Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever been to New York City? If so, what comes to mind when you think about it?
- Would you like to live or work in New York someday? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/
- contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot /
- tackle /TAK-uhl/
- rapid /RAP-id/
- strategy /STRAT-i-jee/
[adjective] – important or noticeable
The teacher’s instructions were significant in guiding the students through the classroom activities.
[verb] – to be one of the reasons why something happens
The excessive use of plastic contributes to environmental pollution.
[verb] – to try to deal with something or someone
The city government is working tirelessly to tackle the issue of homelessness and provide support to those in need.
[adjective] – fast or sudden
He quickly solved the puzzle with his rapid thinking.
[noun] – a detailed plan for achieving success in situations such as war, politics, business, industry, or sport, or the skill of planning for such situations
The company implemented a new marketing strategy to attract more customers.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
New York City is dealing with a significant and complex problem. It faces two interconnected issues: sinking caused by its buildings and rising sea levels. Recent studies have shown that high-rise structures contribute to the sinking, and local sea levels are rising twice as fast as the global average. This presents a big challenge for the city. By 2050, the sea level is expected to rise between 8 and 30 inches, which will create major difficulties that need to be tackled. Researchers have identified factors contributing to New York City’s sinking. Certain areas of the city, including lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the north end of Staten Island, experience sinking at a faster rate of up to 4.5 millimeters per year. Construction on soft soils and artificial fill explain some of the sinking, but unexplained instances remain. Experts are actively investigating this complex phenomenon to find answers.
The sinking of cities due to rising sea levels is a worldwide issue, as seen in Jakarta’s capital relocation due to rapid sinking. Researchers studied 99 cities globally, examining the effects of urban construction on coastal land sinking. Using computer models and satellite data, they estimated sinking rates and identified vulnerable areas. New York City, with its densely populated infrastructure in low-lying zones, is especially at risk. Understanding landscape changes is vital to developing strategies to reduce the impact of future sea level rise.
The sinking of cities due to rising sea levels is a worldwide issue, as seen in Jakarta’s capital relocation due to rapid sinking. Researchers studied 99 cities globally, examining the effects of urban construction on coastal land sinking. Using computer models and satellite data, they estimated sinking rates and identified vulnerable areas. New York City, with its densely populated infrastructure in low-lying zones, is especially at risk. Understanding landscape changes is vital to developing strategies to reduce the impact of future sea level rise.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What are the two interconnected issues that New York City is currently facing?
- How fast are the local sea levels rising compared to the global average?
- Which areas of New York City experience sinking at a faster rate, and why?
- What factors contribute to the sinking of New York City?
- What global issue does the sinking of cities due to rising sea levels represent?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever been to New York City? If so, what comes to mind when you think about it?
- Have you come across any information regarding the rising sea levels and sinking buildings in New York City? If yes, where did you encounter this information? If not, were you surprised to know about it?
- Do you think it is important to address the impact of rising sea levels and sinking buildings in urban areas like New York City?
- In your opinion, what should be done to address the challenges of rising sea levels and sinking buildings in cities like New York?
- What do you think are the potential consequences if the challenges of rising sea levels and sinking buildings in cities like New York are not adequately addressed?