MCU-006-รวมเล่ม-ทดลองใช้.pdf

MCU 006
English for Doctoral Students

(Readindg & Writing Skills)

Chortip Viriya
Siripen Sutharoj
Virasuda Sribayak
Chomraj Patanasorn
Sumon Kunwongse
Nopporn Sarobol

Language Institute
Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University

Contents

Preface

Unit 1 Traditions and Festivals 6-19
20-39
Unit 2 Education 40-55
56-74
Unit 3 Environment 75-91
92-113
Unit 4 Science and Technology
114-115
Unit 5 Health and Lifestyle

Unit 6 Social Issues

About the Authors

The Structure of Contents

Units/ Titles Reading Skills Language Focus Writing Skills Authors
- Reading for main idea Chortip Viriya
1 Traditions and - Simple sentences - Organizing ideas
Festivals - Subject / Verb - Writing topics and topic
sentences
Agreement
- Adjectives / Adverbs
- Prepositional phrasing

2 Educations - Reading for details - Sentence combining - Writing supporting Siripen Sutharoj
- Connectors details

- Creating unity and
conference

3 Environment - Recognizing content - Transitional words - Writing concluding Virasuda Sribayak
clues sentences

- Outlining

4 Science and - Identifying text types - Imperatives / should - Giving instructions Chomraj Patanasorn
Technology and suggestions

5 Health and Lifestyle - Making inference - Connectors for and - Writing an expository Sumon Kumwongse

expository paragraph Paragraph

6 Social Issues - Identifying Author’s - Phrases for sharing - Writing an opinion Nopporn Sarobol
Purposes and Attitudes opinions Paragraph

Preface

English for Doctoral Students is a textbook designed for an English
course for students pursuing a doctoral degree at
Mahachulalongkornrajavidalaya University. It aims to improve academic
reading and writing skills in the Buddhist context. The textbook contains six
units dealing with a variety of themes: (1) Traditions and Festivals, (2)
Education, (3) Environment, (4) Science and Technology, (5) Health and
Lifestyle, and (6) Social Issues.

Each unit contains sections intended to enhance students’ reading and
writing skills. Reading topics consist of reading for main idea, reading for
details, recognizing context clues, identifying text types, making inferences, and
identifying author’s purposes and attitudes. Writing topics include organizing
ideas, writing topics and topic sentences, writing supporting details, creating
unity and coherence, writing concluding sentences, outlining, writing an
expository paragraph and writing an opinion paragraph.

In addition, each unit contains a Language Focus section which
introduces essential grammatical points related to sentence structure,
prepositional phrases, subject-verb agreement, the use of connectors, and the
use of transitional words along with exercises and activities that are
systematically presented to allow for practice.
The authors hope that this textbook will be beneficial for learners in developing
their English proficiency in the Buddhist context.

Nopporn Sarobol,Editor
On behalf of the authors

Language Institute
Mahachulalongkornrajavidalaya University
July 2021

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UNIT 1
TRADITIONS AND FESTIVALS

Learning Objectives

After studying this unit, students will be able to:
1. Identify topics and main ideas.
2. Understand how to organize ideas and write topic sentences.

Warm-Up

Work in pairs. Look at the following pictures and answer the questions.

Picture 1 Picture 2

Picture 1: Source: https://maytermthailand.org/2018/05/13/vesak-visakha-bucha-day/
(Retrieved December 25, 2019)

Picture 2: Source: https://cutt.ly/8kqTlGs (Retrieved December 25, 2019)

1. What are people in Picture 1 doing? Where are they? What special day
is it?
________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

2. What are people in Picture 2 about to do? What is the occasion? Why
are they are doing this?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

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Reading

Finding the Topic and Main Idea

Finding the topic and main idea is one of the most basic reading skills.
Readers need to have some knowledge of the topic and related vocabulary in
order to understand the text. A good academic paragraph will always contain a
topic sentence. The topic sentence is the most important sentence in the
paragraph as it tells the reader both the topic and main idea that the author
wishes to convey.

The topic is a word or phrase repeated throughout the paragraph. Usually, the
writer starts each paragraph with a topic sentence, but sometimes they are
found in the middle or at the end of the paragraph. The author usually
expresses the main idea in the topic sentence. Other sentences provide
supporting details to clarify, explain, or support the main idea. A main idea
that is directly expressed is called a directly-stated main idea.

Read the paragraph below and answer the questions that follow.
Who or What is the paragraph about? – The answer is the topic of the
paragraph.
What does the author want you to know about the topic? – The answer is the
main idea of the paragraph.

Example Paragraph

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is an important national holiday in
Thailand. It usually falls in May. This ceremony marks the beginning of the
rice-growing season. This is important in Thailand since half of the population
depends on farming for a living, and rice is the main staple for Thais. The
King presides over the traditional ceremony that is meant to bring an
auspicious beginning to the new planting season. The ceremony takes place at
Sanam Luang, an open field and public square across from Wat Pra Kaew and
the Royal Palace.

You will see that the first sentence of the paragraph contains both the
topic and the main idea. The topic is “The Royal Ploughing Ceremony” and
the main idea is “The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is an important national
holiday in Thailand.” The writer gives more details in the following sentences
to explain why it is important, when it occurs, and where it takes place.

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EXERCISE 1

Now work with a partner. Find the topic and main idea of each of the
following paragraphs. Answer the following questions:

 Who or what is the paragraph about?
 What does the author want to express about the topic?

Paragraph 1

Ceremonies associated with Buddhism are classified into three groups.
The first group is ceremonies linked with events in the life of the Buddha and
the Dispensation. The second one is ceremonies connected with the discipline
and monastic life, primarily the concern only of monks. The third one is
ceremonies connected with folk cultures and non-Buddhist elements. They are
those which have been appropriated by Buddhism or accepted into the
Buddhist fold by assimilation or by the incorporation of Buddhist elements.
These three groups are ceremonies related to Buddhism.

Topic: ______________________________________________________

Main idea: __________________________________________________

Paragraph 2

Songkran (Water-throwing festival), the traditional Thai New Year,
falls on April 13 in the hottest time of the year in Thailand. It is believed to be
Hindu in origin. It is a big festival celebrated for three to seven days, each of
which begins with merit-making ceremonies of offering food to monks. The
festival is characterized by the ceremony of respects to monks and the elderly
and the throwing of water on one another among younger people. During this
month of high temperatures, water symbolizes a happy beginning by its
twofold function of renewal through cleaning and happiness through
refreshment. People pay respects and express their good wishes to monks and
elderly people by bathing the monks and by bathing and giving new clothes to
the elderly, thereby receiving blessings from them in return. The festival ends
with water-throwing, an act of refreshment and merry-making. These are some
facts about the Songkran festival.

Topic: ______________________________________________________

Main idea: __________________________________________________

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Paragraph 3

Sārd takes place on the new moon of the 10th lunar month (usually at
the end of September or in early October), the time when the departed are
believed to be released temporarily from the world of the dead to see their
relatives in the human world. Sārd is the giving of merit to the departed.
Originally, people made food offerings to their departed ancestors and
relatives by leaving them at the foot of a tree. After Sārd was incorporated
into Buddhism, the ceremony consisted only in the merit-making ceremony of
offering food to monks and dedicating or transferring the merit to the dead. In
many parts of the country, however, both practices are still followed.

Topic: ______________________________________________________

Main idea: __________________________________________________

PREPARING TO READ

EXERCISE 2
Match the words from the box with the definitions in the chart.

alms celebrate commemoration honor intently
luxurious procession ritual sincerely worship

Word Vocabulary Chart
Definition

very expensive, beautiful, and comfortable
truly, really feeling or believing something, not just pretending

carefully, in a way that give your all attention to something

to show great respect for someone or something

to show respect and love for a higher being, especially by praying or
prostrating
to do something enjoyable to show that an occasion or event is special

a ceremony that is always performed in the same way to mark an
important religious or social occasion = rite
something intended to honor and remember an important person or
event
a line of people or vehicles moving in a slow and formal way as part
of an event
money, food etc. given to poor people in the past

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(1) Visākha-Pūjā Day is a national holiday in Thailand. It is the day of
worship that falls during the full moon of the 6th lunar month in commemoration
of the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha into total nibbāna. It is
believed to have been celebrated since the Sukhothai Period about 700 years ago.

(2) On the morning of Visākha-Pūjā Day, thousands of Buddhists across the
country go to the temple to pay homage to Lord Buddha. They make merit by giving
alms to monks. Some people practice the five precepts which encompass abstaining
from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and taking intoxicants, while others
practice three additional precepts which encompass abstaining from eating after
lunch, singing, dancing, playing music, attending entertainment performances,
wearing perfume, using cosmetics and garlands, sitting or sleeping in luxurious
places, and overindulging in sleep. Monks across the country give lectures to people
who listen intently to help them better understand the Dhamma.

(3) In addition, many birds and animals are also released into the wild as a
symbol of giving freedom to those who are held in captivity. In the evening, there is
a candlelit procession where people walk around the main ubosot, or shrine of a
temple three times to honor the three jewels of Buddhism—Buddha, his teachings
and the monkhood. While all of these rituals serve a purpose, the most important
thing to do is follow the Buddha’s teachings (Dhamma) sincerely.

EXERCISE 3

Give short answers for the following questions about the passage above.

1. What is the main idea of the first paragraph?
2. What does the second paragraph mainly discuss?
3. What is the topic of the third paragraph?
4. According to the passage, what do people do on Visākha-Pūjā Day?
5. What do the monks do on this day?
6. Why do people walk around the shrine three times?

EXERCISE 4

Complete the following sentences by using the words from the box.

alms celebrated commemoration honor intently
luxurious procession rituals sincerely worship

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1. The lady of the house performs the sacred __________ of lighting two
candles.

2. In the past, people thought it was their religious duty to give ______ to
the poor.

3. Leather seats sports cars are _______, but completely unnecessary.
4. I would like to thank you all most ________.
5. The child stared __________ at the mysterious light in the woods.
6. Thousands of veterans will take part in a ____________ of the battle.
7. We are here today to ________

the men and women who gave their lives for their country.
8. About 10,000 women carrying pots of milk on their heads walked in a

_________from one temple to another.
9. They all _________ the same god.
10. Let’s have a party to _________ your birthday.

DISCUSSION

1. What do you usually do on Visākha-Pūjā Day?
2. Why do you think people practice the five or eight precepts? Have

you ever practiced them?
3. What do you do to follow the Buddha’s teachings? How does it

make you feel?

Writing

LANGUAGE FOCUS

Simple Sentences, Subject-Verb Agreement, Adjectives/Adverbs,
Prepositional Phrases

1. Simple Sentences
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a sentence is a set of words that is
complete in itself, typically containing a subject and predicate,
conveying a statement, question, exclamation, or command, and
consisting of a main clause and sometimes one or more subordinate
clauses. When you write a sentence, you should capitalize the first
letter and end with a period if is a statement, a question mark at the end
of the question, or an exclamation mark in an exclamation.

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There are five basic sentence patterns.

1.1 Subject + intransitive verb
Examples of verbs in this pattern include run, jump, walk, go,
laugh, pray, sleep, exercise, sit, stand, etc.
For example:
 All monks stay in the monastery during the rains residence.
 Thet Mahachat occurs in April or during the rains
residence.

1.2 Subject + transitive verb + direct object
Examples of verbs in this pattern include eat, drink, do, make,
like, hate, love, kick, read, write, teach, draw, etc.
For example:
 People make small vessels or baskets of banana leaves.
 They put lit candles and incense sticks inside the banana
baskets.

1.3 Subject + verb + subject complement
Examples of verbs in this pattern include stative verbs (be) and
linking verbs: smell, look, seem, feel, sound, appear, become,
turn, stay, keep, etc.
For example:
 Kathin is a very special occasion.
 The children seem amused by the zoo animals.

1.4 Subject + transitive verb + indirect object + direct object
Examples of verbs in this pattern include verbs that require two
objects.
For example:
 Lay devotees offer the monks their help.
 A student bought the teacher a krathong.

Note: If the direct object comes before the indirection, we need to add
“to” or “for” before the indirect object.

Verbs that take “to”: bring, feed, give, hand, lend, offer, owe, pass,
pay, post, promise, read, sell, send, show, take, teach, tell, throw,
write.
Verbs that take “for”: book, bring, build, buy, choose, cook, fetch,
find, get, leave, make, order, pick, reserve, save.

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Subject + transitive verb + direct object + to /for + indirect
object
 Lay devotees offer their help to monks.
 A student bought a krathong for the teacher.

1.5 Subject + transitive verb + direct object + object complement
For example:
 Foreigners find Buddhism interesting.
 Thai call a banana basket a krathong.
 People consider Elvis Presley the king of rock and roll.

EXERCISE 5

Put the words in the correct order to make sentences.
1. takes place / the Yi Peng festival / in November / in Chiang Mai
2. was once / Chiang Mai / of the Lanna kingdom / the capital
3. people / live /can enjoy /music performances
4. the lantern festival / northern Thai people / call / the Yi Peng
5. the night sky / firecrackers / light up

2. Subject-Verb Agreement

In the present simple, present perfect, or present and past continuous, we need
to write the verb so that it agrees with the subject. Singular subjects require
singular verbs, and plural subjects require plural verbs.

 She usually eats noodles for lunch.
 Most children like ice cream.
 At the moment they are living in a very small flat.
 While it was raining, I was watching TV.
 The plane has landed.

EXERCISE 6

Choose the correct verb form in each sentence.
1. Phi Ta Khon (take place / takes place) in the small town of Dan Sai.
2. It (is / am / are) a three-day celebration marked by colorful masks.
3. As the legend (go /goes), Phi Ta Khon (is meant / are meant) to be a

party that is so much fun, both the living and the dead (want / wants) to
attend.
4. Locals (believe / believes) that the loud noises will awaken the spirit of
the Mun River who (protect / protects) their town.

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5. There (is / are) massive parades, beauty pageants and music
performances on the first two days of the festival followed by a more
somber day of Buddhist ceremonies.

3. Adjective/Adverb
3.1.An adjective is a word that describes a noun or pronoun. It tells us

characteristics of the noun or pronoun. There are two places where we
can use an adjective.
Before a noun

 This is a fun festival.
 Tom bought a new car.
 The man made a slow start.
After a linking verb
 Tom’s car is new.
 This festival looks fun.
3.2. An adverb is usually formed by adding –ly after an adjective such as
politely, quickly, safely, happily, nicely, fortunately,
 The man started the race slowly.
 Yingluck dresses expensively.

EXERCISE 7

Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.
1. The rocket festival in the Yasothorn province is very (popular /

popularly) amongst the farming communities as the rockets are meant to
encourage the gods to bless them with plentiful rains.
2. Locals construct (elaborate / elaborately) rockets that are almost 20 feet
in length.
3. The person whose rocket soars highest (usual / usually) wins a prize of
10,000 baht.
4. People whose rockets fail to launch are (playful /playfully) thrown into
a mud-bath as punishment.
5. There is plenty of live folk music and merriment marked by drinking
(local / locally) rice wine.

4. Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases tell us about time and place. The table below
summarizes their use.

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4.1 Place use examples
preposition town, country,
in + street (GB) in class, in Ayutthaya, in
Pahonyothin Road, in
on + floor, street (US) prison/hospital

at + place on a journey, on the fifth floor, on
house, address, Pahonyothin Road, on the
event right/left, on the screen

at the bus stop, at Jatujak, at
Peter’s house, at the temple, at
work/home/school

4.2 Time use examples
preposition year, month, season
in + part of day in 2018, in December, in winter,
in + day, date
on + in the morning/afternoon/evening
day + part of day
on + on Wednesday, on 15 April, on
clock time/ mealtime/ New Year’s Day
at + night/
midnight/midday on Monday morning, on Friday
night

at lunch, at three o’clock, at the
moment, at
night/midday/midnight

EXERCISE 8
Choose the correct prepositional phrase to complete the paragraph.

a) on the third weekend of November
b) of elephants
c) of Thailand's friendly giants
d) for travel
e) with flowers and paste
f) with fruits and vegetables
g) of this country's history

The Surin Elephant Festival is a celebration (1) _____________________.
Elephants have been an essential part (2)__________________________;
they were used in battle, they aided in agriculture, and they were even
used (3)__________________________. This festival in northeast of
Thailand sees enormous parades (4) _________________________ that
are lovingly fed (5) _________________________. The parades are

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followed by marching bands and elephant shows. Tourists love interacting
with these friendly beasts and taking pictures, especially once they have
been decorated (6) ________________________. The Surin Elephant
Festival usually takes place (7) ________________________.

WRITING SKILLS

Writing Topics and Topic Sentences
Writing topics

A topic is a noun phrase that tells us what each paragraph is about, e.g.
a person, a thing, an object, or a place. Therefore, the topic is more general
than other phrases, and it shows that other phrases are examples of this topic.
EXERCISE 9

Check () the topic of all the items in a group.

1. ___ taking a bath 6. ___ giving
___ getting dressed ___ meditation
___ eating ___ listen to the dharma
___ daily routine ___ making merit
___ working ___ moral conduct

2. ___ listening to music 7. ___ insert a card
___ gardening ___ withdraw money from
___ hobbies ATM
___ going shopping ___ enter your pin
___ traveling ___ select the amount
___ take your money
3. ___ do well in school
___ study hard 8. ___ do well in an interview
___ do all assignments ___ come prepared
___ don’t skip classes ___ be yourself
___ don’t cheat on exams ___ smile
___ be an attentive listener
4. ___ eat fruits and vegetables
___ stay healthy 9. ___ respect each other
___ drink lots of water ___ happy couples
___ exercise ___ be honest
___ accept the differences
5. ___ calm the mind ___ communicate
___ give time to heal
___ talk to someone 10. ___ law-abiding
___ try relaxation techniques ___ responsive
___ avoid stress ___ transparent
___ accountable
___ good governance

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Writing topic sentences

A topic sentence is a sentence that is the focus of a paragraph. Other
sentences of the paragraph relate, explain or support this topic. A good topic
sentence is composed of a topic (what it’s about) and a controlling idea (the
writer’s opinion about the topic). The controlling idea tells what the writer
thinks about the topic and their purpose for writing.

See the examples below. Each contains the same topic but have
different controlling ideas. The topic is in bold and the controlling idea is
underlined.

 Mahachulalongkornrajavidhyalaya University is a great Buddhist
university.

 It is easy to get to Mahachulalongkornrajavidhyalaya University.
 There are many reasons I chose to study at

Mahachulalongkornrajavidhyalaya University.

EXERCISE 10

Choose the topic sentence of each paragraph.

1. ________________________________________________. They can

go mountain climbing in the north or visit islands in the south. Some

enjoy eating different local foods. Others like to buy local souvenirs. In

conclusion, tourists should visit Thailand, for they can do and see

many things.

a. Tourism is the main source of income in Thailand.

b. Some tourists prefer natural places to historical parks.

c. Thailand is the medical hub of southeast Asia.

d. There are many things for tourists to do and see in Thailand.

2. ________________________________________________. Some
people go home to visit their parents. Others enjoy splashing water on
others on public streets of different provinces. Tourists in Bangkok go
to Khao San Road to join the festivities. Some go to the temple to
make merit. Others prefer pouring scented water with flowers onto the

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hands of monks and elders to ask for blessings for the New Year. In
short, during the Songkran Festival people enjoy doing various things.
a. Different people do different things during the Songkran Festival.
b. People start doing new things at the New Year.
c. Tourists enjoy the water festival on Khao San Road.
d. Streets for the water festival are called Khao + something, e.g.

Khao Poon, Khao Niew, or Khao Yum.

WRITING TASK
EXERCISE 11
Write a topic sentence for each paragraph.

1. _______________________________________________ First, some
people drink and drive, losing focus behind the wheel and causing
injury or death. Second, some drivers do not follow the speed limit and
lose control of their vehicles. In addition, people text or use the mobile
phone while driving. As a result, they do not pay attention to their
driving. Accidents may also occur because road conditions are poor.
These are the reasons why there are many road accidents.

2. __________________________________________________. In
South Korea, followers light lotus lanterns throughout the temples. In
Sri Lanka, colorful lanterns are used to illuminate different stories
from the Buddha’s life. In Indonesia, Buddhists light and release
lanterns into the air while visiting the Borobudur temple. In Taiwan,
followers pour fragrant water over Buddhist statues, symbolizing a
fresh start to life. These are examples of how people in different
countries celebrate the Lord Buddha’s birthday.

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3. ____________________________________________________ The
first event was when 1,250 Sangha followers came to see the Buddha
without any schedule. The second event was that all of them were
Arahants (Enlightened Ones) ordained by the Buddha himself. The
third event was that the Buddha gave those Arahants the principles of
Buddhism: to cease from all evil, to do what is good, and to cleanse
one’s mind. The fourth event was that it was a day of the full moon.
These four events occurred on Māgha-Pūjā Day.

References

Blanchard, K and Root, C. (2017). Ready to Write 2: Perfecting Paragraphs
Fifth Edition. USA: Pearson Education.

Eastwood, J. (1992). Oxford Practice Grammar. China: Oxford University
Press.

Prayuto, P. A. (2007). Vision of Dhamma: A Collection of Buddhist Writings
in English.

12 Festivals in Thailand That You Must Experience! Retrieved October 31,
201 9 from https://www.holidify.com/pages/festivals-in-thailand-873.ht

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UNIT 2

EDUCATION

Learning Objectives

After studying this unit, students should be able to:

3. Locate the supporting details and identify their relationships with the
main idea of a paragraph.

4. Combine sentences by using some common connectors.
5. Supply relevant details to support the main idea of a paragraph.
6. Create an outline of a paragraph.

Warm-Up Activities

Source: https://organizedclassroom.com/ Source: https://schoolvoice.com/blog/2017/
classroom-management/ (Retrieved August 12/26/ mindfulness-good-classrooms/
29, 2019) (Retrieved August 29, 2019)

1. What do you see in these two pictures?
_________________________________________________________

2. How is the atmosphere in these two classrooms different?
_________________________________________________________

3. What are the students in the second picture doing?
_________________________________________________________

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Reading

What are supporting details?

In a reading text, the writer usually uses supporting details to explain and
expand the main idea to make his or her readers better understand the message
he or she is trying to convey. Supporting details can be in the form of
examples, descriptions, or statements of fact. As readers, the ability to identify
how supporting details relate to the main idea can enhance comprehension of
the whole text.

Below is a diagram showing how the main idea and supporting details are
related.

MAIN IDEA

Supporting Detail Supporting Detail Supporting Detail

Read the following paragraph about teachers and meditation training. Study
how the details the author provides support the main idea of the paragraph.

A study showed that meditation could reduce teachers’ stress
levels. In the study, a group of teachers attended four 45-minute
meditation training sessions. After the training, they went back to work,
and found that they were less stressed than teachers who did not attend
the training sessions. They said meditation helped them resist stress and
respond effectively to classroom and to other stressful situations in their
work. They also reported feeling calmer and better able to adapt to the
various demands of their jobs.

Adapted from https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/meditation-and-teachers-
benefits-for-educators-and-students/ (Retrieved August 29, 2019)

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Main Idea: Meditation could reduce teachers’ stress levels.

Supporting detail 1: After meditation training, teachers feel less stressed at
work.

Supporting detail 2: Meditation helps teachers to better cope with their stress.
Supporting detail 3: Teachers feel more relaxed and adaptable.

The supporting details in this paragraph provide factual evidence to explain
the main idea as shown in the following diagram.

Main Idea
Meditation could reduce teachers’
stress levels.

Supporting Detail Supporting Detail Supporting Detail

Teachers feel less Meditation helps Teachers feel more
stressed at work. teachers to better relaxed and
cope with their adaptable.
stress.

EXERCISE

Read each of the following paragraphs. In the list of statements that
follows, there is one statement that is NOT used to support the main idea
of that paragraph. Identify that statement and put an X in front of it.

1. Many studies and reports from educators point to the positive changes
meditation brings to the classroom. A study published in the Journal of
Applied School Psychology showed that mindful awareness exercises
helped young students reduce their anxiety and do better in school.
Another study at the University of British Columbia showed that
mindfulness exercises reduced aggression among teenage students.
Teachers also report that relationships between students improve, with
the children showing more compassion toward one another. In
addition, meditation has helped children with learning difficulty
improve their attention span so that they can participate in classroom
learning.

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Adapted from https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/meditation-and-teachers-
benefits-for-educators-and-students/ (Retrieved September 5, 2019)
Main Idea: Many studies and reports from educators point to the positive

changes meditation brings to the classroom.

_____ 1. Students are less anxious at school.

_____ 2. Students can learn better in the classroom.

_____ 3. Students enjoy taking tests more at school.

_____ 4. Students have better relationships with their friends.

_____ 5. Students are less aggressive.

2. Mindfulness is a way of educating the heart and mind. It is a skill that
teaches students to deal with difficulties and tension in life.
Mindfulness teaches students to practice peace of mind and
concentration not just inside the classrooms but in any situation that
the students might find themselves in. It trains one to be aware of the
present moment and to observe their thoughts and feelings without
forming any judgments or letting their minds wander.

Adapted from https://schoolvoice.com/blog/2017/12/26/mindfulness-good-
classrooms/ (Retrieved August 29, 2019)

Main Idea: Mindfulness is a way of educating the heart and mind.

_____ 1. Mindfulness can help students when they have problems in

their life.

_____ 2. Students will have peace of mind if they practice

mindfulness.

_____ 3. Mindfulness makes students more aware of the present

moment.

_____ 4. A classroom is the best place to practice mindfulness.

_____ 5. Mindfulness is a way to observe one’s thoughts and feelings.

3. If you find that your students need to slow down, try some mindful
breathing. Tell students to take a moment and notice how their body
feels. Have them pay attention to their breath and the way that they
breathe naturally. Have them notice each inhale and exhale coming in

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and out of their body. If students have a hard time concentrating on
their breath, then they can count each inhale and exhale up the number
10 and then keep starting over. This will help them pay attention to
their breathing. Do this mindful breathing activity for about three to
five minutes each day and you’ll see your students feeling refreshed.

Adapted from https://www.teachhub.com/classroom-activities-build-positive-
environment (Retrieved September 15, 2019)

Main Idea: Teachers can try mindful breathing in the classroom.

_____ 1. Students pay attention to how they breathe naturally.
_____ 2. Students can count their breaths from one to ten.
_____ 3. Students can do mindful breathing for 3-5 minutes.
_____ 4. Students will feel refreshed after a mindful breathing activity.
_____ 5. Students should inhale and exhale slowly.

PREPARING TO READ
A. Match the definitions in column B with the words in column A.

______ 1. delightful (adj.) a. an unusual, exciting, and rather exciting
______ 2. wisdom (n.) journey
______ 3. value (n.)
______ 4. awareness (n.) b. natural, inborn
______ 5. opportunity (n.) c. enjoyable, very pleasant
______ 6. judgment (n.) d. a chance to do something
______ 7. adventure (n.) e. usefulness, importance
______ 8. surroundings (n.) f. the ability to use knowledge and
______ 9. upset (adj.)
_____ 10. innate (adj.) experience to make good decisions
g. knowledge and understanding that

something is happening
h. unhappy or worried
i. everything that is around a person, a

thing, or a place

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j. the store of knowledge that has been
collected over a long period of time

B. Fill in the blanks in the following sentences with the most appropriate
words from the above list.

1. She was ___________ when she found out that she did not pass the
exam.

2. Crying is a(n) ___________ action. Every baby knows how to do it
without being taught.

3. My first ____________ trekking through the Amazon rainforest was
unforgettable.

4. No one can deny the ____________ of a good education.
5. You should not make a(n) _____________ before knowing all facts.
6. An English proverb says “_____________ is better than gold and

silver.”
7. Living in an English-speaking country provides a good ____________

to use English in real life.
8. Many green trees and a lotus pond make the _____________ of this

temple calm and relaxing.
9. We spent two weeks traveling in Japan. We visited many beautiful

places and ate delicious Japanese food. It was a(n) ____________ time
for our family.
10. Because of a growing ____________ of the dangers of smoking, the
number of smokers has been decreasing over the past few years.

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READING PASSAGE

Read the following text and fill in the notes that follow with appropriate
details from the text.

Sharing Buddhism with Children

Jacqueline Kramer, who has been practicing meditation and studying
Buddhism for over 40 years, is the director of The Hearth Foundation. The aim
of the foundation is to share Buddhist wisdom and practices with mothers
around the world. She is also the author of Buddha Mom—the Path of Mindful
Mother. In her book, she talks about different ways to share Buddhism with
children.

Storytelling

Reading to children and telling stories is one of the most delightful
ways to open up discussions and impart wisdom. Anytime is a good time to
read a book to a child. In a Sunday school setting, it is helpful to have a
dharma talk with adults on the same topic as that in a book for children. By
doing this, when the children ask their parents questions about the topic at
home, the parents and children can share and exchange ideas in without
confusion. There is no need to limit our choice of books to those that are
strictly Buddhist. If there is a good book on Christian teaching which is similar
to the lesson being taught, there is value in using it.

Arts and Crafts

One of the key ways children and adults learn is through their hands
and their eyes. Art allows us to use our senses and brings us to a state of
greater awareness. While children’s hands are busy, there are many
opportunities for conversation, laughter, and, most importantly, presence. You
do not need to be an artist to promote an artistic experience. Children are
naturally creative. Just paper, colors, and a simple idea to start with can bring
interesting results. The best thing a teacher can do is to try not to make any
judgments about a child’s artwork. Everything about a child’s artwork is
beautiful.

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Nature Adventures

Being in nature with children offers many opportunities for sharing
dharma. As they walk in a garden, children can learn many important life
lessons. They learn to have more contact with their surroundings, and admire
the beauty of the nature. Birds, insects, and animals all offer opportunities to
teach about life and awareness. Children learn how all forms of life are
connected.

Guided Meditation

Even though children may not be ready to meditate on their own, they
are able to follow guided meditations at an early age. Children can be guided
through a process of paying attention to their breath and their feeling in this
present moment. By doing so, children can learn to be more aware of their
minds, whether they are calm, relaxed, busy or upset. Children are naturally
capable of being in the present moment. Perhaps our most important
responsibility as teachers of Buddhism to children is to help them see their
innate awareness. Teaching children is easier than you think.

Adapted from https://www.scribd.com/document/81428708/Sharing-Buddhism-With-
Children (Retrieved September 5, 2019)

Jacqueline Kramer

Her role in the Hearth Foundation:
_____________________________

The book that she wrote:
_____________________________________

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Different ways to share Buddhism with children

Storytelling

Benefits of reading to children:
1. _________________________________
2. _________________________________

When to read to children:
_____________________________________

Book topics:
_______________________________________________

Arts and Crafts

Benefits of arts and crafts:
1. ___________________________________
2. ___________________________________

Teacher’s role:
_____________________________________________

Nature Adventures

Benefits of nature adventures:
1. ___________________________________
2. ___________________________________
3. ___________________________________
4. ___________________________________

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Guided Meditation

Benefits of guided meditation:
_________________________________

Teacher’s role:
_____________________________________________

DISCUSSION

1. Can you think of other ways to share Buddhism with children?
2. If you were to give a lesson to a group of children in a Buddhist

Sunday school, what would you teach them and how would you
organize your lesson?

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Writing

LANGUAGE FOCUS
Sentence Combining

There are many ways to combine sentences in English. The following
chart shows the uses of some common clause connectors together with the
clause relationship that each connector indicates.

Clause Connector Structural Pattern

relationship

addition and Clause 1, and clause 2.

Example: Gratitude is important in Buddhist culture, and Thai
people formally express gratitude to their parents and
teachers on special days such as Father's Day, Mother's
Day and Teacher's Day.

Clause Connector Structural Pattern
relationship so
Clause 1, so clause 2.
cause-effect

(cause) (effect)

because Because clause 1, clause 2.

(cause) (effect)

Clause 1 because clause 2.

(effect) (cause)

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Example: Buddhist monks pass on the Buddha’s teaching, so Thai
people consider them teachers
Because Buddhist monks pass on the Buddha's teachings,
Thai people consider them teachers
Thai people consider Buddhist monks teachers
because they pass on the Buddha's teachings.

Clause Connector Structural Pattern
relationship but
Clause 1, but clause 2.
contrast

although Although clause 1, clause 2.
Clause 1 although clause 2.

Example: The role of Buddhist temples in formal education has been
decreasing, but temple schools in rural areas are commonly
seen in Thailand.
Although the role of Buddhist temples in formal
education has been decreasing, temple schools in rural
areas are commonly seen in Thailand.
Temple schools in rural areas are commonly seen in
Thailand although the role of Buddhist temples in
formal education has been decreasing,

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EXERCISE
Combine the following pairs of sentences using the connectors provided in
the parentheses.

1. In the past, temples were centers of community activities.
Monks had a very important role in educating children. (because)

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

2. Training one’s mind requires lifelong learning
Education becomes a primary activity of one’s life. (so)

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

3. The Religious Affairs Department gives support to other religions.
Buddhism is the national religion of Thailand. (although)

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

4. Practicing mindfulness can reduce your stress.
It can also improve your attention. (and)

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

5. Buddhist education is widely available to the public.
Many Thai people have little understanding of the core of Buddhist
teachings. (but)

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

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6. Temples used to be the training centers of artisans.
They were also the birthplace of Thai customs and traditions. (and)

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

7. Buddhist education shows us how to understand and deal with
problems in our daily life.
It is called creative education. (so)

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

8. It seems impossible to teach meditation to small children.
There are a lot of activities to promote their mindfulness. (although)

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

9. Buddhist monks have left the worldly life.
They still play an important role in the community. (but)

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

10. After five meditation sessions, teachers started feeling less stressed.
They were able to control their emotions better. (and)

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

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WRITING SKILLS

Paragraph Unity

Unity is one of the most important characteristics of a good paragraph.
In a unified paragraph, all sentences support the writer’s main idea. In order to
create unity in a paragraph, the writer uses only relevant details to clarify,
explain, or illustrate the main idea presented in the topic sentence. For
example, to support the topic sentence, “Buddhist monks play an important
role in Thai society,” the writer may use the following supporting ideas:

1. They perform religious rituals.

2. They study the Buddha’s teachings and pass them on to laymen.

3. They take part in various social services.

All of the above ideas are relevant to the main idea in the topic
sentence because they explain the role of Buddhist monks in detail.

On the other hand, if the sentence, “There are 227 rules for Theravada
Buddhist monks,” is added to the above list, it would be considered an off-
topic or irrelevant supporting sentence because it is not related to the central
idea of the topic sentence, and thus can distract and confuse the reader.

EXERCISE

Put an X mark in front of the statement that CANNOT be used as a
supporting detail for the main idea in each item.

1. Main Idea: At the Buddhist Sunday Dharma school, students can learn
many things.

__________ 1. Students are introduced to the life story of the Lord Buddha.
__________ 2. The number of students is usually smaller than that of normal

schools.
__________ 3. Students learn to the Buddha’s teaching through different

activities.
__________ 4. Students learn how to apply the Buddha’s teaching in their

daily life.

2. Main Idea: Mindfulness can be easily practiced in schools.

__________ 1. There is no need for any teaching materials.
__________ 2. Anyone can practice mindfulness at any time.

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__________ 3. Mindfulness can help us control our negative feelings.
__________ 4. Students can learn to be mindful by paying attention to their

breathing.

3. Main Idea: Young children can benefit a lot from practicing meditation.

__________ 1. Children are more aware of their present emotions.
__________ 2. Meditation can help improve children’s concentration.
__________ 3. Meditation can reduce children’s anxiety at school.
__________ 4. Regular meditation can help adults reduce stress.

Outlining

Outlining helps the writer arrange all the ideas he/she wants to put in a
paragraph in a logical way. After making a list of all relevant ideas, the writer
may find that some supporting details are more related to the main idea or
more important than others. There are two kinds of supporting details—major
supporting details and minor supporting details. While a major supporting
detail directly supports the main idea, a minor supporting detail is less directly
related to the main idea; instead, it gives more explanation of the major
supporting detail.
The following chart shows how the main idea, major supporting details and
minor supporting details are related to each other.

Main idea:

________________________________________________________

1. Major supporting detail: __________________________

a. Minor detail: _____________________________

b. Minor detail: _____________________________

2. Major supporting detail: __________________________

a. Minor detail: _____________________________

b. Minor detail: _____________________________

3. Major supporting detail: __________________________

a. Minor detail: _____________________________

b. Minor detail: _____________________________

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Conclusion:
______________________________________________________

The excerpt below is adapted from “Teaching Children Proficiency in the
Threefold Training” from pages 11-12 of the book entitled Education Made
Easy by P. A. Payutto (Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya). Read the
paragraph and study the outline that follows to see how all of the ideas are
related.

(1) The threefold training is a very important part of our life-long
learning. (2) This training involves three aspects in our lives; namely, sῑla,
samādhi and paññā. (3) Sῑla means conduct. (4) It refers to all of our
interactions with the outside world. (5) Right conduct involves actions that
are done for the benefit of others. (6) Samādhi means focus of attention.
(7) It refers to the state of mind that underlies our actions. (8) Our actions
are results of our state of mind while we are interacting with the world. (9)
Paññā means wisdom. (10) It is the process of knowing. (11) It is a clear
understanding of the activities we do. (12) When we interact with the
outside world, and are thus in the process of learning, all three factors of
the threefold training—sīla, samādhi, and paññā—work together.

Outline

Main idea: The threefold training, which involves sῑla, samādhi,and paññā is
a

very important part of our life-long learning. (sentence 1 and 2)

1. Sῑla means conduct. (sentence 3)

a. It refers to all of our interactions with the outside world.
(sentence 4)

b. Right conduct involves actions that are done for the
benefit of others. (sentence 5)

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2. Samādhi means focus of attention. (sentence 6)

a. It refers to the state of mind that underlies our actions.
(sentence 7)

b. Our actions are results of our state of mind while we are
interacting with the world. (sentence 8)

3. Paññā means wisdom. (sentence 9)

a. It is the process of knowing. (sentence 10)
b. It is a clear understanding of the activities we do. (sentence

11)

Conclusion: When we interact with the outside world, and are thus in the
process

of learning, all three factors of the threefold training—sīla,
samādhi, and paññā—work together. (sentence 12)

EXERCISE

Choose appropriate statements from the list below to complete the outline
that follows.

1. Students are able to deal with problems calmly.
2. Mindfulness meditation in the classroom has several benefits.
3. Students earn higher scores in exams.
4. Meditation stimulates creativity.
5. Students can control their emotions better.
6. Meditation helps open students’ mind to new ideas.
7. Meditation improves students’ academic performance.

Main Idea:

________________________________________________________

1. ____________________________________________________

a. Students do and understand their lessons better.

b. _______________________________________

2. Mindfulness can help create a peaceful classroom.

a. _______________________________________

b. _______________________________________

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3. ____________________________________________________
a. When students are relaxed, they are more creative.
b. _______________________________________

Conclusion: Meditation can bring about many positive changes in classroom.

WRITING TASK
Below is the outline of a paragraph entitled “The Role of Buddhist Monks
in Thai Society” The main idea and the major supporting details of the
paragraph have already been provided in the outline. Work in groups to
brainstorm the minor supporting details. Think about what religious
rituals Buddhist monks perform, how and what Buddhist monks teach
people, and what social services Buddhist monks take part in.

Main idea: Buddhist monks play an important role in Thai society

1. They perform religious rituals.

a. ____________________________________________

b. ____________________________________________

2. They study the Buddha’s teachings and pass them on to laymen.

a. ____________________________________________

b. ____________________________________________

3. They take part in various social services.

a. ____________________________________________

b. ____________________________________________

Conclusion: Buddhist monks make many significant contributions to Thai
society.

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References

Kramer, J. (2019, September 5). Sharing Buddhism with Children. Retrieved
from https://www.scribd.com/document/81428708/Sharing-Buddhism-With-
Children

Payutto P.A. (2018). Education Made Easy. Retrieved from
https://www.watnyanaves.net/uploads/File/books/pdf/673-Education-Made-
Easy-English.pdf

Preston, C. (2019, August 29). Classroom Management: Why & How.
Retrieved from https://organizedclassroom.com/ classroom-management/

Benefits of Meditation for Teachers. (2019, August 29). Retrieved from
https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/meditation-and-teachers-benefits-for-
educators-and-students/

Benefits of Meditation in the Classroom. (2019, September 5). Retrieved from
https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/meditation-and-teachers-benefits-for-
educators-and-students/

Building Positive Learning Environment. (2019, September 15). Retrieved
from https://www.teachhub.com/classroom-activities-build-positive-
environment

Why ‘mindfulness’ is good for classrooms. (2019, August 29). Retrieved from
https://schoolvoice.com/blog/2017/ 12/26/ mindfulness-good-classrooms/

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UNIT 3
ENVIRONMENT

Learning Objectives

After studying this unit, students will be able to:

7. Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words and phrases in reading
texts by using context clues.

8. Use appropriate transitional words
9. Write a concluding sentence of a paragraph

Warm-Up Activities

1. Look at the following pictures and discuss with your friends what the
people in each picture are doing and why.

Picture 1

(Photo by Jeremy Russell/OHHDL)

Source:https://www.dalailama.com/messages/environment/practical-steps (Retrieved September
16, 2019)

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Picture 2

Source: https://www.chiangraitimes.com/lifestyles/thailand-monks-adorn-robes-made-from-
recycled-plastic-bottles/ (Retrieved September 16, 2019)

Picture 3

Source: https://www.buddhistdoor.net/news/buddhist-monks-battle-to-save-cambodiarsquos-
forests (Retrieved September 16, 2019)

2. Match the pictures with the following sentences.

a) His Holiness the Dalai Lama plants a tree after the 13th World Summit
of Nobel Peace Laureates in Warsaw, Poland.

b) The monks bless, mark, and list the ancient trees for their protection.
c) BANGKOK – Disposable plastic bottles remain a major environmental

threat to the planet, especially as Thailand is the world’s sixth biggest
contributor of ocean waste. However, a group of Buddhist monks in
Bangkok have been integrating their Dharma practice with
environmental awareness by recycling plastic bottles to make monastic
robes.

3. Discuss with your friends what the underlined words in Sentence C
mean.

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Reading

Context Clues

A lack of vocabulary can cause problems in reading. However, good
reading strategies help reduce such problems. One effective reading strategy is
using context clues. Context clues are information that gives readers an idea of
what the meaning of others words in the text are. Context clues can be words,
phrases, or illustrations.

In the Warm-up Activities of this unit, context clues can help you
match the three pictures with the sentences and understand the meaning of the
words “threat”, “contributor” and “integrating.”

Without context clues, it is almost impossible to guess the meaning of
unfamiliar words. To illustrate, it is very difficult for you to know the meaning
of the following words: abstain, at odds, habitat, and plunge without context
clues. Below are four common types of context clues that can help you guess
the meaning.

1. Synonyms
A synonym, or word with the same or nearly the same meaning can help
when you come across unknown words.

One of the five precepts in Buddhism has a direct bearing on an attitude to
the environment: Buddhists should abstain from or stop taking life.
(In this sentence the word “stop” is the synonym of the underlined phrase
“abstain from”.)

2. Antonyms
An antonym, or word with the opposite meaning can help you guess the
meaning of unfamiliar words.

Science and religion are often at odds in many aspects, but there is an
agreement between the two about saving the environment.
(In this sentence the word “agreement” is the antonym of the underlined
phrase “at odds”.)

3. Examples
Examples can be used to suggest the meaning of the new words.

Threats against wildlife have been increasing. In many countries, animal
habitats such as forests have been destroyed.
(In this sentence, the word “forests”, which is an example of animal
habitats, suggests the meaning of underlined word “habitats”.)

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4. Explanations
Explanations or details given in the text can help you understand difficult
words.

Orangutan population in Borneo plunges due to hunting and
deforestation. The number of orangutans was around 105,000 in 2016, but
it is estimated to be only about 47,000 in 2025.
(In this sentence, information about the number of orangutans in 2016 and in
2025 helps you understand the underlined word “plunges”.)

When reading a text containing new words, you should look for the
context to find clues. This practice will help you understand the text and
improve your reading skills.

EXERCISE
A. Write the meaning of the underlined words and identify the type of
context clues used.

1. Buddhism teaches that everything in nature is interrelated. Everything
is connected to everything else, so harming one part of the whole
means harming all of it.
Meaning: ____________________________________________
Type of Context Clues: __________________________________

2. Many books and articles written by Thai Buddhist monks and
scholars, such as Venerable Prayuth Payutto and Venerable
Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, are translated into English.
Meaning: ____________________________________________
Type of Context Clues: __________________________________

3. As soon as you arrive at the temple, you will find the view filled with
greenery such as grass, shrubs, and trees.
Meaning: _____________________________________________
Type of Context Clues: __________________________________

4. A forest monastery is natural and non-polluted. It is also a serene or
peaceful place which calms the mind.
Meaning: _____________________________________________
Type of Context Clues: __________________________________

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5. Realizing that monks could accidentally walk on young plants during
the growing season, Lord Buddha decreed that monks and novices
stay in one place for three months during that period.
Meaning: _____________________________________________
Type of Context Clues: __________________________________

6. Although Buddhism is typically known for its detachment from
society, ecologically-minded monks consider it a religion that is tied to
nature.
Meaning: _____________________________________________
Type of Context Clues: __________________________________

B. Write the meaning of the underlined words.

The important events in the life of the Buddha took place in nature. He was

born in a garden park at the foot of a Sal tree in Lumbini as his mother

grasped the branches. He attained enlightenment at the foot of the Bodhi tree

in Bodhgaya. He began his missionary activity in the open air in a Sal tree

grove. As a wandering ascetic with a large company of monastics, he

frequently chose to stay in mango groves on the outskirts of villages and large

cities. Finally, he chose to pass away between two magnificent Sal trees in

Kushinagar, India. The Buddha's constant advice to his disciples was to resort

to natural habitats such as forest groves and glades where they would find

quiet and peace of mind undisturbed by human activity.

Taken from Current World Affairs. Mahapanaya Vidayalai An Affiliated Institute of
MCU Semester I 2011 Part IV. Buddhist Perspective on Global Environmental
Problems. Environmental problems
https://www.slideserve.com/garth/current-world-affairs)

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PREPARING TO READ

A. Use the adjectives in Column A to describe the nouns in Column B.
Each word can be used only once.

Column A Column B
___1. religious a) robes
___2. saffron-colored b) pesticides and fertilizers

___3. environmental c) status
___4. sustainable d) population
___5. growing e) rituals

___6. divine f) approaches to agriculture
___7. chemical g) protection

B. Use the “ADJECTIVE + NOUN” words in Exercise A to complete the
following sentences.

1. King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s sufficiency economy theory encourages
farmers to grow a variety of crops, raise fish and poultry, and avoid
____________________.

2. Deforestation is the result of a ____________________ and the
expansion of agriculture.

3. Tree ordination was first introduced by a group of Buddhist ecology
monks in Thailand and has also been practiced by monks in Cambodia,
Vietnam, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. In tree ordination, Buddhist
ecology monks perform ___________________ similar to the rituals
that are conducted when ordaining a layperson into the Sangha, or
Buddhist clergy. In tree ordination, monks wrap the trunk of the tree in
the ________________ of a Buddhist monk to symbolize the tree’s
____________________.

4. Tree ordination presents a clever method of _________________,
using the widely respected symbol of monastic robes to make loggers
refuse to cut down trees. Tree ordination combines the value of spirit
worship and the value of respecting nature.

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READING
Read the following passage and choose the words that are closest in
meaning to the underlined words.

essential =
a) important
b) unimportant

advocate =
a) supporter

b) destroyer

Buddhist monks in Thailand are playing an essential role in protecting the answering the
environment through a variety of methods including teaching farmers call =
about sustainable approaches to agriculture and ordaining trees to protect a) quit
them from loggers, according to American and Thai academics. b) join

“At a time when Pope Francis is calling upon religious leaders to step up garner =
as environmental advocates, Thai Buddhist monks are answering the a) avoid
call,’’ wrote Kiley Price, a Wake Forest University student. Price received b) gather
a grant to study the role of Thai Buddhist monks in environmental
protection from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting in Washington, reverse =
D.C. a) turn in the
same direction
b) turn in the
opposite direction

“Through rituals like tree ordinations, some monks in Thailand are quest =
integrating Buddhist principles into the environmental movement in order a) hunt
to garner support from their followers and encourage sustainable
practices,’’ Price wrote. b) lose

Thailand has been working hard to reverse decades of deforestation that is quarrels =
the result of a growing population, the expansion of agriculture, and the a) agreements
quest for profits by businesses. At times, this has led to quarrels, or b) disagreements
conflicts between communities and business interests. To protect the
forests from those who wish to either develop or ruin them, Buddhist ruin =
monks, especially in northern Thailand, have occasionally adopted a a) build
practice of ordaining trees. b) destroy

The monks perform religious rituals similar to those conducted when denote =
ordaining a layperson into the Sangha, or Buddhist clergy, and wrap the a) damage
trunk of the tree in the saffron-colored robes of a Buddhist monk to
denote the tree’s divine status. Community members participate in the

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ordination rites. This has proved to be effective in many cases, with b) represent
loggers refusing to fell the ordained trees.

“Making merit is extremely important for Thai Buddhists,” Susan
Darlington, a professor of anthropology and Asian studies at Hampshire
College, and the author of the book The Ordination of a Tree, told Price.
“They see tree ordination ceremonies as an act of making merit, which can
help with rebirth and, in some cases, having a better life now.”

Because of their status, monks can be more effective than politicians or

bureaucrats in educating and organizing people to protect the forests and

the environment. “If I asked farmers who they would trust between

government officers and the monks, they would choose the latter,” said

Chaya Vaddhanaphuti, a geography professor at Chiang Mai University.

publicizing =

Monks are also engaged in publicizing or spreading knowledge to farmers a) making known

about better ways to farm in harmony with nature. Chiang Mai-based b) making

monk Phrakhu Sangkom Thanapanyo Khunsuri has created an alternative unknown

farming school. With 49 full-time students this year, Phra Sangkom mixes

Buddhist teachings with the “sufficiency economy theory.” Formulated Formulated =

by the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the sufficiency economy theory a) Invented

encourages farmers to grow a diversity of crops, raise fish and poultry, b) Learned

and avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers.

diversity =

a) similarity

b) variety

Adapted from https://thaiembdc.org/2018/08/20/thai-buddhist-monks-emerging-as-

environmental-advocates/

EXERCISE

A. Write T for true statements and F for false statements, using the
information in the passage.

___1. Deforestation has been a problem in Thailand for many years.
___2. Monks aren’t as successful as politicians in convincing people to
protect the forests.
___3. For Thai people, all trees are regarded as religious symbols.
___4. Tree ordination could prevent some loggers from cutting down
trees.
___5. In alternative farming schools, chemical fertilizers are used for
growing crops.

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B. Answer what the highlighted words in the passage refer to.

1. them (Paragraph 1) = __________________________________
2. their (Paragraph 3) = __________________________________
3. this (Paragraph 4) = __________________________________
4. them (Paragraph 4) = __________________________________
5. those (Paragraph 5) = __________________________________
6. this (Paragraph 5) = __________________________________
7. They (Paragraph 6) = __________________________________
8. their (Paragraph 7) = __________________________________
9. they (Paragraph 7) = __________________________________
10. the latter (Paragraph 7) = ______________________________

DISCUSSION
Work in a group of 3-4 and discuss one of the following topics:
(a) what the government can do to persuade people to protect the
environment;
(b) what monks can do to persuade people to protect the environment;
(c) what you can do to protect the environment

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Writing

LANGUAGE FOCUS
Transitional Words

A paragraph consists of a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a
concluding sentence. But how can these sentences be logically connected?

Compare the following paragraphs.

Paragraph A Paragraph B

Buddhist ecology monks around the Buddhist ecology monks around the
world have engaged in activities to protect world have engaged in many activities to
the environment. A tree-planting campaign protect the environment. First, a tree-
was initiated by a group of Buddhist monks planting campaign was initiated by a
in China. These Chinese monks have group of Buddhist monks in China.
planted thousands of trees along the Sizhou These Chinese monks have planted
River to prevent flooding. Cambodian thousands of trees along the Sizhou
monks developed an environmental River to prevent flooding. Also,
campaign. They initiated the tree ordination Cambodian monks developed an
campaign in order to protect the forest. A environmental campaign. They initiated
group of Buddhist monks in Thailand have the tree ordination campaign in order to
used a portable kitchen cabinet to receive protect the forest. Furthermore, a group
alms from Buddhist disciples for years. This of Buddhist monks in Thailand have
practice has helped reduce the use of used a portable kitchen cabinet to receive
plastics. Buddhist monks in many countries alms from Buddhist disciples for years.
have played a role in saving the This practice has helped reduce the use
environment. of plastics. To conclude, Buddhist
monks in many countries have played a
role in saving the environment.

You can see the ideas in the two paragraphs are similar, but Paragraph 2 works
much better in terms of idea connection. The transitional words and phrases
“First, Also, Furthermore, and To conclude” help to create a logical flow
among the ideas in Paragraph 2.

Aside from creating the flow between the ideas, transitional words signal
relationship between them. The following table shows different types of
transitional words:

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Relationship Transitional Words
Sequence first, firstly, to begin with, second, secondly, next, after
that, then, later, finally
Additional support
also, moreover, in addition, additionally, furthermore,
Example besides
Cause-Effect
Similarity for example, for instance, to illustrate
Contrast therefore, hence, thus, as a result, consequently
Surprising result
Conclusion similarly, likewise, in the same way
in contrast, on the contrary

however, nevertheless, nonetheless
to conclude, to summarize, to sum up,
in conclusion, in summary, in sum

Examples:
1. Foreigners should know what to do and what not to do when entering
Buddhist temples. For example, they should dress appropriately.
Shoulders should be covered and long pants are more desirable than
shorts.

2. People should be constantly reminded to respect and worship trees.
Therefore, tree ordination should still be practiced.

3. Women cannot be ordained Buddhist monks in Thailand. Likewise,
they are not allowed to be ordained in Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.

4. Women cannot be ordained in Thailand. On the contrary, they can be
in Sri Lanka.

5. Women in Thailand cannot be ordained Buddhist monks. However,
Chatsuman Kabilsing is determined to reversed this tradition. She was
ordained a full bkikhuni, the word for female Buddhist monks, in Sri
Lanka.

EXERCISE
A. Complete the following sentences, using the transitional words.

1. The Earth’s resources are limited. _______________, they must be
protected.

2. The teachings about the environment come from several Buddhist
monks. _______________, the Dalai Lama said that Buddhists have to
make themselves aware of the damage they do to the environment.

3. Plastic bags take less energy to produce than paper bags.
_______________, plastic bags cause many more pollutions.

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