Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What kind of festival would you like to join if you could travel anywhere?
- How can a festival make people feel proud of who they are?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- workshop /WURK-shop/
[noun] – a class or meeting where people learn about a subject or practice a skill
The school organized workshops on safe internet use for students. - prevention /pri-VEN-shuhn/
[noun] – the act of stopping something from happening
The clinic gave free advice on the prevention of common diseases. - session /SESH-uhn/
[noun] – a period of time set for a meeting, class, or activity
The teachers held a training session about new classroom methods. - minority /mahy-NAWR-i-tee/
[noun] – a smaller group within a larger group
Students who study art are a small minority in the university. - characteristic /kar-ik-tuh-RIS-tik/
[noun] – a quality or feature that is typical of someone or something
Kindness is a common characteristic of good leaders.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The 2025 Redhead Days festival is being held this weekend in Tilburg, Netherlands, bringing together thousands of red-haired visitors from about 80 countries. The three-day event began twenty years ago as part of an art project by Dutch artist Bart Rouwenhorst and has since grown into an internationally known celebration. Organizers said the program includes live music, food trucks, and workshops focusing on the particular needs of redheads, such as skin cancer prevention and makeup techniques. In 2013, the festival achieved a Guinness World Record with 1,672 red-haired participants posing for a group photograph. The festival is free and open to the public, except for the group photo session, which is limited to natural redheads and has become the highlight of the gathering.
The festival emphasizes both the unity and the special challenges of people with red hair, often regarded as a small minority worldwide. Participants described the occasion as liberating because it offers a sense of belonging in a community where their uncommon hair color is respected rather than criticized. Experts have explained that individuals with red hair are more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, which makes skin cancer awareness especially important. Regular visitors stated that the event strengthens friendships, cultural exchange, and confidence, especially for those who experienced bullying in the past. The festival has been recognized for turning a physical characteristic into a collective symbol of pride while also increasing knowledge about health and cultural issues.
The festival emphasizes both the unity and the special challenges of people with red hair, often regarded as a small minority worldwide. Participants described the occasion as liberating because it offers a sense of belonging in a community where their uncommon hair color is respected rather than criticized. Experts have explained that individuals with red hair are more sensitive to ultraviolet rays, which makes skin cancer awareness especially important. Regular visitors stated that the event strengthens friendships, cultural exchange, and confidence, especially for those who experienced bullying in the past. The festival has been recognized for turning a physical characteristic into a collective symbol of pride while also increasing knowledge about health and cultural issues.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- How many countries are represented by the red-haired visitors?
- What activities are included in this year’s program?
- What topics do the workshops focus on?
- What record did the festival set in 2013?
- Who can join the annual group photo?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen or heard about a world record? If yes, what record was it? If not, what kind of record would you like to see?
- Have you ever seen a person with natural red hair? If yes, where did you see them? If not, what other unusual hair colors have you noticed?
- Do you agree that festivals can help people feel proud of their special features?
- Why do you think people travel from so many countries to attend a festival like this?
- What are some other ways to show respect for people who look different?