I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。
Have you ever tried to grow a plant at home?
Do you think farmers face challenges when growing crops?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。
weather /WETH-er/
[noun] – the state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, such as temperature, rain, and wind The cold weather this winter has delayed several flights at the airport.
season /SEE-zuhn/
[noun] – a specific period of the year characterized by certain weather conditions Rising temperatures and shorter winter seasons have affected ski resorts.
pest /pest/
[noun] – an insect or small animal that damages crops or annoys people Farmers are using natural methods to control pests in their vegetable fields.
reach /reech/
[verb] – to rise to a particular level or amount In 2023, oil prices reached nearly $100 per barrel, prompting some companies to invest in alternative energy sources.
loan /lohn/
[noun] – money that is borrowed and must be paid back with interest Many university students rely on loans to pay for their tuition fees.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。
Cocoa farming in Indonesia is facing serious problems due to climate change and financial struggles. Cocoa trees need stable temperatures, proper humidity, and enough sunlight to grow well. Because of this, extreme weather can have a big impact. Rising temperatures, longer rainy seasons, and more pests have reduced cocoa production. This has led some farmers to switch to other crops, lowering the cocoa supply and increasing prices. In 2024, cocoa prices reached about $12,000 per ton, causing some chocolate companies to explore lab-made cocoa.As Indonesia is the third-largest cocoa producer, businesses and organizations have taken steps to help farmers. Groups like Krakakoa are teaching farmers better methods such as pruning, grafting, and using organic fertilizers to improve growth and reduce disease. Many farmers are also planting crops like bananas, coffee, and pepper alongside cocoa trees to earn extra income. Additionally, some farmers have joined cooperatives that provide low-interest loans for financial support. The Indonesian government has also worked with Mars, Incorporated, to create a new cocoa variety that offers better yields. While these efforts help, some farmers still face financial risks. Experts believe ongoing teamwork can improve cocoa farming in Indonesia.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。
In 2024, cocoa prices dropped to their lowest point in years.
Indonesia is the largest cocoa producer in the world.
Krakakoa is teaching farmers to improve their farming methods.
Cocoa trees need stable temperatures, proper humidity, and enough sunlight to grow well.
Rising temperatures, longer rainy seasons, and more pests have increased cocoa production.
Fill in the blanks:
Choose the correct word from the table, then fill in the blanks.
適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。
weather
seasons
pests
reached
loans
The fruit orchard suffered heavy damage because of invading ______ this summer.
The ______ was perfect for a picnic, with clear skies and a cool breeze.
Longer dry ______ have caused water shortages in many areas.
The bank offers low-interest ______ to help small businesses grow.
The company’s sales ______ record-breaking levels during the holiday season.
