Don't touch your face!

Don't touch your face! 
(Level: B2 / Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate / ***) 



According to various studies, we tend to touch our faces way too many times. Yet, cutting down on it would help reduce the risk of catching the Coronavirus. 

But can we really do without it? 

You are going to watch a BBC news report on why we touch our faces and how we could possibly stop it.

Photo credit: www.bbc.co.uk

Before watching

The following words could be useful:

We can't help it = we're not able to control it / We can't stop it
     Nous ne pouvons pas nous empêcher de... 

to be hardwired to...:  to be genetically or innately predisposed      
    intrinsèquement / naturellement disposé à...  

to top up: to add (some more...)     ajouter / remettre une couche... 

to pop your hands : to put them... 

the lap: the front part of the body from the waist to the knees when in a sitting position

A cat on someone's lap  

While watching

Answer the following questions:

1. Why do we constantly want to touch our faces? 

2. How could you avoid doing that?

You can also watch the video on the BBC site by clicking HERE

When you are finished, you can check your answers! 

1.

- Nous sommes prédisposés à nous toucher le visage; il s'agit d'un geste "réflexe" inné. Le bébé in utero se touche déjà le visage...

- En se touchant certaines parties du visage, on active inconsciemment le système nerveux parasympathique qui a une fonction apaisante... 

2.

Eviter de porter par exemple des lentilles de contact ou du maquillage...   

Occuper ses mains pour éviter qu'elles n'aboutissent une fois de plus dans le visage en parlant par exemple: les croiser, les poser exprès sur les genoux / cuisses ...  

Family devastated after young woman died from Covid-19

Family devastated after young woman died from Covid-19
(Level: B2 / Intermediate / ***)


Young Chloe Middleton from High Wycombe dies from Coronavirus.

Chloe Middleton
Photo credit: Sky News 

High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
Map credit: en.wikipedia.org

You are going to watch a Sky News report focusing on this tragic event.


Before watching

The following words could be useful
underlying: prior / lying beneath     sous-jacent
a nutcase: an eccentric person

While watching

Answer the following question:

Why should the Covid-19 be taken more seriously?







When you are finished, check your answers!

On sait que le Coronavirus fait des ravages parmi les personnes plus âgées ou affaiblies mais il s'avère que les jeunes ne sont pas épargnés, exactement comme cette jeune femme de 21 ans, la plus jeune jusqu'ici, à être emportée par le virus alors qu'elle ne souffrait d'aucune pathologie connue.
La mère s'est exprimée sur les réseaux sociaux et a voulu mettre en garde les internautes: ce virus a pris la vie de sa fille alors qu'elle était en parfaite santé; ce virus est donc à prendre avec le plus grand sérieux! 

The Queen's message on the Coronavirus outbreak

The Queen's message on the Coronavirus outbreak 
(Level B2 to C1  / Intermediate to Upper-intermediate / ***) 


Buckingham Palace has released a message from the Queen on the Coronavirus outbreak.

The advanced age of both the world's longest reigning monarch and her husband Philip means they are at risk of complications, should they catch the Covid-19 illness.

                                                                                 

                                                                          Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip
                                                                            Photo credit: Newsweek.com


You are going to listen to a BBC report.
The newsreader is reading the Queen's message. 


Before watching / Listening

The following words could be useful:
forged: formed and made, especially by concentrated effort        établi - façonné 
to be up to: to be able to...     être à la hauteur   



While watching / Listening

Listen and complete the gaps with the missing words. 

"As Philip and I arrived in Windsor today, we know that many ------------------- and families across the UK and around the world are entering a period of ----------------------------------------."

"We are all being advised to change our normal routines and --------------------------------------------- for the greater good of the communities we live in, and in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them. At times such as these, I’m reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities -------------------------- to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal."

"We are enormously thankful for the ----------------------------------------------  of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency individuals and public services. But now more than at any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals today and in the coming days, weeks and months.

Many of us will need to find new ways of -------------------------------- with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain ----------------------------- that challenge.

You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.

When you are finished, you can check your answers

As Philip and I arrived in Windsor today, we know that many individuals and families across the UK and around the world are entering a period of great concern and anxiety.

We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in, and in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them. At times such as these, I’m reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal."

We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency individuals and public services. But now more than at any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals today and in the coming days, weeks and months.

Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge.

You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.

This is what poverty looks like

This is what poverty looks like

(Level: B2 / Intermediate to upper-intermediate / ***)

A neighbourhood in Baltimore
Photo credit: dailymail.com

You are going to watch a BBC report focusing on what poverty is like in the USA, still the world's wealthiest country. BBC's Ian Pannell reports from Baltimore.

Map credit: kids.britannica.com

Before watching:

The following words could be useful:

handout: something (food, clothing...) given to a poor person         un don   

there is no trickle-down: no effects of the (economic growth) are felt there       pas de retombées positives...   

to surge: to increase suddenly       progresser fortement 

row houses: terraced houses    maisons en rangée 

roaches:  cockroaches     insects that are sometimes found in homes and regarded as household pests.    cafards / blattes 

Photo credit: livescience.com 

bedbugs: wingless bloodsucking bugs sometimes infesting homes and beds in particular.    punaises de lit 

to be crammed in...:  to be squeezed in...  (beyond normal capacity)    être entassé dans...   

to be evicted:   to be forced out       expulsé   

While watching:

Answer the following questions:

1. What is life like in some areas of Baltimore?

2. What is it like for the Stuart family?

 

You can also watch the video on the BBC website by clicking HERE

When you are finished, you can check your answers.

1.

• Violence / Criminalité en augmentation / Gangs.
• Pauvreté extrême; les gens doivent se tourner vers les associations caritatives pour avoir de quoi manger ou se vêtir...
• Pas d'emplois ou bien emplois sous-payés / les gens sont peu éduqués ou sous-qualifiés.
• Trafic de drogues et prostitution: quasiment les seules sources de "revenus".
• Les habitations de certains quartiers complètement délabrées et abandonnées - certaines "ruines" sont cependant occupées...
• Les maisons individuelles ou isolées sont "privilégiées" parce que les habitations en rangée sont généralement infestées de rats, souris et autres vermines (blattes, punaises de lit...).
• ...

2.

• Les Stuart vivent entassés dans une habitation délabrée; la seule encore occupée dans le quartier.
• Ils ont déjà été expulsés et pourraient l'être à nouveau: les factures s'accumulent et restent impayées.
• Ils n'ont que 30 dollars par jour pour vivre...
• Pas de chauffage: les enfants doivent rester emmitouflés dans une couverture.
• Ils se font insulter et harceler à l'école à cause de leurs conditions de vie.
• ...

Plastic pollution

Plastic pollution 
(Level: B2 / intermediate to upper-intermediate / ***)

Plastic garbage swept ashore
Photo credit: thestar.com 

You are going to watch a Sky News report focusing on plastic pollution in the oceans and its dire consequences.

Sky News science correspondent Thomas Moore is in Mumbai (Bombay).

Map credit: kids.britannica.com

A beach strewn with plastic garbage
Photo credit: Sky News 

Before watching:


The following words could be useful:
washed up: swept ashore     échoué / rejeté par la mer 
a throwaway society: a society which is strongly influenced by consumerism or rather overconsumption      société de l'hyperconsommation; du jetable 
recklessly: being unconcerned about the consequences    de manière irréfléchie 
swept ashore: washed up 
a fulmar: a gull-like seabird 

A fulmar
Photo credit: rspb.org.uk

the squeamish: those who are easily disgusted or offended    âmes sensibles  
to starve to death: to die from lack of food      mourir de faim  
a (bird's) gizzard: a ventriculus or pouch in the lower stomach of many birds    gésier   



While watching:


Watch the report and answer the questions:

1. Plastic pollution in the oceans is quite an issue but how big is it? Explain.
2. Give a few consequences of plastic garbage in the oceans as a whole.

You can also watch the video on the Sky News website by clicking HERE 









When you are finished, you can check your answers:

1.

L'équivalent d'un poids lourd en déchets plastiques est déversé chaque minute dans les océans.

2.

• Des plages recouvertes intégralement de déchets plastiques à chaque marée…
• Si la consommation de plastiques devait se poursuivre au même rythme, les océans devraient contenir, d’ici 2050, plus de déchets plastiques, en terme de poids, que de poissons.
• La faune marine périt après avoir ingurgité des objets en plastique.
• Les matières plastiques qui se désagrègent ne disparaissent jamais totalement ; elles se transforment en fragments minuscules, voire microscopiques (microplastiques) et entrent, via les poissons et les mollusques, dans la chaîne alimentaire. Selon un chercheur de l’Université de Gand, les amateurs de moules ingèrent à chaque portion environ 90 microparticules de plastique… D'ici la fin du siècle, 4.000 microparticules s'entasseraient dans le corps humain chaque année. On ignore encore où ces microplastiques vont se nicher et quels problèmes pour la santé pourraient en résulter (inflammations?). En revanche, on est sûr que la contamination de la chaîne alimentaire va s'accentuer à mesure que la pollution océanique perdurera et s'intensifiera encore. 

If you are interested, you can watch the full Sky News report by clicking HERE

A very special home

A very special home
(Level: Intermediate / B1 / **)

A British man, Richard Sowa, living in Cancun, Mexico is showing his rather exceptional home.

A very nice home!
Photo credit: worldtop.co  

But what is so special about it? 
You are going to watch a BBC report to find out.

Map credit: www.worldatlas.com

Cancun
Photo credit: www.mexique-fr.com

Before watching:


The following words could be useful:
trash: garbage / waste     déchets
a pole: a long piece of (generally) wood or metal    piquet / pieu / perche




While watching:


Answer the following question:

What is special about Richard's home?

You can also watch the video on the BBC website by clicking HERE










When you are finished, you can check your answers:

Ce Britannique s'est construit une île artificielle posée sur des bouteilles en plastique tassées dans des sacs. Il continue à les enfouir (sous son île) grâce à un pieu qu'il a spécialement conçu à cet effet. 
Selon ses termes, il a créé un paradis en utilisant les déchets qu'il a trouvés en ce bas monde! 
De plus, tout chez lui fonctionne à l'énergie solaire (frigo...)
... 

A homeless woman dies in a shop doorway

A homeless woman dies in a shop doorway
(Level: Intermediate / B1 / **)

You are going to watch a BBC report focusing on a tragedy that almost unfolded in Belfast in the midst of widespread indifference.

Belfast
Photo credit: news.bbc.co.uk

Map credit: www.worldatlas.com

Before watching:


The following words could be useful:

the hustle and bustle: a state of great activity      tumulte / agitation (urbaine)  
to be oblivious to: lacking conscious awareness / unaware      inconscient / ignorant / insensible
to unfold: to take place       se dérouler   
wrapped around:  covered (with)          enroulé dans  
a bid:  an attempt         une tentative  
to tackle:  to deal with  (a problem...)        s'attaquer à... 




While watching:


Answer the following question:

What happened exactly? 

You can also watch the report on the BBC website by clicking HERE










When you are finished, you can check your answers:


Une femme, SDF, apparemment d'une trentaine d'années, est morte quasi dans l'indifférence générale, alors qu'elle était étendue à l'entrée d'un magasin dans le centre de Belfast. 
Elle est la 5e SDF à décéder cette année dans les rues de Belfast.

Fears for homeless people sleeping in bins

Fears for homeless people sleeping in bins
(Level: Intermediate to upper-intermediate / B2 to C1 / ** to ***)

The number of people sleeping rough in recycling bins is on the increase in the UK.

And there are fears because a dozen of them have been found dead in the last few years after being crushed in refuse lorries. 

A homeless person in a recycling bin
Photo credit: BBC

A refuse lorry about to tip the bin's contents into its compactor
Photo credit: BBC 

You are going to watch a BBC report focusing on this issue.


Before watching:


The following words could be useful:
to sleep rough: to be homeless, without a shelter       dormir à la dure/ dans la rue
a rough sleeper: a homeless person        SDF / sans-abri
a refuse lorry: a garbage truck / a lorry used to collect and dispose of rubbish    camion à ordures
the footage:  a recorded video      séquence vidéo  
a foot = 30.48 cm
to compact the waste: to crush the rubbish      compacter les déchets   
a waste management company:  a company responsible for the collection, the disposal and the processing of waste products            entreprise de gestion des déchets 

Biffa: a waste management and recycling business in the UK founded over 100 years ago and named after its founder, Richard Biffa. 




While watching:


Answer the following questions:

1. Why would homeless people decide to sleep in recycling bins?
2. What measures are now being taken in order to prevent them from getting into them?

You can also watch the video on the BBC site by clicking HERE   

When you are finished, you can check your answers:

1. 

Parce qu'ils ne trouvent pas de place dans les centres d'hébergement pour SDF / et au lieu de dormir dans la rue ou dans les parcs, ils préfèrent un endroit confiné (au sec et au chaud), loin du regard des autres et à l'abri de tout risque de se faire agresser et violenter.

2.

La pose de cadenas pour empêcher les SDF de soulever le couvercle du container et de s'y installer  (+ Inciter tous les supermarchés, entreprises à poser un cadenas - dans le cas contraire, risque d'amendes ou de poursuites judiciaires).

 

A very grateful penguin

A very grateful penguin
(Level: Intermediate / B1 / **)

A Magellanic penguin
Photo credit: www.britannica.com

A Magellanic penguin from Patagonia keeps coming back to an island off Rio de Janeiro. But why?

You are going to watch a BBC report about an unlikely friendship between the animal called Dindim and a human, Joao. 

Map credit: fawkes-news.bogspot.be

If you want more details about Magellanic penguins, you can check the arkive.org site by clicking HERE 




Before watching:


The following words could be useful:

a bricklayer:  a person trained or skilled in building with bricks     maçon  
the breeding season:  the mating season  / the period during which animals mate   période d'accouplement / de reproduction
a qualm:  feeling of doubt or uneasiness       scrupule / réticence / hésitation




While watching:


Answer the following question:

Why does Dindim keep coming back to see Joao?

You can also watch the video on the BBC site by clicking HERE 








When you are finished, you can check your answers:

Why does Dindim keep coming back to see Joao?

Par amitié et gratitude à l'égard de celui qui l'a sauvé d'une mort certaine en 2011 alors qu'il gisait sur la plage, recouvert de pétrole.

Selon un expert: le manchot considère le vieil homme comme faisant partie de sa famille.

Selon un autre expert: ses visites dans l'île correspondent à la période d'accouplement. 
Il ne reviendrait donc pas seulement pour profiter des poissons ou de la douche de Joao.

Migrant crisis: another tragedy

Migrant crisis: another tragedy
(Level: Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate / B1 to B2 / ** to ***)

Thousands of migrants who continue to flee their countries make the dangerous sea journey from Turkey to Greece. 

For dozens of them, it will be fatal.

You are going to watch a BBC report focusing on the latest event involving a capsized boat off the Turkish coast.

Map credit: BBC 

Before watching:

The following words could be useful:
the casualties: victims / dead     victimes / morts
to soar: to increase considerably    monter en flèche   



While watching:

Answer the following question:

What do the following figures refer to?
a) 3,000,000,000
b) 120
c) 50,000
d) 70
e) 5

You can also watch the video on the BBC website by clicking HERE








When you are finished, you can check your answers.

a) 3,000,000,000
La somme en euros offerte par l'Europe à la Turquie pour l'aider à mieux contrôler ses frontières et à améliorer le sort des réfugiés!

b) 120
Le nombre de réfugiés dans le bateau qui a chaviré (et qui aurait dû en transporter beaucoup moins).

c) 50,000
Le nombre de réfugiés à avoir voyagé jusqu'en Grèce (Lesbos) en janvier 2016! 
(200 parmi eux se sont noyés) 

d) 70
Le nombre de réfugiés à avoir été secourus lors de ce dernier naufrage.

e) 5
Le nombre d'enfants victimes (dont deux bébés) lors de ce naufrage.