Warm-up

Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.

Do you think sharks are dangerous animals?

Would you like to see a shark in the wild?

Do movies change the way people think about sharks?

Vocabulary

Essential (A1–B1)

shark – a large fish that lives in the ocean
Example: The shark swam close to the boat.

species – a group of similar animals or plants
Example: There are over 500 species of sharks.

teeth – the hard white parts inside your mouth used for biting
Example: Sharks have many teeth.

ocean – the large body of salt water covering much of Earth
Example: Sharks live in every ocean.

friend – someone you like and spend time with
Example: Some sharks stay with the same friends for years.

Developed (B2–C2)

vulnerable – likely to be harmed or damaged
Example: Many shark species are considered vulnerable due to overfishing.

endangered – at serious risk of becoming extinct
Example: Several endangered shark species are protected by law.

cognitive ability – the mental ability to learn, remember, and solve problems
Example: Scientists continue to study the cognitive abilities of sharks.

social behaviour – the way animals interact with one another
Example: Grey reef sharks display surprisingly complex social behaviour.

adaptation – a feature or change that helps an animal survive
Example: Sharks' rows of teeth are an important adaptation for hunting.

perception – the way people understand or think about something
Example: Films have influenced the public's perception of sharks.

Reading

Introduction

"Many people believe sharks are dangerous and aggressive animals. However, scientists have discovered that sharks are far more intelligent and social than most people realize. Read and focus on the main ideas."

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

Article (All Levels)

Many people think sharks are scary because of movies and stories. However, sharks are usually not dangerous to people.

There are more than 500 species of sharks, and many are vulnerable or endangered. Sharks help keep the ocean healthy.

Scientists have also discovered that sharks can remember information, recognize simple number patterns, and even form friendships with other sharks.

Developed Article (B1–C2)

Despite their frightening reputation, sharks demonstrate remarkable cognitive abilities and surprisingly complex social behaviour. Studies show that some species can recognize numerical patterns, remember shapes for long periods, and distinguish between different quantities.

Researchers have also observed that certain sharks form stable social groups and learn from one another, challenging the traditional belief that sharks are solitary animals. These findings are changing public perception of these marine predators.

Unfortunately, more than one hundred shark species are now classified as vulnerable or endangered because of overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. Scientists emphasize that protecting sharks is essential for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

Comprehension Check

(Answer based on your level.)

A1–A2

1. How many species of sharks are there?

2. Are many shark species endangered?

3. Can sharks have friends?

B1–B2

1. Why are sharks important for the oceans?

2. What surprising abilities do sharks have?

3. Why are many shark species becoming vulnerable?

C1–C2

1. How do recent discoveries challenge traditional beliefs about sharks?

2. Why is protecting shark populations important for marine ecosystems?

3. How have films and popular culture influenced people's perception of sharks?

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 interesting fact is ___."

"I would like to ___ because ___."

"This makes sharks seem ___."

Personal Questions

1. Do you like sharks? Why?

2. Do you think sharks are dangerous?

3. Have you ever seen a shark?

4. Would you like to go diving with sharks?

5. What is your favourite sea animal?

6. Are you afraid of the ocean?

7. Do you enjoy watching nature documentaries?

8. Have you visited an aquarium?

9. Which animal do you think is the smartest?

10. Do you think movies make sharks look scary?

11. Should sharks be protected?

12. Would you like to swim in the ocean?

13. What sea animal would you most like to see?

14. Do you think people understand sharks well?

15. What surprised you most about this article?

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 do many people fear sharks?

2. How have movies influenced people's opinions of sharks?

3. Why are sharks important to marine ecosystems?

4. What surprised you most about sharks' intelligence?

5. Why are many shark species endangered?

6. Should governments do more to protect sharks?

7. How does climate change affect ocean wildlife?

8. What can people do to protect marine life?

9. Why do sharks need healthy oceans to survive?

10. How can education change people's perception of sharks?

11. Would you support stronger laws against shark hunting?

12. How important are aquariums for education and conservation?

13. Why do misconceptions about animals exist?

14. Which marine animal fascinates you the most?

15. Do the benefits of shark conservation outweigh the costs? Why?

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. Why do negative stereotypes about sharks continue despite scientific evidence?

2. How should conservation efforts balance human safety with wildlife protection?

3. To what extent are sharks misunderstood by society?

4. How does public perception influence wildlife conservation policies?

5. What ecological consequences could result from declining shark populations?

6. Should shark tourism be encouraged or restricted? Why?

7. How can scientific research improve the protection of marine biodiversity?

8. What responsibilities do humans have toward endangered marine species?

9. How might climate change reshape ocean ecosystems over the next century?

10. Why is biodiversity essential for healthy oceans?

11. How can education help reduce irrational fears of wildlife?

12. Should governments invest more in marine conservation than economic development?

13. How do documentaries shape public attitudes toward animals?

14. What ethical issues arise when humans interfere with marine ecosystems?

15. In your view, what is the greatest challenge facing sharks and other ocean species today?