Unit 5: Natural Disasters

 Historic Disasters

Throughout history, multiple disasters have happened, from earthquakes, through hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, among many more. 

- When stories about natural disasters such as epidemics, famines, and Weather emergencies appear in the new, are you interested in knowing about them? why or why not?

Well, I am not always interested in this kind of news, I think it is because they are not usually close to where I live, but on some occasions the event is of such magnitude that it is impossible to ignore it.

- Why do newspapers often put stories like this on the front page?

I guess it's because of the magnitude of the event and the fact of trying to get the reader's attention.

- Not all disasters are caused by nature. What are some other kinds of disasters? What are some of their causes? 

Those that are not caused by nature, are caused by humans, for example forest fires which are mostly caused by the hand of man, or contamination, nuclear disasters, among others.

A: I'm on the phone with your parents. Would you like to say hello?

B: I would, but I'm running late.

A: Anything you'd like me to tell them?

B: Yes. Please tell them to turn on the TV. There's storm on the way.

A: Will do.

Indirect speech: Imperatives

To report what someone said without quoting the exact words, use indirect speech. Don't use quotation when you write indirect speech.

    Direct Speech: Peter said, "be careful if you go out during the storm" 

    Indirect Speech: Peter said to be careful if you go out during the storm.

An imperative in direct speech becomes an infinitive in indirect speech.

    They said, "read the weather report." - they said to read the weather report.

    She said , "don't go out without a full tank of gas." - She says not to go out without a full tank of gas.

Change the pronouns in indirect speech as necessary for logic.

    Martin said, "tell me as soon as you know." - Martin told me to tell him as soon as I know.

    She told me, "please call me when you get home." - She asked me to call her when I get home.