Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is a spy?
- Do you think animals can be trained to be spies? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- military /MIL-i-ter-ee/
- welfare /WEL-fair /
- promptly /PROMPT-lee/
- risk /risk/
- potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/
[adjective] – relating to or belonging to the armed forces
The military exercises play a vital role in ensuring tight bonds among allied nations.
[noun] – physical and mental health and happiness, especially of a person
The welfare of children is of utmost importance, and child protection agencies ensure their safety and well-being.
[adverb] – quickly, without delay, or at the arranged time
The fire alarm sounded, and everyone promptly evacuated the building.
[noun] – the possibility of something bad happening
Swimming in deep water without knowing how to swim puts you at risk of drowning.
[adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist
The discovery of a potential cure for the disease brings hope to millions of people.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Beluga whale Hvaldimir has entered Swedish waters after a four-year journey along the Norwegian coast. In 2019, Hvaldimir gained global attention when he was seen wearing a harness believed to be associated with Russian military training. OneWhale, an organization focused on protecting the whale’s welfare, reported the sighting and praised Sweden for its efforts to safeguard Hvaldimir. Sweden promptly contacted OneWhale and closed a bridge to ensure its safety. According to the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries, Hvaldimir has been traveling along the Norwegian coast since 2019, occasionally stopping at fish farms to feed. The whale is known for interacting with boats and playing with people on board. Concerns were raised as Hvaldimir approached Oslo, a densely populated area, increasing the risk of harm through human contact.
Experts suggest Hvaldimir is a trained animal, as indicated by the specially designed harness adorned with “Equipment St. Petersburg” markings and camera mounts. It is alleged that the whale came from Russia and may have been trained by the Russian Navy for various military tasks. Although Hvaldimir’s situation in Sweden remains challenging due to the high population density, both OneWhale and the Swedish authorities are committed to ensuring the whale’s well-being. The presence of Hvaldimir in Scandinavian waters draws attention to the interest and concerns surrounding marine animals’ potential involvement in military operations.
Experts suggest Hvaldimir is a trained animal, as indicated by the specially designed harness adorned with “Equipment St. Petersburg” markings and camera mounts. It is alleged that the whale came from Russia and may have been trained by the Russian Navy for various military tasks. Although Hvaldimir’s situation in Sweden remains challenging due to the high population density, both OneWhale and the Swedish authorities are committed to ensuring the whale’s well-being. The presence of Hvaldimir in Scandinavian waters draws attention to the interest and concerns surrounding marine animals’ potential involvement in military operations.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where did the beluga whale Hvaldimir recently enter?
- What action did Sweden take to safeguard Hvaldimir?
- How long has Hvaldimir been traveling along the Norwegian coast?
- What concerns were raised as Hvaldimir approached Oslo?
- What suggests that Hvaldimir may be a trained animal?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Are you familiar with a beluga whale? What other highly intelligent marine animals do you know of?
- Have you experienced instances where animals were trained to perform complicated tasks? Tell me about it.
- Do you believe that Hvaldimir might have been trained by the Russian Navy for military activities?
- What actions do you think should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of Hvaldimir? How can organizations like OneWhale and authorities in Sweden contribute to protecting the whale?
- How do you think the international community should respond to situations like Hvaldimir’s, where there are concerns about the potential involvement of marine animals in military operations?