Comprehension: Young US Blacks See Lives Shattered By Gun Violence

Columbine, Aurora, Newtown -- it's mass killings like these that revive the debate on US gun laws. But for thousands of young African Americans, gun violence is a day-to-day ordeal.

Watch the video below and answer the following questions. Are they True or False?

1. All the group of men that meet are in wheelchairs because they were shot.

a. True

b. False

2. There are nearly 300 thousand privately owned firearms in America.

a. True

b. False

3.Murder was the biggest cause of death amongst African Americans aged between 10 and 24 in 2012.

a. True

b. False

For transcript and answers see below: 

Transcript and Answers:

Every Tuesday afternoon at Washington Hospital, this group of men meets to talk about life bound to a wheelchair. All are paralysed, victims of a bullet that spared their lives but changed them forever. 
"I was coming from the club. My friend was at the car, waiting for me because I was talking to this girl. And they rushed me to come and get in the car. So I ran to the car and pulled off. As soon as I pulled off, I blanked out." 
38-year-old Kwame was only 25 when he was shot. He's one of thousands of black men injured or killed every year in gun-related violence. With nearly 300 million privately owned firearms across the US, Americans are the most powerfully armed civilians in the world. Mass killings, like the Newtown school shooting that left 20 young children and 6 adults dead, always stir the debate on US gun laws. But experts say these massacres don't reflect the real problem.  "The reality of gun violence in the United States is that it is concentrated in the inner-cities, among the poor and the victims are disproportionately, overwhelmingly young black and Hispanic men." 
More than 30 people are shot and killed every day in America, and nearly half of them are black - mostly killed by other black men. After a youth marred by crime, "Ish" was shot in 1998 by an armed robber. One bullet grazed his head, and another ripped through his neck. He was lucky to survive and says he's learned a hard lesson. 
"It's not worth it. Just think first before you react, you know. Because once you get punished, there is no way out. It's easy to get in trouble but it's hard to get out." 
Homicides were the leading cause of death among 10 to 24-year-old African Americans in 2012, and since the Newtown shooting in December, more than 2,000 men and women have been shot and killed. Sobering statistics that reflect the nationwide problem of gun violence.

Answers:

1. a

2. b

3. a

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Idioms. Answers to Hearty idioms

Answers and examples to this weeks idioms. The theme this week is the heart.

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Comprehension: Reviving the Philippine Capital's Polluted Heart

A toxic black river that cuts through Manila is being cleaned up at a cost of more than 240 million dollars a year. 

Watch the video below and answer the following questions. Are they True or False?

1. The Pasig river has nothing living in it.

a. True

b. False

2. This is the first attempt to clean up the river.

a. True

b. False

3.Experts say it will take a decade for the river and its tributaries to be revived.

a. True

b. False

For transcript and answers see below: 

Transcript and Answers

It may look like fun and games but these children are playing in some of the most polluted waters in the Philippines. Once the social and economic heart of the nation's capital, the Pasig River is now biologically dead.  Much of Manila's industrial waste ends up here – along with untreated sewage and rubbish of the millions living close by. 

"There have been people who have gone into this with an open wound and died, literally. Whoever planned the city years ago really saw the esteros and the river as dumping grounds." 

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent in failed attempts to clean up the river. The latest effort involves trying to relocate about 300,000 slum dwellers living directly along the river and its tributaries, known locally as esteros. 

"As long as there are illegal dwellers living along the estero, using the place as their toilets and dumping garbage there, there’s no clean-up that can happen. So that's the beginning." 

The project’s showing some early signs of success. A few years ago this estero was one of the city's most polluted, choked by squatters living in shanties. Thousands of people living within three metres of the waterway have been relocated. Boardwalks and plants have replaced their ramshackle homes.

"We are happy living here now. It's like living in a sub-division. When you wake up it is breezy, and there is a sunset, so you really feel like you are in a beautiful sub-division." 

Nevertheless, even these waters remain dangerously polluted. Experts say it will likely take decades for the Pasig River and all its forty-seven tributaries to be revived. 

Answers:

1. a

2. b

3. b

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Common Mistakes 7

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Comprehension: Argentine Cowboys Turn Trendsetters

In Argentina, the traditional cowboy lifestyle is dying out - but their traditional trousers, known as bombachas, are enjoying a new lease of life.

Watch the video below and answer the following questions. Are they True or False?

1. Gaucho is another word for cowboy.

a. True

b. False

2. Since 2003 a third of Argentina’s cultivated land has been livestock.

a. True

b. False

3.It’s a fact that bombachas were military trousers before coming to Argentina.

a. True

b. False

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Transcript and Answers: Argentine Cowboys Turn Trendsetters

It’s a classic postcard image of Argentina – the gaucho, or cowboy, rounding-up his cattle on horseback. But this traditional way of life is dying out – as cattle ranches give way to more lucrative soya plantations grown for biofuel. 
“The world is globalized now, so people have changed. We no longer have real roots in the land and so there’s been a deep loss of identity” 
Since 2003 a third of Argentina’s cultivated land has switched from livestock to crops. But at least part of the cowboy lifestyle is still going strong – their billowing trousers, called bombachas. Legend has it they arrived in Argentina in the nineteenth century, when the country accepted a shipment of military uniforms from Turkey, left over from the Crimean War. Perfect for horseback riding, the trousers caught on among cattle herders and wealthy landowners alike. 
“I’m very used to wearing these clothes, they’re comfortable and I’m proud to wear them” 
 And to buy your bombachas – this is the place to come. “Aux Charpentiers” is a Buenos Aires boutique founded by French immigrants at the end of the 19th century. A classic cotton pair costs about 60 euros. The shop has featured in fashion magazines around the world and is a key stop for stylish tourists. ,  
“They'll never disappear, because they're something clients tell us they wouldn’t change for anything in the world, because they're cool and comfortable” 
Here, the bombachas are entirely handmade. 
“Bombachas are a lot of work. The strap, a pocket here, a pocket there… this pair has five pockets. Those over there only have three pockets, thank goodness, and they don’t have buttons. That takes time” 
 The shop now sells new designs for a younger clientele – narrower bombachas for the city, or linen ones for the summer. Argentina’s gauchos may be making way for soya in the country – but in the city, they’re fashion icons. 
Answers:

1. a

2. b

3. b

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Comprehension: Polish Prisoners Put Paint To Paper Creating Religious Art

Behind the bars of a prison in the east of Poland, inmates are learning to recreate religious paintings, in a unique rehabilitation programme. 

Watch the video below and answer the following questions. Are they True or False?

1. Malgorzata was sentenced to 8 years in prison.

a. True

b. False

2. Malgorzata has always loved painting.

a. True

b. False

3. Malgorzata’s sentence has been reduced because of good behaviour.

a. True

b. False

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Transcript and Answers: Polish prisoners put paint to paper creating religious art

A steady hand and a lot of patience are required to paint a picture like this. But these artists aren't short of time; they're all inmates at the Bialystok prison in the east of Poland. And prisoners like Malgorzata -- sentenced to 24 years in jail -- have uncovered some hidden talents. 

"I never knew how to paint. It wasn't my cup of tea. And now, I'm starting to make progress, I can see it myself and I'm happy with how I'm doing." Malgorzata's sentence was cut by a third owing to good behaviour - but she still has another eight years to serve. The idea behind the programme is to help the prisoners before they re-enter society, developing confidence and exploring the spiritual history of the paintings. 

"At the start most inmates come to kill a bit of time, so that it passes more quickly, to try something more interesting. Some also do it to earn good behaviour, but at the end of the classes everyone wants to have their paintings blessed and keep them." 

In a predominantly Catholic country, the Bialystok region is the stronghold of the Polish Orthodox Church.

"It calms me down and brings me peace, I have a lighter heart and my faith is strengthened. I already pray to the picture of the Virgin Mary that I created." The prison currently only runs two workshops - but if more funding’s provided it's hoped other inmates will have the chance to put paint to paper. 

Answers:

1. b

2. b

3. a

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Phrasal Verbs with Answers: to dry

This week,'to dry' is the verb used to make our phrasal verbs.  Do you know what they mean?

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Common Mistakes 6

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Comprehension: Family Love Awaits Weary New Year Traveller

AFPTV follows one migrant worker as she travels 1,000 miles across China to spend the Lunar New Year holiday with her family. 

Watch the video below and answer the following questions. Are they True or False?

1. The Lunar New Year Holiday migration is the biggest in the world.

a. True

b. False

2. The Chinese New Year holiday is the only time Chen spends with her family every year.

a. True

b. False

3. Chen spends 40 days with her family before returning to Beijing.

a. True

b. False

For transcript and answers see below or go to: http://eflexlanguages.blogspot.fr/2013/02/transcript-and-answers-family-love.html

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Transcript and Answers: Family Love Awaits Weary New Year Traveller

Chen Guolan has almost 48-hours of stressful travel ahead of her, but this is the day she’s been looking forward to all year. The 50-year-old domestic worker is joining the world's largest annual migration ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. The journey will take her from China's capital Beijing to the quiet backwater she calls home, an epic 1,000-mile journey. 
"Right now my heart is so excited. I’m returning to my family's home. I’ve worked so hard all year and now I’m coming home." 
An estimated 220 million train rides are made during the 40-day travel season. Chen is one of hundreds of passengers spending the next 30 hours cramped on this service to the south-western city of Chongqing. Meanwhile, at her family home in Sichuan province, her son and husband are preparing for her return. 
"Chinese New Year is so important because every year the family will be able to spend time together."  "I am so happy in my heart. My wife is returning home." 
It's 3am, and finally the moment the family have been waiting for. The following day, Chen welcomes a steady stream of relatives. For her, and all of China's 236 million migrants, this is the only time of year they spend with their family. 
"The best thing about New Year is being with family. The old, the young, everyone, I’m so happy." 
It's now time to relax in Chen's small town, a world away from her life in the metropolis. Until, that is, she makes the journey back to work in three weeks' time. 

Answers:

1. a

2. a

3. b


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Comprehension: Indian appetite grows for meat

More and more Indians are driving a demand for meat in a country with a traditionally low intake. A survey in 2006 showed 40 percent of the population were vegetarian, while for many others meat used to be a luxury. But as lifestyles change and the country rapidly urbanises, Indians are opting for a fleshier menu.

Watch the video below and answer the following questions. Are they True or False?

1. Cafe Ridge only serves vegetarian dishes.
a. True
b.False

2. Environmentalists are happy that more livestock is being raised.
a. True
b. False

3. It is more economical for a farmer to rear chickens than anything else.
a. True
b. False 

For transcript and answers see below or go to:
http://eflexlanguages.blogspot.fr/2013/02/transcript-and-answers-indian-appetite.html

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Transcript and Answers: Indian appetite grows for meat

It's barbecue time in Mumbai. India's booming middle-class is propelling a rise in eating meat, known here as "non veg". The country has a strong tradition of vegetarianism, held as an ideal by some of its religious groups. But as disposable incomes rise, scenes like this are becoming more common. 

"Earlier it used to be mainly at home; people would never trust eating non-vegetarian food outside their house." 

"Multi cuisines are coming down to India. Spanish is coming, French is coming. They serve very less vegetables, so to try a different cuisine you need to be open to eating non-veg and trying different global cuisines, if they want to try." 

In this affluent part of south Mumbai, many shops, restaurants and even apartment blocks remain meat-free. But even here, Cafe Ridge store does a brisk trade with carnivores, who often pick up new eating habits abroad. 

"Things like Thanksgiving, which was never celebrated over here in Mumbai is now being celebrated every year. Like we have people ordering for turkey, and yes, even for Christmas also we have some people even asking for goose, duck. So yes, things are changing." 

India's poultry industry is booming. Diverting grain, land and water to livestock has environmentalists worried. The country faces huge pressures as the population and meat demands grow. But for those in the business, rearing chickens makes sense. 

"You have self-employment, you require a small space. In a small space you can do a lot of business. See a farmer who has say half an acre of land, he can't make really any sort of money, but if he puts up a shed of say 2,000 square feet, 5,000 square feet, he makes much much more." 

While the meat keeps coming, the new generation's appetite shows no sign of shrinking. 

Answers

1. b

2. b

3. a

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