©REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- dedicated /DED-i-key-tid/
- arid /AR-id/
- chilly /CHIL-ee/
- meticulous /muh-TIK-yuh-luhs/
- reverberate /ri-VUR-buh-reyt/
[adjective] – committed, devoted, and loyal to a cause or purpose
The dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly to clean up the beach every weekend.
[adjective] – having little or no rainfall; extremely dry or parched
The arid desert landscape made it challenging for any vegetation to thrive.
[adjective] – unpleasantly cool or cold
The chilly breeze prompted everyone to bundle up in warm jackets during the winter evening.
[adjective] – showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
The artist took a meticulous approach to each brushstroke, creating a masterpiece with intricate details.
[verb] – to have a prolonged effect, impact, or resonance; to echo or resound
The teacher’s words of encouragement reverberated in the students’ minds, motivating them to excel.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Benito, the majestic giraffe who captured the hearts of many in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, is now en route to his new home at Africam Safari in Puebla. The decision to relocate him was prompted by concerns raised by dedicated activists from the Save Benito movement, who argued that the conditions at Central Park in Ciudad Juarez were not ideal for such a magnificent creature. Since May, Benito has been grappling with the extremes of Ciudad Juarez’s arid climate, enduring scorching summers and chilly winters, with temperatures forecast to drop to 9°C (48°F) on the day of his departure.
The intricacies of Benito’s relocation involved a careful operation where a crane delicately lifted the towering giraffe into a large box, which was then placed onto a truck for a 50-hour road journey to Africam Safari. This meticulous process was carried out late on Sunday, marking the beginning of an odyssey monitored closely by vigilant veterinarians. Frank Camacho, director of Africam Safari, emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal conditions for Benito, ensuring a controlled temperature, and providing him with all the necessary sustenance. Africam Safari, located approximately 150 km southeast of Mexico City, not only offers more favorable weather conditions but also promises Benito the companionship of seven other giraffes. This move is a triumph for the Save Benito movement, whose spokesperson, Ana Felix, expressed joy that Benito is now headed to a place in Puebla that befits his grandeur. This relocation underscores the commitment to prioritize the well-being and appropriate living conditions for animals in captivity. It reverberates the collective voice of those who rallied for Benito’s betterment.
The intricacies of Benito’s relocation involved a careful operation where a crane delicately lifted the towering giraffe into a large box, which was then placed onto a truck for a 50-hour road journey to Africam Safari. This meticulous process was carried out late on Sunday, marking the beginning of an odyssey monitored closely by vigilant veterinarians. Frank Camacho, director of Africam Safari, emphasized the importance of maintaining optimal conditions for Benito, ensuring a controlled temperature, and providing him with all the necessary sustenance. Africam Safari, located approximately 150 km southeast of Mexico City, not only offers more favorable weather conditions but also promises Benito the companionship of seven other giraffes. This move is a triumph for the Save Benito movement, whose spokesperson, Ana Felix, expressed joy that Benito is now headed to a place in Puebla that befits his grandeur. This relocation underscores the commitment to prioritize the well-being and appropriate living conditions for animals in captivity. It reverberates the collective voice of those who rallied for Benito’s betterment.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever been involved in or supported an animal rights or conservation movement? If yes, could you share your experience and the impact it had on the cause? If not, would you consider participating in such a movement, especially if it involves the well-being of animals like Benito? Why or why not?
- Have you ever witnessed or been part of a meticulous operation or project where attention to detail was crucial? If yes, what was your role, and how did the meticulous approach contribute to the success of the operation? If not, can you think of a situation where a meticulous approach would be essential, either in your personal or professional life?
- Do you agree with the decision to relocate Benito the giraffe to Africam Safari in Puebla, considering the concerns raised by activists about the conditions at Central Park in Ciudad Juarez?
- How might the relocation of Benito to Africam Safari contribute to the broader conversation about the ethical treatment of animals in captivity? Consider the impact on both the giraffe’s well-being and the message it sends about responsible animal care.
- In what ways could the Save Benito movement serve as an example for other animal rights initiatives? Consider the strategies employed by the activists and the ultimate success of relocating Benito. How might similar movements learn from and apply these tactics to advocate for better conditions for animals worldwide?
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.
- monitor
- relocate
- spokesperson
- triumph
- prompt