我們來讀 Time for Kids

大家準備好了嗎？

以下文章節錄自 http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/teachers/wr/article/0,27972,2020116,00.html

 

Let the Hunt Begin!

BY VICKIE AN
Scientists set out across five continents in search of long-lost frogs, salamanders and toads.
The golden toad once thrived in the Monteverde cloud forest of Costa Rica. After its 1966 discovery, hundreds of the googly-eyed creatures could be found hopping around the forest. But by the 1980s, the species had begun to disappear. It was last seen in 1989.
Now scientists are on a quest to track down the golden toad and about 40 other amphibian species that are missing or thought to be extinct. Experts are traveling to 18 countries, where they are exploring rain forests and isolated areas. All of these species have been missing for 10 years or more. Some have not been seen in 100 years.
Amphibian expert Robin Moore helped to organize the global hunt. "I'm hopeful that we'll find some species that may be clinging on," Moore told TFK. He is taking part in several of the expeditions.
Frogs in Danger
Amphibian populations are in rapid decline. Nearly one-third of the world's 6,000 amphibian species are in danger of becoming extinct. Many have disappeared entirely.
Habitat loss is the biggest threat to amphibians. Pollution, disease and climate change are also to blame. If scientists are able to locate some of the lost frogs, "it would give us valuable clues as to how we can save them," Moore says.
Amphibians play an important role in nature. Experts study the creatures for early warning signs of damage to the environment. The animals have thin, porous skin. This makes them extra sensitive to changes in their surroundings.
Frogs also gobble up crop pests and mosquitoes that carry diseases, says animal expert Claude Gascon. "If we take care of amphibians," he explains, "we will have an environment that is healthier for people too."
It's Alive!
As of Monday, at least one lost species will be getting a second chance at life. On September 20, scientists revealed the rediscovery of a reed frog in Africa. The frog vanished in 1979. It was found again in 2008 by Jos Kielgast. While the discovery was not part of the lost-frogs search, Kielgast reported it after learning of the campaign.
All frog findings will be followed up with conservation efforts, says Moore. "We don't expect to find most of the frogs on the list," Moore admits. "But finding even one would be thrilling."

史老師關心生態起來了嗎？是，史老師很關心生態，但摘錄這篇文章史老師要談的不是生態，而是英文教學。這篇文章，是史老師下一篇文章的引子。
下一篇文章，史老師要和大家聊聊陳超明教授的新書內容(好啦，也不新了)，算是大師的近期力作。
文末，史老師來幾個簡單的問題，為下一篇文章暖暖身：
一、這篇文章是還不壞的英文吧？
二、這篇文章並不算太難吧？
三、你知道這篇文章有幾個字嗎？
四、你知道這篇文章有個形容詞子句嗎？
嗯，請大家想想吧。
是的，這裡的「大家」包含你，陳超明教授。