Lesson
Farmers Use Tech to Fight Slug Damage
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
Farmers in England are using new technology to predict slug infestations, reducing pesticide use and saving money. This initiative is part of a project aimed at better managing crop damage.
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Standard — Natural English
56 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
Farmers in England have a new tool to help with slugs that damage crops. They are using maps created by computers to find out where slugs are. This helps them use fewer pesticides and save money. Slugs can cost farmers a lot of money each year.Standard version (B1–B2)
In England, farmers are using modern technology to combat slugs that harm their crops. A project called Slimers has created slug prediction maps using computer models. These maps help farmers use pesticides more effectively, saving money and reducing environmental impact. Slug damage to crops like wheat and oilseed rape costs the UK nearly £44 million annually.Advanced version (C1–C2)
Farmers in England are leveraging modern technology to address the persistent issue of slug damage to crops. The Slimers project, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has developed slug prediction maps through computer modeling. These maps enable farmers to optimize pesticide application, thereby minimizing costs and environmental harm. Slug damage, particularly to wheat and oilseed rape, is estimated to cost the UK approximately £44 million each year, highlighting the significance of this innovative approach in sustainable agriculture.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
01What is the estimated cost of slug damage to crops in the UK?
02What is the name of the project that helps farmers predict slug infestations?
03How much has the Slimers project been funded for?
04Who worked alongside scientists in the Slimers project?
Discussion
How can technology further improve farming practices in the future?
Vocabulary
pesticide word
A chemical used to kill pests that harm crops.
“Farmers use pesticide to protect their plants from insects.”
infestation word
A large number of pests in a place, causing damage.
“The garden had an infestation of slugs that ruined the vegetables.”
algorithm word
A set of rules or calculations used to solve problems.
“The computer used an algorithm to predict where the slugs would be.”
crop word
Plants grown for food, like wheat or potatoes.
“The farmer harvested a good crop of wheat this year.”
monitoring word
Watching and checking something regularly.
“Monitoring the weather helps farmers know when to plant their seeds.”