Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- formidable /FAWR-mi-duh-buhl/
[adjective] – very powerful or difficult, causing fear or respect
The team faced a formidable opponent in the championship game. - ineluctable /in-i-LUHK-tuh-buhl/
[adjective] – impossible to avoid or prevent
Climate change is an ineluctable challenge for modern farmers. - capricious /kuh-PRISH-uhs/
[adjective] – changing mood or behavior suddenly and without reason
The teacher was kind but sometimes capricious in grading papers. - judicious /joo-DISH-uhs/
[adjective] – showing good judgment
Parents should be judicious when choosing food for children. - precarious /pri-KAIR-ee-uhs/
[adjective] – in a dangerous or uncertain position
He stood on a precarious ladder to fix the roof.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Corn farmers across the Midwest faced a difficult growing season in 2025, with fluctuating weather conditions affecting crops during a critical stage. Robb Rynd and his brother, who farm more than 200 acres in Michigan, reported that this year’s corn had brown leaves and missing kernels, making the harvest less certain. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, drought covered nearly 60% of corn-growing areas early in the year, before late-season rainfall reduced it to 3% by August. Experts from Iowa State University explained that consistently warm nights and unexpected rainfall disturbed pollination, which is essential for full corn ears. Meteorologists said the combination of heat and variable rain created both risks and opportunities. Despite these problems, the nation is still predicted to produce a record harvest, showing how large-scale outcomes can contrast with local struggles. Scientists described these changes as part of a broader climate trend that has become increasingly difficult to manage.
Farmers are now confronting how to adapt to these formidable challenges. Specialists noted that high overnight temperatures accelerate plant growth, sometimes causing tassels to remain wrapped in leaves and limiting the release of pollen. This results in incomplete ears and reduced fertility. Heavy bursts of rain also damaged soil quality and carried away fertilizer, creating further financial strain. Some farmers turned to technology, such as “rescue pollination” equipment developed by agricultural companies, to address pollination failures. Experts emphasized that warmer nights, higher humidity, and shifting rainfall patterns may become more frequent in the future. Farmers said the uncertainty has made planning for equipment or land expansion difficult, while analysts pointed to the ineluctable impact of climate change. With weather becoming more capricious, farmers are under growing pressure to make judicious decisions. The situation demonstrates both the precarious balance between agriculture and climate and the urgent need for adaptation strategies.
Farmers are now confronting how to adapt to these formidable challenges. Specialists noted that high overnight temperatures accelerate plant growth, sometimes causing tassels to remain wrapped in leaves and limiting the release of pollen. This results in incomplete ears and reduced fertility. Heavy bursts of rain also damaged soil quality and carried away fertilizer, creating further financial strain. Some farmers turned to technology, such as “rescue pollination” equipment developed by agricultural companies, to address pollination failures. Experts emphasized that warmer nights, higher humidity, and shifting rainfall patterns may become more frequent in the future. Farmers said the uncertainty has made planning for equipment or land expansion difficult, while analysts pointed to the ineluctable impact of climate change. With weather becoming more capricious, farmers are under growing pressure to make judicious decisions. The situation demonstrates both the precarious balance between agriculture and climate and the urgent need for adaptation strategies.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen weather that damaged plants or crops? If so, what happened? If not, what weather do you often see?
- Have you ever tried planting vegetables or flowers? If so, how did it go? If not, what plant would you like to try growing?
- Do you agree that farmers should use technology to solve crop problems?
- Why do you think local farmers suffer even when the nation has a record harvest?
- What might happen if farmers ignore climate patterns when planning crops?
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.
- report
- consistently
- specialist
- remain
- expansion