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"The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready" by Bill Gates

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"The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready" by Bill Gates

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Summary:

Bill Gates warned about the potential dangers of a global pandemic years before COVID-19. He emphasized the need for better healthcare infrastructure, global cooperation, and proactive planning to mitigate future outbreaks. He discussed how past epidemics, such as Ebola, demonstrated the weaknesses in global health systems. Gates proposed solutions such as investing in vaccine research, strengthening early detection systems, and improving healthcare accessibility worldwide. He stressed that governments and organizations must act before a crisis occurs rather than react after the fact.

Vocabulary:

1. Pandemic (n.) – A disease outbreak that spreads globally.

2. Epidemiology (n.) – The study of disease patterns and causes.

3. Contagion (n.) – The transmission of disease.

4. Infrastructure (n.) – Basic physical systems and services.

5. Proactive (adj.) – Taking action before a problem arises.

6. Mitigation (n.) – The act of reducing severity.

7. Surveillance (n.) – Close observation, especially for disease control.

8. Immunization (n.) – The process of becoming resistant to disease.

9. Resilience (n.) – The ability to recover quickly.

10. Contingency plan (n.) – A strategy for unexpected situations.

Opinion:

COVID-19 proved that the world was unprepared, and investment in healthcare infrastructure is essential. However, it is difficult to predict pandemics accurately, and over-preparing could divert resources from other pressing issues. A balanced approach is needed, where governments invest in preventive healthcare while ensuring resources are not wasted on hypothetical threats. International cooperation will be crucial in addressing future pandemics effectively.

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"Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are" by Amy Cuddy

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"Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are" by Amy Cuddy

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Summary:

Amy Cuddy explains how body language influences self-perception and how others perceive us. She introduces the concept of "power posing," which involves adopting confident postures to boost self-esteem and improve performance in high-stress situations. She presents research showing that adopting open, expansive postures can lead to physiological changes, such as increased testosterone levels and decreased cortisol, which enhance confidence. Cuddy emphasizes that small adjustments in body language can have profound effects on personal and professional success.

Vocabulary:

1. Nonverbal communication (n.) – Conveying messages without words.

2. Posture (n.) – The way someone holds their body.

3. Self-perception (n.) – How one views themselves.

4. Assertiveness (n.) – Confidence without aggression.

5. Physiological (adj.) – Relating to bodily functions.

6. Cortisol (n.) – A hormone linked to stress.

7. Testosterone (n.) – A hormone associated with confidence.

8. Empowerment (n.) – The process of gaining confidence and control.

9. Charisma (n.) – A compelling charm or attractiveness.

10. Influence (n.) – The power to affect behavior or decisions.

Opinion:

Body language plays a significant role in confidence and social interactions. While power posing may help temporarily, true confidence comes from skill development and experience. The psychological and physiological effects of body language should not be underestimated, but long-term confidence is built through competence, self-awareness, and real-life experiences. Developing strong communication skills alongside positive body language can lead to greater success in personal and professional settings.

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"Our Campaign to Ban Plastic Bags in Bali" by Melati and Isabel Wijsen

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"Our Campaign to Ban Plastic Bags in Bali" by Melati and Isabel Wijsen

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Summary:

Melati and Isabel Wijsen, two teenage activists from Bali, launched a campaign to ban plastic bags in their country. Alarmed by the environmental damage caused by plastic pollution, they initiated the Bye Bye Plastic Bags movement to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable alternatives. Through persistent advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with the government, they successfully influenced policy changes leading to a plastic bag ban in Bali. Their story exemplifies how young people can drive social and environmental change, proving that grassroots activism can lead to impactful legislative action.

Vocabulary:

1. Activism (n.) – The practice of campaigning for social or political change.

2. Legislation (n.) – Laws enacted by a government.

3. Advocacy (n.) – Public support for a cause or policy.

4. Initiative (n.) – A plan or strategy to achieve a goal.

5. Biodegradable (adj.) – Capable of decomposing naturally.

6. Sustainable (adj.) – Using resources without depleting them.

7. Marine ecosystem (n.) – The aquatic environment and organisms living in it.

8. Contamination (n.) – The presence of harmful substances.

9. Corporate responsibility (n.) – The obligation of businesses to act ethically.

10. Grassroots (adj.) – Originating from ordinary people rather than officials.

Opinion:

Banning plastic bags is an effective way to reduce pollution and protect marine life. However, alternative solutions need to be in place to avoid inconvenience to businesses and consumers. The success of the movement in Bali demonstrates the power of youth-led activism, but global corporations and governments must take greater responsibility in addressing plastic waste. While individual actions are essential, large-scale systemic changes are required to create lasting environmental impact.

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Summary:

Sherry Turkle, a renowned sociologist and psychologist, explores the paradox of modern communication in her TED Talk. She argues that despite being constantly connected through technology, people are becoming increasingly isolated. Turkle highlights how social media and digital devices give us an illusion of companionship without real emotional depth. She points out that people prefer texting over face-to-face conversations, as it allows them to control how they present themselves. However, this convenience leads to a loss of meaningful interactions, affecting emotional connections and personal relationships. She warns against the overuse of technology in social interactions and urges individuals to embrace real-life conversations to foster deeper human connections.

Vocabulary:

1. Alienation (n.) – The feeling of being isolated or estranged.

2. Solitude (n.) – The state of being alone, often by choice.

3. Superficial (adj.) – Lacking depth or substance; shallow.

4. Detachment (n.) – Emotional disconnection or disengagement.

5. Empathy (n.) – The ability to understand and share others' emotions.

6. Introspection (n.) – The process of examining one's thoughts and feelings.

7. Validation (n.) – The recognition or affirmation of someone's worth or feelings.

8. Vulnerability (n.) – The quality of being open to emotional harm.

9. Over-reliance (n.) – Excessive dependence on something.

10. Digitalization (n.) – The process of converting information into digital form.

11. Isolation (n.) – The state of being physically or emotionally separated from others.

12. Authenticity (n.) – The quality of being genuine and true.

13. Fragmentation (n.) – The process of breaking into disconnected parts.

14. Interpersonal (adj.) – Relating to interactions between individuals.

15. Disengagement (n.) – The act of withdrawing or not participating.

Opinion:

I agree with Turkle’s argument that technology has distanced us emotionally while making us feel superficially connected. Many people today prefer virtual conversations, which lack depth and emotional sincerity. However, technology also provides invaluable means to maintain long-distance relationships and communicate efficiently. The issue is not technology itself but how people use it. The detachment from real-life conversations has led to a decline in authentic emotional exchanges, fostering a culture of superficiality. Additionally, over-reliance on digital communication inhibits genuine interpersonal development, making individuals less adept at navigating complex social situations.

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Summary:

Sherry Turkle shares her research and observations on the impact of technology on human relationships. She argues that while we may be more connected than ever through smartphones and social media, we are losing the ability to truly communicate and connect. We feel more comfortable communicating through screens, where we can control our image and avoid awkward moments. However, this leads to loneliness and isolation, as we no longer know how to build deep, meaningful relationships.

Vocabulary:

Connectivity (n): khả năng kết nối

Intimacy (n): sự thân mật

Vulnerability (n): sự dễ bị tổn thương

Empathy (n): sự đồng cảm

Simulation (n): sự mô phỏng

Authenticity (n): tính xác thực

Isolation (n): sự cô lập

Paradox (n): nghịch lý

Superficial (adj): hời hợt

Diminished (adj): suy giảm

My opinion: https://voca.ro/18sAtg7xPX7j

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"Life is Easy. Why Do We Make It So Hard?" by Jon Jandai

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"Life is Easy. Why Do We Make It So Hard?" by Jon Jandai

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Summary:

The video shares the philosophy of minimalist living and self-sufficiency. Jandai believes that people often create unnecessary complications in their lives by chasing after material things, fame, and social standards. Instead, he encourages us to go back to the basics, learn to grow our own food, build our own homes, and enjoy the simple joys of nature. Jandai emphasizes that life is inherently very simple, and we can live happily with what we have.

Vocabulary:

Self-sufficiency (n): sự tự cung tự cấp

Minimalism (n): chủ nghĩa tối giản

Materialism (n): chủ nghĩa duy vật

Consumerism (n): chủ nghĩa tiêu dùng

Simplicity (n): sự đơn giản

Sustainability (n): tính bền vững

Indigenous (adj): bản địa

Wisdom (n): sự khôn ngoan

Abundance (n): sự dư dả

Liberation (n): sự giải phóng

My opinion: https://voca.ro/180brbqWV71f

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"What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness" by Robert Waldinger

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"What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness" by Robert Waldinger

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Summary:

The video points out that the key to happiness is not fame, fortune or status, but quality relationships. People who are more socially connected, whether with family, friends or community, are healthier and happier. Loneliness, on the other hand, can be detrimental to both physical and mental health. The video emphasizes the importance of investing in relationships, not just the quantity but also the quality, to have a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Vocabulary:

Longevity (n): tuổi thọ

Well-being (n): hạnh phúc, sự khỏe mạnh

Affluence (n): sự giàu có, sung túc

Cognitive decline (n): sự suy giảm nhận thức

Correlation (n): sự tương quan

Intimacy (n): sự thân mật

Vulnerability (n): sự dễ bị tổn thương

Resilience (n): khả năng phục hồi

Enigmatic (adj): bí ẩn, khó hiểu

My opinion:

https://voca.ro/116Bcns0FLZg

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food.

https://voca.ro/18Yk8X2jwxBt

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Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.

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T.7.14

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Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.

# data[].attributes.body
T .7.14

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https://voca.ro/1nl8O4XSUQwd

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https://voca.ro/1gBnzj4EaNKt

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OPINION VIDEO 10: "The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready" by Bill Gates

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OPINION VIDEO 10: "The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready" by Bill Gates

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OPINION VIDEO 9: "Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are" by Amy Cuddy

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OPINION VIDEO 9: "Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are" by Amy Cuddy

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OPINION VIDEO 8: "Our Campaign to Ban Plastic Bags in Bali" by Melati and Isabel Wijsen

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OPINION VIDEO 8: "Our Campaign to Ban Plastic Bags in Bali" by Melati and Isabel Wijsen

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OPINION VIDEO 7: "This Country Isn't Just Carbon Neutral; It's Carbon Negative" by Tshering Tobgay

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OPINION VIDEO 7: "This Country Isn't Just Carbon Neutral; It's Carbon Negative" by Tshering Tobgay

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OPINION VIDEO 6: "Connected but Alone" by Sherry Turkle

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OPINION VIDEO 6: "Connected but Alone" by Sherry Turkle

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OPINION VIDEO 5: "Life is Easy. Why Do We Make It So Hard?" by Jon Jandai

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OPINION VIDEO 5: "Life is Easy. Why Do We Make It So Hard?" by Jon Jandai

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OPINION VIDEO 4: "What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness" by Robert Waldinger

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OPINION VIDEO 4: "What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness" by Robert Waldinger

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OPINION VIDEO 3: "How to Make Stress Your Friend?" by Kelly McGonigal

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OPINION VIDEO 3: "How to Make Stress Your Friend?" by Kelly McGonigal

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OPINION VIDEO 2: "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" by Ken Robinson

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OPINION VIDEO 2: "Do Schools Kill Creativity?" by Ken Robinson

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OPINION VIDEO 1: "GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth

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OPINION VIDEO 1: "GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth

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VIDEO 1: "GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth

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VIDEO 1: "GRIT: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth

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I. Summary

Angela Duckworth used to work in business but later became a teacher. She wanted to know why some students did well in school while others did not. She found that being smart was not the most important thing. Instead, "grit"—meaning passion and hard work for a long time—helped people succeed. She studied students, teachers, soldiers, and workers. In every case, people with more grit were more successful. But she does not know exactly how to teach grit. One idea is the "growth mindset," which means believing that you can get better if you keep trying. She says we need more research to find the best way to help kids develop grit and never give up.

II. Opinion

I agree with Angela Duckworth’s idea that grit is important for success. Many people think being smart is the key to success, but hard work and never giving up are even more important. Even if someone is very talented, they won’t achieve much if they quit too easily. I also like the idea of a "growth mindset." If people believe they can improve by working hard, they will keep trying instead of giving up. This is very important for students, workers, and even athletes. However, we still need to learn more about how to help people become grittier. Schools and parents should teach kids to keep going even when things are difficult. In the end, success is not just about talent—it’s about effort and determination.

III. Vocabulary

1.      Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): The ability to keep trying even when things are difficult.
Example: His perseverance helped him finish the marathon despite the pain.

2.      Determination /dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃn/ (noun): The strong will to achieve something despite obstacles.
Example: Her determination to succeed made her study every night.

3.      Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The ability to recover from difficulties.
Example: The athlete showed resilience after losing the first match.

4.      Grit /ɡrɪt/ (noun): Passion and persistence for long-term goals.
Example: She showed grit by continuing to practice after many failures.

5.      Achievement /əˈtʃiːvmənt/ (noun): A goal that has been reached through effort.
Example: Graduating from university was a big achievement for him.

6.      Motivation /ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃn/ (noun): The reason why someone wants to do something.
Example: Her motivation for learning English was to study abroad.

7.      Endurance /ɪnˈdjʊərəns/ (noun): The ability to keep going without giving up.
Example: Running a marathon requires great endurance.

8.      Commitment /kəˈmɪtmənt/ (noun): A strong dedication to something.
Example: His commitment to his job made him work late every night.

9.      Obstacles /ˈɒbstəklz/ (noun): Things that make it difficult to succeed.
Example: She faced many obstacles, but she never gave up on her dream.

10.  Mindset /ˈmaɪndset/ (noun): A way of thinking.
Example: A positive mindset can help you overcome challenges.

11.  Ambitious /æmˈbɪʃəs/ (adjective): Wanting to achieve great things.
Example: She is very ambitious and hopes to become a doctor.

12.  Diligent /ˈdɪlɪdʒənt/ (adjective): Working hard and carefully.
Example: He is a diligent student who studies every day.

13.  Persistent /pəˈsɪstənt/ (adjective): Continuing to try even when things are hard.
Example: Her persistent efforts helped her win the competition.

14.  Challenging /ˈtʃælɪndʒɪŋ/ (adjective): Difficult but interesting or rewarding.
Example: Learning a new language is challenging but fun.

15.  Passionate /ˈpæʃənət/ (adjective): Having strong feelings about something.
Example: She is passionate about teaching and helping students succeed.

16.  Influential /ˌɪnfluˈenʃl/ (adjective): Having a strong effect on people or situations.
Example: His speech was very influential and changed many people’s opinions.

17.  Rewarding /rɪˈwɔːdɪŋ/ (adjective): Giving satisfaction or happiness.
Example: Helping others is a very rewarding experience.

18.  Discouraged /dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒd/ (adjective): Feeling like you want to give up.
Example: He felt discouraged after failing the test, but he kept studying.

19.  Encouragement /ɪnˈkʌrɪdʒmənt/ (noun): Support that helps someone feel more confident.
Example: Her teacher’s encouragement helped her believe in herself.

20.  Overcome /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm/ (verb): To successfully deal with a difficulty.
Example: She overcame her fear of public speaking through practice.

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VIDEO 10: "The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready" by Bill Gates

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VIDEO 10: "The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready" by Bill Gates

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I. Summary

The speaker talks about how, as a child, people were most afraid of nuclear war. Families even stored food and water in basements in case of an attack. But today, the biggest danger is not war, it’s a fast-spreading virus.

The Ebola outbreak showed that the world is not ready for a big epidemic. There were many problems, like slow reporting, not enough doctors, and no quick response system. Ebola didn’t spread worldwide because of three things: hard work from health workers, the way the virus spreads, and luck. But next time, we might not be so lucky.

A future virus could spread through the air, like the Spanish Flu in 1918, which killed over 30 million people. To stop this, we need:

Better health systems in poor countries.

A trained team of doctors ready to act fast.

Help from the military to move supplies and control outbreaks.

Practice drills to see where we need to improve.

More research on vaccines and medicine.

Preparing for a virus will cost much less than dealing with a huge outbreak. The speaker says we must act now before it’s too late. The Ebola crisis should be a warning to get ready for the next epidemic.

II. Opinion

I strongly agree that the world must be better prepared for future epidemics. The Ebola outbreak exposed major weaknesses in our global health system, including slow responses, a lack of trained medical teams, and poor communication. If a more contagious and deadly virus spreads, it could cause millions of deaths and severe economic damage. We have the technology and knowledge to improve our response, but without proper investment and planning, we will remain vulnerable. Strengthening health systems, training medical teams, and developing vaccines in advance are crucial steps. Instead of waiting for another crisis, governments and organizations should act now to prevent a global disaster.

III. Vocabulary

1.      Catastrophe /kəˈtæstrəfi/ (noun): A very bad event that causes a lot of damage.
Example: The earthquake was a major catastrophe for the country.

2.      Epidemic /ˌepɪˈdemɪk/ (noun): A disease that spreads quickly in one area.
Example: The flu epidemic affected thousands of people.

3.      Infectious /ɪnˈfekʃəs/ (adjective): A disease that spreads from one person to another.
Example: COVID-19 is an infectious disease.

4.      Contagious /kənˈteɪdʒəs/ (adjective): Something that spreads easily, especially a disease.
Example: The common cold is very contagious.

5.      Transmission /trænzˈmɪʃn/ (noun): The act of passing something from one person to another.
Example: Good hygiene can help stop the transmission of germs.

6.      Outbreak /ˈaʊtbreɪk/ (noun): A sudden start of a disease or problem.
Example: The outbreak of the virus caused schools to close.

7.      Surveillance /sɜːˈveɪləns/ (noun): Watching something carefully to detect problems.
Example: Health surveillance helps track the spread of diseases.

8.      Intervention /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ (noun): Taking action to stop a problem from getting worse.
Example: Early intervention can help control an epidemic.

9.      Mobilize /ˈməʊbəlaɪz/ (verb): To get people or resources ready for action.
Example: The government mobilized doctors to help with the crisis.

10.  Logistics /ləˈdʒɪstɪks/ (noun): Planning and organizing how to move people or things.
Example: The military handled the logistics of vaccine distribution.

11.  Pandemic /pænˈdemɪk/ (noun): A disease that spreads to many countries.
Example: The COVID-19 pandemic affected the whole world.

12.  Devastating /ˈdevəsteɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Causing a lot of damage or suffering.
Example: The hurricane had a devastating effect on the city.

13.  Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ (noun): The basic systems a country needs, like roads and hospitals.
Example: Good healthcare infrastructure helps fight diseases.

14.  Equity /ˈekwəti/ (noun): Fair treatment for everyone.
Example: Global health equity means all people get medical care.

15.  Reservoir /ˈrezəvwɑː(r)/ (noun): A place where something is stored, like water or a virus.
Example: Some animals are reservoirs for dangerous viruses.

16.  Preparedness /prɪˈpeərɪdnəs/ (noun): Being ready for something bad that might happen.
Example: Disaster preparedness can save many lives.

17.  Mutation /mjuːˈteɪʃn/ (noun): A change in a virus or gene.
Example: The virus mutation made it more dangerous.

18.  Deploy /dɪˈplɔɪ/ (verb): To send people or equipment for a specific purpose.
Example: Doctors were deployed to help with the epidemic.

19.  Breakthrough /ˈbreɪkθruː/ (noun): A big and important discovery.
Example: Scientists made a breakthrough in vaccine research.

20.  Eradication /ɪˌrædɪˈkeɪʃn/ (noun): The complete removal of something, especially a disease.
Example: The eradication of polio was a great success in medicine.

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https://voca.ro/19LjXx4ulcw0

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Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.

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https://voca.ro/1bv2p8OkVttz

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Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.

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https://voca.ro/17pf6RQmY2Ix

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Vocaroo is a quick and easy way to share voice messages over the interwebs.

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https://voca.ro/13kg13l3X31M

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https://voca.ro/1FVMmdFHUhUb

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https://voca.ro/1dYFXfVd01yw

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A Day in Mary’s Life

https://voca.ro/1kJAR1zNfLZJ

The Courage of James

https://voca.ro/1eu4kGZsCayS

The Journey of Rachel

https://voca.ro/12a02w6jWO5f

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1. A Day in Mary’s Life: https://voca.ro/1aDbmPH2Otoo

2. The Courage of James: https://voca.ro/123jpLVVsbcL

3. The Journey of Rachel: https://voca.ro/1mT2CnwtOsRq

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Jack's Journey to the Countryside:

https://voca.ro/180th3XSBlrc

Lily's Lovely Life:

https://voca.ro/1nK8RDMBX5Ze

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Bài 10: "The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready" by Bill Gates

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Bài 10: "The Next Outbreak? We’re Not Ready" by Bill Gates

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Summary:

The speaker reflects on past fears of nuclear war, contrasting them with today's greatest global threat: highly infectious viruses. Unlike nuclear deterrents, little investment has been made in epidemic preparedness.

The Ebola outbreak exposed major gaps in response systems, such as a lack of trained epidemiologists, slow case reporting, and insufficient medical teams. Fortunately, Ebola’s limited spread was due to its nature and some heroic efforts, but future outbreaks could be far worse, especially with airborne viruses.

To prevent a devastating pandemic, we must build a strong global response system. This includes strengthening health systems in poorer countries, creating a trained medical reserve corps, integrating military logistics, conducting epidemic simulations, and investing in vaccine research. The cost of preparedness is small compared to the potential economic and human losses of a major outbreak.

Rather than panic, we should use past epidemics as a wake-up call. If we act now, we can be ready for the next epidemic and protect global health.

Vocabulary:

Epidemic – (n.) A widespread outbreak of a disease that affects many people in a specific area.

Pandemic – (n.) A disease outbreak that spreads across multiple countries or the world.

Preparedness – (n.) The state of being ready for something, especially an emergency.

Epidemiologists – (n.) Scientists who study the spread and control of diseases.

Deterrents – (n.) Things that discourage or prevent an action, especially to stop bad events from happening.

Airborne – (adj.) Transported through the air.

Logistics – (n.) The planning and coordination of complex operations, often involving transportation and supplies.

Integration – (n.) The process of combining different systems or groups into a single, effective unit.

Idioms:

A wake-up call – An event that serves as a warning to take action before something worse happens.

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Bài 9: "Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are" by Amy Cuddy

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Bài 9: "Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are" by Amy Cuddy

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Summary:

Amy Cuddy discusses the impact of body language on confidence and success. She introduces a "no-tech life hack," which involves adopting powerful postures for two minutes to influence one’s mindset. Studies show that body language not only affects how others perceive us but also how we perceive ourselves. Expansive, open postures (power poses) increase dominance hormone (testosterone) and reduce stress hormone (cortisol), making individuals feel more confident and less anxious.

Cuddy’s research indicates that power posing before high-stakes situations, like job interviews, enhances performance. In experiments, participants who adopted high-power poses were more likely to take risks and were evaluated more positively in job interviews. She emphasizes that this technique is not about appearing dominant to others but about mentally preparing oneself.

She shares her personal story of overcoming imposter syndrome after a severe car accident that impacted her cognitive abilities. By repeatedly "faking it till you became it," she eventually regained confidence and success. She encourages others to practice power poses to bring their most authentic and capable selves into challenging situations.

Vocabulary:

Audit: an official examination of accounts or records

Attributable: regarded as being caused by something

Chronic: continuing for a long time, especially of a disease or problem

Configure: to arrange something in a particular way

Physiology: the scientific study of how the bodies of living things function

Resonated: had a deep emotional effect on someone

Idioms:

Take the bull by the horns: To face a difficult situation bravely and directly.

A level playing field: A situation that balanced and fair

bite off more than (one) can chew: to take on more responsibilitty than one can handle.

"Break the ice" – To start a conversation in a way that makes people feel more comfortable.

"Call the shots" – To be the one in control or making the decisions.

"Hit the nail on the head" – To describe exactly what is causing a situation or problem.

"In the driver’s seat" – To be in control of a situation.

"Keep an eye on" – To watch or monitor something carefully.

"Play devil’s advocate" – To argue against an idea, even if you don’t believe in it, to test its strength.

"Read between the lines" – To understand something that isn’t directly stated.

"Speak volumes": To reveal or indicate a great deal about someone or something.

"Step up to the plate" – To take responsibility for doing something important.

"Throw in the towel" – To give up or admit defeat.

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Bài 8: "Our Campaign to Ban Plastic Bags in Bali" by Melati and Isabel Wijsen

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Bài 8: "Our Campaign to Ban Plastic Bags in Bali" by Melati and Isabel Wijsen

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Summary:

Two young activists, Melati and Isabel Wijsen, share their journey in fighting plastic pollution in Bali. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s hunger strikes, they decided to go on their own until the governor of Bali agreed to meet them. Their efforts, supported by social media, quickly gained attention, leading to a meeting where the governor pledged to reduce plastic bag use. Their campaign, "One Island / One Voice," encourages businesses to go plastic-free, and they continue to push for change. They emphasize that kids can make a difference and inspire young people to take action for a better future.

Vocabulary:

Escort: a person or group of people or vehicles that travels with somebody/something in order to protect or guard them

Suffocate: To prevent something from developing or growing; to deprive of air.

Idioms:

"Walk your talk" – To do what you say you will do; to back up your words with actions.

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Bài 7: "This Country Isn't Just Carbon Neutral; It's Carbon Negative" by Tshering Tobgay

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Bài 7: "This Country Isn't Just Carbon Neutral; It's Carbon Negative" by Tshering Tobgay

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Summary:

The speaker, a Bhutanese representative, introduces Bhutan’s national dress and emphasizes the uniqueness of Bhutan, particularly its commitment to remain carbon neutral. He provides context about Bhutan, and highlights its development philosophy—Gross National Happiness (GNH)—which balances economic growth, social development, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation.

Despite its small economy, Bhutan provides free education and healthcare while prioritizing environmental conservation. With 72% of its land under forest cover, Bhutan is not just carbon neutral but carbon negative, absorbing more CO2 than it emits. The country exports renewable hydropower, further reducing carbon emissions globally.

Bhutan has taken proactive steps to combat climate change, including providing free electricity to rural farmers, subsidizing electric vehicles and LED lights, and running national programs like Clean Bhutan and Green Bhutan. Protected areas serve as the backbone of its carbon-neutral strategy, with efforts to preserve biodiversity and prevent environmental degradation.

However, Bhutan faces financial challenges in sustaining these initiatives. To bridge this gap, the country launched Bhutan For Life, a funding mechanism that ensures conservation efforts continue until the government can fully support them. The speaker envisions expanding this model globally through Earth For Life to help other countries protect their natural resources.

He concludes with a call for collective action against climate change, emphasizing that despite differences, humanity shares a common responsibility to protect the planet.

Vocabulary:

Devastation: great destruction or damage.

Monarchy: a political system in which a country is ruled by a king or queen.

Offset: to use one cost, payment or situation in order to cancel or reduce the effect of another.

Provision: a rule or condition in an agreement or law.

Subsidize: to give money to somebody or an organization to help pay for something.

Idioms:

Right off the bat: Immediately; without delay.

Sit on our hands: To do nothing; to refrain from taking action.

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Bài 6: "Connected but Alone" by Sherry Turkle

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Bài 6: "Connected but Alone" by Sherry Turkle

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Summary:

The speaker, a psychologist, reflects on the evolution of digital technology and its impact on human relationships. She contrasts her early optimism in 1996, when the internet was seen as a tool for self-discovery, with her growing concerns in 2012 about how mobile communication has reshaped social interactions. Through years of research, she has found that while technology connects us, it also isolates us, leading to a preference for controlled, edited interactions over real conversations.

She introduces the "Goldilocks effect”, where people want communication that is not too close, not too far, but just right. However, this approach can be detrimental, particularly for young people who need face-to-face interaction to develop social skills. Many now prefer texting over talking, avoiding real-time conversation because it is unpredictable. She warns that replacing conversation with digital exchanges weakens our capacity for self-reflection and deep relationships.

Furthermore, she discusses the growing reliance on technology for emotional support, noting how people seek connection through social media and even sociable robots, which provide the illusion of companionship without real human intimacy. This trend, she argues, stems from loneliness and a fear of solitude. Without the ability to be alone, people become more dependent on digital interactions, ironically leading to greater loneliness.

The speaker calls for a reevaluation of our relationship with technology. She encourages people to embrace solitude, create spaces for real conversation, and listen to one another, even in imperfect moments. Rather than rejecting technology, she advocates for using it mindfully to strengthen real-life connections.

Vocabulary:

Executive : A person with a high position in a company or organization.

Intimacy: A close, personal relationship with someone.

Paradox: A situation or statement that seems contradictory but may still be true.

Idioms:

- Caught off guard: to engage, take advantage of, or seize upon one when one is not especially careful, vigilant, or prepared for danger or surprises.

- Short-change (ourselves): To cheat or deprive oneself of something valuable.