Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you imagine a sea turtle’s journey in the ocean looks like?
- If you could create one rule to protect animals, what would it be?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- recover /ri-KUHV-er/
- illegal /ih-LEE-guhl/
- destruction /dih-STRUHK-shuhn/
- introduce /in-truh-DOOS/
- cooperation /koh-op-uh-REY-shuhn/
[verb] – to return to a normal or better state after a difficult situation
The economy is starting to recover after the long recession.
[adjective] – not allowed by law
Selling these products without a license is illegal in many countries.
[noun] – the act of damaging something so badly that it no longer exists or works
The storm caused the destruction of several houses in the town.
[verb] – to make something known or available for the first time
The school introduced a new lunch program to improve students’ health.
[noun] – the process of working together to achieve the same goal
International cooperation is needed to solve climate change problems.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A new international survey revealed that endangered sea turtle populations are starting to recover in many parts of the world. The study, published in Endangered Species Research, looked at 48 sea turtle groups from different parts of the world. More than half of these areas are seeing fewer dangers like illegal hunting, pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. While most sea turtle species are still endangered or vulnerable, the findings offer hope for the future. The study found that sea turtle populations in the Atlantic Ocean are growing faster than those in the Pacific. However, leatherback turtles continue to struggle the most. These turtles travel long distances—over 3,700 miles—and face many threats along the way, making them especially at risk.
Researchers say that species like the green turtle are doing better thanks to conservation efforts that began many years ago. These include banning commercial hunting, protecting nesting beaches, and creating stricter fishing rules in places like Mexico and the U.S. Ecologist Michelle María Early Capistrán explained that although these rules were introduced decades ago, the positive results are only now becoming clear. Still, sea turtles are often caught accidentally in fishing gear. New tools are being developed to help prevent this, but they need to be used more widely. Experts say global cooperation is key to saving these ancient animals.
Researchers say that species like the green turtle are doing better thanks to conservation efforts that began many years ago. These include banning commercial hunting, protecting nesting beaches, and creating stricter fishing rules in places like Mexico and the U.S. Ecologist Michelle María Early Capistrán explained that although these rules were introduced decades ago, the positive results are only now becoming clear. Still, sea turtles are often caught accidentally in fishing gear. New tools are being developed to help prevent this, but they need to be used more widely. Experts say global cooperation is key to saving these ancient animals.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where was the study about sea turtles published?
- How many sea turtle groups did the study look at?
- What kinds of dangers are becoming fewer in more than half of the areas?
- Which ocean has faster sea turtle population growth according to the study?
- What are some actions that helped protect sea turtles in countries like Mexico and the U.S.?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever learned about endangered animals in school or on TV? If yes, which animal did you learn about, and what do you remember? If not, would you like to learn about one? Which animal interests you?
- Have you ever talked about climate change or pollution with your friends or family? If yes, what did you talk about? If not, do you think it’s important to talk about it? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that countries should work together to save endangered animals like sea turtles?
- Why do you think the number of sea turtles is growing faster in the Atlantic Ocean than in the Pacific?
- What can schools or communities do to help endangered animals like sea turtles?