News by Levels · Level 1 · For teachers

Teacher guide & answers

In this lesson: Locate the restoration study and explain what plants can do for riverbanks.

Riverbank repair has long-term benefits

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.

How much of Lockyer Creek did the study examine?
Correct answer: B — 95 kilometres
Why: The opening gives 95 kilometres; 20 refers to estimated years for tree resilience.
Clue in the story: A University of Queensland-led study examined restoration along 95 kilometres of Lockyer Creek near Brisbane. It estimated substantial water and environmental benefits.
What can native plants and stable banks help reduce?
Correct answer: C — Erosion
Why: The passage identifies reduced erosion as a benefit.
Clue in the story: Native plants and stable banks can reduce erosion. The researchers estimated that new trees need around 20 years to withstand very large floods, with some benefits sooner.

The open question: accept different answers

Ask learners: Where was restoration studied, and what benefit can plants bring?

One possible answer: The study examined 95 kilometres of Lockyer Creek near Brisbane. Native plants and stable banks can reduce erosion.

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

Ability or possibility with can

Native plants and stable banks can reduce erosion.

“Can” takes the base form of a verb. It describes an ability or available possibility, rather than an obligation. Example: “Users can save the page.”