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This podcast is designed to give English students extra practice by discussing events, history, culture and language.
Welcome back to the VivaLing English podcast. Did you know that April is often called Earth Month? It should be a time when people think more about the planet. But here’s a question: Should we really have only one month to care about the Earth, or is this something we ought to think about every day?
Today, we’re looking at small actions — simple things we might want to do that may help the planet more than we expect.
We’re also going to look at useful modal verbs. We will look at phrases like ought to, had better, be able to, and might want to, which help us give advice, talk about responsibility, and suggest actions. For example, ought to is similar to “should” and gives gentle advice, while had better is stronger and suggests a warning or a good idea to follow. Be able to helps us talk about what is possible, and might want to is a softer way to suggest an idea. Saying it would be wise is another way to give thoughtful advice. By the end, you will be able to talk about the environment and suggest ways to help the Earth more clearly and naturally.
First - The Problem
We all know the Earth is changing. There is more pollution, more waste, and more pressure on nature. So what ought we to do?
Some people say governments had better act quickly, that they have to create stronger rules, and must protect the environment.
But we also need to think smaller, about ourselves. We may not be able to control big global problems, but we are able to change small things in our daily lives. And those small changes might be more powerful than we think.
Next - Everyday Actions
Let’s look at some simple examples that people like you and I can do.
First, plastic. It’s time that we really might want to start using a reusable bottle instead of buying a new one every day.
And of course we ought to recycle as often as we can.
And when we shop, it would be wise to choose products with less packaging.
Now think about energy.
At home, we are easily able to turn off lights when we leave a room. But what about at night? I think we all have the issue of charging our electronic devices while still on while we sleep, but it wastes energy. We had better stop doing this. What about switching them off or charging them first thing in the morning while getting ready for school or work?
If we are just a bit more mindful, we should be able to reduce our electricity use without much effort.
What about transport? We might want to walk or cycle when possible.
Of course, we may not always be able to do this — sometimes we have to take a car or a bus. But even small changes mean we are able to reduce pollution over time.
Changing Our Mindset Here’s something important: we don’t have to be perfect. We might think that one person cannot make a difference. But that’s not completely true.
We ought to remember that change often starts small.
We don’t have to change everything — we just need to begin.
One small action may inspire someone else.
Our friends might notice what we do, and little by little, perhaps more people will make better small choices. And small actions most certainly can have a big impact.
So this April, you might want to ask yourself a few questions:
What am I able to change today?
What habits ought I to improve?
What small action may have a big impact?
You don’t have to do everything, but it would be wise start somewhere because together, we may be able to protect the planet — one small action at a time.
Now, can you answer my questions?
Why do I hint at the idea that we ought to think about the Earth every day, not only in April?
Because environmental problems happen all the time, and small daily actions can make a difference, not just actions in one month. 2. What are two examples of small actions we might want to take up to help the environment?
Using a reusable bottle, switching off electronic devices at night or cycling instead of driving, to name a few.
3. What does it mean, “It would be wise to start somewhere”? What does this suggest about taking action?
It suggests that even taking a small first step is important. It is the belief that action is better than doing nothing, and small changes can lead to bigger results over time.
Your homework:
Think about what you do to help our environment. I’m sure you do many things, so give yourself a pat on the back. Now, reflect on one or two things that maybe you could improve upon. Write them down along with your plan on how to accomplish it. Tell it to your VivaLing coach or family member.