Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- surge /surj/
- labor /LEY-ber/
- soar /sawr/
- interest /IN-ter-ist/
- maintain /meyn-TEYN/
[verb] – to increase suddenly and strongly
The taxi fare surged from $12 at 4:00 p.m. to $20 after 5 p.m. because of the rush hour.
[noun] – work, especially hard physical work
The new town hall will require many hours of labor.
[verb] – to rise very quickly to a high level
The TV show’s ratings soared from 4% in the first episode to 20% in the last.
[noun] – money that is charged by a bank or other financial organization for borrowing money
Lower interest rates will directly impact the bond market.
[verb] – to express firmly your belief that something is true
The man maintains that he paid all his taxes.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The United States (US) heating bills are expected to surge this winter as energy prices rise, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) says. Compared to last winter, American households that use natural gas for heating will have to pay 30% more in October-March. “As we have moved beyond what we expect to be the deepest part of the pandemic-related economic downturn, growth in energy demand has generally outpaced growth in supply,” EIA Acting Administrator Steve Nalley said in a statement.
Natural gas is abundant in the US, but prices have doubled this year from coronavirus-related dips partly because the country was not able to stockpile enough last winter. According to EIA’s forecasts, households that use propane – mainly in the South, the Northeast, and Midwest, United States- will spend $631 more for heating this winter. Additionally, users of heating oil could expect to pay $1,734 more. Prices in both cases would be significantly higher if the winter is colder than average. The gas hike will be hitting many cities such as Chicago, which depends heavily on central heating in the winter season. Meanwhile, supply chain issues and labor shortages contribute to US inflation. The prices of meat, cars, clothing, gasoline, and appliances have all soared. Some believe the US Federal Reserve will have to raise interest rates soon to control prices, but the central bank maintains that the recent spikes will soon pass.
Natural gas is abundant in the US, but prices have doubled this year from coronavirus-related dips partly because the country was not able to stockpile enough last winter. According to EIA’s forecasts, households that use propane – mainly in the South, the Northeast, and Midwest, United States- will spend $631 more for heating this winter. Additionally, users of heating oil could expect to pay $1,734 more. Prices in both cases would be significantly higher if the winter is colder than average. The gas hike will be hitting many cities such as Chicago, which depends heavily on central heating in the winter season. Meanwhile, supply chain issues and labor shortages contribute to US inflation. The prices of meat, cars, clothing, gasoline, and appliances have all soared. Some believe the US Federal Reserve will have to raise interest rates soon to control prices, but the central bank maintains that the recent spikes will soon pass.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- When was the last time energy prices surged in your country?
- How do households in your country keep warm during winter?
- If you were a US citizen, what steps would you take to help reduce your heating costs?
- Do you think buying energy-efficient appliances is a good way to save money?
- As humans, why do you think it is important for us to take care of natural resources? (water, air, natural gas)
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- household
- economic
- abundant
- double
- recent