Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- acre /EY-ker/
- random /RAN-duhm/
- advocate /AD-vuh-kit/
- non-lethal /non-LE-thal/
- ethical /ETH-i-kuhl/
[noun] – a unit for measuring land area, especially in the U.S. (1 acre = about 4,047 square meters)
The farmer owns 100 acres of land used for growing wheat.
[adjective] – done without a specific pattern, plan, or purpose
Police conducted random checks on cars at the highway exit.
[noun] – someone who publicly supports or argues for a cause or policy
Animal rights advocates protested the opening of the new zoo.
[adjective] – not capable of causing death
The police used non-lethal weapons like rubber bullets during the protest.
[adjective] – morally right or acceptable
Some doctors face difficult decisions when choosing the most ethical treatment for their patients.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Florida officials responsible for wildlife management have given initial consent to resume black bear hunting, marking the first such authorization since 2015. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted 4–1 in favor of the proposal during a public meeting in Ocala on May 21, 2025. The proposed hunt is scheduled to take place from December 6 to December 28, 2025, with annual hunts possibly continuing in the future. The FWC intends to regulate black bear numbers, which have grown to an estimated 4,000 across the state. Officials claim the hunt would help reduce increasing encounters between humans and bears in rapidly urbanizing areas. In the past nine months, Marion County authorities recorded over 100 bear-related incidents. The proposal allows hunting with dogs, bait stations on private lands over 5,000 acres, and methods similar to deer hunting.
The FWC plans to implement stricter regulations than in the controversial 2015 hunt, which resulted in over 300 bear deaths within two days and prompted early termination. This time, only 187 permits would be issued through a random draw. Each hunter may kill only one bear, excluding cubs and mothers with cubs. The decision has sparked polarized reactions. Conservation advocates argue the hunt is an essential wildlife management tool. However, many opponents insist that non-lethal methods, such as better waste management, are more ethical and effective. More than 13,000 public comments have been submitted online, with approximately 75 percent opposing the hunt. The final decision is expected in August 2025 following further review and public input.
The FWC plans to implement stricter regulations than in the controversial 2015 hunt, which resulted in over 300 bear deaths within two days and prompted early termination. This time, only 187 permits would be issued through a random draw. Each hunter may kill only one bear, excluding cubs and mothers with cubs. The decision has sparked polarized reactions. Conservation advocates argue the hunt is an essential wildlife management tool. However, many opponents insist that non-lethal methods, such as better waste management, are more ethical and effective. More than 13,000 public comments have been submitted online, with approximately 75 percent opposing the hunt. The final decision is expected in August 2025 following further review and public input.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen a bear in real life, maybe at a zoo or while traveling? If so, what was the experience like? If not, would you like to see one someday? Why or why not?
- Have you ever had an animal come close to your home or school? If so, what did you do? If not, what animal would surprise you the most if it came near your house?
- Do you agree that hunting is a good way to control wild animal populations?
- What could be some dangers if the bear population grows too large in places where many people live?
- Why do you think most people (about 75%) are against the bear hunt, even though the bear population is growing?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- wildlife
- public meeting
- take place
- urbanizing area
- private land