Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- persistent /per-SIS-tuhnt/
- impaired /im-PAIRD/
- emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/
- consequence /KON-si-kwens/
- intervention /in-ter-VEN-shuhn/
[adjective] – lasting for a long time or difficult to get rid of
The student had a persistent cough that lasted all week.
[adjective] – damaged or not functioning normally
His hearing is impaired, so he uses a hearing aid.
[verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to
Teachers emphasize the need for daily practice.
[noun] – a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not convenient
One consequence of heavy rain is flooding.
[noun] – the action of becoming involved in a difficult situation to change what is happening
The teacher’s intervention stopped the fight quickly.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A growing number of teenagers in the United States are not getting enough sleep, according to experts in child health and education. On average, adolescents require between eight and ten hours of rest each night, based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, almost 80% of teens reportedly fail to meet this standard. The issue has become more prominent in recent years and is affecting key aspects of life, such as school performance, mental health, and physical safety. This concern has been observed in various settings, including homes and schools, especially during early morning schedules. Experts note that screen use before bedtime, such as smartphones and streaming services, contributes significantly to the delay in falling asleep. The lack of proper sleep hygiene has become a persistent problem among adolescents, according to specialists in developmental science.
To improve sleep, experts suggest removing electronic devices from bedrooms and setting a regular bedtime. Research has shown that exposure to artificial light before sleep reduces melatonin, a hormone necessary for feeling sleepy. Replacing screen time with reading, warm showers, or quiet routines at night is considered beneficial. Adolescents who do not receive sufficient sleep may experience extreme mood changes, decreased academic focus, and impaired decision-making. According to recent studies, insufficient sleep is also associated with higher risks of injury, risky behavior, and traffic accidents due to drowsy driving. Medical experts emphasize that educating teens about the consequences of sleep loss can help promote behavioral change. Professionals described teen sleep deprivation as a chronic and widespread issue, requiring intervention, education, and preventive action from both families and schools.
To improve sleep, experts suggest removing electronic devices from bedrooms and setting a regular bedtime. Research has shown that exposure to artificial light before sleep reduces melatonin, a hormone necessary for feeling sleepy. Replacing screen time with reading, warm showers, or quiet routines at night is considered beneficial. Adolescents who do not receive sufficient sleep may experience extreme mood changes, decreased academic focus, and impaired decision-making. According to recent studies, insufficient sleep is also associated with higher risks of injury, risky behavior, and traffic accidents due to drowsy driving. Medical experts emphasize that educating teens about the consequences of sleep loss can help promote behavioral change. Professionals described teen sleep deprivation as a chronic and widespread issue, requiring intervention, education, and preventive action from both families and schools.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever had trouble falling asleep before school? If so, what did you do to feel better the next day? If not, what helps you sleep well?
- Have you ever felt very tired during class? If so, what happened? If not, how do you stay alert in school?
- Do you agree that screen time before bed affects sleep?
- Why do many teenagers ignore advice about sleep even if they know the risks?
- How can teachers and parents work together to support better sleep habits?
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.
- teenager
- require
- prominent
- exposure
- chronic