©REUTERS/Phil Noble
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- avenue /AV-uh-nyoo/
- exhibit /ig-ZIB-it/
- recognition /rek-uhg-NISH-uhn/
- evaluation /ih-val-yoo-EY-shuhn/
- spark /spahrk /
[noun] – a method or way of doing something
The incorporation of practical projects within the curriculum provides an innovative avenue for learning at school.
[verb] – to show something publicly
Her impressive skills in mathematics were exhibited during the school’s annual competition.
[noun] – if you are given recognition, people show admiration and respect for your achievements
His exceptional leadership skills earned him recognition as the Employee of the Month.
[noun] – the process of judging or calculating the quality, importance, amount, or value of something
The evaluation of student performance occurs at the end of each semester.
[verb] – to cause or initiate a certain level of attention or interest
The intriguing question sparked a lively discussion among the students.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Woodchurch High School near Liverpool introduced a farm 13 years ago, giving urban students a chance to experience farming life. This farm has helped students explore various agricultural careers and connect with nature. The school, located in Birkenhead near Liverpool, has witnessed its past students pursuing careers as dairy farmers and veterinarians, crediting the farm for guiding them towards their life’s work.
Situated in an area facing economic challenges, the school’s farm serves as a haven for students. With social mobility at an all-time low in the UK, limiting people’s opportunities to progress financially, the farm provides a crucial avenue for students to learn about professions and people outside their urban environment. Headteacher Rebekah Phillips emphasized the importance of offering opportunities for young people to showcase their skills and grow emotionally and socially. The farm at Woodchurch High School is not just a place for animals; it is a platform for students to exhibit their abilities. Each year, students participate in significant county shows, displaying the skills they have gained from caring for various animals like sheep, alpacas, goats, pigs, and chickens. The farm manager, Linda Hackett, highlighted the warm reception and support received from farming communities. Former students, like Sophie Tedesco, who now works as a dairy farmer, credit the school for exposing them to the world of agriculture. The farm gained recognition for conserving endangered North Ronaldsay sheep, supporting the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s goals. Despite benefiting students and the community, it is regrettable that academic evaluations overlook its significance, as shared by Headteacher Phillips. Proudly, she noted the farm’s unblemished record, save for an incident involving a child feeding a sheep a potato chip, which sparked some attention.
Situated in an area facing economic challenges, the school’s farm serves as a haven for students. With social mobility at an all-time low in the UK, limiting people’s opportunities to progress financially, the farm provides a crucial avenue for students to learn about professions and people outside their urban environment. Headteacher Rebekah Phillips emphasized the importance of offering opportunities for young people to showcase their skills and grow emotionally and socially. The farm at Woodchurch High School is not just a place for animals; it is a platform for students to exhibit their abilities. Each year, students participate in significant county shows, displaying the skills they have gained from caring for various animals like sheep, alpacas, goats, pigs, and chickens. The farm manager, Linda Hackett, highlighted the warm reception and support received from farming communities. Former students, like Sophie Tedesco, who now works as a dairy farmer, credit the school for exposing them to the world of agriculture. The farm gained recognition for conserving endangered North Ronaldsay sheep, supporting the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s goals. Despite benefiting students and the community, it is regrettable that academic evaluations overlook its significance, as shared by Headteacher Phillips. Proudly, she noted the farm’s unblemished record, save for an incident involving a child feeding a sheep a potato chip, which sparked some attention.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever participated in activities outside your usual environment that broadened your understanding of different professions or ways of life? If so, how did it impact your perspective? If not, what kind of activity would you be interested in exploring?
- Have you ever been involved in any form of agricultural or environmental activity, such as gardening, animal care, or conservation projects? If so, what was your experience like? If not, what kind of involvement in these areas would interest you?
- Do you agree with Headteacher Phillips’ emphasis on the importance of providing opportunities for young people to showcase their skills outside of academic evaluations?
- How might the school’s farm contribute to addressing issues of limited social mobility in areas facing economic challenges? What role could practical experience play in this scenario?
- Considering the recognition the farm gained for conserving endangered sheep, do you think more emphasis should be placed on acknowledging such non-academic achievements within educational institutions? How might this impact students and their overall learning experiences?
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.
- agricultural
- veterinarian
- dairy farmer
- significance
- platform