©Im Soon-shuck/Yonhap via AP
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- notable /NOH-tuh-buhl/
- considerable /kuhn-SID-er-uh-buhl/
- escalation /eh-skuh-LAY-shn/
- sustainable /suh-STEY-nuh-buhl/
- strategic /struh-TEE-jik/
[adjective] – important or interesting enough to be noticed or mentioned
The museum had a notable painting by a famous artist.
[adjective] – important or interesting enough to be noticed or mentioned
The museum had a notable painting by a famous artist.
[noun] – a situation in which something becomes greater or more serious
There was an escalation in noise after the concert began.
[adjective] – able to continue for a long time without causing damage
They use sustainable energy like wind and solar power.
[adjective] – done as part of a plan to achieve a goal
The team made a strategic plan to win the game.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Large numbers of insects known as lovebugs (Plecia nearctica) have appeared again in South Korea, especially between late June and early July. These insects are often seen flying in pairs while mating and are also called “honeymoon flies.” First observed in northwestern Seoul in 2022, these seasonal swarms have now spread across many parts of the capital and nearby cities, including Incheon. At Gyeyang Mountain, west of Seoul, clouds of lovebugs were recently seen surrounding observation areas. Local officials reported a notable increase in their population, with workers frequently cleaning piles of dead insects. The Environment Ministry explained that the hot and humid conditions of the 395-meter mountain likely created an ideal environment for the insects to multiply. The ministry plans to evaluate the full extent of this year’s outbreak after the bugs disappear, probably by mid-July.
Although lovebugs do not bite or carry disease, they have caused considerable inconvenience by sticking to vehicles, buildings, and public transport. Government agencies have continued to manage the situation without chemical pesticides, choosing safer methods such as water sprays and adhesive pads. These insects are still considered useful because they help with flower pollination and their larvae convert plant materials into organic matter. Experts believe the escalation in numbers may be related to warming temperatures and climate change. Some researchers view this as part of a broader environmental trend, suggesting the need for a more sustainable and strategic approach to managing future outbreaks.
Although lovebugs do not bite or carry disease, they have caused considerable inconvenience by sticking to vehicles, buildings, and public transport. Government agencies have continued to manage the situation without chemical pesticides, choosing safer methods such as water sprays and adhesive pads. These insects are still considered useful because they help with flower pollination and their larvae convert plant materials into organic matter. Experts believe the escalation in numbers may be related to warming temperatures and climate change. Some researchers view this as part of a broader environmental trend, suggesting the need for a more sustainable and strategic approach to managing future outbreaks.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen many insects in one place? If so, what did you do? If not, what do you think you would do?
- Have insects ever caused problems in your area? If so, what happened? If not, how do people keep areas clean?
- Do you agree that using water sprays is better than using chemical pesticides for insect control?
- Why do you think climate change can affect the number of insects in an area?
- What other problems might come from changes in weather and temperature in your country?
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.
- appear
- observe
- population
- situation
- temperature