Restoring trust in science - 6 Minute English

Recent events like the Covid pandemic and climate crisis have put scientists under pressure from critics motivated by political views. American Astronomer Neil deGrasse Tyson wants people to understand the difference between opinion and fact. Sam and Rob talk about the topic and teach you related vocabulary. This week’s question For centuries, the Earth was thought to be the centre of the Universe - but who was the first astronomer to have the correct idea that, in fact, the Earth and the planets revolve around the Sun? a) Nicolaus Copernicus b) Isaac Newton c) Galileo Galilei Listen to the programme to find out the answer. Vocabulary cosmology the study of the origin and nature of the universe double-check make certain something is correct by carefully examining it again duplicate repeat or copy something in exactly the same way cross the t’s and dot the i’s (idiom) pay close attention to the details of the activity or task you are doing regurgitate repeat something without properly understanding it objective truth scientifically proven truth about the natural world which is not influenced by human bias, opinions or emotion [Cover: Getty Images] You can download audio and text here: More 6 Minute English episodes: Remembering Desmond Tutu Are you afraid of numbers? Britain’s love affair with coffee Intimacy on screen Personalised diets How green is nuclear energy? Why we forget the things we learn #learnenglish #science #bbclearningenglish #neildegrassetyson