Should we eat less rice? ⏲️ 6 Minute English

BBC Learning English • 2025-03-13T09:56:30Z • 6:10 • intermediate • Science

Lead

Have you ever wondered how much water it takes to grow rice? In this enlightening episode of 6 Minute English, we explore the global significance of rice and innovative techniques to cultivate it sustainably.

Video

Quiz

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Q1. What percentage of the world's population relies on rice as their principal staple?

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Q2. What does the acronym AWD stand for in rice farming?

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Q3. How many cycles of flooding and drying does traditional rice farming require?

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Q4. What is one of the main challenges faced by farmers when trying new techniques like AWD?

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Q5. What does the term 'tangible results' refer to in the context of the new rice growing technique?

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Vocabulary

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staple

/ˈsteɪpəl/

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Definition

A basic food that is used frequently and in large amounts.

Example

Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world's population.

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commodity

/kəˈmɒdəti/

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Definition

A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold.

Example

Rice is a valuable commodity in international trade.

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appetite

/ˈæpɪˌtaɪt/

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Definition

A strong desire or interest in something.

Example

There is a growing appetite for organic rice among consumers.

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tangible

/ˈtændʒəbl/

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Definition

Perceptible by touch; clear and definite; real and measurable.

Example

The project produced tangible benefits for the local farmers.

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apprehension

/ˌæprɪˈhɛnʃən/

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Definition

Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

Example

The farmers expressed apprehension about trying the new technique.

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technique

/tɛkˈniːk/

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Definition

A method or way of doing something, especially in a skillful manner.

Example

The new growing technique has helped farmers conserve water.

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