Learning English Podcast - December 22, 2024
VOA Learning English Podcast - VOA Learning English
Deep Dive
Why did the Hospital for Soft Toys start in Venezuela?
A teacher named Lilian Gluck wanted to find a way to repurpose her children's old toys instead of discarding them. She decided to repair and donate them to children in need.
How many toys has the Hospital for Soft Toys recycled so far?
The group estimates it has recycled about 70,000 toys over the past seven years.
What is the main cause of NASA's Mars helicopter, Ingenuity, crashing?
The crash was linked to the helicopter's navigation system, which failed to collect dependable data on the Martian surface, leading to an unsafe landing.
What was the purpose of NASA's Ingenuity helicopter on Mars?
Ingenuity was built to test takeoff, short flight, and landing operations on Mars, aiming to support future aircraft development for other planets.
What expressions can be derived from the word 'cold'?
Expressions include 'stop cold' (to stop suddenly), 'cold call' (unsolicited business contact), and 'come in from the cold' (to rejoin society after being excluded).
What advice does the Hospital for Soft Toys give with each restored doll?
Each doll comes with a message encouraging the new owner to recycle it when they no longer want it, promoting the cycle of giving and care.
What is the difference between 'supposed to' and 'ought to' in English?
'Supposed to' is used for expected behavior or predictions, while 'ought to' is used for strong suggestions or advice, sometimes expressing disapproval.
What did NASA learn from Ingenuity's crash that could benefit future Mars missions?
NASA learned that future aircraft do not necessarily need to be large or heavily built to function in the Martian environment, suggesting smaller, lighter designs could be effective.
What is the Mars Chopper Rotocraft, and how does it differ from Ingenuity?
The Mars Chopper Rotocraft is a future aircraft being developed by NASA, which would be 20 times heavier than Ingenuity and capable of carrying science equipment over longer distances, up to 3 kilometers in a day.
What is the expression 'a little bird told me' used for?
It is an expression used to indicate that one has secret or special knowledge about something, often in a humorous or playful context.
- Hospital for Soft Toys in Caracas, Venezuela repairs old toys.
- Around 60 volunteers repair about 70,000 toys in seven years.
- Toys are donated to hospitals, schools, and homes for older people.
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