Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。
- Have you ever seen or heard about the baobab tree?
- Have you ever participated in tree-planting or conservation activities?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。
- recent /REE-suhnt/
- manage /MAN-ij/
- seed /seed/
- provide /pruh-VAHYD/
- helpful /HELP-fuhl/
[adjective] – happening or starting from a short time ago
The recent rainfall has helped revive the dry crops in the fields.
[verb] – to succeed in doing or dealing with something, especially something difficult
She managed to finish the project on time despite the tight deadline.
[noun] – a small, usually hard part of a plant from which a new plant can grow
She planted the tomato seeds in the garden and watched them grow into healthy plants.
[verb] – to supply or offer something that is needed or beneficial
The community garden provides fresh vegetables for local residents.
[adjective] – willing to help, or useful
The guide was very helpful, showing us all the hidden spots in the city.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。
The baobab tree is famous for looking like it is growing upside-down and has always been interesting because its origins were not well understood. Recent research, using studies of its genes and its living environment, found that the baobab tree started in Madagascar about 21 million years ago. The tree managed to reach Africa and Australia because its seeds could travel over the ocean. The baobab is very important for both nature and people. It grows in dry areas called savannahs, where it provides food, homes, and places for animals to build nests. Local people also find the baobab very useful because they can eat its fruit and use its leaves and flowers for medicine. The tree can hold a lot of water in its trunk, which is very helpful during dry times. The roots of the baobab help keep the soil healthy and bring back nutrients, making the tree vital for a healthy environment.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。
- The baobab tree is famous for its right-side-up appearance.
- Recent research suggests the baobab tree started in Australia.
- Local people find the baobab tree useful.
- Recent research has provided insights into the baobab tree’s evolutionary history.
- The baobab is not important for nature or people.
Fill in the blanks:
Choose the correct word from the table then fill in the blanks.
適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。
| recent | manage | seed | provide | helpful |
- Despite the heavy snow, he __________ to arrive at the meeting safely.
- Our team conducted a review of the __________ literature on climate change.
- The forest __________ habitat for various wildlife species.
- Finding a quiet place to study was _________ for improving my concentration.
- The farmer collected the sunflower __________ to use for planting next season.