©Michael Brown/IUCN via AP
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。
- Have you ever seen a giraffe in real life?
- Do you know about endangered animals?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。
- vulnerable /VUHL-ner-uh-buhl/
[adjective] – able to be easily hurt, influenced, or attacked
The small cat was vulnerable to the cold weather. - region /REE-juhn/
[noun] – a particular area or part of the world
The desert region is very hot in summer. - decline /dih-KLAHYN/
[noun] – a continuous loss of strength, numbers, quality, or value
The town faced a decline in its population. - stable /STEY-buhl/
[adjective] – not likely to change or move
The patient is now in a stable condition. - giraffe /juh-RAF/
[noun] – a tall African animal with a very long neck
The giraffe ate leaves from the tall tree.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。
Giraffes, famous for their long necks and beautiful coats, were once believed to be only one species in Africa. A new study released in August 2025 showed that giraffes are actually four different species: Northern giraffes, Masai giraffes, Reticulated giraffes, and Southern giraffes. This finding came after more than twenty years of research using over 2,000 samples. Scientists combined genetic tests and body observations to confirm the changes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature said the Northern giraffe is the most vulnerable, with only about 7,000 in regions such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Southern giraffe is the most common, with about 69,000 in the wild. Experts said the result is noteworthy because it brings a significant change in how protection must be planned.
The new division into four groups helps to clarify the differences and problems faced by each one. DNA technology, now easier to use, made this discovery possible. Researchers explained that the distinction between one or many species has serious consequences for survival. Northern giraffes face danger from hunting and conflict, Masai giraffes from land loss, and Reticulated giraffes from population decline. The Southern giraffe is still stable but needs checking. Experts added that it is essential to see these divisions so that conservation can be stronger. With special plans, giraffes may have a better chance to live in the future.
The new division into four groups helps to clarify the differences and problems faced by each one. DNA technology, now easier to use, made this discovery possible. Researchers explained that the distinction between one or many species has serious consequences for survival. Northern giraffes face danger from hunting and conflict, Masai giraffes from land loss, and Reticulated giraffes from population decline. The Southern giraffe is still stable but needs checking. Experts added that it is essential to see these divisions so that conservation can be stronger. With special plans, giraffes may have a better chance to live in the future.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。
- Giraffes were always known to have four species.
- A new study showed giraffes are divided into four species.
- The research used only more than 200 samples.
- Northern giraffes are the most vulnerable species.
- Southern giraffes have fewer than 7,000 in the wild.
Fill in the Blanks:
Choose the correct word from the table, then fill in the blanks.
適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。
| vulnerable | region | decline | stable | giraffe |
- A ______ can eat leaves from very tall trees.
- Old houses are ______ to damage during strong storms.
- Farmers in the ______ grow rice and vegetables.
- The town saw a ______ in visitors last winter.
- The bridge is ______ and safe to walk across.