B1 – Intermediate
Cork is used to so many things. For example, as alcoholic beverage bottles stopper or a material for insulation.
Portugal produces and exports the highest amount of cork in the world. It is a very important part of their economy.
However, despite its many purposes, there had been some problems with growing cork trees.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about sustainable cork.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/sustainable-cork-level-2/
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to pass down through generations” mean? “In Portugal, cork harvesting is a skilled tradition passed down through generations.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
- What does “sustainable alternative” mean? “Researchers, like Miguel No at the University of Aveiro, are exploring cork as a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials.” Use this term in a sentence.
- What does “eco-friendly” mean? “The long growth cycle of cork trees shows the patience required in this eco-friendly industry.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘eco-friendly’ in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the problem in the cork industry in Portugal? What is a solution to it?
- What do you suppose will happen to the cork industry in Portugal in the future?
- What do you think about a cork harvesting job?
- Give benefits and uses of cork.
- In Portugal, cork harvesting is a skilled tradition passed down through generations. In your country, what is a skilled tradition that is passed down from generation to generation? Are there less people interested in joining this industry, too? Talk all about it.