Experience: I guard the Amazon rainforest
This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.
To look after (someone/ something)
To blame someone (for something)
Out of the question/ No question (of (doing) something)
To take matters into your own hands
To be complicit (in something)
15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.
1. What do you know about ‘the Guajajara’ and their history?
2. What problems have the Guajajara faced, and what motivated Olimpio to become a Guardian of the Forest?
3. What do the forest guardians do, and have they had any success?
4. Why does Olimpio think that this is such an important international issue?
5. ‘I support what the Guardians of the Forest are trying to achieve, but I don’t support their methods.’ Is this true for you?
6. ‘The world would be a better place if everybody lived like the Guajajara – they’re probably happier than us.’ Do you agree?
7. ‘The people who are destroying the forest are pure evil.’ Do you agree?
8. ‘There are similar environmental issues in my native country.’ Is this true for you?
9. ‘I’m not very engaged with nature. I never spend time in nature or appreciate its beauty.’ Is this true for you?
10. ‘Preserving old rituals and customs is pointless and often harmful.’ Do you agree?
11. ‘I would love to go on holiday in the Amazon region and swim in the Amazon river.’ Is this true for you?
12. ‘The international community should pay Brazil to protect their forest?’ Do you agree?
13. ‘Based on what was said in the article, the police in my native country are very different to the Police in Brazil.’ Is this true for you?
14. ‘School teachers should make sure that children are terrified about climate change.’ Do you agree?
15. ‘I’m not willing to make radical sacrifices in order to save the planet.’ Is this true for you?