In Antrim Township, Pennsylvania, a remarkable theft involving 100,000 eggs has captured the attention of local law enforcement and the community. The incident occurred on a Saturday evening when the eggs were stolen from the back of a distribution trailer belonging to Pete & Gerry’s Organics. This unusual crime, which is estimated to be worth around $40,000, has left police puzzled, as they have yet to identify any suspects or leads in the case.

Trooper First Class Megan Frazer, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Police, reported that four days after the theft, no significant information had emerged. The police are appealing to the community for assistance, hoping that someone may have witnessed the crime or have information that could aid in the investigation. Frazer emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving this unique case, stating that in her twelve years of experience, she had never encountered a theft of such magnitude involving eggs.

The rising cost of eggs in the United States may provide some context for this unusual crime. Farmers are currently facing challenges due to bird flu, which has led to the culling of millions of chickens each month. Consequently, egg prices have skyrocketed, with the average price per dozen reaching $4.15 in December 2023. This figure, while slightly lower than the record high of $4.82 set two years ago, is still significantly elevated, and experts predict a further increase of 20% in egg prices this year, especially with Easter approaching.

In response to the theft, Pete & Gerry’s Organics has expressed its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement to resolve the situation swiftly. The company released a statement indicating that they take the matter seriously and are actively involved in the investigation. The police are also reviewing surveillance footage and following up with potential witnesses to gather more information about the incident.

As the investigation continues, the theft of 100,000 eggs remains a notable and perplexing case for both the police and the community. The unusual nature of the crime, combined with the current economic pressures on egg prices, has made this incident a topic of interest. Authorities hope that with the help of the public, they will soon uncover the truth behind this extraordinary heist.

Original news source: The heist of 100,000 eggs in Pennsylvania becomes a whodunit that police have yet to crack (AP News)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will act out the incident of the egg theft without speaking, using gestures and facial expressions. Other students will guess what is being represented. Encourage them to use vocabulary from the article, such as “theft,” “investigation,” and “suspects.”

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Students will form small groups and discuss their opinions on the reasons behind the egg theft, considering factors like rising prices and the impact of bird flu. After the discussion, each group will share their main points with the class, and a show of hands will be taken to see which opinions resonate the most.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: On a whiteboard or large paper, students will create a mind map based on the article. They will write “Egg Theft” at the center and branch out with related topics, such as “Community Involvement,” “Price Increase,” and “Investigation.” This will help them visualize the connections in the article.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students will work in pairs to create catchy headlines for the article. They should think creatively and use advanced vocabulary to summarize the key points of the theft and its implications. Afterward, pairs will share their headlines with the class.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: In small groups, students will discuss and predict what might happen next in the egg theft case. They should consider various scenarios, such as possible suspects being identified or changes in egg prices due to the theft. After group discussions, students will present their predictions to the class.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What specific details about the theft of the eggs have been reported by law enforcement?
2. How does Trooper First Class Megan Frazer describe her experience related to thefts involving eggs?
3. What economic factors are contributing to the rising cost of eggs in the United States?
4. What actions is Pete & Gerry’s Organics taking in response to the theft?
5. How much are egg prices expected to increase this year, according to experts?
6. Why is the community’s involvement considered important in solving this case?
7. What has the police done in terms of gathering evidence related to the theft?
8. How does the theft of 100,000 eggs reflect broader issues affecting farmers in the current economic climate?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

In Antrim Township, Pennsylvania, a remarkable theft involving 100,000 eggs has captured the attention of local law enforcement and the (1)______. The incident occurred on a Saturday evening when the eggs were stolen from the back of a distribution (2)______ belonging to Pete & Gerry’s Organics. This unusual crime, which is estimated to be worth around $40,000, has left police (3)______, as they have yet to identify any suspects or leads in the case.

Trooper First Class Megan Frazer, a (4)______ for the Pennsylvania State Police, reported that four days after the theft, no significant information had emerged. The (5)______ are appealing to the community for assistance, hoping that someone may have (6)______ the crime or have information that could aid in the investigation. Frazer (7)______ the importance of community involvement in solving this unique case, stating that in her twelve years of experience, she had never encountered a theft of such magnitude (8)______ eggs.

The rising cost of eggs in the United States may provide some context for this unusual crime. Farmers are currently facing challenges due to bird flu, which has led to the culling of millions of chickens each month. Consequently, egg (9)______s have skyrocketed, with the average price per dozen reaching $4.15 in December 2023. This figure, while slightly lower than the record high of $4.82 set two years ago, is still significantly elevated, and experts predict a further increase of 20% in egg prices this year, especially with (10)______ approaching.

In response to the theft, Pete & Gerry’s (11)______ has expressed its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement to resolve the situation swiftly. The company (12)______ a statement indicating that they take the matter seriously and are actively (13)______ in the investigation. The police are also reviewing surveillance footage and following up with (14)______ witnesses to gather more information about the incident.

As the investigation continues, the theft of 100,000 eggs remains a notable and perplexing case for both the police and the community. The (15)______ nature of the crime, combined with the current economic pressures on egg prices, has made this incident a topic of interest. Authorities hope that with the help of the public, they will soon uncover the (16)______ behind this extraordinary heist.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What do you think motivates someone to commit a theft like this, especially when it involves such a large quantity of eggs?

2. How would you feel if you were a local resident and learned about this unusual theft in your community?

3. Do you believe that community involvement is crucial in solving crimes? Why or why not?

4. What is your opinion on the rising prices of food items, like eggs? How do you think it affects people’s daily lives?

5. How would you react if you witnessed a crime happening in your neighborhood?

6. Do you think that the police should prioritize this type of unusual theft compared to other crimes? Why or why not?

7. What is a memorable crime story from your country that you think had a significant impact on the community?

8. How do you think the media influences public perception of crime, especially in cases like this one?

9. Do you like eggs? If so, how do you feel about the idea of egg prices increasing significantly?

10. What would you do if you were in charge of investigating this theft? What steps would you take first?

11. How do you think the current economic climate influences crime rates in general?

12. Do you think that people are more likely to commit crimes during economic hardships? Why or why not?

13. What is a creative solution you can think of to prevent thefts like this from happening in the future?

14. How would you feel if you were a farmer affected by the rising costs of eggs and the bird flu crisis?

15. Do you think this theft will lead to changes in how companies secure their products? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. remarkable
2. distribution
3. magnitude
4. culling
5. skyrocketed
6. elevated
7. cooperating
8. surveillance
9. perplexing
10. commitment
11. resolve
12. actively
13. notable
14. economic
15. heist

Meanings:
(A) Close observation, especially of a suspected person
(B) The great size or extent of something
(C) To find a solution to a problem or contentious matter
(D) Completely baffling or puzzling
(E) Raised to a higher level
(F) Increased very rapidly
(G) The reduction of a wild animal population by selective slaughter
(H) Working together towards a common goal
(I) Engaging or participating in a deliberate and energetic way
(J) The action of sharing something out among a number of recipients
(K) Relating to the economy or the wealth and resources of a region
(L) A robbery or theft, especially one involving a large amount of money or goods
(M) Worthy of attention; extraordinary
(N) A pledge or promise to do something
(O) Worthy of attention or notice; significant
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Where did the theft of 100,000 eggs occur?
(a) New York City, New York
(b) Los Angeles, California
(c) Antrim Township, Pennsylvania
(d) Chicago, Illinois

2. How much is the estimated value of the stolen eggs?
(a) $40,000
(b) $10,000
(c) $25,000
(d) $15,000

3. Who is the spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Police mentioned in the article?
(a) Officer John Smith
(b) Sergeant Emily Johnson
(c) Detective Mark Davis
(d) Trooper First Class Megan Frazer

4. What has contributed to the rising cost of eggs in the United States?
(a) Increased demand during holidays
(b) Bird flu leading to the culling of chickens
(c) Import tariffs on foreign eggs
(d) Changes in farming regulations

5. What was the average price per dozen eggs in December 2023?
(a) $3.50
(b) $4.15
(c) $5.00
(d) $4.82

6. How is Pete & Gerry’s Organics responding to the theft?
(a) They are filing a lawsuit
(b) They are increasing their prices
(c) They are cooperating with law enforcement
(d) They are discontinuing egg production

7. What unique aspect of this theft has caught the attention of local law enforcement?
(a) The location of the crime
(b) The time of day it occurred
(c) The type of vehicle used
(d) The magnitude of the theft involving eggs

8. What do authorities hope to achieve with the help of the public?
(a) To uncover the truth behind the theft
(b) To increase egg production
(c) To lower egg prices
(d) To find new suppliers for eggs

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Pete & Gerry’s Organics is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation.
2. Four days after the theft, police had identified several suspects and leads.
3. The estimated value of the stolen jewels is around $30,000.
4. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and seeking potential witnesses to aid in the case.
5. The jewels were stolen from a jewelry store belonging to Pete & Gerry’s Organics.
6. A theft involving 100,000 eggs occurred in Antrim Township, Pennsylvania.
7. The average price per dozen eggs in December 2023 was $4.15.
8. Trooper First Class Megan Frazer is a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Troopers.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What details about the theft of 100,000 eggs have been reported by local law enforcement?
2. How has the rising cost of eggs contributed to the significance of this theft?
3. What actions are being taken by Pete & Gerry’s Organics in response to the theft?
4. Why is community involvement considered crucial in solving this case?
5. What challenges are farmers currently facing that may relate to the theft of the eggs?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What specific details about the theft of the eggs have been reported by law enforcement?
Law enforcement reported that 100,000 eggs were stolen from the back of a distribution trailer belonging to Pete & Gerry’s Organics on a Saturday evening, with the estimated value of the theft being around $40,000. They have not identified any suspects or leads in the case four days after the incident.

2. How does Trooper First Class Megan Frazer describe her experience related to thefts involving eggs?
Trooper First Class Megan Frazer stated that in her twelve years of experience, she had never encountered a theft of such magnitude involving eggs.

3. What economic factors are contributing to the rising cost of eggs in the United States?
The rising cost of eggs is attributed to challenges faced by farmers due to bird flu, which has led to the culling of millions of chickens each month. This has resulted in skyrocketing egg prices.

4. What actions is Pete & Gerry’s Organics taking in response to the theft?
Pete & Gerry’s Organics has expressed its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement to resolve the situation swiftly and has released a statement indicating that they take the matter seriously and are actively involved in the investigation.

5. How much are egg prices expected to increase this year, according to experts?
Experts predict a further increase of 20% in egg prices this year.

6. Why is the community’s involvement considered important in solving this case?
The community’s involvement is considered important because law enforcement hopes that someone may have witnessed the crime or have information that could aid in the investigation.

7. What has the police done in terms of gathering evidence related to the theft?
The police are reviewing surveillance footage and following up with potential witnesses to gather more information about the incident.

8. How does the theft of 100,000 eggs reflect broader issues affecting farmers in the current economic climate?
The theft reflects broader issues affecting farmers, such as the economic pressures from rising egg prices due to bird flu and the challenges of maintaining production levels, which have made eggs more valuable and susceptible to theft.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) community
(2) trailer
(3) puzzled
(4) spokesperson
(5) police
(6) witnessed
(7) emphasized
(8) involving
(9) price
(10) Easter
(11) Organics
(12) released
(13) involved
(14) potential
(15) unusual
(16) truth
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. remarkable
Answer: (M) Worthy of attention; extraordinary

2. distribution
Answer: (J) The action of sharing something out among a number of recipients

3. magnitude
Answer: (B) The great size or extent of something

4. culling
Answer: (G) The reduction of a wild animal population by selective slaughter

5. skyrocketed
Answer: (F) Increased very rapidly

6. elevated
Answer: (E) Raised to a higher level

7. cooperating
Answer: (H) Working together towards a common goal

8. surveillance
Answer: (A) Close observation, especially of a suspected person

9. perplexing
Answer: (D) Completely baffling or puzzling

10. commitment
Answer: (N) A pledge or promise to do something

11. resolve
Answer: (C) To find a solution to a problem or contentious matter

12. actively
Answer: (I) Engaging or participating in a deliberate and energetic way

13. notable
Answer: (O) Worthy of attention or notice; significant

14. economic
Answer: (K) Relating to the economy or the wealth and resources of a region

15. heist
Answer: (L) A robbery or theft, especially one involving a large amount of money or goods
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Where did the theft of 100,000 eggs occur?
Answer: (c) Antrim Township, Pennsylvania

2. How much is the estimated value of the stolen eggs?
Answer: (a) $40,000

3. Who is the spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Police mentioned in the article?
Answer: (d) Trooper First Class Megan Frazer

4. What has contributed to the rising cost of eggs in the United States?
Answer: (b) Bird flu leading to the culling of chickens

5. What was the average price per dozen eggs in December 2023?
Answer: (b) $4.15

6. How is Pete & Gerry’s Organics responding to the theft?
Answer: (c) They are cooperating with law enforcement

7. What unique aspect of this theft has caught the attention of local law enforcement?
Answer: (d) The magnitude of the theft involving eggs

8. What do authorities hope to achieve with the help of the public?
Answer: (a) To uncover the truth behind the theft
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Pete & Gerry’s Organics is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation. (Answer: True)
2. Four days after the theft, police had identified several suspects and leads. (Answer: False)
3. The estimated value of the stolen jewels is around $30,000. (Answer: False)
4. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and seeking potential witnesses to aid in the case. (Answer: True)
5. The jewels were stolen from a jewelry store belonging to Pete & Gerry’s Organics. (Answer: False)
6. A theft involving 100,000 eggs occurred in Antrim Township, Pennsylvania. (Answer: True)
7. The average price per dozen eggs in December 2023 was $4.15. (Answer: True)
8. Trooper First Class Megan Frazer is a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania State Troopers. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧