News by Levels · Level 3 · For teachers

Teacher guide & answers

In this lesson: Assess agreement between datasets and distinguish a model match from proof.

Ocean Brightening Could Help Track Microplastics From Space

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.

What limitation appeared when the satellite datasets were compared?
Correct answer: B — They differed in the magnitude and area of the changes.
Why: The paragraph states that the size and extent differed; this is a limit on consistency, not an absence of observations.
Clue in the story: However, the satellite datasets differed in the size and extent of the changes. Matching a model does not establish the cause. Direct measurements of particles and light in the water are needed to test the proposed link.
Which conclusion is supported by the final paragraph?
Correct answer: C — A model match still needs testing against direct water measurements.
Why: Matching a model does not establish the cause. Direct particle and light measurements are still needed.
Clue in the story: However, the satellite datasets differed in the size and extent of the changes. Matching a model does not establish the cause. Direct measurements of particles and light in the water are needed to test the proposed link.

The open question: accept different answers

Ask learners: Why should researchers obtain direct water measurements even though their models support the plastic explanation?

One possible answer: The datasets differ in the size and extent of the changes, and a match with a model does not prove the cause. Measuring particles and light directly would test the proposed link.

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

Passive form for a research requirement

Direct measurements of particles and light in the water are needed

Are needed is a present passive form. It puts the required measurements first rather than naming the people who need them.