1. Ted talk How to use a paper towel

2. Talk to a partner
On average, how many paper towels do you use to dry your hands?
Do you use a lot of paper towels at your house?
Is there a “right” way and a “wrong” way to use a paper towel?
Why should we care about how we use paper towels?

3. vocabulary

4. Figures
Numbers
Noun

5. Recycle
Reuse
Verb

6. Reduce
Make smaller
Verb

7. Tear off
Remove
Verb

8. Shake
Move up and down or
side to side
Verb

9. Fold
Make smaller by bending
Verb

10. Invention
New, man-made creation
Noun

11. Waved
Moved my hand to get someone’s attention
Verb

12. Dispenser
Machine that gives you something
Noun

13. Proved
Showed something
Verb

14. Let’s Watch the Talk
Take notes the best you can. Listen for main ideas, facts, and numbers.

15. Listening Questions Use your notes to answer the following questions:
What is the main point of Joe Smith’s TED Talk?
How is it possible to use only one paper towel per use? What is the technique Joe Smith shares?
About how many pounds of paper per year can using this technique save?
What is the joke that Joe Smith makes at the very end of the talk?

16. Discussion Questions
Do you recycle? Why or why not? If you recycle, what do you recycle?
In your culture, is it usual for people to shake hands when they first meet?
In your opinion, what’s the most useful invention in the last 10 years?
What is easier for you to understand, words or figures? Explain why.
What is one way you can reduce the amount of paper you use?
Do you always fold your clothes at night and put them away, or do you sometimes put them on the furniture or on the floor?