Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- deepen /DEE-puhn/
- mineral /MIN-uh-rul/
- cobalt /KOH-bawlt/
- resilience /ri-ZIL-yuhns/
- transformation /trans-fur-MAY-shun/
[verb] – to make something more intense, stronger, or more involved
The teacher tried to deepen the students’ understanding of the topic.
[noun] – a solid natural substance that is formed by geological processes
Calcium is an important mineral for strong bones.
[noun] – a hard, silvery-blue metallic element
Cobalt is used in making some types of batteries.
[noun] – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
The community showed great resilience after the natural disaster.
[noun] – a complete change in the appearance or character of something or someone
The city underwent a transformation with the construction of new buildings.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
South Korea is hosting a significant summit with African nations this week, aiming to strengthen economic cooperation and trade ties. The two-day Korea-Africa Summit in Seoul has brought together representatives from 48 African countries, including 25 heads of state. Discussions are expected to focus on expanding investment, trade, and development partnerships between South Korea and the African continent. South Korea aims to deepen cooperation with African nations to secure critical minerals like chromium, cobalt, and manganese, of which Africa holds around 30% of global reserves, to improve the resilience of its supply chains for industries like batteries and technology. It also seeks to explore sustainable cooperation in digital transformation, technology, and other areas crucial for long-term economic growth and innovation.
The summit provides an opportunity for South Korea to strengthen ties with African nations, which have been growing in strategic importance due to their vast natural resources, rapidly expanding consumer markets, and potential for economic growth. To achieve these goals, South Korea plans to increase development aid to Africa to $10 billion by 2030 and provide $14 billion in export financing to facilitate investment in the region. Additionally, agreements are expected to be signed during the summit to facilitate trade, investment, and cooperation on issues like climate change, food security, and public health. These agreements could pave the way for increased collaboration on renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and healthcare infrastructure development.
The summit provides an opportunity for South Korea to strengthen ties with African nations, which have been growing in strategic importance due to their vast natural resources, rapidly expanding consumer markets, and potential for economic growth. To achieve these goals, South Korea plans to increase development aid to Africa to $10 billion by 2030 and provide $14 billion in export financing to facilitate investment in the region. Additionally, agreements are expected to be signed during the summit to facilitate trade, investment, and cooperation on issues like climate change, food security, and public health. These agreements could pave the way for increased collaboration on renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and healthcare infrastructure development.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited or learned about any African countries? If so, what did you find most interesting or memorable? If not, which African country would you like to visit and why?
- Have you ever been involved in any projects or initiatives related to economic cooperation, trade, or development between countries? If so, what was your role, and what did you learn from the experience? If not, would you like to be involved? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that strengthening economic cooperation and trade ties between South Korea and African nations could be mutually beneficial?
- What potential challenges or obstacles might South Korea and African nations face in their efforts to deepen economic cooperation and trade ties? How could these challenges be addressed?
- In addition to economic cooperation and trade, what other areas of collaboration between South Korea and African nations could be beneficial for both sides? How could these collaborations be facilitated and sustained?
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.
- host
- strengthen
- continent
- investment
- initiative