B. DESCRIBE REGIONAL FOODS

LISTENING

A. Look at the picture. In pairs, discuss these questions.

1. What are important foods that everyone in your country eats?

2. Where in the world do farmers grow rice?

3. Why do they grow it there?

Answer:

1. In my country, rice is one of the most important staple foods.

2. Farmers grow rice in many parts of the world, especially in Asia (such as Vietnam, Thailand, China, and India).

3. Farmers grow rice in these places because the climate is suitable, warm temperatures, lots of sunshine, and plenty of water.

B. Listen to the interview. Circle the correct options.

1. Who is the interviewer talking to?

a. a restaurant owner b. a rice farmer c. a news reporter

2. What is happening in the rice paddy? People are...

a. planting rice plants. b. planting seeds. c. letting water into the paddy.

3. What kind of climate does rice need?

a. hot and dry b. warm and wet c. cool and humid

Answer:

…………………………………………………………………………………….

C. Listen again and answer the questions.

1. Why doesn't the rice farmer plant seeds like other farmers?

2. How is the rainfall this year?

3. What happens to the water in the rice paddy after the rice plants grow?

4. What happens to the rice plants after they're dry?

Answer:

…………………………………………………………………………………….

D. Follow the instructions with a partner.

1. List some of the foods that grow well in your part of the world. They can be

crops or seafood.

_____________ ______________ _____________

_____________ ______________ _____________

2. Talk about the dishes people make from each of these foods. What are the

ingredients? Do you enjoy eating the dish?

Answer:

1. rice, shrimp, mango, lemon, fish, bananas

2.

From rice, people make dishes like fried rice or just eat with other dishes. Fried rice usually includes rice, eggs, vegetables, and sometimes meat or shrimp. I really enjoy eating it because it's delicious and filling.

Shrimp is often used in shrimp spring rolls. The ingredients include shrimp, rice paper, vermicelli noodles, herbs, and vegetables. I enjoy eating them, especially with dipping sauce.

Mangoes are used to make mango sticky rice. This dessert includes ripe mangoes, sticky rice, and coconut milk. It’s sweet and refreshing, I love it!

People use lemons to make many dishes and drinks. One popular drink is lemonade, which is made from lemon juice, water, and sugar. It’s very refreshing, especially on hot days, and I enjoy drinking it.

From fish, people make fish sauce. It is an indispensable spice in daily food preparation.

Bananas can be used to make banana cake or banana fritters. These are sweet treats that I really enjoy as snacks or desserts.

E. Do you try to buy local foods from farmers in your area? What are some advantages and disadvantages of doing this?

Answer:

Yes, I try to buy local foods from farmers in my area whenever I can. I usually buy fresh vegetables, fruits, and sometimes eggs from local markets or small farms.

There are many advantages to buying local food. First, it is fresher and often healthier because it doesn’t have to travel long distances. Second, it helps support local farmers and the local economy. Third, buying local food is often better for the environment, as it reduces transportation and packaging waste.

However, there are also some disadvantages. Sometimes, local food can be more expensive than food from supermarkets. Also, there may be less variety, especially in certain seasons when some foods are not available.

F. Listen to the sentences. Notice the pronunciation of the linked words. Then, listen again and repeat the sentences.

Answer:

…………………………………………………………………………………….

GOAL CHECK

1. Think of a special dish from your area or region of the world. Take a few notes about each question below. Then use your notes to tell a partner about the special dish.

What is the name of the dish? When are the ingredients available?

When do people usually eat it? How do people prepare the dish?

What are some of the ingredients? How do you feel about the dish?

2. Get together with another pair and tell them about the special dishes you described.

Ex: The dish is called ceviche, and it is popular in Peru. We make it with seafood and lime juice. Some of the other ingredients are.

Answer:

One special dish from my region is pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. The ingredients for pho, such as rice noodles, beef, onions, and herbs, are available all year round in local markets. People usually eat pho for breakfast, but it is also popular at lunch or dinner. To prepare pho, the cook boils beef bones for many hours to make a rich and flavorful broth. Then, they add rice noodles, thinly sliced beef, and fresh herbs like basil and cilantro. The dish is often served with lime, chili, and fish sauce on the side. I really enjoy pho because it is delicious and comforting, and it reminds me of home and family gatherings.