Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- all-time /AWL-tahym/
- comparable /KOM-per-uh-buhl/
- deficit /DEF-uh-sit/
- human-induced /HYOO-muhn-in-DOOST/
- drastically /DRAS-tik-lee/
[adjective] – an all-time high, low, best, etc. is the highest, lowest, best, etc. level that has ever been
The price of wheat has now reached an all-time low.
[adjective] – similar in size, amount, or quality to something else
The European and Asian situations are not directly comparable.
[noun] – the amount by which something, especially a sum of money, is too small
The last five years have seen a deficit in the trade balance.
[noun] – conditions that have been influenced by human activities
Human-induced global warming is certainly real, and we need to stop it.
[adverb] – in a way that is severe and sudden or has very noticeable effects
Our spending plan has been drastically cut.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Temperatures in many European countries have reached all-time highs in January. National records have fallen in eight countries, while regional records have fallen in three more. National records were set for temperature in the Netherlands, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Belarus, and Denmark. Belarus’ record high temperature was 16.4C, which is almost 4.5C over the previous record, and Warsaw, Poland, reported a temperature on January 1 that was 4C higher than the previous record for the month. In Spain, Bilbao’s temperatures on January 1 were comparable to the national average for July, and water use is restricted in some areas of Catalonia, including Barcelona. Temperatures reached 20C in Switzerland, and the warm weather has caused a snow deficit at ski slopes all over the Alps. However, not all of Europe is experiencing warm weather. Parts of Scandinavia are predicted to have cooler temperatures and snow, and Moscow is predicted to experience a weekend low of -20C. Only a few days before, 2022 was dubbed the hottest year on record by the UK, Ireland, France, and Spain.
As a result of human-induced climate change, heatwaves are becoming more common, more intense, and last longer. However, compared to summer heatwaves, which can cause a significant number of additional deaths, heated winter occurrences like these do not have the same detrimental consequences on people. Since the start of the industrial age, the world has already warmed by around 1.1C, and temperatures will continue to rise unless governments drastically reduce emissions.
As a result of human-induced climate change, heatwaves are becoming more common, more intense, and last longer. However, compared to summer heatwaves, which can cause a significant number of additional deaths, heated winter occurrences like these do not have the same detrimental consequences on people. Since the start of the industrial age, the world has already warmed by around 1.1C, and temperatures will continue to rise unless governments drastically reduce emissions.
Discussion Questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How is the winter temperature in your country? Did you feel comfortable in it? Please share in class.
- What do you do to keep your home warm in the winter?
- What would you do if the temperature rose in your area during the winter season?
- Do you think human-caused climate change can still be prevented?
- In your opinion, how do warm winter events affect a country and its people?
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.
- restrict
- ski slope
- dub
- intense
- industrial