New Rules for Animals and Fewer Gray Whales
動物保護新規定與灰鯨數量減少
Introduction
The US government changed a law about protecting animals. At the same time, many gray whales in the Pacific Ocean are dying.
美國政府更改了一項關於保護動物的法律。與此同時，太平洋中許多灰鯨正在死亡。
Main Body
The government changed the word 'harm'. Now, it is okay to change the land where animals live. The government says this helps people use their land. But some people say this is bad for animals.
政府更改了「傷害」一詞的定義。現在，改變動物居住的土地是被允許的。政府表示這有助於人們利用他們的土地。但有些人認為這對動物不利。
Many gray whales are dying. In 2019, there were 20,000 whales. Now, there are less than 13,000. The water is too warm, so the whales have no food.
許多灰鯨正在死亡。2019 年時有 20,000 隻鯨魚。現在則少於 13,000 隻。海水溫度過高，導致鯨魚沒有食物。
Ships also hit the whales. Some states tell ships to go slow. But other states do not do this because companies do not like it.
船隻也會撞到鯨魚。某些州要求船隻減速。但其他州則沒有這樣做，因為公司並不喜歡。
Conclusion
The government gives less help to animals. Now, the gray whales are in big danger.
政府對動物的幫助減少了。現在灰鯨處於巨大的危險之中。
Vocabulary Learning
⚠️ The 'Too' Rule
In the text, we see: "The water is too warm".
When we use too before an adjective, it means "more than we want" or "a problem."
Examples:
- The water is warm. (This is okay/normal)
- The water is too warm. (This is a problem for the whales)
Try it with these words:
- Hot Too hot (I can't drink this coffee!)
- Big Too big (The shirt doesn't fit me!)
- Slow Too slow (I will be late for school!)
📉 Comparing Numbers (Then vs. Now)
Look at how the story shows change:
- 2019: 20,000 whales
- Now: Less than 13,000 whales
To talk about a lower number in A2 English, use: "Less than..."
- Example: "I have less than five dollars."
- Example: "There are less than ten students in class."