Mother Theresa
Mother Theresa was a Catholic nun of Albanian ethnicity and Indian
citizenship. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India in
1950. For over 45 years she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and
dying while guiding the Missionaries of Charity”s expansion, first throughout
India and then in other countries. She was internationally renowned as a
humanitarian and advocate for the poor and helpless, due in part to a
documentary and book Something Beautiful for God by Malcolm
Muggeridge. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 and India’s highest
civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, in 1980 for her humanitarian work.
7 Ways To Save The Environment
Many of us aspire to safeguard our planet, yet often find ourselves too
preoccupied or unmotivated to enact significant changes that could
enhance our lifestyles and preserve the environment.
Outlined below are seven simple habits to incorporate into your daily
routine, each of which can make a meaningful impact. While none of these
suggestions are groundbreaking, adopting even a few of them can instill a
sense of pride in contributing to environmental protection.
1. Opt for Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Though initially pricier,
compact fluorescent light bulbs boast a longer lifespan and greater
energy efficiency, ultimately leading to reduced electricity
consumption and lower bills over time.
2. Donate Goods: If you have items such as clothing or household
goods that you no longer need, consider donating them to those in
need or to charitable organizations. By doing so, you not only
declutter your space but also support worthy causes while reducing
waste.
3. Power Down Devices: Make it a habit to switch off household
appliances and lights when not in use, even if you plan to return
shortly. This simple practice not only conserves energy but also
translates to significant cost savings over time.
4. Embrace Walking or Cycling: Driving contributes substantially to
pollution levels. Before reaching for your car keys, ask yourself if the
trip truly necessitates vehicular transportation. Whenever feasible,
opt to walk or cycle for short distances to minimize your carbon
footprint.
5. Practice Proper Detergent Usage: Adhere to recommended
detergent doses when laundering clothes or washing dishes.
Excessive detergent not only wastes resources but can also harm the
environment.
6. Address Leaky Faucets: Repair leaky faucets promptly to prevent
unnecessary water wastage, which can result in inflated water bills
and squandered resources. A single dripping faucet has the potential
to waste up to 120 liters of water daily.
7. Harness Rainwater: Consider implementing rainwater harvesting
systems to capture and repurpose rainwater for various household
needs, such as gardening or cleaning.
While this list is by no means exhaustive, integrating these practices into
your daily life not only contributes to environmental preservation but also
yields financial savings. By adopting these habits, you can play a vital role
in protecting our planet for future generations.
Read more about the environment on Wikipedia.
Comprehension:
1. Fluorescent light bulbs waste more energy
a. True
b. False
2. Donate means:
a. give.
b. take.
3. The 7 tips are suggested
a. to save money.
b. to protect the environment.
c. to save money and protect the environment.
Develop your reading skills. Read the following text about International Women’s Day and
do the comprehension questions
Empowering Women: Celebrating International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8th, stands as a
testament to the global recognition and celebration of women’s achievements in
various spheres of life. This significant day serves as a reminder of the ongoing
struggle for gender equality and women’s rights worldwide.
Originating from the early 20th century, the roots of International Women’s Day
can be traced back to the labor movement and socialist parties in the United States
and Europe. The inaugural observance on March 19, 1911, in Germany marked a
pivotal moment in history, reflecting the growing momentum of the women’s
rights movement amidst the backdrop of industrialization and social upheaval.
1.
Understanding the Seven Deadly Sins: Vocabulary and Meanings Explained
Today, International Women’s Day is observed in countries across the globe, with
diverse celebrations and activities aimed at honoring women’s contributions and
advocating for gender equality. It is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the
economic, political, and social achievements of women, as well as to highlight the
ongoing challenges they face.
Traditionally, International Women’s Day is marked by the exchange of flowers
and small gifts as tokens of appreciation for women’s roles and achievements. In
many countries, it is also recognized as a day akin to Mother’s Day, with children
expressing gratitude to their mothers and grandmothers through acts of kindness
and affection.
In some regions, the day is commemorated with women-only gatherings, dinners,
and events aimed at fostering solidarity and empowerment among women. These
gatherings serve as platforms for women to share experiences, discuss issues of
common concern, and advocate for gender equality and women’s rights.
Despite significant progress in recent decades, gender inequalities persist in
various aspects of society, including education, employment, healthcare, and
political representation. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the
ongoing struggle for gender equality and the need for collective action to address
systemic barriers and biases.
In 1975, the United Nations officially recognized International Women’s Day and
began providing support and funding for related initiatives and programs. Since
then, the day has grown into a global movement, with millions of individuals and
organizations coming together to advocate for gender equality and women’s
empowerment.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to
promoting gender equality, empowering women and girls, and building a more
inclusive and equitable world for all. It is only through collective action and
solidarity that we can create lasting change and realize the full potential of women
and girls everywhere.
Women’s Rights
Women have attained their current status not through the benevolence of men, but
rather through relentless struggle and profound sacrifices. Throughout history,
women and their allies have waged battles, and in many regions, these struggles
persist as they strive for parity with men in rights and opportunities. This journey
has been marked by the replacement of antiquated local customs with laws that
uphold and protect women’s rights, thereby enabling them to ascend to higher
positions in the global arena across political, economic, and social spheres.
Across various civilizations such as Hindu, Greek, and Roman, women were
consistently relegated to subordinate roles, often treated as minors under the
authority of men. It wasn’t until the Islamic civilization, notably between 610 and
661, that significant reforms were initiated. These reforms, unprecedented for their
time, conferred upon women rights that surpassed those of their counterparts in
pre-Islamic Arabia and medieval Europe. Key among these rights were
advancements in matters of marriage, divorce, and inheritance, setting a precedent
that would take centuries for other cultures to emulate.
The Middle Ages in Europe saw women enduring enslavement and systematic
denial of their fundamental rights. However, by the late 18th century, the status of
women had become a focal point of political discourse. The 19th century marked
the commencement of a concerted effort by women to demand equality,
culminating in significant victories such as the attainment of suffrage in various
nations worldwide by the late 19th century. Subsequent years witnessed further
strides as women progressively secured greater economic, social, and political
standing, albeit to varying extents across different countries.
Despite these advancements, discrimination against women persists across multiple
fronts. A stark example is the persistent gender pay gap, where women often find
themselves working more yet earning less than their male counterparts.
Furthermore, a disproportionate number of the world’s impoverished and illiterate
population are women, highlighting the enduring disparities that continue to
impede progress toward genuine equality.
In conclusion, while significant progress has been made, the journey towards
achieving true equality remains arduous and multifaceted. It demands continued
vigilance, advocacy, and concerted efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and foster
an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of gender, enjoys equitable
rights and opportunities.
Comprehension
1. The first reforms occurred in Europe.
a. True
b. False
2. Political debate over women's status started in the 18th century.
a. True
b. False.
3. Women gained the right to vote during the 19th century.
a. True
b. False.
