Learning English Podcast - August 23, 2024
6Digest
This episode of Learning English delves into a variety of topics, starting with the introduction of the program and its purpose to help English learners improve their language skills. The episode then discusses the International Astronomical Union's (IAU) recent resolution to establish a separate time zone for the moon, highlighting the need for a standardized timekeeping system as more countries and private companies launch lunar missions. Next, the episode explores Australia's ambitious $19 billion project to build a massive solar farm in northern Australia, known as the Australia Asia Power Link. This project aims to deliver renewable energy to Darwin and Singapore, potentially transforming Australia into a renewable energy superpower. The episode then delves into a grammar debate sparked by Vice President Kamala Harris's name, focusing on the correct placement of the possessive apostrophe after names ending in "s." Different style guides and publications offer varying opinions, highlighting the evolving nature of language and grammar rules. Finally, the episode takes listeners on a journey to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, showcasing the stunning beauty of the deepest lake in the United States. The lake was formed by the eruption of Mount Mazama thousands of years ago, leaving behind a caldera that filled with water.
Outlines
Introduction and Lunar Time Zone
This episode introduces the program and its purpose, which is to help English learners improve their language skills. It also discusses the International Astronomical Union's (IAU) recent resolution to establish a separate time zone for the moon, highlighting the need for a standardized timekeeping system as more countries and private companies launch lunar missions.
Australia's Giant Solar Farm and Apostrophe Debate
The Australian government has approved a $19 billion project to build a massive solar farm in northern Australia, known as the Australia Asia Power Link. This project aims to deliver renewable energy to Darwin and Singapore, potentially transforming Australia into a renewable energy superpower. The episode then delves into a grammar debate sparked by Vice President Kamala Harris's name, focusing on the correct placement of the possessive apostrophe after names ending in "s." Different style guides and publications offer varying opinions, highlighting the evolving nature of language and grammar rules.
Everyday Grammar and Journey to Crater Lake National Park
Jill Robbins, the everyday grammar expert, explains the complexities of using the possessive apostrophe with names ending in "s." She discusses the traditional rule of adding only an apostrophe and the more recent practice of adding an apostrophe followed by an "s." The episode then takes listeners on a journey to Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, showcasing the stunning beauty of the deepest lake in the United States. The lake was formed by the eruption of Mount Mazama thousands of years ago, leaving behind a caldera that filled with water.
Keywords
Lunar Time Zone
A proposed time zone specifically for the moon, aimed at standardizing timekeeping for lunar missions and improving communication and navigation systems.
Renewable Energy Superpower
A country or region that generates a significant portion of its energy from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power.
Possessive Apostrophe
A punctuation mark used to indicate possession in English. It is typically placed after a noun, followed by an "s" for singular nouns and an apostrophe alone for plural nouns.
Caldera
A large, bowl-shaped depression formed by the collapse of a volcano after an eruption.
Crater Lake
A deep, blue lake in Oregon, formed within the caldera of an extinct volcano, Mount Mazama. It is known for its clarity, depth, and stunning natural beauty.
Australia Asia Power Link
A $19 billion project to build a massive solar farm in northern Australia, aiming to deliver renewable energy to Darwin and Singapore.
Q&A
Why is there a need for a separate time zone for the moon?
As more countries and private companies launch missions to the moon, a standardized timekeeping system is crucial for communication, navigation, and coordination between different space agencies.
What is the main goal of the Australia Asia Power Link project?
The project aims to deliver renewable energy from a massive solar farm in northern Australia to Darwin and Singapore, potentially making Australia a leader in renewable energy production.
What is the debate surrounding the possessive apostrophe after names ending in "s"?
The debate centers on whether to add only an apostrophe or an apostrophe followed by an "s" after names ending in "s" to indicate possession. Different style guides and publications have varying opinions on this matter.
How was Crater Lake formed?
Crater Lake was formed by the eruption of Mount Mazama thousands of years ago, which created a caldera that filled with water over time.
Show Notes
Table of contents
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