Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- officially /uh-FI-shuh-lee/
- commence /kuh-MENS/
- backed by /bakt bahy/
- notable /NOH-tuh-buhl/
- boundary /BOUN-duh-ree/
[adverb] – according to established rules or customs; in a formal and authorized manner
The school officially announced the date for the upcoming exam.
[verb] – to begin; to start
The graduation ceremony will commence at 10 AM tomorrow.
[phrasal verb] – supported by; having financial support or endorsement from
The innovative project was backed by several influential investors.
[adjective] – worthy of attention or notice; remarkable
The artist received an award for her notable contributions to contemporary art.
[noun] – a dividing line; a limit or border
The river serves as a natural boundary between the two countries.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Alef Aeronautics, a company focused on sustainable transportation, has revealed that it has received a significant number of pre-orders for its groundbreaking flying car. These pre-orders, which include deposits from individual customers and business-to-business agreements, signal a strong market demand for this innovative mode of transportation. Alef officially introduced its flying car on October 19, 2022, featuring a combination of traditional car elements with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. The company started accepting pre-orders on the same day through its website, resulting in an impressive response. In a remarkable development on June 12, 2023, Alef achieved a milestone by becoming the first traditional electric car to secure a limited Special Airworthiness Certificate from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). This fully electric flying car, designed for on-road use and capable of vertical takeoff and landing with accommodation for one or two occupants, has garnered significant attention. Jim Dukhovny, the CEO of Alef, expressed enthusiasm about the robust demand for the flying car and thanked customers for their positive feedback. Despite acknowledging the journey ahead before deliveries commence, Dukhovny emphasized Alef’s dedication to revolutionizing transportation.
Alef, based in San Mateo, CA, was founded in 2015 in Palo Alto by Jim Dukhovny, Konstantin Kisly, Pavel Markin, and Oleg Petrov. Specializing in sustainable electric transportation, it’s backed by notable investors like Draper Associates, Impact VC, Draper B1, Bronco Ventures, and Strong VC. Recently, Alef announced a fundraising round, highlighting its commitment to advancing flying car technology. With a Special Airworthiness Certificate and significant pre-orders, Alef’s success underscores its dedication to pushing transportation innovation boundaries.
Alef, based in San Mateo, CA, was founded in 2015 in Palo Alto by Jim Dukhovny, Konstantin Kisly, Pavel Markin, and Oleg Petrov. Specializing in sustainable electric transportation, it’s backed by notable investors like Draper Associates, Impact VC, Draper B1, Bronco Ventures, and Strong VC. Recently, Alef announced a fundraising round, highlighting its commitment to advancing flying car technology. With a Special Airworthiness Certificate and significant pre-orders, Alef’s success underscores its dedication to pushing transportation innovation boundaries.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever officially represented your school at an event? If so, what was it? If not, would you like to? Why or why not?
- Have you ever pre-ordered a product? If so, what was it, and were you satisfied with your purchase? If not, would you consider pre-ordering something in the future?
- Do you agree that sustainable transportation is crucial for the future?
- How do you think the introduction of flying cars could impact traditional transportation methods, like cars and airplanes?
- Considering the growing interest in sustainable transportation, what challenges do you think companies like Alef might face in revolutionizing transportation?
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.
- reveal
- pre-order
- milestone
- investor
- innovation