Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- distinctive /dih-STINGK-tiv/
[adjective] – having a special quality that makes something easy to recognize
The hospital added services for the distinctive needs of elderly patients. - tutorial /too-TAWR-ee-uhl/
[noun] – a lesson or set of instructions about a subject
The website offers tutorials on the safe use of laboratory equipment. - centerpiece /SEN-ter-pees/
[noun] – the most important or attractive part of something
The peace agreement became the centerpiece of the government’s foreign policy. - stigmatize /STIG-muh-tahyz/
[verb] – to treat someone or something as shameful or socially unacceptable
In the past, certain jobs were stigmatized as low-class work. - salient /SEY-lee-uhnt/
[adjective] – very important or noticeable
One salient issue in the debate was the rising cost of education.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The 2025 Redhead Days festival is taking place this weekend in Tilburg, Netherlands, where thousands of red-haired visitors from around 80 countries are gathering. The three-day celebration, which first began two decades ago through an art project by Dutch artist Bart Rouwenhorst, has grown into an internationally recognized event. Organizers reported that this year’s program features live music, food trucks, and workshops designed for the distinctive needs of redheads, such as skin cancer prevention and specialized makeup tutorials. In 2013, the gathering set a Guinness World Record with 1,672 red-haired participants joining a group photo. The festival remains free and open to the public, with the exception of the annual photo session reserved exclusively for natural redheads, which has become the centerpiece of the event.
The festival highlights both the solidarity and the unique challenges faced by individuals with red hair, often considered a minority group worldwide. Attendees described the experience as liberating, as it allows participants to integrate into a community where their rare hair color is celebrated rather than stigmatized. Experts have noted that people with red hair have higher sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, which makes awareness about skin cancer prevention particularly salient. Regular participants emphasized that the annual gathering fosters camaraderie, cultural exchange, and even resilience, as some had faced bullying in the past but now embrace the opportunity to showcase their identity. The phenomenon has been praised for its ability to transform an aesthetic trait into a symbol of pride while also raising awareness of health and cultural issues. Observers believe the event will continue to expand, demonstrating both the inclusivity and the distinctive allure that have made it an emblematic European festival.
The festival highlights both the solidarity and the unique challenges faced by individuals with red hair, often considered a minority group worldwide. Attendees described the experience as liberating, as it allows participants to integrate into a community where their rare hair color is celebrated rather than stigmatized. Experts have noted that people with red hair have higher sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation, which makes awareness about skin cancer prevention particularly salient. Regular participants emphasized that the annual gathering fosters camaraderie, cultural exchange, and even resilience, as some had faced bullying in the past but now embrace the opportunity to showcase their identity. The phenomenon has been praised for its ability to transform an aesthetic trait into a symbol of pride while also raising awareness of health and cultural issues. Observers believe the event will continue to expand, demonstrating both the inclusivity and the distinctive allure that have made it an emblematic European festival.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever joined a festival or special event in your city? If so, what was your favorite part of the event? If not, what kind of festival would you like to join in the future?
- Have you ever seen someone with natural red hair? If yes, where did you see them? If not, what other rare features have you noticed in people around you?
- Do you agree that people with rare features, such as red hair, should have festivals to celebrate their identity?
- Why do you think people travel from so many countries to attend a festival like this?
- How can events like this change how society views people with differences?
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.
- festival
- visitor
- celebration
- internationally
- organizer