Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What comes to mind when you hear the term “environmentally friendly transportation”?
- Have you ever heard of a “flying car” before? What do you imagine when you think about a car that can fly?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- revolutionary /rev-uh-LOO-shuh-ner-ee/
- indicate /IN-di-keyt/
- impressive /im-PRES-iv/
- emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/
- commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt /
[adjective] – bringing about a complete change; innovative or groundbreaking
The new smartphone features a revolutionary design, completely changing the way we interact with technology.
[verb] – to show, suggest, or express something
Dark clouds in the sky indicate that a storm may be approaching.
[adjective] – evoking admiration through size, quality, or skill; remarkable
Despite being a novice, she gave an impressive performance at the music recital.
[verb] – to give special importance or attention to something
To effectively convey the message, the speaker chose to emphasize key points during the presentation.
[noun] – a promise or dedication to a cause or activity
His consistent practice and dedication to learning the language showcase his strong commitment to becoming fluent.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Alef Aeronautics, a company dedicated to environmentally friendly transportation, has unveiled that it has received numerous advance orders for its revolutionary flying car. These pre-orders, encompassing deposits from both individual customers and business-to-business agreements, indicate a strong demand for this innovative mode of transport. Alef officially introduced its flying car on October 19, 2022, blending traditional car elements with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Pre-orders for Alef’s fully electric flying car, designed for on-road use with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, started on the same day through the company’s website, receiving an impressive response. On June 12, 2023, Alef achieved a milestone by securing a limited Special Airworthiness Certificate from the FAA, making it the first traditional electric car to do so. The CEO, Jim Dukhovny, expressed excitement about the strong demand, thanked customers for positive feedback, and emphasized Alef’s dedication to revolutionizing transportation despite the journey ahead before deliveries commence.
Based in San Mateo, CA, Alef was founded in 2015 in Palo Alto by Jim Dukhovny, Konstantin Kisly, Pavel Markin, and Oleg Petrov. Specializing in sustainable electric transportation, it’s supported by notable investors like Draper Associates, Impact VC, Draper B1, Bronco Ventures, and Strong VC. Recently, Alef announced a fundraising round, underscoring its commitment to advancing flying car technology. With a Special Airworthiness Certificate and significant pre-orders, Alef’s success emphasizes its dedication to pushing transportation innovation boundaries.
Based in San Mateo, CA, Alef was founded in 2015 in Palo Alto by Jim Dukhovny, Konstantin Kisly, Pavel Markin, and Oleg Petrov. Specializing in sustainable electric transportation, it’s supported by notable investors like Draper Associates, Impact VC, Draper B1, Bronco Ventures, and Strong VC. Recently, Alef announced a fundraising round, underscoring its commitment to advancing flying car technology. With a Special Airworthiness Certificate and significant pre-orders, Alef’s success emphasizes its dedication to pushing transportation innovation boundaries.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What makes Alef’s flying car revolutionary, and how does it differ from traditional cars?
- How did Alef customers express their interest in the flying car, and what does this indicate about the market?
- What achievement did Alef reach on June 12, 2023, and why is it significant for the company?
- Who founded Alef Aeronautics, and what does the company specialize in?
- How does Alef emphasize its commitment to advancing flying car technology, as mentioned in the article?
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?