Listening

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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. population
    • ex. Australia has a large population of poisonous snakes.
  2. conservation
    • ex. Water conservation is important in dry areas.
  3. the US Endangered Species Act
    • ex. The US Endangered Species Act was signed in 1973.
  4. accidentally
    • ex. I accidentally left my keys inside the car.
  5. a threat
    • ex. Smoking is a threat to your health.

Article

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

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According to a recent study, the population of green sea turtles in the Pacific is increasing. From 2002 to 2015, the species’ population in the Hawaiian Islands increased by up to 8% every year. The number of green sea turtles in American Samoa and the Mariana Islands also rose by around 4% yearly.

Researchers think that stricter conservation laws caused the species’ population increase. One of the laws that protect green sea turtles is the US Endangered Species Act. This law bans hunting and killing endangered species. It also promotes programs to protect areas where they live.

In 1978, green sea turtles were listed as an endangered species for a number of reasons. The most common reason is that people collect their eggs for food. Fishermen also accidentally catch green sea turtles in their nets. The number of disappearing beaches is also a threat because turtles lay their eggs on them.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Protecting Animals

  • What animals in your country need protection? Why? Discuss.
  • Do you think more animals will need protection in the next 20 years? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Does your country have strict laws about animals? Why or why not? Discuss.

Wild Animals

  • Does your area have a lot of wild animals? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Does your local government do anything to control the population of wild animals? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What areas in your country are famous for their wild animals? Why? Discuss.