©The Indian Express
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- pummel /PUHM-uhl/
- mobilize /MOH-buh-lahyz/
- surmise /ser-MAHYZ/
- levee /LEV-ee/
- catastrophic /at-uh-STROF-ik/
[verb] – to hit someone or something repeatedly
The hurricane winds pummeled the shoreline.
[verb] – to organize or prepare something, such as a group of people, for a purpose
Military troops were mobilized for the search and rescue operation.
[verb] – to guess something, without having much or any proof
They could only surmise the positive outcome of the seminar.
[noun] – a wall made of soil or other materials that is built next to a river to stop the river from overflowing
Levee improvements are being discussed to increase the city’s defenses.
[adjective] – causing sudden and very great harm or destruction
Water shortage in the village has become catastrophic.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Louisiana locals may suffer from a power outage for weeks after Hurricane Ida pummeled the state of New Orleans on Sunday, August 29. Approximately 5,000 National Guard members have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Additionally, over 25,000 workers mobilized to support power restoration in the city. State and local officials surmise that the number of help may increase as rescue efforts continue. “The systems we depended on to save lives and protect our city did just that and we are grateful, but there is so much more work to be done,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. She ordered the evacuees not to return to their homes until power and communication have been restored. US President Joe Biden has declared a state of calamity in New Orleans and issued extra funds for recovery efforts.
Ida made landfall in the state as a category four hurricane, powerful enough to severely damage buildings, trees, and power lines. It was previously deemed “life-threatening” similar to Hurricane Katrina that struck the country—and had the same path as Ida—in 2005 and claimed over a thousand lives. New Orleans’ flood defenses, however, have improved. The levee systems had “performed magnificently,” according to Governor John Bel Edwards. He added that none of the systems had been breached. Still, the damage was catastrophic and authorities continue to be in a “life-saving mode,” said Edwards.
Ida made landfall in the state as a category four hurricane, powerful enough to severely damage buildings, trees, and power lines. It was previously deemed “life-threatening” similar to Hurricane Katrina that struck the country—and had the same path as Ida—in 2005 and claimed over a thousand lives. New Orleans’ flood defenses, however, have improved. The levee systems had “performed magnificently,” according to Governor John Bel Edwards. He added that none of the systems had been breached. Still, the damage was catastrophic and authorities continue to be in a “life-saving mode,” said Edwards.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How often do you encounter a power outage after a hurricane or typhoon hits the area you live in?
- What was the strongest typhoon that made landfall in your country? Please tell me more about it.
- If given the chance, what help would you extend to the residents of Louisiana?
- How do you think the Louisiana locals would live without electricity for weeks?
- In your opinion, how long would it take for Louisiana to recover from the aftermath of the hurricane?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- deploy
- rescue efforts
- evacuee
- landfall
- breach