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

Finding life on other planets would be a huge deal, changing how we see the universe and ourselves. It would shake up what we know about science and make us think deeply about life's big questions.

First off, if we found even tiny life forms on a place like Mars, it would show us that Earth isn't the only spot where life can happen. This would be super exciting for scientists because it means life might be more common than we thought. Imagine scientists discovering tiny microbes living on another planet; it would open up so many new questions about life in space and how it starts.

Then, there's the big question we've all wondered about: Are we alone in the universe? Finding life elsewhere would give us a clear answer and make us think hard about what it means to be human. It's kind of like when we found out Earth wasn't the center of everything. 

Suddenly, we'd have to think about where we fit in this bigger picture of the universe.

So, discovering life beyond Earth would not just be about cool science facts. It would also make us question our place in the universe and what it means to be alive. It's a bit mind-blowing, really, thinking about how such a discovery could change everything we know and believe.

60 Second Task

Initially, I overlooked the importance of online data security, routinely agreeing to terms and conditions without considering the implications. This changed dramatically after a friend's email was compromised, exposing private information. That incident highlighted the fragility of online data and spurred me to action.

Now, I'm much more vigilant. I regularly change passwords and enable two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of security, akin to double-locking a door. I've also become selective about which apps access my personal data, opting out if something feels off.

As technology advances, my approach to data security will undoubtedly adapt. With the rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning, safeguarding our digital information against increasingly sophisticated threats will become paramount. The need for continuous education on new security practices will be crucial.

In essence, my transition from indifference to proactive data protection reflects a growing awareness of digital vulnerabilities. As we navigate the evolving technological landscape, staying informed and implementing robust security measures will be key to ensuring our online safety.

45 Second Task

Excessive exams primarily impact students through shallow learning and heightened stress. The reliance on rote memorization for test success discourages deep understanding and critical thinking. Friends often memorize information for exams, only to forget it swiftly, indicating a learning process focused more on passing than genuine comprehension.

Moreover, the constant pressure of exams contributes to significant stress, affecting mental health and overall quality of life. Observations of peers facing sleeplessness and anxiety before finals underscore how this stress transcends academic performance, impairing enjoyment of both school and personal life.

In summary, the overemphasis on exams fosters superficial learning and elevates stress levels, calling for a more balanced educational approach that promotes in-depth learning and prioritizes student well-being.

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. Rote memorization discourages critical thinking.

2. Finding life on other planets would be a huge deal.

3. That incident highlighted the fragility of online data.

4. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security.

5. We'd have to think about where we fit in this bigger picture.

6. This stress impairs enjoyment of both school and personal life.

7. The constant pressure of exams contributes to significant stress.

8. Friends often memorize information for exams, only to forget it swiftly.

9. Implementing robust security measures will be key to ensuring our online safety.

10. Discovering tiny microbes would open up so many new questions about life in space.

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.

Initially, I overlooked the importance of online da__ security, routinely agreeing to terms and co________ without considering the implications. This changed dr__________ after a friend's email was compromised, ex______ private information. That incident highlighted the fr_______ of online data and spurred me t_ action.

Now, I'm much more vigilant. I regularly ch____ passwords and enable two-factor authentication, adding a_ extra layer of security, akin to do____________ a door. I've also become selective ab___ which apps access my personal data, op____ out if something feels off.

As technology advances, my approach to data se______ will undoubtedly adapt. With the rise o_ artificial intelligence and machine learning, safeguarding ou_ digital information against increasingly sophisticated threats wi__ become paramount. The need for continuous ed_______ on new security practices will be cr______.

In essence, my transition from indifference to pr_______ data protection reflects a growing awareness o_ digital vulnerabilities. As we navigate the ev______ technological landscape, staying informed and implementing ro____ security measures will be key to en______ our online safety.

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