Level4 Unit2 Part2 Listening
Point of view
This man is holding a piece of fruit in his hand. The piece of fruit is either an orange or an apple. We can’t see which it is because we can’t see inside the box. The probability that it is an orange is equal to the probability that it is an apple. It may be an apple, and it may be an orange. It’s got to be one or the other. It can’t be anything else.
Now let’s look at it from the man’s point of view. From his point of view, the probabilities are different. From his point of view, the probability that he has an orange is 100% or 0%. That’s because he knows what he has. For him there is no uncertainty. If he has an orange, the probability is 100%. If he doesn’t have an orange, the probability is 0%. He either has it or he doesn’t.
From our point of view, the probability that he has an orange is 50%. From his point of view, the probability that he has an orange is 100% or 0%. So the probability depends on your point of view.
People see things from different points of view. This often leads to arguments between people. Here are some examples. From this man’s point of view, he is relaxing. He needs to relax because he has been working too hard. He hasn’t been getting enough sleep.
His wife sees things differently. She isn’t aware of how hard he has been working. From her point of view, he is doing nothing. However, she knows what needs to be done around the house. It isn’t fair that she has to work while he does nothing.
When people see things from different points of view, they often come to different conclusions. These differences can cause real communication problems.
Level4 Unit2 Part2 Vocabulary
Disasters
Earthquakes are caused by forces deep within the earth. When the earth shakes, buildings can collapse and people can be buried inside.
An explosion is a rapid, violent release of energy. Explosions can be caused by chemical reaction, such as inside an engine. A spark can ignite a mixture of gases, and release energy for good or destructive purposes.
Accidents are often caused by people doing foolish things or by not being careful. One major cause of accidents is driving too fast. Accidents with fire can be very serious and can result in very painful injuries.
Epidemics are the rapid spread of a disease, such as the flu or Ebola. Throughout history epidemics have killed millions of people.
Storms are caused by changes in the atmosphere resulting in high winds and heavy rain. Thunderstorms are caused by electric charges in the atmosphere that produce lightning, which can cause forest fires. Some storms cause flooding and major damage to homes and cities.
Religions
Followers of the Islam religion are called Muslims. These Muslims are praying inside a mosque. Muslims are called to prayer 5 times a day, beginning just before sunrise.
Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who lived more than 2000 years ago. Christians believe that Jesus is the son of god. Christians often gather in churches or cathedrals to worship.
Followers of Judaism are called Jews. These Jews are meeting inside a synagogue, which is a place of worship and study. Judaism was founded over 35 hundred years ago in the middle east. Judaism is based on the teachings of Moses, who they believe is the most important prophet.
Buddhism began in India and is based on the teachings of the Buddha. The religion is about 25 hundred years old. Some Buddhists practice a form of meditation in which they empty their minds of any thought.
Hinduism is the world’s third most popular religion and is the main religion of India. Hinduism has no founder and is a mixture of many beliefs. Some Hindus believe in the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth.
Level4 Unit2 Part2 Dialogue
Missing Aircraft
Do you have any more information about the location of the missing aircraft?
No, we don’t. The only information we have is that it disappeared.
What about the last communication with the aircraft?
The last communication was about 15 minutes before it disappeared.
Was there anything unusual in the communication?
No, there wasn't anything unusual.
Nothing pointed to any kind of problem.
Anyway, we are confident that we will find it.
It’s a large aircraft so it shouldn’t be difficult to find.
How many countries are helping with the search?
Right now, we have search teams from 3 countries starting the search.
It’s a big area to search, so can you give us an estimate about how long it will take?
Yes, it’s a big area, so it might take a long time.
But we won’t give up.
We will search until we find it.
Have they found the wreckage yet?
What are you talking about?
You know, the airplane that disappeared last year.
Oh, yes, now I know what you are referring to.
Yes, they found some piece of it.
What about the black boxes?
No, they still haven’t found the black boxes.
It’s hard to believe they still don’t know what happened.
Perhaps they’ll never know, especially if they don’t find the black boxes.
Whatever happened to it, there is no good reason why a modern airline is allowed to disappear.
I agree with you.
