News by Levels · Level 2 · For teachers
Teacher guide & answers
Ice Loss Could Last Long After Temperatures Fall
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.
What does “overshoot” mean in the report?
Correct answer: B — Warming passes 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and later comes down.
Why: The second paragraph describes a temporary crossing above 1.5°C followed by cooling.
Clue in the story: The researchers studied the risks of temperatures rising more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and later coming down. This temporary crossing is known as an overshoot.
What can the loss of mountain ice affect?
Correct answer: A — Water supplies
Why: The third paragraph identifies water supplies as a concern.
Clue in the story: Melting ice sheets and glaciers can raise sea levels, while the loss of mountain ice can affect water supplies. The authors say some changes could be difficult or impossible to reverse on human timescales.
What does the report say about the recovery of ice?
Correct answer: C — Some glaciers and sea ice could begin to recover if temperatures fall.
Why: The final paragraph says some ice could begin to recover over decades or centuries, with varying outcomes.
Clue in the story: They also say reducing emissions can limit future losses. Some glaciers and sea ice could begin to recover over decades or centuries if temperatures fall, although recovery would vary.
The open question: accept different answers
Ask learners: Explain what an overshoot is and why falling temperatures may not undo every effect quickly.
One possible answer: An overshoot means warming rises above 1.5°C and later falls. Some ice losses can last for generations, and recovery of some ice may take decades or centuries.
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.