Learn English with 'The English We Speak' Podcast

If you want to improve your English and learn (1) __________ phrases for daily conversations, The English We Speak podcast is perfect for you! This BBC podcast series offers short, easy-to-understand episodes that (2) __________ on common idioms, slang, and expressions in English.

Each episode is just around 3-5 minutes long, making it easy to fit into your daily routine. The hosts (3) __________ the meaning of each phrase and provide examples of how it's used in everyday situations. By listening to the podcast regularly, you'll learn phrases (4) __________ will help you sound (5) __________ and confident when speaking English.

(6) __________ it a try and start learning some new phrases today!

Field Trip Reminder

Dear Students,

As we prepare (1) __________ our field trip next week, please keep these guidelines in mind to help protect wildlife and ensure an enjoyable experience.

Before the Trip:

- Prepare for the Outdoors: Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for walking. Bring a water bottle, but avoid single-use plastic.

- Pack Light: Carry only what's necessary, as too (2) __________ items can create unnecessary waste.

During the Trip:

- Be Mindful of Your Impact: Keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid (3) __________ loud noises that could scare them.

- Leave No Trace: Anything you bring with you (4) __________ - do not leave anything behind.

- Take Photos, Not Things: It's wonderful to capture moments with your camera, (5) __________ never take plants, rocks, or other natural (6) __________.

Let's work together to ensure the protection of wildlife and the environment. Enjoy the trip and remember that we are guests in nature!

Thank you!

Learning languages through films is a fun and effective way to improve your skills. Watching movies in the language you are learning (1) __________, which can be different from textbook examples. You also get to hear various accents and understand how people speak in everyday situations.

(2) __________ is that it helps with pronunciation. When you watch movies, you hear how native speakers say words, which helps you understand the rhythm and flow of the language. By imitating their pronunciation, (3) __________.

In addition, films teach you useful expressions, idioms, and slang (4) __________. These are important for speaking like a native speaker. For example, a drama or comedy film might introduce you to cultural references and humor that give you a deeper understanding of the language.

To make the most of learning through films, (5) __________. Then, try switching to subtitles in the language you're learning. Finally, challenge yourself by watching without any subtitles. This method helps you improve your listening, reading, and speaking skills while making learning more enjoyable.

1. Ecotourism has become a popular way to explore the natural world, with activities ranging from safaris to whale watching. It promises a sustainable way to appreciate wildlife while contributing to conservation. However, questions remain: does ecotourism truly benefit endangered species, or could it be causing harm?

2. A recent study published in PLOS ONE looked at the impact of ecotourism on various species. On the positive side, species such as the great green macaw in Costa Rica, African penguins, and golden lion tamarins in Brazil have benefited from ecotourism. Tourism funds have helped protect their habitats and support local conservation efforts. The study suggests that when managed well, ecotourism can lead to substantial conservation benefits, including habitat restoration and anti-poaching activities.

3. However, the impact of ecotourism varies by species and region. For instance, while some species thrive under ecotourism's influence, others do not. Orangutans in Sumatra, for example, continue to suffer from the effects of logging despite small-scale ecotourism efforts. Similarly, in New Zealand, ecotourism is exacerbating the problems faced by sea lions, as increased human presence disrupts their natural behavior.

4. The research highlights the complexity of ecotourism's effects. In some cases, ecotourism can greatly reduce the risk of extinction by providing money for conservation and protecting important habitats. However, without careful management, tourism can be harmful, especially when combined with other threats like poaching and habitat loss. To understand whether ecotourism will help or harm a species, local conditions and species-specific factors must be taken into account.

1. Packing school lunches is a daily task for many parents, but it also has a significant impact on the environment. The typical lunchbox often contains plastic wrap, disposable juice boxes, snack bags, and individually wrapped items. These materials are detrimental to the environment, as they take hundreds of years to break down. Much of this waste ends up in landfills or, worse, in oceans, where it poses a serious threat to wildlife. With so many children bringing lunch to school every day, the waste from plastic and packaging adds up quickly.

2. [I] Food waste is another major issue linked to school lunches. [II] Often, parents over-pack lunchboxes in an effort to ensure their children have enough food. [III] However, this leads to uneaten food being discarded, contributing to food waste and unnecessary packaging waste. Discarded food in landfills decomposes and releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas, further damaging the environment. [IV]

3. To tackle these problems, there are simple changes that can help reduce both food and packaging waste. Using reusable containers instead of single-use plastics eliminates the need for plastic wrap. Another important step is involving children in meal planning and packing. By teaching them about portion sizes and helping them choose foods they enjoy and are likely to eat, parents can reduce the amount of uneaten food that gets thrown away. Choosing fresh, unprocessed foods, which usually require less packaging, is another way to make lunchboxes more eco-friendly.

4. Ultimately, small changes in how we pack school lunches can make a big difference in reducing waste and protecting the environment. By being more conscious of our choices, we can help ensure a healthier planet for future generations.