| Level: |
Topic: |
Speakers: |
Length: |
| difficult |
solar eclipses |
man |
02:15 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
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.
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.
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In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
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In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
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For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.
- Watching a solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Schools should cancel classes so students can watch solar eclipses.
- Everyone should wear special glasses when watching an eclipse, even for a short time.
- Solar eclipses help people become more interested in science.
- Space events like eclipses are more exciting than man-made space missions.
- Learning about space should be a required part of every school’s curriculum.
- The government should spend more money on space education and awareness.
- Eclipses are just natural events and don’t have any special meaning.
- Space discoveries are more important than exploring the deep ocean.
- People should travel to different places just to experience a total solar eclipse.
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.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Post-Listening Exercise
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?