Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do rescue centers usually do for animals?
- Why might some sea animals get hurt in the ocean?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- swollen /SWOH-luhn/
- injure /IN-jer/
- separate /SEP-uh-reyt/
- awareness /uh-WAIR-nis/
- ecological /ee-kuh-LAA-juh-kl/
[adjective] – larger or rounder than normal, usually because of injury or illness
His knee was swollen after the fall.
[verb] – to hurt a person or animal
She injured her leg while running.
[verb] – to make people or things not be together
The teacher separated the noisy group of students.
[noun] – knowing that something exists or understanding it
The program helps raise awareness about recycling.
[adjective] – related to the environment and living things
The forest has great ecological importance.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In 2024, the World Heritage Center (WEC) for seal rescue opened in Lauwersoog, a town in the north of the Netherlands. The center is near the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A young gray seal named Witje was brought to the WEC after being found with a swollen flipper and a damaged eye. The WEC replaces the old Pieterburen Seal Center, which started in 1971. The new center is closer to the sea, which helps seals recover in a more natural place. Based on a study by Wageningen University, about 24,000 seals now live in the Wadden Sea. Each year, around 200 seals are brought to the center. Many are injured by trash in the sea, are separated from their mothers, or are hit by boats.
At the WEC, seals are placed in seawater tanks to support their healing. Curator Sander van Dijk explained that the saltwater helps wounds heal faster and keeps their fur healthy. The facility includes 12 intensive-care units that offer a tranquil and safe space for seals to rest. These spaces are cleaned often to avert infection. The center cost over 40 million euros and was supported by public and private donors. It also serves as an educational center with immersive exhibits. The goal is to raise awareness of the Wadden Sea’s ecological value and promote conservation actions.
At the WEC, seals are placed in seawater tanks to support their healing. Curator Sander van Dijk explained that the saltwater helps wounds heal faster and keeps their fur healthy. The facility includes 12 intensive-care units that offer a tranquil and safe space for seals to rest. These spaces are cleaned often to avert infection. The center cost over 40 million euros and was supported by public and private donors. It also serves as an educational center with immersive exhibits. The goal is to raise awareness of the Wadden Sea’s ecological value and promote conservation actions.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the name of the new seal rescue center in the Netherlands?
- When did the WEC officially open?
- Where is the WEC located?
- Why was the young seal named Witje brought to the WEC?
- What did the WEC replace?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited an animal center or zoo? If so, what animals did you see? If not, would you like to visit one? Why or why not?
- Have you ever helped an injured animal? If so, what happened? If not, what would you do if you found one?
- Do you agree that using seawater helps seals recover better?
- Why do you think many seals are hurt by trash in the sea?
- How can learning about ecology help people care more about nature?