Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What would you do if you found a snake in your yard or near your house?
- How do you think weather changes affect animals in nature?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- venomous /VEN-uh-muhs/
- resident /REZ-i-duhnt/
- shocking /SHOK-ing/
- newborn /NOO-BAWRN/
- ecological /ee-kuh-LAA-juh-kl/
[adjective] – containing poison that can harm or kill
Scientists discovered a venomous spider inside the cave, which was dangerous to humans.
[noun] – a person who lives in a particular place
The resident of the small town was happy to see new businesses opening.
[adjective] – very surprising in a way that often causes disbelief or concern
The shocking discovery of ancient ruins changed what historians knew about the civilization.
[adjective] – recently born
The hospital’s nursery was full of newborns, all sleeping peacefully.
[adjective] – related to the environment and the relationships between living things and their surroundings
Scientists are studying the ecological changes in the ocean caused by pollution.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A record number of venomous red-bellied black snakes were recently removed from a property in Sydney, Australia. Experts called this an extremely rare event. David Stein, a resident of Horsley Park in western Sydney, noticed multiple snakes moving into a leaf pile on his property. Concerned, he contacted Reptile Relocation Sydney for help.
When snake catcher Dylan Cooper arrived, he found a shocking total of 102 snakes, including pregnant females and newborns. Reptile expert Scott Eipper explained that the snakes may have gathered due to extreme heat or a lack of safe places to give birth. The discovery has raised concerns about safety and changing ecological patterns. Cory Kerewaro, the owner of Reptile Relocation Sydney, said that two female snakes even gave birth while being contained, adding to the total number. This event set a new record for snake removals in urban areas. Government officials approved the release of the snakes into a national park, ensuring they would not pose a risk to the local community. Experts warned that large leaf piles can attract snakes and should be managed carefully. Additionally, more sightings of red-bellied black snakes in residential areas suggest that climate change and habitat loss may be affecting snake behavior in cities.
When snake catcher Dylan Cooper arrived, he found a shocking total of 102 snakes, including pregnant females and newborns. Reptile expert Scott Eipper explained that the snakes may have gathered due to extreme heat or a lack of safe places to give birth. The discovery has raised concerns about safety and changing ecological patterns. Cory Kerewaro, the owner of Reptile Relocation Sydney, said that two female snakes even gave birth while being contained, adding to the total number. This event set a new record for snake removals in urban areas. Government officials approved the release of the snakes into a national park, ensuring they would not pose a risk to the local community. Experts warned that large leaf piles can attract snakes and should be managed carefully. Additionally, more sightings of red-bellied black snakes in residential areas suggest that climate change and habitat loss may be affecting snake behavior in cities.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where did the record number of red-bellied black snakes appear?
- Who first noticed the snakes on the property?
- Why did David Stein call Reptile Relocation Sydney?
- How many snakes did the snake catcher find in total?
- What reason did the reptile expert give for the large number of snakes in one place?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- If you lived in an area with many snakes, what steps would you take to stay safe?
- Have you ever been in a situation where you had to call an expert for help with an animal? If so, what happened? If not, what kind of animal would you need help with?
- Do you agree that climate change is causing more snakes to move into cities?
- Do you think releasing the snakes into a national park was the best solution? Why or why not?
- What do you think will happen in the future if snake habitats continue to disappear?