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Vocabulary Quiz
environmentalist • prosper • for one reason
Native Americans • unfortunately
  1. Being an , I am against the use of plastic bags.
  2. The originally came from Aisa.
  3. We speak only one language.
  4. He left to go home or another .
  5. We hope you and do well in your work overseas.
Comprehension Quiz
Answer the following questions about the interview.

1018 The Nature of Myths

Jake shares with Shirley why the myth of Paul Bunyan still lives on today.

  • Transcript
  • Slide Show
  • Audio Notes


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Native American

imageAre there any Native American stories to explain why the Mississippi river is so big?

Native Americans are the groups of people who were living (and continue to live) in North and South America before the European settlers came. They are also sometimes referred to as “Indians”. See the following examples:

  1. Native Americans had different lifestyles depending on the available resources where they lived.
  2. Unfortunately, Native Americans were treated poorly throughout America’s history.


imageUnfortunately, we choose to talk about the Paul Bunyan story more.

Unfortunate means unlucky. Unfortunately is an adverb which is the same as saying “it’s too bad that...”. Study the examples below:

  1. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to finish painting today.
  2. I broke one of the new wine glasses unfortunately.

for one reason or another

imageWe choose to talk about the Paul Bunyan story for one reason or another.

“For one reason or another” can be used to explain the reason for something when you don’t really know what the reason is. It is almost like saying, “I am not sure why we do this, but there must be some reasons.” Notice the examples below:

  1. My son likes to wear different colored socks for one reason or another.
  2. For one reason or another, history always repeats itself.


imageSo, Paul Bunyan is not really an environmentalist.

An environmentalist is a person who tries to conserve and protect things in nature such as plants, animals, oceans, rivers, soil, and the air quality. A person or a product that is concerned about the environment is also called “green”. Notice the following examples:

  1. Hybrid cars are very popular with environmentalists.
  2. Global warming is a top priority for environmentalists.


imageThe story of Paul Bunyan teaches children to work hard and prosper.

To prosper means to have success. It often refers to financial success but it also can refer to being healthy. See the examples below:

  1. Since he quit drinking, he has really prospered financially.
  2. The fish really prosper near this coral reef.