Halaman
CHAPTER 07
26
Natural Disasters
Kelas XI SMA/MA/SMK/MAK
Semester 2
CHAPTER 7
In this chapter you will:
- Read information text
- Have a discussion
- Learn to write information report
- Write an information report
Personal Connection
Have you ever witnessed an earthquake? What is the worst earthquake you
have ever experienced? What were you doing at that time? Describe your
experience.
Genre Connection
Report writing belongs to non-fiction genre. Report writing aims to classify
and describe the natural, cultural, scientific and technological phenomena
of our world (e.g. computers, earthquakes, floods, animals, habitats etc.) in
contrast to a description, which focuses on one specific thing. When you
write a descriptive text, you focus on describing one particular thing, for
example, “my computer”, but when you write a report text, you write about
computers in general, not only yours. Report texts are most common form
of writing faced by students especially in science. The purpose of report
writing is to give relevant and accurate information (Anderson, 1998).
Prereading Activities
27
Natural Disasters
Bahasa Inggris
Reading Activity
The Most Deadly Natural Hazards
Earthquakes
Technically, an earthquake (also known as tremor, quake or temblor) is a
kind of vibration through earth's crust. This vibration occurs as a result of powerful
movement of rocks in the earth's crust. These powerful movements trigger a rapid
release of energy that creates seismic waves that travel through the earth.
Earthquakes are usually brief, but may repeat over a long period of time. (
Earth
Science
. 2001)
Earthquakes are classified as large and small. Large earthquakes usually
begin with slight tremors but rapidly take form of violent shocks. The vibrations
from a large earthquake last for few days known as aftershocks. Small earthquakes
are usually slight tremors and do not cause much damage. Large earthquakes are
E
arthquakes – being among the most deadly natural hazards - strike without
any prior warning, leaving catastrophe in their wake with terrible loss of
human lives as well as economic loss.
Picture 7.1 (Source: seapcpco.blogspot.com)
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Kelas XI SMA/MA/SMK/MAK
Semester 2
known to take down buildings and cause death and injury (Richter, 1935).
According to some statistics, there may be an average of 500,000 earthquakes
every year but only about 100,000 can be felt and about 100 or so can cause
damage each year.
The study of earthquakes is called seismology. Seismology studies the
frequency, type and size of earthquakes. Earthquakes are measured using
observations by seismometers. The magnitude of an earthquake and its intensity
is recorded on a numerical scale known as Richter scale. On this scale, 3 or less is
hardly noticeable. Earthquakes with magnitude of more than 6.5 can cause heavy
damage (
Earth Science
. 2001).
The effects of an earthquake are strongest in the area which is near its
epicenter. The extent of the earthquake vibration and further damage to the
region is partly dependent on the features of the ground. The worst possible
damage occurs in the densely populated areas where structures are not built to
withstand intense shaking. Damage and loss of life incurred during earthquake is
due to falling buildings and flying glass and objects. In certain areas, an earthquake
can cause mudslides that can bury areas under it. Powerful submarine
earthquakes cause tsunami or a chain of fast moving waves in the ocean that
ripple outward from earthquake epicenter towards coastal areas causing
surmountable damage (http\\: www.USGS.Org). On an average, 1,000
earthquakes with intensities of 5.0 or greater are recorded each year.
Description and magnitude of earthquakes from the United States geological
survey (earthquake hazards program) :
Magnitude Description
of
Earthquakes
Average Earthquake Effects
Average Estimated
Frequency of
Occurrence/Year
Less than 2.0
Micro
Micro earthquakes are not felt by
people but are recorded by
seismograph.
Several Million/year
2.0-2.9
Minor
Generally not felt, but recorded.
No damages.
Over one million/ year
3.0-3.9
Light
Often felt, but rarely causes
damage.
Over 100,000/year
4.0-4.9
Light
Noticeable shaking of indoor items,
rattling noises. No significant
damage.
10,000 -15,000/year
5.0-5.9
Moderate
Can cause major damage to poorly
constructed buildings over small
regions. At most slight damage to
well-designed buildings. Casualties
range from none to a few.
1,000 -1,500 / year
6.0-6.9
Strong
Can be destructive in areas up to
about 100 miles across in
populated areas. Death toll ranges
from none to 25,000.
100-150/ year
7.0-7.9
Major
Can cause serious damage over
larger areas. Death toll from none
to 250,000.
10-20 / year
8.0 - 8.9
Great
Can cause serious damage in areas
several hundred miles across.
Building structures collapse -
skyscrapers are SERIOUS risk.
Death toll ranges from 1,000 to 1
million.
One /year
9.0
and
greater
Can
cause
near
or
total
destruction. Heavy damage and
shaking
extends
to
distant
locations. Death toll usually over
50,000.
One / 10 to 50 years
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Bahasa Inggris
As Indonesia is situated in the “Ring of Fire”, it is more prone to
earthquakes. According to United States geological survey (USGS, earthquake
hazards program), till now Indonesia has witnessed five great earthquakes with
the magnitude ranging from 8.5 to 9.1. These earthquakes caused major
destruction in the places they occurred. One of the major earthquakes that hit
Indonesia was “2004 Indian Ocean tsunami”. It was the deadliest natural disaster
in the area. Its magnitude was 9.1-9.3. Heavy loss of human lives was witnessed
and damage was felt as far as east coast of Africa (http\\: www.USGS.Org).
Earthquakes have been a source of terror to people since ancient times,
but only for the last few hundred years serious attempts have been made to
understand them. Many methods have been developed to predict earthquakes
despite all the research efforts by seismologists. The prediction cannot be made to
a specific day or month. In future perhaps scientists will be able to predict
earthquakes exactly but for now science has yet to provide answers.
Magnitude Description
of
Earthquakes
Average Earthquake Effects
Average Estimated
Frequency of
Occurrence/Year
Less than 2.0
Micro
Micro earthquakes are not felt by
people but are recorded by
seismograph.
Several Million/year
2.0-2.9
Minor
Generally not felt, but recorded.
No damages.
Over one million/ year
3.0-3.9
Light
Often felt, but rarely causes
damage.
Over 100,000/year
4.0-4.9
Light
Noticeable shaking of indoor items,
rattling noises. No significant
damage.
10,000 -15,000/year
5.0-5.9
Moderate
Can cause major damage to poorly
constructed buildings over small
regions. At most slight damage to
well-designed buildings. Casualties
range from none to a few.
1,000 -1,500 / year
6.0-6.9
Strong
Can be destructive in areas up to
about 100 miles across in
populated areas. Death toll ranges
from none to 25,000.
100-150/ year
7.0-7.9
Major
Can cause serious damage over
larger areas. Death toll from none
to 250,000.
10-20 / year
8.0 - 8.9
Great
Can cause serious damage in areas
several hundred miles across.
Building structures collapse -
skyscrapers are SERIOUS risk.
Death toll ranges from 1,000 to 1
million.
One /year
9.0
and
greater
Can
cause
near
or
total
destruction. Heavy damage and
shaking
extends
to
distant
locations. Death toll usually over
50,000.
One / 10 to 50 years
at SERIOUS risk.
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Kelas XI SMA/MA/SMK/MAK
Semester 2
Read the questions carefully. Note down your opinions and reactions to the
questions. During the discussion with your teacher and classmates offer your
personal reaction and understanding of the text.
1. Which of the following natural disasters do you think is the most horrifying:
earthquake, tsunamis, thunderstorms, or floods? Why?
2. What natural disaster have you experienced? Can you share what happened?
3. What is the worst earthquake that Indonesia has witnessed? How much
damage did it cause? How did you respond to the disaster? Explain.
4. Can you state an example of man made disaster?
5. What kinds of disasters are common in Indonesia?
6. What would you do if you knew there would soon be an earthquake and this
could be your last day on earth?
7. Do you know anything about the “Ring of Fire? Can you find information and
discuss it with your classmates?
8. If you could volunteer to help after a natural disaster, what would you do?
9. Do you think the world should be more concerned about natural disasters or
man made disasters? Discuss and give reasons to support your answer.
Discussion Notes :
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Bahasa Inggris
PERSONAL
JOURNAL WRITING
You meet a teenager who as a kid during 2004 tsunami suffered extreme
emotional loss and her family underwent tremendous financial loss. Step
in her shoes and perceive how she feels. Write down your reflections here.
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Kelas XI SMA/MA/SMK/MAK
Semester 2
An information report is a factual text that provides information about
different phenomena in our life. It is used as a way to gain better
understanding of different phenomena.
INFORMATION REPORT
An information report
Gives details
about a t
opic
Does not contain
personal views
Is usually written,
but can also be
presen
ted or
ally
Uses facts to
explain something
Based on
sy
stematic
observation
- Natural disaster
- Ocean animals
- Computer
- Pollution
- Wild animals
- Human beings
Examples of topics for Information report:
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Bahasa Inggris
Introductory paragraph
also known as general classification—it introduces
the topic/subject.
Body Paragraphs
----- A series of paragraphs that provide detailed
information on the topic.
- Paragraph 1 (description).
- Paragraph 2 (description).
- Paragraph 3 (description).
Information reports do not have an ending or a conclusion but rounds off
with a statement that summarizes the contents of the report.
Glossary:
it is placed at the end of the information report. It defines all the
technical terms or words used in the report. It is optional.
Bibliography:
It is a list of books, journals, magazines or websites used in
the report. It is optional.
(Knapp & Watkins, 1994)
Structure of an Information report:
Formal written reports usually follow a specific structure.
Text structure:
- General classification
- Technical classification
- Qualities/description of phenomenon
- Closing statement
- Glossary (optional)
- Bibliography (optional)
- Use of present tense such as
live, is, are, etc.
- Use of passive voice such as
is eaten, are grown, was written etc.
- Use of words which generalize...
all, many, none, most, etc.
- Use of relational verbs such as
have, consists of, is made up of, creates,
indicates etc.
- Use of technical vocabulary relevant to the subject
- Use of descriptive but factual language such as
color, shape, size, habits,
behaviors etc.
Sentence Structure:
Features of an information report:
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Kelas XI SMA/MA/SMK/MAK
Semester 2
Structure
Sentence structure
Example of Factual/information report
Cheetahs
Cheetahs are considered as the world's
fastest land animals. The word cheetah
comes from Sanskrit word “Citrakayah”
which means spotted or variegated body.
Cheetahs can be found in most parts of
Africa, Southern Asia and Middle East.
Cheetahs have lean and tall body unlike
leopards. Even though cheetahs are often
mistaken as leopards but their features
are totally different. One of the
distinguishing marks of cheetahs is their
teardrop shaped line on each side of their
nose that extends from corner of its eyes
to its mouth.
Their muscular and powerful bodies are
ideal for fast and short runs. They have
bendy flexible backs that aid them in
running. Cheetahs are designed for speed
and can run up to 45 miles/hour.
Cheetahs' feet are like running shoes and
have grips and spikes to dig into the
ground. During the sprint only one foot
touches the ground.
Paragraph 2
Description
Paragraph 1
Description
Introduction
General
Classification
Present tense
Passive voice
Relational
verbs
Even though cheetahs belong to the cat
family but their claws are semi-
retractable unlike any one of the cats.
Cheetahs are carnivores and eat animals
like gazelle, small antelopes, hares etc.
They use their long and heavy tails as a
stabilizer and single-mindedly pursue
their intended prey. Once the cheetah
has pounced, It knocks its victim off
Descriptive
but
factual
language
Paragraph 3
Description
Technical
language
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Bahasa Inggris
Technical
language
Conservationist
Endangered
Semi-retractable
Carnivores
Rear
Smith, Roff (2012) Cheetahs on edge,
National Geographic, November 2012
www. Cheetah.org
Locomotion dynamics of hunting in wild
cheetahs 2013, www.nature.com
References
Glossary
Words which
generalize
Closing
statement
Cheetahs are now an endangered species
and many conservationists are trying to
help protect the habitats of these
interesting creatures.
balance and grips it by the throat as it
falls. However, due to their weak jaws and
small teeth, cheetahs are not as effective
in killing their preys as quickly as lions and
leopards.
Female cheetahs give birth to an average
of three young ones that they rear by
themselves. Once fully grown, the
animals usually live alone, though males
sometimes form small groups. Most
cheetahs live about twelve to fifteen
years.
Descriptive
but
factual
language
Picture 7.2 (Source: Kemendikbud)
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Kelas XI SMA/MA/SMK/MAK
Semester 2
Word Power
Meaning
hazard
catastrophe
trigger
rapid
damage
incur
casuality
destructive
deadly
predict
\ˈhazəd\
\kəˈtastrəfi\
\ˈtrɪgə\
\ˈrapɪd\
\ˈdamɪdʒ\
\ɪnˈkəː\
\ˈka-zhəl-tē\
\di-ˈstrək-tiv\
\ˈded-lē\
\pri-ˈdikt\
Danger or risk.
An event causing sudden damage and
suffering.
An event that is cause of particular
action or situation.
Something happening in a short time or
at a great speed.
Physical harm that impairs the value or
usefulness of something.
Bring down upon yourself.
A person hurt or killed in war, natural
disaster, or an accident.
Causing a lot of damage.
Causing or able to cause death.
To say something that will happen in
future.
The 2004 Indian Ocean
tsunami triggered a series
of tsunamis that killed
over 20.000 people in
fourteen countries.
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Bahasa Inggris
Let’s Practice
A. Write a short information report about the solar system. Some information is
given in the graphic organizer below but you may have to refer to some books
on the solar system in order to complete the report.
Solar system
Formation of the solar system
Many theories but most
plausible is big bang theory
which is supported by most
scientists
What did most
scientists believe?
Most early scientists believed
that earth was center of
universe and everything
revolved around it.
Role of Sun in the solar system.
Holds the planets and
moons in space
Produces energy for the
solar system
Questions for further
research size of planets
conditions on other
planets
Solar system is made of
Planets & moons
Meteors & comets
B. The information in the following report got mixed up. Can you please
rearrange the text to create a meaningful report?
-
Tsunamis can cause death of many people. They cause destruction of the
environment and damage cities and towns.
- Tsunami is a Japanese word that means 'harbor wave'. These waves are
caused by an earthquake in the sea. They move towards the cities and towns
on the coastal area. They come with full force and destroy anything that
comes in their way.
- The sea floor moves when there is an earthquake and makes the water rise up
to the surface. The water travels in form of huge waves towards the land. As
the waves approach the land, they crash into the coast destroying everything
in its way.
- Tsunamis are known to cause extreme damage often wiping out the whole
area where they occur.
- Tsunamis are known to happen around Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean.
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Kelas XI SMA/MA/SMK/MAK
Semester 2
3. Fill in the blanks with the words given in the box:
1. My brother claims that he can ________________ the future.
2. The trash dump outside the housing complex is a health ________________.
3. Snake bites can be very ________________.
4. The tsunami was a major ________________ event in the lives of people living
in north Sumatra.
5. Chocolates are a known ________________ of migraine headaches.
6. We went canoeing through ________________ waters. It was such a thrill.
7. Cigarette smoking causes ________________ to lungs.
8. I am responsible for all the extra charges ________________ during the trip.
9. The Indian Ocean tsunami caused heavy ________________ in the coastal
areas.
10. Earthquakes are ________________ in nature.
catastrophic, deadly, damage, trigger, hazard, rapid,
incurred, casualties, destructive, predict
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Bahasa Inggris
Active Conversation
Choose one of the following situations to create a conversation and then using
role-play technique, reenact the conversation with your partner.
Situation No: 1
A leading newspaper journalist is writing an article on natural disasters in
Indonesia. He wants to interview you. Here are some sample questions that you
can use. If you want, you can make your own questions.
Hi, I am John Smith from “Who Cares”. I want to interview you about natural
disasters in Indonesia.
Hello, I am Yanti, yes, sure, go ahead.
Journalist:
1. What are most common disasters in Indonesia? Can you name some?
2. Do you prepare yourself before the disaster? Are there any kinds of
programs for disaster crisis management?
3. How are families affected by disasters? How are the problems solved
afterwards?
4. Does your family have a plan for what to do in the event of an earthquake?
5. Do you know anyone who has lived through a disaster such as an
earthquake or tsunami? How has this affected their life?
Situation No: 2
You are writing an information report on endangered species in Indonesia. Your
teacher invites an expert. You can ask him questions for your report. Here is a list of
sample questions; you can make your own questions if you want.
1. Which are more endangered animals or plants?
2. What do you think the government should do to protect endangered
species?
3. Can you tell us any success stories in preserving the endangered species?
4. Do you think it is important to educate people about endangered species?
5. Why are so many species becoming endangered?
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Kelas XI SMA/MA/SMK/MAK
Semester 2
Writing Connection
Write an information report on any one of the following topics. Use the format you
learnt in building blocks.
- Floods
- Bears and their habitats
- Lions
- Tropical forests
- Endangered animals of Indonesia
- Endangered flora of Indonesia
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Bahasa Inggris
Let’s Create/Contribute
Choose one of the activities given below:
1. Once your report from the writing connection is done, make visuals for your
report. Paste the report and visuals on an A3 paper to make a poster or you can
make a small information booklet with pictures and visuals. Present it in front of
your class. After that display it on the notice boards for other students to benefit
from it.
2. You and your partner have been asked to write an information report on ocean
animals. Use the graphic organizer below to fill in the information you will be
using. Once you are done filling in the organizer, use the information to write a
report. Print this report and display it on the wall in your classroom. Read some
reference books to get relevant information. You can present your report text
orally using the spoken style. Here are some expressions to help you create the
oral text:
- According to some experts.....
- No one knows for sure.......
- As far as I know.....
- From what I read........
- Generally speaking......
- It is believed that..........
Ocean animals
Paragraph 2
Closing statement
Introduction
Paragraph 1
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Kelas XI SMA/MA/SMK/MAK
Semester 2
Parent Connection
Retell the contents of your report to your parents and ask them to grade
your report. The rubric for grading will be provided by your teacher.
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Bahasa Inggris
I can do this.
Complete these statements:
1. The most interesting thing I learned in this chapter was
............................................................................................................
2. The part I enjoyed most was ........
3. I would like to find more about ........
4. The hardest part in this chapter was ........
5. I need to work harder at ........
Read the statements below and tick ( ) the option that is most
applicable to you.
The text was easy to understand.
I know how to write an
information report text
I will continue writing reflections.
I can write an information
report text
I like writing reflections.
Definitely
Maybe
No
Not at all
Yes
My plan to overcome difficulties of this chapter
Formative Assessment
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Kelas XI SMA/MA/SMK/MAK
Semester 2