Clocks Change: Daylight Saving Time Ends in Many Countries
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In many countries, clocks will soon be moved back as standard time begins. This change marks the end of daylight saving time, the period when clocks are set one hour ahead to make better use of daylight in the evening.
When clocks move back, people gain an extra hour of sleep. The change also affects what time the sun rises and sets each day.
Not every continent follows the same rule. Each continent, and often each country, decides on its own when or whether to change the clocks. There is no single global system.
Some countries, including Japan and China, never change their clocks at all. They keep the same time throughout the whole year, no matter the season.
Experts say that changing the clock can disturb the circadian rhythm, the body's internal clock that controls sleep and waking. For some people, this can cause tiredness or poor sleep for a few days.
The debate about whether countries should keep changing their clocks twice a year, known as the clock change, continues in several regions, including Europe.
Vocabulary5 words
- standard time
- the normal winter time, used instead of daylight saving time
- daylight saving time
- a system where clocks move forward in summer for more evening light
- continent
- a very large area of land, such as Europe or Asia
- circadian rhythm
- the body's natural 24-hour clock that controls sleep
- clock change
- the act of moving clocks forward or back by one hour
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Quiz
Answer key
1. They move back one hour 2. Each continent decides for itself 3. It can disturb their circadian rhythm
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
In many countries, clocks will soon be moved back as standard time _____. This change marks the end of daylight saving time, the period when clocks are set one hour _____ to make better use of daylight in the evening.
When clocks move back, people gain an extra hour of _____. The change also affects what time the sun rises and _____ each day.
Not every continent follows the same _____. Each continent, and often each country, decides on its own when or whether to _____ the clocks.
Some countries, including Japan and China, never _____ their clocks at all. They keep the same time throughout the whole _____.
Experts say that changing the clock can disturb the circadian _____, the body's internal clock that controls sleep and waking.
Discussion questions
- Do you think countries should keep changing their clocks twice a year? Why or why not?
- How do you feel after a clock change — tired, fine, or something else?
- Why do you think Japan and China never change their clocks?
- Would it be easier if every country in the world used the same time rule?
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