Red fire ant, one of the world’s most invasive species, makes its debut in Europe

admin 2024年2月7日

Beginner

world news, world news - beginner

Pre-reading questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。

Have you ever heard of red fire ants before?
Do you know where red fire ants come from?

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。

painful /PEYN-fuhl/

[adjective] – causing emotional or physical pain
When I accidentally touched the hot stove, it was very painful.

climate /KLAHY-mit/

[noun] – the general weather conditions usually found in a particular place
The climate in this tropical region is hot and humid throughout the year.

issue /ISH-oo/

[noun] – a subject or problem that people are thinking and talking about
The issue of pollution in our city is a matter of great concern for both residents and local authorities.

disappear /dis-uh-PEER/

[verb] – if people or things disappear, they go somewhere where they cannot be seen or found
The magician made the rabbit disappear with a wave of his wand, leaving the audience in awe.

environment /en-VAHY-ruhn-muhnt/

[noun] – the air, water, and land in or on which people, animals, and plants live
Protecting the environment by reducing plastic waste is essential for the well-being of future generations.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。

Scientists discovered red fire ants, called Solenopsis invicta, in Europe for the first time. These aggressive ants from South America are causing concerns due to their painful stings and environmental harm. In Sicily, Italy, researchers found 88 ant nests, marking the first European colony, likely arriving via a busy port. Genetic tests suggest they came from the United States or China. About 7% of Europe, including major cities, has a suitable climate for these ants. Scientists worry about their spread, highlighting the urgent issue of invasive species, which cost $423 billion globally each year and lead to species extinction, food security threats, and environmental crises, as shown in a recent United Nations report.

This discovery is important because invasive species cost a lot of money every year. It’s a huge $423 billion! They make plants and animals disappear, and they also make it hard to get enough food. These problems make the environment worse, which is something the United Nations has been talking about lately.

True or False:

Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.

文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。

Scientists found red fire ants in Europe for the first time.
Red fire ants are known for their friendly nature and helpful behavior.
The 88 ant nests were discovered in Barcelona, Spain.
Genetic tests suggest that the red fire ants in Europe likely originated from South America.
Invasive species have no significant impact on the environment or economy, according to the United Nations report.

Fill in the blanks:

Choose the correct word from the table then fill in the blanks.

適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。

painful

climate

issue

disappear

environment

The ________ of the Sahara Desert is characterized by scorching heat and minimal rainfall.
Pollution is a significant ________ in many urban areas, affecting air and water quality.
When the snow melts, the beauty of winter can quickly ________, giving way to spring.
Using sunscreen can help prevent ________ sunburn on a hot summer day.
Conservation efforts aim to protect the natural ________ and preserve biodiversity.