PRE-READING:
Look at the title and predict the main ideas of the article. Then, write down three wh-questions about the text.
Ex: What features does the tree house have?
WHILE READING:
Set a time limit to read this article. An average reader can read at the speed of 250 words per minute. Note down your reading speed regularly to check your progress.
SKIMMING:
Within the time limit, read and summarize the main ideas of the paragraphs in your own words. Do not worry about unfamiliar vocabulary.
YOU CAN NOW BUY THE ULTIMATE TREEHOUSE
The Treehotel has been a concept of architecture firm Tham and Videgård for a few years now, promising people a cheap, prefab way to live amongst the trees (quite literally). Now that concept has become reality.
Redubbed the Mirrorcube (for its reflective exterior), the four-cubic-meter (m3) house is constructed of aluminum, glass and wood, and is divided up into a living room, bedroom, bathroom and upper terrace. The house is wired for electricity and also has a freeze-toilet for environmentally-conscious sanitation. It can house up to four people and will last for 30 years. Upon purchase, the house, which is constructed in two halves, is delivered, installed around a tree of your choosing by Tham and Videgård. Plus, it comes complete with interior furnishing selected by the firm.
If you live on some land, the Mirrorcube sounds like it could serve as an awesome study or workspace. Or, if you’re feeling especially adventurous and minimal, and not opposed to living without a kitchen, could make for an interesting, but expensive, second home (this thing costs €275,000 before shipping!).
Word count: 185 words
Source: http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2011/11/you-can-now-buy-the-ultimate-treehouse/
SCANNING:
Use your notes to identify where you can find the answers to the questions you made in the pre-reading stage.
POST-READING:
Glossary:
Pay attention to how the word is combined with other words in context. Do not learn the meaning of the word without sentences. Vietnamese should be the last resort after you have tried all the learning strategies.
• A concept = an idea (Ý tưởng)
• A prefab way = short for ‘prefabricated’ which means ‘constructed’ or ‘made in advance’ (Tiền chế)
• To be redubbed = to be renamed as (Được đặt tên lại)
• A reflective exterior = an external characteristics that reflect or mirror the surroundings (Ngoại thất có phản chiếu lại)
• Environmentally-conscious sanitation = the means of promoting hygiene that are not destructive to the environment (Hệ thống vệ sinh không gây hại môi trường)
• Interior furnishing = the furniture and the arrangement of them inside a house (Nội thất)
• To feel minimal = to prefer smaller, space-saving objects such as furniture in the house (Cảm thấy ưa thích những vật dụng không quá choáng chỗ)
• To be not opposed to = to be not against (Không phản đối)
Summary Completion:
The architecture firm Tham and Videgård has created the Treehotel or _____ for those who want to live amongst nature. The _____ m3 house is made of _____, _____, and _____. Like any dwelling place, it has a _____, bedroom and _____, but no _____. It also has an upper terrace. Up to four people can live, study or work here. It sells for € _____, but will only last for _____ years.
Grammar:
Notice the special grammar point in the following sentences.
1. The house is called the Mirrorcube.
2. The house is constructed of aluminum, glass and wood.
3. The house is wired for electricity.
4. The house is constructed in two halves and is delivered upon purchase.
5. The house is divided up into a living room, bedroom, bathroom and upper terrace.
These sentences are the Present Simple Passive and follow the form subject + be + past participle.
We use the Present Simple Passive when the person who does the action is (a) not important, like in Sentence 2; (b) unknown, like in Sentence 4; or (c) ‘people in general’, like in Sentence 1.
Discussion:
Discuss the following questions with a speaking partner. Feel free to express your opinions or views on the following.
1. If given the opportunity, would you live in a tree house like the Mirrorcube? Why or why not?
2. What benefits or drawbacks do you think would a housing system like the Mirrorcube pose?
3. Can you think of other types of environmentally-friendly housing systems?
Answers:
Summary:
The architecture firm Tham and Videgård has created the Treehotel or Mirrorcube for those who want to live amongst nature. The 4 m3 house is made of aluminium, glass and wood. Like any dwelling place, it has a living room, bedroom and bathroom, but no kitchen. It also has an upper terrace. Up to four people can live, study or work here. It sells for €275,000, but will only last for 30 years.
This material is provided by the Australian Centre for Education and Training (ACET).
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