Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What happens to a desert landscape when it rains?
- Why is rain considered a significant event in deserts?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- phenomenon /fi-NOM-uh-non/
- moisture /MOIS-cher/
- devastation /dev-uh-STEY-shuhn/
- allocate /AL-uh-keyt /
- cautious /KAW-shuhs/
[noun] – a fact or event that can be observed, especially something unusual or difficult to understand
The Northern Lights are a beautiful phenomenon that many people travel to see.
[noun] – a small amount of liquid, often water, that is present in the air or on a surface
Plants need some moisture to grow healthy and strong.
[noun] – severe and overwhelming damage or destruction
The hurricane caused great devastation to the coastal towns and villages.
[verb] – to distribute or assign resources or responsibilities for a specific purpose
The teacher will allocate time for each student to present their project.
[adjective] – careful to avoid potential problems or dangers
She was cautious while walking on the icy sidewalk to avoid slipping.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In September 2024, an unusual deluge transformed parts of the Sahara Desert, specifically in southeastern Morocco. The region, known for its extreme dryness, received unexpected rainfall that exceeded the annual average in several locations. Areas like Tata, which typically receive less than 250 millimeters (10 inches) of rain yearly, saw substantial rainfall within just two days. For instance, Tagounite, located 450 kilometers (280 miles) south of Rabat, recorded over 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) in a single day. This rare phenomenon was linked to an extratropical storm—a weather event considered uncommon for this arid region, as stated by Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology.
The sudden influx of water has reshaped the desert landscape, filling long-dry lake beds, such as Lake Iriqui, which had not seen water for 50 years. Meteorologists believe that this storm could alter future weather patterns by increasing atmospheric moisture, potentially resulting in more frequent storms. While this rainfall benefits local ecosystems by replenishing groundwater and reservoirs, it has also caused significant damage to crops, which had already suffered from prolonged drought conditions. To address the devastation, the Moroccan government allocated emergency relief funds to assist affected communities. Nevertheless, experts remain cautious, questioning whether this rainfall will provide a long-term solution to the region’s ongoing drought challenges.
The sudden influx of water has reshaped the desert landscape, filling long-dry lake beds, such as Lake Iriqui, which had not seen water for 50 years. Meteorologists believe that this storm could alter future weather patterns by increasing atmospheric moisture, potentially resulting in more frequent storms. While this rainfall benefits local ecosystems by replenishing groundwater and reservoirs, it has also caused significant damage to crops, which had already suffered from prolonged drought conditions. To address the devastation, the Moroccan government allocated emergency relief funds to assist affected communities. Nevertheless, experts remain cautious, questioning whether this rainfall will provide a long-term solution to the region’s ongoing drought challenges.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What unusual weather event occurred in southeastern Morocco in September 2024?
- How much rainfall did areas like Tata typically receive in a year before the recent storm?
- What was the maximum amount of rainfall recorded in Tagounite in a single day?
- What caused the unusual rainfall in the Sahara Desert?
- What effect did the storm have on the desert landscape in Morocco?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced a sudden change in weather, like a heavy rainstorm? If so, how did it affect your day or plans? If not, can you think of a time when the weather surprised you in another way?
- Do you remember a time when a natural event, such as a flood or storm, impacted your community? If so, how did people respond to the situation? If not, how do you think a community should prepare for such events?
- Do you agree that climate change is influencing weather patterns around the world?
- What long-term strategies could be implemented to help regions that face prolonged drought conditions?
- How do you think increased atmospheric moisture will impact the future of ecosystems in arid areas like the Sahara?