Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. erupt
    • ex. When the volcano erupted, many families in the area had to leave their homes.
  2. a simulation
    • ex. The city ran a simulation of an earthquake to train people on how to act during an actual earthquake.
  3. preparedness
    • ex. The city taught people about preparedness before the storm came.
  4. ash
    • ex. People wore masks because ash and smoke were in the air after the fire.
  5. arm
    • ex. Scientists usually arm themselves with maps and guides when visiting unknown places.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Mount Fuji has not erupted since 1707. But Japanese officials released videos made using AI showing a simulation of what could happen if the active volcano were to erupt again. The videos are part of Volcanic Disaster Preparedness Day. They are meant to help the 37 million people in the Tokyo area understand the risks.

One video shows ash covering central Tokyo within hours. It stopped trains, cut food and power, and caused health problems. The video ends with the message: “We need to arm ourselves with facts and prepare for disaster.” It also shows a family with enough food and first-aid supplies.

The Tokyo government explained there are no current signs of Fuji erupting. The goal is only to give people correct knowledge and steps to follow in case of an emergency. Some people, however, felt worried and confused by the videos. But Hiromi Ooki, who lives in Mishima City, said, “Nature’s power is so great that maybe it’s better if it scares us a little.” Japan often faces natural disasters, such as earthquakes, storms, floods, and tsunamis. So, the country carefully prepares for them.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Disaster Preparedness

  • Mount Fuji has not erupted since 1707 and has no signs of erupting soon. Do you think people should still prepare for this disaster? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • The video ends with a message: “We need to arm ourselves with facts and prepare for disaster.” How do you think facts and correct information can help people prepare for disasters? Discuss.
  • One citizen said, “Nature’s power is so great that maybe it’s better if it scares us a little.” Do you agree that fear of nature’s power can help people prepare better for disasters? Why or why not? Discuss.

AI Simulations

  • Japanese officials showed an AI simulation of what could happen if Mount Fuji erupted again. Which do you think is more powerful: watching an AI simulation or hearing an explanation? Why? Discuss.
  • In what areas of our daily lives can AI simulations be helpful (ex. education, medicine)? Discuss.
  • If you could see an AI simulation about your city, what kind of scenario would you choose (ex. your city 100 years later, your city after a disaster)? Why? Discuss.