
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- inevitable /in-EV-i-tuh-buhl/
[adjective] – certain to happen and unable to be avoided or prevented
Storms are inevitable during the rainy season in tropical countries. - formidable /FAWR-mi-duh-buhl/
[adjective] – causing you to have fear or respect for something or someone because they are large, powerful, or difficult
Rescuers faced a formidable task after the powerful typhoon. - vigilance /VIJ-uh-luhns/
[noun] – careful attention, especially to notice possible danger
The police asked for public vigilance during the bad weather. - catalyst /KAT-l-ist/
[noun] – an event or person that causes great change
The typhoon became a catalyst for improving rescue systems. - move out /MOOV-out/
[phrasal verb] – to leave a place, especially your home, in order to live somewhere else
Families had to move out of their houses during the flood.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the central Philippines in early November, bringing intense rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding across several provinces. The weather bureau reported that the storm made landfall in Southern Leyte and later moved westward across the Visayas region with sustained winds of about 150 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 185 kilometers per hour. More than 150,000 residents were relocated to safer areas as a preventive measure. Ferry trips and domestic flights were suspended due to hazardous conditions at sea. Officials explained that such extreme weather events are inevitable in a nation frequently hit by tropical cyclones, which occur about 20 times a year.
In the aftermath, disaster-response units faced formidable challenges in reaching flooded areas and restoring electricity. Authorities called for public vigilance as more rainfall was expected near Mount Kanlaon, where volcanic activity could have triggered mudflows. Experts described Kalmaegi as a catalyst for improving regional coordination and technology-based forecasting systems. Local agencies emphasized that quick evacuations, communication through digital alerts, and satellite monitoring played a crucial role in reducing harm. The national disaster council highlighted that such operations require resilience from both communities and government institutions. Kalmaegi moved out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility soon after, with conditions gradually improving across the region.
In the aftermath, disaster-response units faced formidable challenges in reaching flooded areas and restoring electricity. Authorities called for public vigilance as more rainfall was expected near Mount Kanlaon, where volcanic activity could have triggered mudflows. Experts described Kalmaegi as a catalyst for improving regional coordination and technology-based forecasting systems. Local agencies emphasized that quick evacuations, communication through digital alerts, and satellite monitoring played a crucial role in reducing harm. The national disaster council highlighted that such operations require resilience from both communities and government institutions. Kalmaegi moved out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility soon after, with conditions gradually improving across the region.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced a strong typhoon? If so, what did you do to stay safe? If not, what would you prepare in case one happens?
- Have you ever joined a community activity after a disaster? If so, what was your role? If not, how would you like to help?
- Do you agree that disaster drills should be practiced more often in schools and offices?
- How can technology help reduce damage from future typhoons?
- 5. What lessons can governments learn from Typhoon Kalmaegi’s impact?
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.
- strike
- widespread
- extreme
- coordination
- condition