Breaking News English Lesson: De-extinction

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De-extinction company plans to recreate giant moa bird (14th July 2025)

The Reading / Listening - De-extinction - Level 6

It may only be a matter of time before dinosaurs are back among us. Biotechnology and genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences claims it is on the cusp of successfully bringing back extinct species. On Tuesday, the company announced its plan to resurrect the moa – a 3.6-metre-tall, flightless bird. The giant moa once roamed New Zealand's South Island. It was hunted to extinction 600 years ago. Colossal's chief scientist Beth Shapiro said: "We're bringing back avian dinosaurs." Her colleagues will try to recreate the extinct bird by extracting DNA from the bones of long-deceased moa. Scientists will use this DNA to modify the genome of an emu, which is the closest living relative of the moa.

Colossal is embarking on many "de-extinction" projects. These have created controversy among the scientific community. Colossal defines de-extinction as: "The process of generating an organism that both resembles and is genetically similar to an extinct species." It claims de-extinction will allow scientists to engineer natural resistances in endangered animals today. It would also enhance the adaptability of species to "thrive" amid climate change, dwindling resources, disease and human interference. However, critics contend that extinct animals cannot be replicated. Many scientists are concerned about the unforeseen and detrimental impacts of inserting "hybrid" species into the wild.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

De-extinction - Level 4 or De-extinction - Level 5

Sources

https://www.livescience.com/animals/extinct-species/were-bringing-back-avian-dinosaurs-de-extinction-company-claims-it-will-resurrect-the-giant-moa-in-next-10-years
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/09/science/giant-moa-colossal-biosciences
https://colossal.com/de-extinction/

Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice activities, drag and drop activities, sentence jumbles, which word activities, text reconstructions, spelling, gap fills and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. EXTINCTION: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about extinction. Change partners often and share your findings.
2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?
time / dinosaurs / biotechnology / genetic engineering / extinct / moa / hunted / DNA
de-extinction / controversy / community / endangered / disease / hybrid / the wild
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. GOD: Students A strongly believe scientists should not play God with nature; Students B strongly believe the opposite. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. DE-EXTINCT ANIMALS: Would you like these animals to be resurrected? Why? How would their resurrection affect the wild? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

	Good Idea?	Why?	Effect on the wild?
Moa
Tyrannosaurus rex
Dodo
Caspian tiger
Meganeura
Woolly mammoth

MY e-BOOK

ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers

See a sample

5. COLOSSAL: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "colossal". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. DE-EXTINCTION IMPACTS: Rank these with your partner. Put the most detrimental effects of de-extinction at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

Ecosystem disruption
Genetic unpredictability
Biodiversity distortion
Unanticipated evolution
Invasive behavior
Disease vulnerability
Ethical concerns
Resource strain

Vocabulary

Paragraph 1

1.	colossal	a.	Dead.
2.	on the cusp of	b.	Very, very big.
3.	resurrect	c.	About birds.
4.	roamed	d.	About to start or achieve something new.
5.	avian	e.	Walked around a wide area with no particular aim.
6.	extracting	f.	Bring something or someone back to life.
7.	deceased	g.	Taking something out of something else.

Paragraph 2

8.	embarking	h.	Starting something new (like a project, trip or job).
9.	controversy	i.	State an opinion in an argument.
10.	resemble	j.	A strong disagreement about a hot topic.
11.	resistance	k.	Becoming smaller or less.
12.	thrive	l.	Look like or be like something or someone.
13.	dwindling	m.	Trying to stop or fight something.
14.	contend	n.	Grow well and be healthy or happy.

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

The company Colossal specializes in geoscience and neuroscience. T / F
Colossal has recreated two moa chicks. T / F
Colossal's chief scientist said she wants to bring back dinosaur birds. T / F
The ostrich is the closest living relative to the moa. T / F
There is broad approval of de-extinction in the scientific community. T / F
Colossal said de-extinction would help species survive climate change. T / F
Many scientists say extinct animals cannot be recreated. T / F
Scientists are not worried about putting de-extinct animals into the wild. T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

company
on the cusp of
bringing back
plan
giant
roamed
colleagues
extracting
deceased
modify

taking
resurrecting
wandered
alter
firm
intention
dead
about to
co-workers
huge

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

It may only be a matter
The giant moa once roamed
It was hunted to
Scientists will use this DNA
the closest living
controversy among the
genetically
species to "thrive"
extinct animals cannot
inserting "hybrid" species

extinction 600 years ago
scientific community
relative of the moa
be replicated
to modify the genome
into the wild
amid climate change
of time
similar
New Zealand

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

matter
genome
colleagues
relative
resurrect
extracting
cusp
roamed

It may only be a (1) _________________________________ of time before dinosaurs are back among us. Biotechnology and genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences claims it is on the (2) _________________________________ of successfully bringing back extinct species. On Tuesday, the company announced its plan to (3) _________________________________ the moa – a 3.6-metre-tall, flightless bird. The giant moa once (4) _________________________________ New Zealand's South Island. It was hunted to extinction 600 years ago. Colossal's chief scientist Beth Shapiro said: "We're bringing back avian dinosaurs." Her (5) _________________________________ will try to recreate the extinct bird by (6) _________________________________ DNA from the bones of long-deceased moa. Scientists will use this DNA to modify the (7) _________________________________ of an emu, which is the closest living (8) _________________________________ of the moa.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

organism
interference
resistances
controversy
hybrid
thrive
contend
species

Colossal is embarking on many "de-extinction" projects. These have created (9) _________________________________ among the scientific community. Colossal defines de-extinction as: "The process of generating an (10) _________________________________ that both resembles and is genetically similar to an extinct (11) _________________________________." It claims de-extinction will allow scientists to engineer natural (12) _________________________________ in endangered animals today. It would also enhance the adaptability of species to "(13) _________________________________" amid climate change, dwindling resources, disease and human (14) _________________________________. However, critics (15) _________________________________ that extinct animals cannot be replicated. Many scientists are concerned about the unforeseen and detrimental impacts of inserting "(16) _________________________________" species into the wild.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) It may only be a matter of time before dinosaurs are ______
     a. backs among us
     b. backed among us
     c. back among us
     d. aback among us
2) Biotechnology and genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences claims it is ______
     a. on the cusp
     b. on the cups
     c. on the clasp
     d. on the crisp
3) the company announced its plan to resurrect the moa – a 3.6-metre-______
     a. tall, fight less bird
     b. tall, flightless birds
     c. stall, flightless bird
     d. tall, flightless bird
4) recreate the extinct bird by extracting DNA from the bones of ______
     a. long-decreased moa
     b. long-desist moa
     c. long-deceased moa
     d. long-decease moa
5) Scientists will use this DNA to modify the genome of an emu, which is the ______
     a. closet living relative
     b. closest live-in relative
     c. closest living relative
     d. closest living relativity

6) These have created controversy among ______
     a. the science community
     b. the scientific community
     c. the science fiction community
     d. the scientific commune city
7) The process of generating an organism that both resembles and ______
     a. is genetics similar
     b. is genetically similar
     c. is genetics all similar
     d. is genetically similarity
8) It would also enhance the adaptability of ______
     a. species to drive
     b. species to alive
     c. species to thrive
     d. species to strive
9) However, critics contend that extinct animals ______
     a. cannot be replicate
     b. cannot be replicate it
     c. cannot be replicant
     d. cannot be replicated
10) Many scientists are concerned about the unforeseen ______
     a. and detrimental impacts
     b. and detrimental compacts
     c. and detrimental imparts
     d. and detrimental in pacts

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

It may only be a (1) _______________________________________________ before dinosaurs are back among us. Biotechnology and genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences claims it is on (2) _______________________________________________ successfully bringing back extinct species. On Tuesday, the company announced its plan (3) _______________________________________________ moa – a 3.6-metre-tall, flightless bird. The giant moa once roamed New Zealand's South Island. It was (4) _______________________________________________ 600 years ago. Colossal's chief scientist Beth Shapiro said: "We're bringing back avian dinosaurs." Her colleagues will try to recreate the extinct bird (5) _______________________________________________ from the bones of long-deceased moa. Scientists will use this DNA to modify the genome of an emu, which is the (6) _______________________________________________ of the moa.

Colossal is embarking on many "de-extinction" projects. These have created (7) _______________________________________________ scientific community. Colossal defines de-extinction as: "The process of generating an organism (8) _______________________________________________ and is genetically similar to an extinct species." It claims de-extinction will allow scientists to engineer natural (9) _______________________________________________ animals today. It would also enhance the adaptability of species to (10) _______________________________________________ change, dwindling resources, disease and human interference. However, critics contend that extinct animals (11) _______________________________________________. Many scientists are concerned about the unforeseen and detrimental impacts of inserting (12) _______________________________________________ the wild.

Comprehension questions

What is it only a matter of time that we might see the return of?
How tall is the moa?
How long ago did the moa disappear?
What did a chief scientist say her company was bringing back?
Which bird is the closest living relative of the moa?
What has the company created among the scientific community?
What did the company say could benefit from new natural resistances?
What would de-extinction enhance the adaptability of species to do?
What did critics say could not happen to extinct species?
Where might "hybrid" species be released?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What is it only a matter of time that we might see the return of?
a) the dodo
b) Jurassic Park
c) many extinct birds
d) dinosaurs
2) How tall is the moa?
a) 3.5 metres
b) 3.6 metres
c) 3.7 metres
d) 3.8 metres
3) How long ago did the moa disappear?
a) 300 years ago
b) 400 years ago
c) 500 years ago
d) 600 years ago
4) What did a chief scientist say her company was bringing back?
a) the Tyrannosaurus rex
b) souvenirs
c) avian dinosaurs
d) Neanderthal man
5) Which bird is the closest living relative of the moa?
a) the ostrich
b) the kiwi
c) the cassowary
d) the emu

6) What has the company created among the scientific community?
a) a support group
b) a chat group
c) controversy
d) a new project
7) What did the company say could benefit from new natural resistances?
a) endangered animals
b) bacteria
c) flightless birds
d) future hybrid animals
8) What would de-extinction enhance the adaptability of species to do?
a) fight
b) reproduce
c) thrive
d) sleep
9) What did critics say could not happen to extinct species?
a) They could not be made into hybrids.
b) They could not be replicated.
c) They could not be free from disease.
d) They could not be classified.
10) Where might "hybrid" species be released?
a) into the wild
b) into zoos
c) New Zealand
d) Antarctica

Role play

Role A – Ecosystem Disruption
You think ecosystem disruption is the most detrimental impact of de-extinction. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their impacts aren't as bad. Also, tell the others which is the least impactful of these (and why): unanticipated evolution, disease vulnerability or ethical concerns.

Role B – Unanticipated Evolution
You think unanticipated evolution is the most detrimental impact of de-extinction. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their impacts aren't as bad. Also, tell the others which is the least impactful of these (and why): ecosystem disruption, disease vulnerability or ethical concerns.

Role C – Disease Vulnerability
You think disease vulnerability is the most detrimental impact of de-extinction. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their impacts aren't as bad. Also, tell the others which is the least impactful of these (and why): unanticipated evolution, ecosystem disruption or ethical concerns.

Role D – Ethical Concerns
You think ethical concerns is the most detrimental impact of de-extinction. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their impacts aren't as bad. Also, tell the others which is the least impactful of these (and why): unanticipated evolution, disease vulnerability or ecosystem disruption.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words...

'extinct'

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

and 'bird'.
________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

• Share your findings with your partners.

• Make questions using the words you found.

• Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

•Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

matter

cusp

roamed

hunted

bones

living

community

process

allow

enhance

contend

hybrid

Student survey

Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

(Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

Discussion - De-extinction

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

What did you think when you read the headline?
What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'extinct'?
What do you think of bringing extinct animals back to life?
What do you know about the dinosaurs?
What do you think of genetic engineering?
What do you know about the moa?
What are the dangers of bringing extinct animals back to life?
What extinct animals would you like to become de-extinct?
Would you like to see dinosaurs roam Earth again?
Should scientists not play with nature?

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
What do you think of when you hear the word 'bird'?
What do you think about what you read?
What do you think there is controversy about de-extinction?
How might de-extinction help endangered species?
How might de-extinction help animals thrive in climate change?
What might de-extinct animals look like if they are hybrids?
What three adjectives best describe this story?
What might the detrimental impacts be on the wild?
What questions would you like to ask the scientists?

Discussion — Write your own questions

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

(a) ________________

(b) ________________

(c) ________________

(d) ________________

(e) ________________

STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

(f) ________________

(g) ________________

(h) ________________

(i) ________________

(j) ________________

Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

It may only be a (1) ____ of time before dinosaurs are back among us. Biotechnology and genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences claims it is on the (2) ____ of successfully bringing back extinct species. On Tuesday, the company announced its plan to resurrect the moa – a 3.6-metre-tall, flightless bird. The giant moa once (3) ____ New Zealand's South Island. It was hunted (4) ____ extinction 600 years ago. Colossal's chief scientist Beth Shapiro said: "We're bringing back (5) ____ dinosaurs." Her colleagues will try to recreate the extinct bird by extracting DNA from the bones of long-deceased moa. Scientists will use this DNA to modify the (6) ____ of an emu, which is the closest living relative of the moa.

Colossal is embarking (7) ____ many "de-extinction" projects. These have created controversy among the scientific community. Colossal defines de-extinction as: "The process of generating an organism that (8) ____ resembles and is genetically similar to an extinct species." It claims de-extinction will allow scientists to engineer natural resistances (9) ____ endangered animals today. It would also enhance the adaptability of species to "thrive" amid climate change, (10) ____ resources, disease and human interference. However, critics (11) ____ that extinct animals cannot be replicated. Many scientists are concerned about the unforeseen and detrimental impacts of inserting "hybrid" species into the (12) ____.

Which of these words go in the above text?

(a) matter (b) mutter (c) muster (d) master
(a) clasp (b) grip (c) cusp (d) caps
(a) roomed (b) flew (c) roamed (d) trotted
(a) by (b) at (c) for (d) to
(a) bovine (b) canine (c) avian (d) feline
(a) gnome (b) genome (c) gender (d) gentry
(a) at (b) on (c) of (d) to
(a) among (b) both (c) all (d) every
(a) of (b) to (c) in (d) at
(a) dinging (b) dangling (c) dawdling (d) dwindling
(a) attend (b) extend (c) pretend (d) contend
(a) wildish (b) wildness (c) wilder (d) wild

Spelling

Paragraph 1

a matter of time before dsrsniaou are back
eegtnic engineering
bringing back extinct espceis
DNA from the bones of long- sedcadee moa
use this DNA to modify the nmeoge of an emu
the closest living eeiatlvr of the moa

Paragraph 2

These have created tseyrnovcor
generating an miansgor
engineer natural iasrsestenc
hrviet amid climate change
winlnddgi resources
titanemlder impacts

Put the text back together

(    )    600 years ago. Colossal's chief scientist Beth Shapiro said: "We're bringing back avian dinosaurs." Her colleagues will
(    )    about the unforeseen and detrimental impacts of inserting "hybrid" species into the wild.
(    )    bird. The giant moa once roamed New Zealand's South Island. It was hunted to extinction
(    )    Colossal is embarking on many "de-extinction" projects. These have created
(    )    controversy among the scientific community. Colossal defines de-extinction as: "The process of generating an organism
(    )    deceased moa. Scientists will use this DNA to modify the genome of an emu, which is the closest living relative of the moa.
(    )    engineering company Colossal Biosciences claims it is on the cusp of successfully bringing back extinct
(    )    interference. However, critics contend that extinct animals cannot be replicated. Many scientists are concerned
( 1 )   It may only be a matter of time before dinosaurs are back among us. Biotechnology and genetic
(    )    of species to "thrive" amid climate change, dwindling resources, disease and human
(    )    scientists to engineer natural resistances in endangered animals today. It would also enhance the adaptability
(    )    species. On Tuesday, the company announced its plan to resurrect the moa – a 3.6-metre-tall, flightless
(    )    that both resembles and is genetically similar to an extinct species." It claims de-extinction will allow
(    )    try to recreate the extinct bird by extracting DNA from the bones of long-

Put the words in the right order

It matter a may time of only be .
On back extinct cusp species the of bringing .
The announced to plans company the moa resurrect .
It hunted extinction years was ago 600 to .
Emus closest are the of moas living relatives .
These among controversy created have scientific the community .
De-extinction allow resistances will scientists natural engineer to .
It of to enhance thrive species the adaptability would .
Critics extinct replicated be that contend animals cannot .
Impacts wild hybrid inserting of the into species .

Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

It may only be a madder / matter of time before dinosaurs are back among us. Biotechnology and genetically / genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences claims it is on the crisp / cusp of successfully bringing back extinct species. On Tuesday, the company announced its plan to / for resurrect the moa – a 3.6-metre-tall, flightless bird. The giant moa once roamed / beamed New Zealand's South Island. It was hunted for / to extinction 600 years ago. Colossal's chief scientist Beth Shapiro said: "We're bringing back canine / avian dinosaurs." Her colleagues will try to recreate the extinct bird by excavating / extracting DNA from the bones of long-deceased / decreased moa. Scientists will use this DNA to modify the genome of an emu, which is the closest living / alive relative of the moa.

Colossal is disembarking / embarking on many "de-extinction" projects. These have created controversial / controversy among the scientific community. Colossal refines / defines de-extinction as: "The progress / process of generating an organism that both resembling / resembles and is genetically similar to an extinct species." It claims de-extinction will allow scientists to engineer natural resistances in / on endangered animals today. It would also response / enhance the adaptability of species to "thrive" amid climate change, dawdling / dwindling resources, disease and human interference. However, critics contend what / that extinct animals cannot be replicated. Many scientists are concerned about the unforeseen and detrimental impacts of inserting "hybrid" species into / onto the wild.

Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct. Look up the definition of new words.

Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

_t m_y _nly b_ _ m_tt_r _f t_m_ b_f_r_ d_n_s__rs _r_ b_ck _m_ng _s. B__t_chn_l_gy _nd g_n_t_c _ng_n__r_ng c_mp_ny C_l_ss_l B__sc__nc_s cl__ms _t _s _n th_ c_sp _f s_cc_ssf_lly br_ng_ng b_ck _xt_nct sp_c__s. _n T__sd_y, th_ c_mp_ny _nn__nc_d _ts pl_n t_ r_s_rr_ct th_ m__ – _ 3.6-m_tr_-t_ll, fl_ghtl_ss b_rd. Th_ g__nt m__ _nc_ r__m_d N_w Z__l_nd's S__th _sl_nd. _t w_s h_nt_d t_ _xt_nct__n 600 y__rs _g_. C_l_ss_l's ch__f sc__nt_st B_th Sh_p_r_ s__d: "W_'r_ br_ng_ng b_ck _v__n d_n_s__rs." H_r c_ll__g__s w_ll try t_ r_cr__t_ th_ _xt_nct b_rd by _xtr_ct_ng DN_ fr_m th_ b_n_s _f l_ng-d_c__s_d m__. Sc__nt_sts w_ll _s_ th_s DN_ t_ m_d_fy th_ g_n_m_ _f _n _m_, wh_ch _s th_ cl_s_st l_v_ng r_l_t_v_ _f th_ m__.

C_l_ss_l _s _mb_rk_ng _n m_ny "d_-_xt_nct__n" pr_j_cts. Th_s_ h_v_ cr__t_d c_ntr_v_rsy _m_ng th_ sc__nt_f_c c_mm_n_ty. C_l_ss_l d_f_n_s d_-_xt_nct__n _s: "Th_ pr_c_ss _f g_n_r_t_ng _n _rg_n_sm th_t b_th r_s_mbl_s _nd _s g_n_t_c_lly s_m_l_r t_ _n _xt_nct sp_c__s." _t cl__ms d_-_xt_nct__n w_ll _ll_w sc__nt_sts t_ _ng_n__r n_t_r_l r_s_st_nc_s _n _nd_ng_r_d _n_m_ls t_d_y. _t w__ld _ls_ _nh_nc_ th_ _d_pt_b_l_ty _f sp_c__s t_ "thr_v_" _m_d cl_m_t_ ch_ng_, dw_ndl_ng r_s__rc_s, d_s__s_ _nd h_m_n _nt_rf_r_nc_. H_w_v_r, cr_t_cs c_nt_nd th_t _xt_nct _n_m_ls c_nn_t b_ r_pl_c_t_d. M_ny sc__nt_sts _r_ c_nc_rn_d _b__t th_ _nf_r_s__n _nd d_tr_m_nt_l _mp_cts _f _ns_rt_ng "hybr_d" sp_c__s _nt_ th_ w_ld.

Punctuate the text and add capitals

it may only be a matter of time before dinosaurs are back among us biotechnology and genetic engineering company colossal biosciences claims it is on the cusp of successfully bringing back extinct species on tuesday the company announced its plan to resurrect the moa a 36 metretall flightless bird the giant moa once roamed new zealands south island it was hunted to extinction 600 years ago colossals chief scientist beth shapiro said were bringing back avian dinosaurs her colleagues will try to recreate the extinct bird by extracting dna from the bones of longdeceased moa scientists will use this dna to modify the genome of an emu which is the closest living relative of the moa

colossal is embarking on many deextinction projects these have created controversy among the scientific community colossal defines deextinction as the process of generating an organism that both resembles and is genetically similar to an extinct species it claims deextinction will allow scientists to engineer natural resistances in endangered animals today it would also enhance the adaptability of species to thrive amid climate change dwindling resources disease and human interference however critics contend that extinct animals cannot be replicated many scientists are concerned about the unforeseen and detrimental impacts of inserting hybrid species into the wild

Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

Itmayonlybeamatteroftimebeforedinosaursarebackamongus.Biote
chnologyandgeneticengineeringcompanyColossalBiosciencesclaim
sitisonthecuspofsuccessfullybringingbackextinctspecies.OnTuesda
y,thecompanyannounceditsplantoresurrectthemoa–a3.6-metre-
tall,flightlessbird.ThegiantmoaonceroamedNewZealand'sSouthIsla
nd.Itwashuntedtoextinction600yearsago.Colossal'schiefscientistBe
thShapirosaid:"We'rebringingbackaviandinosaurs."Hercolleaguesw
illtrytorecreatetheextinctbirdbyextractingDNAfromthebonesoflong-
deceasedmoa.ScientistswillusethisDNAtomodifythegenomeofanem
u,whichistheclosestlivingrelativeofthemoa.Colossalisembarkingon
many"de-extinction"projects.Thesehavecreatedcontroversyamon
gthescientificcommunity.Colossaldefinesde-extinctionas:"Thepro
cessofgeneratinganorganismthatbothresemblesandisgeneticallysi
milartoanextinctspecies."Itclaimsde-extinctionwillallowscientists
toengineernaturalresistancesinendangeredanimalstoday.Itwouldal
soenhancetheadaptabilityofspeciesto"thrive"amidclimatechange,d
windlingresources,diseaseandhumaninterference.However,criticsc
ontendthatextinctanimalscannotbereplicated.Manyscientistsarecon
cernedabouttheunforeseenanddetrimentalimpactsofinserting"hybri
d"speciesintothewild.

Free writing

Write about moa de-extinction for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Academic writing

Humans should not try to change nature by using de-extinction. Discuss.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Homework

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google’s search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.
2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about this news story. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
3. EXTINCTION: Make a poster about extinction. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
4. DE-EXTINCTION: Write a magazine article about bring back many extinct species. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against this.
Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).
5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.
6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on the moa. Ask him/her three questions about it. Give him/her three of your opinions on bringing it back. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

A Few Additional Activities for Students

Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

Also...

Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

News
Warm ups
Pre-reading / Post-reading
Using headlines
Working with words
While-reading / While-listening
Moving from text to speech
Post-reading / Post-listening
Discussions
Using opinions
Plans
Language
Using lists
Using quotes
Task-based activities
Role plays
Using the central characters in the article
Using themes from the news
Homework

Buy my book

$US 9.99

Answers

(Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

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Breaking News English Lesson: De-extinction

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