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.
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