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

The rise of online learning is reshaping the future of education in big ways. First, it's making learning more flexible. You don't have to be in a specific place at a specific time anymore. Last semester, I took a course from a university on the other side of the world, sitting in my pajamas at home. This flexibility means people who work or have families can fit education into their lives easier than ever before.

Second, online learning is making education more accessible to everyone. It doesn't matter if you live in a big city or a small village; as long as you have internet, you can learn. A friend of mine, who lives in a remote area, was able to pursue her dream of studying graphic design because she could do it all online. Before online courses, she didn't have this opportunity.

However, this shift also raises questions about the social aspects of school. Going to school isn't just about lessons; it's also about making friends, playing sports, and learning to get along with others. If more learning happens online, we might need to find new ways to build these important social skills.

In short, online learning is making education more flexible and accessible, but it's also changing how we think about the social experiences that come with going to school. It's an exciting time for education, but there are challenges we need to address to make sure everyone benefits.

60 Second Task

Finding life on other planets would massively shift our perspective on the universe and our role within it.

Scientifically, discovering even simple life forms on a planet like Mars would prove that Earth isn't the only life-supporting planet. This revelation would challenge current biological understanding, suggesting that life could be more widespread in the cosmos. The thought sparks a flurry of questions about the nature of life and its origins.

Philosophically, confirming extraterrestrial life would answer the age-old question of whether we're alone in the universe. This discovery would prompt us to reconsider our uniqueness and ponder our purpose in a vast cosmos, much like the paradigm shift that occurred when we realized Earth wasn't the universe's center.

In short, the discovery of life beyond Earth would not only enrich our scientific inquiry but also deepen our existential reflections, compelling us to reevaluate our place in the cosmic narrative.

45 Second Task

Initially, I barely considered online data security, automatically accepting terms without thought. A friend's hacked email, revealing personal details, was a wake-up call, emphasizing the vulnerability of our digital information.

Now, I'm proactive—updating passwords, using two-factor authentication for an added security layer, and being selective with app permissions. As technology, especially artificial intelligence, advances, I anticipate my data protection strategies will evolve to counter more complex threats.

This journey from neglect to vigilance in data security mirrors a broader shift towards recognizing digital risks. Moving forward, adapting to new security technologies and practices will be vital for safeguarding our online presence against emerging cyber challenges.

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. Now, I'm proactive updating passwords.

2. Before online courses, she didn't have this opportunity.

3. Online learning is making education more accessible to everyone.

4. This revelation would challenge current biological understanding.

5. People can fit education into their lives easier than ever before.

6. This shift also raises questions about the social aspects of school.

7. There are challenges we need to address to make sure everyone benefits.

8. A friend of mine was able to pursue her dream of studying graphic design.

9. How should we think about the social experiences that come with going to school?

10. Finding life on other planets would massively shift our perspective on the universe.

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.

Finding life on other planets would massively sh___ our perspective on the universe and ou_ role within it.

Scientifically, discovering even simple life forms on a_ planet like Mars would prove that Ea___ isn't the only life-supporting planet. This re________ would challenge current biological understanding, suggesting th__ life could be more widespread in th_ cosmos. The thought sparks a flurry o_ questions about the nature of life an_ its origins.

Philosophically, confirming extraterrestrial life would answer the ag_____ question of whether we're alone in th_ universe. This discovery would prompt us t_ reconsider our uniqueness and ponder our pu_____ in a vast cosmos, much like th_ paradigm shift that occurred when we re______ Earth wasn't the universe's center.

In short, the discovery of life beyond Ea___ would not only enrich our scientific in_____ but also deepen our existential reflections, co________ us to reevaluate our place in th_ cosmic narrative.

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