Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about tropical cyclones? Can you name any famous cyclones from history?
- What kind of damage can a tropical cyclone cause?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- meteorologist /mee-tee-uh-ROL-uh-jist/
- historical /hi-STAWR-i-kuhl/
- occurrence /uh-KUR-uhns/
- project /pruh-JEKT/
- hazardous /HAZ-er-duhs/
[noun] – a scientist who studies weather patterns and forecasts weather conditions
The meteorologist predicted heavy rain, so we brought umbrellas.
[adjective] – related to events in the past
The museum has historical photos of past cyclones.
[noun ] – the fact or frequency of something happening
The occurrence of three cyclones at the same time is unusual.
[verb] – to estimate or predict a future event
The weather office projects that the cyclone will move north.
[adjective] – dangerous or risky
It is hazardous to go outside during a storm.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Three tropical cyclones—Rae, Seru, and Alfred—are currently active in the South Pacific, an event meteorologists describe as rare. This situation aligns with the peak of the cyclone season, which lasts from November to April. Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters and can cause severe winds and flooding. Historical records indicate that the last occurrence of three simultaneous cyclones in the region was in January 2021, involving Lucas, Ana, and Bina. However, uncertainty remains regarding whether Bina officially attained Category 1 status. Rae formed north of Fiji on February 21, producing strong winds and heavy rainfall that damaged fruit trees. Alfred, which developed in the Coral Sea on Monday, is expected to bring torrential rainfall to Queensland, Australia, over the weekend. Seru, which became a cyclone on February 25, is tracking near Vanuatu but is projected to remain offshore, although hazardous maritime conditions may arise.
Meteorologists suggest that the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), a large-scale atmospheric fluctuation, may have influenced this cyclone activity. The MJO fosters conditions for storm formation and is currently moving over the South Pacific. The event underscores the importance of improving forecasting accuracy to mitigate cyclone-related risks. Authorities have issued warnings to ensure preparedness.
Meteorologists suggest that the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), a large-scale atmospheric fluctuation, may have influenced this cyclone activity. The MJO fosters conditions for storm formation and is currently moving over the South Pacific. The event underscores the importance of improving forecasting accuracy to mitigate cyclone-related risks. Authorities have issued warnings to ensure preparedness.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What makes the current cyclone event unusual?
- When does the cyclone season in the South Pacific usually happen?
- What conditions help tropical cyclones to form?
- Which tropical cyclone formed first?
- What is expected to happen in Queensland, Australia, because of Alfred?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced strong winds or heavy rain? If so, what did you do to stay safe? If not, what would you do if a cyclone was coming?
- Do you know of any big storms that have hit your country? If so, what happened? If not, how do people prepare for storms in your country?
- Do you agree that early warnings are the most important way to stay safe from cyclones?
- What do you think is the biggest challenge in predicting cyclones?
- How do you think climate change might affect the strength and number of tropical cyclones in the future?