One Minute English for High-Beginners - Level A2

Olivia / USA flag of USA

What was it like growing up on a farm?

Lesson Activities

Hi, I am Olivia. I'm from Washington DC and my question is, what was it like growing up on a farm?

Well, I did not grow up on a farm, but my dad did and my cousins do, and their lives are very different from me, but I can tell you what I've heard from what I can tell. Growing up on a farm, you are far more physically competent, and you have a much more stricter schedule in terms of chores because often you have to help out, and you have a lot of freedom going outside, within the countryside, because at least my dad and my cousins, they lived on a farm with lots of space, so they could kind of go out and explore all day, and their parents wouldn't really ask where they've gone. They knew they were somewhere on the land, but when it comes to being around in a city, they're not as comfortable maneuvering around that way.

My cousins had lots of horses and animals and pigs, and they were always kind of feeding them, and they were just much more physically competent. They knew if one of them was hurt, how to fix them. They knew their schedule. They were far more resilient, whereas I was a bit more squeamish with those things whenever I visited. Yeah, my dad used to have to get up at 5:00 AM to help on the farm before school. He was very, very diligent in getting all of his tasks done, but then when he moved to Big City, he was a bit more like... So, yeah, I think it's a very free lifestyle in some ways and also strict in other ways, but in a completely different way than it is from growing up in the city.

Answer the following questions about the interview.

How to Practice Vocabulary

  • Review the vocabulary.
  • Complete the blanks below with correct words.
  • Check your answers. Correct any wrong answers!

physically competent

Meaning: Having good physical skills and the ability to handle physical tasks well.

Examples:

  1. People who grow up on farms tend to be more physically competent because they do a lot of manual work.
  2. She is very physically competent, so she excels at sports and outdoor activities.

whereas

Meaning: Used to contrast two different things.

Examples:

  1. He enjoys outdoor activities, whereas I prefer staying indoors.
  2. My cousins grew up on a farm, whereas I grew up in a big city.

maneuvering around

Meaning: Moving or finding one's way through a place or situation.

Examples:

  1. He had trouble maneuvering around the crowded streets of New York.
  2. Farmers are comfortable working in open fields, but they may struggle maneuvering around in big cities.

resilient

Meaning: Able to recover quickly from difficulties; strong and adaptable.

Examples:

  1. People who work on farms are often very resilient because they deal with tough conditions.
  2. She faced many challenges, but she remained resilient and never gave up.

squeamish

Meaning: Easily uncomfortable or scared, especially about blood, injuries, or unpleasant things.

Examples:

  1. I feel squeamish when I see blood.
  2. He is squeamish about touching insects, but his cousin loves playing with them.

diligent

Meaning: Hardworking and careful in completing tasks.

Examples:

  1. She is very diligent in her studies and always submits her homework on time.
  2. Farmers have to be diligent to make sure all their animals are fed properly.

in some ways, in other ways

Meaning: Used to compare different aspects of something.

Examples:

  1. In some ways, living on a farm is fun, but in other ways, it is very hard work.
  2. In some ways, moving to a city was exciting, but in other ways, it was overwhelming.

Keep Listening

Got another minute! Try these lessons.

Cover Image
Video 8
What was it like growing up on a farm?
Cover Image
Video 7
Do you like taking selfies?
Cover Image
Video 6
Do you like superhero movies?

Watch More Videos >>

The more you listen, the faster you improve!