© BBC News
Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- contaminate /kuhn-TAM-uh-neyt/
- abundantly /uh-BUHN-duhnt-lee/
- lethal /LEE-thuhl/
- marina /muh-REE-nuh/
- dilute /dahy-LOOT/
[verb] – to make something less pure or make it poisonous
Lead in pipes can contaminate water.
[adverb] – in large quantities or amounts
This plant grows abundantly in wooded areas.
[adjective] – able to cause or causing death; extremely dangerous
The bite hurts but is not lethal to humans.
[noun] – a small port that is used for pleasure rather than trade, often with hotels, restaurants, and bars
We docked our sailboat at the marina.
[verb] – to make a liquid weaker by mixing it with water or another liquid
Before adding the bleach to the laundry, dilute it with water.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Thousands of fish have been found dead in the River Oder that separates Poland and Germany. Despite weeks of research, specialists from both countries have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause. Scientists suspect that the water appears to have been contaminated with a chemical that has created elevated salt levels. Golden algae grew more abundantly as a result, and the fish were destroyed by the toxins they released. The water quality was then further lowered by the decaying bodies. They claim that a scorching summer and low river levels may have worsened a lethal chemical chain reaction. However, they have not yet located the initial contaminant. Andrzej Kapusta of the Inland Fisheries Institute expressed concern that it might happen again, especially if the initial source of the pollution is still unknown.
Locals in a small marina first saw fish dying and the water changing in March. When it happened once more in June, the owner started her own investigation. She concludes that “someone dumped chemicals into the port.” Approximately 300 unregistered outflow pipes have been found, and investigators are looking into nearly 60 of them in relation to the fish deaths. A pump is working desperately in an effort to introduce oxygen into the water while workmen near Szczecin, Poland, remove enormous dead carp and catfish from the river. The river continues its journey into a lagoon and the Baltic Sea from this point. Although it is believed that the volume of water will dilute the toxins, there are worries that what some locals refer to as a “wave of poison” may continue its deadly path downstream.
Locals in a small marina first saw fish dying and the water changing in March. When it happened once more in June, the owner started her own investigation. She concludes that “someone dumped chemicals into the port.” Approximately 300 unregistered outflow pipes have been found, and investigators are looking into nearly 60 of them in relation to the fish deaths. A pump is working desperately in an effort to introduce oxygen into the water while workmen near Szczecin, Poland, remove enormous dead carp and catfish from the river. The river continues its journey into a lagoon and the Baltic Sea from this point. Although it is believed that the volume of water will dilute the toxins, there are worries that what some locals refer to as a “wave of poison” may continue its deadly path downstream.
Discussion Questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How important are fish in your country?
- Does your country have water pollution issues? Please tell me more about them.
- If you were one of the scientists, what would you do to confirm the poisoned water of the River Oder?
- Do you agree that someone poisoned the river?
- In your opinion, how will this incident affect Poland’s and Germany’s economy?
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.
- pinpoint
- suspect
- scorching
- enormous
- lagoon