©REUTERS/Mike Blake
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What ways do people nowadays come together or connect to initiate relationships or build connections?
- How important do you believe the initial meeting or encounter is when forming a new connection or relationship?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- waterproof /WAW-ter-proof/
- extreme /ik-STREEM/
- appeal /uh-PEEL/
- praise /preyz/
- kindness /KAHYND-nis/
[adjective] – not allowing water to go through
The jacket is waterproof, so you won’t get wet in the rain.
[adjective] – very large in amount or degree
The extreme temperature made it difficult to go outside during the heatwave.
[noun] – the quality of being interesting or attractive
The movie’s universal appeal drew audiences of all ages to the theater.
[verb] – to express admiration or approval of the achievements or characteristics of a person or thing
She praised her colleague for his exceptional dedication to the project.
[noun] – the quality of being kind
Her kindness towards strangers brightened their day and warmed their hearts.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In Santa Monica, near Los Angeles, a new way of dating called Icebreakers is gaining attention. This event, led by Kyle Cassidy and Aryan Davani, founders of IcePass, brings singles together through ice baths. They aim to create conversations and connections among people who are submerged in very cold pools while wearing swimwear.
Icebreakers begin with meditation and music to set a unique atmosphere. Participants, paired randomly, engage in brief three-minute conversations guided by questions on waterproof cards while in 37 degrees Fahrenheit (2.78°C) water. Caitlyn Moyer, a 25-year-old dancer, struggled initially with the extreme cold but connected with her partner, 27-year-old engineer Miles Gibson, through eye contact. Gibson’s attendance was not solely for finding love but to embrace new experiences, illustrating the event’s appeal to various individuals, including athletes using ice baths for muscle recovery. Although Icebreakers focuses on making connections rather than just finding romance, it has led to seven couples going on further dates, and three relationships are still going strong. Kyle Cassidy advises participants to embrace the experience and let connections happen naturally. Whitney Hancock, a 36-year-old mental health worker, praised the unexpected closeness she felt with 39-year-old video producer Dustin Steward during their ice bath time, despite the discomfort of the cold water. She highlighted Steward’s kindness during their interaction.
Icebreakers begin with meditation and music to set a unique atmosphere. Participants, paired randomly, engage in brief three-minute conversations guided by questions on waterproof cards while in 37 degrees Fahrenheit (2.78°C) water. Caitlyn Moyer, a 25-year-old dancer, struggled initially with the extreme cold but connected with her partner, 27-year-old engineer Miles Gibson, through eye contact. Gibson’s attendance was not solely for finding love but to embrace new experiences, illustrating the event’s appeal to various individuals, including athletes using ice baths for muscle recovery. Although Icebreakers focuses on making connections rather than just finding romance, it has led to seven couples going on further dates, and three relationships are still going strong. Kyle Cassidy advises participants to embrace the experience and let connections happen naturally. Whitney Hancock, a 36-year-old mental health worker, praised the unexpected closeness she felt with 39-year-old video producer Dustin Steward during their ice bath time, despite the discomfort of the cold water. She highlighted Steward’s kindness during their interaction.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is Icebreakers, and where is it gaining attention, according to the article?
- Who are the founders of IcePass, the organizers of Icebreakers?
- What is the main activity that participants engage in during Icebreakers?
- How do participants begin the Icebreakers event, according to the article?
- How are participants paired during the Icebreakers event?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever joined a different or special event like Icebreakers where people do something unique to connect? If yes, how did you feel when you first tried it? If not, would you think about trying an event like Icebreakers? Why or why not?
- Can you share any unconventional or unique dating trends that you’ve come across, either in your local area or elsewhere?
- Do you think events like Icebreakers, which focus on uncommon experiences, can create stronger connections compared to regular dates?
- What do you think about using extreme or uncomfortable situations like freezing water in Icebreakers to bring people closer? Do you think it really helps people connect? Why or why not?
- How could events like Icebreakers change how people usually date or interact socially? What parts of society do you think these events might influence or change?