Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What kind of weather do you like the most? Why?
- If you could grow your own food, what would you like to plant?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- contradictory /kon-truh-DIK-tuh-ree/
[adjective] – if two or more facts, pieces of advice, etc. are contradictory, they are very different
His story was contradictory to the facts in the report. - pervasive /per-VEY-siv/
[adjective] – present or noticeable in every part of a thing or place
The smell of food was pervasive in the small kitchen. - onerous /ON-er-uhs/
[adjective] – difficult to do or needing a lot of effort
Cleaning the classroom every day was an onerous job. - volatile /VOL-uh-tl/
[adjective] – likely to change suddenly and unexpectedly
The weather in April is often volatile and hard to predict. - astute /uh-STOOT/
[adjective] – able to understand a situation quickly and see how to take advantage of it
The astute student asked a smart question during class.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Corn farmers across the Midwest experienced a difficult growing season in 2025 as changing weather created problems during a critical stage of crop development. In Michigan, Robb Rynd and his brother, who manage over 200 acres, explained that the corn had brown leaves and missing kernels, leading to an uncertain harvest. Reports from the U.S. Department of Agriculture showed that drought affected nearly 60% of corn-growing regions at the beginning of the year, but late rains reduced the figure to 3% by August. Experts from Iowa State University said that warm nights combined with sudden rainfall disrupted pollination, which is important for complete corn ears. Meteorologists stated that the mix of heat and irregular rain brought both risks and possible gains. Despite these local problems, the country is still expected to produce a record harvest, reflecting how national results may appear contradictory compared with local struggles. Specialists added that the difficulties are connected to larger climate patterns that are becoming more pervasive.
Farmers now face the challenge of adapting to these onerous conditions. Specialists warned that high overnight temperatures quicken plant growth and sometimes prevent tassels from opening, which reduces pollen release and leads to incomplete corn ears. Heavy rainfall also washed away soil nutrients and fertilizer, adding financial burdens. To address these issues, some farmers used new technology, including rescue pollination machines developed by agricultural companies. Experts cautioned that climate change may bring more warm nights, high humidity, and unexpected rain in the future. Analysts noted that with weather becoming more volatile, farmers must make astute choices to protect their work. The situation shows how agriculture is in a sensitive position and why stronger adaptation plans are necessary.
Farmers now face the challenge of adapting to these onerous conditions. Specialists warned that high overnight temperatures quicken plant growth and sometimes prevent tassels from opening, which reduces pollen release and leads to incomplete corn ears. Heavy rainfall also washed away soil nutrients and fertilizer, adding financial burdens. To address these issues, some farmers used new technology, including rescue pollination machines developed by agricultural companies. Experts cautioned that climate change may bring more warm nights, high humidity, and unexpected rain in the future. Analysts noted that with weather becoming more volatile, farmers must make astute choices to protect their work. The situation shows how agriculture is in a sensitive position and why stronger adaptation plans are necessary.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What problem did corn farmers face in the Midwest in 2025?
- Where did Robb Rynd and his brother manage over 200 acres of corn?
- What was the condition of the corn plants in Michigan?
- How much of the corn-growing regions was affected by drought early in the year?
- What percentage of corn-growing regions were affected by drought by August?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a farm? If so, what did you see? If not, what would you like to see?
- Have you ever experienced very hot nights? If so, how did you feel? If not, how do you think it feels?
- Do you agree that technology can help farmers during difficult weather?
- Why do you think warm nights can be dangerous for crops?
- What might happen if farmers do not prepare for future climate change?