The Tren Maya, a mega train project in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, has sparked a debate between its supporters and environmentalists. The train, which stretches for 1,500km, aims to bring tourism and development to the region. However, the construction has led to deforestation and destruction of habitats for species like jaguars and spider monkeys. Environmental activists have expressed concern about the impact on the region’s freshwater ecosystems, including the cenotes, which are underground caves considered sacred by the ancient Maya. The train tracks built above these caves could potentially collapse, causing further damage.

The Tren Maya project has faced numerous obstacles and has gone over budget, costing around $28.5 billion. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, also known as Amlo, has called it “the greatest construction project in the world.” However, environmentalists argue that the project is a “pharaonic monument” erected by a vainglorious leader. They believe that the train will harm the region’s natural resources, including the coral reefs and algae, which are already being affected by pollution.

The construction of the Tren Maya has also divided communities in the region. While some villagers have been compensated for their land, others, like Maya farmer Benjamin Chim, have had their fields destroyed without compensation. The train’s construction has disrupted the lives of many Maya farmers who have been unable to prove ownership of their land. Activists claim that building surveys were rushed, and they fear that the elevated sections of track could collapse due to the porous rock beneath.

General Óscar Lozano Águila, the director of the Tren Maya, insists that the train is safe and built to rigorous codes and standards. He sees the project as an engineering feat that will revive Mexico’s train services and boost national development. President López Obrador envisions the Tren Maya as part of a larger plan to revive Mexico’s train infrastructure and create a coast-to-coast freight line.

While the Tren Maya may bring economic benefits and increased tourism to the Yucatán Peninsula, there are concerns that the rush to develop could harm the region’s hidden treasures and cultural heritage. The train project highlights the ongoing debate between development and environmental conservation in Mexico.

Original news source: Tren Maya: Mexico’s Yucatán mega train – world beating or environmental disaster? (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Provide each group with a copy of the article. Instruct them to read the article and summarize it in their own words. They should focus on the main points, key arguments, and any controversy surrounding the Tren Maya project. After a designated time, have each group share their summary with the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Write the following question on the board: “Do you think the Tren Maya project is beneficial or harmful for the Yucatán Peninsula? Why?” Divide the class into pairs or small groups and give them a few minutes to discuss and form their opinions. Once they are ready, conduct an opinion poll by having each student or group share their opinion and reasoning. Encourage respectful discussion and debate among the students.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Prepare a list of key vocabulary words from the article, such as “deforestation,” “habitat,” “ecosystems,” “compensation,” “engineering feat,” etc. Divide the class into teams and give each team a whiteboard or large piece of paper. Call out a vocabulary word and have one member from each team come up to the board and draw a picture representing the word. The rest of the team must guess the word based on the drawing. The team that guesses correctly earns a point. Continue until all the words have been used or time runs out.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups: one representing the supporters of the Tren Maya project, and the other representing the environmentalists. Give each group time to brainstorm a list of pros and cons for their respective positions. Then, have each group present their arguments to the class. Encourage students to use persuasive language and evidence to support their points. After both presentations, facilitate a class discussion to explore different perspectives and potential compromises.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask the students to imagine that they are living in the Yucatán Peninsula 10 years from now. Instruct them to write a short paragraph or give a brief oral presentation describing how they think the Tren Maya project has affected the region. They should consider economic, environmental, and social impacts. Afterward, allow students to share their predictions with the class and discuss their reasoning behind their ideas.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the purpose of the Tren Maya project?
2. How has the construction of the train affected the region’s ecosystems?
3. What concerns do environmentalists have about the project?
4. Why do some people believe the Tren Maya project is a “pharaonic monument”?
5. How has the construction of the train impacted local communities?
6. What concerns do activists have about the building surveys for the project?
7. How does General Óscar Lozano Águila defend the safety of the train?
8. What is the larger plan that President López Obrador envisions for Mexico’s train infrastructure?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The Tren Maya, a mega train project in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, has sparked a debate between its supporters and environmentalists. The train, which stretches for 1,500km, aims to bring tourism and development to the region. However, the (1)______ has led to deforestation and destruction of (2)______ for species like jaguars and spider monkeys. Environmental activists have expressed concern about the impact on the region’s freshwater ecosystems, (3)______ the cenotes, which are (4)______ caves considered sacred by the ancient Maya. The train tracks built above these caves could potentially collapse, (5)______ further damage.

The Tren Maya project has faced numerous obstacles and has gone over budget, costing around $28.5 billion. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, also known as Amlo, has called it “the greatest construction project in the world.” However, environmentalists argue that the project is a “pharaonic monument” erected by a vainglorious (6)______. They believe that the (7)______ will harm the region’s natural resources, including the coral (8)______ and algae, which are already being affected by pollution.

The construction of the Tren Maya has also divided communities in the region. While some villagers have been compensated for their land, (9)______, like Maya farmer Benjamin Chim, have had their fields destroyed without compensation. The train’s construction has disrupted the lives of many Maya farmers who have been unable to prove ownership of their land. Activists claim that (10)______ surveys were rushed, and they fear that the elevated sections of track could collapse due to the porous rock beneath.

General Óscar Lozano Águila, the (11)______ of the Tren Maya, (12)______ that the train is safe and built to rigorous codes and standards. He sees the project as an (13)______ feat that will revive Mexico’s train services and boost national development. President López Obrador envisions the Tren Maya as part of a larger plan to revive Mexico’s train infrastructure and create a coast-to-coast freight line.

While the Tren Maya may (14)______ economic benefits and increased tourism to the (15)______ Peninsula, there are concerns that the rush to develop could harm the region’s hidden treasures and cultural heritage. The train project highlights the ongoing (16)______ between development and environmental conservation in Mexico.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is your opinion on the Tren Maya project in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula?
2. How would you feel if your land was destroyed without compensation for a construction project?
3. Do you think the economic benefits of the Tren Maya project outweigh the environmental concerns? Why or why not?
4. What are some potential long-term consequences of deforestation and destruction of habitats for species like jaguars and spider monkeys?
5. How do you think the Tren Maya project will impact the region’s freshwater ecosystems and underground caves?
6. Do you believe that the construction of the Tren Maya project was rushed? Why or why not?
7. What are some potential risks and dangers associated with building train tracks above underground caves?
8. Why do you think President López Obrador considers the Tren Maya project to be the “greatest construction project in the world”?
9. How do you think the Tren Maya project will affect Mexico’s train infrastructure and national development?
10. Do you think it is possible to find a balance between development and environmental conservation in projects like the Tren Maya? Why or why not?
11. What are some other examples of development projects that have faced opposition from environmentalists?
12. How do you think the Tren Maya project has impacted the communities in the region?
13. What are some potential solutions or compromises that could address the concerns of both supporters and environmentalists of the Tren Maya project?
14. Do you think the Tren Maya project will ultimately be successful in bringing increased tourism to the Yucatán Peninsula? Why or why not?
15. How important do you think it is to preserve a region’s hidden treasures and cultural heritage in the face of development projects?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. mega
2. deforestation
3. habitats
4. cenotes
5. vainglorious
6. pharaonic
7. algae
8. compensated
9. porous
10. rigorous
11. feat
12. infrastructure
13. freight
14. peninsula
15. conservation

Meanings:
(A) Full of tiny holes, allowing water or air to pass through
(B) Natural environments in which different species live
(C) Natural underground water reservoirs often found in limestone
(D) The basic physical systems of a country’s or community’s population, including roads, utilities, and buildings
(E) An achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength
(F) Goods transported in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft
(G) The clearing of trees, transforming a forest into cleared land
(H) Done with thoroughness and attention to detail
(I) The protection and preservation of the natural environment
(J) Extremely large or extensive
(K) Resembling the grand and monumental architecture of ancient Egypt
(L) Given payment or something else of value in recognition of loss or suffering
(M) A piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water
(N) Simple non-flowering plants that typically grow in water
(O) Excessively proud of oneself or one’s achievements
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the purpose of the Tren Maya project?
(a) To protect the region’s natural resources
(b) To bring tourism and development to the Yucatán Peninsula
(c) To preserve the habitats of jaguars and spider monkeys
(d) To revive Mexico’s train services

2. What is one of the main concerns of environmentalists regarding the Tren Maya project?
(a) Increased tourism and development
(b) Deforestation and destruction of habitats
(c) Revival of Mexico’s train services
(d) Protection of the region’s cultural heritage

3. How much has the Tren Maya project cost so far?
(a) $1 billion
(b) $10 million
(c) $50 million
(d) $28.5 billion

4. What do environmentalists believe about the Tren Maya project?
(a) It is a “pharaonic monument” erected by a vainglorious leader
(b) It will boost national development
(c) It is safe and built to rigorous codes and standards
(d) It will protect the region’s natural resources

5. How has the Tren Maya project affected Maya farmers?
(a) Some have been compensated for their land, while others have not
(b) They have been able to prove ownership of their land
(c) The train’s construction has not disrupted their lives
(d) Building surveys were not rushed

6. What does General Óscar Lozano Águila, the director of the Tren Maya, believe about the project?
(a) It is a “pharaonic monument” erected by a vainglorious leader
(b) It will harm the region’s natural resources
(c) The train is safe and built to rigorous codes and standards
(d) It will revive Mexico’s train infrastructure

7. What potential damage could the train tracks built above the cenotes cause?
(a) They could protect the cenotes from pollution
(b) They could boost national development
(c) They could revive Mexico’s train services
(d) They could collapse and cause further damage

8. What is one of the concerns about the rush to develop the Tren Maya project?
(a) It could protect the habitats of jaguars and spider monkeys
(b) It could revive Mexico’s train infrastructure
(c) It could harm the region’s hidden treasures and cultural heritage
(d) It could bring economic benefits and increased tourism to the region

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The train tracks built above the cenotes are not a threat of collapse, causing further damage.
2. The construction of the train has united communities in the region, with all villagers being compensated for their land and without any destruction of their fields.
3. President López Obrador sees the project as the greatest construction project in the world, while environmentalists criticize it as a “pharaonic monument.”
4. The construction of the train has not led to deforestation and destruction of habitats for species like jaguars and spider monkeys.
5. The train stretches for 1,500km but aims to have no impact on tourism and development in the region.
6. The Tren Maya is a mega train project in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
7. Environmental activists are concerned about the impact on the region’s freshwater ecosystems, including the sacred cenotes.
8. The Tren Maya project has faced numerous obstacles and has gone over budget, costing around $28.5 billion.
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 are the concerns raised by environmentalists about the Tren Maya project?
2. How has the construction of the Tren Maya project affected the region’s natural resources?
3. How has the Tren Maya project impacted the local communities in the region?
4. What is the perspective of General Óscar Lozano Águila on the safety of the train project?
5. What is the larger vision of President López Obrador for the Tren Maya project?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The purpose of the Tren Maya project is to bring tourism and development to Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
2. The construction of the train has led to deforestation and destruction of habitats for species like jaguars and spider monkeys. It has also raised concerns about the impact on the region’s freshwater ecosystems, including the cenotes.
3. Environmentalists are concerned about the impact on the region’s natural resources, such as coral reefs and algae, which are already being affected by pollution. They also worry about the potential collapse of the train tracks built above underground caves.
4. Some people believe the Tren Maya project is a “pharaonic monument” because they see it as an extravagant and unnecessary project driven by the ego of President López Obrador.
5. The construction of the train has disrupted the lives of local communities. While some villagers have been compensated for their land, others have had their fields destroyed without compensation. Maya farmers have been particularly affected and have struggled to prove ownership of their land.
6. Activists are concerned that the building surveys for the project were rushed and fear that the elevated sections of track could collapse due to the porous rock beneath.
7. General Óscar Lozano Águila defends the safety of the train by stating that it is built to rigorous codes and standards.
8. President López Obrador envisions the Tren Maya as part of a larger plan to revive Mexico’s train infrastructure and create a coast-to-coast freight line.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) construction
(2) habitats
(3) including
(4) underground
(5) causing
(6) leader
(7) train
(8) reefs
(9) others
(10) building
(11) director
(12) insists
(13) engineering
(14) bring
(15) Yucatán
(16) debate
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. mega
Answer: (J) Extremely large or extensive

2. deforestation
Answer: (G) The clearing of trees, transforming a forest into cleared land

3. habitats
Answer: (B) Natural environments in which different species live

4. cenotes
Answer: (C) Natural underground water reservoirs often found in limestone

5. vainglorious
Answer: (O) Excessively proud of oneself or one’s achievements

6. pharaonic
Answer: (K) Resembling the grand and monumental architecture of ancient Egypt

7. algae
Answer: (N) Simple non-flowering plants that typically grow in water

8. compensated
Answer: (L) Given payment or something else of value in recognition of loss or suffering

9. porous
Answer: (A) Full of tiny holes, allowing water or air to pass through

10. rigorous
Answer: (H) Done with thoroughness and attention to detail

11. feat
Answer: (E) An achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength

12. infrastructure
Answer: (D) The basic physical systems of a country’s or community’s population, including roads, utilities, and buildings

13. freight
Answer: (F) Goods transported in bulk by truck, train, ship, or aircraft

14. peninsula
Answer: (M) A piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water

15. conservation
Answer: (I) The protection and preservation of the natural environment
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the purpose of the Tren Maya project?
Answer: (b) To bring tourism and development to the Yucatán Peninsula

2. What is one of the main concerns of environmentalists regarding the Tren Maya project?
Answer: (b) Deforestation and destruction of habitats

3. How much has the Tren Maya project cost so far?
Answer: (d) $28.5 billion

4. What do environmentalists believe about the Tren Maya project?
Answer: (a) It is a “pharaonic monument” erected by a vainglorious leader

5. How has the Tren Maya project affected Maya farmers?
Answer: (a) Some have been compensated for their land, while others have not

6. What does General Óscar Lozano Águila, the director of the Tren Maya, believe about the project?
Answer: (c) The train is safe and built to rigorous codes and standards

7. What potential damage could the train tracks built above the cenotes cause?
Answer: (d) They could collapse and cause further damage

8. What is one of the concerns about the rush to develop the Tren Maya project?
Answer: (c) It could harm the region’s hidden treasures and cultural heritage
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The train tracks built above the cenotes are not a threat of collapse, causing further damage. (Answer: False)
2. The construction of the train has united communities in the region, with all villagers being compensated for their land and without any destruction of their fields. (Answer: False)
3. President López Obrador sees the project as the greatest construction project in the world, while environmentalists criticize it as a “pharaonic monument.” (Answer: True)
4. The construction of the train has not led to deforestation and destruction of habitats for species like jaguars and spider monkeys. (Answer: False)
5. The train stretches for 1,500km but aims to have no impact on tourism and development in the region. (Answer: False)
6. The Tren Maya is a mega train project in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. (Answer: True)
7. Environmental activists are concerned about the impact on the region’s freshwater ecosystems, including the sacred cenotes. (Answer: True)
8. The Tren Maya project has faced numerous obstacles and has gone over budget, costing around $28.5 billion. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧