Warm-up

Answer quickly. No right or wrong answers.

Have you noticed changes to beaches or coastlines where you live?

Do you think climate change is affecting nature more than before?

Should governments spend more money protecting the environment?

Vocabulary

Essential (A1–B1)

beach – an area of sand or stones beside the sea
Example: We spent the afternoon relaxing on the beach.

sand – very small pieces of rock found on beaches and in deserts
Example: The children played in the sand all day.

coast – the land beside the sea
Example: Many people enjoy living near the coast.

wave – a movement of water in the sea
Example: The waves were very strong during the storm.

protect – to keep someone or something safe from harm
Example: Sea walls help protect coastal towns.

Developed (B2–C2)

erosion – the gradual wearing away of land by water, wind, or other natural forces
Example: Coastal erosion is threatening many beaches around the world.

industrial – relating to manufacturing and large-scale production
Example: Industrial development has changed many natural coastlines.

artificial – made by humans rather than occurring naturally
Example: Engineers built artificial barriers to reduce wave damage.

tidal – relating to the regular rise and fall of the sea
Example: Strong tidal currents make this coastline difficult to protect.

sediment – sand, rocks, and other material carried by water and deposited elsewhere
Example: Dams reduce the amount of sediment reaching the coast.

mitigation – actions taken to reduce the seriousness of a problem
Example: Coastal mitigation projects aim to slow environmental damage.

Reading

Introduction

"Japan's sandy beaches are disappearing at an alarming rate. This text explains why this is happening, how human activity has contributed to the problem, and what the future may hold for the country's coastline."

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

Article (All Levels)

Many of Japan's sandy beaches are becoming smaller every year. Scientists believe that climate change and human activities are causing the problem.

Dams stop sand from reaching the coast, while stronger waves wash beaches away. Some beaches have already disappeared completely.

Experts say governments may have to decide which beaches they can protect in the future.

Developed Article (B1–C2)

Researchers estimate that more than 60% of Japan's sandy beaches could disappear by the end of this century. While rising sea levels caused by climate change are accelerating the problem, decades of industrial development have also played a significant role.

The construction of dams has reduced the natural movement of sediment from rivers to the coastline, leaving many beaches unable to replace the sand lost through erosion. Although artificial headlands and beach restoration projects have been introduced, powerful tidal conditions continue to remove newly added sand.

Scientists warn that future coastal mitigation strategies will require difficult decisions, as it may be impossible to preserve every beach threatened by rising sea levels.

Comprehension Check

(Answer based on your level.)

A1–A2

1. Why are Japan's beaches becoming smaller?

2. What stops sand from reaching many beaches?

3. Could many beaches disappear in the future?

B1–B2

1. How has industrial development contributed to beach erosion?

2. Why have artificial headlands had limited success?

3. Why might governments need to choose which beaches to protect?

C1–C2

1. How do climate change and human activity combine to accelerate coastal erosion?

2. Why is sediment transport essential for maintaining healthy coastlines?

3. What challenges do policymakers face when deciding how to protect vulnerable coastal areas?

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 environmental problem is ___."

"I worry about ___ because ___."

"This affects people because ___."

Personal Questions

1. Do you enjoy going to the beach? Why?

2. Have you visited a famous beach?

3. Do you think beaches should be protected?

4. Is climate change affecting your country?

5. Have you noticed changes in nature recently?

6. Do you think pollution is a serious problem?

7. Should people recycle more?

8. Do you like living near the sea?

9. What is your favourite beach?

10. Would you like to visit Japan's beaches?

11. Should governments spend more on the environment?

12. Do you think sea levels are rising?

13. What can people do to protect nature?

14. Do you learn about climate change at school or work?

15. What environmental problem worries you the most?

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 are Japan's beaches disappearing so quickly?

2. How does climate change affect coastlines?

3. How do dams contribute to beach erosion?

4. Should governments invest more in coastal protection?

5. How could disappearing beaches affect tourism?

6. What environmental problems affect your country most?

7. How can communities reduce coastal damage?

8. What role should scientists play in environmental policy?

9. How important are beaches for local economies?

10. Do you think artificial solutions can replace natural ecosystems?

11. How might rising sea levels affect future generations?

12. Should people living near the coast prepare for climate change?

13. What are the biggest barriers to protecting the environment?

14. How can international cooperation help solve climate issues?

15. Do the benefits of industrial development outweigh the environmental costs?

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. To what extent is human activity responsible for coastal erosion compared with natural processes?

2. How should governments prioritize environmental protection when financial resources are limited?

3. What long-term consequences could disappearing coastlines have for society?

4. How can countries balance economic development with environmental sustainability?

5. Should governments continue investing in expensive coastal defence systems? Why or why not?

6. How might climate change reshape where people choose to live in the future?

7. What ethical responsibilities do current generations have toward future generations regarding climate change?

8. Could some environmental damage eventually become irreversible? Explain your view.

9. How important is international cooperation in addressing rising sea levels?

10. What role should technology play in protecting vulnerable coastlines?

11. How might disappearing beaches affect national identity and cultural heritage?

12. Should governments relocate communities that are highly vulnerable to rising sea levels?

13. What lessons can other countries learn from Japan's experience?

14. How should the media communicate environmental issues without creating unnecessary fear?

15. In your opinion, what is the single most effective solution for reducing the long-term impact of climate change on coastal regions?