Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- coastline /KOHST-lahyn/
- random /RAN-duhm /
- interaction /in-ter-AK-shuhn/
- tendency /TEN-duhn-see/
- catastrophe /kuh-TAS-truh-fee/
[noun] – the particular shape of the coast, especially as seen from above, from the ocean, or on a map
The coastline stretches for miles.
[adjective] – happening, done, or chosen by chance rather than according to a plan:
We looked at a random sample of 120 families.
[noun] – an occasion when two or more people or things communicate with or react to each other
The interaction between the two groups produced many good ideas.
[noun] – if someone has a tendency to do or like something, they will probably do it or like it
He has a tendency to forget things.
[noun] – a sudden event that causes very great trouble or destruction
The flood was a major catastrophe.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The idea of “blue spaces,” which was initially discovered by researchers ten years ago, is proving to be a potent, useful tool for mental health.
In the past 10 years, boarding a ship has grown in popularity, but now this kind of mindfulness exercise usually takes place from the comfort of one’s home or a therapist’s office rather than on the deck of a ship. However, the UK nonprofit Sea Sanctuary thinks the way it combines treatment and aquatic activities for mental health assistance is particularly effective. The charity has been planning excursions along the Cornwall coastline since 2006 as a proponent of “blue health,” the idea that being in or close to blue areas like rivers, lakes, and the sea improves our mental well-being. When 20,000 people were asked to record their emotions at random intervals by University of Sussex academics over ten years ago, the idea of “blue health” was born. Over a million replies were gathered, and it was discovered that people were by far the happiest in blue areas. An increasing tide of mental health illnesses has been connected to the decrease in interaction between people and nature. An increasing body of research shows that nature and human health are inextricably intertwined, both physically and mentally.
Our healthcare systems have a strong tendency to treat issues as they arise. Spending more money on health promotion and preventative measures is necessary. Health, climate catastrophe, urban livability, flooding, water quality, biodiversity, and community cohesion would all benefit from enhancing our blue spaces.
In the past 10 years, boarding a ship has grown in popularity, but now this kind of mindfulness exercise usually takes place from the comfort of one’s home or a therapist’s office rather than on the deck of a ship. However, the UK nonprofit Sea Sanctuary thinks the way it combines treatment and aquatic activities for mental health assistance is particularly effective. The charity has been planning excursions along the Cornwall coastline since 2006 as a proponent of “blue health,” the idea that being in or close to blue areas like rivers, lakes, and the sea improves our mental well-being. When 20,000 people were asked to record their emotions at random intervals by University of Sussex academics over ten years ago, the idea of “blue health” was born. Over a million replies were gathered, and it was discovered that people were by far the happiest in blue areas. An increasing tide of mental health illnesses has been connected to the decrease in interaction between people and nature. An increasing body of research shows that nature and human health are inextricably intertwined, both physically and mentally.
Our healthcare systems have a strong tendency to treat issues as they arise. Spending more money on health promotion and preventative measures is necessary. Health, climate catastrophe, urban livability, flooding, water quality, biodiversity, and community cohesion would all benefit from enhancing our blue spaces.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you like going to blue spaces? Why or why not?
- When was the last time you went to the beach? Could you tell me about it?
- Would you like to live near blue spaces when you are old? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that spending more money on health promotion and preventative measures is necessary?
- What do you think of spending your vacation near blue spaces?
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.
- initially
- potent
- therapist
- proponent
- necessary