Vocabulary
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- scarce /skairs/
- soar /sawr/
- fraction /FRAK-shuhn/
- fertilizer /FUR-tl-ahy-zer/
- commotion /kuh-MOH-shuhn/
[adjective] – not easy to find or get
The scarcity of fresh food has caused prices to increase.
[verb] – to rise very quickly to a high level
Soon, air pollution will soar above safe levels.
[noun] – a small part of something, or a small amount
They can create it for a fraction of the price of traditional techniques.
[noun] – a natural or chemical substance that is spread on the land or given to plants, to make plants grow well
Using natural fertilizer can help crops grow more quickly than using chemical fertilizer.
[noun] – a sudden, brief period of noise, confusion, or excited movement
There was a commotion brought on by the crowd waiting outside.
Article reading
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
All throughout the world, food is becoming more expensive and, occasionally, even more scarce. People are being forced everywhere to adjust to the new conditions, which occasionally entails modifying their diets.
Sri Lanka
Annual food inflation – 75.8% in June
Income spent on food – 29.6%
Everything is in low supply, including food, gasoline, and medications. Even some with successful careers struggle to make basic purchases. However, jackfruit trees are becoming a popular alternative food source for many Sri Lankans.
Nigeria
Annual food inflation – 22% in July
Income spent on food – 59.1%
Poor harvests and increased demand during the pandemic soared globally due to poor harvests and increased demand. The majority of a bakery’s ingredients in Nigeria are imported. But since a loaf of bread costs a fraction of what it does in Europe, price rises are considerably more difficult to bear.
Peru
Annual food inflation – 11.59% in July
Income spent on food – 26.6%
A series of strikes that started in April as farmers and transportation workers protested rising gasoline and fertilizer prices severely impacted the food supply. Families received eggs to use in their home kitchens as the price of oil skyrocketed. But now, there are currently no eggs either.
Jordan
Annual food inflation – 4.1% in June
Income spent on food – 26.9%
Chicken farmers agreed to a limit until the conclusion of Ramadan. But they had to increase prices at the beginning of May, which led to a strike. Then the commotion on social media started. A resident was pleased to see the demonstration had an impact but expressed concern that it had not addressed the root of the problem.
Sri Lanka
Annual food inflation – 75.8% in June
Income spent on food – 29.6%
Everything is in low supply, including food, gasoline, and medications. Even some with successful careers struggle to make basic purchases. However, jackfruit trees are becoming a popular alternative food source for many Sri Lankans.
Nigeria
Annual food inflation – 22% in July
Income spent on food – 59.1%
Poor harvests and increased demand during the pandemic soared globally due to poor harvests and increased demand. The majority of a bakery’s ingredients in Nigeria are imported. But since a loaf of bread costs a fraction of what it does in Europe, price rises are considerably more difficult to bear.
Peru
Annual food inflation – 11.59% in July
Income spent on food – 26.6%
A series of strikes that started in April as farmers and transportation workers protested rising gasoline and fertilizer prices severely impacted the food supply. Families received eggs to use in their home kitchens as the price of oil skyrocketed. But now, there are currently no eggs either.
Jordan
Annual food inflation – 4.1% in June
Income spent on food – 26.9%
Chicken farmers agreed to a limit until the conclusion of Ramadan. But they had to increase prices at the beginning of May, which led to a strike. Then the commotion on social media started. A resident was pleased to see the demonstration had an impact but expressed concern that it had not addressed the root of the problem.
Discussion Questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What food is a must-have in your meals? Why is it always included in your meals?
- What was the largest amount of money you spent on food? Please tell me more about it.
- If the food you eat in your normal diet is lacking, what would be your alternatives?
- Do you think inflation in the countries mentioned in the article will decrease?
- How do you think inflation affects wages, savings, and investments in the countries mentioned in the article?
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.
- occasionally
- medications
- considerably
- strike
- impact