Japan has recently issued a warning regarding an increased likelihood of a significant earthquake occurring in the near future. This advisory, which was released on Thursday night local time, urged residents to remain vigilant but clarified that there was no immediate need for evacuation. The warning indicates that while the risk of a major earthquake is elevated, it does not imply that such an event is guaranteed to happen soon. This announcement came shortly after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern island of Kyushu, although it reportedly resulted in no major damage.

The heightened alert from Japanese authorities is primarily due to the location of the earthquake’s epicenter, which lies near the Nankai Trough. This region is known for its significant seismic activity and runs along Japan’s Pacific coast. The tectonic plate boundary extends from Suruga Bay in central Japan to the Hyuganada Sea in Kyushu. Historical records indicate that earthquakes originating from the Nankai Trough have caused substantial devastation, with past events resulting in thousands of fatalities. Notably, these megaquakes have occurred approximately every 90 to 200 years, with the last major quake recorded in 1946.

Experts have assessed the situation and estimate that there is a 70% to 80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough within the next three decades. Such a catastrophic event could potentially lead to the loss of over 200,000 lives, especially if a tsunami follows the earthquake. Nevertheless, during a press conference, Shinya Tsukada, an official from the Japanese Meteorological Agency, emphasized that while the probability of a significant earthquake is higher than usual, it does not guarantee that one will occur within a specific timeframe.

The current advisory, which represents the lower tier of alerts available to officials, will remain in effect for one week. It encourages residents to stay alert in the coming days and suggests that those who may struggle to evacuate quickly should consider doing so voluntarily. The advisory also emphasizes the importance of maintaining normal daily activities while being cautious and checking evacuation routes as necessary. Residents are advised to ensure that their households are adequately stocked with supplies.

In summary, Japan’s recent warning highlights the increased risk of a major earthquake, particularly in light of recent seismic activity in the region. While the advisory calls for heightened awareness and preparedness, it reassures the public that there is no immediate threat of a large earthquake. As the nation continues to monitor the situation, officials stress the importance of being prepared while maintaining a sense of normalcy in daily life.

Original news source: Japan warns of heightened risk of megaquake (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will act out various terms related to earthquakes (e.g., earthquake, tsunami, epicenter, aftershock) without speaking, while their classmates guess the word or phrase.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: In small groups, students will create a mind map on a whiteboard that explores the various causes and effects of earthquakes. They should include the article’s key points and any additional information they know.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Students will conduct a class poll on their thoughts regarding earthquake preparedness. They will draft questions related to how they would prepare for an earthquake, and then survey their classmates to gather and discuss the results.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students will create catchy headlines for the article based on its content. They should focus on summarizing the article’s main points while being creative and engaging.

– TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
Instructions: Each student will write down two true statements and one false statement about earthquakes or the situation in Japan as described in the article. They will then share their statements with the class, and classmates will guess which one is the lie.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What prompted Japan to issue a warning about the likelihood of a significant earthquake?
2. How does the recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake relate to the advisory issued by Japanese authorities?
3. What is the significance of the Nankai Trough in relation to seismic activity in Japan?
4. According to historical records, how often have megaquakes occurred along the Nankai Trough?
5. What are the potential consequences of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake occurring in the region, as estimated by experts?
6. How long will the current advisory remain in effect, and what does it encourage residents to do?
7. What measures are suggested for residents who may struggle to evacuate quickly?
8. In what ways does the advisory aim to balance heightened awareness with maintaining normal daily activities?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Japan has recently issued a warning regarding an increased likelihood of a significant (1)______ occurring in the near future. This advisory, which was released on Thursday (2)______ local time, urged residents to remain vigilant but clarified that there was no immediate need for evacuation. The warning indicates that while the risk of a major earthquake is (3)______, it does not imply that such an event is guaranteed to happen soon. This announcement came shortly after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern island of Kyushu, although it reportedly resulted in no major damage.

The heightened alert from Japanese authorities is primarily due to the (4)______ of the earthquake’s epicenter, which lies near the Nankai Trough. This region is (5)______ for its significant (6)______ activity and runs along Japan’s Pacific coast. The tectonic plate boundary extends from Suruga Bay in central Japan to the Hyuganada Sea in (7)______. Historical records indicate that earthquakes originating from the Nankai Trough have caused substantial devastation, with past events resulting in thousands of fatalities. Notably, these megaquakes have occurred approximately every 90 to 200 years, with the last major quake recorded in 1946.

Experts have assessed the situation and estimate that there is a 70% to 80% chance of a (8)______ 8 or 9 earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough within the next three decades. Such a (9)______ event could potentially lead to the loss of over 200,000 lives, especially if a tsunami follows the earthquake. Nevertheless, during a press (10)______, Shinya Tsukada, an official from the Japanese Meteorological Agency, emphasized that while the probability of a significant earthquake is higher than usual, it does not guarantee that one will occur within a specific timeframe.

The current advisory, which represents the lower tier of alerts available to officials, will remain in effect for one week. It encourages (11)______ to stay alert in the coming days and suggests that those who may (12)______ to evacuate quickly should consider doing so voluntarily. The advisory also emphasizes the importance of maintaining normal daily activities while being cautious and checking evacuation routes as necessary. (13)______ are advised to ensure that their households are adequately stocked with supplies.

In summary, Japan’s recent warning highlights the increased risk of a major earthquake, particularly in light of recent seismic activity in the (14)______. While the advisory calls for heightened awareness and preparedness, it reassures the public that there is no immediate threat of a large earthquake. As the nation (15)______ to monitor the situation, (16)______ stress the importance of being prepared while maintaining a sense of normalcy in daily life.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is a common natural disaster in your country, and how do people typically prepare for it?

2. How would you feel if you received an earthquake warning in your area?

3. Do you think governments should issue warnings about potential natural disasters even if they are not guaranteed? Why or why not?

4. What is a memory you have of a natural disaster, and how did it affect you or your community?

5. How do you think people can maintain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives while being prepared for a potential disaster?

6. Do you like the idea of having emergency supplies at home? Why or why not?

7. What is a significant earthquake or natural disaster that has impacted your country, and what lessons were learned from it?

8. How would you feel if your government asked you to evacuate your home due to a natural disaster warning?

9. Do you think it’s important for schools to educate students about natural disaster preparedness? Why?

10. What is a common misconception people have about earthquakes or natural disasters?

11. How do you think technology has changed the way we prepare for and respond to natural disasters?

12. Do you think people in earthquake-prone areas should be more proactive about disaster preparedness? Why or why not?

13. What is a strategy you would recommend for someone who struggles to evacuate quickly during an emergency?

14. How would you feel about living in a region known for its seismic activity?

15. Do you think that public awareness campaigns about natural disasters are effective? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. likelihood
2. vigilant
3. evacuation
4. epicenter
5. seismic
6. tectonic
7. devastation
8. fatalities
9. catastrophic
10. probability
11. timeframe
12. advisory
13. tier
14. adequately
15. preparedness

Meanings:
(A) A formal announcement or warning
(B) The chance or possibility of something happening
(C) Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering
(D) Great destruction or damage
(E) A period during which something is expected to occur
(F) Deaths caused by an accident, disaster, or war
(G) Sufficiently or satisfactorily
(H) Related to or caused by an earthquake
(I) Relating to the structure of the Earth’s crust and the movement of its plates
(J) Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties
(K) The point on the Earth’s surface directly above where an earthquake starts
(L) The likelihood or chance of something happening
(M) A level or rank in a hierarchy
(N) The state of being ready for something, especially for a future event or situation
(O) The act of moving people from a dangerous place to safety
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What recent event prompted Japan to issue a warning about earthquakes?
(a) A tsunami warning
(b) A volcanic eruption
(c) A severe storm
(d) A 7.1 magnitude earthquake

2. What is the primary reason for the heightened alert from Japanese authorities?
(a) Increased volcanic activity
(b) A significant drop in temperature
(c) The location of the earthquake’s epicenter near the Nankai Trough
(d) Reports of unusual animal behavior

3. How often have megaquakes occurred in the Nankai Trough historically?
(a) Every 50 to 100 years
(b) Every 90 to 200 years
(c) Every 200 to 300 years
(d) Every 10 to 20 years

4. What is the estimated chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough in the next thirty years?
(a) 50% to 60%
(b) 90% to 100%
(c) 30% to 40%
(d) 70% to 80%

5. What does the current advisory encourage residents to do?
(a) Stay alert and check evacuation routes
(b) Evacuate immediately
(c) Ignore the warning
(d) Leave the area for an extended vacation

6. How long will the current advisory remain in effect?
(a) One week
(b) One month
(c) One day
(d) Indefinitely

7. What should residents ensure regarding their households according to the advisory?
(a) They are prepared to leave the country
(b) They are adequately stocked with supplies
(c) They have a new home to move to
(d) They have contacted local authorities

8. What is the overall message of Japan’s recent earthquake warning?
(a) Immediate evacuation is necessary
(b) There is no risk of earthquakes in the region
(c) Increased awareness and preparedness without immediate threat
(d) Residents should panic and leave their homes

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. There is an immediate need for evacuation despite the heightened alert.
2. The epicenter of the recent earthquake is located near the Nankai Trough, a region known for significant seismic activity.
3. Experts estimate a 70% to 80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough within the next three decades.
4. Historical records show that megaquakes from the San Andreas Fault have occurred approximately every 90 to 200 years.
5. The warning was prompted by a recent 5.1 magnitude earthquake off the southern island of Kyushu.
6. Japan has issued a warning about the increased likelihood of a significant earthquake occurring soon.
7. The current advisory will not be lifted for one week and advises residents to avoid checking evacuation routes and maintain normal daily activities.
8. The advisory was released on Thursday night local time and urges residents to remain vigilant.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What specific region in Japan is highlighted as having a significant risk for future earthquakes?
2. How often have megaquakes historically occurred in the Nankai Trough, according to the article?
3. What are the potential consequences of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake along the Nankai Trough, as mentioned in the article?
4. What recommendations does the Japanese Meteorological Agency provide to residents in light of the earthquake warning?
5. How does the article differentiate between the current advisory and a more severe alert regarding earthquake risks?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What prompted Japan to issue a warning about the likelihood of a significant earthquake?
The warning was prompted by an increased likelihood of a significant earthquake occurring, particularly following a recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck off the southern island of Kyushu.

2. How does the recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake relate to the advisory issued by Japanese authorities?
The advisory was issued shortly after the 7.1 magnitude earthquake, indicating a heightened alert due to the location of the earthquake’s epicenter near the Nankai Trough, a region known for significant seismic activity.

3. What is the significance of the Nankai Trough in relation to seismic activity in Japan?
The Nankai Trough is significant because it is a tectonic plate boundary that runs along Japan’s Pacific coast and has a history of causing substantial earthquakes, known as megaquakes, which can lead to devastating consequences.

4. According to historical records, how often have megaquakes occurred along the Nankai Trough?
Historical records indicate that megaquakes along the Nankai Trough have occurred approximately every 90 to 200 years.

5. What are the potential consequences of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake occurring in the region, as estimated by experts?
Experts estimate that a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake could potentially lead to the loss of over 200,000 lives, especially if a tsunami follows the earthquake.

6. How long will the current advisory remain in effect, and what does it encourage residents to do?
The current advisory will remain in effect for one week and encourages residents to stay alert, check evacuation routes, and maintain normal daily activities while being cautious.

7. What measures are suggested for residents who may struggle to evacuate quickly?
Residents who may struggle to evacuate quickly are advised to consider doing so voluntarily and to ensure their households are adequately stocked with supplies.

8. In what ways does the advisory aim to balance heightened awareness with maintaining normal daily activities?
The advisory emphasizes the importance of being prepared and remaining vigilant while also encouraging residents to carry on with their normal daily activities and check evacuation routes as necessary.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) earthquake
(2) night
(3) elevated
(4) location
(5) known
(6) seismic
(7) Kyushu
(8) magnitude
(9) catastrophic
(10) conference
(11) residents
(12) struggle
(13) Residents
(14) region
(15) continues
(16) officials
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. likelihood
Answer: (B) The chance or possibility of something happening

2. vigilant
Answer: (J) Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties

3. evacuation
Answer: (O) The act of moving people from a dangerous place to safety

4. epicenter
Answer: (K) The point on the Earth’s surface directly above where an earthquake starts

5. seismic
Answer: (H) Related to or caused by an earthquake

6. tectonic
Answer: (I) Relating to the structure of the Earth’s crust and the movement of its plates

7. devastation
Answer: (D) Great destruction or damage

8. fatalities
Answer: (F) Deaths caused by an accident, disaster, or war

9. catastrophic
Answer: (C) Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering

10. probability
Answer: (L) The likelihood or chance of something happening

11. timeframe
Answer: (E) A period during which something is expected to occur

12. advisory
Answer: (A) A formal announcement or warning

13. tier
Answer: (M) A level or rank in a hierarchy

14. adequately
Answer: (G) Sufficiently or satisfactorily

15. preparedness
Answer: (N) The state of being ready for something, especially for a future event or situation
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What recent event prompted Japan to issue a warning about earthquakes?
Answer: (d) A 7.1 magnitude earthquake

2. What is the primary reason for the heightened alert from Japanese authorities?
Answer: (c) The location of the earthquake’s epicenter near the Nankai Trough

3. How often have megaquakes occurred in the Nankai Trough historically?
Answer: (b) Every 90 to 200 years

4. What is the estimated chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough in the next thirty years?
Answer: (d) 70% to 80%

5. What does the current advisory encourage residents to do?
Answer: (a) Stay alert and check evacuation routes

6. How long will the current advisory remain in effect?
Answer: (a) One week

7. What should residents ensure regarding their households according to the advisory?
Answer: (b) They are adequately stocked with supplies

8. What is the overall message of Japan’s recent earthquake warning?
Answer: (c) Increased awareness and preparedness without immediate threat
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. There is an immediate need for evacuation despite the heightened alert. (Answer: False)
2. The epicenter of the recent earthquake is located near the Nankai Trough, a region known for significant seismic activity. (Answer: True)
3. Experts estimate a 70% to 80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough within the next three decades. (Answer: True)
4. Historical records show that megaquakes from the San Andreas Fault have occurred approximately every 90 to 200 years. (Answer: False)
5. The warning was prompted by a recent 5.1 magnitude earthquake off the southern island of Kyushu. (Answer: False)
6. Japan has issued a warning about the increased likelihood of a significant earthquake occurring soon. (Answer: True)
7. The current advisory will not be lifted for one week and advises residents to avoid checking evacuation routes and maintain normal daily activities. (Answer: False)
8. The advisory was released on Thursday night local time and urges residents to remain vigilant. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧