Sounds of nature

 Sounds of nature (Intermediate B2)

 Vocabulary


1. Rhythms /ˈrɪðəmz/ (noun): a pattern of movements or sounds .

Example sentence: The rhythms of nature can be seen in the changing of the seasons..

2. Attuned /əˈtjuːnd/ (adjective): able to understand something.

Example sentence: She was attuned to the sounds of the forest and could identify different birds.

3. Disrupt /dɪsˈrʌpt/ (verb): to stop temporarily.

Example sentence: The construction work outside disrupted my concentration.

4. Harmony /ˈhɑːrməni/ (noun): peaceful coexistence

Example sentence: The movie created a sense of harmony among different cultures.

5. Reflection /rɪˈflekʃən/ (noun): a careful thought about something.

Example sentence: The author's reflections on the importance of nature are still relevant today.

Picture credit: Simedblack

Listening

 Sounds of nature

Nature is everywhere, from the large dense forests, the vast deserts, and deep oceans to the tiny plants and insects that dwell in our home gardens. However, many of us fail to notice the vital role that nature plays in our lives. In fact, nature positively impacts our physical and mental health, boosts our creativity, and brings people together.

Many sounds can be heard in nature. The surrounding sounds can tell us what time of day it is, such as the sound of a rooster crowing in the morning or an owl hooting at night. We can also identify different birds by their songs, a skill that many birdwatchers master.

It is very important to listen to the sounds of nature. People can develop an awareness of the natural world and become more attuned to different rhythms of life. The sounds of nature can herald the seasons like the first goose of autumn, bring a feeling of happiness when hearing birdsong indicating the first sign of spring, or trigger an alarm when it is absent, as it could indicate potential problems in the environment.

Humans and nature are inextricably linked. Noise pollution can hugely disrupt the peace of nature. People should try to live in harmony with nature, not try to control it. In fact, living in harmony with nature is essential to our well-being and the health of the planet.

Finally, it is important to reflect on the sounds of nature and their importance in our lives. This is another reminder of the beauty and importance of the natural world and the urge to preserve it for generations to come.

 Comprehension questions

1. What is the main message about listening to the sounds of nature?

Answer: Listening to the sounds of nature can help people gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and become more attuned to the different rhythms of life.

2. How can human sounds impact the natural world? How humans should behave?

Answer: Human sounds can disrupt the peace of the natural world and people should strive to live in harmony with nature instead of trying to control it.

 Reading

 Sounds of nature

Nature is everywhere, from the large dense forests, the vast deserts, and deep oceans to the tiny plants and insects that dwell in our home gardens. However, many of us fail to notice the vital role that nature plays in our lives. In fact, nature positively impacts our physical and mental health, boosts our creativity, and brings people together. Many sounds can be heard in nature. Surrounding sounds can tell us what time of day it is, such as the sound of a rooster crowing in the morning or an owl hooting at night. We can also identify different birds by their songs, a skill that many birdwatchers master. It is very important to listen to the sounds of nature. People can develop an awareness of the natural world and become more attuned to different rhythms of life. The sounds of nature can herald the seasons like the first goose of autumn, bring a feeling of happiness when hearing birdsong indicating the first sign of spring, or trigger an alarm when it is absent. Humans and nature are inextricably linked. Human sounds and noise pollution in general can disrupt the peace of nature. People should try to live in harmony with nature, not try to control it. This is an important message because many people are concerned about the impact of human activities on the environment. In fact, living in harmony with nature is essential to our well-being and the health of the planet. Finally, it is important to reflect on the sounds of nature and their importance in our lives. This is another reminder of the beauty and importance of the natural world and the urge to preserve it for generations to come.

 Quick grammar

1- "Listening to the sounds of nature can help us become more attuned to the different rhythms of life."

Grammatical explanation: (Passive voice) In this sentence, the passive voice is used because the focus is on the action of listening rather than the person doing the listening. The sentence could be rewritten in the active voice as "We can become more attuned to the different rhythms of life by listening to the sounds of nature."

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2- "It is important to understand that we are a part of the natural world and that our sounds can disrupt the peace that exists there."

Grammatical explanation: (Infinitive phrase) In this sentence, the infinitive phrase "to understand" is used to express the purpose or reason for the statement that follows. The sentence could be rewritten as "We must understand that we are a part of the natural world and that our sounds can disrupt the peace that exists



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 Discussion

1- How can spending time in nature benefit our mental and physical health?

Key points: calming effect/ fresh air and exercise, and the potential for connecting with others through shared experiences in nature.


Sample answer: Spending time in nature can have numerous benefits. Being surrounded by nature have a calming effect on the mind and reduces stress. Furthermore, outdoor activities can improve the cardiovascular system, improve mood, and foster relationships and a sense of community when practicing these activities with others. .

2- What are some of the threats facing natural environments and how can we address them?

Key points: deforestation/ pollution/ climate change/ potential solutions like conservation efforts/ renewable energy/ sustainable living practices.

3- How do different cultures around the world view the natural world and its importance?

Key elements:Key points: cultural beliefs/ role in society/ attitudes toward environmentalism

4- How have technological advancements affected our relationship with nature?

Key points: easier to access and explore natural environments/ negative impacts of increased screen time and digital distractions.

5- What role can individuals play in protecting and preserving natural environments?

Key points: reducing waste/ supporting conservation efforts/ making sustainable lifestyle choices/ advocating for environmental policies