Vocabulary
Baking/ 焼き菓子づくり（名詞） – Cooking food (like bread or cake) in an oven.
I enjoy baking cookies in winter.
冬はクッキーの焼き菓子づくりを楽しんでいます。
Treat/ ごほうび・特別なもの（名詞） – Something nice to eat or enjoy.
This chocolate is a special treat.
このチョコレートは特別なごほうびです。
Warm / 暖かい（形容詞） – A little hot in a comfortable way
The oven makes the kitchen warm.
オーブンのおかげで台所が暖かくなります。
Relaxing / リラックスできる（形容詞） – Making you feel calm, peaceful, and not stressed.
Listening to music is relaxing.
音楽を聴くことはリラックスできます。
Unique/ 特別な・唯一の（形容詞） – Special; one of a kind; not like anything else.
This cake has a unique taste.
このケーキは特別な味がします。
Article
Why People Love Baking
Many people enjoy baking. They like cookies, muffins, cakes, and brownies. But the fun of baking starts long before eating. Measuring, mixing, and watching ingredients change can make people feel calm and happy.
Baking also helps people feel close to others. Chef Joanne Chang says she loves sharing sweet treats because it brings joy to people. A warm kitchen and good smells can make a person feel cozy, and baking can help release stress or strong emotions.
Baking can also feel like science. Hannah, a student in Pittsburgh, enjoys learning how ingredients behave. Butter melts, egg whites become meringue, and dough rises. Baking gives her a relaxing break from studying.
Many people bake because it brings back memories or traditions. They remember baking with family or making special holiday foods each year. Others enjoy the physical feeling of cracking eggs, kneading dough, or spreading icing.
Some bakers love creating new ideas, trying new flavors, or using special techniques to make softer breads or unique recipes. People also bake to show love and kindness. At its heart, baking is hopeful—follow the steps, and something good usually comes out of the oven. Christmas cake.
Source: NHK news
Comprehension Questions
Answer the questions following the article in English.
- What season is the story talking about?
- What activity helps people relax in winter?
- What makes the kitchen warm during baking?
- Why do people feel happy when they smell baked food?
- What do you get at the end of baking?
Summary
In your own words, attempt to summarise the article in 4 sentences or less.
Discussion
Discuss these topics with your tutor, and support your answers with examples or experience.
- Have you ever tried baking on a cold day just to warm up the house?
- What was the first thing you ever baked? How did it turn out?
- Does baking help you relax after a stressful day? How?
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