News by Levels · Level 1 · For teachers
Teacher guide & answers
Millions of Eels Gather Near Tasmania
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 worksheetA 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 3 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 3 questions
The question numbers match the student worksheet. Each answer includes a reason and the clue learners can find in the story.
Where do the eels gather?
Correct answer: A — Near an underwater mountain off Tasmania
Why: The group gathers near an underwater mountain off Tasmania.
Clue in the story: Many eels gather near an underwater mountain off Tasmania, Australia. Eels are long fish. Scientists knew about the group, but they wanted to learn how many eels were there.
How did researchers study the group?
Correct answer: B — They used sound and underwater cameras
Why: The researchers combined sound with underwater cameras.
Clue in the story: Researchers used sound and underwater cameras to study the fish. They estimate that up to 2.8 million eels can gather there. They think the eels may come together to reproduce, but they still have questions about the animals.
What does the estimate say about the number of eels?
Correct answer: B — It can be up to 2.8 million
Why: The article says the estimate is up to 2.8 million, not an exact count.
Clue in the story: Researchers used sound and underwater cameras to study the fish. They estimate that up to 2.8 million eels can gather there. They think the eels may come together to reproduce, but they still have questions about the animals.
The open question: accept different answers
Ask learners: Describe where the eels gather and one way scientists studied them.
One possible answer: They gather near an underwater mountain off Tasmania. Scientists studied them using sound and underwater cameras.
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.