© BBC News
Pre-reading questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What are the litter laws in your city?
- What simple things do you do to help reduce pollution?
Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/
- toxin /TOK-sin/
- unclear /uhn-KLEER/
- route /root/
- downstream /DOUN-STREEM/
[adjective] – relating to chemicals (any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules)
The chemical industry is a big suspect in terms of pollution.
[noun] – a poisonous substance, especially one produced by bacteria, that causes disease
Test results revealed high toxin levels in shellfish.
[adjective] – not obvious or easy to see or know
It’s unclear what our plans are right now.
[noun] – a particular way or direction between places
We took a longer route than usual to get here.
[adverb] – in the direction a river or stream is flowing
We paddled for approximately a mile downstream.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Thousands of dead fish have been discovered in the River Oder that separates Poland and Germany. Despite weeks of investigation, experts from both nations have not been able to determine the exact cause. Scientists believe that a chemical contamination that resulted in the water’s high salt levels may have occurred. The fish were harmed by the toxins that the golden algae released as they increased in number. The rotting bodies then significantly reduced the quality of the water. Andrzej Kapusta of the Inland Fisheries Institute expressed worry that it could happen again, especially if the original source of the pollution is still unclear.
In March, locals in a tiny marina first saw fish dying and the water changing. The owner started her own investigation when it happened again in June. This led her to believe that “someone dumped chemicals into the port.” Investigators are checking nearly 60 of the approximately 300 unregistered outflow pipes in relation to the fish deaths. While workers near Szczecin, Poland, remove gigantic dead carp and catfish from the river, a pump is desperately trying to add oxygen to the water. From here, the river flows on to a lagoon and the Baltic Sea. The volume of water may lessen the toxins, but there are concerns that what some people refer to as a “wave of poison” may continue its fatal route downstream.
In March, locals in a tiny marina first saw fish dying and the water changing. The owner started her own investigation when it happened again in June. This led her to believe that “someone dumped chemicals into the port.” Investigators are checking nearly 60 of the approximately 300 unregistered outflow pipes in relation to the fish deaths. While workers near Szczecin, Poland, remove gigantic dead carp and catfish from the river, a pump is desperately trying to add oxygen to the water. From here, the river flows on to a lagoon and the Baltic Sea. The volume of water may lessen the toxins, but there are concerns that what some people refer to as a “wave of poison” may continue its fatal route downstream.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where were the dead fish discovered?
- According to scientists, how were the fish harmed?
- When did the locals first see fish dying and the water changing?
- What did the owner of the marina believe?
- How many unregistered outflow pipes are being checked by investigators?
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?