Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- aesthetic /es-THET-ik/
- purification /pyoor-uh-fi-KEY-shuhn/
- fluctuating /FLUHK-choo-ay-tuhng/
- necessitate /nuh-SES-i-teyt/
- infrequent /in-FREE-kwuhnt/
[noun] – the visual appeal or beauty of something
The restaurant improved its aesthetics by adding warm lighting and stylish furniture.
[noun] – the process of removing impurities or contaminants
Water purification systems ensure that drinking water is safe and free from harmful substances.
[adjective] – changing or varying irregularly over time
The fluctuating weather conditions made it difficult to plan an outdoor event.
[verb] – to make something necessary or required
The new safety regulations necessitate additional training for all employees.
[adjective] – not occurring often or regularly
The bus service in rural areas is infrequent, making it difficult for residents to commute.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Indoor plants have gained popularity in modern office spaces, particularly those with limited natural light. Many workplaces incorporate greenery to enhance aesthetics, improve air quality, and promote well-being. Studies from NASA and the American Society for Horticultural Science indicate that certain plants contribute to air purification by absorbing toxins. Additionally, research by the University of Exeter highlights that office plants increase productivity and reduce stress. However, maintaining plants in windowless spaces presents challenges due to insufficient sunlight and fluctuating indoor temperatures. Common office conditions, such as artificial lighting and inconsistent humidity levels, necessitate the selection of resilient, low-maintenance plant species that can adapt to such environments.
Several plant varieties thrive under artificial lighting and require minimal upkeep. The pothos (Epipremnum aureum), known for its cascading vines, and the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), recognized for its glossy leaves, flourish in low-light conditions. The Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) offers variegated foliage, adding a decorative element to office spaces. The snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) stands out for its vertical growth and ability to withstand infrequent watering. The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) tolerates artificial lighting and temperature variations, while air plants (Tillandsia) require no soil and only occasional misting. Despite the misconception surrounding air ferns (Sertularia argentea), which are not living plants, genuine low-light species contribute to a more inviting and vibrant workspace. The integration of indoor plants into office environments fosters an atmosphere that supports both aesthetic appeal and employee well-being.
Several plant varieties thrive under artificial lighting and require minimal upkeep. The pothos (Epipremnum aureum), known for its cascading vines, and the ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), recognized for its glossy leaves, flourish in low-light conditions. The Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) offers variegated foliage, adding a decorative element to office spaces. The snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) stands out for its vertical growth and ability to withstand infrequent watering. The cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) tolerates artificial lighting and temperature variations, while air plants (Tillandsia) require no soil and only occasional misting. Despite the misconception surrounding air ferns (Sertularia argentea), which are not living plants, genuine low-light species contribute to a more inviting and vibrant workspace. The integration of indoor plants into office environments fosters an atmosphere that supports both aesthetic appeal and employee well-being.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever had a plant in your home or workplace? If so, what kind of plant was it? How did you take care of it? If not, would you like to have one? Why or why not?
- Have you ever been in a place that had many indoor plants? If so, how did it make you feel? If not, where do you think would be a good place to add plants?
- Do you agree that plants should be included in all office spaces, even if they are difficult to maintain?
- Some people believe that artificial plants are just as good as real plants in office spaces. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- What are some possible challenges of having plants in an office, and how could they be solved?
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.
- species
- temperature
- workplace
- natural light
- indoor plant