Learning English Podcast - January 06, 2025
VOA Learning English Podcast - VOA Learning English
Deep Dive
What is significant about the discovery of the baby mammoth named Yana?
Yana is a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth discovered in Siberia, preserved in melting permafrost. She is the best-preserved mammoth ever found, weighing over 100 kilograms and standing 120 centimeters tall. Scientists believe she was one year old when she died. Her remains provide valuable insights into how mammoths lived and adapted to their environment.
What major sky events can be expected in 2025?
In 2025, skywatchers can expect a six-planet parade in January, a seven-planet alignment in February, a total lunar eclipse in March, and a partial solar eclipse later in March. September will feature a total lunar eclipse visible in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia, followed by a partial solar eclipse in the South Pacific. Three supermoons will occur in October, November, and December, with November's supermoon being the closest to Earth at 356,980 kilometers.
What does the term 'kickoff' mean in American football and everyday language?
In American football, 'kickoff' refers to the start of the game or the act of kicking the ball to the opposing team after scoring. In everyday language, 'kickoff' is used to describe the beginning of an event or project, such as the launch of a new museum or starting the new year with resolutions.
What does it mean to 'move the goalposts' in a work context?
To 'move the goalposts' means to change the rules or objectives of a task, making it harder to achieve. For example, if a social media manager is asked to increase followers by 10,000 but the target is later raised to 20,000, the goalposts have been moved. This can make success difficult or impossible.
What were some of the biggest space stories of 2024?
In 2024, significant space events included the first U.S. moon landing in over 50 years by the Odysseus spacecraft, Japan's SLIM spacecraft landing upside down on the moon, China's successful return of lunar samples from the far side of the moon, and the launch of ESA's Hera mission to study the asteroid Dimorphos. NASA also launched the Europa Clipper to search for signs of life on Jupiter's moon Europa.
What is the purpose of NASA's Europa Clipper mission?
The Europa Clipper mission aims to search for possible signs of life on Jupiter's moon Europa. Scientists believe Europa has a large ocean beneath its icy surface, making it a prime candidate for supporting life. The spacecraft will use gravity assists from Mars and Earth to reach Jupiter by 2030.
How does intonation help in clarifying understanding in English?
Intonation, particularly rising intonation at the end of a sentence, helps clarify understanding by signaling a request for confirmation. For example, saying 'It's this weekend?' with rising intonation indicates the speaker is checking if they heard correctly. This technique is useful for learners to ensure clear communication.
- Discovery of a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth named Yana in Siberia.
- Yana is the best-preserved mammoth ever found.
- Melting permafrost led to the discovery.
- Scientists at Russia's Northeastern Federal University will study Yana's remains.
Shownotes Transcript