Listening - The Forgotten Scientist Who Saved the World

Watch the below and complete the following activities.

VOCABULARY

• threat assessment (0:09): evaluation of potential danger
• The military conducted a threat assessment before the mission.

• emergency protocol (0:14): set of procedures for emergencies
• Hospitals have strict emergency protocols for disasters.

• counterattack (0:18): an attack made in response to an enemy’s attack
• The general ordered a counterattack after the surprise assault.

• mutually assured destruction (0:41): a situation where both sides in a conflict would be completely destroyed if they attacked each other
• During the Cold War, nuclear war was prevented by mutually assured destruction.

• early warning system (1:53): a system designed to detect threats before they happen
• The country invested in an early warning system for tsunamis.

• false alarm (9:03): a warning about something that does not happen
• The fire drill turned out to be a false alarm.

• ballistic missile (10:28): a missile that follows a high, arching flight path
• The military tested a new ballistic missile.

• radiation (10:45): harmful energy released by nuclear reactions
• After the accident, the area was contaminated with radiation.

• investigative committee (11:51): a group formed to examine an issue
• An investigative committee was formed to study the accident.

• scapegoat (13:05): a person blamed for the mistakes of others
• The manager became the scapegoat for the company’s failure.

ACTIVITIES

1 - Choose the correct answer.

2 - True or False?

3 - Complete the sentences. Use word/phrases from the vocabulary list.

4 - Petrov was not celebrated in his own country. Do you think people who prevent disasters should receive more recognition? Write a short argument (6-8 sentences) supporting your opinion.