PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

The Importance of Environmental Protection

Our environment provides us with clean air, water, and natural beauty, but pollution and deforestation are serious threats. Everyone has a role in protecting nature by reducing waste, saving energy, and using eco-friendly products. Small changes in daily life can (1) ______ a big difference.

Preserving Green Spaces and Wildlife

Forests and parks, (2) ______ are home to many species, are essential for wildlife and the planet. Planting trees, reducing plastic waste, and protecting endangered species help (3) ______ biodiversity. (4) ______, many communities are now focusing on active conservation efforts to preserve natural habitats and keep the environment healthy.

Using Clean Energy for a Sustainable Future

Switching to clean energy sources like solar and wind power helps reduce pollution. Using public transport, recycling, and supporting green initiatives also protect the Earth. By working together, we can create a healthier, greener future for generations to come. (5) ______ action counts!

Nearly all Americans use products that involve artificial intelligence (AI) features, but nearly two-thirds (64%) don't realize it, according to a new study conducted in partnership with Telescope, an organization that works toward the responsible advancement of technology. While some Americans are optimistic about how AI will contribute to society in the future, many view its potential impact negatively. Most U.S. adults, regardless of political party, believe the government is at least partially responsible for addressing the potential harms and risks associated with AI. In addition, majorities say business leaders also take responsibility for how AI is used.

These findings are based on a nationally representative web study of nearly 4,000 U.S. adults, conducted Nov. 26–Dec. 4, 2024. When asked whether they have used some kind of AI-enabled product in the past seven days, 36% of Americans report that they have, while 50% say they have not and 14% say they aren't sure. However, when asked about their usage of six common AI-enabled products (personal virtual assistants, navigation apps, weather forecasting apps or websites, social media platforms, streaming services, or online shopping apps or websites), 99% of U.S. adults report using at least one of these in the past week, with 83% saying they have used at least four.

(https://news.gallup.com/)

Can you understand the beginning of this essay “My smmr hold wr CWOT”? A Scottish teacher had no idea what the girl who wrote it meant. The essay was written in a form of English used in cell phone text messages. Text messages (SMS) through cell phones became very popular in the late 1990s. At first, mobile phone companies used text messaging as a way to contact customers, but users also messaged each other. Teenagers in particular enjoyed using text messaging, and they began to create a new language for messages called texting.

A text message is limited to 160 characters, including letters, spaces, and numbers, so messages must be kept short. In addition, typing on the small keypad of a cell phone is difficult, so it is common to make words shorter. In texting, a single letter or number can represent a word, like “r” for “are” and “2” for “to.” Several letters can also represent a phrase, like “lol” for “laughing out loud.” Another characteristic of texting is leaving out letters in a word, like spelling “please” as “pls”.

Some parents and teachers once worried that texting would make children bad spellers and bad writers. The student who wrote the essay at the top of this page said writing that way was more comfortable for her.

Some experts say languages always evolve, and this is just another way for English to change. Today, people can send longer texts and emojis through various applications. Still, teenagers often use short forms and their own texting styles like “idk” for “I don't know” or “tbh” for “to be honest”. Texting language has just moved to new forms.

(Adapted from Reading Advantage by Casey Melarcher)