Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What products do people use that come from oil, like gasoline or plastic?
- Why do you think oil prices can go up or down in different countries?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- volatility /vahl-uh-tTIL-i-tee/
[noun] – the quality of changing easily and suddenly
The weather’s volatility made it hard to plan outdoor events. - perspective /per-SPEK-tiv/
[noun] – a particular way of considering something
The teacher shared her perspective on the new school rules. - calculated /KAL-kyuh-ley-tid/
[adjective] – carefully planned to get what you want
The company made a calculated move to enter the new market. - resilient /ri-ZIL-yuhnt/
[adjective] – able to quickly return to a normal condition after problems
The city was resilient after the storm and rebuilt fast. - sustain /suh-STEYN/
[verb] – to cause or allow something to continue for a period of time
The farm cannot sustain many animals during the dry season.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Abu Dhabi hosted a major global oil conference on Monday after OPEC+ decided to delay its planned oil production increase for the first quarter of 2026. The oil group, which includes members of OPEC and producers led by Russia, made the decision due to concerns about a possible oversupply in the global market. The move followed new sanctions by the United States and the United Kingdom on Russian energy companies such as Rosneft and Lukoil. Despite these sanctions, Lukoil continued to be a visible sponsor at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). Benchmark Brent crude was priced at around $65 per barrel, much lower than its level of over $115 in 2022. This decline reflected investor anxiety and market volatility, as global energy dynamics continued to shift from a broad perspective.
Energy analysts described the move as a strategic and calculated response to complex political and economic factors. According to Rystad Energy’s Jorge León, the decision aimed to stabilize oil prices and allow time to observe global trends before making further adjustments. The United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, continues its ambitious plan to coordinate oil expansion while investing in renewable energy. Experts noted that maintaining a resilient and substantial energy framework is necessary to sustain growth and credibility in the changing global market. However, balancing production goals with environmental commitments remains a significant challenge for producing nations.
Energy analysts described the move as a strategic and calculated response to complex political and economic factors. According to Rystad Energy’s Jorge León, the decision aimed to stabilize oil prices and allow time to observe global trends before making further adjustments. The United Arab Emirates, meanwhile, continues its ambitious plan to coordinate oil expansion while investing in renewable energy. Experts noted that maintaining a resilient and substantial energy framework is necessary to sustain growth and credibility in the changing global market. However, balancing production goals with environmental commitments remains a significant challenge for producing nations.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What major event took place in Abu Dhabi on Monday?
- What did OPEC+ decide to delay for the first quarter of 2026?
- Why did OPEC+ make the decision to delay the production increase?
- Which two countries placed new sanctions on Russian energy companies?
- Which Russian company continued to sponsor the Abu Dhabi conference despite sanctions?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever read or heard news about oil prices changing? If so, what did you think about it? If not, what do you think causes it?
- Have you seen a country try to use more renewable energy? If so, what kind was used? If not, what kind do you think they should try?
- Do you agree that oil-producing countries should reduce production to keep prices stable?
- Why do you think energy companies should invest in renewable energy while still producing oil? Explain how this could help in the future.
- What might happen to the world economy if oil prices keep changing quickly? How could countries prepare for this situation?