Roteiro de estudos para aprender inglês sozinho – 40ª Semana

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Olá, leitor!

Esta é a quadragésima semana do Roteiro de Estudos para Aprender Inglês Sozinho, é importante que as semanas sejam seguidas a risca para que o método funcione com sucesso, e que você alcance o seu potencial.

Caso você esteja chegando agora, acesse a primeira semana através deste link para começar essa jornada com o pé direito.

Se perdeu o roteiro da 39ª semana é só acessar este link.

Roteiro de Estudos – 40ª Semana

Desde a 31ª semana, o nosso roteiro ganhou uma cara um pouco diferente e mais arrojada. Passamos a trabalhar com um formato que tende a focar menos na parte gramatical e nas regras, e olha mais para a vivência do inglês, ou seja, busca mais a expansão do vocabulário e a compreensão de textos e atividades mais complexas, tanto na leitura e na escrita como no entendimento do que se é ouvido.

Para que você possa alcançar a fluência ou proficiência no língua inglesa, principalmente a partir desta etapa mais avançada, é importante ter em mente não apenas o conteúdo já passado, que será reforçado agora por meio das atividades, mas também e principalmente se empenhando em manter uma frequência de escrita e treino de listening que te ajude a realmente evoluir na linguagem. Pois, sem o uso constante nesta fase do aprendizado as metas desejadas se tornaram cada vez mais difíceis de ser alcançadas. Isso é natural em qualquer língua, até mesmo no português que, se não é constantemente utilizado em sua forma correta pode se tornar defasado.

Caso você precise repassar a explicação de cada etapa deste novo roteiro, busque voltar no roteiro da 31ª semana e ler o passo a passo completo.

Além dessas dicas, atente-se para o fato de que a sua frequência de estudos é essencial para o aprendizado e que cumprir os exercícios propostos é importantíssimo para o desenvolvimento e evolução deste roteiro. Busque também manter conversas ou até mesmo ler seus próprios textos em voz alta e gravá-los para ouvir mais tarde, faça qualquer tipo de atividade que envolva a conversa e a oratória. Isso é uma peça-chave no caminho da fluência em qualquer língua. Aproveite sua evolução no listening para perceber os próprios erros e corrigí-los, assim, você vai gravá-los definitivamente.

Leitura e Interpretação – Sugar

The Sugar Crisis & 3 Tricks to Kick our Addiction.

By Dr. Steven Gundry for Elephant Journal – 20-03-2017

I have a confession to make.

For decades, I struggled with an addiction. Then, when I finally realized I was destroying my body—the only body I’ve got—I rushed to do something about it. I quit—cold turkey. I stopped consuming sugar completely.

Or so I thought.

Actually, even when it seemed I was doing everything I could to break free of the hold sugar had over me, I wasn’t. Because sugar is a sneaky little bugger. It hides from us.

I’d given up soda, donuts, syrups, and all of my favorite candy, but I was still trapped and I didn’t even know it.

In fact, I went on doing more damage to my body for years. Oh, sure, I lost a little weight initially. I slept a little better too, at first. But, even though I thought I was eating a “healthy diet” and making great strides in conquering my sugar addiction, I still craved sweet things. And though my weight loss plateaued, I still had weight to lose.

So, I dug in deeper and constructed a plan.

And that’s what I want to talk about: The best ways to really beat sugar addiction.

I wasn’t the only person having a hard time kicking sugar to the curb.

Many of my patients have confessed that their need for sugar feels as serious to them as if they were craving hard drugs or alcohol. And sometimes, their withdrawal from sugar has been painful.

They lost sleep. They got terrible headaches. They felt totally lethargic.

Having been there, I could totally sympathize. It turns out, sugar is in almost everything the food industry pushes at us. And it might be even more dangerous than we know.

But, before I address the dark details about how sugar can wreak havoc on our bodies, why don’t we start with a quick lesson about sugar.

1. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates—or carbs—has been a buzzword in the health world for years. But to be clear, carbohydrates are the sugary and starchy compounds in the food we eat. Usually, they’re broken down and transformed into energy in our bodies.

An interesting fact about carbs: Even if they’re more starchy than sweet (like a potato), they still turn into sugar. Glucose, to be exact. And then, the body is supposed to convert all that glucose into energy. But not all carbohydrates are created equal.

Complex carbs—certain vegetables, grains, and even legumes—can be truly beneficial to our health. It takes time to digest complex carbs, and that time allows blood sugar levels stay within a healthy range. So, when we ingest complex carbs, we don’t experience that uncontrollable energy rush—nor do we feel an annoying sugar crash.

Moreover, complex carbohydrates are full of fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, and protein—all things our bodies need to keep us running in tip-top shape.

On the flip side, however, are simple carbs. They’re pretty much useless. Simple carbs include all kinds of processed sugars: chips, cookies, sweets, cola, candy, and, believe it or not, fruit! (But, I’ll say more about fruit in a bit.)

2. Glucose.

Now, the pancreas is the first organ to get to work when glucose infiltrates the bloodstream. It releases insulin, which is the primary metabolic hormone. Insulin keeps glucose levels healthy by running it through the body so cells can use it as energy.

Only, the body will store that glucose as fat if its cells already have enough glucose to operate for the time being. So, if the body has already consumed a large amount of simple sugar, glucose will flood the bloodstream, and the pancreas will produce a bunch of excess insulin.

The problem is that our bodies can adapt to the flood and become insulin resistant. Then our bodies will have a harder time keeping our blood sugar in check. And guess what else? It gets even harder to convert all that fat we stored to energy. So, we can’t lose weight.

Moreover, excess glucose and insulin resistance are key components in major health issues.

As a cardiac surgeon, I know firsthand the over-consumption of simple carbohydrates and sugar can impact health in big ways.

Ingesting too much can lead to sugar-related health issues:

1. Inflammation.

When we consume a lot of sugar, our innate immune system can fire right up and cause inflammation. This happens as a result of overproducing tiny proteins secreted by the immune system called cytokines. Cytokines send really important signals to other cells and organs in our bodies, so we need them to be in concert to keep us functioning at optimal health.

But, when there aren’t enough anti-inflammatory cytokines being produced, it can cause real problems. And too much sugar screws up the way this system is meant to function.

2. Significant weight gain.

A study was recently published showing an increase in the intake of beverages sweetened with sugar and the ways in which the surge was linked to significantly increased weight gain.

In fact, the study examined over 500 students (of varying ethnic backgrounds). Researchers followed these students’ consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages for a little over a year and a half. For every added serving of sweetened beverage ingested every day, the students’ Body Mass Indexes—and the occurrences of obesity—were significantly increased.

There’s no denying it. The fact is, sugar can really pull one over on our metabolism. It can sneak in and deactivate the very system responsible for telling our bodies we’re hungry. When the body misses these signals, we’re naturally inclined to eat more and more—which means gaining more and more weight.

3. Upped risk of various diseases.

Now, sugar has been known to increase the possibility of hypertension, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and even diabetes (just to name a few).

Hypertension—more commonly referred to as high blood pressure—occurs when the force of blood pushing up against the artery walls is way too high. Eventually, the pressure can cause concerning health issues.

The narrower our arteries get, the higher our blood pressure climbs. But, we can have hypertension for years and fail to notice any symptoms. So, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to check our blood pressure when we’ve been eating lots of sugar.

Also, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease applies to those who drink little or no alcohol, yet suffer from a variety of liver issues. The disease is often diagnosed when there’s a significant amount of fat stored in the liver. Sometimes the liver can become so inflamed, scarring and irreparable damage can occur. This kind of damage mirrors the kind of damage done to the liver when a person regularly abuses alcohol. And again, it can happen to a person even if she’s never had a sip of alcohol. Sugar can be that bad!

4. Addiction.

So, one of the crazy things about sugar is the way in which it can mess with the brain. Research suggests sugar—and sweetness in general, so this includes artificial sweeteners—can stimulate reward responses.

In fact, some scientists propose sugar cravings can be compared to cravings induced by various addictive drugs. That’s because sugar stimulates the brain’s pleasure center. When this occurs, a set of habits can form, causing people to become dependent on sugar in the the same way addicts crave certain drugs.

Now, I know, all that’s a lot to digest, right? So the question becomes:

Just how much sugar are we eating?

Well, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the average American eats over 150 pounds of sugar every year! For reference, that’s the about the size of a newborn giraffe. Hard to believe, right? But, it’s true.

Our bodies were simply not built to process such insanely high amounts of sugar. And, nature certainly never intended for us to have to deal with the processed sugars pumped into all our favorite boxed, bagged, and pre-cooked foods.

So, how can we conquer our dependence on sweet treats?

First, we’ve got to admit to ourselves that sugar is in almost everything—even things labeled “healthy.” Remember when I mentioned quitting sugar cold turkey, but still struggling with cravings and weight loss?

Well, even though I’d quit eating donuts, sugary cereals, desserts, and my all time favorite—cola, I never realized how much sugar was hiding in salad dressing, bread, and even the “healthy” things I was consuming. The green juices I was drinking before exercise, the “light” cream I was putting in my coffee, and the “good for me” fruit-filled yogurts I was downing day after day were all loaded with sugar.

It’s no wonder I still felt hooked on the stuff. I didn’t realize I was still eating significant amounts of sugar. It was time to come up with a plan to beat sugar once and for all.

The Plan

1. Play hide ‘n seek with sugar.

Sugar rarely goes by its name. In fact, there are over 60 names for sugar, according to the FDA. So, when reading an ingredients list on food packaging or in a menu, make sure to avoid them.

And remember, most artificial sweeteners can cause concern as well. (I know, I know, but these sweeteners really can be as dangerous as sugar itself. To sweeten tea or coffee, it’s best to go for stevia.)

2. Kick fruit to the curb.

Now, I happen to steer clear of all fruits. Some of my patients find it difficult to do, so if it feels too tough to ditch fruit entirely, make sure it’s fresh and in season.

Not only that, choose from fruits high in polyphenols—they’re the natural, “good for you” chemicals found in plants and plant foods (like coffee or cocoa powder) known to help protect against certain health issues.

Blueberries, pomegranates, and blackberries are great for satisfying cravings as we start to cut sugar from our diets, but still need a little “fix.” Though again, it’s best to cut all fruit out as soon as possible.

3. Chug water, coffee, tea (and wine). Okay, okay…don’t chug wine.

But, make sure to eliminate soda, sweet tea, and fruit juice completely. And stay away from any caramel, creamy, super-nilla latté type drinks, or any drink that begins with the word “frappa.”

Water is the body’s best friend. Plain tea or coffee works too. Even a glass of wine every now and again can be healthy.

The Sweet Solution

When in doubt, make meals at home. Anything that comes in a bag, box, or even on a restaurant menu can hide tons of weird ingredients. So, focus on choosing whole foods and cook at home to know exactly what’s finding its way into your body.

I know it won’t be easy. It wasn’t for me. But I can honestly say I still really enjoy great-tasting food. And on top of that, I enjoy knowing the food I’m eating is the food my body was meant to eat.

Confira o artigo completo aqui.

Responda às perguntas a seguir:

• Do you feel like you are addicted to sugar?
• How did the doctor decide to cut sugar at first? Describe it.
• Why did his “Cold Turkey” Method didn’t work?
• Why are Complex Carbs acceptable?
• What is the negative side of fruits?
• In which way does Sugar influence in your life?
• Do you believe that the doctor’s final plan is going to work? Why?

Agora, busque escrever um texto de pelo menos uma página sobre o que você sabe sobre o vício em açúcar. Você pode descrever como este vício funciona, se você se considera viciado em açúcar e como isso afeta a saúde.

Listening e Compreensão – The Sugar Industry

Para treinar seu listening e sua compreensão no contexto apresentado, assista o vídeo com atenção e se necessário mais de uma vez ou pausando a cada etapa. Depois, tente responder às questões apresentadas de acordo com o que foi dito no vídeo.

Caso fique muito difícil de entender, busque ativar closed captions sempre que possível. Mas perceba que os closed captions do Youtube nem sempre são 100% confiáveis. Outra dica é, nunca ative legendas em português, isso pode atrasar seu aprendizado.

No vídeo desta semana vamos nos manter no tema do texto e conhecer um pouco mais sobre a influência da indústria alimentícia no nosso estilo de vida.

Sugar Industry Propaganda Exposed

Responda às perguntas abaixo:

• How did the Sugar Industry try to shift the blame of diseases out of sugar?
• What is the role of scientists and researchers in this?
• What is the tricky thing about Calories?
• How does the ‘Sugar Propaganda’ affect in our daily diet?
• Which food should be reconsidered according to the reporter?
• Do you believe that the Sugar Industry can control what we eat and think about food?

Sinta-se à vontade para escrever sobre o poder da indústria e da propaganda no nosso estilo de vida atual.

Cultura e Diversidade – Music: California Girls

“California Gurls” is a song recorded by American singer Katy Perry. It served as the lead single for her third studio album, Teenage Dream (2010). The song features verses from rapper Snoop Dogg. Both artists co-wrote the song with Bonnie McKee and its co-producers Dr. Luke and Max Martin, with additional production from Benny Blanco. According to Perry, “California Gurls” is an answer song to “Empire State of Mind” (2009), by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. Its midtempo production incorporates disco-pop and funk-pop with influences of new wave and electropop. Its lyrics are an ode to the state of California, in which both Perry and Snoop Dogg were born and raised.

“California Gurls” garnered positive reviews from music critics, with the majority of them labeling it a “summer anthem”,[1] as well as complimenting its production and chorus. Originally intended to be sent to mainstream and rhythmic airplay on May 25, 2010, the song debuted on May 7, 2010, after clips from the Teenage Dream album were leaked online. It was subsequently released to iTunes on May 11, 2010 as the album’s lead single. The song was a worldwide success, peaking at number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks, giving Perry her second US number-one single in and Snoop Dogg his third. The song also reached number-one in ten other countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

A music video for the song was released on June 15, 2010, and features Perry and her dancers as pieces of a board game, set in the fictional “Candyfornia”. Perry has said that the inspiration behind the video was artist Will Cotton, who was also the artistic director of the video. It has been noted that the video is influenced by several other works, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and the board game Candyland. On December 2, 2010, the song received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. In 2012, Billboard ranked the song number one on a special The 30 Summer Songs of All Time listing.

Source: Wikipedia

Para descontrair deste tema tão sério, assista ao vídeo abaixo e preencha as lacunas:

Katy Perry – California Gurls (Official) ft. Snoop Dogg

California Girls

By: Katy Perry

Greetings loved ones

Let’s take a journey.

I know a place

Where the grass is really ______.

Warm, wet and wild

There must be something in the water

Sippin’ gin and ________

Laying underneath the palm trees (and then)

Boys break their necks

Try’na to creep a ______ sneak peek (at us)

You could travel the world,

But nothing comes close to the golden coast

Once you party with us, you’ll be falling in love

Oh oooh

California girls, we’re unforgettable

Daisy Dukes, bikinis on top

Sun-kissed skin, so hot, we’ll melt your ________

Oooh oh oooh

California girls, we’re undeniable

Fine,_______, fierce, we got it on lock

West Coast represent, now put your hands up

Oooh oh oooh

Sex on the beach

We don’t mind sand in our __________

We freak in my Jeep

Snoop Doggy Dogg on the stereo

Oh oh

You could travel the world,

But nothing comes close to the golden coast

Once you party with us, you’ll be falling in love

Oh oooh

California girls, we’re unforgettable

Daisy Dukes, bikinis on top

Sun-kissed skin, so hot, we’ll melt your ________

Oooh oh oooh

California girls, we’re undeniable

Fine,_______, fierce, we got it on lock

West Coast represent, now put your hands up

Oooh oh oooh

Tone, tan, fit and ready

Turn it up cause it’s gettin’ heavy

Wild wild West Coast

These are the girls I love the most

I mean the ones

I mean like she’s the one

Kiss her, touch her, squeeze her buns (ah)

The girl’s a freak

She _______ a Jeep

In Laguna Beach

I’m okay, I won’t play

I love the _______

Just like I love LA,

Venice Beach and Palm Springs

Summer time is everything

Homeboys banging out

All that ass hanging out

Bikinis, tankinis, ___________, no weenies

Just a king and a queenie

Katy my lady (yeah)

You looking here baby (uh huh)

I’m all up on you

Cause you representin’ California (oh yeah)

California girls, we’re unforgettable

Daisy Dukes, bikinis on top

Sun-kissed skin, so hot, we’ll melt your ________

Oooh oh oooh

California girls, we’re undeniable

Fine,_______, fierce, we got it on lock

West Coast represent, now put your hands up

Oooh oh oooh

California girls, man

I really wish you all could be California girls

Chegamos ao fim da quadragésima semana do Roteiro de Estudos Para Aprender Inglês Sozinho. Utilize os vídeos, textos e exercícios de forma alternada, começando pelo texto repetido por muitas vezes segundo a orientação, e faça cada sessão individualmente para que você possa compreender melhor o conteúdo apresentado. Lembre-se de cumprir as etapas aos poucos, já que você tem uma semana para fechar este conteúdo, e repita quantas vezes forem necessárias.

Certifique-se também que você compreendeu o novo vocabulário apresentado nas diversas sessões e sinta-se livre para checar as palavras ou expressões desconhecidas. Entretanto, entenda que se você utilizar ferramentas de tradução para entender a totalidade dos textos, você estará gastando tempo e não aprendendo nada. Caso sinta essa necessidade, volte algumas lições até que se sinta preparada para avançar. O objetivo da tradução deve ser apenas para esclarecer vocábulos ou expressões pontualmente.

Você também pode utilizar outros recursos para complementar os estudos, como livros de exercício e séries de aprendizado. Podemos encontrar este tipo de conteúdo no Youtube, como por exemplo a série Magic English da Disney, que busca ilustrar todo o conteúdo com personagens conhecidos dos desenhos, ou a coletânea da BBC Learning English disponível online. Também existem dicionários online, como o Cambridge ou o Word Reference, sites de exercícios, como o site de gramática da Oxford.

Pratique sempre que possível e acompanhe regularmente as semanas deste Roteiro de Estudos para que você possa estudar de forma mais correta e otimizar o seu aprendizado, acelerando o seu progresso. Lembre-se da importância de criar o hábito do inglês na mente, através de músicas e filmes sua mente possa se acostumar com a língua inglesa mesmo sem estar estudando efetivamente uma lição. Assim, tente criar a partir de agora uma “pequena Inglaterra” ou um “pequeno USA” na sua vida, usando tudo o que puder em inglês, inclusive coisas cotidianas como algumas expressões e redes sociais. Aproveite também para conversar sobre os assuntos vistos em aula, conte aos amigos ou família o que você aprendeu e tente utilizar não só a gramática como também o vocabulário sempre que possível.

Caso tenha ficado qualquer dúvida até esta etapa, sinta-se a vontade para revisar e repetir algumas aulas se considerar necessário. O importante é sempre manter a frequência nos estudos para que o seu inglês possa evoluir e chegar a um novo patamar. Continue praticando!

Bons estudos e boa semana.