©AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis, File
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- emerge /ih-MURJ/
[verb] – to appear or become known
New dangers may emerge when the forest becomes too dry. - illuminating /ih-LOO-muh-ney-ting/
[adjective] – giving new knowledge or understanding
The teacher gave an illuminating explanation about climate change. - unequivocal /uhn-i-KWIV-uh-kuhl/
[adjective] – total, clear, or leaving no doubt
The evidence gave an unequivocal answer about the cause of the fire. - precarious /pri-KAIR-ee-uhs/
[adjective] – in danger, uncertain, or not safe
The hikers stood on a precarious path near the cliff. - ineluctable /in-i-LUHK-tuh-buhl/
[adjective] – impossible to avoid
The ineluctable truth is that summers are becoming hotter.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Massive wildfires that spread across Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus during the summer of 2025 were found to be significantly intensified by climate change, according to a study released by World Weather Attribution. The fires killed 20 people, forced around 80,000 residents to evacuate, and destroyed more than one million hectares of land. The analysis explained that extremely high temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, prolonged drought, and strong seasonal winds created conditions for the worst wildfire season ever recorded in the eastern Mediterranean. Researchers emphasized that rainfall during the previous winter was about 14 percent lower compared to the pre-industrial period, leaving forests more vulnerable to burning. They also discovered that hot and dry air masses, lasting for a week, are now 13 times more likely due to climate change.
Experts noted that stronger high-pressure systems increased the intensity of the Etesian winds, which spread the flames rapidly across dry landscapes. Firefighters who previously waited for winds to weaken could no longer depend on this pattern. Researchers from Imperial College London explained that with the Earth already 1.3 degrees warmer, new extremes in fire behavior have emerged that are difficult to control. They warned that global temperatures could climb up to 3 degrees by the end of the century without a faster transition away from fossil fuels. Independent specialists described this study as both illuminating and unequivocal, since it matched existing scientific models. However, they also warned of a precarious future in the region if adaptation remains slow. The findings highlight the ineluctable reality that climate change is reshaping weather patterns and creating conditions for more destructive wildfires, leaving governments with the onerous task of preparing communities for greater risks ahead.
Experts noted that stronger high-pressure systems increased the intensity of the Etesian winds, which spread the flames rapidly across dry landscapes. Firefighters who previously waited for winds to weaken could no longer depend on this pattern. Researchers from Imperial College London explained that with the Earth already 1.3 degrees warmer, new extremes in fire behavior have emerged that are difficult to control. They warned that global temperatures could climb up to 3 degrees by the end of the century without a faster transition away from fossil fuels. Independent specialists described this study as both illuminating and unequivocal, since it matched existing scientific models. However, they also warned of a precarious future in the region if adaptation remains slow. The findings highlight the ineluctable reality that climate change is reshaping weather patterns and creating conditions for more destructive wildfires, leaving governments with the onerous task of preparing communities for greater risks ahead.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen news about a wildfire? If so, what details do you remember? If not, what do you think it looks like?
- Have you experienced very hot weather in summer? If so, how did it affect your daily life? If not, what do you think people feel in such heat?
- Do you agree that climate change makes wildfires harder to control?
- Why do you think hot winds make wildfires more dangerous?
- What could be the long-term effects if wildfires keep getting worse?
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.
- summer
- extremely
- intensity
- temperature
- community