Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What things can cause a big forest fire?
- What problems can wildfire smoke cause for people’s health?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- importance /im-PAWR-tns/
[noun] – the quality of being important
The teacher explained the importance of listening carefully in class. - strategic /struh-TEE-jik/
[adjective] – helping to achieve a plan, usually in war, politics, or business
The team made a strategic choice to save money. - robust /roh-BUHST/
[adjective] – strong and healthy, or unlikely to break or fail
The bridge is made from robust materials. - escalated /EH-skuh-lay-tuhd/
[adjective] – increased in severity or intensity compared to normal
The city faced escalated flooding after days of heavy rain. - paramount /PAR-uh-mount/
[adjective] – more important than anything else
Safety is paramount in building design.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Large wildfires in Canada affected several U.S. states in August 2025, marking the third consecutive summer of cross-border smoke events. Delegations from Michigan, Iowa, New York, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin urged Canada to strengthen forest management practices, such as thinning operations and prescribed burns, to prevent further disasters. Lawmakers warned that the smoke posed serious threats to public health and could influence bilateral trade discussions. Data from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre showed that more than 700 wildfires were active nationwide, with over two-thirds uncontrolled. The total burned area exceeded 28,000 square miles, nearly five times the amount recorded in the United States this year. Officials stated that many fires were caused by human activity, while lightning started most in remote regions.
Canadian officials allocated nearly $46 million for wildfire prevention and research, stressing the importance of international cooperation. Experts explained that some fires in isolated areas were allowed to burn if they did not endanger communities or infrastructure, as this could reduce future risks. Climate scientists described the situation as untenable, linking it to hotter and drier conditions from global warming. They called the issue transnational, requiring concerted, strategic, and robust measures. Analysts warned of prolonged, formidable, and escalated fire seasons, describing the challenge as paramount.
Canadian officials allocated nearly $46 million for wildfire prevention and research, stressing the importance of international cooperation. Experts explained that some fires in isolated areas were allowed to burn if they did not endanger communities or infrastructure, as this could reduce future risks. Climate scientists described the situation as untenable, linking it to hotter and drier conditions from global warming. They called the issue transnational, requiring concerted, strategic, and robust measures. Analysts warned of prolonged, formidable, and escalated fire seasons, describing the challenge as paramount.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What event happened in August 2025 involving Canada and the U.S.?
- How many consecutive summers had cross-border smoke events occurred?
- Which U.S. states sent delegations to Canada?
- What forest management practices did U.S. delegations urge Canada to improve?
- What threat did lawmakers say the smoke posed?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen a wildfire? If so, where was it? If not, how would you feel if you saw one?
- Have you ever experienced smoke from a fire? If so, what did you do to stay safe? If not, how would you protect yourself?
- Do you agree that countries should work together to prevent wildfires?
- How can allowing some fires to burn help prevent bigger fires later?
- What could happen to trade if wildfires continue to cross borders?