Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- unrivaled / ʌnˈraɪ vəld / (adj.) – without equal
Example:Their bread is unrivaled when it comes to taste and quality.
- geological / dʒi əˈlɒ dʒɪ kəl / (adj.) – related to rocks and land
Example:The area has many geological tourist sites, like spiked rocks, hot springs, and cave tunnels.
- feature / ˈfi tʃər / (v.) – to show, discuss, or mention something or someone as the most important
Example:The artist’s paintings will be featured in an exhibit on Saturday.
- in conjunction with / ɪn kənˈdʒʌŋk ʃən wɪθ / (idiom) – together with or happening at the same time
Example:My birthday will be celebrated in conjunction with my parents’ anniversary.
- veteran / ˈvɛt ər ən / (n.) – a former member of the armed forces
Example:My grandfather is a Navy veteran.
Article
Read the text below.
Jill Biden is helping National Geographic promote its documentary series on U.S. national parks.
The first lady introduces each installment of “America’s National Parks,” a five-night series scheduled for broadcast on consecutive nights that began Aug. 29.
She introduces the series from the Grand Canyon and encourages people to visit.
“America’s national parks are full of unrivaled beauty, geological wonders, cultural history and amazing wildlife,” she says in a video clip released as National Geographic announced the series and her participation in the project.
“Each national park connects people to a piece of the American story, who we are and where we came from,” the first lady says. “With more than 400 national park sites, there are so many unique places in our country that are just waiting to be explored.”
Country music star Garth Brooks is executive producer and narrator of the series. Individual episodes feature the landscapes and wildlife inhabitants of Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Big Bend, Badlands and Hawaii Volcanoes national parks.
In conjunction with the first lady’s “Joining Forces” initiative for military and veteran families, National Geographic also aired a public service announcement during the series in which Biden reminds service members, veterans and their families of their free admission to all national parks. The series kicked off National Geographic’s new event, America’s National Parks Week.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- The first lady of the U.S. is helping promote the documentary series on national parks. Do you agree that it’s necessary to promote national parks? Discuss.
- In your opinion, who in your country is best suited to promote a show about natural wonders? Why? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Jill Biden said that America’s national parks are beautiful and filled with amazing animals. What place in your country can be considered as such? Discuss.
- The first lady said, “Each national park connects people to a piece of the American story, who we are, and where we came from.” Do you think the same could be said about national parks in your country? Why or why not? Discuss.
