Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is meant by the word ‘earthquake’?
- Can you think of any real-life situations or locations where earthquakes might be more likely to occur?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- beneath /bih-NEETH/
- collapse /kuh-LAPS/
- encounter /en-KOUN-ter/
- block /blok/
- assistance /uh-SIS-tuhns/
[preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something
The hidden treasure was buried beneath a large oak tree in the forest.
[verb] – to fall down suddenly because of pressure or having no strength or support
The old, deteriorating bridge finally collapsed under the weight of the heavy truck that was attempting to cross it.
[verb] – to experience something, especially something unpleasant
During their hike in the wilderness, they encountered a rare and elusive species of bird they had never seen before.
[verb] – to prevent movement through something
The fallen tree branches blocked the path, preventing any movement through the forest trail.
[noun] – help
He needed some assistance with his heavy bags, so a kind stranger offered to help him carry them to the car.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Following a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Moulay Brahim, Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, late on a Friday night, survivors are in a heartbreaking and desperate situation. This seismic event, the most powerful in Morocco for a century, has claimed over 2,000 lives, with many more missing and possibly trapped beneath rubble. Moulay Brahim, a charming village about two hours southwest of Marrakech, now lies in ruins, with 25 confirmed casualties. Among the missing are the parents of Sami Sensis, whose family frequented this serene locale. Their hotel partially collapsed during the earthquake, leaving Sensis unable to bid them a proper farewell as he awaits news. The unstable and hazardous conditions at the site have forced the local fire brigade to evacuate, leaving families anxiously waiting for any signs of hope amidst this tragic situation.
Rescue efforts encounter significant challenges due to blocked roads obstructed by fallen boulders, impeding access to remote areas. Local communities, displaying remarkable resilience, have come together, organizing themselves and sharing resources. Leila Idabdelah, for instance, bakes flatbread to support her fellow survivors, a testament to their strength and unity. Foreign governments have extended assistance, a gesture acknowledged by the Moroccan Interior Ministry. Nonetheless, time is of the essence for the residents of Moulay Brahim, as each passing hour diminishes the hope of reuniting with their loved ones.
Rescue efforts encounter significant challenges due to blocked roads obstructed by fallen boulders, impeding access to remote areas. Local communities, displaying remarkable resilience, have come together, organizing themselves and sharing resources. Leila Idabdelah, for instance, bakes flatbread to support her fellow survivors, a testament to their strength and unity. Foreign governments have extended assistance, a gesture acknowledged by the Moroccan Interior Ministry. Nonetheless, time is of the essence for the residents of Moulay Brahim, as each passing hour diminishes the hope of reuniting with their loved ones.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What was the magnitude of the earthquake in Moulay Brahim, and when did it occur?
- How many lives were claimed by the earthquake, and what is the current situation regarding missing individuals?
- Where is Moulay Brahim located, and what is its current condition following the earthquake?
- Who is Sami Sensis, and what happened to his parents during the earthquake?
- What challenges are rescue efforts facing, and how are local communities responding to the crisis in Moulay Brahim?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever encountered news or heard personal accounts of a natural disaster like the earthquake in Moulay Brahim? If yes, how did it make you feel and what was your reaction? If not, how do you think you would react upon hearing such news?
- Can you relate to the sense of unity and community support described in the article, where local residents came together during a crisis? Have you ever experienced a similar sense of unity in your own community or during a difficult time? If yes, please share your experience. If not, how do you think such unity can benefit a community in times of crisis?
- Did the earthquake in Moulay Brahim, Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, receive assistance from foreign governments as mentioned in the article?
- Reflecting on the challenges faced during the earthquake in Moulay Brahim, what measures do you think could be implemented to improve the preparedness of communities in earthquake-prone regions, both in terms of infrastructure and community response?
- Considering the impact of this earthquake on Moulay Brahim, what are some potential long-term effects on the village, its residents, and their way of life? How might the community rebuild and recover from such a devastating event?