Liam and Mia are friends. They meet in a quiet park on a sunny morning. They sit on a bench under the trees and talk about Singapore — a place where people live long and healthy lives.
Liam: Hi Mia! How are you today?
Mia: I’m good, thanks! How about you?
Liam: I’m fine too. It’s a nice day here in the park.
Mia: Yes, it’s so green and peaceful.
Liam: I was reading about Singapore last night.
Mia: Oh, really? What did you read?
Liam: Singapore is now called the world’s sixth Blue Zone.
Mia: A Blue Zone? What does that mean?
Liam: It means people there live long, healthy lives.
Mia: That’s interesting! How long do they live?
Liam: In 1960, people lived to 65. Now they live to 86.
Mia: Wow! That’s a big change.
Liam: Yes. The government helps people live better.
Mia: How does it help?
Liam: It makes food labels and high taxes on smoking and alcohol.
Mia: Oh, I see. That’s smart!
Liam: And there are many parks in Singapore.
Mia: Really? I love parks.
Liam: Yes, people walk, run, and meet friends there.
Mia: That sounds wonderful. Is healthcare good too?
Liam: Yes, it’s very good — one of the best in the world.
Mia: Nice! But is it expensive to live there?
Liam: Yes, it is. But the city is clean and safe.
Mia: I like that. I want to visit Singapore one day.
Liam: Me too! Maybe we can go together someday.
Mia: That would be great! Anyway, I need to go now.
Liam: Okay, take care, Mia!
Mia: You too, Liam! See you soon.
Liam and Mia enjoyed their talk in the park. They learned new things about Singapore and said goodbye with a smile.
Source: bbc.com
Vocabulary for the Article
Park – a green place for people.
We walk in the park every morning.
Blue Zone – a place where people live long lives.
Singapore is a new Blue Zone.
Healthy – good for your body.
Fruits and vegetables are healthy.
Live – to have life.
People live long in Singapore.
Clean – not dirty.
The city is clean and beautiful.
Safe – not dangerous.
Singapore is a safe place to live.
Government – people who lead a country.
The government helps people stay healthy.
Tax – money paid to the government.
People pay tax every year.
Exercise – to move your body for health.
She does exercise every morning.
Food label – information on food or drink.
The bottle has a food label.
Culture – people’s way of life.
Singapore has a rich culture.
Festival – a special celebration.
We enjoy the New Year festival.
Expensive – costs a lot of money.
Living in Singapore is expensive.
Hospital – a place for sick people.
He works in a big hospital.
City – a large town with many people.
I live in a big city.
Visit – to go and see a place.
We visit Singapore every year.
Life – the time a person lives.
He has a long and happy life.
Alcohol – drinks like wine or beer.
Some people don’t drink alcohol.
Smoke – to use cigarettes.
Smoking is bad for your health.
Green space – area with trees and grass.
There are many green spaces in Singapore.