©(City of Ashiya via AP)
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What are some things people might admire in someone who is very old?
- What are some challenges that a person might face when they live to be very old?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/
- prefecture /PREE-fek-cher/
- strength /strengkth/
- mayor /MEY-er/
- throughout /throo-OUT/
[adverb] – at the present time
She is currently working on a new project.
[noun] – a political region or local government area in some countries, for example Japan, France, and Italy
The prefecture is responsible for local government services.
[noun] – the ability to do things that need a lot of physical or mental effort
She demonstrated great strength during the competition.
[noun] – a person who is elected or chosen to lead the group who governs a town or city
The mayor announced new policies for the city’s development.
[preposition] – during the whole period of time
The museum is open throughout the year.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Tomiko Itooka, a 116-year-old woman from Japan, is now the world’s oldest living person, according to Guinness World Records. She received this title after 117-year-old Maria Branyas Morera from Spain passed away. The Gerontology Research Group, which checks the ages of people who are 110 years or older, confirmed that Itooka was born on May 23, 1908. She currently lives in a nursing home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture. Guinness confirmed her as the oldest living person on August 22, 2024.
Itooka’s life has been full of remarkable achievements and strength. She was born in Osaka and played volleyball in high school. She got married at age 20 and had four children—two daughters and two sons. During World War II, she helped run her husband’s textile factory office. After her husband passed away in 1979, she lived alone in Nara before moving to a nursing home. Even as she got older, Itooka stayed active. She climbed Japan’s 3,067-meter Mount Ontake twice and continued to enjoy long hikes, even after turning 100. To celebrate her 116th birthday in May 2024, she received flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor. Every day, Itooka enjoys a yogurt-flavored drink called Calpis and her favorite food, bananas—simple pleasures that she has loved throughout her long life.
Itooka’s life has been full of remarkable achievements and strength. She was born in Osaka and played volleyball in high school. She got married at age 20 and had four children—two daughters and two sons. During World War II, she helped run her husband’s textile factory office. After her husband passed away in 1979, she lived alone in Nara before moving to a nursing home. Even as she got older, Itooka stayed active. She climbed Japan’s 3,067-meter Mount Ontake twice and continued to enjoy long hikes, even after turning 100. To celebrate her 116th birthday in May 2024, she received flowers, a cake, and a card from the mayor. Every day, Itooka enjoys a yogurt-flavored drink called Calpis and her favorite food, bananas—simple pleasures that she has loved throughout her long life.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Who is currently recognized as the world’s oldest living person?
- Which country is Tomiko Itooka from?
- What did Tomiko Itooka do during World War II?
- What was given to Itooka for her 116th birthday?
- What activity did Itooka still enjoy even after turning 100?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How do you think it feels to live over 100 years old?
- If you had the chance to meet someone who is 100 years old or older, what would you want to know about them and why?
- Do you think advancements in healthcare and technology can contribute to people living longer lives?
- Which is more important for living a long life: personal choices like diet and exercise, or having a stress-free lifestyle, and why?
- How can the achievements and lifestyle of very old people inspire younger people?