Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- duchess / ˈdʌtʃ ɪs / (n.) – a woman married to (or holding the rank equal to) a duke, the highest title passed by birth in the UK and other places
Example:The farmer’s daughter became a duchess after marrying the duke.
- venture / ˈvɛn tʃər / (n.) – a new activity, such as a business, that usually involves risk
Example:My newest venture is a coffee shop that serves drinks made from local beans.
- royal duties / ˈrɔɪ əl ˈdu tiz / (n.) – different tasks and responsibilities that are done by the royal family
Example:The prince and princess were taught about their royal duties from a young age.
- illustrate / ˈɪl əˌstreɪt / (v.) – to provide drawings or pictures for a book, magazine, etc.
Example:My dream is to write and illustrate a children’s book.
- narrate / ˈnær eɪt / (v.) – to tell a story by reading a book out loud or describing what’s happening in a film, stage play, etc.
Example:The film was narrated by a popular actor who’s known for his deep voice.
Article
Read the text below.
Meghan, Britain’s Duchess of Sussex, is to publish a children’s book next month titled The Bench about the relationship between a father and son. It will be based on her husband Prince Harry and the couple’s child Archie, the publisher said on May 4.
The book is the latest venture by Meghan and Harry, Queen Elizabeth II’s grandson, since they stepped down from royal duties and moved to Los Angeles last year with Archie. Archie turned 2 on May 6.
The Bench is illustrated by artist Christian Robinson. It will be published on June 8, with the duchess narrating an audiobook version, according to publisher Random House Children’s Books.
“The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born. That poem became this story,” Meghan said in a statement. The duchess is currently pregnant with her second child. (Reuters)
This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Meghan and Harry said that they stepped down from royal duties and moved to Los Angeles last year because of a “lack of support and understanding.” Do you think that this was a good reason to quit being royals? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Should royals who stepped down from their royal duties be allowed to return in the future? Why or why not? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Meghan’s book is based on her husband Prince Harry and the couple’s child Archie. If your parents wrote a book about you when you were a child, how would you feel (ex. proud, embarrassed)? Why? Discuss.
- If you were to write your own book about a real person, who would you base it on? Why? Discuss.