Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- educator /EJ-oo-key-ter/
- aesthetic /es-THET-ik/
- monetary /MON-i-ter-ee/
- tarnish /TAHR-nish/
- indispensable /in-di-SPEN-suh-buhl/
[noun] – a person who teaches or is involved in education
The educator gave a talk on new ways to support student learning.
[adjective] – related to beauty or how something looks
The museum changed its layout to improve the aesthetic experience for visitors.
[adjective] – related to money or financial value
The artist’s work had little monetary value but was emotionally important.
[verb] – to lose shine or become dirty or discolored, especially for metal
The silver spoon began to tarnish after being left out for days.
[adjective] – very important and necessary
Clean water is indispensable for a healthy life.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
As the value of gold continues to increase in global markets, many consumers are placing greater importance on maintaining their jewelry. Jewelry experts in the United States, including educators at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, emphasized that improper storage and handling can lead to damage, diminishing both aesthetic appeal and monetary worth. Jewelry pieces, such as rings, necklaces, and earrings, require different care depending on their materials and how they are worn. This concern has gained relevance as more individuals begin to view jewelry not only as accessories but as long-term investments. According to Jewelers of America, knowing the type of jewelry and the materials used is fundamental, since no universal method suits all items.
Experts recommended several methods to protect and preserve jewelry over time. For example, storing pieces separately can prevent scratches, while gentle at-home cleaning using mild soap and water can revive shine without the use of abrasive substances. Specialists warned against using bleach or placing jewelry in high-sulfur environments, such as near gas stoves, which can tarnish metals like sterling silver. For gemstone care, professionals referred to the Mohs scale, a scientific tool that measures hardness, to determine durability. Hard stones like diamonds are more resilient, while softer ones like pearls need delicate handling. Proper maintenance is considered indispensable for both sentimental and economic reasons, particularly as intricate craftsmanship and legacy designs become more cherished in modern society.
Experts recommended several methods to protect and preserve jewelry over time. For example, storing pieces separately can prevent scratches, while gentle at-home cleaning using mild soap and water can revive shine without the use of abrasive substances. Specialists warned against using bleach or placing jewelry in high-sulfur environments, such as near gas stoves, which can tarnish metals like sterling silver. For gemstone care, professionals referred to the Mohs scale, a scientific tool that measures hardness, to determine durability. Hard stones like diamonds are more resilient, while softer ones like pearls need delicate handling. Proper maintenance is considered indispensable for both sentimental and economic reasons, particularly as intricate craftsmanship and legacy designs become more cherished in modern society.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever received or bought a piece of jewelry that was special to you? If so, what kind of jewelry was it, and why was it important? If not, what kind of jewelry would you like to have, and why?
- Have you ever cleaned or taken care of your own jewelry or a family member’s jewelry? If so, how did you do it? If not, are you interested in learning how to clean jewelry? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that jewelry should be treated as an investment, not just as an accessory?
- What problems could happen if people ignore expert advice about jewelry care?
- Why might handmade or old jewelry become more valuable over time?
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.
- gold
- global market
- consumer
- jewelry
- expert