News by Levels · Level 2 · For teachers
Teacher guide & answers
New Object Beyond Pluto Could Be a Dwarf Planet
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 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.
Why is the size estimate a wide range?
Correct answer: B — The estimated size depends on how much light its surface reflects
Why: The text connects the estimated range to the amount of light reflected by its surface.
Clue in the story: The team estimates that it is between 600 and 1,500 kilometres across. That wide range depends on how much light its surface reflects. Further observations are needed to determine its size and whether it is a dwarf planet.
How does the announcement describe 2026 ED138?
Correct answer: C — A possible dwarf planet
Why: The observatory describes 2026 ED138 as a possible dwarf planet.
Clue in the story: Astronomers using data from the Rubin Observatory have identified a possible dwarf planet called 2026 ED138. The object is currently farther from the Sun than Pluto, the observatory said in an announcement on October 27.
The open question: accept different answers
Ask learners: Explain what is known about 2026 ED138’s location and what scientists still need to check.
One possible answer: It is currently farther from the Sun than Pluto. Scientists need more observations to determine its size and whether it is a dwarf planet.
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.