Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced a time when water was not available at home? If so, what did you do? If not, what would you do if it happened?
- Have you ever heard of a city or country having a water shortage? If so, what do you remember about it? If not, where do you think it could happen?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- shortage /SHAWR-tij/
- authority /uh-THAWR-i-tee/
- confirm /kuhn-FURM/
- conflict /KON-flikt /
- concern /kuhn-SURN/
[noun] – Meaning: a situation in which there is not enough of something
The town had a food shortage after the storm.
[noun ] – a group of people who have the power to make decisions
The school authority made a new rule for students.
[verb] – to say or show that something is true or correct
The doctor confirmed the date of the surgery.
[noun ] – a serious disagreement or fight between people or groups
The conflict between two teams lasted for years.
[noun] – a feeling of worry about something important
There is concern about the sick animals in the zoo.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
An alarming water shortage began in Damascus after the Ein al-Fijeh spring, found in the Barada Valley near the capital, reached its lowest level in many years. This spring gives water to 70% of the city and supports around 5 million people. Usually, rain and snow from nearby mountains refill the spring each year. However, precipitation was much lower this winter—the driest since 1956. Because of this, the spring and the Barada River, which runs through Damascus, have almost dried up. The Damascus City Water Supply Authority confirmed that the spring is working at its weakest capacity.
To solve this issue, people are using water from private trucks. Some homes now get water for only 90 minutes each day. Power problems make it harder to use electric water pumps. The water tunnels, first built by the Romans and later repaired in 1920 and 1980, are under extreme stress. Experts called the situation unprecedented and asked the public to use less water. The area near the spring, once popular with visitors, is now empty. Repairs have started on homes and businesses hurt by past conflict. There is strong concern that the problem will become worse in summer, showing the need for quick government intervention and better water planning.
To solve this issue, people are using water from private trucks. Some homes now get water for only 90 minutes each day. Power problems make it harder to use electric water pumps. The water tunnels, first built by the Romans and later repaired in 1920 and 1980, are under extreme stress. Experts called the situation unprecedented and asked the public to use less water. The area near the spring, once popular with visitors, is now empty. Repairs have started on homes and businesses hurt by past conflict. There is strong concern that the problem will become worse in summer, showing the need for quick government intervention and better water planning.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where did the water shortage start?
- What caused the spring to reach its lowest level?
- How much of the city’s water comes from the spring?
- What is the name of the river that is also drying up?
- What group said the spring is very weak?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever needed to save water at home? If so, how did you save water? If not, how would you try?
- Have you ever seen a river or lake dry up? If so, what did it look like? If not, what do you think it would look like?
- Do you agree that the government should act quickly in water problems?
- Why do some places have water problems while others do not?
- Why is it important to fix water problems before summer starts?