Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- tropical /TROH-pi-kuhl/
- palm /pahm/
- exceed /ik-SEED/
- accustomed /uh-KUHS-tuhmd/
- determine /dih-TUR-min/
[adjective] – from or relating to the area between the two tropics, where the weather is very hot
Tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples grow in warm regions.
[noun] – a tree that grows in hot countries with a tall, thin trunk and large leaves at the top
The palm trees along the beach provide much-needed shade.
[verb] – to go beyond an allowed limit
Her grades always exceed expectations, impressing her teachers.
[adjective] – familiar with something so that it seems normal or usual
They are accustomed to the cold weather in their country.
[verb] – to control or influence something directly, or to decide what will happen
She is determining the best route for their trip.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Malayan tigers and Aldabra tortoises, native to tropical regions, have been enjoying frozen treats at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society in Florida during the scorching summer heat. With temperatures in South Florida reaching the upper 90s Fahrenheit (mid-30s Celsius) and humidity levels around 70%, creating “feels like” temperatures that often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), zoo staff have implemented various cooling methods to ensure the animals’ comfort. Mike Terrell, the zoo’s curator of animal experiences, noted that although the animals are acclimated to the warm climate, they still seek ways to cool off, much like humans do.
The zookeepers at the Palm Beach Zoo employ several inventive techniques to help the animals stay cool. For instance, large piles of ice are placed in the black bear enclosure, allowing the bears to wallow in them, and their pool is chilled to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). Otters receive ice blocks and frozen fish for play and sustenance. Tigers are given frozen cow bones embedded in ice blocks, along with frozen goat milk, and they also enjoy swimming to beat the heat. Giant tortoises, accustomed to the Indian Ocean islands, benefit from cool showers provided by a hose, which they can feel through their shells. Terrell explained that finding the right cooling activities involves trial and error, as the animals’ preferences guide the zookeepers in determining what to offer. Visitors to the zoo, especially children, are captivated by watching the animals engage in these cooling activities, pressing their faces against the glass to get a closer look.
The zookeepers at the Palm Beach Zoo employ several inventive techniques to help the animals stay cool. For instance, large piles of ice are placed in the black bear enclosure, allowing the bears to wallow in them, and their pool is chilled to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius). Otters receive ice blocks and frozen fish for play and sustenance. Tigers are given frozen cow bones embedded in ice blocks, along with frozen goat milk, and they also enjoy swimming to beat the heat. Giant tortoises, accustomed to the Indian Ocean islands, benefit from cool showers provided by a hose, which they can feel through their shells. Terrell explained that finding the right cooling activities involves trial and error, as the animals’ preferences guide the zookeepers in determining what to offer. Visitors to the zoo, especially children, are captivated by watching the animals engage in these cooling activities, pressing their faces against the glass to get a closer look.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a zoo during the summer? If so, what did you notice about how the animals were kept cool? If not, would you like to visit a zoo in the summer to see how animals stay cool?
- Have you ever done something special to keep a pet cool during hot weather? If so, what did you do? If not, what do you think might be a good way to help a pet stay cool?
- Do you agree that providing frozen treats and other cooling methods is essential for animals in zoos during the summer?
- Why do you think it’s important for zoos to find specific cooling methods that each animal prefers? How might this impact the animals’ overall well-being?
- What challenges do you think zoo staff might face when trying to keep animals cool in extremely hot weather? How can they overcome these challenges?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- scorching
- implement
- acclimate
- wallow
- sustenance