Pre-reading questions:
- Do you think vinegar is an effective cleaner?
- How would you describe the smell of vinegar when used for cleaning?
Vocabulary:
- chore /chawr/
- dissolve /dih-ZOLV/
- antibacterial /an-tee-bak-TEER-ee-uhl/
- harsh /hahrsh/
- electronics /ih-lek-TRON-iks/
[noun] – a job or piece of work that is often boring or unpleasant but needs to be done regularly
I don’t enjoy doing my laundry because it feels like such a chore; it takes a lot of time and effort to sort, wash, and fold all my clothes.
[verb] – (of a solid) to be absorbed by a liquid, especially when mixed, or (of a liquid) to absorb a solid
If you add sugar to hot water and stir it, the sugar will gradually dissolve, and you will end up with a sweet solution.
[adjective] – intended to kill or reduce the harmful effects of bacteria especially when used on the skin
Many cleaning products claim to be “antibacterial,” meaning that they contain substances that can kill or prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
[adjective] – too strong, bright, loud, etc.
I don’t like using harsh chemicals to clean my bathroom because they can be damaging to my skin and eyes if not used carefully.
[noun] – electronic components, devices, or equipment.
It’s important to keep liquids away from your electronics, such as your laptop or phone, because even a small amount of liquid can cause significant damage to the internal components.
Article reading:
The acidity of the vinegar, which comes from its weak form of acetic acid, is what makes it an excellent cleaning agent. It can dissolve dirt, grease, and grime on surfaces, making them easier to clean. Moreover, vinegar has antibacterial properties that can eliminate many types of harmful bacteria, making it a safer alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. In addition to being eco-friendly, it is also cost-effective, making it a more sustainable option than traditional cleaning products. However, it is important to keep in mind that vinegar is not suitable for all surfaces. Its acidity can harm certain materials, such as marble and granite, and it should not be used on electronics or delicate fabrics.
In conclusion, vinegar is an affordable, eco-friendly, and effective cleaning agent that can help make your cleaning tasks more manageable. It is a versatile product that can be used for various household cleaning tasks.
Comprehension questions
- What is the main advantage of using vinegar as a cleaning agent?
- What is the main active ingredient in vinegar that makes it an excellent cleaner?
- What are the types of surfaces that vinegar should not be used on?
- Why is vinegar a safer alternative to harsh chemical cleaners?
- Is vinegar an expensive cleaning product? Why or why not?
Discussion questions
- Have you ever used vinegar as a cleaning agent? If so, what surfaces or items did you clean with it? If not, would you like to try it? Why or why not?
- What are some of the benefits of using natural or eco-friendly cleaning products for your household cleaning tasks?
- Do you agree that using natural or eco-friendly cleaning products is a responsible and ethical choice and that it can help reduce the environmental impact of household cleaning?
- How can we raise awareness about the environmental impact of traditional cleaning products and promote the use of more sustainable and natural alternatives like vinegar?
- In what situations do you think it is necessary to use harsh chemical cleaners, even if they may not be as environmentally friendly or safe as natural alternatives like vinegar?