The Doomsday Clock

The Doomsday Clock has been ticking for many years now. It’s in the news because the scientists behind it recently have changed its time once again. Find out more in the video.

Read the following words and phrases and their definitions.

• doomsday - the day the world ends or is destroyed
• cavalier - careless; showing no concern for something that is important or serious
• reckless - not showing proper concern about the possible bad results of your actions
• disregard - ignoring something or treating something as unimportant
• initially - originally; in the beginning; at the start
• arbitrary - not planned or chosen for a particular reason
• impending - happening or likely to happen soon
• deep concern - a deep feeling of worry
• off the table - If sth is "off the table", it is not a serious option or not up for discussion
• grim -gloomy or depressing

First read the assignment. Next watch the video. Take notes to help you do the assignment.

1. Why was the Doomsday Clock made in the first place?


2. How accurate is the Doomsday Clock?


3. For each of the following years, write down to what the time the Doomsday Clock was set and for what reason:
   - 1947
   - 1949
   - 1953
   - 1968
   - 1972
   - 1984
   - 1991
   - 2017