B1 – Intermediate
Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer on or under Earth’s surface. Ancient microbes and viruses have been trapped there for thousands of years.
Scientists believe it is possible that this frozen ground could be containing many deadly diseases.
Due to climate change, the permafrost is melting and this could cause the release of some unknown viruses scientists are calling ‘Factor X’.
Read the article about Factor X.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2311/231116-factor-x.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does ”encounter” mean here, “Professor Claverie said “ancient viruses up to a million years old” would be the most terrifying because they are unknown and we have never encountered them before.” Use this word in a sentence.
- What does the expression “on a large scale” mean? “He added that deadly bacterial diseases like smallpox and anthrax could be released on a large scale.” Give 2 similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘on a large scale.
- Define “greenhouse gas”. “However, many scientists agree that a bigger danger from melting permafrost is the release of methane. This is a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more harmful than CO2.” Use this term in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is your reaction to this news?
- What are the problems associated with the permafrost melting?
- What are your thoughts on Factor X?
- What comes to your mind when you hear ‘infectious disease’?
- How can we prepare for the possible threats brought about by Factor X?