Unusually Low Tides in Venice Limit Gondoliers.
Low tides in venice.
Script:
Low water levels caused by unusually low tides have limited the movements of some of Venice's famous gondoliers in recent weeks, although the business has not dried up. One gondolier, Andrea Balbi, stated that there have been four exceptional low tides, and the water was so low in some canals that they had to steer away from them. Ambulance boats also had to tie up farther from their destination, and medical crews had to hand-carry stretchers since their vessels cannot progress up canals.The prolonged stretch of ebb tides is linked to a lingering high-pressure weather system over much of Italy, according to experts. The effects of the unusually dry winter are visible everywhere in Italy, where there is little snow for skiers on the Alps, and lakes and rivers are at levels normally seen at the end of summer.
In Venice, some of the city's canals have almost dried out for the last three weeks. "Low water levels in Venice are unheard of, especially at this time of the year," said Giovanni Cecconi, the president of the Venice Resilience Lab. While the lowest tide this month was 70 centimeters (around 28 inches) below the average sea level, it still has some way to go to beat the record set on Feb. 14, 1934, when the lowest tide recorded was 121 centimeters (47.6 inches) below sea level.The multibillion-dollar project known as Mose, introduced in 2020, appears to have solved the flooding problem that has plagued the city for centuries. The system of mobile flood barriers is able to isolate the Venetian lagoon from high tides. During low tides, the barriers could be used to stop the water from getting out of the lagoon, according to Cecconi.
"impossible to enter from the canal"
For the gondoliers, the main problem is getting customers on and off the gondolas. Balbi said the height between the boats and the docks was putting some people off. Restaurant manager Giovanni Fracassi added that the gap between his steps and the water had made it impossible to enter from the canal. Claudio Scarpa, the director general of the Venetian Hoteliers Association, said the low tides did bring some benefits. "It's the only time both we Venetians and tourists can visit monuments that are usually underwater, like the crypt in the Church of San Zaccaria," he said.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or False - Unusually low tides have limited the movements of some of Venice's gondoliers in recent weeks. T/F
b) True or False - The business of gondoliers has completely dried up due to low water levels. T/F
c) True or False - There was heavy snowfall on the Alps. T/F
d) True or False - According to Claudio Scarpa, the low tides in Venice have no benefits for the Venetians and tourists. T/F
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.
a) "Tides"
b) "Steer away"
c) "Lingering"
d) "Plagued"
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.
a) Tides:
b) Steer away:
c) Lingering:
d) Plagued:
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
1. Gondolier and Tourist:
You are a gondolier in Venice, and your job has been affected by the low water levels. You need to explain to a tourist why you can't take them through certain canals and how they can safely get on and off the gondola.
2. Ambulance Boat Crew and Patient:
You are part of a medical crew on an ambulance boat in Venice. Due to the low water levels, you can't reach your destination easily. You need to work with your team to hand-carry a stretcher with a patient and explain to them what's going on.
3. Restaurant Manager and Customer:
You are a restaurant manager in Venice, and you're facing challenges due to the low water levels. You need to explain to a customer why they can't enter the restaurant from the canal and offer alternative solutions.
4. Venetian Hoteliers Association Representative and Tour Guide:
You are a representative of the Venetian Hoteliers Association, and you want to promote the benefits of the low tides to a tour guide. You need to explain how tourists can visit monuments that are usually underwater and suggest some other activities they can do during their stay.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Present simple Tense - Venice is a popular tourist destination in Italy. What are some popular tourist destinations in your country and why?
Part 8: Critical Thinking - Travel Hotspots.
In groups discuss the most popular places for overseas tourists to visit in your country. Then create a presentation planning a 2 nights, 3 day trip to your country. Include the following with reasons to support your opinions:
1. Hotels - where should they stay?
2. Food - What type of food should they eat/try?
3. Places to visit - What popular places should the visit?
4. Activities - What else should they do?
Present to the class, then reach a consensus on the best plan or come up with a new plan together.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
The main idea of the article is that unusually low tides caused by a high-pressure weather system over much of Italy have limited the movements of some of Venice's famous gondoliers and ambulance boats. The effects of the low tides are visible everywhere in Italy, where lakes and rivers are at levels normally seen at the end of summer. The article also discusses the multibillion-dollar project known as Mose, which appears to have solved the flooding problem that has plagued Venice for centuries. The article was likely written to inform readers about the impact of low tides on Venice's famous canals and the measures taken to address the issue.
Part 2: True or False
A: True B: false C: False D: False
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
a) "Tides" Answer: I think this refers to the fluctuation of water levels in the canals and lagoon of Venice. Unusually low tides are causing challenges for gondoliers, ambulance boats, and other activities, as some canals almost dry out.
b) "Steer away" Answer: I think it means to change the direction of movement, usually to avoid something or to take a different path. In the context of the article you provided, when the gondoliers are mentioned as having to "steer away" from certain canals that had reduced water levels.
c) "Lingering" Answer: I think it means remaining in a place for a longer time than is usual or desirable. In the context of the article, it means that the high-pressure weather system has been present in Italy for a longer time than usual.
d) "Plagued" Answer: I think it means to be negatively affected or burdened by something that causes continuous problems, difficulties, or hardships. In the context of the article you provided, when it mentions that the city of Venice has been "plagued for centuries," it means that the city has been dealing with persistent and recurring problems, specifically referring to the issue of flooding that has been a challenge for many years.
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use - Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)
a) Tides: Every day, the beach experiences two high tides and two low tides, causing the water to come closer to the shore and then recede again.
b) Steer away: When I saw the big rock in the river ahead, I quickly steered the boat away to avoid hitting it.
c) Lingering: The aroma of freshly baked cookies lingered in the kitchen, tempting everyone to have a treat.
d) Plagued: My old computer was plagued with constant crashes and slow performance, making it difficult to get any work done.
Part 7: Writing (example)
Vietnam is a country brimming with captivating tourist destinations that cater to a range of interests. From the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay's limestone formations to the historical charm of Hoi An's lantern-lit streets, travelers can immerse themselves in diverse experiences. The vibrant cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi offer a blend of bustling markets, colonial architecture, and cultural sites that unveil Vietnam's rich history. For those seeking an authentic trekking experience, Sapa's terraced rice fields and ethnic minority communities provide a unique window into local life. Additionally, the coastal allure of Da Nang, the subterranean wonders of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, and the distinctive sand dunes of Mui Ne all contribute to Vietnam's appeal as a multifaceted and captivating destination.
