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EnvironmentB1Passive voice

Olive ridley turtles nest in California

In historic first, tropical turtles spotted nesting on California beaches

Thursday, 24 September 2026

Illustrative photo: Brown turtle near body of water during daytime.
Illustrative photo: Brown turtle near body of water during daytime.
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Warm-up

  1. Have you ever seen a sea turtle, on TV or in person?
  2. What rules should people follow on wildlife beaches?
  3. How could warmer seas affect animals?

Vocabulary

nest
To lay eggs in a safe place and cover them for protection.
coastal
Relating to the sea and the land next to it.
document
To record or prove something with photos, notes or reports.
theory
An idea that tries to explain why something happens.
hatch
To break out of an egg after growing inside it.
predator
An animal that hunts and eats other animals.
fence
A barrier used to protect or separate an area.
hotline
A special phone number for reporting a problem or getting help quickly.

Reading

In a first for the US west coast, two olive ridley sea turtles were seen nesting on Orange county beaches in California. One was recorded near Seal Beach, and another on Huntington Beach. The cases were documented by officials and confirmed as two different turtles.

Olive ridleys usually nest much farther south, in Mexico and Central America. Scientists are discussing theories for the change, such as warmer coastal waters, recent hurricanes and El Niño. The eggs are expected to hatch in 45 to 60 days. Because temperature affects sex, very warm sand can produce mostly females.

The new nests have been surrounded by fences to reduce risks from predators, high tides and people. Locals are advised to keep at least 50 ft away and not interfere. To report a sighting, tell a lifeguard or call Noaa's marine animal stranding hotline. Rescued turtles can also be seen in rehabilitation tanks at an aquarium in Long Beach.

Original source

Comprehension

  1. Where in California were the two turtle nests found?
  2. Why are scientists surprised by these nestings?
  3. What are two theories for the northward nesting?
  4. How long might the eggs take to hatch?
  5. What should people do if they see a sea turtle?

Grammar focus

Passive voice

Use the passive to focus on the action or the person/thing affected, not who did it. Form: be + past participle (is/are/was/were + past participle).

  • One was recorded near Seal Beach.
  • The cases were documented by officials.

Grammar exercise

Complete each sentence with the correct passive form of the verb in brackets.

  1. Several sightings (record) ___ by volunteers this season.
  2. One nest (protect) ___ by a temporary fence now.
  3. The eggs (expect) ___ to hatch in 45 to 60 days.
  4. Rescued turtles (keep) ___ in rehabilitation tanks at a Long Beach aquarium.
  5. Locals (advise) ___ to keep at least 50 ft away from nests.

Discussion

  1. Should busy beaches close areas to protect nests? Why?
  2. How might warmer oceans change animal behaviour near you?
  3. What should visitors do if they see fenced wildlife areas?
  4. Are aquariums useful for education and rescue? Why or why not?
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