Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about wildfires and how they spread?
- How might technology help firefighters in dangerous situations?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/
- attribute /uh-TRIB-yoot/
- technological /tek-nuh-LOJ-i-kuhl/
- advancement /ad-VANS-muhnt/
- emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz /
[noun] – a new plan or action to solve a problem or improve a situation
The school started an initiative to clean up the local park.
[verb] – to say that something is caused by something else
Experts attribute the success of the project to teamwork.
[adjective] – relating to or using technology
Technological advancements have made our lives more convenient.
[noun] – the process of making progress or improving something
Advancement in medicine has saved many lives.
[verb] – to show that something is very important
Teachers emphasize the importance of studying every day.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Over the weekend, significant progress was made in controlling wildfires across Los Angeles due to reduced wind speeds and unyielding firefighting efforts. Despite this, the fires caused severe devastation, destroying thousands of homes. Local authorities warned that strong winds expected through mid-week could exacerbate the situation. Several major entertainment events, such as the Producers Guild’s nomination announcement, were delayed. Meghan Markle’s Netflix series release was postponed until March 4. In Pacific Palisades, helicopters carrying water were crucial in preventing the spread of flames to residential neighborhoods, including celebrity-populated areas like Mandeville Canyon. Belmont Music Publishers, located nearby, confirmed the destruction of valuable original manuscripts by composer Arnold Schoenberg.
Efforts to assist wildfire victims have intensified. Various organizations, including Disney and the Recording Academy, contributed to relief initiatives. The Screen Actors Guild announced a $1 million donation to aid industry workers impacted by the disaster. In addition, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry helped distribute supplies to displaced residents. Experts attributed the rising frequency of wildfires in California to climate change and increased urban expansion. Technological advancements in firefighting and early warning systems have improved safety, but experts noted that rebuilding will demand substantial time and resources. Authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions while working to contain remaining fire zones. Environmental experts continue to emphasize the urgency of addressing climate-related factors to prevent future disasters.
Efforts to assist wildfire victims have intensified. Various organizations, including Disney and the Recording Academy, contributed to relief initiatives. The Screen Actors Guild announced a $1 million donation to aid industry workers impacted by the disaster. In addition, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry helped distribute supplies to displaced residents. Experts attributed the rising frequency of wildfires in California to climate change and increased urban expansion. Technological advancements in firefighting and early warning systems have improved safety, but experts noted that rebuilding will demand substantial time and resources. Authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions while working to contain remaining fire zones. Environmental experts continue to emphasize the urgency of addressing climate-related factors to prevent future disasters.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where did wildfires cause damage over the weekend?
- How did reduced wind speeds help in controlling the wildfires?
- How many people died due to the wildfires?
- What was delayed due to the wildfires?
- When will Meghan Markle’s Netflix series be released?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced or seen a natural disaster like a wildfire? If so, how did it affect people in your area? What do you think would be the biggest challenge in such a situation?
- Have you ever helped someone in need after a disaster? If so, what did you do to help? If no, what are other ways to help people during disasters?
- Do you agree that reducing wind speeds helped firefighters control the wildfires?
- Why do you think wildfires happen more often in some places than in others?
- How can governments and organizations work together to prevent future wildfires?