Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- surge /surj/
- notable /NOH-tuh-buhl/
- sector /SEK-ter/
- intriguing /uhn-TREE-guhng/
- demure /dih-MYOOR/
[noun] – a sudden and great increase
There was a surge in online sales during the holiday season.
[adjective] – important and deserving attention, because of being very good or interesting
She made a notable contribution to the project’s success.
[noun] – a distinct part or subdivision of a society, economy, or activity
The technology sector has seen significant growth over the past decade.
[adjective] – very interesting because of being unusual or mysterious
The scientist made an intriguing discovery about the behavior of the species.
[adjective] – reserved, modest, or shy in appearance or behavior
Her demure personality made her stand out in the loud crowd.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On December 10, 2024, Google published its 2024 “Year in Search” report, showcasing the top trending searches worldwide. This annual report highlighted the topics and events that experienced the highest surge in search volume compared to the previous year. Sports, particularly soccer and cricket, dominated global searches, with events like Copa América, the UEFA European Championship, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup leading the list. The United States election was the most searched news event, reflecting heightened global interest in political developments. In addition, searches related to extreme heat and the Olympic Games were among the most notable news topics. In the entertainment sector, Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2 “and Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” topped trending movie and TV show searches, respectively. The most searched individuals who passed away this year included the late Liam Payne, Toby Keith, and O.J. Simpson.
Google’s report also revealed intriguing cultural and regional trends. Queries about the Olympic Village’s chocolate muffin, made popular by Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, led global recipe searches. In the United States, users explored topics such as the term “demure” and the “mob wife aesthetic.” Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” dominated music searches globally. The “Connections” puzzle by “The New York Times” ranked as the most searched game. Google collected data for this report from January 1 to November 23, 2024, showcasing evolving global interests. Other organizations, such as Spotify, Collins Dictionary, and Merriam-Webster, also contributed to 2024’s retrospectives, underlining the collective curiosity and shifting cultural patterns of the year.
Google’s report also revealed intriguing cultural and regional trends. Queries about the Olympic Village’s chocolate muffin, made popular by Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, led global recipe searches. In the United States, users explored topics such as the term “demure” and the “mob wife aesthetic.” Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” dominated music searches globally. The “Connections” puzzle by “The New York Times” ranked as the most searched game. Google collected data for this report from January 1 to November 23, 2024, showcasing evolving global interests. Other organizations, such as Spotify, Collins Dictionary, and Merriam-Webster, also contributed to 2024’s retrospectives, underlining the collective curiosity and shifting cultural patterns of the year.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever searched for trending topics online? If so, what kind of topics do you usually look for? If not, what kind of topics would you be curious to search for?
- Have you ever been interested in a big sports event like the World Cup or the Olympics? If so, what was your favorite part of the event? If not, which type of event would you like to learn more about?
- Do you agree that online searches are a good way to understand what people care about most during a particular year?
- Why do you think sports like soccer and cricket are so popular in global searches?
- Do you think it’s important to track online searches to understand what’s trending? Why or why not?
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.
- dominate
- organization
- contribute
- cultural pattern
- global interest