University English Podcast

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. This week we have stories in health, the animal kingdom and history. In our first story on health, we learn that dogs may be a great help to us during the corona virus pandemic. You can read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/24/faster-than-pcr-test-dogs-detect-covid-coronavirus-london-bmj   In our second story on the animal kingdom, we discover how sharks find their way around in the ocean, and you can read more by following this link: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/17/sharks-earth-magnetic-field-gps-guidance-system   In our final story on history, we hear how microbes have helped to clean some of Michelangelo's most beautiful statues. Read about it here: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/30/arts/bacteria-cleaning-michelangelo-medici-restoration.html?searchResultPosition=1   Worksheet Answers: C 2. A 3. D © Martin Parsons, 2021

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have two stories on world news and one on the environment. In world news, we hear a very scary story about a tourist bridge collapsing in China. You learn more about this story here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/10/china-tourist-bridge-glass-panels-smash-longjing-city In the environment, we discover that the Earth’s stratosphere is getting smaller. You can learn more about this frightening story here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/12/emissions-shrinking-the-stratosphere-scientists-find　 And finally, in world news learn about a young boy who has gone from being homeless to being a Chess master. Read about this inspiring story here: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/tanitoluwa-adewumi-refugee-chess-champion-national-master/ https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/08/opinion/sunday/homeless-chess-champion-tani-adewumi.html  Worksheet Answers: B 2. B 3. D © Martin Parsons, 2021

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. This week we have three stories related to the ocean. In our first story, we hear about a walrus that went to sleep and ended up in … Ireland. You can read more about it here: https://www.theweathernetwork.com/ca/news/article/walrus-falls-asleep-on-arctic-iceberg-ends-up-in-ireland  In our second story, we learn about a very unusual animal which can replace its entire body. You can read more about it here: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/08/science/decapitated-sea-slugs.html https://mainichi.jp/articles/20210308/k00/00m/040/140000c https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210309/p2g/00m/0li/061000c In our final story, we learn that there is large scale fraud in the seafood business. Read about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/15/revealed-seafood-happening-on-a-vast-global-scale Worksheet Answers: D 2. B 3. D © Martin Parsons, 2021

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. This week we have stories in science, world news and the environment. In our first story, we hear about a strange bear attack in the USA. You can read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/19/alaska-woman-outhouse-attacked-bear In our second story, we discover that NASA has named an important crate on Mars after a small village in Bosnia - Herzegovina, and you can read more by following these links: https://theconversation.com/how-did-nasas-martian-rover-come-to-land-in-a-crater-named-after-a-tiny-balkan-village-155740 https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasa-mars-mission-connects-with-bosnian-town In our final story, we learn that batteries for cars which can be recharged in five minutes are being developed. Read about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jan/19/electric-car-batteries-race-ahead-with-five-minute-charging-times Worksheet Answers: C 2. A 3. B

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. This week we have three stories about animals. In our first story, we learn about a tiny chameleon in Madagascar. You can read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/05/seed-sized-chameleon-madagascar-world-tiniest-reptile In our second story, we discover that naked mole rats have different “accents”, and you can read more by following this link: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/naked-mole-rats-speak-dialects-unique-their-colony-180976908/ In our final story, we try to understand why wombats have square-shaped poo. Read about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/29/box-seat-scientists-solve-the-mystery-of-why-wombats-have-cube-shaped-poo Worksheet Answers: A 2. D 3. B © 2021, Martin Parsons

Chirashi zushi is a unique kind of sushi, well known in Japan. Chirashi zushi uses a wide variety of ingredients and is both healthy and delicious. In this video, a student from Hannan University in Japan explains the process for making chirashi zushi.

Kinako is a powder made from roasted soybeans and used in Japanese confectionery and other dishes. In this video, students from Kyoto explain how to make kinako, and introduce other uses for soybeans in Japanese cuisine.

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In our first story, we learn about an ancient fast-food shop in Italy. You can read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/26/exceptionally-well-preserved-snack-bar-unearthed-in-pompeii   In our second story, we discover that marsupials glow in the dark, and you can read more by following these links: https://www.degruyter.com/view/journals/mamm/ahead-of-print/article-10.1515-mammalia-2020-0027/article-10.1515-mammalia-2020-0027.xml   https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/dec/19/tasmanian-devils-glow-in-the-dark-australian-animals-glowing-platypus-wombat-echidna-bandicoot-scientists-investigate-australia-marsupials-light   In our final story, we learn that a new movie has just become the box-office record holder in Japan. Read about it here: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2020/12/28/films/demon-slayer-japan-top-box-office-hit/ Worksheet Answers: C 2. A 3. B © 2021, Martin Parsons

Udon is a noodle dish, famous in Japan, usually served in a hot broth with various toppings. It is delicious. In this video, students from Kyoto explain how to make a delicious bowl of udon.

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have “good news” stories on health, the environment, and world news. In our first good news story, we learn that scientists have developed a simple blood test to check for cancer. You can read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/nov/27/nhs-to-trial-blood-test-to-detect-more-than-50-forms-of-cancer   In our second story, we find out that waste from sugar production could replace plastic for coffee cups, and you can learn more by following these links: https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2020/11/14/better-disposable-coffee-cups https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/11/201112113139.htm   In our final story, we hear about a family which found a koala in their Christmas tree. You can watch a video and learn more here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/03/on-the-first-day-of-australian-family-finds-live-koala-in-their-christmas-tree   Worksheet Answers: 1. C       2. A      3. C ©Martin Parsons, 2020

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have stories from around the world all about animals. In our first story, we learn that a little puppy was grabbed by an alligator in the USA. You read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/23/man-rescues-puppy-from-alligator-without-dropping-cigar   In our second story, we find out about an elephant that fell into a well in India, and you can learn more by following this link: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/22/elephant-trapped-in-indian-well-rescued-in-12-hour-crane-operation In our final story, we hear that some of the animals in London Zoo are feeling lonely. You can find out more by watching this video: https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-london-54967076   Worksheet Answers: D    2. B    3. B

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have stories on the environment, science, and archaeology. In our first story, we learn about possibilities Australia to become a clean energy superpower in the Asia-Pacific region. You read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/14/green-giants-the-massive-projects-that-could-make-australia-a-clean-energy-superpower   In our second, we discover that if global warming does destroy our planet, there are plenty of other planets we might be able to go to, and you can learn more by following this link: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/05/science/astronomy-exoplanets-kepler.html?surface=home-discovery-vi-prg&fellback=false&req_id=949876966&algo=identity&imp_id=681924965&action=click&module=Science%20%20Technology&pgtype=Homepage In our final story, we hear about new discoveries of ancient coffins in Egypt. You can find out more here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-15/egypt-unveils-ancient-coffins-statues-found-in-saqqara/12884648 Worksheet Answers: B 2. C 3. A © Martin Parsons, 2020

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have something on health, science and the environment. In health, we learn that indigenous people are probably the best people to give advice and help other indigenous people with the coronavirus. You listen and learn more about this by listening to this interview: https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/latenightlive/fiona-stanley-feature-interview/12785302 In science we discover that octopuses can ‘taste’ with their arms. You can learn more here: https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(20)31149-1?utm_source=EA https://www.newscientist.com/article/2258515-octopuses-taste-their-food-when-they-touch-it-with-their-arms/ And finally, in the environment we learn that sugar gliders in Australia are more diverse that was previously thought. Read more about these lovely animals here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/06/two-new-greater-glider-species-discovered-australias-biodiversity-just-got-a-lot-richer Worksheet Answers: C   2. C   3. A

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have two stories from world news and one from science. In our first story, we discover that Tokyo is installing transparent public toilets in parks and other places. What is going on? Find out here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/18/loo-with-a-view-transparent-public-toilets-installed-in-tokyo-parks In our second story, we learn about how the sense of smell in animals can get a great help for us, in detecting landmines, or in detecting the coronavirus. And you can read more by following these links: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/25/magawa-the-landmine-detection-rat-given-gold-medal-for-bravery https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/24/close-to-100-accuracy-airport-enlists-sniffer-dogs-to-test-for-covid-19 Finally, we hear a humorous story about companies misusing words from another language. Learn about their mistakes here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/07/beer-brand-and-leather-store-unwittingly-named-after-maori-word-for-pubic-hair Worksheet Answers: 1. C   2. D   3. B © Martin Parsons, 2020

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have three stories related to the coronavirus. In our first story, we hear about a wonderful new test developed by scientists at Monash University in Australia. You read more about it here: https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-research/australian-researchers-invent-20-minute-coronavirus-blood-test-idUKKCN24I0OR In our second, we discover that the lack of human activity caused by the coronavirus has been ‘seen’ by seismologists around the world. And you can read more by following this link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/07/23/human-seismic-noise-coronavirus/ In our final story, we consider the environmental problems caused by disposable masks. Find out how to make your own cloth mask here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/26/what-kind-of-face-mask-is-best-against-coronavirus Worksheet Answers:     1. B    2. D    3. B ©Martin Parsons, 2020

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have two stories from science and one on sport. In our first story, we learn that our bones are much more important to our health than just holding our bodies together. You read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jul/04/does-the-key-to-anti-ageing-lie-in-our-bones In our second scientific story, we discover that one human year is NOT seven dog years, like we always though. To work out how old a dog is in human years, you need to do this calculation: human age = 16 ln(dog_age) + 31. And you can read more by following this link: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jul/02/every-human-year-not-equivalent-to-seven-dog-years-scientists-find In our story on sport, we hear that the football has started again in Australia. Find out how Essendon are going and learn more by following these links: https://www.essendonfc.com.au/ https://www.afl.com.au/   Worksheet Answers: B 2. D 3. C

These videos introduce a new YouTube channel, 'The Beard of English, and describe various English idioms and expressions. This video is on the expression, 'tuppence a dozen' or 'a dime a dozen'. You can check it out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH2fbNQNUB4

These videos introduce a new YouTube channel, 'The Beard of English, and describe various English idioms and expressions. This video is on the expression, 'sooner or later'. You can check it out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b22JLum51bU

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have something on health, geology and science. In health we discover that the coronavirus kills more men than women, and that a lot of medical research is biased in favour of men. You read more about this important story here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/25/why-does-covid-19-kill-more-men-than-women-researchers-grapple-with-gender-mystery In geology, we hear the story of a subsistence farmer in Tanzania suddenly hitting it rich. You can read more about this story here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/25/small-scale-miner-finds-biggest-tanzanite-gems-in-history-worth-33m And finally, in science, we learn that hummingbirds (and other birds) can see colours in ultra-violet light. You can read about it here: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/19/science/hummingbirds-color-vision.html   Worksheet Answers: B 2. D 3. A

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have something on sport, science, and the environment. In sport, we find that a group of Sumo wrestlers saved a woman from drowning in Tokyo. You learn more about this story here: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200611/p2a/00m/0na/019000c In science, we learn about the wonderful ways that lasers are being used to learn more about the world around us. You can read more about this story here: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jun/03/maya-structure-discovered-mexico-lidar-aguada-fenix https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/05/science/ocean-biology-larvaceans-lasers.html And finally, in the environment, we see that pangolins, which are on the brink of extinction, are being saved from poachers and re-introduced to the wild. You can read about it here: https://theconversation.com/back-from-extinction-a-world-first-effort-to-return-threatened-pangolins-to-the-wild-138621

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have something on health, history and archaeology and world news. In health, we learn about an international collaboration to create a vaccine for COVID-19. You learn more about this important story here: https://blog.csiro.au/two-vaccine-candidates-acdp/ In the history/archaeology, we hear that an important sacred site has been destroyed by a mining company. You can learn more about this shameful story here: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/26/rio-tinto-blasts-46000-year-old-aboriginal-site-to-expand-iron-ore-mine And finally, in world news we see that sometimes people are just a little too serious about things that aren’t very important. Read about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/apr/11/not-the-perfect-time-to-ring-french-target-tasmanian-farm-over-rhubarb-champagne Worksheet Answers: 1. C  2. C  3. B

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have a story on science, or the environment, one on archaeology and psychology. In our first story, we learn that scientists have created an enzyme which can help to recycle plastic much more quickly and efficiently than ever before. You read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/08/scientists-create-mutant-enzyme-that-recycles-plastic-bottles-in-hours In our second story, we hear that researchers have found a fossil of one of our oldest ancestors, a small organism 555million years old. You can learn more about it here: https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2020/03/17/2001045117 And in Psychology, we learn what some researchers think about how people might react during the coronavirus crisis. You can try to get to understand this more here: https://theconversation.com/personalities-that-thrive-in-isolation-and-what-we-can-all-learn-from-time-alone-135307  https://psyarxiv.com/8ze6w/      Worksheet Answers: A    2. B    3. D

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have three stories on the coronavirus from Australia. In our first story, we learn that scientists have been warning us about the dangers of diseases like COVID 19 for a long time. You read more about it here: https://www.theage.com.au/national/we-should-have-had-vaccine-already-australian-expert-who-cracked-virus-code-20200327-p54elr.html In our second story, we hear about a scientist who made a silly mistake while trying to do something to help people with the coronavirus. You can read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/mar/30/astrophysicist-gets-magnets-stuck-up-nose-while-inventing-coronavirus-device And in Sport, we discover that the football has been postponed. Will it be played again this year? Find out what’s going on here: https://www.essendonfc.com.au/ https://www.afl.com.au/   Worksheet Answers: B 2. D 3. B

In February 2020, middle school pupils from Matsubara City, Japan wrote recorded and edited English podcasts to send out to the world. In this podcast, a boy talks about rugby, his favourite sport, and in particular about the All Blacks team.     Read More

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have stories from science, world news, and sport. In our first story, we learn that the DNA of rats in cities and towns might be changing because they live in proximity to humans. You read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/08/new-york-rats-evolve-to-mirror-human-habits https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.07.938969v1   In world news we hear a really lovely story about a ring, lost almost 50 years ago in the USA, being found buried in a park in Finland. You can read more about it here: http://tiny.cc/oeoalz https://www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000006375135.html?fbclid=IwAR2DSCiWuDD7_061QkM0aAmPrDfk8UMu5Sc2YHncM_tTzqHUVw13u71PplA (Finnish)   And in Sport, we find out what’s going on in the football in Australia. Will games be played? How will Essendon this season? Find out here: https://www.essendonfc.com.au/ https://www.afl.com.au/ Worksheet Answers: 1. D     2. C     3. A

In February 2020, middle school pupils from Matsubara City, Japan wrote recorded and edited English podcasts to send out to the world. In this podcast, a girl talks about her favourite manga, Demon Slayer.

Chinese characters are used in several countries in the East Asian region. Calligraphy with Chinese characters is a beautiful and ancient art form which varies from place to place. In Japan, particular styles of creating this beautiful art have evolved, which include not only Chinese characters (called kanji – 漢字 in Japanese), but the local Japanese scripts, hiragana and katakana. In Japan this is known as shodo – 書道. In these videos, students from Nara University of Education demonstrate how to write or draw different characters. We hope you enjoy their work.

In February 2020, middle school pupils from Matsubara City, Japan wrote recorded and edited English podcasts to send out to the world. In this podcast, a boy asks the question, "Why do we go to school?" and tries to explain what a school actually is.

Todaiji Temple is an iconic temple in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. On the grounds of the temple can be found the "Daibutsuden". It remains one of the largest and oldest wooden buildings in the world, and houses the famous Giant Buddha Statue. In this video produced by Nara University of Education students, we learn something about Todaiji. If you visit Japan, this is a "must see" location.

In February 2020, school pupils from Matsubara City, Japan wrote recorded and edited English podcasts to send out to the world. In this podcast, a girl tells us about why dancing is so much fun and the kind of music she loves dancing to.

Chinese characters are used in several countries in the East Asian region. Calligraphy with Chinese characters is a beautiful and ancient art form which varies from place to place. In Japan, particular styles of creating this beautiful art have evolved, which include not only Chinese characters (called kanji – 漢字 in Japanese), but the local Japanese scripts, hiragana and katakana. In Japan this is known as shodo – 書道. In these videos, students from Nara University of Education demonstrate how to write or draw different characters. We hope you enjoy their work.

In February 2020, middle school pupils from Matsubara City, Japan wrote recorded and edited English podcasts to send out to the world. In this podcast, a girl tells us about Taiwan and what makes it such a special place.

In February 2020, middle school pupils from Matsubara City, Japan wrote recorded and edited English podcasts to send out to the world. In this podcast, a girl tells us about a sport or game she loves: Double Dutch.

Kyoto is one of the most famous and cultured cities in the world. In this podcast, Hannan University student Yuta gives us a wonderful introduction to the city and explains where you should go on your next trip to Japan – and how to do it on a budget!

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have stories from world news, and the environment. In our first story, we learn about the situation regarding the population and the falling birthrate in Japan. You read more about it here: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/12/99520f842b44-japan-sees-record-low-number-of-babies-born-in-2019.html https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2019/10/cf30f5d6ea06-japan-early-childhood-staff-feel-least-valued-among-8-nations-oecd.html In our story on the environment, we see that Scotland has set a record high temperature. You can learn more about this here: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/dec/29/remarkable-high-as-scottish-temperature-record-is-broken Worksheet Answers: D 2. B

In December 2019, primary school children from Nara, Japan wrote recorded and edited English podcasts to send out to the world. In this podcast, a young boy tells us about his home town and why you should visit.

Japanese archery, called kyudo in Japanese, is a traditional martial art, like judo, karate, and many other well-known martial arts. However, kyudo is different in that there is no direct opponent. In fact, the opponent can be said to be your own ability to perform the art correctly with dignity and honour. This video created by students at Nara University of Education in Japan gives us an insight into how kyudo should be performed. There are a number of steps to be undertaken, which the video explains, to perform kyudo well. If you have the chance, please try experience kyudo either as a participant or a fan.

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have stories from world news, and the environment. In our first story, we learn about the heart-warming story of an immigrant without legal papers helping a man in a wheelchair from a burning house. You read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/11/migrant-hailed-after-rescuing-man-in-wheelchair-from-fire In our first story on the environment, we learn about thousands of penis fish turning up on a beach in North America. You can read more about it here: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50779461 And in our second story on the environment, we find out a little about the terrible bushfires ravaging Australia. You can learn more about this terrible situation here: https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/nsw-town-wiped-out-more-than-70-homes-razed-in-south-australia-20191222-p53m9j.html https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/dec/22/australian-bushfires-nsw-devastation-laid-bare-as-72-homes-destroyed-in-sa   Worksheet Answers: 1. B     2. C     3. A

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have stories from science, world news, and sport. In our first story, we hear that a new chapter of the Tale of Genji, widely considered to be the world’s first novel, has been found in an old storehouse in Tokyo. You learn more about it here: http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201910090047.html https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/worlds-first-novel-book-chapter-found-the-tale-of-genji-tokyo-a9152861.html In health news we learn that walking quickly may be good for your long-term health. You can read more about it here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/walking-slowly-aging-brain-body-sick-later-study-a9151976.html And finally, in sport, we find out the latest from the world of AFL.   Worksheet Answers: C 2. C 3. D

In this episode of the University English Podcast, financial expert Lynn Wang from Hannan University continues to explain about returns on investments. There are three main ways of gaining returns on investments: interest; dividends and capital gains. In this episode, we will mainly focus on capital gains.   Worksheet Answers: 1. B 2. B 3. A

Ramen is one of the most popular dishes in Japanese cuisine. Sometimes, people will line up for hours to eat at the most popular ramen restaraunts.   In this podcast, students from Hannan University in Japan show us how to make a simple ramen dish at home.

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have stories from the environment, world news, and sport. In our first story, we hear about the fires raging in the Amazon. You can learn more about it here: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/23/world/americas/brazil-military-amazon-fire.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage https://www.theage.com.au/world/south-america/what-s-happening-in-the-amazon-20190822-p52jvd.html   In world news, we learn that new submarine communications cables are being laid to connect small island nations to the rest of the world. You can read more about it here: https://www.theage.com.au/world/asia/sea-cable-boosts-ties-to-png-solomon-islands-amid-china-influence-20190828-p52lpt.html https://www.theage.com.au/world/asia/australia-to-support-fibre-optic-cable-lifeline-to-east-timor-20190829-p52m5u.html   And finally, in sport, we preview the first round of the finals in the AFL. Who will win? Hear our tips and read more here: https://www.afl.com.au/ladder#/CD_S2019014/CD_R201901424 Worksheet Answers: C 2. C 3. A

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have stories from science, world news, and the environment. In our first story, we hear that there may be life on the moon! You can learn more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/aug/06/tardigrades-may-have-survived-spacecraft-crashing-on-moon https://www.newsweek.com/tardigrade-living-moon-israel-spaceship-crash-1452728 In world news, we learn that a researcher from Australia has a new theory which explain why there are so many old people in the world’s so called ‘blue zones’. You can read more about it here: https://www.vox.com/2019/8/8/20758813/secrets-ultra-elderly-supercentenarians-fraud-error https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/704080v1 And finally, in the environment, we hear about a low-tech, ancient solution to problem in dealing with water in areas with erratic rainfall. You can find about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/aug/15/the-rain-in-spain-how-an-ancient-arabic-technique-saves-alicante-from-floods Worksheet Answers: A 2. D 3. C

Tapioka is made from the roots of the cassava plant, originally found in the north and west of Brazil. It is used as a food stuff in many places and has recently been the focus of boom in popularity in drinks in Japan. In this podcast, students from Hannan University in Japan show us how to make a delicious tapioca based drink.

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have stories from science, world news, and sport. In our first story, we learn the good news that the number of tigers in India seems to be on the rise. You can read more about it here: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/29/india-wild-tiger-population-rises-conservation   In science, we hear about researchers in Japan working on human-animal hybrids. This is an interesting story with a lot of things we all need to think about carefully. You can read more about it here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/human-animal-hybrid-japan-stem-cell-research-tokyo-genes-a9027131.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell#Research And finally, in sport we check in on the AFL situation. Finals are just around the corner, so how are Essendon tracking? You can check out what’s happening here: https://www.afl.com.au/video/2019-07-29/bombers-remarkable-fivegame-fightback-streak https://www.essendonfc.com.au/   Worksheet Answers: D 2. B 3. A

Sumo is probably the most famous and unique of all Japanese sports. In this podcast, students from Nara University of Education describe the history and some of the most interesting aspects of this iconic Japanese sport and cultural institution.

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have stories from science, world news, and sport. In our first story, we learn about how images were transmitted back to Earth from the Moon 50 years ago. You learn more about it here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-18/the-dish-is-a-great-comedy-but-certainly-not-a-documentary/11318862 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-exploration-moon-australia/the-dish-still-beaming-signals-from-australia-50-years-after-moon-walk-idUSKCN1UD07L https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TAqXENo1rA&list=PLQDlp_GLSIUT1LUJq3eOrk6_DFNngThiz In world news we hear about an unusual story of a man smuggling drugs in his wig. This is an enigmatic story. You can read more about it here: https://elpais.com/elpais/2019/07/16/inenglish/1563277743_245169.html https://inequality.org/facts/global-inequality/ And finally, in the environment we learn about a worrisome drop in orangutan numbers due to deforestation caused by the expanding palm oil industry. You can read more about it here https://www.reuters.com/article/us-malaysia-wildlife-orangutan/orangutan-numbers-drop-as-much-as-30-in-malaysian-palm-oil-estate-forests-wwf-idUSKCN1UC2BF   Worksheet Answers: B 2. B 3. D

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have stories from science, world news, and sport. In our first story, we learn that cockroaches are getting stronger and can resist pesticides. You can find out more about this here: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/jul/03/cockroaches-could-soon-be-almost-impossible-to-kill-with-pesticides https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-44296-y?_ga=2.267313803.46422805.1562118047-614017950.1562118047 In world news we hear about a nuclear-powered Russian submarine which has sunk in the Arctic. This is a concerning story. You can read more about this here: https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-russia-submersible-incident-nuclear/putin-after-three-days-says-fire-hit-russian-submarine-was-nuclear-powered-idUKKCN1TZ0I3 http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/non-power-nuclear-applications/transport/nuclear-powered-ships.aspx And finally, in sport, we check in on developments in the AFL. How are Essendon doing now that season is moving towards the end? You can find out by following these links: https://www.essendonfc.com.au/video/2019-06-27/rd-15-highlights https://www.afl.com.au/   Worksheet Answers: D 2. A 3. C

Kasuga Grand Shrine is one of the most iconic sites in Nara, Japan. In this podcast, students from Nara University of Education describe the history and some of the unique aspects of this World Heritage listed shrine.

This podcast is for those who would like to improve their English for use in the business world. In each episode there will be some listening practice with comprehension questions to help you improve your understanding of English in the workplace.

This is a podcast which picks up a few interesting things that have appeared in the news in recent weeks. In this episode we have two stories from world news, and one on the environment. In our first story, we hear about some really terrifying ideas on global warming. You can find out more about this here: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/148cb0_a1406e0143ac4c469196d3003bc1e687.pdf https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change-global-warming-end-human-civilisation-research-a8943531.html In world news, we learn about a very sad and shocking story related to chocolate. Child labour is being used to help supply us with cheap chocolate. You can read more about this here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/business/hershey-nestle-mars-chocolate-child-labor-west-africa/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.4416f09f97f1 And finally, in world news again, we hear about a bridge in Russia that ... disappeared. You can read more about this here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-bridge-theft-disappear-arctic-umba-river-rail-a8944971.html   Worksheet Answers: C 2. B 3. A