©David Almeida via AP
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- biodiversity /bahy-oh-di-VUR-si-tee/
- meadow /MED-oh/
- commission /kuh-MISH-uhn/
- extraordinary /k-STRAWR-dn-er-eea/
- stewardship /STOO-erd-ship/
[noun] – the number and types of plants and animals that exist in a particular area
The rainforest has high biodiversity with many animals and plants.
[noun] – a field with grass and often wild flowers in it
The cows ate grass in the quiet meadow.
[noun] – a work or project that someone was officially asked or hired to do
The school gave her a commission to write a song for the graduation.
[adjective] – very unusual, special, or surprising
The museum had an extraordinary collection of old maps.
[noun] – the way in which someone takes care of something
Good stewardship of nature helps protect animals and trees.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park is a large and historic garden in Long Island, New York. It is a 409-acre estate that began in 1913, when William Robertson Coe, a businessman from England, and his wife, Mai Rogers Coe, who came from a wealthy family, bought the land. They wanted a peaceful country home. The estate, called Coe Hall, has a large Tudor-style mansion and gardens designed by famous landscape architects. The Olmsted Brothers, who were well-known in America for designing parks, continued the work after the original landscape designer died. Planting Fields is special because it still has the original size and design, unlike other estates that were changed into golf courses or houses. A new book gives more information about the site and includes photos, drawings, and essays from experts.
The park is not only historic but also changing with the times. A revitalization project is in progress to improve biodiversity by planting native species. For example, the famous double row of European beech trees has been replaced with oak trees that are better for the environment. Meadows that were often cut are now only mowed once or twice a year to support local wildlife. A new garden will also be designed by Piet Oudolf, a well-known expert from the Netherlands. The park is the largest living commission by the Olmsted Brothers, which makes it extraordinary in the United States. The stewardship team hopes visitors will understand the importance of keeping the past alive while helping nature grow.
The park is not only historic but also changing with the times. A revitalization project is in progress to improve biodiversity by planting native species. For example, the famous double row of European beech trees has been replaced with oak trees that are better for the environment. Meadows that were often cut are now only mowed once or twice a year to support local wildlife. A new garden will also be designed by Piet Oudolf, a well-known expert from the Netherlands. The park is the largest living commission by the Olmsted Brothers, which makes it extraordinary in the United States. The stewardship team hopes visitors will understand the importance of keeping the past alive while helping nature grow.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a large garden or park with many plants and trees? If so, what did you like about it? If not, where would you like to go?
- Have you seen a place change to help the environment? If yes, what changed? If not, what changes could help nature in your town?
- Do you agree that parks should keep their original designs?
- How can changes in park maintenance, like less mowing, help animals?
- What are the possible challenges of protecting both nature and history at the same 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.
- wealthy
- well-known
- species
- environment
- wildlife