Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. hazardous
    • ex. The icy roads are hazardous for driving.
  2. shroud
    • ex. Thick fog shrouded the village in the morning.
  3. pregnant
    • ex. Laura is pregnant and will have a baby girl soon.
  4. disregard
    • ex. The driver disregarded the traffic rule. So, the police gave him a traffic ticket.
  5. combat
    • ex. We plant trees to combat air pollution.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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The United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF, has warned that 11 million children in an area in Punjab, Pakistan are at risk because of hazardous air pollution. Toxic smog has shrouded Lahore, the capital of Punjab, and other areas since last October. According to health officials, over 40,000 people have been given treatment for breathing problems.

Abdullah Fadil of UNICEF Pakistan said the government must act quickly to reduce air pollution. He said children under 5 years old are more at risk. About 12% of deaths in children under 5 were linked to air pollution. The impact of high pollution levels is not yet fully known, but it is expected to have serious effects, especially on children and pregnant women.

To protect children’s health, schools were closed until November 17 in parts of Punjab, and the police shut down parks and museums for 10 days. People are advised to avoid unnecessary traveling. The government has made wearing face masks mandatory, but many people have disregarded this rule. The government is also looking for ways to create artificial rain to combat pollution.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Air Pollution

  • What do you think are the main causes of air pollution? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, is air pollution a serious issue in your country? Why do you think so? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, how can ordinary people help reduce air pollution? Discuss.

Children and Public Health

  • According to the article, the children in an area in Punjab, Pakistan are at risk because of hazardous air pollution. How does this statement make you feel (ex. concerned, hopeless)? Discuss.
  • The government of Pakistan made wearing masks mandatory, but many people disregard it. Why do you think some people disregard the rule even though smog is dangerous? Discuss.
  • In your country, what was the most recent public health advice of the government (ex. wearing face masks, getting a vaccine for a specific disease)? Discuss.