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 an echidna before?
- Do you know where echidnas can be found?
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。
- creature /KREE-cher/
- expedition /ek-spi-DISH-uhn/
- shy /shahy/
- ocean /OH-shuhn/
- rare /rair /
[noun] – any large or small living thing that can move independently
The forest was filled with strange creatures, including colorful birds and curious insects.
[noun] – an organized trip for a particular purpose
The scientists embarked on an exciting expedition to study rare plants in the Amazon rainforest.
[adjective] – nervous and uncomfortable with other people
Sarah’s cat is shy and always hides when guests come over.
[noun] – a very large area of sea
We spent our vacation by the ocean, enjoying the sound of the waves and the warm, sandy beaches.
[adjective] – uncommon; not occurring or found often; unusual
The rare species of orchid discovered in the remote rainforest was a significant find for botanists studying the region’s plant life.
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。
In the faraway Cyclops Mountains of Indonesia, scientists from Oxford University recently made an exciting discovery, finding a mammal lost for more than sixty years: Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna. This special creature, resembling a hedgehog with spines, an anteater-like snout, and mole-like feet, was spotted on cameras during a four-week expedition led by the team. Biologist James Kempton, part of the expedition, expressed joy and relief on the last day. The echidna, a unique member of the monotreme group that separated from mammals 200 million years ago, lays eggs. Scientifically documented in 1961, this shy, nocturnal species was hard to find. This discovery is culturally important in the region, as the echidna is linked to local traditions. Yongsu Sapari elders share a tradition where conflicts are resolved by sending one party into the forest to find the echidna and another to the ocean for a marlin. Locals believe finding both creatures signifies the end of conflict and a return to harmony. This rare find emphasizes the need for conservation and highlights the unique biodiversity in the Cyclops Mountains of Indonesia.
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。
- The scientists who made the discovery were from Cambridge University.
- The echidna, Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna, had been missing for less than sixty years.
- Biologist James Kempton expressed joy and relief at the beginning of the expedition.
- The echidna belongs to the monotreme group, which separated from mammals 100 million years ago.
- According to the article, the discovery of both the echidna and a marlin signifies the continuation of conflict in the local traditions.
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。
| creature | expedition | shy | ocean | rare |
- Our dream holiday includes relaxing on sandy beaches, exploring vibrant coral reefs, and taking a cruise on the deep blue __________ waters.
- The jeweler proudly displayed a collection of exquisite jewelry, each featuring a _________ and precious gemstone that is hard to find in its natural state.
- In the exhibit, visitors can see a variety of exotic animals, including lions, elephants, and a mysterious nocturnal _________.
- During group activities, Sarah, who is usually __________, surprised everyone by taking the lead and presenting her innovative ideas.
- The famous explorer embarked on a daring __________ to uncover ancient artifacts in the depths of the uncharted jungle.