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photo Tara Benwell Instructions:
  1. Preview the vocabulary and read the gapfill text.
  3. Answer the comprehension questions by writing full sentences.

E. Coli Outbreak Leaves Hundreds Ill In Germany

dateline: 31 May 2011

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

  • E. Coli: Escherichia Coli; a type of bacteria that inhabits the intestines; dangerous strains result in severe infections
  • outbreak: a sudden large occurrence of something
  • contaminate: infect a clean, pure, or healthy thing
  • potentially: has the possibility to happen
  • ban: to no longer allow

E. Coli Outbreak leaves Hundreds Ill in Germany
At least ten people have died, and hundreds have become due to an E. Coli outbreak in Germany. Most of those who have been affected by the strain are adults who live or have travelled to Germany. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce have been found to be contaminated with the potentially deadly bacteria. The bacteria attacks the intestine and affects the blood, kidneys, and sometimes the nervous system. It is where the outbreak originated, but investigators say that some of the contaminated cucumbers were shipped from Spain and in Germany. Cases have also been reported in Sweden, Denmark, and the UK. Some countries banning imported produce from Spain and Germany.

Comprehension Questions

  1. Where did this strain of bacteria originate?
  2. Why does the report mention Sweden?
  3. Which areas of the body does this bacteria affect?

Discussion Question: Have you ever had food poisoning? What symptoms did you have? How did you figure out which food was contaminated?

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Written by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub

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