Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about La Niña?
- What are some common symptoms or signs of La Niña that occur in different parts of the world?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- forecast /FAWR-kast/
- probability /prob-uh-BIL-i-tee/
- persist /per-SIST/
- encounter /en-KOUN-ter/
- position /puh-ZISH-uhn/
[verb] – to say what you expect to happen in the future
Meteorologists forecast heavy rain for tomorrow, so people should prepare.
[noun] – the level of chance that something will happen
There is a high probability of thunderstorms this evening, so stay indoors.
[verb] – to continue to exist or happen, especially for longer than expected
If the pain persists, you should see a doctor for further treatment.
[verb] – to meet someone or experience something unexpectedly
During our hike, we encountered a group of deer near the river.
[noun] – the place where someone or something is located
The lifeguard’s position allowed him to clearly see the entire pool area.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The Climate Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has forecasted a 60% probability of a weak La Niña event forming this autumn, which may persist until March. La Niña is a phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), marked by cooler ocean temperatures in the Pacific. This phenomenon can cause global weather disruptions, with regions like northern South America possibly experiencing above-average rainfall, while the southern United States and parts of Mexico are likely to encounter drier conditions. The impact of La Niña is significant as it can affect agriculture, water resources, and natural disaster occurrences.
La Niña events typically strengthen trade winds, resulting in colder ocean temperatures in the eastern Pacific. This cooling alters the jet stream’s position, often shifting it northward, which increases rainfall in certain areas and reduces it in others. Prolonged events, such as the “triple-dip” La Niña from 2020 to 2023, have drawn attention to their unusual duration. NOAA scientist Michelle L’Heureux commented on the rarity of such extended episodes, while NASA’s Ben Cook observed that recurring La Niña events could worsen droughts, especially in East Africa. While the connection between climate change and ENSO remains uncertain, some models predict a rise in El Niño events and a decline in La Niña, though this remains debated among scientists.
La Niña events typically strengthen trade winds, resulting in colder ocean temperatures in the eastern Pacific. This cooling alters the jet stream’s position, often shifting it northward, which increases rainfall in certain areas and reduces it in others. Prolonged events, such as the “triple-dip” La Niña from 2020 to 2023, have drawn attention to their unusual duration. NOAA scientist Michelle L’Heureux commented on the rarity of such extended episodes, while NASA’s Ben Cook observed that recurring La Niña events could worsen droughts, especially in East Africa. While the connection between climate change and ENSO remains uncertain, some models predict a rise in El Niño events and a decline in La Niña, though this remains debated among scientists.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What percentage of probability did NOAA forecast for a weak La Niña event forming this autumn?
- How long is the La Niña event expected to persist, according to the article?
- Which region may experience above-average rainfall during a La Niña event?
- What type of weather conditions are regions like the southern United States and parts of Mexico likely to encounter?
- What is the impact of La Niña on the trade winds?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced weather changes like heavy rain or drought due to climate patterns? If so, how did it affect your daily life? If not, how do you think people deal with these changes in your country?
- Have you ever heard about La Niña or El Niño events before reading this article? If so, where did you learn about them? If not, what surprised you about these weather patterns?
- Do you agree that La Niña’s impact on global weather patterns can have serious consequences for agriculture?
- How do you think countries can better prepare for the effects of La Niña, especially in regions prone to drought or floods?
- How might recurring La Niña events change the way we think about climate change in the future?