Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What are some everyday products or items that you rely on, and how do you think they are produced or sourced?
- When you hear about disruptions in international trade, such as suspensions of exports or imports, what do you think might be the reasons behind such actions?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- inspection /in-SPEK-shuhn/
- resumption /ri-ZUHMP-shuhn/
- back /bak/
- guarantee /gar-uhn-TEE/
- violence /VAHY-uh-luhns/
[noun] – the official examination or assessment carried out by authorities to ensure compliance with health standards or regulations
The restaurant underwent a thorough inspection to ensure food safety standards were met.
[noun] – the start of something again after it has stopped
After the holidays, the school announced the resumption of classes on Monday.
[verb] – to give support or approval to
The senator backed the new environmental legislation proposed by her colleagues.
[verb] – to ensure or make certain
The company guarantees that all products will be delivered on time.
[noun] – actions or words that are intended to hurt people
The increase in violence in the city has led to a greater police presence.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Michoacan Governor Alfredo Ramirez is hopeful that avocado shipments to the United States will restart soon. This comes after U.S. authorities stopped health inspections due to a security problem. Ramirez, speaking to Radio Formula, anticipated the lifting of the inspection suspension by midweek, aiming for resumption soon. The problem started last Friday when two Mexican inspectors from the U.S. embassy were reportedly held during a protest in Aranza, Michoacan. The protest backed local police.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar confirmed that the inspectors were attacked and held while checking avocados in Michoacan. He said their safety was in danger, so exports of avocados and mangoes stopped until more security was guaranteed. Despite Ramirez’s hope, Salazar said the suspension might continue until security problems are fixed, not because of health worries. Michoacan exports about $3.5 billion in avocados annually, mainly to the U.S., but exports sometimes pause due to violence by gangs. Ramirez said they are cooperating with the U.S. embassy to restart avocado exports quickly. The suspension of inspections shows how important avocados are economically for Michoacan and other countries. It also affects global farming markets. As both countries work on fixing the problem, people interested in avocados watch for news that could affect trade, which is important for Michoacan’s economy and global trade relations.
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar confirmed that the inspectors were attacked and held while checking avocados in Michoacan. He said their safety was in danger, so exports of avocados and mangoes stopped until more security was guaranteed. Despite Ramirez’s hope, Salazar said the suspension might continue until security problems are fixed, not because of health worries. Michoacan exports about $3.5 billion in avocados annually, mainly to the U.S., but exports sometimes pause due to violence by gangs. Ramirez said they are cooperating with the U.S. embassy to restart avocado exports quickly. The suspension of inspections shows how important avocados are economically for Michoacan and other countries. It also affects global farming markets. As both countries work on fixing the problem, people interested in avocados watch for news that could affect trade, which is important for Michoacan’s economy and global trade relations.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is Governor Alfredo Ramirez hopeful about regarding avocado shipments?
- Why did U.S. authorities stop health inspections, according to the article?
- What caused the initial suspension of avocado inspections?
- Why did U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar halt avocado and mango exports?
- What is the annual export value of avocados from Michoacan, mainly to the U.S.?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever witnessed a protest or demonstration in your community? If not, can you imagine what effect such events might have on local authorities and businesses?
- If you were a government official in Michoacan or a representative of the avocado industry, what steps would you take to reassure international markets about the safety and reliability of avocado exports?
- Do you agree with the statement that cooperation between countries is crucial for maintaining stable international trade relations?
- How could stopping avocado exports from time to time affect Michoacan’s economy and the people who live there in the long run?
- Considering the economic importance of avocados to Michoacan and the U.S., what ethical responsibilities do governments have to ensure the safety of inspectors and workers involved in international trade?