©REUTERS/Jose Manuel Ribeiro/File Photo
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced Italian culture firsthand, perhaps through travel or local events? What aspect of Italian culture left a lasting impression on you?
- In your view, how do historical symbols and landmarks contribute to a nation’s identity and global reputation?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- voyage /VOI-ij/
- contemporary /kuhn-TEM-puh-rer-ee/
- demonstration /dem-uhn-STREY-shuhn/
- distinguished /dih-STING-gwisht/
- ambassador /am-BAS-uh-der/
[noun] – a long journey, especially by ship
The ancient mariner’s voyage across the vast ocean lasted over two years.
[adjective] – existing or happening now, and therefore seeming modern
The architect’s design is a blend of contemporary aesthetics and sustainable materials.
[noun] – the act of showing someone how to do something or how something works
The scientist conducted a demonstration of the experiment to illustrate the principles
of physics to the students.
[adjective] – used to describe a respected and admired person, or their work
The distinguished scientist received numerous awards for his groundbreaking research.
[noun] – an important official who works in a foreign country representing his or her own
country there, and who is officially accepted in this position by that country
The ambassador hosted a reception to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The Amerigo Vespucci, celebrated as Italy’s most splendid ship, is embarking on a worldwide journey honoring its homeland. Officials have announced that this voyage will include special exhibitions showcasing Italian culture and products at various ports. The vessel, named after the renowned explorer who gave America its name, is a naval ship launched in 1931. Its three masts are adorned with 2,700 square meters (29,000 square feet) of sails, and it carries a crew of over 260 sailors and trainees. Departing from Genoa last July, it began its first global voyage in two decades, visiting more than 30 ports across five continents to enhance crew training.
Italy will inaugurate villages and national exhibitions at eight ports, beginning in Los Angeles, as announced by the defense ministry. Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized the historical significance of Vespucci to Italy, reimagining it as a contemporary symbol. Additional events are planned in cities like Tokyo, Singapore, Mumbai, and Darwin. Pavilions in the main squares will showcase cooking demonstrations, lectures, exhibitions, and tours of the Vespucci. The Los Angeles event will feature Italy’s Frecce Tricolori aerobatics team. The Vespucci plans to return to Italy by March 2025, having completed about half of its scheduled stops. Commander Giuseppe Lai, speaking from the vessel near Mexico via video link, highlighted its deep connection with global Italian communities and its role as a distinguished ambassador for Italy.
Italy will inaugurate villages and national exhibitions at eight ports, beginning in Los Angeles, as announced by the defense ministry. Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized the historical significance of Vespucci to Italy, reimagining it as a contemporary symbol. Additional events are planned in cities like Tokyo, Singapore, Mumbai, and Darwin. Pavilions in the main squares will showcase cooking demonstrations, lectures, exhibitions, and tours of the Vespucci. The Los Angeles event will feature Italy’s Frecce Tricolori aerobatics team. The Vespucci plans to return to Italy by March 2025, having completed about half of its scheduled stops. Commander Giuseppe Lai, speaking from the vessel near Mexico via video link, highlighted its deep connection with global Italian communities and its role as a distinguished ambassador for Italy.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is the name of Italy’s most splendid ship mentioned in the article?
- When was the Amerigo Vespucci launched?
- How many sails does the Amerigo Vespucci have?
- How many sailors and trainees are on board the Amerigo Vespucci?
- How many ports will the Amerigo Vespucci visit on its current voyage?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever been on a boat or ship? If so, describe your experience. If not, would you be interested in taking a voyage on a historic ship like the Amerigo Vespucci? Why or why not?
- If you were to participate in a global voyage like the Amerigo Vespucci, what aspects of your own culture would you showcase to people from different countries?
- Do you agree that historical artifacts like the Amerigo Vespucci can play a significant role in promoting a country’s culture internationally?
- How do you think the presence of the Amerigo Vespucci and its exhibitions in various international ports could impact the perception of Italy’s maritime history and culture among people from different backgrounds?
- What potential benefits and drawbacks can you foresee in using a historic ship like the Amerigo Vespucci as a platform for cultural diplomacy and international relations?