©(AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- archway /AHRCH-wey/
- strategic /struh-TEE-jik/
- surge /surj/
- flourish /FLUR-ish/
- sustain /suh-STEYN/
[noun] – a curved structure forming a passage or entrance
The wedding venue was decorated with rose archways to create a romantic entrance.
[adjective] – carefully planned to achieve a specific purpose
The company made a strategic decision to launch its new product during the holiday season.
[noun] – a sudden and strong increase
A surge of interest in eco-friendly packaging led to changes in the industry.
[verb] – to grow or develop successfully
Beyond California, vineyards have flourished in other parts of the United States, including Oregon.
[verb] – to keep something going over time or to support
The athlete followed a strict diet to sustain high performance throughout the season.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Each spring, the renowned Keukenhof garden in the Netherlands opens its gates to over one million visitors. Located near Amsterdam and surrounded by vivid tulip fields, Keukenhof operates for only eight weeks. During this short window, around 7 million flower bulbs burst into color, drawing tourists eager to capture photos among the blossoms. Special photo zones, such as flower archways and decorative couches, have been introduced to enhance the visual appeal of the garden. According to the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, strategic selfie tips are shared to help travelers take dynamic images. This surge in visual sharing, especially through social media, has become an influential factor in attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Beyond the Netherlands, tulip fields have flourished in other parts of Europe, including Italy. In the town of Arese, just north of Milan, Dutch tulip grower Edwin Koeman cultivates the flowers for both local enjoyment and export. Favorable climate conditions in Italy have allowed the tulip trade to expand, with an estimated 43 million tulips grown annually. Nearly one-third of these are exported, primarily to northern Europe. Last season, Koeman’s Italian tulip field welcomed a record 50,000 guests. Visitors are allowed to handpick their own flowers, adding a personal experience to the vibrant scenery. While such floral tourism offers economic benefits and international interest, it also requires careful management to prevent damage to the fields and to sustain ecological balance.
Beyond the Netherlands, tulip fields have flourished in other parts of Europe, including Italy. In the town of Arese, just north of Milan, Dutch tulip grower Edwin Koeman cultivates the flowers for both local enjoyment and export. Favorable climate conditions in Italy have allowed the tulip trade to expand, with an estimated 43 million tulips grown annually. Nearly one-third of these are exported, primarily to northern Europe. Last season, Koeman’s Italian tulip field welcomed a record 50,000 guests. Visitors are allowed to handpick their own flowers, adding a personal experience to the vibrant scenery. While such floral tourism offers economic benefits and international interest, it also requires careful management to prevent damage to the fields and to sustain ecological balance.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever picked your own flowers or fruit at a farm or garden? If yes, what did you pick, and how did you feel about the experience? If not, would you like to try it? What would you like to pick?
- Have you ever been somewhere that was famous for its nature or scenery? If yes, what made it special, and would you recommend it to others? If not, where would you like to go, and what do you hope to see there?
- Do you agree that social media has made places like flower gardens more popular?
- Why do you think Keukenhof only opens for eight weeks each year?
- How can flower gardens attract many visitors without harming the flowers or the environment?
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.
- garden
- traveler
- vibrant
- renowned
- influential