Kashmir is experiencing an unusual winter without snow, causing alarm among locals and impacting the region’s tourism industry. The absence of snowfall has led to a significant decrease in tourist numbers, with hotel reservations being cancelled and businesses suffering. The tourism sector accounts for about 7% of Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, so the snowless winter will have a disastrous impact on the territory’s economy. Additionally, the lack of snowfall will also affect farming and water supply, as the snow usually replenishes groundwater reserves. Experts attribute the snowless winter to climate change, which has caused extreme weather events and prolonged dry spells in the region.

The warmer weather and lack of snowfall have disappointed tourists who visit Kashmir in winter to enjoy skiing and other winter activities. Hotel owners report that over 40% of reservations have been cancelled, and new bookings are on hold. Local businesses that rely on tourism during the winter months are also suffering, with many unable to earn much in the last three months. The decline in tourists is impacting the livelihoods of many, such as pony riders who rely on snow for their business.

The absence of snowfall will not only impact tourism but also other sectors such as hydroelectricity generation, fisheries, and farming. The neighbouring territory of Ladakh is also experiencing a snowless winter, which will affect farming and water supply in that region as well. Experts warn that the lack of snowfall could lead to a drought-like situation and water scarcity in the future. Some experts believe that snowfall in the region has been declining in recent years, and attribute this to climate change.

Despite the current situation, locals remain hopeful for a miracle and are praying for heavy snowfall. The weather department has not predicted any significant snowfall until later in January, but there is still hope that nature will be kind to them. However, experts warn that the region could face even more catastrophic levels of heat by the end of the century if climate change continues unchecked.

Original news source: Kashmir’s rare snowless winter sets off alarm bells (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– Headline Creation
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will create catchy headlines for news articles about the absence of snowfall in Kashmir. They should try to capture the attention of readers and highlight the impact on tourism and the economy.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. Each team will take turns selecting a word from the article related to the absence of snowfall in Kashmir. One student from the team will then have to draw a picture to represent the word, while their team members try to guess the word. The team with the most correct guesses wins.

– Speed Summarizing
Instructions: Give each student a copy of the article. Set a timer for 2 minutes and challenge students to summarize the main points of the article as quickly as possible. After the time is up, have students share their summaries with a partner or small group. Encourage them to focus on the impact of the absence of snowfall on tourism and the economy.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will come up with a question related to the absence of snowfall in Kashmir and its impact on tourism and the economy. Students will then conduct an opinion poll within their group, asking each member the question and recording their responses. Afterward, groups can share their findings with the class and discuss the different perspectives.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, students will discuss and make predictions about the future of tourism in Kashmir if the absence of snowfall continues due to climate change. They should consider the potential economic and environmental consequences and present their predictions to the class.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. How is the absence of snowfall impacting the tourism industry in Kashmir?
2. What percentage of Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP does the tourism sector account for?
3. Besides tourism, what other sectors will be affected by the lack of snowfall?
4. How are hotel owners and local businesses being affected by the decline in tourists?
5. How do pony riders rely on snow for their business?
6. Which neighboring territory is also experiencing a snowless winter?
7. What are the potential consequences of the lack of snowfall on farming and water supply?
8. What are experts attributing the snowless winter to?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Kashmir is experiencing an unusual winter without snow, causing (1)______ among locals and impacting the region’s tourism industry. The absence of snowfall has led to a significant decrease in (2)______ numbers, with hotel reservations being cancelled and businesses suffering. The tourism (3)______ accounts for about 7% of Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, so the snowless winter will have a disastrous impact on the territory’s economy. Additionally, the lack of snowfall will also (4)______ farming and water supply, as the snow usually replenishes (5)______ reserves. Experts attribute the snowless winter to climate (6)______, which has caused extreme (7)______ events and prolonged dry spells in the region.

The warmer weather and lack of snowfall have disappointed tourists who visit Kashmir in winter to enjoy skiing and other winter (8)______. Hotel owners report that over 40% of reservations have been cancelled, and new bookings are on hold. Local businesses that rely on tourism during the winter months are also suffering, with many unable to earn much in the last three months. The decline in tourists is impacting the livelihoods of many, such as pony (9)______ who rely on snow for their business.

The absence of snowfall will not only impact tourism but also other sectors such as hydroelectricity generation, fisheries, and farming. The (10)______ territory of Ladakh is also experiencing a (11)______ winter, which will affect farming and water supply in that region as well. (12)______ warn that the lack of snowfall could lead to a drought-like situation and water scarcity in the future. Some experts believe that (13)______ in the region has been declining in recent years, and attribute this to (14)______ change.

Despite the current (15)______, locals remain hopeful for a miracle and are praying for heavy snowfall. The weather department has not predicted any (16)______ snowfall until later in January, but there is still hope that nature will be kind to them. However, experts warn that the region could face even more catastrophic levels of heat by the end of the century if climate change continues unchecked.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is the significance of snowfall for the tourism industry in Kashmir?
2. How would you feel if you had made hotel reservations in Kashmir for winter activities and then found out there was no snow?
3. Do you think climate change is the main cause of the lack of snowfall in Kashmir? Why or why not?
4. What other industries besides tourism do you think will be affected by the absence of snowfall in Kashmir?
5. How do you think the lack of snowfall will impact farming and water supply in the region?
6. Do you believe that snowfall has been declining in recent years in the region? Why or why not?
7. What other regions do you think might be affected by the lack of snowfall in Kashmir and Ladakh?
8. How do you think the absence of snowfall will impact the livelihoods of pony riders and other local businesses?
9. What do you think the future holds for the region if there continues to be a lack of snowfall due to climate change?
10. How do you think the locals in Kashmir are coping with the lack of snowfall and the impact on their economy?
11. Do you think the weather department’s prediction of snowfall later in January will be enough to save the tourism industry in Kashmir? Why or why not?
12. How do you think a drought-like situation and water scarcity would affect the region?
13. What do you think can be done to mitigate the impact of climate change on snowfall in Kashmir?
14. How do you think the lack of snowfall in Kashmir could be connected to other global climate change issues?
15. What are some potential long-term solutions to address the impact of climate change on snowfall in the region?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. unusual
2. alarm
3. impact
4. decrease
5. reservations
6. disastrous
7. replenishes
8. attribute
9. prolonged
10. disappointed
11. livelihoods
12. hydroelectricity
13. scarcity
14. catastrophic
15. unchecked

Meanings:
(A) A state of concern or fear about a potential danger or problem
(B) A shortage or lack of something that is needed
(C) A reduction in number, size, or amount
(D) Lasting for a long time or longer than expected
(E) Feeling sad or displeased because of unmet expectations
(F) Extremely harmful or destructive, potentially leading to severe consequences
(G) The means by which someone supports themselves financially
(H) To have a strong effect on something or someone
(I) Not stopped or controlled, allowed to continue freely
(J) To consider something as the cause of something else
(K) Not typical or common; out of the ordinary
(L) Arrangements made in advance to secure a service or accommodation
(M) Causing great damage or harm; very bad
(N) Fills up again; restores a supply of something
(O) The generation of electricity using the energy of flowing water
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the main reason for the decrease in tourist numbers in Kashmir?
(a) Political unrest
(b) Lack of accommodations
(c) The absence of snowfall
(d) High travel costs

2. How much does the tourism sector contribute to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP?
(a) About 15%
(b) About 3%
(c) About 10%
(d) About 7%

3. What other sectors will be impacted by the absence of snowfall in Kashmir?
(a) Hydroelectricity generation, fisheries, and farming
(b) Oil production, mining, and manufacturing
(c) Technology, education, and healthcare
(d) Transportation, retail, and construction

4. What is the main reason for the decline in tourists visiting Kashmir in winter?
(a) Political instability in the region
(b) High travel costs
(c) Lack of accommodations
(d) The lack of snow for skiing and winter activities

5. What other region is also experiencing a snowless winter?
(a) Ladakh
(b) Himachal Pradesh
(c) Uttarakhand
(d) Sikkim

6. What could be the long-term impact of the lack of snowfall in Kashmir?
(a) Increased rainfall and flooding
(b) Drought-like situation and water scarcity
(c) Improved farming conditions
(d) Higher groundwater reserves

7. What do experts attribute the snowless winter in Kashmir to?
(a) Political unrest
(b) Natural weather patterns
(c) Climate change
(d) Decreased tourism

8. What do locals in Kashmir remain hopeful for?
(a) Political stability
(b) Heavy snowfall
(c) Economic growth
(d) Decreased tourism

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The lack of snowfall will also affect farming and water supply, as snow usually replenishes groundwater reserves.
2. Climate change is not being attributed as the cause of the snowless winter in Kashmir.
3. The neighbouring territory of Ladakh is also experiencing a snowless winter, which will affect farming and water supply in that region as well.
4. Kashmir is currently experiencing a winter without snow, which is causing concern among locals.
5. The tourism sector does not account for about 7% of Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, making the snowless winter less disastrous for the territory’s economy.
6. Hotel owners report that over 40% of reservations have been cancelled due to the lack of snowfall.
7. The absence of snowfall is not leading to a decrease in tourist numbers and impacting the region’s tourism industry.
8. The absence of snowfall will not impact sectors such as hydroelectricity generation, fisheries, and farming.
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. How is the absence of snowfall impacting the tourism industry in Kashmir?
2. What percentage of Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP does the tourism sector account for?
3. Besides tourism, what other sectors will be affected by the lack of snowfall in Kashmir?
4. What are some of the livelihoods that are being impacted by the decline in tourists?
5. What do experts attribute the lack of snowfall in Kashmir to?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The absence of snowfall is leading to a significant decrease in tourist numbers, with hotel reservations being cancelled and businesses suffering.
2. The tourism sector accounts for about 7% of Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP.
3. Besides tourism, other sectors such as hydroelectricity generation, fisheries, and farming will be affected by the lack of snowfall.
4. Hotel owners report that over 40% of reservations have been cancelled, and new bookings are on hold. Local businesses that rely on tourism during the winter months are also suffering, with many unable to earn much in the last three months.
5. Pony riders rely on snow for their business as they offer rides and tours in the snow-covered areas.
6. The neighboring territory of Ladakh is also experiencing a snowless winter.
7. The lack of snowfall could lead to a drought-like situation and water scarcity in the future, impacting farming and water supply.
8. Experts attribute the snowless winter to climate change, which has caused extreme weather events and prolonged dry spells in the region.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) alarm
(2) tourist
(3) sector
(4) affect
(5) groundwater
(6) change
(7) weather
(8) activities
(9) riders
(10) neighbouring
(11) snowless
(12) Experts
(13) snowfall
(14) climate
(15) situation
(16) significant
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. unusual
Answer: (K) Not typical or common; out of the ordinary

2. alarm
Answer: (A) A state of concern or fear about a potential danger or problem

3. impact
Answer: (H) To have a strong effect on something or someone

4. decrease
Answer: (C) A reduction in number, size, or amount

5. reservations
Answer: (L) Arrangements made in advance to secure a service or accommodation

6. disastrous
Answer: (M) Causing great damage or harm; very bad

7. replenishes
Answer: (N) Fills up again; restores a supply of something

8. attribute
Answer: (J) To consider something as the cause of something else

9. prolonged
Answer: (D) Lasting for a long time or longer than expected

10. disappointed
Answer: (E) Feeling sad or displeased because of unmet expectations

11. livelihoods
Answer: (G) The means by which someone supports themselves financially

12. hydroelectricity
Answer: (O) The generation of electricity using the energy of flowing water

13. scarcity
Answer: (B) A shortage or lack of something that is needed

14. catastrophic
Answer: (F) Extremely harmful or destructive, potentially leading to severe consequences

15. unchecked
Answer: (I) Not stopped or controlled, allowed to continue freely
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the main reason for the decrease in tourist numbers in Kashmir?
Answer: (c) The absence of snowfall

2. How much does the tourism sector contribute to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP?
Answer: (d) About 7%

3. What other sectors will be impacted by the absence of snowfall in Kashmir?
Answer: (a) Hydroelectricity generation, fisheries, and farming

4. What is the main reason for the decline in tourists visiting Kashmir in winter?
Answer: (d) The lack of snow for skiing and winter activities

5. What other region is also experiencing a snowless winter?
Answer: (a) Ladakh

6. What could be the long-term impact of the lack of snowfall in Kashmir?
Answer: (b) Drought-like situation and water scarcity

7. What do experts attribute the snowless winter in Kashmir to?
Answer: (c) Climate change

8. What do locals in Kashmir remain hopeful for?
Answer: (b) Heavy snowfall
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The lack of snowfall will also affect farming and water supply, as snow usually replenishes groundwater reserves. (Answer: True)
2. Climate change is not being attributed as the cause of the snowless winter in Kashmir. (Answer: False)
3. The neighbouring territory of Ladakh is also experiencing a snowless winter, which will affect farming and water supply in that region as well. (Answer: True)
4. Kashmir is currently experiencing a winter without snow, which is causing concern among locals. (Answer: True)
5. The tourism sector does not account for about 7% of Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP, making the snowless winter less disastrous for the territory’s economy. (Answer: False)
6. Hotel owners report that over 40% of reservations have been cancelled due to the lack of snowfall. (Answer: True)
7. The absence of snowfall is not leading to a decrease in tourist numbers and impacting the region’s tourism industry. (Answer: False)
8. The absence of snowfall will not impact sectors such as hydroelectricity generation, fisheries, and farming. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧