Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. moderation
    • ex. Sarah thinks moderation is important to staying healthy. So, she doesn’t eat too much chocolate.
  2. a record holder
    • ex. After winning the race, John became the record holder for the fastest runner in his school.
  3. rarely
    • ex. Mallory rarely wears dresses. She prefers comfortable pants and shirts.
  4. live through (something)
    • ex. Grandma lived through a time with no internet. She read books for entertainment when she was young.
  5. a certificate
    • ex. Marco earned a certificate for completing the writing training course at school.

Article

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

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The world’s oldest man says the secret to his long life is luck, moderation, and fish and chips every Friday. His name is John Alfred Tinniswood, a retired accountant from England. Guinness World Records has confirmed that he is now the oldest man in the world at the age of 111. The previous record holder was Venezuelan Juan Vicente Pérez, who died in April at the age of 114.

Tinniswood said that moderation was key to a healthy life. He never smokes and rarely drinks. He doesn’t follow a special diet, except for eating fish and chips once a week. “If you do too much of anything, you’re going to suffer eventually,” Tinniswood told Guinness World Records. But basically, he said, “It’s pure luck. You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.”

Tinniswood was born in Liverpool on August 26, 1912, a few months after the Titanic sank. He lived through two world wars, and he served in the British Army in World War II. Guinness World Records gave Tinniswood a certificate on April 4 at the care home where he lives.

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

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

The Oldest Man

  • At the age of 111, Tinniswood has lived through many challenges. What do you think we can learn from his life (ex. being resilient through challenges, practicing discipline)? Discuss.
  • According to Tinniswood, “If you do too much of anything, you’re going to suffer eventually.” What do you think this means? Discuss.
  • Tinniswood said that moderation was key to a healthy life. In your opinion, what things should you do in moderation (ex. work, drinking alcohol)? Discuss.

The Secret to a Long Life

  • In your opinion, how can a person live long (ex. by exercising, by spending time in nature)? Discuss.
  • Tinniswood’s secret to a long life includes fish and chips every Friday. What food would be your secret to a long life (ex. French fries, tea)? Discuss.
  • Tinniswood said about his long life, “It’s pure luck. You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.” What do you think he meant? Discuss.