LEMON TREE

April 19, 2020

Scientists Report Biggest Star Explosion EverSeen

Exercise 1- Vocabulary

1. galaxy - n. any one of the verylarge groups of stars that make up the universe

Ex. There are of galaxies scattered throughout our universe.

2. theory - n. an idea or set ofideas that is intended to explain facts or events

. The findings are discussed in thecontext of a competing theory. 

3. astrophysicist - n. a scientistwho studies the physical and chemical properties and structures of stars,planets and other objects in outer space

Ex. ASTROPHYSICS, the branch ofastronomical science which treats of the physical constitution of the heavenlybodies.

4. gravity - n. the natural forcethat tends to cause physical things to move towards each other

Gravity is what keepseverything from floating around.

5. collision - n. a crash in whichtwo or more things or people hit each other

The firstserious collision between the natives and the government occurred in1873.

6. pulsational - adj. aperiodically recurring increase and decrease of a quantity, such as pressure,volume or voltage

She seems to feelthe pulsation of the air itself.

7. astronomy - n. the scientificstudy of stars, planets, and other objects in outer space

They are very interestedin astronomy.

Excercise2 - Article

Scientists Report Biggest Star Explosion EverSeen

Scientistshave just seen the biggest star explosion observed to date. Star explosions areoften called supernovas.

         The supernova was up to 100 timeslarger than our sun and happened in a galaxy far away.

         It released two times as muchenergy as any star explosion ever observed and happened about 4.6 billion lightyears from Earth, scientists said. A light year is the distance light travelsin one year, which is 9.5 trillion kilometers.

         The scientists said thisexplosion might represent a kind of supernova that has only been known intheory until now.

         Matt Nicholl is an astrophysicistwith the University of Birmingham in England. He told Reuters news agency thattwo very large stars - each about 50 times the sun's mass - may have joined tomake one huge star. He thinks this took place about 1,000 years before theexplosion. The stars had been part of a binary system -- two stars pulledtoward each other through gravity.

         The joined star exploded in asupernova that has been named SN2016aps.

         "We found that the supernovawas able to become so bright because of a powerful collision” between thematter thrown by the explosion and a shell of gas shaken off by the star a fewyears before, Nicholl explained.

         He is lead writer of the studypublished this week in the journal Nature Astronomy.

         Stars die in many different ways,depending on their size and other properties. When a massive star - more thaneight times the mass of our sun - uses up its fuel, it cools off and its centercollapses. This launches shock waves that cause its outer layer to explode soviolently that it can shine brighter than whole galaxies.

         The researchers observed theexplosion for two years until it lowered to one percent of its highestbrightness. They said it may have been an example of an extremely rare"pulsational pair-instability" supernova.

         Peter Blanchard explains whatthat means. He said pulsational pair-instability is when very large starsexperience pulsations which throw material away from the star.

         Blanchard, who co-wrote thestudy, is an astrophysicist at Northwestern University in Illinois.

         He said the discovery shows thereare many new and exciting things that remain uncovered in the universe.

         Very massive stars like this onewere probably more common early in the universe's history, Nicholl said.

         "The nature of those firststars is one of the big questions in astronomy," Nicholl added."Seeing things further away means looking back further and further intime. So we might actually be able to see the very first stars if they explodein a similar manner to this one. Now we know what to look for."

Questions:

1. How are star explosions called?

2. Who was the astrophysicist from Englandthat told Reuters the possibility of explosion of two huge stars?

3. Do stars die in different ways? Whyyes or why not?

4. How do the astronomers explained pulsationalpair-instability?

LEMON TREE

Muppets Teach Children Health Tips

April 18, 2020

Exercise 1- Vocabulary

1. pandemic –n. medical : an occurrence in which a disease spreads veryquickly and affects a large

Coronavirusis a pandemic that affects people around the world.

2. furry – adj. covered withfur a hairy coat like an animal especially when it is soft and thick

 His furry coatshone with the sheen of silk. 

3. germ – n. a microorganism(as a bacterium) that causes disease

These germsare living forms of matter.

4. silly – adj. not serious

She felt silly standingin it with the three warrior strangers around her, waiting for something to happenthat never did. 

5.Gesundheit : German Expression : used to wish good healthespecially to one who has just sneezed

6.quarantined – v. to isolate from normal relations or communication

The personsinfected with coronavirus was quarantined.

7. checklist – n. a list ofthings to be checked or done

 Myboss is drawing up a checklist of my duties.

8. turnedupside down – idiomatic expression informal :

to make(something) very untidy —often used figuratively : 

His wholeworld was turned upside down when his mother died.

9. stability – n. the qualityor state of something that is not easily changed or likely to change

Greater stability ofcrops in proportion to area cultivated is hoped for. 

Excercise2 - Article

Muppets Teach Children Health Tips

The coronavirus pandemic continuesto be a health threat around the world. So, governments, businesses,communities and individuals are looking for ways to teach children how toprotect themselves.

Children,however, often do not want to listen to grownups. But they might want to listento imaginative creatures that are adorable, colorful and furry!

Muppetsare puppets from the children’s show Sesame Street. They are helping to keepchildren healthy and safe during a difficult time.

Elmo,Grover and other Sesame Street Muppets star in new public serviceadvertisements, or PSAs, from the Sesame Workshop.

These PSAsteach children about the importance of handwashing and safe ways to sneeze,limiting the spread of germs. The PSAs also spread the message to childrenthat all of these actions show care and concern for others.

The shortvideos are part of a campaign called Caring for Each Other. Sesame Workshop isthe nonprofit educational organization that created the television show SesameStreet.

In a statement tothe press, Sesame Workshop said that its campaign is aimed athelping families stay physically and mentally healthy during the coronaviruspandemic.

Theproject includes messages for children and caregivers. It offers reading, mathand science activities along with songs and fun, educational videos.

Elmo isprobably one of the most famous Muppets. He is known for a song about brushingteeth called “Brushy Brush.” That song has been updated to “Washy Wash” andteaches good handwashing.

Health experts recommend having aroutine while quarantined. A set of things you normally do can help you tostay mentally healthy. So, Elmo explains his daily morning routine.

Questions:

1. What health tips does PSA teach thechildren?

2. What muppet is said to be the mostfamous?

3. What song titles have they composed?

4. How will the videos motivate theyoung children on the importance of hygiene?

LEMON TREE

Apple, Google to Launch Contact TracingTechnology for Phones

April 17, 2020

Exercise 1- Vocabulary

1. teamup – v. to join in cooperation to work together on something

Ex.Pharmaceutical companies and te government team up to produce an antibodyvaccine against covid.

2.trace – v. to find the origin of something

Ex. Policeare trying to trace a white van seen in the area.

3. contagious – adj. havinga sickness that can be passed on to someone else

The contagious diseasewill spread quickly in this environment.

4. app – n. a programfor a smartphone or other device that performs a special function

The app inher smartphone is very useful got her.

5. accelerate – v. tohappen more quickly

Ex. He saysthat cutting taxes will help to accelerate economic growth.

6. convince – v. to makesomeone believe something is true

Ex. None of them had been able to convince her to wait until theestate was settled.

7. society – n. a largegroup of people who live in the same souncty or area and have the same laws,traditions, etc.

Ex. We needto do more to help the poorer members of our society. 

8. access – n. a way ofgetting near, at, or to something or someone

Ex. He gaveus access to a web site on which to submit our information.

9. mitigate – v. toreduce the harmful effects of something

Ex. Goodinformation on a product can mitigate this problem.

Excercise2 - Article

Apple, Google to Launch Contact TracingTechnology for Phones

Apple andGoogle have teamed up to launch a mobile phone tool to follow the contactsof people infected with coronavirus.

Thetechnology is a form of “contact tracing,”a method used to identify people who may have had contact with infectedindividuals in an attempt to prevent additional spread of disease.

Healthofficials say the method is an effective way to help slow the spread ofhighly contagious viruses.

Thecurrent coronavirus, which is affecting much of the world, causes the diseaseCOVID-19. Many carriers of the virus do not know they have it because they haveno immediate signs of illness. They could be spreading the virus unknowingly.Contact tracing is a way to identify others who may have been infected.

The twocompanies say Bluetooth wireless technology will permit devices near each otherto exchange information. A record of the Bluetooth signals between deviceswould be created.

If a device user becomes infectedwith the virus and agrees to share that information, the record could be usedto inform other people that the user could have infected.

Apple and Google say they first planto release app versions of the technology for Android and Appledevices by mid-May. Over the next several months, they plan to build thetracking technology directly into the device operating systems.

Numeroustechnology companies and organizations have been seeking to develop tools tohelp fight COVID-19. Some of the existingtools use data from mobile devices to measure and recordpopulation movements.

Health andgovernment officials have calledfor such technology to help fight the current crisis.Government-backed apps have already been launched in some countries, includingSingapore, South Korea, India and China. The technology is also being developedin Britain, Germany and Italy.

Thecompanies also said they would be cooperating with developers, governments andpublic health providers to use the power of technology “to help countriesaround the world slow the spread of COVID-19 and accelerate thereturn of everyday life.”

Questions:

1. Whatpart will Bluetooth play in the new contact tracing system?

2. Whatdoes the article say some of the other technology tools already in use aredoing to help fight COVID-19?

3. What wasone of the main things convinced  thatthe contact tracing app could protect user privacy?

4. What wasone of the opinions of people about the contact tracing system?

LEMON TREE

Baking Is Good for Mental Health

April 16, 2020

Exercise 1- Vocabulary

1. shelf – n. a flatboard which is attached to a wall, frame, etc., and on which objects can beplaced

He arranged the books onthe shelf.

2. stressful – adj. fullof or causing stress : making you feel worried or anxious

I've had a stressful dayat work

3. culinarytherapy – n. using food production to heal mental issues

Culinary therapy helps in curingperson with mental issues.

4. beneficial – adj. producinggood or helpful results or effects

He hopes the new drug willprove beneficial to many people.

5. recipe – n. a set ofinstructions for making something from various ingredients

He is able to cook new menu becauseof the recipe his friend gave him.

6. precise – adj. veryaccurate and exact

Be sure totake precise measurements before you cut the cloth.

7. knead – v. to workand press into a mass with the hands

 Please continueto knead the dough by hand until it is mixed to a consistent texture.

8. relax – v. to stopfeeling nervous or worried : to spend time resting or doing somethingenjoyable

especially after you have been doingwork

He lay down on the bed and triedto relax.

9. delicious – adj. appealingto one of the bodily senses especially of taste or smell

She baked a delicious chocolatecake.

Excercise2 - Article

Baking Is Good for Mental Health

The worldis experiencing a major health crisis.

As the newcoronavirus spreads, many countries are limiting their citizens’ activities.Travel has been restricted. Many schools are closed. In major cities around theworld, restaurants and other businesses are shut down.

Publicemergencies bring out a certain type of person – the panic shopper. Some peoplefear not being able to find basic needs for survival. So, they buy everythingoff supermarket shelves in preparation for the days to come.

Bread isoften among the first products to disappear in emergency situations.

So, if youhave never made bread, now may be good time to learn. Bread making is a survivalskill. With very few simple things -- such as flour, salt and yeast -- you canbake a fresh loaf of bread for your family, neighbors or coworkers.

Baking isnot just a useful survival skill. It can make you feel betterat stressful times. In fact, baking and cooking have been used totreat people with mental health issues.

JulieOhana is a social worker. She offers what she calls culinarytherapy to her patients in New York City.

JulieOhana uses culinary therapy to help people overcome many kinds of issues. Sheexplains that culinary therapy works on many levels.

Bakingrequires mindfulness.

“So whenyou’re in the kitchen – whether you’re cooking or you’re baking – it reallyrequires a certain level of mindfulness, of being present in the moment.Specifically, when you’re baking. And baking really requires step-by-step,following a recipe, being more precise. Kneading the dough orrolling something out, you really get the full benefit of being present in themoment and being able to relax and put aside all the other thoughtsand just focus on the here-and-now. And there really are very strong benefitsof being able to do that, to be able to relax, to decompress, destress, andreally increase one’s level of life satisfaction.”

Baking isa labor of love.

Ohana alsosays baking is a process filled with love. It not only makes you feel good, itproduces something tangible -- something you can touch and eat! Ohana callsbaking a labor of love.

Baking isemotional.

Often ourfood experiences are tied to family memories and stories. We remember meals ourgrandmothers made. We teach our children important recipes for familyfavorites.

Questions:

1. The article calls baking bread a“survival skill.” Why?

2. Which is closest in meaning to“culinary therapy”?

3. Culinary therapist, Julie Ohana saysbaking involves mindfulness. What does she mean?

4. Julie Ohana calls baking a“win-win.” What does she mean?

LEMON TREE

Countries Struggle to Decide When to Return toWork

April 15, 2020

Exercise 1- Vocabulary

1. governor - n. a person who isthe leader of a state, province, etc.

He waschosen first governor of the state of New Jersey in 1776, and was regularlyre-elected until his death in 1790.

2. gasoline - n. a liquid madefrom petroleum and used as a fuel

Each leafblower had, strapped to his back, a small gasoline motor that blewair to sweep up leaves.

3. isolate - v. to put or keepsomeone in place that is away from others

Slowlearners were isolated from fast learners.

4. fabric - n. the basic structureof something

A roughlysewn piece of fabric was tied around her eyes.

5. focus - v. to direct or keepattention on something

thisgeneration has made the environment a focus of attention

6.  inflict - v. to cause harm

She iswrong to inflict her beliefs on everyone else.

Countries Struggle to Decide When to Return toWork

Governmentsaround the world are struggling to decide when people can return to work. Thecoronavirus pandemic has closed businesses and factories and damaged economies.

Workers insome nonessential businesses returned to their jobs Monday in Spain. SouthKorean officials, however, are warning that new infections could appear ifrestrictions are lifted. And officials in the United States are debating whenbusinesses can reopen in the world’s biggest economy.

Thedecisions are difficult to make, especially on a national level. Some areas arehit harder and at different times than others.

Britain,Japan, parts of the United States and other places are still seeing dailyincreases of deaths or infections. Both Italy and Spain have seen drops inrecent days.

In theUnited States

The U.S.has more confirmed cases and deaths than any other nation. On Monday, JohnsHopkins University’s Coronavirus Resource Center reported that the country hadmore than 558,000 infections and more than 22,000 deaths.

PresidentDonald Trump has said repeatedly that he wants to reopen the economy as soon aspossible. On Monday, the president said it was his decision when to reopen theU.S. economy, and not the decision of state leaders.

Spain

SpanishPrime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the coronavirus crisis “threatens to destroylives and at the same time destroy the economic and social fabric ofour country.”

Spain’sgovernment is permitting workers to return to some manufacturing and buildingjobs. Stores and services remain closed. Office workers are urged to keepworking from home. The nationwide state of emergency, set to continue for atleast two more weeks, prevents people from leaving home for anything other thanfood and medicine.

What aboutpoor economies?

Pakistan’sPrime Minister Imran Khan has urged the world’s wealthy countries andinternational organizations to provide debt-relief for poor nations.

Last week,Oxfam warned thatthe coronavirus pandemic could push half a billion people into poverty. Thecharity organization asked richer nations to give at least $2.5 trillion tohelp.

It said,“Unless developing countries are also able to fight… the crisis will continueand it will inflict even greater harm on all countries, rich andpoor.”

Questions:

1. What struggle do companies aroundthe world have nowadays?

2. What countries have decrease innumber of inflicted persons?

3. Who said that coronavirus threatensto destroy lives and at the same time destroy the economic andsocial fabric of thecountry?

4. Why do countries around the worldstruggle to decide the appropriate date for workers to go back to work?

LEMON TREE

New Study Looks Into Why Females Live LongerThan Males

April 14, 2020

Exercise 1- Vocabulary

1. gap – n. a space betweentwo people or things; a missing part

She hadtaken several years off to raise a family, so there was a large gap inher work history.

2. lifespan – n. the amountof time that a person or animal actually lives

Worms havea lifespan of a few months.

3. previously – adv. earlierin time or order

Previously,the child was under the protection of her mother.

4. expectancy - n. the state ofthinking or hoping that something, especially something pleasant, will happenor be the case.

Scientistsestimate that smoking reduces life expectancy by around 12 years onaverage.

New Study Looks Into Why Females Live LongerThan Males

Researchersalready know that women live longer than men in all parts of the world.Scientists have largely linked the difference in life expectancy between thesexes to biological survival factors.

Now, a new study of wild mammals hasfound great differences in length of life and aging in many species of mammals.

Theresearchers found that, in humans, women live almost 8 percent longer than men.But among wild mammals, females in 60 percent of the studied species live, onaverage, 18.6 percent longer. The percentages are very different for differentgroups of mammals.

Jean-FrançoisLemaître led the study. He is from the University Lyon 1 in France. He and hisresearch team collected information on age-related deaths for 134 groups of 101wild species of mammals.

Scientistssay the risk of death does not increase more quickly in males than in femalesacross species. They say there must be other, more complex reasons. Theseinclude things such as environmental conditions in which the animals live,sex-specific growth, survival and reproduction through the history of thespecies.

Székelysuggests that one reason for the differences between the sexes is that “femalesurvival increases when males provide some or all of the parental care.”

Scientistshope the findings will give them a better understanding of what affects lengthof life in humans. In the past 200 years, the average life expectancy of humanshas more than doubled. The main reasons for the increase are improved livingconditions and developments in the field of medicine. However, women continueto live longer than men. This suggests biological differences also play a part.

The U.S.Centers for Disease Control says the average American man will live to age 76.The average woman in America will live to age 81. Women can also expect to behealthier than men in their older years. Experts said this is because of acombination of biological and social differences.

A hormone in men called testosteroneis connected to a decrease in their immune system and risk of heart-relateddiseases as they age. It is also connected to risky behavior, such as smoking,drinking and unhealthy eating habits.

Men arealso less likely than women to follow suggestions and warnings from a doctor.And research shows that men are more likely to take life-threatening risks andto die in car accidents or gun fights.

Questions:

1. How many percent do women livelonger than men?

2. Who was the researcher from Lyon 1France?

3. What is the average lifespan of anAmerica man?

4. What are the possible factors whymen have shorter life expectancy than women?

Why Health Experts Aren't Warning aboutCoronavirus in Food

April 13, 2020

Exercise 1- Vocabulary

1.diarrhea – n. an illness that causes you to pass waste from yourbody very frequently and in liquid rather than solid form

2. digestive – adj. relatingto or functioning in the body's process of changing food into simpler formsthat can be taken up and used

3.respiratory – adj. relating to the act or process of breathing

4.salmonella – n. a kind of bacteria that is sometimes in food andthat makes people sick

Chickenwith salmonella bacteria can make you sick. Other foods with E. colibacteria or noroviruses can also make you sick. So why are health officials notwarning people about eating food contaminated with the new coronavirus?

The answerhas to do with the way different organisms make people sick.

The U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says viruses and germs attachto tissues to cause illnesses. Respiratory viruses like COVID-19usually attach to cells in places like people’s lungs. But germs like norovirusand salmonella can survive the acid found in stomachs. They then multiply afterattaching to cells inside the organ.

The CDCand other experts note that they are still studying the new coronavirus. Theysay there is no evidence yet that COVID-19 sickens people through theirstomachs. However, the virus has been found in the waste of infected people.The germs also spread differently.

Viruseslike the flu and COVID-19 spread mainly through person-to-person contact andair droplets from coughing or sneezing. Germs that make people sick throughfood cause illnesses like diarrhea. In some cases, germs found in humanwaste can travel from people’s hands to whatever else they touch.

Expertssay that is why it is so important for food workers to stay home when they aresick with digestive illnesses. Otherwise, they could end up sickeninglots of people.

Experts say the biggest risk relatedto food and COVID-19 is contact with other people and workers in food stores.Stores are now limiting the number of people they let in. They are askingcustomers to practice social distancing and using tape to mark how far apartpeople should stand.

The newcoronavirus can survive on some surfaces. Experts say to keep your hands toyourself as much as possible and to not touch your face when shopping. The CDCsuggests washing your hands after unpacking your groceries at home.

It mayalso be harder for viruses to survive on food itself.

AlisonStout is an expert in infectious diseases and public health at CornellUniversity. She told the Associated Press that “the chances of anythingsurviving or coming out of [food] are small.”

The CDCnotes that it is not known whether the germs found in human waste can actuallysicken someone. Stout said the coronavirus being found in human waste is notlikely a sign of its ability to survive in the digestive system.

Questions:

1. What bacteria found in chick hassalmonella?

2. Why is corona virus more deadly thansalmonella and e-coli?

3. Do food workers also play animportant part in keeping the foods clean and virus free? Why or why not?

4. How can we possibly stop the spreadof corona virus?

LEMON TREE DAILY NEWS

APRIL 12, 2020

CASHIER LESS TECHnOLOGY

Excercise 1 Vocabulary

1. Cashier less - allowing customersto scan their items as they shop, thus avoiding the need to go through acheckout when they have finished

Example: Cashierless stores, basedon the technology behind e-commerce payments, could help High Street storesregain ground lost against online retailers.

2. Calculates - If you calculate anumber or amount, you discover it from information thatyou already have, by using arithmetic, mathematics, or a special machine.

Example: We calculate that theaverage size farm in Lancaster County is 65 acres.

3. deducts - When you deduct an amount from a total, you subtract it from the total.

Example: The company deducted thispayment from his compensation.

4. detects - To detect somethingmeans to find it or discover that it is present somewhere by using equipment or making an investigation.

Example: Most skin cancers can becured if detected and treated early. 

5. complaints - A complaint isa statement in which you express your dissatisfaction with aparticular situation.

Example: There's been a recordnumber of complaints about the standard of service on Britain's railways.

Exercise 2 - Article

CASHIER LESS TECHnOLOGY

The onlinestore Amazon will sell its cashier-less technology to other stores and retailoutlets. The technology is called "Just Walk Out". This softwaremeans stores do not need cashiers. Shoppers scan an app when they go into astore, then put their shopping in their bag and then... just walk out of thestore. The software calculates the cost of the customer's shopping and chargesthe customer's Amazon account. The new software deducts the customer's creditcard or other payment card instead. Amazon has been using the software for thepast two years in its own Go Grocery stores.

The JustWalk Out software will cut the number of employees stores need. Stores will putmany small cameras on the ceiling. These link to software that detects whatcustomers have in their bag. The software then bills the customer and issues areceipt online. Amazon could make a lot of money from the software. Many storeswant it to remove one of the biggest customer complaints - slow checkouts.Amazon said the software would let store staff, "focus on more valuableactivities". However, a retail expert worries that, "there will befewer jobs as automation comes in".

Exercise 3 - Comprehension Questions

1. What does Amazon plan to sell andhow will it be called?

2. How will a shopper purchase productsin this online store?

3. Why will it be convenient forshoppers?

4. Would you like to experienceshopping using the app? Why?

WhyAir Pollution Has Decreased Due to Coronavirus

April8, 2020

Science &TechnologyWorld

Exercise 1 - Vocabulary

generate- to produceor create energy, money, etc.

Electrical storms generate a lot of lightning.

release - to allowsomeone or something to be free; to allow something to move, flow, etc. freely

Running helps me release extra energy.

emission - theproduction and release of gases, often those that are bad for the environment

Emissions from the factory are causing air pollution.

fossil fuel - fuel suchas coal, gas, and oil

Fossil fuel emissions are bad for the environment.

province - an areawithin a country or state that has its own government

There are ten provinces and three territories in Canada.

Exercise 2 - Article

WhyAir Pollution Has Decreased Due to Coronavirus

In an effort to stop the spread of thecoronavirus, a third of the world's population has gone into lockdown, meaningmost people must stay at home, and many aren't going to work. That meansfewer people driving cars, fewer factories running and less power beinggenerated. As a result, less pollution is being released into the air.

Air pollution caused by the emission ofnitrogen dioxide (NO2) in eastern and central China was 10-30% lower in Januaryand February compared to the same months in 2019, according to NASA. Areport from Carbon Brief said that China's carbon dioxide (CO2) levels havealso fallen, with a 25% reduction in February 2020 compared with February 2019.

Most man-made CO2 and NO2 comes fromburning fossil fuels for things like transport and power. The Chinesegovernment said that there were 21% more "good quality air days" inHubei province in February compared to February 2019. Wuhan, home of thefirst coronavirus patient, is the capital of Hubei province, and the firstChinese city to be locked down due to the coronavirus.

Other parts of the world, including Europe, the US and India, arealso seeing less pollution.

In Europe, Italy has been hit hardest bythe coronavirus. Its capital city, Rome, has seen between 26% and 35% lessNO2 compared to 2019. New York City, the hardest hit city in the US, has seen less CO2 andmethane (CH4), and half as much carbon monoxide (CO) in March compared to lastyear, according to Professor Róisín Commane from Columbia University. Otherparts of the US, like California and Washington, have also seen less NO2.

At midnight on March 25, India started theworld's largest lockdown, asking its population of 1.3 billion to stay home forat least 21 days. Just two days later, on March 27, India's capital city,New Delhi, had NO2 levels that were 71% lower than a week before.

Exercise 3 - Discussion

1. What are your thoughts on the impact COVID-19 has had on airquality?

2. What long-term effects do you think the coronavirus outbreak willhave on air pollution?

3. Does most of your country's energy come from fossil fuels? Pleaseexplain your answer.

4. How would you describe the air quality where you live?

5. What are the most polluted cities in your country? Please explainyour answer.

MysteryMan Buys Food for Everyone in UK Village

April9, 2020

Exercise 1 - Vocabulary

mystery(ˈmɪstəri)ː somethingthat is not fully known, understood, or able to be explained

The pyramids are one of thegreatest mysteries on earth.

lockdown (lɑːkdaʊn) - asituation when people are not allowed to leave a place because of an emergency

The city was put on lockdown forfour weeks in an attempt to stop the virus.

identity (aɪˈdɛntɪti)ː who aperson is

The identity of the superhero isunknown.

socialdistancing (ˈsoʊʃəl ˈdɪstənsɪŋ) - the practice ofavoiding or limiting contact with others in order to slow the spread of adisease

Experts say that socialdistancing is the most effective way to stop the spread of the virus.

credit (ˈkrɛdɪt) - praiseor recognition for something that has happened or been achieved

The sales team wasgiven credit for the company's success.

afford (əˈfoʊrd) - to haveenough money to buy something

I can't afford to go on holidayright now.

Exercise 2

Article

MysteryMan Buys Food for Everyone in UK Village

In order to help people get through thecoronavirus lockdown, a man in the UK is buying everyone in his village aweekly meal of fish and chips from a local pub.

The man, who doesn't want his identity known, asked StephenDavidson, owner of The Fox Inn in Denchworth, Oxfordshire, to preparemeals every Friday for the whole village.

The man has purchased food for all 171 people of Denchworth once aweek. His actions mean the pub won't lose as much money because of thelockdown, as many customers stay home to follow social distancing rules.

The mystery man doesn't go to the puboften, but he told Davidson it's an important place for everyone in thecommunity and he wanted to keep the business going.

According to Davidson, the man plans to buy food for the village fora minimum of 12 weeks. "He may carry it on longer than that dependingon the need," Davidson added.

The unknown man is thinking about buying meals twice aweek. However, he doesn't want any credit for his gift. He toldDavidson that he wanted to help the community because he could afford it.

Volunteers wearing gloves and masks will help Davidson and his wifeprepare the food each Friday. Over time, Davidson says the menu willinclude other foods, such as curry.

Exercise 3

Questions

1. Who owns The Fox Inn?

2. How many people live in Denchworth?

3. For how long does the man plan to continuebuying food for the village?

Exercise 4

Discussion

1. What are your thoughts on the mystery man fromDenchworth?

2. What businesses or industries do you think willbe most affected by the coronavirus outbreak?

3. How would you help your community if you had alot of money to spare?

4. Have you ever done any volunteer work or helpedsomeone in need?

5. Have you been to the UK? If so, where did youvisit? If not, would you like to?