©REUTERS/Nicoco Chan
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- anticipation /an-tis-uh-PEY-shuhn/
- grace /greys /
- venture /VEN-cher/
- pursuit /per-SOOT/
- attribute /uh-TRIB-yoot/
[noun] – a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen in the near future
The students waited in eager anticipation for the announcement of the exam results.
[verb] – to bring honor or charm to something; to adorn with beauty or elegance
The blooming flowers graced the garden with vibrant colors.
[noun] – a risky or daring journey or undertaking
Starting a small business can be a challenging venture, but it can also bring great rewards.
[ noun] – the action of seeking to achieve a goal or aim
His relentless pursuit of knowledge led him to explore various fields of study.
[verb] – to regard as resulting from a specified cause or source; to credit something to a particular factor
The team’s success can be attributed to their hard work and effective collaboration.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Amidst an air of anticipation, Shanghai Disney Resort unfolded a momentous chapter in its entertainment narrative with the grand unveiling of its enchanting Zootopia-themed attraction on a crisp Wednesday morning. This marks a significant stride for Disney as the resort introduces its first-ever Zootopia-themed site, augmenting the allure of the already captivating Shanghai Disney Resort, which first opened its doors in 2016. The resort had previously expanded its magical offerings in 2018 with the introduction of a captivating Toy Story-themed attraction, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for immersive and family-friendly experiences. Zootopia, the endearing animated film that graced Chinese cinemas in 2016, has etched its place as one of the highest-grossing imported animated films in the country. This cinematic success has paved the way for the creation of the latest thematic venture within the sprawling grounds of Shanghai Disney Resort. Notably, the resort has become a beacon of joy, drawing visitors seeking shared adventures, especially as domestic travel and experiential pursuits are witnessing a notable resurgence post-pandemic.
The impact of this rekindled enthusiasm for life’s joyful moments was evident in Walt Disney’s recently released fourth-quarter earnings report. A remarkable 31% growth in its Experiences division, which encompasses theme parks, was attributed to the increased attendance at Shanghai and Hong Kong parks, with Shanghai Disney Resort being a standout contributor to this positive trend. In this collaborative venture, the resort stands as a testament to the harmonious partnership between Disney and the Chinese state-owned Shendi Group, which proudly holds a 57% stake, further underscoring the collaborative magic that brings this immersive world to life.
The impact of this rekindled enthusiasm for life’s joyful moments was evident in Walt Disney’s recently released fourth-quarter earnings report. A remarkable 31% growth in its Experiences division, which encompasses theme parks, was attributed to the increased attendance at Shanghai and Hong Kong parks, with Shanghai Disney Resort being a standout contributor to this positive trend. In this collaborative venture, the resort stands as a testament to the harmonious partnership between Disney and the Chinese state-owned Shendi Group, which proudly holds a 57% stake, further underscoring the collaborative magic that brings this immersive world to life.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a Disney-themed attraction or resort, such as Shanghai Disney Resort or others? If yes, what was your experience like? If not, would you be interested in visiting one in the future? Why or why not?
- Considering the impact of the Zootopia-themed attraction on Shanghai Disney Resort’s increased attendance and the overall growth in Disney’s Experiences division, do you believe themed attractions play a significant role in attracting visitors post-pandemic? If yes, how do you think such experiences contribute to people’s desire for shared adventures? If not, what other factors do you think might be influencing the resurgence in attendance at places like Shanghai Disney Resort?
- Do you believe that the addition of the Zootopia-themed attraction will further enhance Shanghai Disney Resort’s appeal and draw more visitors?
- Reflecting on the growth in Disney’s Experiences division attributed to increased attendance at Shanghai and Hong Kong parks, what other factors do you believe contribute to the success of theme parks in the post-pandemic era? How might these factors differ across various regions and cultures?
- In the context of the joint venture between Disney and the Chinese state-owned Shendi Group at Shanghai Disney Resort, how do you think cultural collaborations impact the success and appeal of theme parks on a global scale? What challenges and benefits might arise from such partnerships, and how might they influence the thematic choices made for attractions like Zootopia?
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.
- stake
- attendance
- grand
- notable
- unfold