©(AP Photo/Duke Monari)
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。
- Do you usually give gifts on special days like Valentine’s Day?
- Would you like to receive money as a gift?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。
- trend /trend/
[noun] – a general change or development that becomes popular
A new trend in online learning appeared during the past year. - vendor /VEN-der/
[noun] – a person who sells goods, especially in a market
The street vendor sold snacks near the school. - scrap /skrap/
[noun] – a small piece of unwanted material
The workshop collected scrap from old machines. - jewelry /JOO-uhl-ree/
[noun] – decorative items worn on the body
Handmade jewelry was sold at the weekend fair. - practicality /prak-ti-KAL-i-tee/
[noun] – the quality of being useful and suitable for real situations
The practicality of the plan helped save time and money.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。
Romantic gift-giving in Zimbabwe has changed in recent years, especially around Valentine’s Day. In Harare and other cities, cash bouquets made from folded U.S. dollar notes shaped like flowers have become popular gifts. The trend has grown through social media and changing shopping habits. Zimbabwe has used the U.S. dollar widely since 2009 after serious hyperinflation. Because of this, money is very important in daily life. Market vendors report higher sales during Valentine’s season, and the gifts are seen as both useful and meaningful.Recycled metal gifts have also become popular in Harare. Artisans collect old scrap metal and turn it into heart-shaped jewelry and decorations. Environmental specialists say this reduces waste and creates jobs. Making these items requires skill, which adds value to the products. Local shops report more interest from Zimbabwean buyers. Some challenges remain, such as limited tools and higher costs. However, the trend continues, showing how romance is connected to practicality and sustainability in modern Zimbabwe.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。
- Romantic gift-giving in Zimbabwe has changed in recent years.
- Cash bouquets are popular only in rural areas of Zimbabwe.
- Cash bouquets are made from folded U.S. dollar notes shaped like flowers.
- The trend grew only because of television advertising.
- Zimbabwe stopped using the U.S. dollar after 2009.
Fill in the Blanks:
Choose the correct word from the table, then fill in the blanks.
適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。
| trend | vendor | scrap | jewelry | practicality |
- Each ______ at the market paid a small daily fee.
- The fashion ______ spread quickly among young adults.
- ______ was important when choosing work equipment.
- The artist designed simple ______ for daily use.
- ______ was reused to repair broken tools.