©REUTERS/Mike Blake
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- initiate /ih-NISH-ee-eyt/
- commence /kuh-MENS/
- embrace /em-BREYS/
- openness /OH-puhn-nis/
- discomfort /dis-KUHM-fert /
[verb] – to cause something to begin
She initiated the project by outlining the objectives during the meeting.
[verb] – to begin something
The ceremony will commence at noon in the main hall.
[verb] – to accept something enthusiastically
After some hesitation, she embraced the opportunity to travel abroad for a year.
[noun] – the quality or state of being receptive, accepting, and willing to engage with new experiences or ideas
His willingness to listen without judgment showcased his genuine openness to diverse perspectives.
[noun] – a feeling of being uncomfortable physically or mentally, or something that causes this
His anxiety caused discomfort during social gatherings, making it hard for him to engage in conversations.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In a coastal city near Los Angeles, singles are changing their usual dating scene for something more chilling—ice baths. This new dating trend, named Icebreakers, takes place in Santa Monica. Participants, clad in swimwear, engage in speed dating within freezing water pools, aiming to stimulate conversations and connections.
The event, Icebreakers, initiated by Kyle Cassidy and Aryan Davani, founders of IcePass, commences with meditation and a musical session, establishing the ambiance for the frigid encounters. Attendees, randomly paired up, submerge themselves in 37-degree Fahrenheit (2.78°C) water and discuss conversation-starting questions provided on waterproof cards during three-minute sessions. One attendee, Caitlyn Moyer, a 25-year-old dancer, expressed initial difficulty focusing on the questions due to the extreme cold. However, she found a connection by locking eyes with her partner, 27-year-old engineer Miles Gibson. Gibson attended, not specifically seeking love but to embrace authenticity and openness to new experiences. The concept originated from the popularity of ice baths among athletes for muscle recovery. Despite the event’s focus on connecting rather than pursuing love, seven couples have progressed to second dates, and three are still together. Kyle Cassidy advised participants not to force connections but to enjoy the experience and let love unfold naturally. Whitney Hancock, a 36-year-old mental health worker, shared her ice bath experience with 39-year-old video producer Dustin Steward. The depth of their connection despite the discomfort of the freezing water surprised her, and Steward’s kindness during their encounter was praised.
The event, Icebreakers, initiated by Kyle Cassidy and Aryan Davani, founders of IcePass, commences with meditation and a musical session, establishing the ambiance for the frigid encounters. Attendees, randomly paired up, submerge themselves in 37-degree Fahrenheit (2.78°C) water and discuss conversation-starting questions provided on waterproof cards during three-minute sessions. One attendee, Caitlyn Moyer, a 25-year-old dancer, expressed initial difficulty focusing on the questions due to the extreme cold. However, she found a connection by locking eyes with her partner, 27-year-old engineer Miles Gibson. Gibson attended, not specifically seeking love but to embrace authenticity and openness to new experiences. The concept originated from the popularity of ice baths among athletes for muscle recovery. Despite the event’s focus on connecting rather than pursuing love, seven couples have progressed to second dates, and three are still together. Kyle Cassidy advised participants not to force connections but to enjoy the experience and let love unfold naturally. Whitney Hancock, a 36-year-old mental health worker, shared her ice bath experience with 39-year-old video producer Dustin Steward. The depth of their connection despite the discomfort of the freezing water surprised her, and Steward’s kindness during their encounter was praised.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever participated in an unconventional or unique event similar to Icebreakers, where people engage in an unusual activity to connect with others? If so, what was your initial reaction to the experience? If not, would you consider participating in an event like Icebreakers? Why or why not?
- Can you share any unconventional or unique dating trends that you’ve come across, either in your local area or elsewhere?
- Do you agree that events like Icebreakers, focusing on shared unconventional experiences, might lead to more genuine connections compared to traditional dating scenarios?
- What are your thoughts on using extreme or discomforting situations, such as freezing water in the case of Icebreakers, as a catalyst for bonding? Do you believe this method is effective in fostering connections? Why or why not?
- How might events like Icebreakers challenge conventional notions of dating or social interaction? What societal aspects could these events potentially influence or change?
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.
- meditation
- pair up
- swimwear
- participant
- engage in