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Today’s Themes and Tasks

Workout of the Day

Complete the Workout of the day. Click on the images to be linked to the videos hosted on YouTube.

1. Fluency Waterfall

2. Waterfall Model

3. Vocabulary Connections

4. EI. 10

Waterfall Model Transcripts

Review these transcripts to see other ways of responding to the Waterfall tasks and to look for grammar patterns and vocabulary that may be useful for you in your response. The example responses are C1+ in their level. How do your responses compare? What can you do to improve your responses during the next Fluency Waterfall?

90 Second Task

Growing food in small spaces like balconies or rooftops is a game-changer for us and our communities. First off, it’s a great way to make fresh, healthy food more accessible. I started growing tomatoes and herbs on my tiny apartment balcony, and it's incredible. Having fresh produce at my fingertips has not only improved my diet but also reduced my grocery bills. It’s like having a mini garden oasis in the concrete jungle.

Another big plus is the positive impact on the environment. These small green spaces can help reduce the urban heat island effect, making cities cooler. Plus, they cut down on the carbon footprint of transporting food. .The food I was eating from my balcony was no longer traveling hundreds of miles-only a few feet.  My friend has a rooftop garden, and she says it’s helped make her building cooler in summer. It’s amazing how a bit of greenery can change the urban landscape.

And let’s not forget the community aspect. Community gardens on rooftops or shared spaces bring people together. Last year, my neighborhood started a community garden on the unused rooftop of our apartment building.  It’s become a place where everyone chips in and shares the harvest. We've all learned a lot about gardening, and it's sparked friendships I never expected.

So, growing food in small spaces isn’t just about the produce; it’s about healthier lifestyles, helping the environment, and building community ties. It turns out, even a small balcony can contribute to big changes.

60 Second Task

Pets really change how we grow emotionally and socially. They start by teaching us responsibility. Taking care of my dog, Max, meant his schedule became mine too. But it quickly felt less like chores and more like quality time. This shift from responsibility to empathy made me more considerate of others around me.

Then, there's the unmatched emotional support they offer. On tough days, Max is right there, offering a nuzzle or a wag, instantly making things better. This kind of support has taught me a lot about unconditional love and being there for others, no doubt making me a more empathetic person. Pets also open up new ways to meet people. Walking Max led to conversations with other dog owners, and one chat at the dog park even turned into a lasting friendship.Pets can help us find common ground with strangers.

In short, the animals in our lives are more than just pets; they're our emotional and social coaches making us better humans.

Indoor spaces like libraries and community centers are crucial for bringing communities together. For example, libraries have transformed into welcoming spaces with areas for reading, cafes, and even play zones. This inclusivity makes places like my local library popular spots for all ages.

Design plays a key role in encouraging inclusivity and interaction. Thoughtfully designed spaces ensure that everyone feels welcome. Hosting events like multicultural fairs exemplify this, turning ordinary spaces into celebrations of cultural diversity, enriching the community experience.

These indoor spaces significantly contribute to our happiness and sense of belonging by making everyone feel included, celebrated, and connected, proving that buildings are more than just structures; they're vital to community life and well-being.

EI - 10

Compare your recording to the transcript below. What did you miss? What did you mess up? Don’t be afraid to do the task again. 

1. Pets also open up new ways to meet people.

2. Older people can provide experience and wisdom.

3. Hosting events enriches the community experience.

4. Pets can help us find common ground with strangers.

5. Pets really change how we grow emotionally and socially.

6. These cross-generational friendships are key to aging well.

7. Thoughtfully designed spaces ensure that everyone feels welcome.

8. On tough days my dog is right there instantly making things better.

9. Another big plus is the sense of purpose these relationships create.

10. How can talking to someone from a different generation be comforting?

Vocabulary Connections

Here’s the vocabulary for today. This vocabulary is connected to the new topic and task introduced in the Waterfall today (90 second task). What words would help you better express your thoughts tomorrow? Which words could you substitute for more precise expression.

Cloze Exercise

Read the response out loud trying to remain fluent while filling in the gaps.

Pets really change how we grow emotionally and socially. They start by teaching us responsibility. Ta____ care of my dog, Max, meant hi_ schedule became mine too. But it qu_____ felt less like chores and more li__ quality time. This shift from responsibility t_ empathy made me more considerate of ot____ around me.

Then, there's the unmatched emotional support th__ offer. On tough days, Max is ri___ there, offering a nuzzle or a wa__, instantly making things better. This kind o_ support has taught me a lot ab___ unconditional love and being there for ot_____, no doubt making me a more em________ person. Pets also open up new wa__ to meet people. Walking Max led t_ conversations with other dog owners, and on_ chat at the dog park even tu____ into a lasting friendship. Pets can he__ us find common ground with strangers.

In short, the animals in our li___ are more than just pets; they're ou_ emotional and social coaches making us be____ humans.

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