Wellington, New Zealand, is famous for having a lot more sheep than people, which has become a funny topic for New Zealanders living in other countries. Right now, there are about 23.6 million sheep and only 5.3 million people in New Zealand. This means there are around 4.5 sheep for every person. However, this number has dropped a lot since 1982, when there were about 22 sheep for each person. This change shows how farming in New Zealand has evolved over the years.

Sheep farming has been really important for New Zealand’s economy for a long time. Back in 1982, there were over 70 million sheep and only 3.2 million people. The sheep industry provided meat and wool, and it helped shape how the world saw New Zealand, especially before the tourism boom from the “Lord of the Rings” movies. Pictures of green fields filled with sheep and beautiful mountains became a big part of New Zealand’s image.

Recently, the sheep industry has faced some tough problems. Global wool prices have dropped because many people are choosing synthetic materials instead. This has made farmers rethink how they run their farms. Because of this, the number of sheep has gone down, and dairy farming has become more popular in New Zealand. In 2023, it was reported that there were less than five sheep for every person for the first time, which is a worrying sign for traditional sheep farming.

To deal with these changes, many farmers are looking for more profitable options, like dairy farming or turning their land into pine forests to sell carbon offsets. Toby Williams, a spokesperson for a farmers’ group, is worried that the wool industry might be in serious trouble and could disappear in its current form. This change shows a bigger shift in what New Zealand is focusing on in agriculture. The government is trying to help the wool industry by encouraging the use of local wool in public buildings and limiting the conversion of farmland to carbon forestry, but experts are unsure if these efforts will be enough to stop the decline in sheep numbers. Australia is facing a similar situation, where sheep also outnumber people, but their sheep population is decreasing too.

Original news source: Yes, New Zealand still has more sheep than people. But humans are catching up (AP News)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will take turns acting out key terms related to the article (e.g., sheep, farming, wool, tourism) without speaking, while the rest of the class guesses the word. This activity helps enhance vocabulary and communication skills.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Create a few statements based on the article (e.g., “Wool production is more important than dairy farming”). Students will walk around the classroom, asking their classmates whether they agree or disagree with each statement. This encourages speaking practice and critical thinking.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: In groups, students will create catchy headlines for the article that capture its main themes. After discussing their ideas, each group will present their headline and explain their reasoning. This promotes creativity and summarization skills.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: On a large sheet of paper or a whiteboard, students will work together to create a mind map that outlines the article’s main ideas, including the history of sheep farming, economic impact, and current challenges. This visual activity helps with comprehension and organization of information.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: After discussing the article, students will write down their predictions about the future of sheep farming in New Zealand. They should consider factors like market trends and environmental issues. Students will then share their predictions in small groups, facilitating discussion and speaking practice.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the current ratio of sheep to people in New Zealand, and how does it compare to the ratio in 1982?

2. How has the sheep farming industry historically contributed to New Zealand’s economy?

3. What changes in consumer preferences have affected the wool industry in New Zealand?

4. What alternative farming options are some New Zealand farmers considering due to challenges in the sheep industry?

5. Can you explain what Toby Williams is worried about regarding the future of the wool industry?

6. How is the New Zealand government trying to support the wool industry amid its decline?

7. What is the significance of the “Lord of the Rings” movies in shaping New Zealand’s image?

8. How does the situation in Australia compare to that of New Zealand regarding sheep populations?
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🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Wellington, New (1)______, is famous for having a lot more sheep than (2)______, which has become a funny topic for New Zealanders living in other (3)______. Right now, there are about 23.6 million sheep and only 5.3 million people in New Zealand. This means there are around 4.5 sheep for every person. However, this (4)______ has dropped a lot since 1982, when there were about 22 sheep for each person. This change shows how farming in New Zealand has evolved over the years.

Sheep farming has been really important for New Zealand’s economy for a long time. Back in 1982, there were over 70 million sheep and only 3.2 million people. The sheep industry provided meat and wool, and it helped shape how the world saw New Zealand, especially before the (5)______ boom from the “Lord of the Rings” movies. Pictures of (6)______ fields filled with sheep and (7)______ mountains became a big part of New Zealand’s (8)______.

Recently, the sheep industry has faced some tough problems. Global wool prices have dropped because many people are choosing synthetic materials instead. This has made farmers rethink how they run their farms. Because of this, the number of sheep has gone down, and dairy farming has become more (9)______ in New Zealand. In 2023, it was reported that there were less than five sheep for every (10)______ for the first time, which is a worrying sign for traditional sheep farming.

To deal with these changes, many farmers are looking for more profitable (11)______, like dairy farming or turning their land into pine forests to sell carbon offsets. Toby Williams, a spokesperson for a farmers’ (12)______, is worried that the wool industry might be in serious (13)______ and could disappear in its current form. This change shows a bigger shift in what New Zealand is focusing on in agriculture. The (14)______ is trying to help the wool industry by encouraging the use of local wool in public buildings and limiting the conversion of farmland to carbon forestry, but experts are unsure if these (15)______ will be enough to stop the decline in sheep numbers. (16)______ is facing a similar situation, where sheep also outnumber people, but their sheep population is decreasing too.
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💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is your opinion on the idea of having more sheep than people in a country?

2. How would you feel if you lived in a place where there were a lot more animals than people?

3. Do you think it’s important for a country to have a strong farming industry? Why or why not?

4. Have you ever visited a farm or seen farm animals? What was your experience like?

5. What is your favorite type of animal, and why do you like it?

6. Do you think synthetic materials are better than natural materials like wool? Why or why not?

7. How would you feel if you had to change your job because the industry you worked in was declining?

8. Do you think the government should support traditional industries like sheep farming? Why or why not?

9. What is a popular product from your country that you think should be promoted more?

10. Have you ever seen a movie that changed how you view a place or culture? What was it?

11. Do you think people should focus more on sustainable farming practices? Why or why not?

12. How would you feel if your favorite food became too expensive or hard to find?

13. What is a challenge that farmers in your country face today?

14. Do you think it’s important to protect traditional farming practices? Why or why not?

15. How would you feel if you had to choose between eating meat and supporting local farmers?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. evolved
2. economy
3. synthetic
4. rethink
5. profitable
6. spokesperson
7. agriculture
8. encouraging
9. conversion
10. forestry
11. decline
12. tourism
13. industry
14. traditional
15. experts

Meanings:
(A) To think about something again, often to make changes
(B) Made by humans, not natural
(C) A decrease or reduction in number or quality
(D) Changing something into a different form or use
(E) People who have a lot of knowledge or skill in a particular area
(F) The business of providing services to tourists
(G) Giving support or confidence to do something
(H) The science or practice of planting and managing forests
(I) A particular area of business or activity
(J) Making money or bringing financial gain
(K) Changed or developed over time
(L) The system of money and trade in a country
(M) A person who speaks on behalf of a group
(N) Based on old customs or ways
(O) The practice of farming and growing crops
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. How many sheep are there in New Zealand currently?
(a) 70 million
(b) 23.6 million
(c) 5.3 million
(d) 4.5 million

2. What was the sheep-to-person ratio in New Zealand in 1982?
(a) 4.5 sheep for each person
(b) 70 sheep for each person
(c) 22 sheep for each person
(d) 5 sheep for each person

3. What has caused the decline in the sheep industry in New Zealand?
(a) Increased sheep population
(b) More tourism
(c) Higher demand for sheep meat
(d) A drop in global wool prices

4. What alternative farming practice has become more popular in New Zealand?
(a) Dairy farming
(b) Sheep farming
(c) Vegetable farming
(d) Poultry farming

5. What is one way the New Zealand government is trying to support the wool industry?
(a) Increasing the number of sheep imported
(b) Promoting synthetic materials
(c) Reducing dairy farming
(d) Encouraging the use of local wool in public buildings

6. What is a concern expressed by Toby Williams regarding the wool industry?
(a) It might disappear in its current form
(b) It will become more profitable
(c) It will lead to more tourism
(d) It will increase sheep numbers

7. What is a worrying trend mentioned in the article regarding sheep numbers in 2023?
(a) The sheep population is increasing
(b) There are less than five sheep for every person
(c) More people are moving to New Zealand
(d) The wool prices are rising

8. Which country is mentioned as facing a similar situation with sheep numbers?
(a) Canada
(b) United States
(c) Australia
(d) United Kingdom

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. There are currently about 23.6 million people and 5.3 million sheep in New Zealand.
2. The number of sheep per person in New Zealand has decreased from around 22 in 1982 to about 4.5 now.
3. Wellington, New Zealand, is known for having more sheep than people.
4. Global wool prices have risen because many people prefer synthetic materials over wool.
5. In 2023, there were reported to be less than five sheep for every person in New Zealand for the first time.
6. The sheep industry used to provide a lot of meat and wool, reshaping New Zealand’s global image.
7. The New Zealand government is trying to undermine the wool industry by promoting local wool use and limiting farmland conversion to carbon forestry.
8. Sheep farming has historically been important for New Zealand’s economy.
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. How has the number of sheep in New Zealand changed since 1982?
2. Why is sheep farming important for New Zealand’s economy?
3. What problems is the sheep industry currently facing?
4. What alternatives are farmers considering to make more money?
5. What actions is the New Zealand government taking to support the wool industry?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What is the current ratio of sheep to people in New Zealand, and how does it compare to the ratio in 1982?
The current ratio is about 4.5 sheep for every person. In 1982, the ratio was about 22 sheep for each person, showing a significant decrease over the years.

2. How has the sheep farming industry historically contributed to New Zealand’s economy?
Historically, sheep farming has been very important for New Zealand’s economy by providing meat and wool, and it helped shape the country’s image internationally, especially before tourism became popular.

3. What changes in consumer preferences have affected the wool industry in New Zealand?
Consumer preferences have shifted towards synthetic materials, which has led to a drop in global wool prices, negatively impacting the wool industry in New Zealand.

4. What alternative farming options are some New Zealand farmers considering due to challenges in the sheep industry?
Some farmers are considering dairy farming or converting their land into pine forests to sell carbon offsets as more profitable options.

5. Can you explain what Toby Williams is worried about regarding the future of the wool industry?
Toby Williams is worried that the wool industry might be in serious trouble and could potentially disappear in its current form due to the decline in sheep numbers and changing market conditions.

6. How is the New Zealand government trying to support the wool industry amid its decline?
The government is trying to support the wool industry by promoting the use of local wool in public buildings and limiting the conversion of farmland to carbon forestry.

7. What is the significance of the “Lord of the Rings” movies in shaping New Zealand’s image?
The “Lord of the Rings” movies helped create a strong image of New Zealand, showcasing its beautiful landscapes filled with green fields and mountains, which attracted more tourists.

8. How does the situation in Australia compare to that of New Zealand regarding sheep populations?
Australia is facing a similar situation, where sheep also outnumber people, but their sheep population is also decreasing, just like in New Zealand.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Zealand
(2) people
(3) countries
(4) number
(5) tourism
(6) green
(7) beautiful
(8) image
(9) popular
(10) person
(11) options
(12) group
(13) trouble
(14) government
(15) efforts
(16) Australia
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. evolved
Answer: (K) Changed or developed over time

2. economy
Answer: (L) The system of money and trade in a country

3. synthetic
Answer: (B) Made by humans, not natural

4. rethink
Answer: (A) To think about something again, often to make changes

5. profitable
Answer: (J) Making money or bringing financial gain

6. spokesperson
Answer: (M) A person who speaks on behalf of a group

7. agriculture
Answer: (O) The practice of farming and growing crops

8. encouraging
Answer: (G) Giving support or confidence to do something

9. conversion
Answer: (D) Changing something into a different form or use

10. forestry
Answer: (H) The science or practice of planting and managing forests

11. decline
Answer: (C) A decrease or reduction in number or quality

12. tourism
Answer: (F) The business of providing services to tourists

13. industry
Answer: (I) A particular area of business or activity

14. traditional
Answer: (N) Based on old customs or ways

15. experts
Answer: (E) People who have a lot of knowledge or skill in a particular area
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. How many sheep are there in New Zealand currently?
Answer: (b) 23.6 million

2. What was the sheep-to-person ratio in New Zealand in 1982?
Answer: (c) 22 sheep for each person

3. What has caused the decline in the sheep industry in New Zealand?
Answer: (d) A drop in global wool prices

4. What alternative farming practice has become more popular in New Zealand?
Answer: (a) Dairy farming

5. What is one way the New Zealand government is trying to support the wool industry?
Answer: (d) Encouraging the use of local wool in public buildings

6. What is a concern expressed by Toby Williams regarding the wool industry?
Answer: (a) It might disappear in its current form

7. What is a worrying trend mentioned in the article regarding sheep numbers in 2023?
Answer: (b) There are less than five sheep for every person

8. Which country is mentioned as facing a similar situation with sheep numbers?
Answer: (c) Australia
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. There are currently about 23.6 million people and 5.3 million sheep in New Zealand. (Answer: False)
2. The number of sheep per person in New Zealand has decreased from around 22 in 1982 to about 4.5 now. (Answer: True)
3. Wellington, New Zealand, is known for having more sheep than people. (Answer: True)
4. Global wool prices have risen because many people prefer synthetic materials over wool. (Answer: False)
5. In 2023, there were reported to be less than five sheep for every person in New Zealand for the first time. (Answer: True)
6. The sheep industry used to provide a lot of meat and wool, reshaping New Zealand’s global image. (Answer: False)
7. The New Zealand government is trying to undermine the wool industry by promoting local wool use and limiting farmland conversion to carbon forestry. (Answer: False)
8. Sheep farming has historically been important for New Zealand’s economy. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧