Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- If animals came close to your home, how would you try to keep them away without hurting them?
- What sounds do you think might scare animals away? Why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- loudspeaker /LOUD-spee-ker/
[noun] – a device that makes sounds louder so many people can hear them
The school installed a loudspeaker to announce emergency messages. - reintroduction /ree-in-truh-DUHK-shuhn/
[noun] – the act of bringing back a species, law, or idea that was gone before
The reintroduction of pandas into the forest helped increase their population. - tension /TEN-shuhn/
[noun] – a feeling of worry, anger, or conflict between groups or people
Tensions grew between the two countries after the border dispute. - disturb /dih-STURB/
[verb] – to interrupt, bother, or cause someone or something to stop normal activity
Loud construction noises can disturb patients in a hospital. - adapt /uh-DAPT/
[verb] – to change or adjust in order to live, work, or succeed in a new situation
Plants adapt to dry weather by storing water in their leaves.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Gray wolves near the California-Oregon border became the subject of a new protection experiment in 2022, organized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The project uses drones with loudspeakers that play sounds such as rock music, fireworks, gunshots, and even film clips to scare wolves away from cattle. This development comes after decades of rising wolf numbers since their reintroduction in the mid-1990s at Yellowstone National Park and in Idaho. Data from federal and state agencies reported that gray wolves killed about 800 livestock across 10 states in 2022. With tensions increasing between ranchers and predators, researchers are testing methods to prevent losses without relying on lethal action. Environmental groups have stated that new and unexpected noises easily disturb wolves, providing hope for these techniques.
The drones include thermal cameras for night patrols and play different sound recordings to disrupt wolf hunts. Early observations showed that wolves often ran away after hearing loud music or human voices. However, specialists have warned that the animals might adapt to the sounds over time, reducing the effectiveness of the approach. Each drone costs around $20,000 and requires professional training, which makes the system difficult for small ranches to use. Supporters believe the technology offers a humane alternative to killing wolves and could encourage coexistence if made more affordable. Experts describe it as a possible shift in wildlife management, though further research is required.
The drones include thermal cameras for night patrols and play different sound recordings to disrupt wolf hunts. Early observations showed that wolves often ran away after hearing loud music or human voices. However, specialists have warned that the animals might adapt to the sounds over time, reducing the effectiveness of the approach. Each drone costs around $20,000 and requires professional training, which makes the system difficult for small ranches to use. Supporters believe the technology offers a humane alternative to killing wolves and could encourage coexistence if made more affordable. Experts describe it as a possible shift in wildlife management, though further research is required.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What kinds of sounds do the drones play to scare wolves away from cattle?
- How many livestock were reported killed by gray wolves in 2022 across 10 states?
- What are researchers trying to do without using lethal action?
- What special feature do the drones have for night patrols?
- Why is the drone system difficult for small ranches to use?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a farm or seen cattle, sheep, or horses? If yes, what did you see there? If not, would you like to visit a farm one day? Why or why not?
- Have you ever used or seen a drone before? If yes, what was it used for? If not, what would you like to use a drone for?
- Do you agree that wolves will get used to the drone sounds in the future?
- What other safe ways could farmers use to stop wolves from hunting cattle?
- What might change in the future if drones become cheaper and easier to use?