Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. strain
    • ex. Rising food prices are leaving many families under strain, making it harder for them to pay their bills.
  2. acidic
    • ex. The soil became too acidic for some plants to grow well.
  3. amplify
    • ex. Heavy rain can amplify the effects of flooding by causing rivers to rise faster.
  4. unprecedented
    • ex. The city experienced an unprecedented heat wave, with temperatures reaching record levels.
  5. coral
    • ex. Pollution can harm coral and make it difficult for reefs to grow.

Article

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

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The world’s oceans reached their highest recorded temperature in August, according to the European climate service Copernicus. Ocean temperatures reached 21.1°C (70°F), slightly higher than the previous daily record from March 2024. Scientists say El Niño and human-caused climate change are causing the rise. They warn that the oceans are under strain.

Warmer oceans can become more acidic and contain less oxygen, which can hurt marine life and fishing industries. Warm water can also amplify storms. Stronger storms can bring more rain and push more seawater onto the land. Scientists expect ocean temperatures to rise further as El Niño grows. The current El Niño could reach unprecedented levels between November and January.

The heat is already harming some ocean animals. Scientists say the amount of coral alive today is about one-fifth of the level in the 1990s. Warmer water may also hurt the Peruvian anchovy fishing industry. Anchovies need cooler water to live and reproduce. Warmer water can make it difficult for them to survive, so their numbers may fall sharply. This could affect larger fish, seabirds, and people who depend on anchovies for food.

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

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Oceans and Ocean Animals

  • Do you think warmer oceans are a serious problem? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • The article said that the heat is already harming some ocean animals. What ocean animal would you like to protect the most? Why? Discuss.
  • Why do you think oceans are important to people and animals? Discuss.

Extreme Weather

  • What kinds of extreme or dangerous weather do you experience in your country? Discuss.
  • Do you think schools should teach students more about extreme weather? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What do you think the weather might be like in your country 20 years from now? Discuss.