ESL: Very Well’s

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

Today’s Themes and Tasks

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. E.I. 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

My thoughts on the security of online data have definitely evolved. Initially, I didn't give much thought to where my information went or how it was used. I happily clicked "agree" on terms and conditions without a second glance. However, after a friend's email was hacked, revealing sensitive information, I started to see things differently. That incident was a wake-up call about the vulnerability of our online data.

Over time, I've become more cautious. I now regularly update my passwords and use two-factor authentication where possible. It's like locking your front door and then adding an extra bolt for safety. I also became pickier about what apps I allow access to my personal information. If it doesn't feel right, I don't sign up.

Looking ahead, I believe my approach to data security will continue to evolve, especially as new technologies emerge. With things like artificial intelligence and machine learning becoming more common, understanding and protecting our digital footprint will become even more critical. We'll likely need to learn new strategies to safeguard our information against sophisticated threats.

In summary, my journey from being indifferent to vigilant about online data security reflects a broader awareness of digital vulnerabilities. As technology advances, staying informed and adopting new security measures will be essential for protecting our online presence.

60 Second Task

Excessive exams significantly impact student learning and well-being. Firstly, the focus on testing often leads to short-term memorization rather than deep understanding. Many students, including friends, resort to cramming, which results in quickly forgotten information post-exam. This approach undermines genuine learning, emphasizing passing over comprehending.

Additionally, a test-heavy environment stifles creativity. Students may feel confined to narrow study paths aimed at high scores, neglecting creative exploration and critical thinking. The joy of learning is replaced by the monotony of rote memorization.

The stress associated with frequent exams is another major concern. It can lead to anxiety, sleep issues, and a decrease in overall happiness. A friend's experience with finals-induced anxiety highlighted how this pressure extends beyond academics, affecting personal life and diminishing the school experience's enjoyment.

In essence, while exams are meant to assess knowledge, overreliance on them can hinder true learning, dampen creativity, and elevate stress.

45 Second Task

Private companies are revolutionizing space exploration with two key contributions: technological innovation and new funding models. SpaceX’s reusable rockets, for instance, have dramatically cut costs and pushed the envelope of what's possible, making space more accessible than ever before. This tech leap has prompted government programs to evolve, integrating similar advancements to stay competitive.

Moreover, the private sector's ability to generate revenue through commercial services, like satellite launches and planned space tourism, introduces fresh capital into space exploration. This financial boost allows government space agencies to allocate resources more effectively, potentially expanding their scope to ambitious projects like Mars colonization. The collaboration between private companies and government entities is setting a new course for space exploration, making the final frontier more reachable.

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. This approach undermines genuine learning.

2. Private firms are opening new revenue streams.

3. This kind of pressure can suck the fun out of school.

4. Additionally, a test-heavy environment stifles creativity.

5. The focus on testing often leads to short-term memorization.

6. Protecting our digital footprint will become even more critical.

7. We'll likely need to learn new strategies to safeguard our information.

8. It can lead to anxiety, sleep issues, and a decrease in overall happiness.

9. A friend's experience highlighted how this pressure extends beyond academics.

10. Adopting new security measures will be essential for protecting our online presence.

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.

Excessive exams significantly impact student learning and we_________. Firstly, the focus on testing often le___ to short-term memorization rather than deep un____________. Many students, including friends, resort to cr_______, which results in quickly forgotten information po________. This approach undermines genuine learning, emphasizing pa_____ over comprehending.

Additionally, a test-heavy environment stifles creativity. Students ma_ feel confined to narrow study paths ai___ at high scores, neglecting creative exploration an_ critical thinking. The joy of learning i_ replaced by the monotony of rote me___________.

The stress associated with frequent exams is an_____ major concern. It can lead to an______, sleep issues, and a decrease in ov_____ happiness. A friend's experience with finals-induced an_____ highlighted how this pressure extends beyond ac________, affecting personal life and diminishing the sc____ experience's enjoyment.

In essence, while exams are meant to as____ knowledge, overreliance on them can hinder tr__ learning, dampen creativity, and elevate stress.

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