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。
- Do you know what swamps are?
- Are swamps important to the environment?
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。
- swamp /swomp/
- biodiversity /bahy-oh-di-VUR-si-tee/
- alligator /AL-i-gey-ter/
- levee /LEV-ee/
- restore /ri-STAWR/
[noun] – an area of low-lying, uncultivated ground where water collects, often covered with water and plants
The swamp smelled like wet earth and plants.
[noun] – the variety of different types of life found in an area
The forest has a lot of biodiversity with many animals.
[noun] – a large reptile found in rivers and swamps, similar to a crocodile
An alligator lives in swamps and freshwater rivers.
[noun] – a structure built to prevent flooding by holding back water
The levee stopped the river from flooding the land.
[verb] – to bring something back to its original state or condition
The workers will restore the park’s old pathways.
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。
The Maurepas Swamp in Louisiana, west of New Orleans, covers 176 square miles (456 square kilometers) and ranks among the largest forested wetlands in the United States. Recognized for its biodiversity, it is home to bald eagles, alligators, and migratory birds. Over time, levees along the Mississippi River have blocked the swamp’s natural water flow, depriving it of essential nutrients. This disruption has caused significant ecological decline, harming water tupelo and bald cypress trees. To address this issue, the River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp project was initiated with a $330 million budget. The project aims to restore 45,000 acres (182 square kilometers) of wetlands by reintroducing river water through a 5.5-mile (9-kilometer) channel. Completion is planned for 2028.
The project focuses on providing sediment, oxygen, and nutrients needed to combat subsidence caused by fossil fuel extraction and rising sea levels. Funded by Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlements, it also involves collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Benefits include enhanced biodiversity, such as improved habitats for yellow-throated warblers, and wetlands acting as storm barriers, offering innovative disaster mitigation in hurricane-prone regions.
The project focuses on providing sediment, oxygen, and nutrients needed to combat subsidence caused by fossil fuel extraction and rising sea levels. Funded by Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlements, it also involves collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Benefits include enhanced biodiversity, such as improved habitats for yellow-throated warblers, and wetlands acting as storm barriers, offering innovative disaster mitigation in hurricane-prone regions.
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 Maurepas Swamp is one of the largest forested wetlands.
- The swamp is located east of New Orleans.
- Alligators are one of the species found in the Maurepas Swamp.
- Levees along the Mississippi River have helped the swamp’s natural water flow.
- The River Reintroduction project aims to restore 45,000 acres of wetlands.
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。
| swamp | biodiversity | alligator | levee | restore |
- The government plans to ______ the swamp to its natural state.
- The ______ is home to many birds and animals.
- Protecting ______ helps the environment stay healthy.
- The ______ is a big reptile with sharp teeth.
- Farmers built a ______ to protect their crops.