Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you think people should do to stay safe during an earthquake?
- If you had to prepare for an emergency, what three things would you bring with you? Why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- tremor /TREM-er/
- authority /uh-THAWR-i-tee/
- tourism /TOOR-iz-uhm/
- implement /IM-pluh-muhnt/
- protocol /PROH-tuh-kawl/
[noun] – a slight shaking movement in a person’s body or of the earth
The ground had a small tremor after the earthquake.
[noun] – a group of people with official responsibility for a particular area of activity
The school authority closed classes because of the storm.
[noun] – the business of providing services for people traveling for fun
The city depends on tourism for its money.
[verb] – to put a plan or system into action
The school implemented new rules for safety.
[noun] – a system of rules for the correct way to act in official situations
Fire drills follow a strict protocol for safety.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Santorini, a well-known Greek island in the Aegean Sea, has recently faced increased seismic activity, raising concerns about a potential earthquake. In the past few days, over 200 undersea earthquakes, some with magnitudes as high as 4.8, were recorded in the region. Although these tremors are not directly related to the island’s active volcano, local authorities have taken precautionary measures. Schools on Santorini and nearby islands, including Amorgos, Anafi, and Ios, were closed, and emergency response teams were deployed to monitor the situation. Santorini, famous for its whitewashed buildings and dramatic cliffs, attracts over three million visitors annually, making it a crucial part of Greece’s tourism industry.
Experts have confirmed that the earthquakes are tectonic rather than volcanic, but they have warned that the frequent and intense tremors could signal a larger seismic event. In response, local authorities implemented safety measures, advising residents and tourists to avoid large indoor gatherings and areas prone to rockslides. Hotels were instructed to drain swimming pools to reduce the risk of structural damage. Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos emphasized that the situation requires careful monitoring. Emergency teams, including firefighters and rescue workers, have been stationed on the island, and evacuation plans are being prepared. Despite these measures, officials have urged the public to remain calm and adhere to safety protocols.
Experts have confirmed that the earthquakes are tectonic rather than volcanic, but they have warned that the frequent and intense tremors could signal a larger seismic event. In response, local authorities implemented safety measures, advising residents and tourists to avoid large indoor gatherings and areas prone to rockslides. Hotels were instructed to drain swimming pools to reduce the risk of structural damage. Seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos emphasized that the situation requires careful monitoring. Emergency teams, including firefighters and rescue workers, have been stationed on the island, and evacuation plans are being prepared. Despite these measures, officials have urged the public to remain calm and adhere to safety protocols.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where is Santorini located?
- How many earthquakes were recorded recently in the area?
- What was the highest magnitude of the earthquakes?
- Are the tremors connected to the island’s volcano?
- What did local authorities do in response to the earthquakes?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever felt an earthquake? If so, what did you do? If not, how do you think you would feel if you experienced one?
- Have you traveled to a place known for natural beauty? If yes, where was it? If not, where would you like to go?
- Do you agree that closing schools is a good way to keep students safe during earthquakes?
- Why do you think people still visit places like Santorini even with earthquake risks?
- What safety measures would you suggest if you were in charge during an earthquake?