HOMEWORK for Monday 2 February 2026

Read the text The King Herself on page 123 and do exercise 2 and 3 on page 122. Below are the words to be explained in class next Monday.

HOMEWORK for Monday 26 January 2026

Read the text about talented people. Below the text are the words to be explained in class next Monday.

TALENTED PEOPLE

Talented people have always played an important role in the development of society. Through their skills, creativity, and determination, they influence the way we think, work, and express ourselves. Talent can appear in many forms, including science, art, sports, popular culture, and everyday life, and it often develops when individuals are given the opportunity and support to improve their abilities.

Throughout history, many well-known figures have shown how talent combined with effort can lead to remarkable achievements. Albert Einstein transformed our understanding of the universe through innovative thinking and persistence, while Leonardo da Vinci demonstrated exceptional ability in both art and science. In the arts, Frida Kahlo and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart left a lasting impact by turning personal experiences and emotions into powerful works that continue to inspire people today.

In modern society, talent is also clearly visible in sports, entertainment, and popular culture. Athletes such as Lionel Messi and Serena Williams are admired for their outstanding skills, discipline, and mental strength. In entertainment and popular culture, celebrities like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Leonardo DiCaprio have achieved global recognition through talent, creativity, and hard work.

However, talent is not limited to famous individuals. Ordinary people can also be talented in many ways, such as learning languages, solving practical problems, supporting others, or developing creative hobbies. These abilities often grow slowly and require patience and consistency rather than instant success.

People can add talent to their lives by staying curious and open to new experiences. Trying new activities, setting realistic goals, and practicing regularly help develop skills over time. Learning from mistakes, accepting feedback, and staying motivated are also essential. In addition, surrounding oneself with supportive people and positive role models can encourage personal growth and confidence.

These examples show that talent alone is rarely enough to achieve long-term success. Dedication, resilience, and a willingness to learn play a crucial role in turning potential into real achievement. When people actively develop their abilities, they enrich not only their own lives but also the communities around them.

Listening

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2512/251204-retiring-in-greece-l.html 

HOMEWORK for 18 January 2026

 Read the text about Greenland. Below the text are the words to be explained in class next Monday.

Greenland: A Remote Island with Global Importance

Greenland is the world’s largest island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans. Although it is geographically part of North America, Greenland is politically and culturally linked to Europe. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own government that manages most domestic affairs. About 56,000 people live in Greenland, mainly along the coast, because the interior is covered by a massive ice sheet.

Greenland has been connected to Denmark for several centuries. Danish-Norwegian explorers began settling in Greenland in the early 18th century, building on earlier Viking settlements from the Middle Ages. In 1814, after the breakup of the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway, Denmark officially kept control of Greenland. Over time, Denmark established colonial rule, which lasted until the mid-20th century. In 1979, Greenland gained home rule, and in 2009 it received expanded self-government, although Denmark still controls foreign policy and defense.

One of Greenland’s most striking features is its natural environment. Around 80% of the island is covered by ice, which can be up to three kilometers thick in some places. This ice sheet plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. However, due to global warming, Greenland is losing ice at an alarming rate. Rising temperatures are causing glaciers to melt faster than ever before, contributing significantly to global sea-level rise. This has consequences not only for Greenland but also for coastal communities around the world.

Climate change is also transforming life in Greenland itself. Traditional activities such as fishing and hunting are becoming more difficult as sea ice forms later and melts earlier. At the same time, new economic opportunities are emerging. Melting ice makes it easier to access natural resources such as rare earth minerals, oil, and gas. These resources are in high demand for modern technologies, including renewable energy systems and electric vehicles.

Because of this, Greenland has gained strategic importance in global politics. Major powers like the United States, China, and Russia are increasingly interested in the Arctic region. They see Greenland as a key location for military security, trade routes, and resource access. The Arctic is becoming more accessible due to melting ice, opening new shipping routes that could shorten travel time between continents.

Despite these global interests, many Greenlanders are focused on protecting their environment and culture. There is an ongoing debate about how to balance economic development with sustainability and independence. Greenland’s future decisions will not only shape the lives of its people but also influence global efforts to address climate change.

In today’s interconnected world, Greenland is no longer a distant, isolated place. It has become a symbol of how climate change, politics, and environmental responsibility are deeply linked on a global scale.

U.S. President Donald Trump has recently renewed his strong interest in Greenland, stating that the island is strategically crucial for American and global security. He argues that the United States must increase its influence there to prevent Russia or China from expanding their presence in the Arctic. Greenland and Denmark have firmly rejected these statements, stressing that Greenland is not for sale and that its future must be decided by its own people. The situation has increased diplomatic tensions and underlined Greenland’s growing importance in today’s world politics.

Listening

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2512/251229-mood-food-l.html#google_vignette 

Bat Echolocation

HOMEWORK for the first lesson on 12 January 2026

Read the text about winter. Below the text are the words to be explained in class next time.
 
Winter and Its Effects on People

Winter is the coldest season of the year and occurs between autumn and spring. It is characterized by low temperatures, reduced daylight hours, and, in many regions, snow and icy conditions. From an academic perspective, winter has a significant impact on human health, psychological well-being, and social behavior, making it an important subject of study in environmental and social sciences.

One of the most significant effects of winter is on physical health. Exposure to cold temperatures places additional stress on the human body, which must work harder to maintain a stable internal temperature. This can weaken the immune response and partly explain the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses such as influenza. Furthermore, hazardous weather conditions, including ice and snow, raise the risk of injuries caused by falls or traffic accidents. Limited sunlight during winter months can also contribute to vitamin D deficiency, which has been linked to weakened bones and reduced immune function.

Winter also affects mental health and cognitive performance. Shorter days and lower levels of natural light can disrupt circadian rhythms, influencing sleep patterns and energy levels. In some individuals, this leads to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression associated with seasonal changes. Symptoms may include persistent low mood, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating. Reduced opportunities for outdoor activity during winter can further intensify these psychological effects.

In addition to health-related impacts, winter influences social life and economic activity. People tend to spend more time indoors, which can reduce social interaction and physical movement. At the same time, winter increases energy consumption due to heating needs and may disrupt transportation and work schedules. Nevertheless, winter also has positive social and cultural dimensions, as it is associated with holidays, seasonal traditions, and recreational activities such as skiing and ice skating.

Interesting Facts about Winter

• The Earth is actually closest to the Sun during winter in the Northern Hemisphere; the season is caused by the planet’s tilt, not distance from the Sun.
• Cold temperatures can improve sleep quality for some people, as the body naturally sleeps better in cooler environments.
• Snow acts as a natural insulator, helping to protect soil and plant roots from extreme cold.
• Human metabolism can slightly increase in winter as the body uses more energy to stay warm.
• People tend to consume more calories in winter, partly because cold weather increases appetite and partly because comfort foods become more appealing.

• Humans are not the only ones affected by winter fatigue—studies show that many animals also sleep longer during colder months.
• Cold temperatures can cause smartphones to lose battery power faster, meaning winter affects modern technology as well as human biology.
• In very cold weather, eyelashes and eyebrows can freeze, temporarily sticking together—an inconvenience experienced mainly in extreme climates.
• People often underestimate how slippery ice is; as a result, emergency rooms regularly report a noticeable increase in “winter fall” injuries after the first snowfall.
  
  

In conclusion, winter is a complex season with wide-ranging effects on individuals and societies. While it presents physical, psychological, and logistical challenges, understanding these effects allows people and institutions to adapt more effectively and take advantage of the season’s benefits.