The Reading / Listening - Level 6

Authorities in Hawaii are proposing a ban on the popular tourist activity of swimming with dolphins off the Hawaiian coast. The dolphins have served as a magnet for tourists over the past few decades. However, federal officials say the increasing tourism is harmful to the dolphins because they are supposed to be resting and socializing. The National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposes to prohibit swimming with, or approaching within 50 metres of, Hawaii's spinner dolphins. That would put an end to many tour group activities, which involve sailing alongside the creatures in a boat and snorkeling with them.

Ann Garrett, a spokeswoman for the National Marine Fisheries Service, said she didn't think the ban would have a big impact on the tourist trade in Hawaii. Ms Garrett said: "We think that by identifying 50 metres as the minimum distance, there still can be a viable tourist industry in Hawaii." Tour operators disagreed with Garrett's assessment. Tour company owner Kevin Merrill warned: "It would be the end of legitimate dolphin swimming. We couldn’t offer the people the quality interaction that they expect." Dolphins typically are most active at night and sleep and relax during the day, which is when the tourists interact with them. Garrett said the interaction disrupts the dolphins' health and fitness.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    Level 4  or  Level 5

Sources
  • http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/26/us/federal-officials-seek-ban-on-swimming-with-spinner-dolphins-in-hawaii.html
  • http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2016/0826/Ban-on-swimming-with-dolphins-in-Hawaii-How-animal-ethics-are-changing-video
  • http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/blogs/swimming-dolphins-may-soon-be-banned-hawaii


Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice, drag and drop activities, crosswords, hangman, flash cards, matching activities and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. DOLPHINS: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about dolphins. Change partners often and share your findings.

2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?

       authorities / ban / tourist activity / magnet / tourists / dolphins / socializing / sailing
       impact  / trade / minimum / distance / quality / interaction / typically / fitness

Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.

3. TOURISM: Students A strongly believe no tourism should make money animals; Students B strongly believe the opposite.  Change partners again and talk about your conversations.

4. ANIMALS: What do you think of animals being used in / for these things? What could we replace the animals with? Discuss this with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

  • Zoos
  • Circuses
  • Hunting
  • Police
  • Drug testing
  • Sports racing
MY e-BOOK
ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers
See a sample

5. TOURIST: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "tourist". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

6. TOURIST ACTIVITIES: Rank these with your partner. Put the best at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • scuba diving
  • amusement park
  • outdoor cafes
  • bus tour
  • hiking
  • museums
  • safari
  • shopping

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if a-h below are true (T) or false (F).

  1. The WWF is proposing a ban on swimming with dolphins in Hawaii.     T / F
  2. The dolphins have been injured by tourists using magnets.     T / F
  3. Authorities want a 500-metre distance between dolphins and humans.     T / F
  4. The ban would end sailing alongside the dolphins.     T / F
  5. An official said a ban would not greatly affect tourism.     T / F
  6. Tour operators agreed with the official.     T / F
  7. Dolphins rest during the day and are busiest at night.     T / F
  8. The official said interaction with humans is not good for dolphins.     T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

  1. proposing
  2. magnet
  3. harmful
  4. prohibit
  5. approaching
  6. impact
  7. distance
  8. viable
  9. assessment
  10. disrupts
  1. detrimental
  2. workable
  3. ban
  4. effect
  5. suggesting
  6. gap
  7. judgement
  8. lure
  9. disturbs
  10. nearing

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

  1. off the Hawaiian
  2. federal
  3. approaching
  4. That would put an end
  5. sailing alongside the
  6. have a big impact
  7. the minimum
  8. still can be a viable
  9. quality
  10. the interaction disrupts
  1. within 50 metres of
  2. interaction
  3. creatures in a boat
  4. distance
  5. the dolphins' health
  6. coast
  7. tourist industry
  8. to many
  9. officials
  10. on the tourist trade

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
magnet
prohibit
end
proposing
creatures
coast
supposed
approaching

Authorities in Hawaii are (1) ____________ a ban on the popular tourist activity of swimming with dolphins off the Hawaiian (2) ____________. The dolphins have served as a (3) ____________ for tourists over the past few decades. However, federal officials say the increasing tourism is harmful to the dolphins because they are (4) ____________ to be resting and socializing. The National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposes to (5) ____________ swimming with, or (6) ____________ within 50 metres of, Hawaii's spinner dolphins. That would put an (7) ____________ to many tour group activities, which involve sailing alongside the (8) ____________ in a boat and snorkeling with them.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
assessment
quality
impact
distance
disrupts
identifying
typically
legitimate

Ann Garrett, a spokeswoman for the National Marine Fisheries Service, said she didn't think the ban would have a big (9) ____________ on the tourist trade in Hawaii. Ms Garrett said: "We think that by (10) ____________ 50 metres as the minimum (11) ____________, there still can be a viable tourist industry in Hawaii." Tour operators disagreed with Garrett's (12) ____________. Tour company owner Kevin Merrill warned: "It would be the end of (13) ____________ dolphin swimming. We couldn’t offer the people the (14) ____________ interaction that they expect." Dolphins (15) ____________ are most active at night and sleep and relax during the day, which is when the tourists interact with them. Garrett said the interaction (16) ____________ the dolphins' health and fitness.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)  a ban on the popular tourist activity of swimming with dolphins off ______
     a.  the Hawaiian coast
     b.  the Hawaiian coats
     c.  the Hawaiian costs
     d.  the Hawaiian cost

2)  The dolphins have served as ______ tourists
     a.  a magenta for
     b.  a magnet for
     c.  a mag not for
     d.  a mug not for

3)  increasing tourism is harmful to the dolphins because they are ______ resting
     a.  supposed to been
     b.  supposed to being
     c.  supposed to be
     d.  supposed to bee

4)  prohibit swimming with, or approaching ______
     a.  with in 50 metres
     b.  wither 50 metres
     c.  without 50 metres
     d.  within 50 metres

5)  tour group activities, which involve sailing alongside ______
     a.  the creatures
     b.  the creatives
     c.  the creations
     d.  the screechers

6)  she didn't think the ban would have a big ______ tourist trade
     a.  impact in the
     b.  impact on the
     c.  compact on the
     d.  implant on the

7)  by identifying 50 metres as the minimum distance, there still can be a ______ industry
     a.  viable tourist
     b.  vile tourist
     c.  vile all tourist
     d.  vial able tourist

8)  Kevin Merrill warned: "It would be the end of ______ swimming"
     a.  legitimacy dolphin
     b.  legitimate dolphin
     c.  leisure mate dolphin
     d.  leisure it mate dolphin

9)  We couldn’t offer the people the quality interaction ______
     a.  that they except
     b.  that they expected
     c.  that they expecting
     d.  that they expect

10)  Garrett said the interaction disrupts the dolphins' ______
     a.  healthy and fitness
     b.  health and fitness
     c.  health and fit nuts
     d.  healthy and fit nuts

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

Authorities in Hawaii are proposing (1) ___________________ popular tourist activity of swimming with dolphins off the Hawaiian coast. The dolphins have served (2) ___________________ tourists over the past few decades. However, federal officials say the increasing tourism is harmful to the dolphins because they (3) ___________________ resting and socializing. The National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (4) ___________________ swimming with, or approaching within 50 metres of, Hawaii's spinner dolphins. That would put (5) ___________________ tour group activities, which involve sailing alongside (6) ___________________ boat and snorkeling with them.

Ann Garrett, a spokeswoman for the National Marine Fisheries Service, said she didn't think the ban would have (7) ___________________ the tourist trade in Hawaii. Ms Garrett said: "We think that by identifying 50 metres as the (8) ___________________, there still can be a viable tourist industry in Hawaii." Tour (9) ___________________ with Garrett's assessment. Tour company owner Kevin Merrill warned: "It would be (10) ___________________ dolphin swimming. We couldn’t offer the people the quality interaction that they expect." Dolphins typically are most active at night and sleep and relax (11) ___________________, which is when the tourists interact with them. Garrett said the (12) ___________________ the dolphins' health and fitness.

Comprehension questions

  1. Where might tourists no longer be able to swim with dolphins?
  2. What have dolphins served as for tourists over the past decades?
  3. What should dolphins be doing instead of swimming with tourists?
  4. What is the minimum distance suggested between dolphins and tourists?
  5. What activity was mentioned after sailing alongside dolphins?
  6. What is Ann Garrett's role in the National Marine Fisheries Service?
  7. What did Ms Garret say a ban would not have a big impact on?
  8. What did a tour company owner say the ban would be the end of?
  9. What couldn't tour companies offer people?
  10. When are dolphins most active?

Multiple choice quiz

1) Where might tourists no longer be able to swim with dolphins?
a) swimming pools
b) in sea parks
c) the Atlantic Ocean
d) off the Hawaiian coast

2) What have dolphins served as for tourists over the past decades?
a) a memory
b) a magnet
c) a mascot
d) a model

3) What should dolphins be doing instead of swimming with tourists?
a) practising sonar skills
b) playing with a ball and rings
c) relaxing and socializing
d) eating

4) What is the minimum distance suggested between dolphins and tourists?
a) 50 metres
b) 15 metres
c) 500 metres
d) 5km

5) What activity was mentioned after sailing alongside dolphins?
a) sleeping
b) surfing
c) snorkeling
d) water polo

6) What is Ann Garrett's role in the National Marine Fisheries Service?
a) IT specialist
b) spokeswoman
c) CEO
d) photographer

7) What did Ms Garret say a ban would not have a big impact on?
a) her organization
b) Hawaii
c) dolphins
d) the tourism industry

8) What did a tour company owner say the ban would be the end of?
a) legitimate dolphin swimming
b) dolphins
c) fun
d) tourism

9) What couldn't tour companies offer people?
a) a private tour
b) refunds
c) quality interaction
d) selfies with dolphins

10) When are dolphins most active?
a) before lunch
b) at night
c) in the morning
d) after lunch

Role play

Role A — Hiking

You think hiking is the best tourist activity. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their activities. Also, tell the others which is the most boring of these (and why): a museum, shopping or a bus tour.

Role B — A museum

You think a museum is the best tourist activity. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their activities. Also, tell the others which is the most boring of these (and why): hiking, shopping or a bus tour.

Role C — Shopping

You think shopping is the best tourist activity. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their activities. Also, tell the others which is the most boring of these (and why): a museum, hiking or a bus tour.

Role D — A bus tour

You think a bus tour is the best tourist activity. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their activities. Also, tell the others which is the most boring of these (and why): a museum, shopping or hiking.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words...

'swimming'

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • and 'dolphin'.

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • • Share your findings with your partners.

    • Make questions using the words you found.

    • Ask your partner / group your questions.

    2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

    •Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

    3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

    4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

    5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

    • big
    • think
    • viable
    • offer
    • night
    • fitness
    • off
    • past
    • federal
    • supposed
    • within
    • boat

    Student survey

    Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

    (Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

    Discussion - Swimming with dolphins may be banned

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    1. What did you think when you read the headline?
    2. What springs to mind when you hear the word 'dolphin'?
    3. What do you think of swimming with dolphins?
    4. What do you know about Hawaii?
    5. Do we have the right to use dolphins as a tourist activity?
    6. What do you think of the proposed ban?
    7. What do you think it's like to snorkel with dolphins?
    8. What harm does this kind of tourism do to dolphins?
    9. Should we end using any animals for tourism and entertainment?
    10. Do you think the dolphins like swimming with humans?

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    1. Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
    2. How would the ban affect Hawaii's tourist industry?
    3. Is 50 metres a good distance between tourists and dolphins?
    4. What happens if the dolphins swim near the boats?
    5. Is there such a thing as 'legitimate dolphin swimming'?
    6. What could tour companies do instead of dolphin swimming?
    7. Would it be better to offer night swimming with dolphins?
    8. How can we better protect dolphins?
    9. What advice do you have for tourists wanting to swim with dolphins?
    10. What questions would you like to ask the federal officials?

    Discussion — Write your own questions

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    (a) ________________

    (b) ________________

    (c) ________________

    (d) ________________

    (e) ________________

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    (f) ________________

    (g) ________________

    (h) ________________

    (i) ________________

    (j) ________________

    Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

    Authorities in Hawaii are (1) ____ a ban on the popular tourist activity of swimming with dolphins off the Hawaiian coast. The dolphins have served as a (2) ____ for tourists over the past few decades. However, federal officials say the increasing tourism is harmful to the dolphins because they are supposed to (3) ____ resting and socializing. The National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposes to prohibit swimming with, or approaching (4) ____ 50 metres of, Hawaii's spinner dolphins. That would (5) ____ an end to many tour group activities, which involve sailing alongside the (6) ____ in a boat and snorkeling with them.

    Ann Garrett, a spokeswoman for the National Marine Fisheries Service, said she didn't think the ban would have a big (7) ____ on the tourist trade in Hawaii. Ms Garrett said: "We think that (8) ____ identifying 50 metres as the minimum distance, there still can be a (9) ____ tourist industry in Hawaii." Tour operators disagreed with Garrett's assessment. Tour company owner Kevin Merrill warned: "It would be the end of legitimate dolphin swimming. We couldn’t offer the people the quality interaction that they (10) ____." Dolphins (11) ____ are most active at night and sleep and relax (12) ____ the day, which is when the tourists interact with them. Garrett said the interaction disrupts the dolphins' health and fitness.

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    1. (a)     proposal     (b)     proposing     (c)     proposition     (d)     prospering    
    2. (a)     magnolia     (b)     magenta     (c)     magic     (d)     magnet    
    3. (a)     be     (b)     being     (c)     been     (d)     bee    
    4. (a)     witting     (b)     wither     (c)     within     (d)     without    
    5. (a)     take     (b)     put     (c)     give     (d)     have    
    6. (a)     creatures     (b)     screechers     (c)     creatives     (d)     craters    
    7. (a)     impulse     (b)     import     (c)     impact     (d)     implant    
    8. (a)     by     (b)     as     (c)     to     (d)     at    
    9. (a)     viable     (b)     voluble     (c)     vocal     (d)     valiant    
    10. (a)     exist     (b)     exact     (c)     extend     (d)     expect    
    11. (a)     typing     (b)     typically     (c)     typical     (d)     typify    
    12. (a)     before     (b)     after     (c)     within     (d)     during

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. opgrsopni a ban
    2. federal soiliafcf
    3. they are edosuspp to be resting
    4. tihipbor swimming
    5. orapicanhgp within 50 metres
    6. sailing alongside the rsecaurte

    Paragraph 2

    1. a valieb tourist industry
    2. disagreed with Garrett's messnsaset
    3. the end of atiemgleti dolphin swimming
    4. quality eitcnitaron
    5. Dolphins lypcitayl are most active at night
    6. sdrstipu the dolphins' health

    Put the text back together

    (    )     be resting and socializing. The National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and

    (    )     officials say the increasing tourism is harmful to the dolphins because they are supposed to

    (    )     interaction that they expect." Dolphins typically are most active at night and sleep and relax during the day, which is

    (    )     impact on the tourist trade in Hawaii. Ms Garrett said: "We think that by identifying 50 metres as the minimum

    (    )     of legitimate dolphin swimming. We couldn’t offer the people the quality

    (    )     involve sailing alongside the creatures in a boat and snorkeling with them.

    (    )     within 50 metres of, Hawaii's spinner dolphins. That would put an end to many tour group activities, which

    (    )     Atmospheric Administration proposes to prohibit swimming with, or approaching

    (    )     coast. The dolphins have served as a magnet for tourists over the past few decades. However, federal

    (    )     when the tourists interact with them. Garrett said the interaction disrupts the dolphins' health and fitness.

    (  1  )     Authorities in Hawaii are proposing a ban on the popular tourist activity of swimming with dolphins off the Hawaiian

    (    )     with Garrett's assessment. Tour company owner Kevin Merrill warned: "It would be the end

    (    )     Ann Garrett, a spokeswoman for the National Marine Fisheries Service, said she didn't think the ban would have a big

    (    )     distance, there still can be a viable tourist industry in Hawaii." Tour operators disagreed

    Put the words in the right order

    1. popular  tourist  activity  of  swimming  with  dolphins  A  ban  on  the  .
    2. tourists   as   The   a   dolphins   magnet   have   for   served   .
    3. Federal   harmful   is   tourism   increasing   the   say   officials   .
    4. metres   50   within   Approaching   dolphins   spinner   Hawaii's   of   .
    5. the  a  which  alongside  in  Activities  sailing  creatures  boat  involve  .
    6. would  Hawaii tourist  impact  have  The  trade  on  a  ban  in  the  big .
    7. viable   in   still   a   industry   There   be   tourist   Hawaii   can   .
    8. dolphin   the   swimming   end   It   of   would   legitimate   be   .
    9. We  the   quality  expect  offer  the  they  couldn’t  people  interaction  .
    10. night   typically   most   at   Dolphins   are   active   .

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

    Authorities in Hawaii are proposing / proposal a ban on the popular tourist activity of swimming with dolphins off / on the Hawaiian coast. The dolphins have served as a magenta / magnet for tourists over the past few decades. However, federal officials say the increases / increasing tourism is harmful / harmed to the dolphins because they are supposed to have / be resting and socializing. The National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration proposes to exhibit / prohibit swimming with, or approaching within 50 metres of, Hawaii's spinner dolphins. That / Then would put an end / finish to many tour group activities, which involve sailing alongside the creatures in a boat and snorkeling within / with them.

    Ann Garrett, a spokeswoman for the National Marine Fisheries Service, said she didn't think the ban would have a big compact / impact on the tourist trade / tirade in Hawaii. Ms Garrett said: "We think that by identity / identifying 50 metres as the minimum distance, there still can be a viable / voluble tourist industry in Hawaii." Tour operators disagreement / disagreed with Garrett's assessment. Tour company owner Kevin Merrill warned: "It would be the end of / off legitimate dolphin swimming. We couldn’t offer / coffer the people the quality interaction that they expect / extent." Dolphins typically are most active at night and sleep and relax while / during the day, which is when the tourists interact with them. Garrett said the interaction disrupts the dolphins' health and fitting / fitness.

    Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

    Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

    __th_r_t__s _n H_w___ _r_ pr_p_s_ng _ b_n _n th_ p_p_l_r t__r_st _ct_v_ty _f sw_mm_ng w_th d_lph_ns _ff th_ H_w____n c__st. Th_ d_lph_ns h_v_ s_rv_d _s _ m_gn_t f_r t__r_sts _v_r th_ p_st f_w d_c_d_s. H_w_v_r, f_d_r_l _ff_c__ls s_y th_ _ncr__s_ng t__r_sm _s h_rmf_l t_ th_ d_lph_ns b_c__s_ th_y _r_ s_pp_s_d t_ b_ r_st_ng _nd s_c__l_z_ng. Th_ N_t__n_l M_r_n_ F_sh_r__s S_rv_c_ _f th_ N_t__n_l _c__n_c _nd _tm_sph_r_c _dm_n_str_t__n pr_p_s_s t_ pr_h_b_t sw_mm_ng w_th, _r _ppr__ch_ng w_th_n 50 m_tr_s _f, H_w___'s sp_nn_r d_lph_ns. Th_t w__ld p_t _n _nd t_ m_ny t__r gr__p _ct_v_t__s, wh_ch _nv_lv_ s__l_ng _l_ngs_d_ th_ cr__t_r_s _n _ b__t _nd sn_rk_l_ng w_th th_m.

    _nn G_rr_tt, _ sp_k_sw_m_n f_r th_ N_t__n_l M_r_n_ F_sh_r__s S_rv_c_, s__d sh_ d_dn't th_nk th_ b_n w__ld h_v_ _ b_g _mp_ct _n th_ t__r_st tr_d_ _n H_w___. Ms G_rr_tt s__d: "W_ th_nk th_t by _d_nt_fy_ng 50 m_tr_s _s th_ m_n_m_m d_st_nc_, th_r_ st_ll c_n b_ _ v__bl_ t__r_st _nd_stry _n H_w___." T__r _p_r_t_rs d_s_gr__d w_th G_rr_tt's _ss_ssm_nt. T__r c_mp_ny _wn_r K_v_n M_rr_ll w_rn_d: "_t w__ld b_ th_ _nd _f l_g_t_m_t_ d_lph_n sw_mm_ng. W_ c__ldn’t _ff_r th_ p__pl_ th_ q__l_ty _nt_r_ct__n th_t th_y _xp_ct." D_lph_ns typ_c_lly _r_ m_st _ct_v_ _t n_ght _nd sl__p _nd r_l_x d_r_ng th_ d_y, wh_ch _s wh_n th_ t__r_sts _nt_r_ct w_th th_m. G_rr_tt s__d th_ _nt_r_ct__n d_sr_pts th_ d_lph_ns' h__lth _nd f_tn_ss.

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    authorities in hawaii are proposing a ban on the popular tourist activity of swimming with dolphins off the hawaiian coast the dolphins have served as a magnet for tourists over the past few decades however federal officials say the increasing tourism is harmful to the dolphins because they are supposed to be resting and socializing the national marine fisheries service of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration proposes to prohibit swimming with or approaching within 50 metres of hawaii's spinner dolphins that would put an end to many tour group activities which involve sailing alongside the creatures in a boat and snorkeling with them

    ann garrett a spokeswoman for the national marine fisheries service said she didn't think the ban would have a big impact on the tourist trade in hawaii ms garrett said "we think that by identifying 50 metres as the minimum distance there still can be a viable tourist industry in hawaii" tour operators disagreed with garrett's assessment tour company owner kevin merrill warned "it would be the end of legitimate dolphin swimming we couldn’t offer the people the quality interaction that they expect" dolphins typically are most active at night and sleep and relax during the day which is when the tourists interact with them garrett said the interaction disrupts the dolphins' health and fitness

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    AuthoritiesinHawaiiareproposingabanonthepopulartouristactivityof
    swimmingwithdolphinsofftheHawaiiancoast.Thedolphinshaveserve
    dasamagnetfortouristsoverthepastfewdecades.However,federaloffi
    cialssaytheincreasingtourismisharmfultothedolphinsbecausetheyar
    esupposedtoberestingandsocializing.TheNationalMarineFisheriesSe
    rviceoftheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministrationproposest
    oprohibitswimmingwith,orapproachingwithin50metresof,Hawaii'ss
    pinnerdolphins.Thatwouldputanendtomanytourgroupactivities,whi
    chinvolvesailingalongsidethecreaturesinaboatandsnorkelingwithth
    em.AnnGarrett,aspokeswomanfortheNationalMarineFisheriesServi
    ce,saidshedidn'tthinkthebanwouldhaveabigimpactonthetouristtrad
    einHawaii.MsGarrettsaid:"Wethinkthatbyidentifying50metresasthe
    minimumdistance,therestillcanbeaviabletouristindustryinHawaii."T
    ouroperatorsdisagreedwithGarrett'sassessment.Tourcompanyown
    erKevinMerrillwarned:"Itwouldbetheendoflegitimatedolphinswimm
    ing.Wecouldn’tofferthepeoplethequalityinteractionthattheyexpect.
    "Dolphinstypicallyaremostactiveatnightandsleepandrelaxduringthe
    day,whichiswhenthetouristsinteractwiththem.Garrettsaidtheintera
    ctiondisruptsthedolphins'healthandfitness.

    Free writing

    Write about dolphins for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

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    Academic writing

    Any form of tourism and entertainment using animals should be banned. Discuss.

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    Homework

    1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google’s search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.

    2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about Hawaii's spinner dolphins. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

    3. DOLPHINS: Make a poster about dolphins. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

    4. PROHIBITION: Write a magazine article about a prohibition on swimming with dolphins. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against it.

    Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).

    5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.

    6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on dolphins. Ask him/her three questions about them. Give him/her three of your ideas on how we can look after them better. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

    A Few Additional Activities for Students

    Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

    Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

    Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

    Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

    Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

    Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

    Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

    Also...

    Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

    • News
    • Warm ups
    • Pre-reading / Post-reading
    • Using headlines
    • Working with words
    • While-reading / While-listening
    • Moving from text to speech
    • Post-reading / Post-listening
    • Discussions
    • Using opinions
    • Plans
    • Language
    • Using lists
    • Using quotes
    • Task-based activities
    • Role plays
    • Using the central characters in the article
    • Using themes from the news
    • Homework

    Buy my book

    $US 9.99

    Answers

    (Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

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