©ROV SuBastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute via AP
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen a sea creature in real life? If so, where did you see it? If not, where would you like to see one?
- Do you know any animals that live deep in the ocean? If yes, which ones? If not, would you like to learn about them?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- expedition /ek-spi-DISH-uhn/
- according to /uh-KOR-duhng/
- rare /rair/
- knowledge /NOL-ij/
- transparent /trans-PAIR-uhnt/
[noun] – a journey made for a particular purpose, especially for exploration
The team went on an expedition to study sea animals.
[preposition] – as stated by someone or something
According to the guide, the fish live near rocks.
[adjective] – not common or usual; not seen often
It is rare to see a blue whale near the beach.
[noun] – understanding or information gained through experience or study
He has good knowledge of sea animals.
[adjective] – clear or see-through in appearance
The insect has transparent wings.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A young colossal squid was seen alive in the deep sea for the first time. This happened last month near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean during a scientific expedition. The squid was found 1,968 feet (600 meters) below the surface with the help of a submersible. The squid measured about 1 foot (30 centimeters) in length. According to scientists, this species is very rare to see alive. Most of the knowledge about it comes from dead squids found inside whales or seabirds. Adult colossal squids can grow up to 23 feet (7 meters). Researchers confirmed the discovery with the help of many experts. A video of the squid was released on April 15, 2025, by the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
The squid looked almost transparent and had long, delicate arms. This was different from the usual dark red or purple coloration of adults. Experts said the finding was a major breakthrough because it showed the early stage of a rarely seen animal. A marine scientist from New Zealand said the squid looked remarkable. Scientists are now using advanced cameras to try to find more squid, including adults. The event showed the importance of deep-sea research and the need for modern technology to explore mysterious places in the ocean.
The squid looked almost transparent and had long, delicate arms. This was different from the usual dark red or purple coloration of adults. Experts said the finding was a major breakthrough because it showed the early stage of a rarely seen animal. A marine scientist from New Zealand said the squid looked remarkable. Scientists are now using advanced cameras to try to find more squid, including adults. The event showed the importance of deep-sea research and the need for modern technology to explore mysterious places in the ocean.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where was the young colossal squid seen for the first time?
- When did the scientific expedition happen?
- How deep was the squid found?
- What helped scientists find the squid?
- How long was the young squid?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited an aquarium? If so, what animals did you see? If not, would you like to go?
- Have you learned about deep-sea creatures in school? If so, which one did you like most? If not, would you like to learn?
- Do you agree that deep-sea research is important?
- Why do scientists use machines to explore the deep sea instead of diving themselves?
- What problems might scientists face when studying animals in deep water?