Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- jeopardy /JEP-er-dee/
[noun] – danger of loss, harm, or failure
The rare bird species is in jeopardy because of habitat destruction. - phosphate /FOS-feyt/
[noun] – a chemical compound containing phosphorus used in fertilizers and detergents
The river became polluted after factories released phosphates from cleaning products. - potable /POH-tuh-buhl/
[adjective] – safe to drink
Engineers worked to provide potable water to communities affected by the drought. - constraint /kuhn-STREYNT/
[noun] – a limit or restriction that controls what can be done
The city faced constraints on water use during the dry season. - vitality /vahy-TAL-i-tee/
[noun] – the state of being strong, active, and full of energy or life
The city regained its vitality after new parks and public spaces were created.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Florida’s freshwater springs, numbering more than 1,000, are considered vital natural assets in the United States, attracting both residents and visitors to their aquamarine waters. Most of the largest springs are located in central and northern Florida, releasing millions of gallons daily from the Floridan Aquifer, which supplies 90 percent of the state’s drinking water. These ecosystems face mounting jeopardy from agricultural runoff, rapid urbanization, and climate change. Fertilizers and livestock waste have introduced nitrogen and phosphates, encouraging algae blooms that damage biodiversity and threaten potable water. Officials from the Florida Springs Council cautioned that excessive water withdrawals and phosphate mining have reduced the natural pressure needed to maintain spring flow. State funding of about $50 million per year, combined with federal proposals such as creating a Florida Springs National Park, highlights efforts to address the escalating crisis.
Safeguarding initiatives focus on regulation and community engagement. Proposed measures include stricter water use permits and nutrient reduction rules, but political pressures have delayed progress. Some municipalities, including Zephyrhills, have restricted construction to remain within aquifer limits, showing the constraints of sustainable management. Citizen-led groups such as SpringsWatch conduct monthly monitoring, using water samples and ecological surveys to track changes. At the same time, technological innovations such as satellite imagery and digital sensors are being deployed to improve conservation. Experts argue that immediate intervention is indispensable, as unchecked proliferation of algae and saltwater intrusion from rising seas could accelerate ecological decline. In the absence of stronger protections, the springs could lose ecological vitality and cultural significance, placing Florida’s long-term water supply at risk.
Safeguarding initiatives focus on regulation and community engagement. Proposed measures include stricter water use permits and nutrient reduction rules, but political pressures have delayed progress. Some municipalities, including Zephyrhills, have restricted construction to remain within aquifer limits, showing the constraints of sustainable management. Citizen-led groups such as SpringsWatch conduct monthly monitoring, using water samples and ecological surveys to track changes. At the same time, technological innovations such as satellite imagery and digital sensors are being deployed to improve conservation. Experts argue that immediate intervention is indispensable, as unchecked proliferation of algae and saltwater intrusion from rising seas could accelerate ecological decline. In the absence of stronger protections, the springs could lose ecological vitality and cultural significance, placing Florida’s long-term water supply at risk.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a river, lake, or spring? If so, what activities did you do there? If not, what natural place would you like to visit in the future?
- Have you seen water that was polluted or dirty? If so, what did it look like and how did you feel? If not, where do you usually see clean water in nature?
- Do you agree that protecting natural water sources is more important than building new houses?
- What actions can ordinary citizens take to help protect rivers and springs in their communities?
- What should be the first priority if there must be a balance between farming, building houses, and protecting nature?
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.
- freshwater spring
- aquamarine
- ecosystem
- nitrogen
- crisis