Listening
00:00
00:00
00:00
Download

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. (be) forced out of (something)
    • ex. The dog was forced out of the bedroom because it was too noisy.
  2. awareness
    • ex. The students watched a video to help them build awareness about clean water.
  3. a tendency
    • ex. I have a tendency to forget meetings, so I always check my calendar.
  4. neglect
    • ex. If you neglect your plants and don’t water them, they will die.
  5. an impact
    • ex. Studying every day had a good impact on his grades.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

Font size

In Kinshasa, Congo, a special puppet show using paper animals tells an important story. These puppet animals, including monkeys, giraffes, and more, are part of a moving theater show called “The Herds.” The story shows how animals are forced out of their natural homes because of climate change. The performance began in Kinshasa and will travel to many cities, ending in the Arctic. More animals will join the show as it moves to different cities.

Tshoper Kabambi, who created “The Herds,” said that the show’s main goal is to raise awareness about the environment. According to Kabambi, humans have a tendency to neglect nature. That’s why we see problems, like floods, damaged forests, and increasing temperatures.

The show started in Congo because it has the second-largest rainforest in the world, and many people do not know much about it. The rainforest serves as the planet’s “lungs,” and it needs protection. Art director Amir Nizar Zuabi thinks the show will make a big impact because it will happen in 20 different cities. It will go through many cultures and places, and each one will add something to the story.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.
Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

The Herds

  • Imagine that “The Herds” will be shown in your city. Would you watch it? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • “The Herds” shows how animals are forced out of their natural homes because of climate change. Why do you think the show’s creator decided to make a puppet show to send their message to people? Discuss.
  • “The Herds” aims to raise awareness about the environment. Do you think such a show is an effective way to raise awareness? Why or why not? Discuss.

Neglect

  • Tshoper Kabambi said humans have a tendency to neglect nature, which has caused a huge impact on the environment. Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What small problem in the environment became a big one because of neglect (ex. air pollution, damage to forests)? Discuss.
  • Why do you think some people neglect some issues (ex. it doesn’t affect them, they don’t know about them)? Discuss.