Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- lavish /LAV-ish/
- decadent /DEK-uh-duhnt/
- affinity /uh-FIN-i-tee/
- commemorative /kuh-MEM-uh-rey-tiv/
- demographic /dem-uh-GRAF-ik/
[adjective] – characterized by richness, luxury, or extravagance
The wedding reception was lavish, with crystal chandeliers and gourmet cuisine.
[adjective] – marked by excessive self-indulgence, especially in food, luxury, or pleasure
The dessert table was filled with decadent cakes and pastries.
[noun] – a natural liking or attraction to something
She has an affinity for animals and volunteers at the local animal shelter.
[adjective] – intended to honor or preserve the memory of someone or something
The city erected a commemorative statue to honor its founders.
[adjective] – relating to the characteristics of a population, especially groups defined by age, income, education, etc.
Advertisers study demographic data to target specific consumer groups effectively.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In China, a recent trend has emerged with the increasing popularity of pet weddings. This phenomenon reflects a societal shift where people are choosing to celebrate their pets’ unions amidst a backdrop of declining marriage rates and an aging population. The lavish affair of Bree and Bond, two golden retrievers, exemplifies this trend, showcasing a meticulously planned event complete with a scenic outdoor venue, elegant attire, and a decadent cake.
The rise of pet weddings parallels a broader trend of elevated spending on pets. In 2023, expenditures on furry companions in China surged by 3.2% to 279.3 billion yuan ($38.41 billion) compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing importance of pets in Chinese households. This trend is driven by a younger demographic’s affinity for pets and a willingness to invest in their well-being and happiness. Rye Ling, Bree’s owner, commented on the significance of pet weddings, questioning why such celebrations should be limited to humans. Ling and his partner, Gigi Chen, who are not rushing into marriage themselves, invested months in planning the elaborate ceremony. They arranged for professional photography, designed commemorative booklets, and commissioned an 800-yuan custom cake adorned with figures resembling Bree and Bond. As of 2023, urban China boasted over 116 million cats and dogs, with a significant proportion of pet owners under the age of 40, according to Acuity Knowledge Partners’ research findings. This demographic trend underscores the evolving role of pets as cherished companions in modern Chinese society.
The rise of pet weddings parallels a broader trend of elevated spending on pets. In 2023, expenditures on furry companions in China surged by 3.2% to 279.3 billion yuan ($38.41 billion) compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing importance of pets in Chinese households. This trend is driven by a younger demographic’s affinity for pets and a willingness to invest in their well-being and happiness. Rye Ling, Bree’s owner, commented on the significance of pet weddings, questioning why such celebrations should be limited to humans. Ling and his partner, Gigi Chen, who are not rushing into marriage themselves, invested months in planning the elaborate ceremony. They arranged for professional photography, designed commemorative booklets, and commissioned an 800-yuan custom cake adorned with figures resembling Bree and Bond. As of 2023, urban China boasted over 116 million cats and dogs, with a significant proportion of pet owners under the age of 40, according to Acuity Knowledge Partners’ research findings. This demographic trend underscores the evolving role of pets as cherished companions in modern Chinese society.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever attended a unique celebration or event for a pet, like a birthday party or a wedding? If so, what was it like? If not, would you consider attending one? Why or why not?
- Have you noticed any changes in how people view pets in your area or country? If yes, how do you think these changes show how society is changing? If not, how do you think pets are becoming more important in our lives?
- Do you agree that spending on pets reflects their increasing importance in households?
- What do you think the rise of pet weddings reveals about societal changes in China, especially regarding attitudes towards marriage and pets?
- What are some potential positive and negative impacts of the growing trend of pet weddings on pet owners, businesses, and society as a whole?
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.
- wedding
- well-being
- celebrate
- significance
- phenomenon