News by Levels · Level 2 · For teachers
Teacher guide & answers
Study Estimates Up to 2.8 Million Eels 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.
What did researchers estimate about the known eel gathering?
Correct answer: A — Its maximum possible size
Why: The study estimates that the gathering may contain as many as 2.8 million eels.
Clue in the story: A team led by Australia's science agency CSIRO has estimated the size of an extraordinary gathering of basketwork eels near Patience Seamount, an underwater mountain off Tasmania. The researchers say it may contain as many as 2.8 million eels.
Why did the team combine sound surveys with camera images?
Correct answer: A — To distinguish eels from other fish
Why: Camera images helped researchers distinguish the eels from other fish.
Clue in the story: They combined sound surveys with underwater camera images to distinguish the eels from other fish. The study provides evidence that the eels gather to reproduce, although why they choose this particular location remains unclear.
What remains unclear about the eels?
Correct answer: B — Why they choose this particular location
Why: The researchers do not yet know why the eels choose this particular location.
Clue in the story: They combined sound surveys with underwater camera images to distinguish the eels from other fish. The study provides evidence that the eels gather to reproduce, although why they choose this particular location remains unclear.
The open question: accept different answers
Ask learners: Explain how the researchers studied the eels and name one question that remains.
One possible answer: They combined sound surveys with underwater images to distinguish the eels from other fish. Why the eels choose this location remains unclear.
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.