Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What challenges do you think someone might face when dealing with a massive object like a retired airplane?
- Can you think of other ways to add convenience to unconventional living spaces?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee /
- massive /MAS-iv /
- feature /FEE-cher /
- convenience /kuhn-VEEN-yuhns /
- functional /FUHNGK-shuh-nl /
[adverb] – At the beginning; at first
Initially, I wanted to be a scientist, but later I decided to pursue a career in art.
[adjective] – extremely large and heavy
The elephant had a massive presence, filling the entire room with its size.
[noun] – a distinctive attribute or aspect of something
The main feature of the new phone is its impressive camera.
[noun] – the state of being able to proceed with something without difficulty
The convenience of online shopping has revolutionized the way we buy things.
[adjective] – designed to be practical and useful
The new software is not only visually appealing but also highly functional.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Bruce Campbell’s remarkable journey from acquiring a 10-acre piece of land in Hillsboro, Oregon, to converting a retired Boeing 727 into his distinctive home is a captivating story of ingenuity and resourcefulness. Initially planning to build a unique home from repurposed old freighters, Campbell’s course changed when he drew inspiration from Joanne Ussery, who had successfully transformed a Boeing 727 into a home in Mississippi. In 1999, Campbell took a daring step, purchasing a Boeing 727 from Olympic Airways for $100,000. However, the challenges persisted; transporting the massive aircraft from Athens, Greece, became a logistical puzzle, incurring additional costs of approximately $120,000. Despite the financial hurdles, Campbell remained steadfast, believing that the airplane’s unique features and potential for transformation justified every penny spent.
Upon settling on Campbell’s 10-acre plot, the Boeing 727 underwent a remarkable metamorphosis into a living space. Retaining original airplane elements such as seats and a toilet, modern comforts like a washing machine and sink were added, seamlessly blending aviation nostalgia with contemporary convenience. Campbell embraces a minimalist aircraft lifestyle, cleverly using plane parts for daily necessities like a futon, microwave, and toaster. His efficient diet centers around cereals and canned food. Beyond an engineer repurposing a plane, Campbell’s story showcases creative thinking, turning unconventional dreams into a functional Boeing 727 home—a unique blend of individuality and resourcefulness.
Upon settling on Campbell’s 10-acre plot, the Boeing 727 underwent a remarkable metamorphosis into a living space. Retaining original airplane elements such as seats and a toilet, modern comforts like a washing machine and sink were added, seamlessly blending aviation nostalgia with contemporary convenience. Campbell embraces a minimalist aircraft lifestyle, cleverly using plane parts for daily necessities like a futon, microwave, and toaster. His efficient diet centers around cereals and canned food. Beyond an engineer repurposing a plane, Campbell’s story showcases creative thinking, turning unconventional dreams into a functional Boeing 727 home—a unique blend of individuality and resourcefulness.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Why did Bruce Campbell change his plans from building a home using repurposed old freighters to converting a Boeing 727?
- What challenges did Bruce Campbell face when acquiring the Boeing 727 from Olympic Airways?
- How did Campbell blend aviation nostalgia with contemporary convenience in his converted airplane home?
- According to the article, what kind of lifestyle does Bruce Campbell embrace in his converted Boeing 727 home?
- How does the article describe Bruce Campbell’s story beyond just repurposing a plane?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a place with distinctive architecture or design? If so, describe your experience. If not, what type of distinctive place would you like to visit?
- Do you feel a sense of nostalgia when you see or experience things from the past, like old buildings or transportation methods? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that a touch of nostalgia in modern living spaces can make them more charming?
- How might embracing a more pragmatic lifestyle, similar to Campbell’s, positively impact the environment and resource use?
- In what ways do you think the concept of transformation applies to personal growth and development?