How Octopuses Change Colour – Teacher Answers

Teacher answer key

1. Warm-up: answers will vary.
2. Vocabulary: specialised = designed for a particular job; pigment = a substance that gives colour; contract = to become smaller or tighter; iridescent = showing changing colours in different light; texture = the way a surface feels or looks
3. Reading comprehension: 1) Coloured pigments. 2) By expanding or contracting specialised skin cells. 3) Reflect light and create shimmering or iridescent effects. 4) Any two: camouflage, communication, danger response. 5) Yes.
4. Grammar: 1) Chromatophores are skin cells that/which contain pigment.; 2) Some structures reflect light, which creates shimmering effects.; 3) Octopuses use patterns that/which can help them hide.; 4) Some species change skin texture that/which can resemble coral.
5. Listening script: “Scientists study octopus camouflage because it combines colour, pattern and texture. The animal does not need paint or external materials. Instead, nerves control tiny structures in the skin and can change the appearance in a fraction of a second.”
   Answers: 1) Colour, pattern and texture. 2) No. 3) Nerves. 4) In a fraction of a second.
6. Speaking: answers will vary.
7. Something fun: answers will vary.
8. Writing: answers will vary. Encourage students to use details from the lesson and accurate target language.

Puzzle/Game: answers will vary. Encourage students to use lesson vocabulary and explain their choices.

Success criteria: this is a student self-check. No single answer is required.

For open-ended tasks, accept different answers when students can explain or support them clearly.