©AP Photo/Noah Berger, File
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What personal actions do you think help most in reducing climate change? If so, which action do you do most? If not, which could you start?
- Which activities do you think release the most greenhouse gases? If so, which is the biggest? If not, what could it be?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- excessive /ik-SES-iv/
- consequential /kon-si-KWEN-shuhl/
- consistently /kuhn-SIS-tuhnt-lee/
- compelling /kuhm-PEL-ing/
- deliberate /dih-LIB-er-it/
[adjective] – too much; more than is reasonable or necessary
He spent an excessive amount of money on clothes.
[adjective] – having important or noticeable effects
The new law had consequential effects on small businesses.
[adjective] – in a way that does not change; always the same
She consistently arrives at school early.
[adjective] – very exciting or interesting and making you want to watch or listen
The movie was so compelling that I watched it twice.
[adjective] – done carefully and intentionally
The artist made deliberate changes to the painting.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A study released by the National Academy of Sciences in 2025 reported that many Americans inaccurately judge which personal actions have the greatest impact on climate change. Conducted in the United States, the research asked participants to rank activities such as switching from gasoline-powered cars to electric vehicles, carpooling, and reducing food waste. Results showed that participants gave excessive attention to low-impact but visible habits like recycling while overlooking high-impact actions such as avoiding flights, not owning a dog, and using renewable energy. Experts stated that climate change is mainly caused by greenhouse gases released when fossil fuels are burned, and the most consequential personal actions reduce these emissions.
Researchers said marketing campaigns consistently highlight visible habits, making them seem more compelling. Psychologists explained that the tangible nature of recycling makes it easier to remember than invisible emissions from flights. Air travel produces large amounts of carbon dioxide, with one round-trip from New York to Los Angeles releasing over 1,300 pounds per passenger. Dog ownership also increases emissions because of the meat-based diets of carnivorous pets. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind can reduce emissions greatly, while smaller changes like using energy-efficient appliances offer less benefit. Strengthening public awareness can lead to more deliberate climate-friendly choices.
Researchers said marketing campaigns consistently highlight visible habits, making them seem more compelling. Psychologists explained that the tangible nature of recycling makes it easier to remember than invisible emissions from flights. Air travel produces large amounts of carbon dioxide, with one round-trip from New York to Los Angeles releasing over 1,300 pounds per passenger. Dog ownership also increases emissions because of the meat-based diets of carnivorous pets. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind can reduce emissions greatly, while smaller changes like using energy-efficient appliances offer less benefit. Strengthening public awareness can lead to more deliberate climate-friendly choices.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Who released the study in 2025?
- Where was the research conducted?
- What activities were participants asked to rank?
- Which type of actions received excessive attention from participants?
- What high-impact actions were often overlooked?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever taken action to reduce climate change? If so, what action did you take? If not, what could you do?
- Have you ever used renewable energy like solar or wind power? If so, where did you use it? If not, would you like to try?
- Do you agree that recycling is easier to remember than flight emissions?
- Why might people focus more on actions they can see instead of actions with bigger effects?
- How can schools teach students about the most effective ways to fight climate change?