Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Can you name some different types of airplanes and helicopters you know about?
- How do you think scientists and engineers make sure airplanes are safe for people to fly in?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- aboard /uh-BAWRD/
- determine /dih-TUR-min/
- notable /NOH-tuh-buhl/
- vertical /VUR-ti-kuhl/
- investigation /in-ves-ti-GEY-shuhn/
[preposition] – on or onto a ship, aircraft, bus, or train
Three scientists were aboard the research vessel, ready to explore the depths of the ocean.
[verb] – to discover the facts or truth about something
It is the responsibility of the court to determine whether these men are innocent.
[adjective] – important and deserving attention
This attractive building is particularly notable for its forest setting.
[adjective] – standing or pointing straight up or at an angle of 90° to a horizontal surface or line
The skyscraper’s design features a striking vertical arrangement of glass and steel, making it a prominent landmark in the city’s skyline.
[noun] – the act or process of examining a crime, problem, statement, etc. carefully, especially to discover the truth
The police launched an investigation to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
During Australian military exercises, a tragic Osprey aircraft crash on Melville Island resulted in three US Marines losing their lives and several sustaining serious injuries. The incident took place around 9:30 a.m. while supporting Exercise Predators Run. Among the 23 Marines aboard the MV-22B Osprey, three perished, and five were swiftly transported to the Royal Darwin Hospital in critical condition for immediate medical care, as confirmed by the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin. Currently, an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin conveyed condolences and praised the bravery of the Marines. This incident has refocused attention on Osprey aircraft safety, notable for their vertical takeoff. Operating challenges and mechanical issues have persisted since their 1980s introduction. Though Osprey accidents are infrequent, their participation in notable incidents, like a 2022 California crash that killed five Marines and a fatal mishap during a NATO exercise in Norway, has raised concerns.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, extended condolences, emphasizing strong ties. Joint military exercises improve inter-country communication, coordinated actions, and Pacific security. While experts investigate the crash’s causes, questions persist. Standard procedures mandate temporary halts for thorough investigations after accidents. Despite generally safe Osprey aircraft, this incident stresses ongoing safety improvement and thorough training to prevent future tragedies.
Australia’s Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, extended condolences, emphasizing strong ties. Joint military exercises improve inter-country communication, coordinated actions, and Pacific security. While experts investigate the crash’s causes, questions persist. Standard procedures mandate temporary halts for thorough investigations after accidents. Despite generally safe Osprey aircraft, this incident stresses ongoing safety improvement and thorough training to prevent future tragedies.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What tragic event happened during Australian military exercises on Melville Island?
- How many US Marines lost their lives in the Osprey aircraft crash?
- What were the outcomes of the California crash in 2022 and the NATO exercise mishap in Norway in terms of casualties?
- What did Australia’s Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister emphasize while extending condolences?
- Why are ongoing safety improvements and thorough training important despite Osprey aircraft generally being safe?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever followed rules while playing to stay safe and have more fun? How did these rules help everyone enjoy the activity without worrying? If you haven’t done this, can you imagine playing a game where everyone follows rules to stay safe? How can rules make games more fun and prevent accidents, like how safety measures help soldiers during exercises?
- Have you ever been part of a team doing a practice or exercise, and something unexpected happened? How did you and your team handle it? If not, can you think of a time in a game or activity when things didn’t go as planned? How did you and others react to the situation?
- Do you think joint military exercises help countries communicate better and make their region safer?
- The article says that Osprey aircraft had some problems a long time ago. Can you guess what kinds of problems planes and vehicles used by the military might have? How do these problems make them less safe or useful?
- The article talks about countries working together in military practice to talk better and be safer. Can you think of other times when different groups or countries working together helped them talk better and be safer? How might this help in different situations?