C1-Level Article: Endangered Species in Quintana Roo
Admittedly,
Quintana Roo is known for its breathtaking natural beauty — from turquoise
coasts to lush tropical jungles. Yet, behind this paradise lies a worrying
reality: the region’s biodiversity is at risk. Sadly, several species such as
the jaguar, the manatee, and the scarlet macaw are disappearing faster than we
realize. This crisis is only the tip of the iceberg, reflecting deeper
environmental problems like deforestation, pollution, and illegal hunting.
Apparently,
local communities and conservation groups are fighting hard to protect these
animals. Fortunately, many of them are down to earth in their approach,
combining scientific research with traditional ecological knowledge. For
instance, eco-reserves such as Sian Ka’an are a breath of fresh air for both
wildlife and visitors, reminding us that sustainable tourism can coexist with
conservation.
Mysteriously,
despite the growing awareness, some species vanish out of the blue, their
habitats destroyed overnight. Unsurprisingly, financial constraints make it
hard for small NGOs to keep their heads above water. Still, their dedication is
inspiring — they know every rescued turtle or reforested hectare is more than a
drop in the ocean.
Happily, young
environmentalists in Cancún and Tulum are over the moon when new hatchlings
reach the sea or a rescued jaguar returns to the wild. Obviously, the fight to
protect endangered species in Quintana Roo is far from over, but each act of
care shows that when we neglect nature, we play with fire — and when we protect
it, we secure our own future.
Reading Comprehension Exercise
https://www.topworksheets.com/t/HQBe-KE7Q2y
Sentence
adverbs
Some adverbs
refer to a whole statement and not just a part of it. They are called sentence
adverbs and they act as a comment, showing the attitude or opinion of
the speaker or writer to a particular situation.
Clearly,
there have been unacceptable delays.
(= It is clear
that there have been unacceptable delays.)
Sadly, the
forests are now under threat.
(= It is sad
that the forests are now under threat.)
Curiously,
he never visited America.
(= It's curious
that he never visited America.)
The sentence
adverbs are used to convey the writer or speaker's opinion that it is
clear/sad/curious that something happened or is the case. If you compare the
way clearly, sadly, and curiously are
used in the next three sentences, you can easily see the difference between the
meaning of the sentence adverbs and the 'ordinary' adverbs:
He
spoke clearly and with conviction.
(= He spoke in
a clear way and with conviction.)
She
smiled sadly.
(= She smiled
in a sad way.)
He looked at
her curiously.
(= He looked at
her in a curious/inquisitive way.)
https://www.lexico.com/grammar/sentence-adverbs
Exercise 1 on page 62
🕐
Title: The Fate of Endangered Species
🎯
Objective:
Students will
use sentence adverbs (e.g., admittedly, apparently, fortunately, generally,
sadly, unexpectedly, unsurprisingly, obviously) to express opinions and
attitudes about endangered species.
⏱️
Timing: 15 minutes total
Step 1 –
Warm-up (3 minutes)
Teacher
says:
“Think of one
endangered species you know. What do you know about it?”
- Students briefly share ideas in pairs.
- Teacher writes examples on the board (e.g., tiger,
panda, sea turtle).
Step 2 –
Adverb Focus (4 minutes)
Teacher
review:
Explain that sentence adverbs express the speaker’s opinion about the whole
sentence, not just the verb.
Examples on the board:
- Sadly, many species are disappearing every year.
- Fortunately, some governments are taking action.
- Apparently, pollution is a bigger threat than
hunting.
Ask students to
reformulate two of their warm-up sentences using one adverb.
Step 3 –
Discussion in pairs (6 minutes)
Prompt cards:
🐅 Card 1: Zoos help protect endangered species.
🌎 Card 2: Governments should spend more money on wildlife conservation.
🐘 Card 3: Tourism can help save animals from extinction.
🌡️ Card 4: Climate change is the biggest threat to endangered species.
🦜 Card 5: People should stop using products made from animals.
🐢 Card 6: Technology and science will eventually solve the extinction problem.
🌿 Card 7: Education is the best way to raise awareness about endangered species.
🦈 Card 8: Humans and animals can coexist peacefully if laws are respected.
Write five sentences
in teams expressing your opinion about the assigned case including the sentence
adverbs.
Endangered Animals Video
What endangered animals do you know?
Collaborative Reading of the Writing Exam Task Instructions on page 63
Collaborative Reading of the Sample Essay on page 63
How to write an essay
Steps for writing an essay:
1.- Make a plan
2.- Structure your essay
3.- Proofread
Essay Structure:
1.- Introduction
Here you want to introduce the topic in your own words. Your first line
should also grab the reader’s attention, then you should paraphrase the
question. Finally, try using a statistic or a rhetorical question. This will
make them want to read on, right?
2.- Body Paragraph 1
Discuss the first option you’ve chosen. Include a good topic sentence
and remember to give reasons for your answer. Describe some of the advantages,
and even some of the disadvantages too. This will give a well-balanced
argument.
3.- Body Paragraph 2
Here’s where you introduce the second option. Again, try to present
both sides of the argument and give reasons for your ideas. Gradually work
towards the conclusion.
4.- Conclusion
State your final opinion. This should be a summary of the rest of the
essay and point clearly to which option you think is the most important. Do not
introduce any new arguments at this stage. The conclusion is where you tie-up
any loose ends.
Useful expressions:
1.- For the introduction:
It is often said that…
Many people feel that…
We live in an age when..
More and more…
2.- For addition:
Firstly, secondly, thirdly…
On the one hand…
In addition…
What is more…
3.- For exemplifying:
For example…
For instance…
As a case in point…
4.- For contrasting:
In contrast…
On the other hand…
Alternatively…
However…
5.- For the conclusion:
All things considered…
As far as I am concerned…
In light of the above…
In conclusion…
What the examiners are looking for:
1.- Content:
Have you answered all parts of the question? Is everything relevant to
the question?
2.- Communicative Achievement:
Is the style and tone appropriate? Remember it should be semi-formal
and neutral.
3.- Organisation:
Does it follow a logical order? Have you used paragraphs and linking
devices?
4.- Language:
Are you using a variety of grammar and vocabulary? Is it accurate?
What is not allowed to use in an essay:
1.- Contractions - I’m, they’re, we’re) as this is a formal.
2.- Phrasal verbs - take on, carry on, take up...
3.- Slang words - knackered, chap...
4.- Idioms - over the moon, play with fire...
5.- Short words - uni, emo...
6.- Abbreviations - ASAP, LOL...
* Try not to use the first person pronouns (I, my, our, us).
https://oxfordhousebcn.com/en/how-to-write-a-c1-advanced-essay/
CAE essay examples
https://www.caeexamtips.com/blog/c1-essay-examples
Exam task on page 63
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