节目资讯
刊物:空中英语教室
日期:2013-06-27
难易度:Medium
关键字:arena, adventurous, era, lagoon, mecca, naval fleet
Today we began learning about the Federated States of Micronesia and some of the
islands that make up that country.
There are four main islands in the Federated States of Micronesia: Korsae, Yap,
Pohnpei and Chuuk.
Well, today we are focusing mostly on Chuuk and what makes it such a great mecca
for wreck divers.
Let's learn about the adventures we can have at this island next.
Chuuk: The South Pacific's Historic Treasure.
But Micronesia's main draw is Chuuk.
Hundreds of World War II-era wrecks lie beneath the surface of its lagoon, the
result of a huge battle.
For scuba divers wanting a unique glimpse of history, this is Micronesia's real
treasure.
Sunken history.
During World War II, Chuuk, then called Truk, hosted a large portion of Japan's
naval fleet.
In 1944, the U.S. attacked the Japanese forces on Truk.
More than 300 ships and aircraft were destroyed, creating what would become a
wreck diver's paradise.
Well, let's start at the beginning of this section.
But Micronesia's main draw is Chuuk.
Why is there a "but" there?
Well, we've been learning about these other islands, these other states in
Micronesia, but the main draw here is Chuuk.
That means it's most famous for Chuuk.
That's right. So we find out why so many people want to go there.
Hundreds of World War II-era wrecks lie beneath the surface of its lagoon, the
result of a huge battle.
All right.
Well, let's take a look at some of those words in that sentence.
The first one from our Word Bank is "era." We're talking here about World War II
era.
And that is a period of time known for maybe a significant event or something
else, an era.
That's right.
You might also say this music was popular during the Jazz era, and it's still
popular today.
Or maybe you are learning about some history in your history class, and you are
studying the Victorian era.
There are many different eras throughout history.
And here the World War II era, there were many, many ships that were sunk on
this island of Chuuk, or around the island of Chuuk.
And the wrecks lie beneath the surface of its lagoon.
Now there's another word from our Word Bank.
Let's take a look at that.
Gabe, what's a lagoon?
Well, a lagoon is a shallow body of water.
It's not too far from the sea, but it's usually separated maybe by a sandbar or
something like that.
So there are lagoons.
And of course, they're really close to the ocean most of the time.
But what can you find in a lagoon?
Well, I don't usually think about finding wrecks.
But hey, I guess that can happen, too.
That's right.
There was a huge battle, so now there are hundreds of ships in this lagoon.
And for scuba divers wanting a unique glimpse of history, this is Micronesia's
real treasure.
All right, if you want a glimpse of this.
Let's take a look at those words, "a glimpse of something." That means a tiny
taste or experience of something.
So you're not really looking at history.
Carolyn, is it possible to look at history?
Well, you can see pictures of it, and you can see things that are left over from
the past like these wrecks.
But you can't actually look at history because it's already happened.
That's right.
So you can use this phrase, though, to talk about things that maybe you can
experience, like:
I'm going to share a little bit about my past with you so that you get a little
glimpse of my history or a glimpse of my background.
That's right.
But you could also use this just to mean a short look.
So you might say: I was able to catch a glimpse of the famous actor as he was
leaving the restaurant.
Wow.
I saw just him... a short time.
I only caught a short glimpse of him.
But I still saw him.
And that is exciting to see something like that.
So a little glimpse.
And we're getting a little glimpse of history.
Well, we're getting a little glimpse about Chuuk in our lesson today and over
the next couple of days.
Well, the next part is called "Sunken history." Hmm.
Carolyn, what could that mean?
What is usually sunken?
What does that mean?
Well, if something is sunken, that means it has sunk; it is below the water.
Usually when I think of something that has sunken, I think of a ship that is
underneath the water.
All right.
So there are many ships under the water.
Well, that's what that word "wreck" means, W-R-E-C-K.
We're talking about ships that were maybe destroyed or somehow sunk into the
water.
Those are called wrecks.
Now during World War II, Chuuk, then called Truk, hosted a large portion of
Japan's naval fleet.
So they hosted.
Well, this is where this event happened.
That's where a lot of Japan's naval fleet was.
That's right.
So they had a lot of Japanese ships or military ships, since these were their
naval fleet, stationed in this island, or around Truk, or Chuuk, as we now call
it.
But we see that in 1944, the U.S. attacked the Japanese forces on Truk.
This is during World War II in 199... in 1944.
And more than 300 ships and aircraft were destroyed, creating what would become
a wreck diver's paradise.
Hmm, very interesting.
So something that was very tragic in history, a big battle, becomes a paradise
for wreck divers now.
Well, that happens sometimes.
Now there are many things under the water that divers can go and enjoy.
And if you enjoy scuba diving, then maybe you'd want to check out Chuuk as well.
That's right.
Well, now it's time for us to enjoy a review skit.
And then we'll learn something with Michelle in the Language Lab.
Wow! Where are we?
We're here in the Federated States of Micronesia.
Oh. So where's that?
We are far out in the South Pacific.
This tiny country has a lot of history.
History? Here?
Oh, yes.
During World War II, it was an important Japanese base in the Pacific arena.
Hmm. OK, it has a lot of history.
But what are we doing here now?
This place is a top choice for adventurous travelers like us.
Like us?
Yes.
Now let me explain.
Four states make up Micronesia; and each has its own flavor.
Different flavors like uh, vanilla and chocolate.
No, not quite.
One area is like a tropical paradise.
Hmm, sounds nice.
Another area is home to ruins of a stone city.
Interesting.
Another offers true island traditions with village chiefs and thatched-roof
huts.
Oh, I like that.
But Micronesia's main draw is here.
Here? Where?
Right here!
Hundreds of World War II-era wrecks lie beneath the surface of this lagoon.
Wow!
"Wow!" is right.
For scuba divers, this is a unique glimpse of history, a real treasure.
Yeah. Too bad we don't know how to scuba dive.
Yes, that is too bad.
(Chinese).
And let's see what our teachers are doing now.
Well, we've been learning a little bit about the Federated States of Micronesia
and, of course, especially about Chuuk, this wreck diver's paradise.
But I do wonder, of the other islands that we talked about today, which would
you like to visit?
Carolyn?
Well, I would be very interested to visit the island of Pohnpei.
I really like seeing old ruins of cities.
One of the things I really enjoyed in Thailand was going to Ayutthaya and seeing
the burned-out buildings there that used to be a huge great city where the king
lived.
But now it's just bricks.
Interesting.
Well, I enjoy seeing old ruins of buildings and cities as well.
I also like to visit Yap.
As I said before, some of my friends went there.
And I wonder if maybe I could meet some people that they also met before.
Well anyway, what about you?
What would you like to visit?
Where would you like to go here in Micronesia?
We hope you'll join us next time to learn more about Chuuk.
We'll see you then on Studio Classroom.
See you.