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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. observe
    • ex. All people, including citizens and tourists, should observe the law.
  2. social distancing
    • ex. During the pandemic, people practiced social distancing to stop the virus from spreading.
  3. a sentiment
    • ex. Some people have an anti-vaccine sentiment because they are afraid of its effects.
  4. herd immunity
    • ex. Most people in town got the flu vaccine, so the community reached herd immunity.
  5. contagious
    • ex. The flu is a contagious illness that spreads from one person to another.

Article

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

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In 2025, whooping cough cases went up to 8,485 in the United States. That’s twice as many as the same time last year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Experts say the rise is because fewer people observe public health advice like wearing masks or social distancing. Also, these outbreaks often happen every two to five years.

The rise in cases may also be linked to changes in how people feel about vaccines. Last year, fewer American kindergarten children got their vaccines. Dr. Ericka Hayes from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is worried about the growing anti-vaccine sentiment in the U.S. She said that if fewer than 95% of people get vaccines, it’s difficult to reach herd immunity.

Whooping cough spreads through tiny drops from the nose or mouth. It’s highly contagious. It starts like a cold, but it causes a strong cough with a “whoop” sound. Babies should get vaccines at two, four, and six months. Adults need one every 10 years. Pregnant women should also get the vaccine, but not many do.

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

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Cough

  • Have you ever had a severe cough before? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, what is the best treatment for a cough (ex. tea, cough medicine)? Discuss.
  • The cases of whooping cough in the United States are increasing. Do you think the cases could also increase in your country? Why or why not? Discuss.

Vaccines and Public Health Advice

  • Last year, fewer American kindergarten children got their vaccines. What do you think can happen when fewer children get their vaccines? Discuss.
  • There is a growing anti-vaccine sentiment in the U.S. Why do you think this is so? Discuss.
  • In the U.S., experts say that the cases of whooping cough are rising because fewer people observe public health advice. In your country, do people observe public health advice? Why do you say so? Discuss.