Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What’s the first thing you do when you’re not feeling well?
- How do you think people’s daily lives might change during a health outbreak?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- emerge /ih-MURJ/
- indicate /IN-di-keyt/
- rate /reyt/
- authority /uh-THAWR-i-tee/
- emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/
[verb] – to become visible or known, often suddenly or unexpectedly
The truth about the mysterious disease emerged after scientists conducted extensive research.
[verb] – to show, point, or make clear in another way
The map indicates the fastest route to the nearest hospital.
[noun] – the amount or number of times it happens or changes in a particular period
The birth rate in the country has declined over the past decade due to economic challenges.
[noun] – a person or organization having power or control in a particular area
The school authority decided to cancel classes due to the heavy rainfall.
[verb] – to show that something is important or needs special attention
The teacher emphasized the importance of reading every day.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A measles outbreak has emerged in the United States, primarily affecting rural areas in West Texas. More than 150 cases have been confirmed, marking the largest outbreak in recent years. Health officials have also reported cases in New Mexico, Alaska, California, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines an outbreak as three or more related cases, with three clusters meeting this classification in 2025. Measles spreads through the air and remains one of the most contagious viruses. Studies indicate that an infected person can transmit the disease to about 15 others in unvaccinated groups. Experts attribute the resurgence to declining vaccination rates, especially in areas with inadequate immunization coverage.
Health authorities are implementing urgent measures to control the outbreak. The CDC has sent specialists to Texas to assist in containment efforts. Medical experts confirm that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective prevention. Since the 1960s, the vaccine has significantly reduced measles cases worldwide. The CDC recommends two doses, with the first at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Studies emphasize that a 95% vaccination rate is necessary to prevent outbreaks. However, immunization rates have declined, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Epidemiologists stress that reinforcing vaccination programs is essential to reducing transmission and protecting communities.
Health authorities are implementing urgent measures to control the outbreak. The CDC has sent specialists to Texas to assist in containment efforts. Medical experts confirm that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective prevention. Since the 1960s, the vaccine has significantly reduced measles cases worldwide. The CDC recommends two doses, with the first at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. Studies emphasize that a 95% vaccination rate is necessary to prevent outbreaks. However, immunization rates have declined, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Epidemiologists stress that reinforcing vaccination programs is essential to reducing transmission and protecting communities.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where has the measles outbreak mainly emerged in the United States?
- How many measles cases have been confirmed in the outbreak?
- Which government agency is responsible for investigating and controlling the outbreak?
- What is the most effective way to prevent measles infection?
- How is measles transmitted from one person to another?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever learned about measles or seen someone with the disease? If so, what did you learn or observe? If not, what do you think are the signs of measles?
- Have you ever received a vaccine to protect against a disease? If so, how did you feel after getting the vaccine? If not, why do you think vaccines are important?
- Do you agree that the MMR vaccine is the best way to stop measles?
- What would happen if there were no vaccines for measles?
- How can governments encourage more people to get vaccinated against measles?