Learn English Free with Trancy & CNN 10 | 2024-08-26 Astronauts To Get A New Ride Home
Get ready to improve your English while staying informed with today's CNN 10 news! In this episode, you'll learn about the devastating floods in Bangladesh, the extended space mission for two astronauts, and a surprising snack delivery to the Great Wall of China. Plus, enjoy a recap of the most uplifting Olympic moments. This blog post breaks down the key stories, helping you build your vocabulary and comprehension skills with real-world news content. Watch, learn, and practice your English with CNN 10!
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Video Learning Material.
Reading Materials and Exercises by re-writing key story based on the YouTube Video.
Reading Passage for G8 Students (500-700 words)
Title: Severe Flooding in Bangladesh Affects Millions
In recent days, Bangladesh has experienced some of the worst flooding in its history. The floodwaters have risen to dangerous levels, reaching as high as people's chins in some areas. This natural disaster has caused a lot of problems for millions of people who live in the affected regions.
Flooding happens when heavy rain or other water sources, like rivers, overflow. In Bangladesh, the situation has become very serious because the country is flat and has many rivers. When these rivers overflow, large areas of land get covered in water. This time, the floods have been so bad that many homes, schools, and roads are underwater. People are struggling to find safe places to stay, and many have lost their homes.
The government of Bangladesh and international organizations are working hard to help those affected by the floods. Rescue teams are using boats to reach people who are trapped in their homes. They are also delivering food, clean water, and medical supplies to those in need. Despite these efforts, the situation remains very difficult because the floodwaters are so high and widespread.
Experts say that climate change is one reason why floods like this are becoming more common and severe. As the Earth's temperature rises, weather patterns are changing, leading to more extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and floods. This means that countries like Bangladesh, which are already vulnerable to flooding, are likely to face even more challenges in the future.
For now, the people of Bangladesh are doing their best to cope with this disaster. Many are helping each other, sharing what little they have left, and hoping for the floodwaters to recede soon. The international community is also watching closely and providing support to help Bangladesh recover from this devastating event.
Vocabulary List:
- Flooding - 洪水
- Disaster - 災難
- Overflow - 溢出
- Rescue - 救援
- Medical supplies - 醫療用品
- Climate change - 氣候變遷
- Vulnerable - 易受傷害的
- Recede - 退去
- International community - 國際社會
- Severe - 嚴重的
Grammar Focus:
- Present Continuous Tense: "The floodwaters are rising" to describe ongoing actions.
- Passive Voice: "Homes are being destroyed by the flood" to emphasize the action rather than the doer.
Synonym Match:
| Word | Synonym |
|---|---|
| Dangerous | Hazardous |
| Rescue | Save |
| Homes | Houses |
| Supplies | Provisions |
| Recede | Withdraw |
| Severe | Serious |
| Difficult | Challenging |
| Affected | Impacted |
| Coping | Managing |
| Widespread | Extensive |
Phrase Match:
| Phrase | Equivalent Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Reached dangerous levels" | The water became very high and risky. |
| "Affected regions" | Areas that have been hit by the flood. |
| "Using boats to reach people" | Traveling by boat to help those trapped. |
| "Delivering food and clean water" | Bringing necessary supplies to people. |
| "Climate change is one reason" | One cause is the change in weather patterns. |
| "Struggling to find safe places" | Having a hard time finding shelter. |
| "Hoping for the floodwaters to recede" | Waiting for the water to go down. |
| "Watching closely" | Paying careful attention. |
| "Providing support" | Giving help and assistance. |
| "Cope with this disaster" | Deal with this terrible event. |
Gap Fill:
The floodwaters in Bangladesh have ___________(1) to chin-high levels, affecting millions of people. This natural ___________(2) has caused widespread damage. Rescue teams are ___________(3) boats to reach those ___________(4) in their homes and are ___________(5) food, water, and medical supplies. Climate ___________(6) is believed to be a factor, making such ___________(7) more common. The people are ___________(8) to cope, ___________(9) each other, and ___________(10) for the waters to recede.
Answers:
- risen
- disaster
- using
- trapped
- delivering
- change
- events
- trying
- helping
- hoping
Reading Passage for G11 Students (800-1,200 words)
Title: Bangladesh Faces Devastating Floods Amid Growing Climate Concerns
Bangladesh, a country that is no stranger to flooding, is currently facing one of its most severe natural disasters in recent memory. Unprecedented floodwaters have inundated vast regions of the country, with water levels rising to chin-high in some areas. This calamity has directly impacted millions of residents, leaving them homeless, stranded, and in desperate need of aid.
The geography of Bangladesh makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding. The nation is predominantly flat and crisscrossed by numerous rivers, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. During the monsoon season, heavy rains and the overflow of these rivers often lead to widespread flooding. However, the current situation is far worse than usual, with floodwaters engulfing not only rural areas but also urban centers, where infrastructure is struggling to cope with the deluge.
In response to the crisis, the government, along with various international aid organizations, has mobilized extensive relief efforts. Rescue teams, equipped with boats, are navigating the submerged streets to evacuate people from their homes. The distribution of essential supplies such as food, clean water, and medical aid has become a top priority. Despite these efforts, the sheer scale of the disaster presents ongoing challenges, as many areas remain inaccessible due to the high water levels.
Environmental experts have pointed to climate change as a significant factor contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of floods in Bangladesh. The country is particularly susceptible to the effects of global warming, which has led to more unpredictable and extreme weather patterns. Rising sea levels, combined with heavier monsoon rains, are causing the rivers to swell beyond their usual capacity. This situation has been exacerbated by deforestation and poor land management, which have reduced the land’s ability to absorb excess water.
The human toll of this disaster is profound. Families have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in makeshift shelters or on higher ground. The disruption of daily life is severe, with schools closed, transportation halted, and businesses shuttered. The long-term economic impact is also a major concern, as agriculture, the backbone of Bangladesh's economy, has been severely affected. Crops have been destroyed, and the loss of livestock has further strained the livelihoods of rural communities.
As the floodwaters slowly begin to recede, the focus will shift to recovery and rebuilding. The challenge ahead is immense, requiring not only immediate relief but also long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of future floods. This includes investing in better flood defenses, improving urban planning, and addressing the root causes of climate change. For Bangladesh, this disaster serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to enhance resilience in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate.
Vocabulary List:
- Inundated - 淹沒的
- Calamity - 災難
- Infrastructure - 基礎設施
- Deluge - 洪水
- Mobilized - 動員
- Evacuate - 疏散
- Susceptible - 易受影響的
- Exacerbated - 加劇的
- Displaced - 流離失所的
- Resilience - 韌性
Grammar Focus:
- Complex Sentences: "Despite these efforts, the sheer scale of the disaster presents ongoing challenges, as many areas remain inaccessible due to the high water levels."
- Subjunctive Mood: "It is crucial that the government invest in better flood defenses."
Synonym Match:
| Word | Synonym |
|---|---|
| Inundated | Flooded |
| Calamity | Catastrophe |
| Infrastructure | Facilities |
| Deluge | Downpour |
| Mobilized | Organized |
| Evacuate | Remove |
| Susceptible | Vulnerable |
| Exacerbated | Worsened |
| Displaced | Uprooted |
| Resilience | Toughness |
Phrase Match:
| Phrase | Equivalent Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Unprecedented floodwaters" | Exceptionally high levels of water. |
| "Vast regions of the country" | Large areas of Bangladesh. |
| "Struggling to cope" | Finding it difficult to deal with the situation. |
| "Equipped with boats" | Having boats ready for use. |
| "Long-term economic impact" | Effects on the economy over an extended period. |
| "Global warming" | The gradual increase in Earth's temperature. |
| "Poor land management" | Inadequate planning and use of land resources. |
| "Makeshift shelters" | Temporary places for people to stay. |
| "Enhance resilience" | Strengthen the ability to recover. |
| "Mitigate the impact" | Reduce the negative effects. |
Gap Fill:
Bangladesh is facing a ___________(1) flood that has ___________(2) vast regions, impacting millions of people. The government has ___________(3) relief efforts, but the disaster's scale has made it difficult to ___________(4) everyone in need. Experts blame ___________(5) and climate change for the worsening situation. As the waters begin to ___________(6), the focus will turn to ___________(7) and finding ways to ___________(8) the impact of future floods. Building ___________(9) is crucial to help the country ___________(10) from this disaster.
Answers:
- severe
- inundated
- mobilized
- evacuate
- deforestation
- recede
- recovery
- mitigate
- resilience
- recover
Reading Passage for University Students (1,200-2,000 words)
Title: The Complex Dynamics of Flooding in Bangladesh: An Environmental and Humanitarian Crisis
Bangladesh, a nation intrinsically linked to its vast network of rivers, is grappling with a catastrophic flood event that underscores the vulnerabilities inherent in its geographic and socio-economic landscape. The recent deluge, which has seen water levels rise to alarming heights, is a stark reminder of the persistent and escalating threat that natural disasters pose to this densely populated country.
The current flooding crisis has left millions of people displaced, their homes submerged under waters that in some areas have risen to chin-high levels. This event, one of the most severe in recent memory, has brought daily life to a standstill, with transportation networks paralyzed, agricultural lands devastated, and essential services disrupted. The magnitude of this disaster is not only a testament to the destructive power of nature but also a reflection of the systemic challenges that Bangladesh faces in disaster preparedness and response.
Geographically, Bangladesh's low-lying topography and the convergence of three major rivers—the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna—render it exceptionally prone to flooding. During the monsoon season, these rivers often swell, inundating large swathes of the country. However, the current flooding has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including unusually heavy monsoon rains and the melting of Himalayan glaciers, both of which have been linked to the broader impacts of climate change.
Climate change has significantly altered weather patterns across South Asia, leading to more intense and erratic monsoons. Bangladesh, already on the front lines of climate change, has seen a marked increase in the frequency and severity of floods. Rising sea levels have also contributed to the problem, as they increase the volume of water in rivers and reduce the land's ability to drain excess water. Furthermore, deforestation, urbanization, and poor land management practices have diminished the natural resilience of the landscape, leaving it more susceptible to flooding.
The human cost of this disaster is immense. In addition to the immediate threat to life and property, the floods have long-term implications for public health, food security, and economic stability. Waterborne diseases, such as cholera and dysentery, are a significant concern, particularly in overcrowded temporary shelters where sanitation facilities are inadequate. The destruction of crops and livestock has jeopardized the livelihoods of millions, particularly in rural areas where agriculture is the primary source of income. The disruption of educational and health services further compounds the challenges faced by those affected.
In response to the crisis, the government of Bangladesh, along with international aid organizations, has launched a coordinated relief effort. Emergency teams are working around the clock to evacuate stranded residents, deliver food and medical supplies, and establish temporary shelters. However, the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local capacities, necessitating additional support from the international community.
Looking forward, Bangladesh must grapple with the daunting task of recovery and reconstruction. This will require not only rebuilding physical infrastructure but also addressing the underlying vulnerabilities that exacerbate the impact of floods. Strengthening flood defenses, such as embankments and drainage systems, is essential, but so too is the need for a more integrated approach to land and water management. Enhancing early warning systems and improving disaster preparedness at the community level can also help mitigate the effects of future floods.
At a broader level, the international community must recognize the plight of countries like Bangladesh that are disproportionately affected by climate change. Increased funding for climate adaptation and resilience-building measures is crucial, as is the need for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The recent flooding in Bangladesh serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address the environmental and humanitarian challenges posed by a changing climate.
Vocabulary List:
- Catastrophic - 災難性的
- Displaced - 流離失所的
- Inundating - 淹沒
- Magnitude - 規模
- Exacerbated - 加劇的
- Resilience - 韌性
- Vulnerabilities - 弱點
- Livelihoods - 生計
- Humanitarian - 人道主義的
- Greenhouse gas emissions - 溫室氣體排放
Grammar Focus:
- Relative Clauses: "Bangladesh, a nation intrinsically linked to its vast network of rivers, is grappling with a catastrophic flood event."
- Causative Structures: "Climate change has led to more intense and erratic monsoons."
Synonym Match:
| Word | Synonym |
|---|---|
| Catastrophic | Devastating |
| Displaced | Uprooted |
| Inundating | Flooding |
| Magnitude | Scale |
| Exacerbated | Worsened |
| Resilience | Fortitude |
| Vulnerabilities | Weaknesses |
| Livelihoods | Incomes |
| Humanitarian | Compassionate |
| Greenhouse gas emissions | Carbon footprint |
Phrase Match:
| Phrase | Equivalent Meaning |
|---|---|
| "Catastrophic flood event" | A disastrous and severe flooding situation. |
| "Systemic challenges" | Problems that are deeply rooted in the system. |
| "Broad impacts of climate change" | Wide-ranging effects caused by changes in the climate. |
| "Overcrowded temporary shelters" | Shelters that are too full of people. |
| "Public health concerns" | Issues related to the health of the population. |
| "International aid organizations" | Groups that provide help across countries. |
| "Strengthening flood defenses" | Improving structures to protect against floods. |
| "Mitigate the effects" | Lessen the impact or damage caused. |
| "Plight of countries" | Difficult situations faced by nations. |
| "Climate adaptation" | Adjusting to the changes in the climate. |
Gap Fill:
Bangladesh is dealing with a ___________(1) flood, with water levels reaching ___________(2) heights. The disaster has ___________(3) millions, disrupting daily life and posing significant ___________(4) concerns. Experts link the severity of the floods to ___________(5), exacerbated by poor land management and deforestation. As the country begins to ___________(6), the focus will be on ___________(7) physical infrastructure and ___________(8) the vulnerabilities that make such disasters so devastating. The international community must provide ___________(9) to help Bangladesh and other nations ___________(10) to the challenges of climate change.
Answers:
- catastrophic
- alarming
- displaced
- public health
- climate change
- recover
- rebuilding
- addressing
- support
- adapt