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: 29 September 2015
NB! For WEEKLY audio stories check out LISTEN & LEARN 🔈
Volkswagen Caught Cheating on Emissions Tests
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- manufacturer: maker
- emissions test: a clean air test; calculates how much pollution a vehicle releases into the air
- defeat: to beat or win
- detect: to notice or find
- passing grade: a performance mark that meets the minimum requirement
- recall: a request for a consumer to return an item for a refund or repair; usually due to a safety concern or parts failure
- reputation: the general view or belief about someone or something
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Volkswagen Caught Cheating on Emissions Tests
Comprehension Questions
- Why was this part installed in diesel cars sold in the US?
- What happens after these cars illegally pass the emissions tests?
- Why was getting caught so costly for Volkswagen?
Discussion Questions: Volkswagen employs over 270,000 workers and is one of Germany’s largest employees. Do you think this will have a major effect on the country’s economy?
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Volkswagen Caught Cheating on Emissions Tests
Volkswagen, the world’s largest car manufacturer, has been caught cheating on US emissions tests. Up to 11 million Volkswagen diesel cars with defeat devices have been sold worldwide. The device, which can detect emissions test equipment, switches a diesel car’s engine to a clean low-performance mode during an e-test. When the car returns to the road with its passing grade, it switches back to regular mode, releasing up to 40 times the legal limit of nitrogen oxide. With fines, recalls, and the company’s reputation at stake, this scandal could cost the company over 30 billion dollars.
- Volkswagen installed this device in diesel cars sold in the US to cheat the emissions tests.
- After these cars illegally pass the emissions tests, they switch back to regular mode. They may release up to 40 times more pollutants than the legal limit.
- Getting caught was costly because Volkswagen will have to pay for fines and recalls. This has also hurt the car company’s reputation. Volkswagen will also have to try to earn back trust from customers.
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.
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