ESL: Very Well’s

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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

Relationships between younger and older folks are super important for aging well. Firstly, they bring fresh perspectives and energy to each other's lives. I've seen this with my own grandpa and my younger cousin. They're best buddies. My cousin teaches grandpa how to use new gadgets, and in return, grandpa shares stories from the past. It's like they both get to see the world through a new lens, keeping grandpa feeling young at heart.

Another big plus is the sense of purpose and belonging these relationships create. Older adults often have a lot of wisdom and life experience to share, and when younger people show interest, it makes them feel valued. My neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, started a small garden club in our community. It's mostly young families and her, but she's the star, teaching us all about gardening. Seeing her light up, sharing her knowledge, and being an essential part of our group is amazing. It definitely adds joy and meaning to her days.

And let's not forget the emotional support. Life can get tough, and having someone from a different generation to talk to can offer a unique comfort. Older people can provide experience and wisdom. Younger people can provide enthusiasm and new knowledge. They provide different perspectives on problems, which can be really refreshing. It's a two-way street – both the young and the old support and learn from each other.

So, these cross-generational friendships are key to aging well, offering new perspectives, a sense of purpose, and emotional support that enrich lives on both sides.

60 Second Task

Growing food on balconies or rooftops can really change things for us and our communities. It's awesome for getting fresh, healthy food easily. I started with tomatoes and herbs on my balcony, and it's been a game-changer. My meals are fresher, and I'm saving money on groceries. Plus, it feels like a little garden escape in the city.

These small green spots also do wonders for the environment. They cool down our buildings and cities, reducing the urban heat island effect. And think about it: food from your balcony means zero food miles, cutting down our carbon footprint big time.

Community gardens on rooftops or shared spaces bring us together too. My neighborhood's rooftop garden has turned into a shared project where everyone pitches in. It's more than just gardening; it's about building friendships and community.

So, this whole growing food in small spaces deal? It's about eating better, being kinder to our planet, and strengthening our community. Turns out, even a tiny balcony garden can make a big difference.

Pets profoundly impact our emotional and social development. Responsibility kicks in when caring for a pet like my dog, Max, turning daily tasks into moments of bonding. This nurtures empathy, making us more attuned to others' needs.Max's presence on rough days, with a simple nuzzle, transforms my mood, teaching me about unconditional love and empathy.

Pets can also facilitate social connections. Walking Max has sparked conversations with other pet owners, turning chance encounters into meaningful friendships. These interactions highlight how pets bridge social gaps, helping us connect over shared experiences. Ultimately, pets do more than just fill our lives with joy; they teach us responsibility, offer emotional solace, and encourage social interactions.

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 can also facilitate social connections.

2. Older people can provide experience and wisdom.

3. Community gardens on rooftops bring us together.

4. My cousin teaches grandpa how to use new gadgets.

5. My meals are fresher, and I'm saving money on groceries.

6. My neighbor started a small garden club in our community.

7. These small green spots also do wonders for the environment.

8. When younger people show interest, it makes them feel valued.

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

10. Having someone from a different generation to talk to can offer comfort.

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.

Growing food on balconies or rooftops can really change things for us and our communities. It's awesome for getting fresh, healthy fo__ easily. I started with tomatoes and he___ on my balcony, and it's been a game-changer. My meals are fresher, and I'm sa____ money on groceries. Plus, it fe___ like a little garden escape in th_ city.

These small green spots also do wo_____ for the environment. They cool down ou_ buildings and cities, reducing the urban he__ island effect. And think about it: fo__ from your balcony means zero food mi____, cutting down our carbon footprint big ti___.

Community gardens on rooftops or shared sp____ bring us together too. My neighborhood's ro_____ garden has turned into a shared pr_____, where everyone pitches in. It's more th__ just gardening; it's about building friendships an_ community.

So, this whole growing food in sm___ spaces deal? It's about eating better, being kinder t_ our planet, and strengthening our community. Tu___ out, even a tiny balcony garden ca_ make a big difference.

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