Listen to News with Tara Benwell - Instructions:
1. Preview the vocabulary and read the gapfill text.
2. Play the news report and try to fill in the blanks.
3. Answer the comprehension questions by writing full sentences.
4. Use the discussion question to write an essay or discuss the story with other students.
5. Click "show Answers" to see the full text.
6. Pretend to be a news anchor by reading each story out loud.

dateline: 16 October 2019

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Dutch Scientists Developing Artificial Womb

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

  • grant: money given by an organization for a specific purpose (often research related)
  • artificial: made by humans; not natural
  • womb: the organ in a female body where a fetus (unborn baby) develops
  • complication: a problem that is usually unexpected
  • preterm: before the 37th week of pregnancy
  • umbilical cord: the cord that connects the fetus to the placenta

Dutch Scientists Developing Artificial Womb

Scientists in the have been given a large grant towards the research and of the world’s first artificial womb for humans. The believe that artificial wombs will be able to save premature babies within ten years. Approximately 1 million babies die each year due to complications from preterm birth. The womb would allow the preterm baby to receive oxygen and nutrients through the umbilical cord, providing more conditions for the final weeks of development.

Comprehension Questions

1. The scientists that are developing an artificial womb are in

Correct! Wrong!

The scientists that are developing an artificial womb are in the Netherlands.

2. Approximately 1 million babies die each year due to

Correct! Wrong!

Approximately 1 million babies die each year due to premature birth.

3. The artificial womb would allow the preterm baby to receive oxygen and nutrients through

3. The artificial womb would allow the preterm baby to receive oxygen and nutrients through the umbilical cord.
Show hint
Correct! Wrong!

The artificial womb would allow the preterm baby to receive oxygen and nutrients through the umbilical cord.

Discussion Questions

Do you approve of this research and development project? What ethical concerns might some people have with the artificial womb?

show Answers

Written and recorded by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.
© EnglishClub.com
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