Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. creamy
    • ex. The yogurt is extra creamy, so it feels very smooth when you eat it.
  2. fruity
    • ex. The cold soda had a sweet, fruity flavor that tasted just like fresh strawberries.
  3. an orchard
    • ex. We spent the afternoon picking fresh red apples at a local apple orchard.
  4. a paste
    • ex. She bought a tube of sweet bean paste to make filling for the traditional rice cakes.
  5. import
    • ex. Many supermarkets import tropical fruits like pineapples and bananas during the winter season.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Malaysia is working to make its durian fruit more popular with local people and tourists. The country hopes more people will choose Malaysian durians instead of fruits from other countries. The fruit is already an important part of Malaysian food and farming.

Durian has a strong smell that other people may not like. But there are people who love its rich and creamy taste. Different types can taste sweet, bitter, fruity, or even like peanut butter. In Kuala Lumpur, the new Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre teaches visitors about the fruit’s history and culture. The center also offers durian dishes and products. Visitors can learn about durians in a model orchard and watch a theater show about the fruit.

Malaysia is also developing new durian products to attract customers. Businesses now sell durian paste, chocolate, mochi, ice cream, desserts, and dried durian. Some also offer coffee made with Musang King durians and tours of durian farms. Malaysia is especially interested in Chinese customers because China imports the most durian in the world. In 2025, China imported 1.87 million tonnes of fresh durian worth $7.5 billion (about ¥ 1.18 trillion).

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.
Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Durian Fruit and Products

  • What do you think of fruits that have a strong smell, like durian? Discuss.
  • According to the article, businesses are selling durian in new forms like chocolate and mochi. Have you ever tried a fruit that was prepared in a completely new or unusual way? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Why do you think businesses have started selling fruit in other forms instead of just selling fresh fruit? Discuss.

Local Fruits and Farm Tours

  • Durian is a popular local fruit in Malaysia. In your country, what is a popular local fruit, and what do you like about it? Discuss.
  • Why do you think it is important for a country to find or develop creative ways to promote local fruits, like the new Kuala Lumpur Durian Experience Centre? Discuss.
  • One way of promoting durian is through durian farm tours. Have you ever been to a farm or an orchard that offers tours in your country? Discuss.