A Rare Solar Eclipse

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IDIOMS!

"eleventh hour" = at the last possible moment
"The professor arrived at the eleventh hour with the protective glasses to view the solar eclipse."
"all eyes are on something" = everyone is watching something
"All eyes were on the night sky in anticipation of the meteor shower."

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[ Quiz Script | Text Completion ]

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Post-Listening Exercises

Level:	Topic:	Type:	Speakers:	Length:
difficult	solar eclipses	news report	man	02:15

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]
What is the difference between an annular and total solar eclipse? When will the next eclipse of each type occur? What are the best ways to view a solar eclipse? Use different types of search resources to find this information.

HELPFUL TIP: If you want to watch a solar eclipse, be sure to use solar eclipse glasses to protect your eyes from view the sun.

sun

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

Listen to the show by pressing the "Play" button and answer the questions. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.

Media Player

[ What are these different audio choices? ]

[ Other Audio Options: Play RealMedia | Play Window Media ]

1. What type of solar eclipse occurred on December 25, 2000?
A. annular
B. total
C. partial

2. What made this eclipse so unique?
A. its location for viewing in the world
B. its timing on the calendar
C. its movement across the sky

3. Who is the most likely audience for this news report?
A. intermediate skywatchers
B. novice observers
C. avid astronomers

4. Which statement was NOT mentioned about viewing an eclipse?
A. Sunglasses block out only a limited amount of the sun's ultraviolet rays that can damage the eye.
B. Sunglasses can only filter harmful rays during total solar eclipses at their greatest magnitude.
C. Sunglasses tend to cause the center of the eye to enlarge allowing in more intense light.

5. What is one fact we do not learn from the final commentary of the video?
A. the date of an upcoming solar eclipse
B. where the next Christmas eclipse will occur
C. how to record an eclipse for your posterity

Score =
Correct answers:

2. Listen to the conversation again as you read the Quiz Script.

3. Do the Text Completion Quiz.

III. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

Using search engines again, find out when the next solar eclipse (annular, partial, or total will occur in your area. How often do they occur around the world and how can you observe them safely? Anciently, how did people respond to this natural wonder?

Now, write your opinions on a similar topic at Randall's ESL Blog HERE.

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