©AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis, File
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever read about wildfires in the news? If so, what did you learn? If not, what do you imagine happens?
- Do you know why high temperatures and droughts can cause fires? If so, can you give an example? If not, what do you think happens to trees?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- pivotal /PIV-uh-tl/
[adjective] – very important because of its effect on the future of something
Clean water is pivotal for good health. - susceptible /suh-SEP-tuh-buhl/
[adjective] – easily influenced or harmed by something
Children are more susceptible to colds in winter. - inevitable /in-EV-i-tuh-buhl/
[adjective] – certain to happen and unable to be avoided
It is inevitable that the sun will set. - convincing /kuhn-VIN-sing/
[adjective] – able to make you believe something is true or right
The lawyer gave a convincing argument in court. - formidable /FAWR-mi-duh-buhl/
[adjective] – causing fear or respect because of being large or powerful
The team faced a formidable opponent in the match.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Massive wildfires struck Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus during the summer of 2025, causing widespread devastation and loss. A report from World Weather Attribution confirmed that climate change played a pivotal role in making the fires worse. The disaster killed 20 people, forced nearly 80,000 residents to evacuate, and burned over one million hectares of land. Extremely high temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, prolonged drought, and seasonal winds combined to create the most destructive wildfire season ever documented in the eastern Mediterranean. Rainfall during the last winter was reported to be 14 percent lower compared to earlier records, leaving forests highly susceptible to flames. Researchers also found that hot and dry air masses, lasting for a week, are now 13 times more likely because of climate change, making wildfires more inevitable.
Experts explained that stronger high-pressure systems increased the intensity of the Etesian winds, which spread the flames rapidly. Firefighters who previously depended on calmer winds could no longer rely on this method. Researchers from Imperial College London stated that with the Earth already 1.3 degrees warmer, new fire behaviors have emerged that are difficult to control. Independent specialists described the study as both convincing and urgent, since it confirmed scientific models. However, they also warned of a fragile and uncertain future if adaptation remains slow. The findings emphasized the formidable challenge that climate change presents, pushing governments to prepare communities for higher risks and harsher conditions.
Experts explained that stronger high-pressure systems increased the intensity of the Etesian winds, which spread the flames rapidly. Firefighters who previously depended on calmer winds could no longer rely on this method. Researchers from Imperial College London stated that with the Earth already 1.3 degrees warmer, new fire behaviors have emerged that are difficult to control. Independent specialists described the study as both convincing and urgent, since it confirmed scientific models. However, they also warned of a fragile and uncertain future if adaptation remains slow. The findings emphasized the formidable challenge that climate change presents, pushing governments to prepare communities for higher risks and harsher conditions.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where did the massive wildfires happen in the summer of 2025?
- Who confirmed that climate change played a pivotal role in the fires?
- How many people were killed in the disaster?
- How many residents had to evacuate because of the wildfires?
- What was the percentage of lower rainfall last winter?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced very hot weather in your area? If so, what did you do? If not, what do you think people do?
- Have you ever seen or heard about a big fire near your home? If so, what happened? If not, what do you imagine it was like?
- Do you agree that climate change makes wildfires more inevitable?
- Why do you think less rainfall makes forests more at risk of wildfires?
- If wildfires become more common, what changes should communities make to stay safe?