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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

Lately, we've seen more leaders who are all about putting their country first, kind of like the "America First" vibe with President Trump. This trend is really changing how countries get along and work together. For starters, there's a big move towards making deals directly with another country instead of being part of big group agreements.

Think about how the U.S. ditched the big Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) for one-on-one trade talks with places like China and Canada. It's like deciding to text your friend directly instead of chatting in a group message – it's more direct but can get a bit complicated since you're juggling more conversations.

Then, there's this whole thing with traditional alliances getting shaky. Remember how Trump kept calling out NATO allies for not chipping in enough money? It kind of put everyone on edge, wondering if these old friendships were still solid.

And don't get me started on tariffs and protectionism. It's like putting up a big "Keep Out" sign to protect local jobs, but it can kick off trade wars. I saw prices go up on electronics and other stuff because of the U.S.-China tariff tiff, which shows how these decisions can hit our wallets directly.

So yeah, with leaders focusing more on their own backyard, it's making international teamwork a bit more fragmented and tricky. It's interesting times for sure, seeing how all these changes play out on the global stage.

60 Second Task

Celebrities like Emma Watson and Leonardo DiCaprio use their fame to spotlight important issues. Emma, famed for her role in "Harry Potter," champions women's rights through the UN's HeForShe campaign, inspiring both men and women to strive for gender equality. Her dedication reminds us that influence can extend far beyond entertainment, motivating people like me to stand up for equality.

Similarly, Leonardo DiCaprio isn't just a Hollywood star; he's a vocal environmental advocate. His foundation supports conservation projects, and his documentary "Before the Flood" highlights the urgency of combating climate change, pushing me towards more eco-friendly choices.

Their actions prove that celebrities can do much more than entertain; they can drive real change by addressing critical issues head-on. Witnessing their commitment has inspired me to consider how I, too, can contribute to making a difference. This shows the power of fame isn't just for show; it's a platform for change, making the world a better place by shining a light on what truly matters.

 Big international companies play a huge role in the world economy and seriously affect local businesses. Let's break it down into two main points.

First, they spearhead globalization. Picture Apple: designs in the US, manufacturing in China. This strategy cuts costs, making things cheaper, but can lead to job outsourcing, impacting employment.

Second, their impact on local markets is profound. A giant like Walmart, with its low prices and vast product range, is a boon for shoppers but a real challenge for small local shops. These smaller businesses often struggle to compete, and sadly, some end up closing.

So, in a nutshell, these companies bring the perks of globalization, like affordability and variety, but also create tough conditions for local businesses, sometimes causing job losses and shop closures. 

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. Fame can be a platform for change.

2. Tariffs aim to protect jobs but risk trade wars.

3. Traditional alliances are now experiencing uncertainty.

4. It's an intriguing time, watching global changes unfold.

5. Celebrities use their fame to spotlight important issues.

6. There's a shift towards direct deals over group agreements.

7. International companies play a huge role in the world economy.

8. Leaders putting their country first changes international relations.

9. This trend significantly alters how countries collaborate and interact.

10. These smaller businesses often struggle to compete, and sadly, some end up closing.

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.

Celebrities like Emma Watson and Leonardo DiCaprio use their fame to spotlight important issues. Emma, famed for her role in "H____ Potter," champions women's rights through the UN__ HeForShe campaign, inspiring both men and wo___ to strive for gender equality. Her de________ reminds us that influence can extend fa_ beyond entertainment, motivating people like me t_ stand up for equality.

Similarly, Leonardo DiCaprio isn't just a Ho_______ star; he's a vocal environmental advocate. Hi_ foundation supports conservation projects, and his do_________ "Before the Flood" highlights the urgency o_ combating climate change, pushing me towards mo__ eco-friendly choices.

Their actions prove that celebrities can d_ much more than entertain; they can dr___ real change by addressing critical issues he_____. Witnessing their commitment has inspired me t_ consider how I, too, can contribute t_ making a difference. This shows the po___ of fame isn't just for show; it__ a platform for change, making the wo___ a better place by shining a li___ on what truly matters.

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