SKILLS REVIEW

 

Integrated Speaking Skills 8 and 9 for Task 3, General/Specific: Organizing and Addressing the Main Points in the Reading and the Lecture, and Integrating General Information from the Reading with Specific Information from the Lecture

 

1. You will now read a short passage and then listen to a lecture on the same academic subject. After you hear the question about them, you have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to answer.

The Environmental Impact of Plastic Bags

Plastic bags represent a significant threat to the environment, humans, and animals. It is estimated that somewhere between 500 billion and a trillion plastic bags are used worldwide each year. It takes a great deal of precious, non-renewable resources, such as oil and natural gas, to produce them. In addition, plastic bags are not biodegradable, meaning they do not readily break down. The result is an excessive build-up when they are dumped in landfills or harmful air pollution if they are burned. The bags contain toxic chemicals that can leak into the soil and water, creating serious health risks for both animals and humans. Likewise, animals can accidentaly eat the bags, making them sick or even killing them.

Now listen to part of a lecture on this topic in an environmental studies class. 

Directions: Record your response to the following prompt.

 

1. Explain how the examples discussed by the professor relate to the environmental impact of plastic bags.

2. You will now read a short passage and then listen to a conversation on the same topic. After you hear the question about them, you have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to answer.

 

Write for The Collegian

Calling all aspiring reporters! Here is your chance to see your name in print. The Collegian is now accepting freelance articles for our “Features” section. “Features” articles are generally about 1000–1500 words long and highlight some aspect of campus community life—club or organization activity, special events and presentations, or even profiles of interesting students. Check past issues of The Collegian for examples of the types of “Features” articles we publish. All published articles must adhere to The Collegian and Central University guidelines. A copy of the guidelines is available at The Collegian office in the Student Union. Articles may be edited for length and content. Gain experience and share your views with your fellow students. Email infocollegian@ibtx.edu or check our website http://www.ibtx.edu/thecollegian for more information.

 

2. Now listen to a conversation on this topic. 

Directions: Record your response to the following prompt.

2. The professor discusses the windshield wipers invented by Mary Anderson. Explain how her invention illustrates the steps in the process of invention.

SELF-EVALUATION: SKILLS REVIEW

Directions: Listen to the recordings of your responses to the Skills Review for Skills 1–3 and complete the self-evaluation chart below by taking notes on a separate sheet of paper. Alternatively, use the form in the printed textbook on page 148. How well do you feel you did these things? Rank questions 1–8 from 1 to 5. Then answer questions 9–11.