B2 – Upper Intermediate
Many have been very curious about their ancestry. So they turn to DNA ancestry kits to trace the origins of their family.
The question is just how accurate is DNA ancestry tracing.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript on whether or not we can trust DNA ancestry kits.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english_2024/ep-241205
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to take (it) with a pinch of salt” mean? “Not so long ago I sent off a home DNA testing kit and the results that came back were broadly in line with expectations, but it had some little glitches in there which made me think, is this accurate? Or is it to be taken with a pinch of salt?” Use this idiom in a sentence.
- What does “forebears” mean? “So ‘ancestry’ is really about people, it’s about your actual forebears.” Use this word in a sentence.
- What does “to blow one’s mind” mean here, “The second company’s DNA test blows Greg’s mind. There’s no evidence of his ancestors being English at all!”? Use this expression in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Should DNA ancestry kits be taken with a pinch of salt? Share your insights.
- Is tracing our genealogy important? Why or why not?
- Would you be interested to research about your roots? Why or why not?
- Share the most interesting thing you know of about any of your forebears.