©REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- founder /FOUN-der/
- collaborate /kuh-LAB-uh-reyt/
- avenue /AV-uh-nyoo/
- hectic /HEK-tik/
- venture /VEN-cher/
[noun] – someone who establishes an organization
The founder of the company had a vision that revolutionized the industry.
[verb] – to work with someone else for a special purpose
The researchers decided to collaborate on a groundbreaking study exploring climate change’s impact on marine ecosystems.
[noun] – a method or way of doing something
Learning a new language can be an avenue to broaden cultural understanding and connect with diverse communities worldwide.
[adjective] – full of activity, or very busy and fast
The office was in a hectic state as everyone rushed to meet the project deadline before the end of the day.
[noun] – a new activity, usually in business, that involves risk or uncertainty
The tech startup was an ambitious venture, aiming to revolutionize the market with its innovative yet risky approach to online security.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Parisians seeking stress relief now have a unique way to unwind: “puppy yoga.” This innovative concept combines traditional yoga exercises with the joy of cuddling adorable puppies. The idea behind Puppy Yoga Paris, founded by Ella Rubinski, aims to provide relaxation and happiness to busy city dwellers, especially those who cannot keep pets due to long work hours or limited space in their homes.
At Puppy Yoga Paris, participants enjoy 20 minutes of yoga followed by 40 minutes of playtime with adorable puppies, such as ten Golden Retrievers. Founder Ella Rubinski notes its appeal to busy Parisians in small spaces, aiming to create a relaxing environment through the presence of these delightful animals. Each week, Puppy Yoga Paris conducts multiple sessions featuring purebred puppies and kittens aged between six to 12 weeks. The sessions cost 35 euros before but increased to 45 euros this year. Ella Rubinski has collaborated with local breeders who rent out the animals for these sessions, where the puppies stay for a few hours before departing in the evening. Encouraged by the rising interest, Rubinski has opened a similar center in Madrid and plans to establish more centers across France in 2024, hoping to spread the joy of yoga coupled with playful puppies to more people. This novel concept, blending yoga with playful puppies, aims to provide a unique avenue for relaxation and happiness, catering to the needs of busy Parisians seeking relief from their hectic lifestyles. Ella Rubinski’s vision includes expanding this venture across France, offering more individuals the opportunity to experience the combined benefits of yoga and the delightful presence of young animals.
At Puppy Yoga Paris, participants enjoy 20 minutes of yoga followed by 40 minutes of playtime with adorable puppies, such as ten Golden Retrievers. Founder Ella Rubinski notes its appeal to busy Parisians in small spaces, aiming to create a relaxing environment through the presence of these delightful animals. Each week, Puppy Yoga Paris conducts multiple sessions featuring purebred puppies and kittens aged between six to 12 weeks. The sessions cost 35 euros before but increased to 45 euros this year. Ella Rubinski has collaborated with local breeders who rent out the animals for these sessions, where the puppies stay for a few hours before departing in the evening. Encouraged by the rising interest, Rubinski has opened a similar center in Madrid and plans to establish more centers across France in 2024, hoping to spread the joy of yoga coupled with playful puppies to more people. This novel concept, blending yoga with playful puppies, aims to provide a unique avenue for relaxation and happiness, catering to the needs of busy Parisians seeking relief from their hectic lifestyles. Ella Rubinski’s vision includes expanding this venture across France, offering more individuals the opportunity to experience the combined benefits of yoga and the delightful presence of young animals.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever engaged in a unique form of stress relief or relaxation, similar to puppy yoga, that helped you manage your busy schedule or brought joy into your life? If yes, what was it, and how did it impact your mood or stress levels? If not, would you consider participating in an activity like puppy yoga for relaxation? Why or why not?
- Can you recall a moment when interacting with animals positively affected your mental well-being or brought happiness into your routine? How did this experience influence your mood or stress levels? If you haven’t experienced this before, how do you think animal interaction might impact stress relief or relaxation?
- Do you agree that innovative approaches like puppy yoga can significantly contribute to stress relief and relaxation for individuals living in busy urban areas?
- Do you agree with the concept of renting animals from local breeders for sessions like puppy yoga? What ethical considerations might arise from this practice?
- Considering the expansion plans of Ella Rubinski’s concept to other cities in France and abroad, what challenges or cultural differences might arise in introducing puppy yoga to new communities? How could these challenges be addressed?
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.
- adorable
- breeder
- unwind
- innovative
- purebred