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II. SKILLS
Listening
1. Listen and choose the factors that have affected the blue whale population. There is ONE extra option. 🎧
A. They were hunted for commercial purposes.
B. They are hit by large ships.
C. They are dangerous to humans.
D. They eat pieces of plastic.
E. They find it hard to find food in warming oceans.
2. Listen again and choose the correct answer A, B, or C. 🎧
1. How does Nam feel about the size of whales?
A. Impressed.
B. Concerned.
C. Annoyed.
2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as the reason for the widespread whaling in the 1920s?
A. Advances in technology made whale hunting easier.
B. It became a profitable business.
C. It was impossible to build suitable habitats for blue whales.
3. According to the speaker, what is the current number of blue whales?
A. About 10,000.
B. No more than 25,000.
C. About 340,000.
4. Why are blue whales more likely to be hit by ships at night?
A. They can't see or hear well at night.
B. There is more plastic pollution at night.
C. They are looking for food near the water surface at night.
Speaking
1. Work in pairs. Match the threats facing blue whales with the solutions.
Threats | Solutions |
1. Hunting whales for commercial purposes | a. Changing shipping routes away from their habitats |
2. Being hit by large ships | b. Imposing a total ban in all countries |
3. Plastic pollution | c. Slowing global warming down |
4. Climate change | d. Reducing plastic use |
Being hit by
large ships
Plastic pollution
Slowing global
warming down
Climate change
Reducing plastic
use
2. Work in groups. Discuss each solution above and think about what each individual can do to help save the blue whales. Then report to the class.
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Reading
1. Read the article below. Match each section (A-C) with the heading (1-5). There are TWO extra headings.
1. Writing articles automatically
2. Adding extra security to social media login
3. Changing the appearance of users
4. Suggesting more suitable programmes
5. Al in journalism
Artificial Intelligence in the mass media
The mass media has undergone many changes over the last century. Artificial intelligence has also had an impact on the media. Al has become an important part of all forms of mass communication.
A. _____
Nowadays, people receive so much information from different sources that it is difficult to spot false stories. This is where Al can help. The advanced technology is able to classify types of information and recognise news that is not suitable for the public. Furthermore, Al can automatically change data into various forms such as online graphic organisers, images, and videos. This innovation is a breakthrough in journalism.
B. _____
Social media is popular all over the world, and more and more people are using platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Al can make these platforms much safer and help the users avoid identity theft. A typical example is facial recognition software that allows us to increase the safety and security of our accounts. In many cases, social networking sites require personal information, which can be verified via facial recognition.
C. _____
Although television has been popular for a long time, it is now attracting larger audiences because of new features made possible by Al. TV viewers can watch programmes with higher picture quality and a lot of special effects. Al can also provide personalised recommendations to different users. The software can help TV viewers find channels or programmes based on their preferences, behaviour, and history.
2. Read the article again. Choose the correct answer A, B, C, or D.
1. The purpose of writing the article is _____ in the mass media.
A. to advertise Al
B. to introduce the benefits of Al
C. to help readers avoid using Al
D. to describe an Al robot
2. Which of the following benefits of Al in journalism is NOT mentioned?
A. Al can change data into various forms.
B. Al can help people avoid unsuitable information.
C. Al can help journalists express their opinions.
D. Al can identify whether the information is true or not.
3. Why does the author mention 'facial recognition' in Section B?
A. To support an idea.
B. To illustrate a contrast.
C. To give a reason.
D. To give a description.
4. What can be inferred about television in Section C?
A. TV viewers can watch more live TV shows.
B. There are more special effects on live TV programmes.
C. It has not benefited from Al.
D. Al makes it easier for people to choose their favourite programmes.
Writing
Write an essay (180-200 words) about the benefits of using Al in creating content for the mass media and the problems caused by it. Select and combine information from Reading and the suggested ideas below.
Problems caused by Al in creating content for the mass media
• Increasing costs of the mass media (high costs for developing, installing, and maintaining the software)
• Reducing people's creativity (automated content creation using Al tools)
• Replacing human's jobs in the mass media (Al's capability of reporting and writing)