Warm-up

Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.

Have you heard people talk about climate change recently?

Do you think extreme weather is becoming more common?

Does environmental news affect how you feel about the future?

Vocabulary

Essential (A1–B1)

satellite – a device in space that sends and receives information
Example: The satellite captured images of Antarctica.

threat – something that could cause harm
Example: Climate change is a major threat to wildlife.

endangered – at risk of disappearing forever
Example: Many endangered animals depend on sea ice.

predator – an animal that hunts other animals for food
Example: Krill help protect young animals from predators.

melt – to change from solid ice into liquid water
Example: Rising temperatures cause glaciers to melt.

Developed (B2–C2)

ecosystem collapse – the failure of a natural system when species and habitats can no longer function normally
Example: Scientists fear that continued ice loss could lead to ecosystem collapse.

irreversible – impossible to change back to the original condition
Example: Some climate impacts may become irreversible.

biodiversity – the variety of living species in an environment
Example: Antarctica's biodiversity depends on stable ice conditions.

accelerate – to make something happen faster
Example: Warmer oceans may accelerate the melting of glaciers.

feedback loop – a process in which one change causes another change that strengthens the original effect
Example: Ice loss can create a climate feedback loop that leads to even more warming.

climate resilience – the ability to adapt to and recover from climate-related challenges
Example: Governments are investing in climate resilience projects.

Reading

Introduction

"Scientists have discovered an alarming lack of sea ice around Antarctica. This text explains what is happening, why it matters, and how it could affect the planet. Read and focus on the main ideas."

(Read at your level. Do not translate every word.)

Article (All Levels)

Scientists have found that a very large area of sea ice is missing from Antarctica. The missing ice covers an area larger than France.

Sea ice normally grows during winter, but this year there is very little ice in one important region. Experts say this could be a threat to animals that depend on the ice.

Many species use sea ice for food, protection, and survival. Scientists are worried that continued ice loss could affect wildlife and increase global warming.

Developed Article (B1–C2)

Recent satellite observations show that approximately 650,000 square kilometers of winter sea ice are missing from the Bellingshausen Sea near Antarctica. Scientists describe this as one of the most significant ice deficits ever recorded in the region.

The absence of sea ice threatens local ecosystems, including krill populations, endangered emperor penguins, seals, and whales that depend on stable feeding environments. Researchers warn that continued ice loss may reduce biodiversity and increase the risk of wider ecosystem collapse.

Experts also fear that reduced sea ice could accelerate glacier melting and contribute to rising sea levels. In addition, the loss of reflective ice creates a climate feedback loop, making warming conditions even more severe. Some researchers believe these changes could become partially irreversible if current trends continue.

Comprehension Check

(Answer based on your level.)

A1–A2

1. What is missing from Antarctica?

2. Why is sea ice important for animals?

3. Is the missing ice area large or small?

B1–B2

1. Why are scientists concerned about the loss of sea ice?

2. How could ice loss affect wildlife?

3. What effect could melting glaciers have on sea levels?

C1–C2

1. How could the loss of Antarctic sea ice affect global ecosystems?

2. Why do scientists worry about climate feedback loops?

3. To what extent could these environmental changes become irreversible?

Speaking

(Choose a question level.)

A1–A2 — Foundation

Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.

(Answer + 1 reason)

"I think ___ because ___."

"One problem today is ___."

"I worry about ___ because ___."

"This makes people feel ___."

Personal Questions

1. Have you heard news about Antarctica before?

2. Do you worry about climate change? Why?

3. Do you think the weather is changing where you live?

4. What environmental problems concern you most?

5. Have you ever seen a glacier or large area of ice?

6. Do you think animals are affected by climate change?

7. What can people do to protect nature?

8. Do you recycle at home?

9. Is pollution a problem in your area?

10. Would you like to visit Antarctica someday?

11. Do you follow environmental news?

12. What makes you feel hopeful about the future?

13. Should schools teach more about climate change?

14. Do you think governments are doing enough?

15. What is one thing you do to help the environment?

B1–B2 — Expansion

Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.

(Answer + reason + 2 details)

"I feel ___ because ___; for example, ___ and ___."

"One challenge is ___, which affects ___ and ___."

"I am concerned about ___ because ___; in particular, ___ and ___."

"This situation makes people feel ___, especially when ___ and ___."

Personal Questions

1. Why is the loss of Antarctic sea ice important globally?

2. How could climate change affect future generations?

3. What environmental changes have you noticed in recent years?

4. How does climate news affect public opinion?

5. Which environmental problems should governments prioritize?

6. How might rising sea levels affect coastal communities?

7. Do you think people take climate change seriously enough?

8. How can technology help reduce environmental damage?

9. What role should businesses play in protecting the environment?

10. How could ice loss affect food chains in Antarctica?

11. Should countries cooperate more on climate issues?

12. How can individuals reduce their environmental impact?

13. What are the biggest obstacles to climate action?

14. Do environmental campaigns influence your behaviour?

15. What changes would you like to see in the next ten years?

C1–C2 — Depth & Reflection

Tip: Use sentence starters for all personal questions. It encourages structured, fluent speech.

(Reason + multiple details + consequence or reflection)

"I feel ___ because ___; for instance, ___, ___, and ___; as a result, ___."

"One significant issue is ___, which influences ___ and ___; however, ___."

"I am concerned about ___ because ___, including ___ and ___; this leads me to ___."

"I think the future is ___ because ___, especially considering ___ and ___; ultimately, ___."

Personal Questions

1. What does the loss of Antarctic sea ice reveal about the current state of the climate crisis?

2. To what extent are climate tipping points a realistic concern?

3. How might ecosystem collapse affect human societies in the long term?

4. Should economic growth ever take priority over environmental protection? Why or why not?

5. How do climate feedback loops complicate efforts to address global warming?

6. What responsibilities do wealthy nations have in responding to climate change?

7. How should governments balance environmental goals with economic pressures?

8. Could technological innovation solve most climate-related problems?

9. How might climate anxiety affect younger generations psychologically?

10. What lessons can policymakers learn from environmental changes in Antarctica?

11. How should the media communicate climate risks without creating panic?

12. Is society adapting quickly enough to environmental challenges?

13. What ethical issues arise when species become endangered because of human activity?

14. How might rising sea levels reshape global migration patterns?

15. In your view, what actions are most urgently needed to improve climate resilience worldwide?