IT TAKES A LONG TIME FOR PLASTIC TO DECOMPOSE

 In this topic, we will learn how to talk about facts and use time expressions with the present simple tense. Plastic is a common material used in bags, bottles, and other items. However, plastic is not easy to break down. It takes a very long time for plastic to decompose—sometimes hundreds of years. This is a problem for our environment. In this lesson, you will learn how to speak about this issue in English.

Examples:

• It takes hundreds of years for plastic to decompose.

• Plastic does not break down quickly.

• People don’t always know how long plastic stays in the ground.

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GRAMMAR

We use the present simple tense to talk about facts and general truths.

Structure:

• Subject + base verb (add -s for he, she, it)

Examples:

• Plastic takes a long time to decompose.

• It stays in the ground for years.

• They don’t recycle plastic often.

Negative Form:

• Plastic doesn’t decompose quickly.

• It doesn’t disappear in a few years.

Questions:

• Does plastic decompose fast?

• How long does it take for plastic to decompose?

Short Answers:

• Yes, it does. / No, it doesn’t.

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VOCABULARY (10 words with definition)

1. Decompose – to break down or rot naturally over time

2. Plastic – a man-made material that lasts a long time

3. Years – a measure of time; 365 days

4. Earth – our planet, the world

5. Environment – the natural world: land, water, air, and life

6. Problem – something that causes difficulty or concern

7. Recycle – to use something again instead of throwing it away

8. Nature – plants, animals, and all things not made by people

9. Break down – to separate or change into smaller parts

10. Landfill – a place where trash is kept under the ground

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USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

• It takes many years for plastic to decompose.

• Plastic stays in the environment for a long time.

• We need to reduce plastic waste.

• Recycling helps the Earth.

• Plastic pollution is a big problem.

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SENTENCES

Positive:

• It takes hundreds of years for plastic to decompose.

• Plastic pollutes the Earth.

• Recycling helps reduce plastic waste.

Negative:

• Plastic doesn’t decompose in a short time.

• It doesn’t disappear after a few years.

• Many people don’t know about this problem.

Questions and Answers:

• Does plastic decompose quickly? – No, it doesn’t.

• How long does it take for plastic to decompose? – It takes hundreds of years.

• Do you recycle plastic? – Yes, I do.

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CONVERSATION

Lily: I read that plastic takes a very long time to decompose.

Noah: Yes, some plastic stays in landfills for hundreds of years!

Lily: That’s terrible. It can hurt nature and animals.

Noah: I try to use less plastic and recycle more.

Lily: Me too. I also bring my own bags to the store.

Noah: That’s a great idea. Every little change helps the Earth.

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READING

Why Plastic is a Problem

Plastic is useful, but it can harm the Earth. One big problem is that plastic takes a long time to decompose. Some plastic items stay in the ground for 500 years! During this time, they can pollute the soil and water. Animals can also eat plastic and get sick. If we recycle more and use less plastic, we can protect nature and the environment.

Questions:

1. Why is plastic a problem?

2. How long can plastic stay in the ground?

3. What happens when animals eat plastic?

4. What can we do to help?

5. Does plastic decompose quickly?

Answers:

1. Because it takes a long time to decompose and pollutes the Earth.

2. Up to 500 years.

3. They can get sick.

4. Recycle more and use less plastic.

5. No, it doesn’t.