After Quake, Nepal Reopens Centuries-Old Structures

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Materials Daily News

Intermediate

Exercise 1

Vocabulary

earthquake

Noun

ˈərθˌkweɪk

a sudden, violent shaking of the earth’s surface

An earthquake is a movement of the earth.

The earthquake was reported on the news.

Resources became scarce after the earthquake.

They kept a supply of water and necessary items in case of an earthquake.

We never have earthquakes in this part of the world.

damaged

ˈdæmɪdʒ

physical harm caused to something which makes it less attractive, useful or valuable

My parcel came damaged, but the product inside was not.

severely

Adverb

sɪˈvɪrli

very badly or seriously

The car is severely damaged, I don’t think we can repair it.

heritage site

Noun

ˈherɪtɪdʒ saɪt

a natural or man-made place that has great international importance and is protected

There are 44 heritage sites in Spain.

concern

Noun

kənˈsərn

a feeling of worry, especially one that is shared by many people

Global warming is a growing concern.

His face is filled with concern.

cautious

Adjective

ˈkɔːʃəs

to be careful and avoid danger or risk

Parents are more cautious when they drive their children.

You must be cautious when you see warning signs.

He is cautious when investing his money for retirement.

The department store chain is cautious about expanding into new regions.

exaggerated

Adjective

ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪtɪd

made to seem larger, better, worse or more important than it really is

I think this actor’s skills are exaggerated.

Exercise 2

Article

AI Generated Audio––:–– / ––:––

After Quake, Nepal Reopens Centuries-Old Structures

Nepal has reopened its major World Heritage Sites in an effort to get tourists to return. Nepal depends heavily on money spent by overseas visitors. The number of visitors dropped sharply after a major earthquake struck the Himalayan nation on April 25th. The earthquake forced officials to close off severely damaged structures.

Nepalese officials opened many popular heritage sites early Monday.

However, getting tourists to return may prove difficult. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization released a statement last week. In it, UNESCO expressed concern over reopening the heritage sites and asked the public to be extra cautious.

Nepalese officials, however, believe that there are no risks. They say visitors will be given guided tours and only will be permitted to visit safe structures.

Those involved in Nepal’s tourism and travel industry say media reports of damage are, in their words, “highly exaggerated.”

Exercise 3

Questions

What does Nepal depend heavily on?

What does UNESCO stand for / mean?

What do Nepalese officials believe? Do they think there is risk?

Exercise 4

Discussion

Are there World Heritage Sites in your country?

Would you like to visit Nepal?

Is tourism important to your country?

Parts of this lesson are based on:

An article by Voice of America.