Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a toad
    • ex. The children were afraid when a brown toad appeared near the pond.
  2. migration
    • ex. The migration of fish and other sea animals depends on water temperature.
  3. an amphibian
    • ex. Frogs and toads are amphibians that can live both in water and on land.
  4. mate
    • ex. Birds sing loudly in spring to mate and find partners.
  5. risky
    • ex. It is risky to walk alone in the forest at night.

Article

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

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Volunteers in Poland are helping frogs and toads cross dangerous roads during spring migration, saving thousands of animals. Each year, when the weather becomes warmer, amphibians leave the forest and travel to nearby lands to mate. In Mlochowski Forest, about 30 kilometers from Warsaw, this journey has become risky because a road cuts across their path.

Before volunteers started helping, many frogs and toads were killed by cars during rainy nights. People saw hundreds of dead animals on the road, which made them very upset. A group led by Łukasz Franczuk started “Frog Patrol” to protect the animals.

Now, volunteers meet on wet evenings, wearing bright vests and using buckets to carry the animals safely across. Families and children also help during the day if they see frogs in danger. This effort has saved about 18,000 amphibians and brought the community closer to nature. Volunteers say the work is important because frogs only move in rain and need wet skin to live. Organizers hope more people will join and keep the animals safe in future seasons. They believe small actions can protect wildlife and reduce road deaths.

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

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Protecting Wildlife and Reducing Road Deaths

  • Many frogs and toads were killed by cars during rainy nights. Do you think roads are dangerous for wild animals? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What are some simple actions people can take in their daily lives to help wildlife (ex. reduce plastic waste, report injured animals to authorities)? Discuss.
  • A group of locals started helping amphibians cross dangerous wet roads in Poland. What other animals do you think need similar protection in your country or area? Discuss.

Volunteers and Community Projects

  • In Poland, volunteers are helping frogs and toads cross dangerous roads. Would you join volunteers and help an animal cross a road if it were in danger? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Families and children also help if they see the frogs in danger. Do you think families with children should be involved in doing volunteer work? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What do you think are the benefits of projects like the “Frog Patrol” for both animals and people? Discuss.