B2 – Upper Intermediate
In a world where both natural and human-caused catastrophes seem to be becoming more prevalent, the issue of whether we are able to prevent or decrease these disastrous events becomes critical. “Can you stop a disaster?” reflects our common search for answers, resilience, and readiness in the face of impending disasters.
Watch the video or read the transcript to learn whether it’s possible to prevent a disaster.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2023/ep-230803
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “within one’s grasp” mean? “Fortunately, ways to limit the damage are within our grasp.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- Define “act of God”. “But Roy isn’t the only victim of an unpredictable natural event, sometimes called an act of God.” Make a sentence with this phrase.
- What does “hundredfold” mean? “Bangladesh has seen a hundred fold decrease in cyclone deaths since the introduction of its new monitoring and alert system.” Use it in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever faced a natural disaster, and what impact did it have on you and your community?
- Do you believe we can prevent or reduce the effects of natural disasters, or do some events remain beyond human control, like Roy Sullivan’s lightning strikes?
- How do you see technology’s role in disaster management? Do you think advanced or simpler solutions are more effective?.
- Can you share how your community prepared for or responded to natural disasters, and how well did these efforts work?