Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about Asian elephants?
- Why do you think elephants are considered endangered?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- insight /IN-sahyt/
- population /pop-yuh-LEY-shuhn/
- degradation /deg-ruh-DEY-shuhn/
- foundation /foun-DEY-shuhn/
- strategy /STRAT-i-jee/
[noun] – a clear understanding of something
The report gave me an interesting insight into the problem.
[noun] – all the people or animals living in a specific area
The population of elephants in the park is growing.
[noun] – the process of something getting worse or being damaged
Air pollution leads to the degradation of the environment.
[noun] – the basic or underlying principle or structure of something
This research is the foundation for our conservation efforts.
[noun] – a plan to achieve a goal
The team developed a new strategy to win the game.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A recent study on the genetic health of Asian elephants in northern Cambodia has provided important insights into the population’s status. Researchers from the Fauna & Flora conservation group conducted this study, focusing on elephants in the Prey Lang, Preah Roka, and Chhaeb Wildlife Sanctuaries. By analyzing DNA from elephant dung, the researchers discovered 51 elephants in these areas. The study found a significant level of genetic diversity, which is crucial for maintaining the long-term survival of the endangered species. Experts believe that with proper protection and habitat management, the elephant population could slowly grow.
Although the findings are promising, the study also highlights several challenges to the population’s survival. Habitat degradation, especially the fragmentation of natural environments, is a significant threat to these elephants. Experts, including Pablo Sinovas, the director of Fauna & Flora in Cambodia, suggest that this research provides a strong foundation for future conservation efforts. There is hope that similar studies will be conducted in other parts of Cambodia and neighboring countries such as Vietnam, where the elephant population is also threatened. The data gathered will help shape future strategies to preserve the species and ensure its survival in the wild.
Although the findings are promising, the study also highlights several challenges to the population’s survival. Habitat degradation, especially the fragmentation of natural environments, is a significant threat to these elephants. Experts, including Pablo Sinovas, the director of Fauna & Flora in Cambodia, suggest that this research provides a strong foundation for future conservation efforts. There is hope that similar studies will be conducted in other parts of Cambodia and neighboring countries such as Vietnam, where the elephant population is also threatened. The data gathered will help shape future strategies to preserve the species and ensure its survival in the wild.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What was the main focus of the study on Asian elephants?
- How did researchers gather data about the elephant population?
- How many elephants were found in the study areas?
- What did the study find about the genetic diversity of the elephants?
- What is the significance of genetic diversity for elephants?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a zoo or wildlife sanctuary? If so, which animal did you find most interesting? If not, what animals would you like to see?
- Have you ever seen a documentary about endangered animals? If yes, which animal’s story touched you the most? If not, would you like to watch one?
- Do you agree that protecting natural habitats is crucial for saving endangered animals like elephants?
- What do you think are the long-term consequences if we don’t protect endangered species like the Asian elephant?
- What actions can individuals take to help endangered species survive?