©Peter Foulds/Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society via AP
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- When you hear the term ‘Bird of the Century,’ what ideas or images come to mind?
- What qualities do you think a bird must possess to be given such a title?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- comedian /kuh-MEE-dee-uhn /
- endangered /en-DEYN-jerd/
- critical /KRIT-i-kuhl /
- conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn /
- costume /KOS-toom/
[noun] – a person whose job is to make people laugh by telling jokes and funny stories or by copying the behavior or speech of famous people
The comedian had everyone in stitches with his jokes and funny stories at the comedy club.
[adjective] – in danger of being harmed, lost, unsuccessful, etc.
The polar bear is an endangered species due to the melting ice caps in the Arctic.
[adjective] – of the greatest importance
Paying attention to detail is critical when conducting scientific experiments.
[noun] – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity
The local community actively participates in the conservation of the nearby forest, protecting its diverse plant and animal life.
[noun] – a set of clothes worn in order to look like someone or something else, especially for a party or as part of an entertainment
Children dressed in superhero costumes for Halloween are excited to go trick-or-treating.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In New Zealand, the Pūteketeke, also known as the ‘puking’ bird, has been declared the Bird of the Century, securing this title through a public poll with an impressive 290,000 votes. This unique bird, recognized for its black and white feathers, adorable parenting style, and peculiar tendency to “puke,” gained significant support from comedian John Oliver. The annual competition, initiated in 2005, seeks to shed light on the precarious status of New Zealand’s native birds, many of which face threats due to habitat loss. John Oliver’s impactful advocacy not only led to the crash of online voting systems but also underscored the importance of backing endangered species like the pūteketeke, whose population is gradually rebounding. Despite its near-extinction in the 19th century, this water bird remains under threat, emphasizing the critical role of conservation efforts for its survival.
John Oliver’s campaign for the Pūteketeke’s Bird of the Century title brought challenges to the competition, exploiting a voting loophole and causing delays in announcing the winner. The event, rebranded for its centennial, faced controversies due to Oliver’s tactics. His witty campaign, including billboards and a bird costume on TV, emphasized New Zealand’s bird conservation. The Pūteketeke’s victory, with 350,000 votes, highlighted the success of Oliver’s impactful efforts, stressing the importance of raising awareness for endangered species despite competition controversies.
John Oliver’s campaign for the Pūteketeke’s Bird of the Century title brought challenges to the competition, exploiting a voting loophole and causing delays in announcing the winner. The event, rebranded for its centennial, faced controversies due to Oliver’s tactics. His witty campaign, including billboards and a bird costume on TV, emphasized New Zealand’s bird conservation. The Pūteketeke’s victory, with 350,000 votes, highlighted the success of Oliver’s impactful efforts, stressing the importance of raising awareness for endangered species despite competition controversies.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- According to the article, why did John Oliver’s campaign cause a delay in announcing the winner of the Bird of the Century title?
- What is the Pūteketeke known for, and why did it receive significant support from comedian John Oliver?
- How did John Oliver’s humorous campaign draw attention to the conservation of native birds in New Zealand?
- In what way did the online voting systems crash, and what does this reveal about the impact of John Oliver’s campaign?
- Despite its near-extinction in the 19th century, why is the Pūteketeke still considered under threat today, and what role do conservation efforts play in its survival?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever participated in an online poll or voting campaign, similar to the one that declared the Pūteketeke the Bird of the Century in New Zealand? If yes, what motivated you to participate, and what was your experience? If not, would you be interested in engaging in such activities in the future?
- Have you ever supported a conservation initiative for endangered species inspired by a public figure or celebrity, as seen in John Oliver’s campaign for the Pūteketeke? If yes, can you share your experience and the impact it had on your awareness of conservation efforts? If not, would you be inclined to support such initiatives in the future?
- Do you believe John Oliver’s campaign tactics, such as exploiting a voting loophole, were justified in securing the Pūteketeke as the Bird of the Century?
- How do you think the controversy surrounding John Oliver’s campaign tactics might impact the credibility and integrity of conservation competitions like the Bird of the Century? What measures could be implemented to maintain the fairness of such events while still allowing for creative and influential campaigning?
- Considering the Pūteketeke’s near-extinction in the 19th century and the ongoing threats to its survival, do you think winning the Bird of the Century title will significantly contribute to increased awareness and conservation efforts for this species? How can public attention, generated through unconventional campaigns, be leveraged to address broader environmental issues and endangered species around the world?