©REUTERS
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How important is it to preserve traditional events?
- What are some ways you personally try to reduce your environmental impact in daily life?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- parade /puh-REYD/
- standard /STAN-derd/
- turnout /TURN-out/
- shift /shift/
- host /hohst/
[noun] – a public procession or celebration, often with people walking or in vehicles, typically held to mark a special event
The children watched the colorful parade pass by their school.
[noun] – a level of quality
The new standards for safety were implemented across all factories.
[noun] – the number of people attending an event or participating in an activity
The turnout for the charity event was higher than expected, with hundreds of people attending.
[noun] – a change or movement from one state, position, or situation to another
There was a significant shift in public opinion following the new policy announcement.
[verb] – to organize and hold an event or activity
The hotel agreed to host the conference for the international business group.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A lively parade of amphibious cars sailed through Amsterdam’s canals, marking the final time this event will be held in the city under the current rules. Starting in 2025, Amsterdam will enforce new environmental standards, allowing only emission-free boats and vehicles in its waterways. This new rule presents a big challenge for amphibious cars, which cannot meet the standards due to the heavy weight of their electric batteries.
Roy Bolks, the organizer of the event, confirmed that the parade, which started in Amsterdam and included stops in Monnickendam and Utrecht, ended in the city on August 1. This year’s parade saw an exceptional turnout, with 100 participants—more than the usual 80—joining in. Bolks mentioned that there was even a waiting list because of the high demand. The shift to electric amphibious vehicles is proving difficult, Bolks noted, as there are only a few such vehicles available. These vehicles are hard to handle mainly because their batteries are too large and heavy. Although future technology might make it possible for these unique cars to return to Amsterdam, this progress has not happened yet. The amphibious car parade, which started in 1987 and has been held in Amsterdam four times, will continue in other parts of the Netherlands. Friesland is expected to host the event in the future, providing a beautiful setting for the parade.
Roy Bolks, the organizer of the event, confirmed that the parade, which started in Amsterdam and included stops in Monnickendam and Utrecht, ended in the city on August 1. This year’s parade saw an exceptional turnout, with 100 participants—more than the usual 80—joining in. Bolks mentioned that there was even a waiting list because of the high demand. The shift to electric amphibious vehicles is proving difficult, Bolks noted, as there are only a few such vehicles available. These vehicles are hard to handle mainly because their batteries are too large and heavy. Although future technology might make it possible for these unique cars to return to Amsterdam, this progress has not happened yet. The amphibious car parade, which started in 1987 and has been held in Amsterdam four times, will continue in other parts of the Netherlands. Friesland is expected to host the event in the future, providing a beautiful setting for the parade.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where did the parade start and end?
- How many participants joined this year’s parade?
- What challenge do amphibious cars face with the new environmental standards?
- How often has the amphibious car parade been held in Amsterdam?
- What is the main reason why electric amphibious vehicles are difficult to handle?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever participated in or attended a unique event or parade? If so, what was it about, and how did you feel about it? If not, would you like to participate in such an event? Why or why not?
- Have you ever faced a challenge related to environmental standards or regulations? If so, what was the challenge, and how did you handle it? If not, how do you think you would handle such a challenge if faced with it in the future?
- Do you think it is fair to enforce stricter environmental standards on events like the amphibious car parade?
- What are some possible benefits of having electric vehicles in Amsterdam’s canals instead of traditional ones?
- How do you think Amsterdam’s new environmental regulations will impact tourism and local businesses?