Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- bonnet /BON-it/
[noun] – a type of hat tied under the chin, often worn by women or children
In the countryside fair, many children wore colorful bonnets decorated with ribbons. - garment /GAHR-muhnt/
[noun] – clothing, especially a particular piece of clothing
The factory produced winter garments such as coats and jackets for export. - lingerie /lahn-zhuh-REY/
[noun] – women’s underwear
The fashion show included a section presenting modern lingerie collections. - perseverance /pur-suh-VEER-uhns/
[noun] – continued effort to do something despite difficulties
Learning a new language takes time and perseverance to improve step by step. - prestige /pre-STEEZH/
[noun] – respect and admiration felt for someone or something because of success or high quality
The university gained prestige after its research team won an international award.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Nestled in Poland’s Beskid Mountains, Koniaków is now celebrated internationally for the artistry of its lace creations. The tradition began more than a century ago when women created lace ribbons to decorate bonnets worn during marriage ceremonies. Over time, the craft expanded into household items such as tablecloths and napkins and eventually evolved into garments and lingerie. Today, around 700 women in Koniaków continue this heritage, producing lace items ranging from blouses priced at 3,000 to 4,000 złoty ($750–$1,000) to wedding dresses valued at tens of thousands of złoty. According to the Koniaków Lace Foundation, each design is unique, inspired by the surrounding landscape and created without fixed patterns. The work has gained attention from global fashion houses such as Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, and Comme des Garçons, with Koniaków lace showcased at Paris Fashion Week.
The continued success of this handicraft is attributed to both artistry and perseverance. The elaborate needlework requires weeks to complete even a simple blouse, which explains the elevated costs. Unlike many traditional crafts that face decline, Koniaków lace is flourishing, partly because of its adaptation to modern fashion trends and online sales. Experts emphasize that the originality, meticulous detail, and cultural authenticity of the lace attract international demand. Supporters argue that the craft provides not only economic sustainability but also cultural preservation, transforming a once domestic practice into a symbol of artistic prestige. The phenomenon demonstrates how local tradition can achieve global resonance, with Koniaków lace serving as a paradigm of resilience, ingenuity, and aesthetic refinement.
The continued success of this handicraft is attributed to both artistry and perseverance. The elaborate needlework requires weeks to complete even a simple blouse, which explains the elevated costs. Unlike many traditional crafts that face decline, Koniaków lace is flourishing, partly because of its adaptation to modern fashion trends and online sales. Experts emphasize that the originality, meticulous detail, and cultural authenticity of the lace attract international demand. Supporters argue that the craft provides not only economic sustainability but also cultural preservation, transforming a once domestic practice into a symbol of artistic prestige. The phenomenon demonstrates how local tradition can achieve global resonance, with Koniaków lace serving as a paradigm of resilience, ingenuity, and aesthetic refinement.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever tried making something by hand, like knitting, crocheting, or drawing? If so, what did you make? If not, what kind of handmade item would you like to try making?
- Have you ever seen or bought handmade clothes, bags, or decorations? If so, what was special about them? If not, would you like to own something handmade? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that traditional crafts are important to protect for the future?
- What problems might lacemakers face if fewer young people want to learn the craft?
- What can schools or communities do to keep traditional skills like lace-making alive for the future?
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.
- tradition
- decorate
- household
- tablecloth
- heritage