INTRODUCE
DNA testing is now a growing trend in the UK. By just swabbing your cheek or spitting into a test tube, you can find out a lot about yourself, but some people worry how this information may be used in the future.
PRESENT
STEP A EXPRESSIONS
Go over the first two expressions with your tutor and choose T for true or F for false. Then, guess the meaning of the third expression based on the clues provided.
1. Early detection of something means that something has been discovered in advance or in the very beginning stages.
The early detection of my daughter’s skin cancer meant that she didn’t have to take harsh drugs. She was very lucky that the doctor spotted it at that stage.
I believe in getting regular check-ups for the early detection of illnesses or other problems that I may have. ( T / F )
2. If something is used against someone, it’s used to harm or negatively affect a person.
The CCTV footage of the crime can be used against the suspect.
I believe that it’s good to always have information that can be used against someone that I don’t like. ( T / F )
3. .
After tracing my ancestry, I discovered that I’m a descendant of King George III. Isn’t that amazing?
What do you think one’s ancestry means?
STEP B SPEAK YOUR MIND
Sometimes you want to express that something is temporary and may change later.
We should tell the police about what we saw!
Shh! For the time being, let’s just be quiet about it.
UNDERSTAND
SPEAKING
Akiko and Jemma are relaxing at a café in London.
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- Akiko:
Hey, check this out!
- Jemma:
A DNA test kit? What do you want one of those for?
- Akiko:
You know how Sam did one a few months ago? Ever since then, I’ve thought about doing one too.
- Jemma:
But why? It seems like a waste of money to me. I mean, you’re Japanese – you probably already have a good idea of who your ancestors are. (laughs)
- Akiko:
Well, it’s not just about my ancestry. This test says it can also explain what the perfect diet and exercise plan for me is! I usually just run for 30 minutes and do a few squats at the gym, but what if my body is really designed for sprinting or weight lifting? I’ll never know unless I take the test!
- Jemma:
Can’t you find that out by trying different exercises at the gym?
- Akiko:
Well, yeah, but that would take a lot of time! Also, it’s not just the diet and exercise plan. It can also tell me what health problems I’m at risk for. My mom has diabetes and my dad has high blood pressure, and I’d like to know what my chances are for developing them. I mean, early detection of those issues can help me stay healthier longer.
- Jemma:
But aren’t you worried that your personal information might be used against you? Look at the disclaimer at the bottom – they have the right to share your information with third parties, it says!
- Akiko:
Oh… I didn’t see that. Well, I don’t like my information being shared, but how can it be used against me?
- Jemma:
Some people say that in the future, health insurance companies might start charging more for people who are likely to develop certain diseases. They can use your DNA test results to justify making you pay twice as much as someone else your age!
- Akiko:
Whoa, seriously? Hmm… For the time being, I think I’ll just stick to what I’m doing at the gym.
TRIVIA
While DNA testing can help detect a person’s risks of developing serious conditions, it also has the capability to identify trivial things like the size of a person’s earlobes, how strong a person’s body odor is, and even if a person’s earwax is wet or dry!
PRACTICE
Rephrase the sentences using the expressions in the box. The form of some expressions may need to be changed, and some expressions may be used more than once.
1. The recording I have can be used to Lizzy’s disadvantage.
2. Discovering heart disease as early as possible is very important.
3. Donny knows the history of his family because he did research on it for a school project.
4. If you get arrested, you shouldn’t talk much – what you say could be used to prove that you’re guilty.
CHALLENGE
Challenge 1
Your friend recently bought a DNA test kit and is trying to convince you to buy one too. Share your opinion on DNA test kits with him/her.
Today's Expressions
- early detection of something
- be used against someone
- one's ancestry
Speak Your Mind
- For the time being, …
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Challenge 2
What do you think? What does your tutor think? Discuss.
If TimeAllows
1 DNA TESTING |
2 ANCESTRY |
|---|---|
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1 DNA TESTING
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2ANCESTRY
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FEEDBACK
I can discuss the pros and cons of DNA testing.
LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT
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4
Very GoodCould complete the task with ease
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3
GoodCould complete the task with some clarifications
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2
FairCould complete the task with additional instructions
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1
PoorCould somehow complete the task with difficulty
PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK
- RANGE
the ability to use a wide variety of vocabulary - ACCURACY
the ability to speak correctly - FLUENCY
the ability to speak smoothly without pauses or fillers - INTERACTION
the ability to manage a conversation
