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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

The choices we make play a huge role in how we age, and there are definitely some smart moves we can make to ensure we grow old healthily. For starters, staying active is a game-changer. It’s not just about hitting the gym; even daily walks or gardening can keep us fit. My grandma, for example, swears by her morning yoga sessions. She’s more flexible and sharp than folks half her age! It’s incredible to see how her commitment to staying active keeps her so vibrant.

Eating well is another biggie. It’s easy to fall into junk food habits, but incorporating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains can make a massive difference in our health later on. I started making smoothies with fresh produce, and not only do I feel better, but my doctor’s also happy with my vitals. It takes effort and some expense like other investments. It’s like fueling your body with the good stuff now pays off big time down the line.

And let’s not forget about staying connected. Loneliness can be a real issue as we get older, but keeping in touch with friends and family, or even getting involved in community activities, can keep our spirits high. My neighbor, Mr. Thompson, joined a local book club and made a bunch of new friends. He says it’s given him a new lease on life. Research suggests it just might lengthen that life as well.

So, staying active, eating right, and keeping socially connected are key to aging well. It’s about making choices that keep us healthy and happy throughout our lives.

60 Second Task

Farming must evolve to feed more people without harming the environment. First off, sustainable practices are crucial. My uncle switched to drip irrigation, a system that targets water directly to plant roots, reducing water usage and benefiting the plants significantly.

Mixing different crops together, or crop diversification, is another vital strategy. It improves soil health and controls pests naturally. A friend mixed tomatoes with basil in her garden, enhancing the flavor of both, and basically prepping for the perfect pizza straight from the garden.

Tech plays a big role too. Today's gadgets and apps make farming more efficient and eco-friendly. Sensors can indicate when crops need water, and apps monitor soil health, helping farmers use resources wisely.

By adopting sustainable methods, diversifying crops, and leveraging technology, we can make farming more efficient and environmentally friendly. This approach ensures we're using our resources intelligently, crucial for supporting our planet and feeding its growing population.

When discussing zoos and animal shows, animal welfare is paramount. They need environments that mimic their natural habitats, like a zoo that keep its lions in a savannah like space, enhancing the animals well-being significantly.

Education is vital, too. For instance, a dolphin show I attended went beyond entertainment, highlighting dolphin intelligence and conservation. Importantly, the message conveyed must foster respect for animals, not merely viewing them as entertainment. That dolphin show shifted my perspective.

In essence, ensuring animal welfare, leveraging educational opportunities for conservation awareness, and sending a message of respect and protection are crucial. It’s about valuing these remarkable creatures and our role in their preservation.

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. She’s more sharp than folks half her age!

2. I started making smoothies with fresh produce.

3. My grandma swears by her morning yoga sessions.

4. The choices we make play a huge role in how we age.

5. The message conveyed must foster respect for animals.

6. They need environments that mimic their natural habitats.

7. Today's gadgets make farming more efficient and eco-friendly.

8. It’s about making choices that keep us happy throughout our lives.

9. My neighbor joined a local book club and made a bunch of new friends.

10. Farming must evolve to feed more people without harming the environment.

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.

Talking about animals in zoos or shows, it’s crucial to think about their wellbeing. They need space that feels like ho___, with proper food and care. I sa_ lions in a zoo once with a_ huge area designed like the savannah, co______ with sound effects. It was a ga__ changer - they seemed way more al___ than if they had been in sm___ cages.

Education’s another big part. Animal shows an_ zoos can teach us loads, like th__ dolphin show I went to. It wa____ just tricks; they explained dolphins’ intelligence an_ the threats they face. It made m_ think more about how to help pr_____ marine life.

And really, it’s about the message th___ places send. They should make us re_____ and want to protect animals, not ju__ see them as entertainment. That dolphin sh__ did just that, showing me dolphins a_ amazing creatures we need to care fo__.

So, making sure animals are happy, ed_______ visitors, and promoting conservation are key. It__ all about giving these animals the re_____ they deserve.

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