News by Levels · Level 1 · For teachers

Teacher guide & answers

In this lesson: Separate the fossil fuel estimate from the overall total.

Fossil Fuel Emissions May Fall Slightly

How to use these two pages

Give learners the student worksheet. It contains the story and questions, without the answers. Keep this guide for yourself. Use it to lead the activity and explain the answers afterwards.

Student worksheet

A simple 15–20-minute lesson

Before reading · 2 minutes
Show the title. Ask: “What do you think this story is about?”
Read and answer · 8–10 minutes
Give out the student worksheet. Learners read for the main idea, then reread to answer the 2 questions. They can compare answers with a partner.
Discuss and write · 5–8 minutes
Check the answers below together. Ask learners to point to the clue in the story, then finish with the open question.

Adjust the support: Let learners use word help or Level 1 if needed. For a challenge, compare the wording in another level. This activity is not a proficiency test.

Answers to the 2 questions

The question numbers match the student worksheet. Each answer includes a reason and the clue learners can find in the story.

What fall is projected for fossil emissions?
Correct answer: B — 0.4%
Why: The first paragraph specifies 0.4%.
Clue in the story: The Global Carbon Budget released on November 10 projects a 0.4% fall in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels in 2026.
Why can total emissions rise while the fossil part falls?
Correct answer: A — Land-use emissions are expected to rise
Why: The second paragraph identifies land-use changes and the projected total increase.
Clue in the story: But emissions from land-use changes are expected to rise. The report therefore projects an increase in total carbon dioxide emissions, even as the fossil fuel part falls.

The open question: accept different answers

Ask learners: Explain the two projected trends.

One possible answer: Fossil carbon dioxide emissions are projected to fall 0.4%, but land-use emissions are expected to rise, leaving total emissions higher.

This is an example, not the only correct answer. Look for a relevant idea, a reason and the learner’s own words. Learners can answer aloud or write one or two sentences.

Grammar to discuss

Two contrasting trends

even as the fossil fuel part falls

Even as contrasts changes occurring in the same period. A decrease in one component does not require the total to decrease.