©AP Photo/Sunday Alamba
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- prestige /pre-STEEZH/
[noun] – respect and admiration given to someone or something, usually because of a reputation for high quality or success
Winning the award gave the school great prestige in the community. - resonance /REZ-uh-nuhns/
[noun] – the quality of being special and important to someone
The teacher’s story had strong resonance with many of her students. - prowess /PROU-is/
[noun] – great ability or skill
The athlete showed his prowess by winning three gold medals. - tenacity /tuh-NAS-i-tee/
[noun] – the determination to continue what you are doing
His tenacity helped him finish the project despite many difficulties. - innovation /in-uh-VEY-shuhn/
[noun] – a new idea or method
The company’s latest phone is an innovation in digital technology.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A Nigerian culinary figure achieved a Guinness World Record on Monday after preparing the largest pot of jollof rice. The record attempt took place on September 12, 2025 at Victoria Island, Lagos, where celebrity chef Hilda Baci produced 8,780 kilograms of the dish, almost twice the required 4,700 kilograms. Jollof rice, widely regarded as a staple across West Africa, is prepared from rice simmered in a sauce made of tomatoes, peppers, and spices. The achievement was recognized because it represented not only the scale of the cooking but also the cultural value of a dish central to regional identity. Experts noted that the accomplishment reflects the growing visibility of African cuisine in the global food industry and its potential to gain further prestige through international recognition.
The cooking lasted for nine hours and required careful coordination from a large team. During the weighing process, the retrofitted pot collapsed under a crane, creating a moment of tension before the official confirmation. The rice was later distributed to hundreds of spectators who gathered to witness the attempt, creating a festive environment. Analysts explained that such record-breaking activities can generate tourism, foster cultural resonance, and inspire other aspirants to attempt Guinness challenges. However, challenges also exist, including the immense cost, labor, and logistical planning necessary for events of this magnitude. Baci previously held the record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, which lasted 93 hours and 11 minutes, though it was later surpassed by Irish chef Alan Fisher. Specialists emphasized that this new achievement not only reaffirmed Baci’s culinary prowess but also symbolized the tenacity and innovation of a younger generation aiming for global acclaim.
The cooking lasted for nine hours and required careful coordination from a large team. During the weighing process, the retrofitted pot collapsed under a crane, creating a moment of tension before the official confirmation. The rice was later distributed to hundreds of spectators who gathered to witness the attempt, creating a festive environment. Analysts explained that such record-breaking activities can generate tourism, foster cultural resonance, and inspire other aspirants to attempt Guinness challenges. However, challenges also exist, including the immense cost, labor, and logistical planning necessary for events of this magnitude. Baci previously held the record for the longest cooking marathon in 2023, which lasted 93 hours and 11 minutes, though it was later surpassed by Irish chef Alan Fisher. Specialists emphasized that this new achievement not only reaffirmed Baci’s culinary prowess but also symbolized the tenacity and innovation of a younger generation aiming for global acclaim.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever joined a food festival or big community event? If so, what did you enjoy the most? If not, what kind of event would you like to join?
- Have you ever eaten a dish that was famous in your culture? If so, how did it make you feel? If not, what traditional food would you like to try?
- Do you agree that cooking competitions can help promote a country’s culture around the world? Why or why not?
- How can world records like this help local communities in terms of tourism and culture?
- What challenges might organizers face when planning such large food events?
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.
- achieve
- kilogram
- spectator
- aspirant
- surpass