Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- degradation /deg-ruh-DEY-shuhn/
[noun] – the process of damaging or making something worse, especially the environment or condition of something
The government introduced new laws to stop the degradation of coastal areas caused by pollution. - feasible /FEE-zuh-buhl/
[adjective] – possible or practical to do or achieve
The city council is studying whether building a new subway line is feasible with the current budget. - enhance /en-HANS/
[verb] – to improve the quality, value, or strength of something
Adding soft background music enhances the atmosphere in restaurants. - transformative /trans-FAWR-muh-tiv/
[adjective] – causing a major change or improvement in someone or something
The introduction of digital technology was a transformative moment in the education system. - ecology /ih-KOL-uh-jee/
[noun] – the study of how living things interact with each other and with their environment
The national park protects local ecology by limiting construction near forests and rivers.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Maggie Baird, mother of internationally known musicians Billie Eilish and Finneas, founded the nonprofit organization Support + Feed in 2020 to promote sustainable eating and provide plant-based meals to communities in need. The initiative began in Los Angeles and expanded to other major cities as awareness of climate change and health issues related to diet increased. According to the latest EAT-Lancet Commission report, the global food system significantly contributes to environmental degradation. The report emphasized the importance of a “planetary health diet,” which encourages the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains while reducing the intake of red meat. Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown, stated that beef production generates an exceptionally high level of greenhouse gases, making it one of the most polluting food sources worldwide.
Experts in sustainable cooking have introduced practical ways to make plant-based eating more appealing and feasible. Chef Miguel Guerra, who owns the Michelin-starred restaurant MITA in Washington, D.C., explained that effective preparation, such as roasting or steaming vegetables correctly, enhances flavor and texture. Cookbook author Joshua McFadden suggested that maintaining a stocked pantry with ingredients like beans, lentils, and tofu supports flexibility in meal preparation. Urban farmer Sheryll Durrant highlighted that culturally relevant and affordable foods are essential to long-term dietary change, particularly in low-income communities. The EAT-Lancet report and recent culinary innovations indicate that adopting plant-centered diets could mitigate environmental harm and improve public health, demonstrating a transformative approach toward sustainable food systems that balance nutrition, ecology, and accessibility.
Experts in sustainable cooking have introduced practical ways to make plant-based eating more appealing and feasible. Chef Miguel Guerra, who owns the Michelin-starred restaurant MITA in Washington, D.C., explained that effective preparation, such as roasting or steaming vegetables correctly, enhances flavor and texture. Cookbook author Joshua McFadden suggested that maintaining a stocked pantry with ingredients like beans, lentils, and tofu supports flexibility in meal preparation. Urban farmer Sheryll Durrant highlighted that culturally relevant and affordable foods are essential to long-term dietary change, particularly in low-income communities. The EAT-Lancet report and recent culinary innovations indicate that adopting plant-centered diets could mitigate environmental harm and improve public health, demonstrating a transformative approach toward sustainable food systems that balance nutrition, ecology, and accessibility.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever tried eating plant-based meals or vegetarian dishes? If so, what kind of plant-based food did you enjoy the most? If not, what type of plant-based food would you like to try in the future?
- Have you ever joined or supported any environmental or health-related project? If so, what did you do in that project? If not, what kind of project would you like to take part in?
- Do you agree that learning how to cook plant-based meals can make people eat healthier?
- What are some challenges people face when changing to a plant-based diet?
- How can schools or communities encourage people to eat more plant-based meals?
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.
- musician
- sustainable
- plant-based
- awareness
- climate change