Unit 4: News Review
How to use the language from the latest news stories
Select a unit
Session 34
Scientists have discovered an enzyme that could be used to break down some commonly used plastics. Dan and Catherine teach you the language the world's media is using to discuss this story.
Activity 1
News Review
Enzyme could break down plastic
British and American scientists have found an enzyme on a Japanese recycling plant that they believe could help in the fight against plastic pollution. Dan and Catherine bring you the language you need to talk about this story.
Language challenge
Scientists have created a protein that can break down plastic. Break down is a verb with many meanings. Which of the following is NOT a meaning of break down?
a) stop working or functioning
b) lose control of one’s feelings
c) suddenly begin something
d) separate into component parts
Watch the video and complete the activity
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The story
US and British scientists have created a plastic-digesting enzyme that can help in the fight against plastic pollution. They’ve made an improved version of a natural enzyme that’s evolved the ability to feed on plastic.
Tests show that the new engineered protein could break down one of the most popular forms of plastic widely used by the food and drinks industry.
Key words and phrases
inadvertently
unintentionally
devour
eat eagerly
usher in
(here) cause an activity or process to start
To do
Try our quiz to see how well you've learned today's language.
News Review quiz
3 Questions
Now you've watched the video, try to answer these questions about the language in the news.
Help
Activity
Now you've watched the video, try to answer these questions about the language in the news.
Hint
There is only one letter 'a' in this word.Question 1 of 3
Help
Activity
Now you've watched the video, try to answer these questions about the language in the news.
Hint
'Devour' means 'eat, use or consume totally and quickly'.Question 2 of 3
Help
Activity
Now you've watched the video, try to answer these questions about the language in the news.
Hint
This phrasal verb means 'to cause an activity or process to start'Question 3 of 3
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