Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a forager
    • ex. In autumn, many foragers go into the woods to collect food.
  2. a toxin
    • ex. Some mushrooms contain a dangerous toxin that can make people very sick.
  3. edible
    • ex. The nature guide showed us which berries are safe and edible.
  4. foraging
    • ex. Foraging can be a fun way to find fresh food in nature.
  5. nausea
    • ex. I experienced nausea after riding the roller coaster.

Article

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

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California officials are warning foragers after a recent outbreak of mushroom poisoning. One adult has died, and several others, including children, have suffered serious liver damage. The state health department said 21 cases of poisoning were reported, likely caused by death cap mushrooms. These wild mushrooms contain a deadly toxin and are often mistaken for edible mushrooms because of their similar appearance and taste.

Authorities warn against wild mushroom foraging, especially during wet weather when mushrooms grow rapidly. Residents in Monterey County fell ill after eating mushrooms found in a park, with other cases reported in the San Francisco Bay Area. Experts warn that the risk exists across the state. Children are particularly at risk, as they may pick and eat mushrooms while playing. Even mushrooms that appear edible, whether raw or cooked, can be poisonous.

Symptoms of mushroom poisoning can appear within 24 hours and include stomach cramps and nausea. Health officials warn that even if these symptoms improve, serious problems like liver damage can develop later. People are told not to take any risks and to avoid wild mushroom foraging to stay safe.

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

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Food Poisoning

  • Have you ever eaten something that made you feel sick? Discuss.
  • According to the article, some poisonous mushrooms may appear edible. How does this information affect your view of food found in the wild, such as fruit or mushrooms? Discuss.
  • How can people become more aware of the dangers of food poisoning? Discuss.

Foraging

  • Would you like to try foraging? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Why do you think some people are interested in wild mushroom foraging? Discuss.
  • Children are particularly at risk of mushroom poisoning, as they may pick and eat mushrooms while playing. How do you think children can be warned against this? Discuss.