BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Week 2
Going where the work is
Rob:
Hello, I'm Rob and this is 6 Minute English and I'm joined this week by
Jennifer. Hello Jennifer.
Jennifer: Hello Rob.
Rob:
This week we're discussing global migration – that's the movement of people
around the world and particularly those who are moving abroad to look for new work.
Is this something you have done Jen?
Jennifer: Yes, when I was a student I moved to France to teach English for a while.
Rob:
A very good job but luckily for us, you came back to live in the UK. Many people
are
forced to emigrate – or leave their home country – to go and work abroad and they
never return home. We'll talk more about that shortly and also look at some of the
language associated with migration. But let's start with today's question.
Jennifer: And this is a question for me to answer?
Rob:
Of course it is! So, according to figures from the United Nations, which one of
these
countries has the largest number of immigrants as a percentage of its national
population? Is it:
a) United States of America
b) Qatar
c) Turkey
Jennifer: I think this is an easy one. I think it will be a) The United States of America.
Rob:
Well, I'll let you know the answer at the end of the programme. Now let's talk
more
about global migration. It's something the BBC has been looking at following research
by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). We know
people move from country to country for all kinds of reasons – to join other members of
their family, because of war in their own country, or just to find a better lifestyle.
Jennifer: But the biggest reason is to find work – people who do this are called
economic
migrants. Their profession – or area of work they specialise in – may not be needed
where they live. Or the pay may not be very good but their skills might be in demand in
another part of the world, so they are forced to move there to get a job and earn more
money.
Rob:
This is a problem for developing countries because it means skilled people
are leaving to work in richer countries – this is what is called a brain drain. Around 214
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
million people are international migrants – people living and working in a different
country from the one in which they were born. So what kind of work are we talking
about?
Jennifer: All kinds of things. We know that people in healthcare often move abroad to
places like the UK and Australia to work as dentists, doctors or nurses. In other
countries, such as Belgium, there is a need for chefs. And in countries like Norway, there
is a demand for psychologists.
Rob:
I've also heard that in countries that have been affected by the financial crisis,
such
as Ireland and Greece, there is a need for accountants. And countries such as Brazil
and France are on the lookout for electronic engineers.
Jennifer: But these are all highly-skilled jobs that require qualified people – people
with
specialist training and qualifications. Sometimes people with such skills take on a job
where they are overqualified, such as doing a cleaning job or serving in a cafe.
Rob:
So many of the immigrants' skills are just going to waste and, as we have
mentioned, their home country is losing skills that could have helped improve the local
economy there.
Jennifer:
send money
However, there is evidence that many migrants are working abroad to
to family back at home – these are called remittances. They are seen as an important
source of funds for economic development. In fact, official figures show that last year
$US400bn of this money was being sent back to developing countries.
Rob:
It must be hard for people to uproot – or move from their home – leave the
family behind and go overseas. And it can also be a challenge to get permission to work
abroad.
Jennifer: Yes, you mean getting a working visa – that's a stamp in your passport that
allows you to work in a certain country. In Australia for example, points are awarded to
people with skills that are needed in the country; those who get the right amount of
points are allowed in.
Rob:
This system allows a country to adapt to the changes in skills needed to keep
the economy growing. Other countries only issue a working visa if someone has been
offered a specific job.
Jennifer: Of course, migrants may hope that the new country's streets are paved with
gold
– or that they think it's an easy place to get rich – but if it's not, they can at least get
some work experience that will benefit them when they get home: a sort of brain gain!
Rob:
Hmm, how's your brain Jen? It's time now to reveal the answer to today's
question.
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Earlier I asked you, according to figures from the United Nations, which one of these
countries has the largest number of immigrants as a percentage of its national
population?
Jennifer: And I said a) The United States of America.
Rob:
And you are wrong. The answer is Qatar. Around 75% of its population are
immigrants – so that's people who have moved there but were not born there. The USA
has many more immigrants but they only make up around 12% of the population. OK,
well, it's almost time to go but before we do, Jennifer could you remind us of some of the
words we have heard today.
Jennifer: Yes. We heard:
global migration
emigrate
economic migrants
a brain drain
qualified
overqualified
remittances
to uproot
a working visa
streets are paved with gold
Rob:
Thanks Jennifer. Well, that's all we have time for today. Please join us again
soon for
6 Minute English from bbclearningenglish.
Both: Bye
_____________________________________________________________________
Week 3
Business English: Arranging meetings
Feifei: Hello, I’m Feifei and this is 6 Minute English.
Neil: And I’m Neil.
Feifei: How are you Neil and what have you been up to?
Neil:
I’m very well, thank you. I’ve been listening to the news a lot this week.
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Feifei: Oh yeah?
Neil:
Yes, there are all kinds of things going on, lots of important people getting
together, discussing important things... and it got me thinking about meetings and what
it’s like trying to arrange a time and place to suit everyone.
Feifei: Oh it’s such a pain trying to get people together: if it’s only a couple of people
it’s not too bad but when you need four or five people there’s always someone who
wants a different time or a different place or a different date.
Neil: And you’re not the only one who feels that way Feifei - let’s hear from some of
our friends and colleagues talking about arranging meetings. How easy is it to find a
time and place that everyone’s happy with?
Voice 1: In Brazil it’s very easy to arrange a meeting because Brazilian people aren’t
very formal, we can have a meeting anywhere: on the corridor or in a room or around a
desk, so it’s very easy to arrange a meeting in Brazil.
Voice 2: In China if you have a meeting, you would usually call people to say we have a
meeting by phone, or if you see them in the office you would say we have a meeting,
that’s about it. It’s normally quite easy to fit in a meeting.
Voice 3: In Indonesia the manager would normally arrange a meeting, he or she will
have to check if everyone can attend. It’s quite tricky to set up a time that suits everyone
due to different schedules, so sometimes not everyone can attend.
Feifei: Ooh you’re right Neil. I’m not the only one who thinks it’s a pain.
Neil: Well, like it or hate it, arranging meetings effectively is a really important business
skill.
Feifei: I guess so.
Neil:
I think I feel a role-play coming on…
Feifei: We’re going to practise setting up meetings, aren’t we?
Neil: We are! We’re talking on the phone and we need to set up a meeting. And I
think I should be the boss this time.
Feifei: We don’t need a boss Neil: we can just be colleagues.
Neil:
Grrrr...
Feifei: Are you ready?
Neil:
I’m ready!
Role-play
Neil:
Feifei, we need to set up a meeting. Are you available this afternoon?
Feifei: Er, sorry no... I’m in a meeting all afternoon.
Neil:
OK, no problem. What about tomorrow morning? Shall we say 10 o’clock?
Feifei: Tomorrow morning at 10. Let me check my diary... No, sorry I can’t do 10. How
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
does 2 o’clock suit?
Neil: 2 o’clock’s good.
Feifei: Do we need to be face to face for this one?
Neil:
No, I don’t think so. Let’s do this one on the phone.
Feifei: Great!
Neil:
I’ll call you at 2.
Feifei: Speak to you soon.
Feifei: How did we do?
Neil:
I think we were pretty good! But we need to hear from the lady who knows all
about business language.
Neil / FF: It’s Business Betty!!
BB:
Hello you two!
Neil: How are you Betty?
BB:
Fine, thank you Neil.
Neil: So what did you think of our role-play Betty?
BB:
I thought it was rather good! And here’s why: First, you used lots of direct
questions - and in British business culture, when you’re arranging a meeting, it’s OK to
ask direct questions about people’s availability. Neil, you asked: Are you available…?
Neil:
Are you available this afternoon?
BB:
And you said ‘What about…?’
Neil: What about tomorrow morning?
BB:
Neil, you also said ‘Shall we say…?’
Neil:
Shall we say 10 o’clock?
BB:
And finally, Feifei, you said ‘How does 2 o’clock suit?’
Feifei: How does 2 o’clock suit?
BB:
So I liked that a lot: you both used simple, direct questions to agree the time.
That was very good. And, as well as agreeing the time, I liked that you discussed and
agreed the type of meeting. Feifei, you asked Neil if she wanted to meet in person. You
said ‘Do we need to be face to face for this one?’
Feifei: Do we need to be face to face for this one?
BB:
And Neil’s answer was ‘I don’t think so. Let’s do this one on the phone.’
Neil:
I don’t think so. Let’s do this one on the phone.
BB:
So, you both asked nice, simple, direct questions, and you agreed the type of
meeting. I’d say that was a job well done! Now, I must be off, I’ve got a meeting to go to.
Bye!!
Neil:/ FF: Thanks Betty, bye!!
Neil:
Ahhh, she’s so good that Betty, a real top-notch professional.
Feifei: She does know her stuff - and she really liked our role-play…
Neil: She did! I’m feeling quite proud right now.
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Feifei:
Shall we go over it again?
Neil:
I think we should! Are you ready?
Feifei: I am!
Role-play
Neil:
Feifei, we need to set up a meeting. Are you available this afternoon?
Feifei: Er, sorry no... I’m in a meeting all afternoon.
Neil:
OK, no problem. What about tomorrow morning? Shall we say 10 o’clock?
Feifei: Tomorrow morning at 10. Let me check my diary... No, sorry I can’t do 10. How
does 2 o’clock suit?
Neil: 2 o’clock’s good.
Feifei: Great! Do we need to be face to face for this one?
Neil:
No, I don’t think so. Let’s do this one on the phone.
Feifei: OK, speak to you later.
Neil:
I’ll call you at 2.
Feifei: Bye.
Neil: And that’s the end of today’s role-play… and it’s also the end of today’s
programme!
Feifei: So it’s goodbye from both of us – and please make sure you arrange to meet
us again for another episode of 6 Minute English!
Neil / FF: Bye!!
Arranging meetings: Key phrases
Suggesting a time to meet:
Are you available this afternoon?
What about tomorrow morning?
Shall we say 10 o’clock?
How does 2 o’clock suit?
Agreeing the type of meeting: Do we need to be face to face for this
one?
No, I don’t think so. Let’s do this one on
the
phone.
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Week 4
CNN Student News
Syrian Refugee Crisis; Tokyo Wins Olympic Bid
Aired September 9, 2013 - 04:00:00
ET
CARL AZUZ, CNN ANCHOR: Hi. Welcome to CNN STUDENT NEWS. I`m Carl Azuz.
The U.S. Congress is back in session this Monday, September 9th, its summer break is
over and Senators and Representatives have a major vote facing them. Should the U.S.
launch a military strike against Syria? The Obama administration believes Syria used
illegal chemical weapons in its civil war. He wants to punish Syria with a military strike.
President Obama is asking for Congress`s approval. He`s planning to address the
nation tomorrow night and hopes of winning public support. But as of right now, he
doesn`t have it. A number of recent polls have found that most Americans don`t want
the U.S. to attack Syria. Regardless of how that turns out, Syria`s civil war has effected
millions. Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes us to where many Syrians have taken refuge.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: For Arkan Abdullah (ph), the
constant shelling in Hams was becoming too much. But it was after this occurred to her
middle son, Yousef (ph), she knew she had to leave.
It was an explosion, she told me, that led to these burns. She packed up her three sons
and what little she had and traveled to Alvares (ph) mostly by foot, to arrive here at this
camp. It`s one of the largest in Bekaa Valley along the Syrian-Lebanese border. The
youngest son, Alah (ph), is eight months old, and he`s now spent half his life as a
refugee. He`s severely malnourished, even though he is breastfed.
(on camera): How difficult is that to get food?
(voice over): It is tough to breastfeed, she tells me, when the mom herself hasn`t had
enough to east. Today, they get drastically needed medical attention and vaccines from
malaria and polio, thanks to UNICEF. But make no mistake, Lebanon is buckling under
the weight of the refugees who arrive here every 15 seconds. In this country of over 4
million, the United Nations say there are some 720,000 registered refugees. But doctors
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
here believe the number to be more than twice that.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s very, very lot. Very lot.
"More than one out of every four people in Lebanon is a refugee, he tells me. And it is
the people living in these surrounding communities that are now sending a message to
the refugees in this Valley Camps: this will never be your home. This can never be your
home. The children smiles belie a particularly awful way of life. Their stories, one of
fleeing the violence at their home country, and then not being wanted in the adapted
one. After two years, there are no fixed facilities, or system of sanitation. Instead, just a
steady stream of sewage snaking its way through this 5,000 person camp. They have
lost everything. Their material possessions, their dignity, their permanence. To simply
live like this, aid groups say refugees at this camp are required to pay 100 U.S. dollars a
month to the town sheriff, and the only way to make it work, is to send these young kids
into the fields to work for just $2 a day. It is heart wrenching. Within these camps, there
is the constant friction between two groups, those who support the Syrian regime, and
those who hate it. But they do share something in common: they all want to go home.
Arkan and her three sons, they can`t wait to leave. Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Bekaa
Valley, Lebanon.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
AZUZ: There are a number of international organizations working to get help to these
refugees, they are offering cloth, blankets, medicine when needed. CNN has put
together a list of some of these aid groups. If you`re looking to help and you need a
place to start, you can find a link to "Impact Your World" at cnnstudentnews.com.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The International Olympic Committee has the honor of
announcing that the games of the 32 Olympiad in 2020 are awarded to the city of Tokyo.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
AZUZ: Congratulations to viewers in Japan, who are looking forward to hosting the
Summer Olympics once again. The last time, Tokyo did that, it was a 1964, the next time
will be in 2020. That gives you a sense of how far ahead the International Olympic
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Committee schedules the games to give host countries time to build and prepare. Japan
could use that time, it`s still recovering from a 2011 earthquake tsunami and nuclear
plant meltdown. Paula Hancocks explains how Tokyo beat out Istanbul and Madrid.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Tokyo!
PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: There were tears and there was gold
tinsel. Not bad for 5:20 on the Sunday morning. Tokyo was the favorite and it didn`t
disappoint. Supporters were delighted the Olympic Games were returned to the city in
2020.
This boy shouts, "I`m so happy." His friend dabs (ph), "I knew we would win.
This girl says, many people understand the charm of Tokyo. It`s well known. But this will
make Tokyo even more popular. Tokyo billed itself as a safe pair of hands in uncertain
times. Clearly, what the Olympic Committee wanted this time around. And it doesn`t hurt
when your prime minister was willing to leave a G20 meeting early to help wave the flag.
SHINZO ABE, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER (through translator): The Olympic
movement in Japan will be expanded to the rest of the world. They expected that role to
be played by Japan. That`s why they supported us. Safe and secured games to be
staged by us.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
HANCOCKS: Even concerns over a radiation spikes and fresh toxic water leaks at
Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, couldn`t derail this bid.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: If I was (inaudible) these people, I think Tokyo and Japan is very
dangerous, but I`m Japanese, so I just believe.
HANCOCKS: It is a big win for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as his strong personal
involvement has paid off. Abe insists that Tokyo is safe. Now, the Olympic Committee
believes him. Paula Hancocks, CNN, Tokyo.
AZUZ: If you were to drop between 70 and 100 and $50,000 on the luxury car, you`d
expect it to be pretty hot. But after parking in the wrong space at the wrong time, a man
in London recently returned to find his Jaguar warped, scorched, literally melted in some
spot by the sun. Well, that and this - it`s a skyscraper under construction, did I say
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
skyscraper? More like a fry scraper? Oh, burn. Anyway, the building`s developer
promised to pay for the damage. Jenny Harrison explains how this happened in the first
place.
JENNY HARRISON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: There is the building, there is the sun,
pretty big sun. All the sun runs across coming down heating that building, then, of
course, they are rebounding off the building and coming down onto the ground or
whatever is down below. So, the sun is hitting the building at a different time of the day,
in a different part of the building as well, because of the position in the sky. And, of
course, as we know, it`s been hitting these particular parking spots just for a very short,
specified amount of time, and also, it`s like it`s only last for two to three weeks.
AZUZ: When Florida A&M University has a football game to play, there is something on
the field this year that hasn`t been there for 21 months, the marching band. It hasn`t
been allowed to perform publicly since 2011. That November, FAMU`s drum major was
beaten up on a bus after a football game. It was part of a hazing ritual. And 26-year old
Robert Champion died within an hour of the beating. The university`s band director and
president resigned because of the investigation and 15 band members were arrested.
This year, the band isn`t as competitive or as large as it was before Champion was
hazed. It`s actually a third the size it used to be. About 70 percent of the members are
new, 30 percent marched in the previous life of the band. Their first game back included
a moment of silence for victims of hazing. School has a lot more safeguards in place to
discourage any form of hazing, and it gives students easy ways to report it. The
Marching 100 band, like the university, it taking steps to rebuild its image and start
things off on a better note.
Now, for the CNN STUDENT NEWS Roll Call. Look at some of the folks watching our
show. First, it`s East Hamilton Middle High School in Ultiva (ph), Tennessee, the Ibus
(ph) and the Hurricane (ph) are keeping an eye on us. Let`s go to Washington.
Grandview High School, can`t outrun the eyes of Gunner (ph) the Greyhound. And while
you might not expect to find gators in Pittsburgh, you will at St. Gabriel`s. Glad to have
you all watching.
Cheetahs. The fastest mammals on land. Capable of going from zero to 60 in three
seconds. On the way to a top speed of over 70 miles per hour, is the rundown their pray.
But these two just want to snuggle. They are the latest additions to the Dallas zoo an0d
they`ll have a job to do besides look - cute - they are part of the program to help raise
awareness about endangered cheetahs and what`s being done to keep them around.
They won`t have to cheetah to be good at it. These two are the pick of the litter, and
we`re not kitten around. Two consecutive days of cat puns, they have left us feline less
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
creative, but we`ll cat to the chase with more news and puns tom-meow-row, see you
then.
Key Concepts: Identify or explain these subjects you heard about in today's show:
1. refugee camp
2. concave shape
3. hazing
Fast Facts: How well were you listening to today's program?
1. In what Syrian border country does a refugee arrive every 15 seconds?
2. What city was chosen to host the 2020 Olympic Games?
3. What's the science behind how a London skyscraper helped damage a nearby car?
________________________________________________________________
Week 5
Shooting Rampage in D.C.`s Navy Yard; U.N. Releases Report on Syria`s
Chemical Weapons
Aired September 17, 2013 - 04:00
ET
UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: We, the people of the United States,
UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: ... in order to form a more perfect union.
UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: To establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility.
UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: And provide for the common defense ...
UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: Promote the general welfare.
UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: And to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our
prosperity.
UNIDENTIFIED BOY: To ordain and establish this Constitution
UNIDENTIFIED BOY: For the United State of America.
UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: We constitutionally ...
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
UNIDENTIFIED CHILDREN: Back to you, Carl.
CARL AZUZ, CNN ANCHOR: Well, to those students in Michigan at St. John, the
Evangelist Catholic School. They added a perfect preamble to today`s show. We`re
going to have more on the Constitution in just a few minutes.
First of all, we`re reporting on the shooting in Washington. At 8:20 yesterday morning,
shots were fired inside the Washington Navy Yard. This is the U.S. Navy`s oldest land
establishment, and its largest system command facility. It`s also a workplace for 3,000
members of the military and civilian contractors. As the story unfolded yesterday,
authority said a suspected shooter was dead, he was identified as Aaron Alexis, a
34-year old Lt. military contractor. Police said one other gunman could be on the loose.
It was unclear why the shooting happened.
Emergency personnel, the FBI, U.S. Capitol Police and D.C. Police, all responded to the
attack. A team of special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives was also sent to the scene, that`s the same group that helped capture the
Boston Marathon Bombing suspect. Nearby government buildings went in the lockdown,
so did several schools in the area.
Official said at least 12 people were killed in the shooting, another 12 were injured. A
spokeswoman at a Washington hospital said three victims who were taken to that
facility are expected to make full recoveries.
Next story today is out in Colorado. The city of Boulder just set a new record for annual
precipitation. The thing is, there are still 3.5 months left in the year. The flooding in
Colorado has been devastating. Yesterday, more than 1,000 people who`d been cut off
were waiting to be rescued.
Authorities were talking about dropping in food and water to keep them going. One
person said, there are no rivers where there have never been rivers or even water
before. He described the situation as surreal.
ROSEMARY KLEMM, EVACUEE: What to grab, where to go - total chaos and
confusion.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We`ve never seen anything like this. This is just mind-boggling.
JOANNE KAUFMAN, EVACUEE: We have lost all accessibility to getting out of our
homes as the roads have collapsed.
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
MELINDA VILLA, EVACUEE: It fell like I was in a literally, a horror movie. I felt like there
was no way out.
ANNOUNCER: Is this legit?
Sarin is a chemical compound.
It`s true. Sarin can be used as a chemical weapon. The word comes from the names of
scientists who invented it.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
AZUZ: The United Nations says it has clear and convincing evidence that sarin gas was
used in Syria last month. And it was used on a relatively large scale. U.N. Secretary
General Ban Ki-moon gave the results of an investigation yesterday. He called the use
of chemical weapons a war crime. And said whoever is responsible, should be held
accountable. The report didn`t assign blame for the attack. We`ve also been reporting
on a deal between the U.S. and Russia for Syria to hand over control of its chemical
weapons.
Yesterday, we mentioned that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry made a statement that
the threat of force against Syria is still an option, to make sure Syria follows through.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov disagrees. He says Secretary Kerry is
misunderstanding the deal, if he thinks force is still an option.
It was a one-two punch for Mexico. Hurricane Ingrid made landfall in the country`s east
coast Monday, not long after tropical storm Manuel hit the West over the weekend. The
results - flooding, rivers spilling all over their banks, mudslides, roads washing out. At
least 21 people have been killed across Mexico, and even though these storm systems
have weakened, the rain continued to fall. Despite Mexico`s position between the
Pacific and the Caribbean, its national weather service says it`s very unusual for Mexico
to get hit by a tropical storm and a hurricane at the same time.
Another natural disaster erupted in Indonesia over the weekend. Mount Sinabung
showered nearby buildings and cars and ashes, and forced the evacuation of thousands.
Some folks had to go to the hospital after inhaling volcanic ash.
Mount Sinabung is located on the western Indonesian island of Sumatra, it`s the tallest
mountain there, and it last erupted in 2010.
Don`t forget about your chance to meet Malala Yousafzai, the girl who was shot by the
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Taliban, because she wanted to go to school. Students 13 to 18 in the 48 contiguous
states can submit an essay explaining how they`ve been inspired by Malala`s work. Full
rules for the contest can be found at the url you see below, and the entry form at
cnnstudentnews.com. But don`t wait - the deadline to submit essay is 8 P.M. Eastern
tomorrow night.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: It`s time for "The Shoutout." In what city was the U.S. Constitution
signed? If you think, you know it, then shout it out!
Was it in Washington, New York, Boston or Philadelphia? You`ve got three seconds, go.
The Constitution was signed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That`s your answer and
that`s your "Shoutout." Now, as for win that happened, check this out.
AZUZ: It`s Constitution Day. On this day in 1787, 39 delegates to the Constitutional
convention signed the document that today is the oldest written Constitution, still in use
by any government. We`re finding out how much you know about the U.S. Constitution.
Starting with some fun, true or false questions.
All right, number one - the world "democracy" appears in article one of the U.S.
Constitution. Answer - false. The world "democracy" doesn`t actually appears anywhere
in the document.
Next, Benjamin Franklin was the oldest person to sign the Constitution. This is true. He
was 81 and in declining health, so he needed someone to help him sign it, and it`s said
that as he did, tears were streaming down his face.
Three, some delegates to the convention refused to sign the Constitution. Answer - true.
Of the six delegates who didn`t sign, three of them, Edmund Randolph and George
Mason of Virginia and Elbert Jerry of Massachusetts refused to do so. Party, because
the Constitution didn`t have a bill of rights. Those amendments guaranteeing individual
liberties were proposed two years later.
Moving on, two future U.S. presidents signed the Constitution. One was George
Washington. Who was the other? We`ll give you some options on this one. Was it John
Adams? Thomas Jefferson? James Madison or James Monroe. The answer - C, James
Madison. Madison`s also called the father of the Constitution, because he contributed
so much to it.
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Since the ratification of the Bill of Rights in 1791, how many additional amendments
have been added to the Constitution? Is the answer seven, ten, 12 or 17? If you said D,
17, you got it. That last amendment, the 27th, says that a pay raise for members of
Congress cannot take effect until after an election.
Now, which branch of the U.S. government is mentioned first in the Constitution? Is it
the legislative, judicial or executive? Answer - a, the legislative branches powers are laid
out in Article One of the Constitution. This is the branch that includes the House of
Representatives and the Senate and it`s charged with making the laws that govern the
country.
Finally, where can you find the original copy of the Constitution? Is it in Fort Knox,
Kentucky, the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution or the National Archives.
Answer - D, the National Archives building in Washington D.C.
To preserve the quality of the document, it is kept at 67 degrees Fahrenheit and 40
percent humidity. And you can say that fascinating fact constitutes our Constitution Day
Quiz.
All right, and today`s "Roll Call," the I`s have it: Iowa, Indiana and Illinois. Let`s go to the
map. First up, Laurens, Iowa and the charges from Lauren`s marathon. Thanks for
watching, everyone.
Over in Indiana, we`re checking in with (inaudible), the King School in Evansville, glad to
see you. And the Red Skins at Morris Community High in Morri, Illinois, they round out
today`s roll.
Joe Chestnut is wrapping up the competitive eating season with six contests in six
weeks. This was number one. A pie eating contest in Ohio. Chestnut took home the title
because he gobbled up 13 pies in 8 minutes. For those of you who do the math, that`s
one pie every 37 seconds. He said his strategy includes getting into a rhythm, drinking
water and not overstuffing his mouth. Whatever you say, Joey.
After the event, he said he even had room for another pie.
I guess there wasn`t enough feeling about the first 13. So, can Chestnut meet his goal
and go six for six? Some people may think that`s pie in the sky. The whole plan is have
baked. But based on his track record, it could be easy as pie. After all, he has the
strategy down, so it`s just all emotive technique. Why do we serve up so many pie puns?
Just be crust, that`s all we happen today, so we`ll see you tomorrow. For CNN
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
STUDENT NEWS, I`m Carl Azuz.
END
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 6
When is it time to stop working?
Neil: Hello, I’m Neil. Welcome to 6 Minute English from bbclearningenglish.com. Finn is
with me today. Hi Finn.
Finn: Hello Neil.
Neil: Let’s begin with a question. It’s about retirement and I would like to know what the
official age of retirement is in Japan.
a) 60
b) 65
c) 70
Finn: I know the Japanese have a reputation for working hard, so let’s say c) 70.
Neil: I will let you know the answer later on. I was asking that question because today
we are talking about when is it time to stop working – another way of saying to stop is to
quit – quitting work.
Finn: Neil, the official word for stopping work is retiring. People take retirement when
they reach an age when they cannot or do not want to work anymore. Are you thinking
about retirement Neil?
Neil: No – like many of us, we still have many years of work still to do. Giving up work –
or retiring – is usually a financial decision.
Finn: You mean you can only do it if you have enough money to live your life without
having to go to work? When would you like to retire Neil?
Neil: I would like to retire at the age of 60. Then I can get my pension – a regular
payment from savings I make each month. And later I will get a state pension – a
payment from the government. How about you Finn?
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Finn: It’s not really about the money for me – I just want to work forever. I get job
satisfaction and as long as I enjoy it, I’ll keep doing it.
Neil: Job satisfaction – that is a good reason. I know many people who do their job for
the love of it – but sometimes you have to say enough is enough – you have done your
best and you can't carry on anymore.
Finn: In sport you would say it is time to hang up your boots. In fact there is one very
popular sportsman who retired after a long time in the job. He was the manager of
Manchester United football club, Sir Alex Ferguson.
Neil: Yes, he was manager for 26 years! So, why did he decide to ‘hang up his boots’
and retire – was he too old?
Finn: He was 71 years old – but is 71 too old to be a football club manager? Let’s hear
from Alex Ferguson talking about some of the reasons that made him think about
retirement. How does he describe his health at the moment?
Sir Alex Ferguson:
As you get older you’re not guaranteed your health, no one is when you get into your
seventies. But touch wood that my health remains for a long time yet. At the moment
everything is hunky-dory but you never know.
Neil: He has a very strong Scottish accent. He said that as we get older our health is not
guaranteed – so we cannot be certain of how long we will stay healthy for.
Finn: Ah, but he says at the moment, his health is hunky-dory! That is a strange
expression. It means it is good and without problems.
Neil: And he said ‘touch wood’ it will remain good for a long time. Why does he say
‘touch wood’?
Finn: It is an informal phrase meaning ‘with luck’ and is said to avoid bad luck. Some
people actually touch a piece of wood when they say it.
Neil: Well, touch wood, we all have good health. So, Sir Alex’s reason for retirement is to
enjoy life while he has good health. A good reason.
Finn: And recently, another person from the world of football said he was retiring. It
doesn’t mean he is never going to work again. Instead, he is giving up playing
professional football.
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Neil: You are talking about David Beckham! He’s not really that old is he?
Finn: No – at 38, he’s younger than you! But at that age it’s a level of competition he
feels he can no longer take part in. He’s had a good career and is one of the world’s
best-known footballers. What do you think of him Neil?
Neil: He was good but not the world’s best. He was probably better known for being a
celebrity. Anyway, he just felt the right time in his career to stop.
Finn: But what about people who are in positions that they just can't give up?
Neil: Such as members of the royal family? Being a king or a queen is not a job they
choose to do – it is hereditary – so something passed on from parent to child.
Finn: So, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands – after 33 years as Queen she recently
decided to retire – or a royal way of saying this is to abdicate. Speaking through an
interpreter, this is what she said. What has she been given since she announced her
retirement?
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands:
Since I announced my intention to retire, I have been struck by overwhelming
expressions of heartfelt sympathy. This was accompanied by a broad understanding for
the desire to now hand over my role to the Prince of Orange.
Neil: So, since she announced her abdication, she has been struck by overwhelming
expressions of heartfelt sympathy. Now it’s time to give you the answer to today’s
question. Earlier I asked what the
age of retirement is in Japan.
Finn: And I said 70.
Neil: You were wrong. The answer is 60, which was option a)
Neil: Thanks for joining us. Please do listen again to another 6 Minute English.
Both: Bye.
__________________________________________________________________
Week 7
70 Years of Learning
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Rob: Hello, I'm Rob and this is 6 Minute English and I'm joined this week by Finn. Hello
Finn.
Finn: Hello Rob.
Rob: We are in a celebratory mood this week Finn aren't we?
Finn: Yes we are. We have something to shout about – it's the 70th anniversary of the
BBC teaching English to the world.
Rob: Happy birthday to us! So, we have been teaching English for 70 years – actually
Finn I think we look quite good for 70!
Finn: Yes, not too many grey hairs. And you would think that if our audience has been
listening for 70 years they would be fluent – or perfect speakers of English by now.
Maybe we should just go home now?
Rob: Stay where you are – of course you know Finn that our audience is always
changing. New people are finding us and wanting to learn English and we'll be
finding out why they do very soon. But let's see what you've learnt over the years and
see if you can answer this question. According to the Oxford English Dictionary,
what is the most commonly used English word. Is it:
a) I
b) and
c) the
Finn: Rob, I think it has to be c) the.
Rob: I'll let you know the answer at the end of the programme. Now let's talk more about
70 years of teaching English. The BBC's English-teaching department first started
transmitting radio programmes in 1943. The world was a very different place then.
Jennifer: But the biggest reason is to find work – people who do this are called
economic migrants. Their profession – or area of work they specialise in – may not
be needed where they live. Or the pay may not be very good but their skills might be
in demand in another part of the world, so they are forced to move there to get a job
and earn more money.
Rob: This is a problem for developing countries because it means skilled people are
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
leaving to work in richer countries – this is what is called a brain drain. Around 214
million people are international migrants – people living and working in a different
country from the one in which they were born. So what kind of work are we talking
about?
Finn: Yes. World War Two was taking place and many parts of Europe were occupied by
German forces. It was felt that by teaching other nationalities English, they could
understand radio news bulletins on the BBC Empire Service – the old name for the BBC
World Service.
Rob: So, for many listeners there was a practical need to learn English.
Finn: After the war there was a big demand in people wanting to learn English and the
BBC tried to do this in "…light and entertaining dialogues in simple, though not
basic, English." That's conversations that sounded natural and interesting to listen
to.
Rob: A bit like our programmes today. In the years after the war, people wanted to learn
English not just to understand programmes on the BBC but so they could do
business
with or work for companies around the world. So we could say it had an economic
benefit.
Finn: Today, people are learning online via the internet and some are learning English to
communicate with – or talk or write to – other non-native speakers, particularly on
social media.
Rob: That's true. We can hear from some students now who are learning English here
in the UK. See if you can hear why they think it's important to learn English:
Vox pop of students:
My name is Bruno, I am from France, I like to learn English because this language is
international and I can use it to have a conversation with people from different countries.
I have more liberty if I want to speak with different people.
My name is Juan Reynoso, I come from Peru. I want to learn English because I think
this is the
language the world speaks.
Rob: Some good reasons there. Bruno and Juan want to learn English to communicate
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
with others. Bruno says it gives him more liberty – he means freedom to speak with
and understand other people.
Finn: So, English is good for that but let's hear some more practical reasons – or ways
that it will be a real benefit to someone's life:
Vox pop of students:
My name is Rafael Guimaraes, I come from Sao Paulo in Brazil. I've chosen English
because I am studying business so it's very important for my career and also because
you can communicate to people from all over the world.
My name is Ivo. I am from Lima, Peru. I am planning on studying mechanical
engineering and there is not much market for it in Peru, so I'm thinking of going abroad
and for that I will need to learn another language so that's why I'm learning English too.
Rob: So, Rafael and Ivo are learning English to help with their studies. They hope it will
help their career.
Finn: The jobs they will end up doing. So really they are learning English to help
themselves!
Rob: Well luckily, BBC Learning English is here to help those and many other students
around the world learn English. It is one of the world's most widely spoken languages
so it is good to have a least a smattering – a small understanding – of English.
Finn: Yes, and if you want to live in the UK it's now expected that you can speak at least
some English. But come on Rob, let's face it, learning a new language is fun too.
Rob: That's true and it's been fun teaching it for 70 years – let's hope we've helped at
least some of you learn the language. Now Finn, let's find out if you answered my
question correctly. Earlier I asked you what is the most commonly used English word.
Finn: I said the.
Rob: And you are right. The is the most commonly used word. Well, that's all we have
time for today. Please join us again soon and keep learning English with BBC learning
English.
Both: Bye.
__________________________________________________________________
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Week 9
Iran`s Nuclear Program; Former Army Captain Receives Medal of Honor for Heroic Actions in
Afghanistan
Aired October 16, 2013 - 04:00 ET
CARL AZUZ, CNN ANCHOR: Welcome to your Wednesday edition of CNN STUDENT NEWS. I`m
Carl Azuz. Peaceful purposes or nuclear weapons? For years, that`s been the debate over Iran`s
controversial nuclear program. Now, the discussion is happening face to face. Representatives
from Iran, the U.S., the U.K., Russia, China, France and Germany started meeting yesterday in
the Swiss city of Geneva. They are talking about that nuclear program. Iran says it`s serious
about resolving disputes over the program. Representatives for the other country say Iran
needs to address the concerns about the goals of the program.
In the past, Iran has been put under sanctions because of its nuclear program. Sanctions are
restrictions, usually economic ones. The goal is to force the country to take action like changing
a policy or starting to negotiate with other nations. Some officials and analysts think Iran is
offering to talk about its nuclear program in order to get those sanctions lifted. One of them is
Israel`s prime minister. He says Iran regularly deceives the international community, so he
doesn`t think the sanctions should be relaxed too soon.
Authorities in the Philippines are trying to get an idea of how bad the damage is. A powerful
7.1 magnitude earthquake violently shook the central part of the country Tuesday morning.
Dozens of people were killed, most of them when buildings fell and dozens of others were
missing as of last night.
A worker with the charity World Vision said people were staying in the streets in the hours
after the quake because as you can see from these pictures, some of the buildings that were
still standing, were very unsafe to be around. The Philippines is a nation of more than 7,000
islands. Earthquakes are common there. The country`s disaster council said this one damaged
ports, roads, schools, churches and homes and some landslides were also reported.
Moving back over to Washington D.C., were the debate over the partial government shutdown
and debt ceiling is getting more intense than ever. Yesterday, a group of military veterans held a
rally in the nation`s capital. They urged the president and Congress to end the shutdown,
before its impact hits veterans and their families. At the Capitol, there were reports of
proposals from the Republican-led House, and the Democratic-led Senate. CNN reporters were
told there are a lot of opinions, but no decisions. All while the clock kept ticking toward
Thursday`s debt ceiling deadline.
Teachers, we have a bunch of great resources on the debt ceiling. They are in the resources bin
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
on our home page. While you are there, make sure you check out our transcript and daily
curriculum page. This is your one stop shop for free educational materials related to each day
show, discussion questions, the media literacy question of the day, plus show transcript and
downloadable maps. It`s there for you every day, teachers, it`s at cnnstudentnews.com.
ANNOUNCER: See, if you can I.D. me. I`m a U.S. military decoration. I was established in 1861
for the Navy, and in 1862 for the Army. I`m the country`s highest military honor. I`m the Medal
of Honor and among more than 40 million U.S. military veterans I`ve been awarded fewer than
3500 times.
AZUZ: Many of those medals have been awarded posthumously. Before this week, there were
five living recipients from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, there are six.
In what he described as monumental event, former Army Captain William Swenson received
the Medal of Honor yesterday for his actions during a battle in Afghanistan in 2009. The
statement nominating him for the honor talks about how Captain Swenson "willfully put his life
in danger multiple times in service of his fallen and wounded comrades."
BARBARA STARR, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It was a helicopter ride into the hell of war and the
soul of Captain William Swenson, a soldier who refused to leave anyone behind and spoke up
to senior commanders when it all went wrong.
FORMER CAPT. WILLIAM SWENSON, MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT: And what happened that
day, it was a result of clouded judgment. It was result of clouded judgment on behalf of people
who did later received letters of reprimand.
STARR: In this valley, four years ago, Swenson and his men were ambushed in one of the most
brutal firefights of the Afghan war. Swenson said his men did not get urgently needed air
support, a claim validated by the Army. Then his nomination file was said to be lost. Now, he`s
finally receiving the Medal of Honor, the nation`s highest combat award.
It was early morning when the column of more than 100 U.S. and Afghan troops started up the
valley`s narrow path. Enemy fire opened up from three sides.
SWENSON: Outnumbered, outgunned, and we have taken casualties.
STARR: Sergeant First Class Kenneth Wespert (ph) is shot in the throat and lain out in the open.
SWENSON: He called out to me and said, I`m hit. And he wasn`t panicked. There was no
education of pain. I called to him all right, hold on, I can`t get to you. I`m pinned down, keep
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
fighting.
STARR: Swenson run to cross-open ground dodging enemy fire to get him. Sergeant Kevin
Duerst was crew chief of the Medieval hello coming to get the wounded. A helmet-mounted
camera captures Swenson flashing an orange panel so the helicopter can find him, but it makes
him an enemy target. arching of the MedEvac coming to get the wounded. A helmetSTAFF SGT. KEVIN DUERST, CALIF. NATIONAL GUARD: He was completely under control of the
whole situation. He knew exactly what had to be done and when.
STARR: Swenson and a medic helped Wespert to the hello and then a moment amid the
mayhem. Watch as Swenson gently kisses Wespert good bye. Swenson has no memory of it.
SWENSON: I was just trying to keep his spirits up. I wanted him to know that it was going to be
OK. And I wanted him to know that he`d done his job, but it was time for him to go.
STARR: Swenson determined to get everyone out, went back into the battle with other still
under fire to find and bring out the bodies of dead American and Afghan fighters. Sergeant
Wespert died a few weeks later. Barbara Starr, CNN, the Pentagon.
ANNOUNCER: It`s time for "The Shoutout." Ruminate, sup and gormandize are all synonyms for
what action? If you think you know it, then shout it out. Is it walk, eat, drink or paint? You`ve
got three seconds, go!
After chewing that one over, hopefully, you`d figure that those are all synonyms for eating.
That`s your answer and that`s your "Shoutout."
AZUZ: Chewing that one over. All right, your parents probably told you, don`t talk with your
mouth full. A restaurant in Brooklyn, New York is taking that lesson - is taking it a step further.
During special meals, diners have to sip their lips from the minute they walk in the door.
STEVE LANGFORD, CNN CORRESPONDENT: A quiet revolution at this Green Point restaurant
where every week or so, diners get the silent treatment. Four course, prefixed organic meals in
complete silence inspired by a young chef`s time in an Eastern culture.
NICHOLAS NAUMAN, HEAD CHEF, "EAT" RESTAURANT: I spent some time in a Buddhist
monastery in India when I was in college, and we had a silent breakfast everyday.
JORDAN COLON, OWNER, "EAT RESTAURANT: We just ask them to turn off their phones and to
remain silent for the remainder of the meal.
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
LANGFORD: A hush fulls (ph) over the dining room, interrupted only by the occasional hand
gesture or ...
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We`ve made a lot of facial expressions, you know.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We found other ways of communicating that (inaudible).
LANGFORD: So far, they haven`t had to discipline anybody for making noise, but there have
been a couple of close calls.
A man steps outside to blow his nose while this woman struggles with a giggle. But how would
the inevitable difficult diner complain other than suffering in silence?
EVA SCHMIDT, SOUS-CHEF, "EAT RESTAURANT": If there`s something that`s not quite right or,
you know, maybe they wanted something different, like it gives one opportunity to kind of just
like be with that moment.
AZUZ: (inaudible) how the food is, though? Either way, we are talking about this on our blog, if
you`re 13 or older, we want you to talk about it, too.
Could you make it through a mute meal? Dine without din, sup in silencio. Better yet, if you try
it, tell us how it went. Our blog is up at cnnstudentnews.com.
It`s Wednesday. That`s when our "Roll Call" goes worldwide. Today, we`re heading to Canada,
the Caribbean and Kiev. First stop, Welland (ph), in the province of Ontario. That`s where we
check in with the Eagles at Eastdale Secondary School. Then, it`s down to St. Thomas and the
U.S. Virgin Islands where the All Saints Cathedral School Vikings make our "Roll Call." And
finally, we`ve got the Cossacks from Kiev International School in the capital city of Ukraine.
You`ve seen a cat play with the ball of string. Bears get the jumbo version. Actually, this one, his
name is Eli, he`s playing tetherball. If you`ve ever played it, the point of the game is to smack
the ball so the chain wraps around the poll. Faced on this YouTube video, it looks like Eli has got
the hang of it.
He`s ducking and weaving, he`s timing his hits. Of course, he`s also not playing against an
opponent, so when it comes to effort, Eli may just be giving it the bear minimum. Still, looks
like he`s having a ball. How does he respond to autograph requests? He could growl or sign, get
it, or sign. Bear paw (ph), just green in - it`s time for us to poll us. For CNN STUDENT NEWS, I`m
Carl Azuz. Have a great rest of your day.
__________________________________________________________________
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Week 10
Road safety for cyclists
Jennifer: Hello and welcome to 6 Minute English from bbclearningenglish.com. My
name is Jennifer and I’m joined in the studio by Neil.
Neil: Hello. In this programme, we look at a story in the news and teach you some new
vocabulary and expressions along the way.
Jennifer: In this episode, we’re going to be talking about cycling and how to keep safe
on the road. Do you cycle, Neil?
Neil: Yes I do. I use my bike to commute, or travel to work. It’s quite a long journey, but
it’s much cheaper than taking the Tube or the train. What about you, Jen?
Jennifer: Well I’ve just bought a folding bike – that’s a bike that you can take apart, fold
up and carry if you don’t want to ride it. For me, it’s a good way to get fit.
Neil: A folding bike is very handy. But they are very expensive.
Jennifer: You can hire bicycles for short journeys in London. It leads me on to today’s
question.
Neil: OK, what is it?
Jennifer: A record number of bikes were hired on one day during the London Olympic
Games in 2012. But how many times were bikes borrowed on this day? Was it:
a) 15,000
b) 31,000
c) 47,000
Neil: Well, those are all very high numbers, but I'm going to guess c) 47,000.
Jennifer: We’ll find out if you’re right at the end of the programme. So, let’s go back to
our story about cycling. We’ve said that the advantages are that it is a good way to
get fit and a cheap way to travel. But, are there any disadvantages?
Neil: I suppose that it can be a dangerous way to travel if you're cycling in a city centre,
especially in heavy traffic. Heavy traffic means lots of cars or other vehicles on the
road.
Jennifer: Many cyclists now wear helmet cameras – a device attached to their cycling
helmet – so that they can film people who drive dangerously.
Neil: Listen to this clip of London cyclist Ben Porter. Why did he start using a helmet
camera?
Ben Porter, cyclist
I first got the camera because I’d had trouble convincing friends and family of what
actually happened on the roads, and I’d thought that having a camera and footage
would be a good way of explaining what it’s like to be a cyclist on the road. I always
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
saw it as some form of insurance and it did feel like, as a cyclist, I didn’t have as
much behind me as, say, a car driver with an insurance company.
Jennifer: So, that was cyclist Ben Porter. He said he thought that having a camera and
footage would be a good way to explain what it’s like to be a cyclist on the road.
Neil: Footage is what a video camera records. When the camera is attached to your
head, the footage shows the journey from your point of view.
Jennifer: Ben Porter gave another reason why he started to use the camera. Did you
hear what it was?
Neil: He said it was a form of insurance. That means it gives the cyclist a form of
protection.
Jennifer: Let’s hear that clip of Ben again. Listen this time for the words ‘footage’ and
‘insurance’.
Ben Porter, cyclist
I first got the camera because I’d had trouble convincing friends and family of what
actually happened on the roads, and I’d thought that having a camera and footage
would be a good way of explaining what it’s like to be a cyclist on the road. I always
saw it as some form of insurance and it did feel like, as a cyclist, I didn’t have as
much behind me as, say, a car driver with an insurance company.
Neil: So, Ben got the camera so that he could show what it’s like to be a cyclist on the
road, and also to protect himself from blame if there was an accident.
Jennifer: Having a camera can give you peace of mind – it can make you feel safer in
terms of the law – but it can’t stop you from being hit by a car. How do you think
cyclists could be safer, Neil?
Neil: I think that both cyclists and drivers need to pay attention to The Highway Code.
The Highway Code is a list of rules that drivers and cyclists must obey – or do. How
do you think cyclists could be safer?
Jennifer: I think it’s important to be visible – for other road users to know you’re there.
Many people wear fluorescent clothing which is very bright and reflective…
Neil: And don’t forget – a helmet could save your life!
Jennifer: Time now to get the answer to the quiz. I asked how many bicycles were
borrowed on one day in London during the 2012 Olympics. Was it:
a) 15,000
b) 31,000
c) 47,000
Neil: And I guessed c) 47,000.
BBC Learning English & CNN Student News – for Week 2-10
Jennifer: And you were right!
Neil: Aha!
Jennifer: On that day alone, bikes were hired 47,105 times.
Neil: Well, that is a lot of cycling. There must have been lots of tired people in London that
day.
Jennifer: I’m sure! Do join us again for another edition of 6 Minute English from BBC
Learning English. Bye!
Neil: Bye!