An extremely rare white whale has been spotted off the coast of Thailand. This is the first known sighting of what appears to be an albino Omura’s whale in the country. The sighting occurred on January 1st and has sparked a search by marine experts to find more of these rare whales, including the white one. The Omura’s whale was first seen in the wild in 2015, but this is the first time an albino of the species has been observed in Thailand.

The sighting of the white whale has caused excitement among tourists and researchers alike. The Omura’s whale is already a rare species, and the discovery of an albino individual adds to its uniqueness. Marine experts are now working to track and study these rare whales to learn more about their behavior and population size.

The white whale sighting highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these rare and endangered species. It serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity of marine life and the need to preserve their habitats. The discovery also provides an opportunity for researchers to gather valuable data on the Omura’s whale and contribute to our understanding of this elusive species.

The sighting of the white whale off the coast of Thailand is a significant event in the field of marine biology. It showcases the wonders of nature and the importance of continued research and conservation efforts. The hope is that this rare sighting will lead to further discoveries and a greater understanding of these magnificent creatures.

Original news source: Extremely rare white whale sighted off Thailand (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: In pairs, students will read the article and summarize the main points in their own words. Each pair will then present their summary to the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: In small groups, students will discuss their thoughts and opinions on the sighting of the white whale. They will take turns asking each other questions and recording their responses. Afterward, each group will share their findings with the class.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Divide the class into two teams. Give each team a list of vocabulary words from the article. One student from each team will come to the front of the class and draw a picture to represent a word. The rest of the team must guess the word within a time limit. The team with the most correct guesses wins.

– Keyword Taboo
Instructions: In pairs, students will take turns describing a keyword from the article without using the word itself or any related words. Their partner must guess the keyword based on the description. The pair with the most correct guesses wins.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: In small groups, students will discuss and make predictions about what might happen as a result of the white whale sighting. They should consider the impact on marine conservation efforts, tourism, and scientific research. Each group will then present their predictions to the class.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. When was the first known sighting of an albino Omura’s whale in Thailand?
2. Why are marine experts searching for more of these rare whales?
3. What is the significance of the albino individual among the Omura’s whale species?
4. What are marine experts hoping to learn from tracking and studying these rare whales?
5. What message does the white whale sighting send about conservation efforts?
6. How does the discovery of the albino whale contribute to our understanding of the Omura’s whale species?
7. Why is the sighting of the white whale considered a significant event in marine biology?
8. What are the hopes for future discoveries and understanding of these creatures as a result of this rare sighting?
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🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

An extremely rare white (1)______ has been spotted off the (2)______ of Thailand. This is the first known sighting of what (3)______ to be an albino Omura’s whale in the country. The sighting occurred on January 1st and has sparked a search by marine experts to find more of these rare whales, (4)______ the white one. The Omura’s whale was first seen in the wild in 2015, but this is the first time an albino of the species has been (5)______ in Thailand.

The (6)______ of the white whale has caused excitement among tourists and researchers alike. The Omura’s whale is already a rare species, and the discovery of an albino individual adds to its (7)______. (8)______ experts are now working to track and study these rare whales to learn more about their behavior and population size.

The white whale sighting highlights the importance of conservation (9)______ to protect these rare and (10)______ species. It serves as a reminder of the (11)______ diversity of marine life and the need to preserve their habitats. The discovery also provides an opportunity for (12)______ to gather valuable data on the Omura’s whale and contribute to our understanding of this elusive (13)______.

The sighting of the white whale off the coast of Thailand is a significant event in the field of (14)______ biology. It showcases the wonders of nature and the importance of continued research and (15)______ efforts. The hope is that this rare sighting will lead to further (16)______ and a greater understanding of these magnificent creatures.
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💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is an albino animal? Why are albino animals considered rare?
2. How would you feel if you saw a rare white whale in person? Why?
3. Do you think it is important to protect and conserve rare and endangered species like the Omura’s whale? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever had an encounter with a rare or unique animal? If so, can you describe your experience?
5. Why do you think the sighting of the white whale has caused excitement among tourists and researchers?
6. Do you think the discovery of the albino Omura’s whale will lead to more research and understanding of the species? Why or why not?
7. What do you think can be done to protect marine life and their habitats?
8. How do you think the sighting of the white whale can contribute to our understanding of marine biology?
9. Do you think it is important for researchers to gather data on rare species like the Omura’s whale? Why or why not?
10. Have you ever been involved in any conservation efforts? If so, what did you do and how did it make you feel?
11. What are some other rare or endangered species that you know of? Why do you think it is important to protect them?
12. How do you think the sighting of the white whale can impact tourism in Thailand? Why?
13. Do you think the discovery of the albino Omura’s whale will raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation? Why or why not?
14. What are some ways that individuals can contribute to the conservation of marine life?
15. Have you ever seen a white or albino animal before? If so, what was your reaction and why?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. albino
2. sighting
3. marine
4. species
5. excitement
6. discovery
7. uniqueness
8. track
9. behavior
10. endangered
11. conservation
12. diversity
13. habitats
14. elusive
15. magnificent

Meanings:
(A) The act of finding something or someone for the first time
(B) The variety and variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes in which they occur
(C) Related to the sea and its organisms
(D) The quality of being one of a kind or having no equal
(E) The act of preserving the natural environment and protecting wildlife
(F) To follow or pursue the trail or movements of someone or something
(G) At risk of becoming extinct or no longer existing
(H) Extremely impressive or beautiful
(I) The state of being thrilled or highly aroused by an event or prospect
(J) The act of observing or noticing something, especially something rare or significant
(K) A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding
(L) The typical way in which someone or something acts or behaves
(M) A person or animal lacking pigment in their skin, hair, and eyes
(N) The natural environments in which a particular species lives
(O) Hard to find or capture; not easily seen, heard, or understood
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the significance of the white whale sighting off the coast of Thailand?
(a) It is the first known sighting of an albino Omura’s whale in the country.
(b) It is the first known sighting of any Omura’s whale in the country.
(c) It is the first known sighting of a white whale in the country.
(d) It is the first known sighting of any albino whale in the country.

2. When was the Omura’s whale first seen in the wild?
(a) 2015
(b) 2016
(c) 2017
(d) 2018

3. Why are marine experts searching for more of these rare whales?
(a) To study their albino characteristics.
(b) To determine their migration patterns.
(c) To learn more about their behavior and population size.
(d) To observe their feeding habits.

4. What does the white whale sighting highlight?
(a) The need to study marine life in Thailand.
(b) The importance of conservation efforts to protect rare and endangered species.
(c) The diversity of marine life in Thailand.
(d) The need to preserve marine habitats.

5. What does the white whale sighting provide an opportunity for?
(a) Tourists to take photos of a rare albino whale.
(b) Researchers to gather valuable data on the Omura’s whale.
(c) Marine experts to study the behavior of albino whales.
(d) Researchers to study the population size of Omura’s whales.

6. What is the hope for the rare white whale sighting?
(a) That it will attract more tourists to Thailand.
(b) That it will lead to the discovery of more albino whales.
(c) That it will lead to further discoveries and a greater understanding of these creatures.
(d) That it will lead to the protection of marine habitats.

7. What field does the white whale sighting have significance in?
(a) Marine conservation
(b) Marine tourism
(c) Marine photography
(d) Marine biology

8. What does the white whale sighting showcase?
(a) The beauty of marine life in Thailand.
(b) The rarity of albino whales.
(c) The need for increased funding for marine research.
(d) The wonders of nature and the importance of research and conservation efforts.

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The white whale sighting has caused disappointment among tourists and researchers.
2. Marine novices are procrastinating to track and study these common whales to learn less about their behavior and population size.
3. A common white whale has been spotted off the coast of Thailand.
4. This is the first known sighting of an albino Omura’s whale in Thailand.
5. The sighting occurred on January 1st.
6. The sighting downplays the importance of conservation efforts to protect these common and thriving species.
7. The Omura’s whale was first seen in the wild in 2015.
8. Marine experts are conducting a search to find more of these rare whales, including the white one.
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📝 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. When was the first known sighting of an albino Omura’s whale in Thailand?
2. Why is the sighting of a white whale significant for marine experts?
3. What are marine experts hoping to learn from studying these rare whales?
4. What does the sighting of the white whale highlight about the importance of conservation efforts?
5. What is the significance of the white whale sighting for the field of marine biology?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The first known sighting of an albino Omura’s whale in Thailand was on January 1st.
2. Marine experts are searching for more of these rare whales to study their behavior and population size.
3. The albino individual among the Omura’s whale species adds to its uniqueness and rarity.
4. Marine experts hope to learn more about the behavior and population size of these rare whales through tracking and studying them.
5. The white whale sighting highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect rare and endangered species.
6. The discovery of the albino whale contributes to our understanding of the Omura’s whale species by providing valuable data on their characteristics and distribution.
7. The sighting of the white whale is considered a significant event in marine biology because it showcases the wonders of nature and the importance of research and conservation efforts.
8. The hope is that this rare sighting will lead to further discoveries and a greater understanding of these creatures, including their habitat, behavior, and population dynamics.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) whale
(2) coast
(3) appears
(4) including
(5) observed
(6) sighting
(7) uniqueness
(8) Marine
(9) efforts
(10) endangered
(11) incredible
(12) researchers
(13) species
(14) marine
(15) conservation
(16) discoveries
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📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. albino
Answer: (M) A person or animal lacking pigment in their skin, hair, and eyes

2. sighting
Answer: (J) The act of observing or noticing something, especially something rare or significant

3. marine
Answer: (C) Related to the sea and its organisms

4. species
Answer: (K) A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding

5. excitement
Answer: (I) The state of being thrilled or highly aroused by an event or prospect

6. discovery
Answer: (A) The act of finding something or someone for the first time

7. uniqueness
Answer: (D) The quality of being one of a kind or having no equal

8. track
Answer: (F) To follow or pursue the trail or movements of someone or something

9. behavior
Answer: (L) The typical way in which someone or something acts or behaves

10. endangered
Answer: (G) At risk of becoming extinct or no longer existing

11. conservation
Answer: (E) The act of preserving the natural environment and protecting wildlife

12. diversity
Answer: (B) The variety and variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes in which they occur

13. habitats
Answer: (N) The natural environments in which a particular species lives

14. elusive
Answer: (O) Hard to find or capture; not easily seen, heard, or understood

15. magnificent
Answer: (H) Extremely impressive or beautiful
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the significance of the white whale sighting off the coast of Thailand?
Answer: (a) It is the first known sighting of an albino Omura’s whale in the country.

2. When was the Omura’s whale first seen in the wild?
Answer: (a) 2015

3. Why are marine experts searching for more of these rare whales?
Answer: (c) To learn more about their behavior and population size.

4. What does the white whale sighting highlight?
Answer: (b) The importance of conservation efforts to protect rare and endangered species.

5. What does the white whale sighting provide an opportunity for?
Answer: (b) Researchers to gather valuable data on the Omura’s whale.

6. What is the hope for the rare white whale sighting?
Answer: (c) That it will lead to further discoveries and a greater understanding of these creatures.

7. What field does the white whale sighting have significance in?
Answer: (d) Marine biology

8. What does the white whale sighting showcase?
Answer: (d) The wonders of nature and the importance of research and conservation efforts.
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The white whale sighting has caused disappointment among tourists and researchers. (Answer: False)
2. Marine novices are procrastinating to track and study these common whales to learn less about their behavior and population size. (Answer: False)
3. A common white whale has been spotted off the coast of Thailand. (Answer: False)
4. This is the first known sighting of an albino Omura’s whale in Thailand. (Answer: True)
5. The sighting occurred on January 1st. (Answer: True)
6. The sighting downplays the importance of conservation efforts to protect these common and thriving species. (Answer: False)
7. The Omura’s whale was first seen in the wild in 2015. (Answer: True)
8. Marine experts are conducting a search to find more of these rare whales, including the white one. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧