ESL: Very Well’s

New here? Or just checking us out? Here’s a How-to guide for our approach.

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

So, when we dive into stories about future societies that are either super scary or way too perfect, what's the deal? These kinds of stories, you know, like dystopias or utopias, they're not just about imagining cool or frightening future worlds. They've got a deeper purpose.

First off, the scary ones, dystopias, they're like big red flags. They show us what could go really wrong if we don't change our ways. Think about it like a warning sign on a road; it tells you there's danger ahead so you can avoid it. Books like "The Hunger Games" make us think about power, who has it, and what they do with it. They get us asking, "Hey, what can we do now to make sure our future doesn't end up like that?"

Then, there are those stories about perfect worlds, utopias, but there's always a catch, right? They make us question what 'perfect' really means. Often, they show that to make everything perfect for some people, others have to give up a lot. It's like saying, "Be careful what you wish for."

Both types of stories get us thinking about our society, our values, and how we treat each other. They're not just about the future; they're about us, here and now, reflecting on how we can make our world better. Pretty cool, huh?

60 Second Task

Diving into stories about future societies, whether they're super scary or look perfect, is more than just exploring fictional worlds. These stories have a real purpose.

The scary ones, like dystopias, act as warnings. They're like, "Watch out! If we keep going down this path, things could get really bad." They make us think about power, fairness, and what we value. It's like they're saying, "Let's fix things now so our future isn't a nightmare."

On the flip side, those stories about perfect societies, utopias, they've got their own lessons. They often show that perfection comes at a price, making us question what we're willing to sacrifice for an ideal world. It's a heads-up to think about what 'perfect' really means and if it's actually what we want.

Both kinds of stories push us to reflect on our own society and how we can improve it. They're not just tales about what's to come; they're a mirror to our present, urging us to consider how we can create a better future. Pretty thought-provoking, right?

Being an ally means supporting those facing injustice by listening and taking action. Listening requires genuine attention to others' experiences without shifting focus to ourselves. For example, actively listening to a friend's racial discrimination story taught me the value of presence and empathy.

Taking action, even through small steps, amplifies support. My involvement in a campus equality group, organizing events to highlight social issues, showcases solidarity with affected communities.

In essence, allyship is about empathetic listening and meaningful action. It's a commitment to stand with those in need, advocating for justice and equality. Allies play a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive and fair society.

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. What are we willing to sacrifice for an ideal world?

2. Let's fix things now so our future isn't a nightmare.

3. Parks are like a little oasis in the middle of the city.

4. It's a heads-up to think about what 'perfect' really means.

5. Listening requires genuine attention to others' experiences.

6. I've got this park near my house where I love to jog and unwind.

7. Allies play a crucial role in fostering a more inclusive society.

8. The way our cities are designed can make a difference in our health.

9. Actively listening to a friend's story taught me the value of empathy.

10. Studies show that people who live near green spaces tend to be happier.

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.

Diving into stories about future societies, whether they're super scary or look perfect, is more than just exploring fictional worlds. These stories have a real purpose.

The sc___ ones, like dystopias, act as wa____. They're like, "Watch out! If we ke__ going down this path, things co___ get really bad." They make us th___ about power, fairness, and what we value. It's like they're saying, "Let's fi__ things now so our future is___ a nightmare."

On the flip side, those stories ab___ perfect societies, utopias, they've got th___ own lessons. They often show that pe______ comes at a price, making us qu_____ what we're willing to sacrifice for an ideal world. It's a heads-up to think about what 'perfect' really me____ and if it's actually what we want.

Both kinds of stories push us to reflect on our own society and ho_ we can improve it. They're not ju__ tales about what's to come; they're a mirror to our present, urging us to consider how we can create a be____ future. Pretty thought-provoking, right?

Help ESL: Very Well Grow

This newsletter has all of the resources that you need for the protocol. If you’re on Facebook follow ESL: Very Well to participate in our growing community and access other news and events.

Some people are shocked to hear that we produce ESL: Very Well 100% coffee-free. However, I do eat a lot of broccoli and we use AI tools that are not free. If you’d like to fuel our efforts, we’d very much appreciate that.

If you’d like to donate money to get out the word about ESL: Very Well to a targeted group that is close to your heart. Say people interested in soccer in Sao Paulo Brazil venmo us any amount of money with that description and we’ll see that it happens.