Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- zoom / zum / (v.) – to move very quickly, often with a loud sound or in a sudden way
Example:The bike was zooming down the hill so fast that I could barely keep up.
- sackful / ˈsæk fʊl / (n.) – the amount that can fill a sack
Example:They harvested sackfuls of potatoes from the garden and sold them at the market.
- fret / frɛt / (v.) – to worry or feel anxious about something
Example:There’s no need to fret about the weather. The forecast says it will be fine.
- melee / ˈmeɪ leɪ / (n.) – a large, noisy, and confused group of people where everyone is moving in different directions, usually pushing or fighting with each other
Example:There was a melee at the store during the sale. People rushed to grab items and get the best deals.
- turn in / tɜrn ɪn / (phrasal v.) – to give or return something to someone, usually a person of authority
Example:Before turning in her project to the teacher, Yuki checked it several times to make sure there were no mistakes.
Article
Read the text below.
It’s spring in Detroit—warm weather, a few clouds, and a 100% chance of marshmallow downpours.
The source? A helicopter zooming above the green lawn of Worden Park, unloading sackfuls of fluffy treats for hundreds of kids waiting eagerly below, some clutching colorful baskets or wearing rabbit ears.
The children cheered and pointed as the helicopter clattered by on its way to the drop zone. Volunteers in yellow vests made sure kids didn’t rush in and start grabbing marshmallows until after the deluge was complete.
For anyone worried about hygiene, don’t fret. The annual Great Marshmallow Drop isn’t about eating the marshmallows—kids could exchange them for a prize bag that included a water park pass and a kite.
The Great Marshmallow Drop has been held for over three decades in the Detroit suburb of Royal Oak, Michigan, hosted by Oakland County Parks.
One toddler, Georgia Mason, had no difficulty procuring a marshmallow at her first drop, her dad Matt said.
“Probably the most exciting part was seeing the helicopters. But once we saw the marshmallows drop, we got really excited,” Matt Mason said.
“And, yeah, we joined the melee,” he said, “We managed to get one pretty easy.”
Organizers said 15,000 marshmallows were dropped in all.
The helicopter made four passes, dropping marshmallows for kids in three age categories: 4-year-olds and younger, 5-7-year-olds, and those ages 8 to 12. A drop for kids of all ages with disabilities came later in the day.
“We do it because it’s great for community engagement,” Oakland County recreation program supervisor Melissa Nawrocki said.
“The kids love it,” she continued. “The looks on their faces as they’re picking up their marshmallow and turning in the marshmallow for prizes is great.”
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- The Great Marshmallow Drop has continued for over 30 years in Detroit, and the marshmallows in the event weren’t for eating—just for collecting. Do you think using food for events like this is okay if it’s not eaten? Why do you say so? Should this tradition continue because it has been done for many years, or should it adapt to modern concerns like food waste? Why? Discuss.
- How do you think traditions help build stronger communities? Why do you think people enjoy repeating the same events every year, like the Great Marshmallow Drop? What is one tradition from your country or hometown that brings people together? Discuss.
Discussion B
- The Great Marshmallow Drop was created to bring children and families together. Why do you think it’s important to build community engagement? How do you think events like this help children learn or grow? How will community engagement benefit the community as a whole? Discuss.
- What kind of creative event would you like to see in your own town and why? If there were outdoor events like this in your city, do you think a lot of people would join? Why or why not? Discuss.
