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English reading practice - Record Breakers - Colossal Carrot (C1/C2 Advanced)

In the quirky world of colossal vegetables, where size matters and records are broken like breadsticks, there exists a legend that stems from the humble soil beneath. On that fateful day, the 9th of September 2017, something extraordinary sprouted – the world's heaviest carrot, tipping the scales at an astonishing 10.17 kilograms! Get ready to peel back the layers of this earth-shattering discovery as we dig into the fascinating tale of the heavyweight champion of the vegetable patch.


Picture a quaint garden in the small town of Otsego, Minnesota, USA, where amateur horticulturist and carrot enthusiast, Mr Christopher Qualley tended to his vibrant carrot patch. Little did he know that his green-fingered efforts were about to yield a vegetable behemoth that would make even Bugs Bunny do a double-take.


September 2017 – a time that would forever be etched in the annals of gardening history. As Mr Qualley diligently pulled at the carrot's leafy crown, he felt an unexpected resistance beneath the soil. His eyes widened in disbelief as the gargantuan orange mass emerged, casting a shadow over its more diminutive carrot companions. There it stood, proud and hefty, breaking the scales at an incredible 10.17 kilograms. Verified by Guinness World Records on the 9th of September.


To celebrate this unexpected triumph, the community organised a festive Carrot Carnival in Christopher Qualley's honor. Otsego's streets were adorned with carrot-themed decorations, and residents came together to revel in the newfound fame of their hometown hero. The carnival featured carrot-themed games, a parade, and a "Guess the Weight" booth, with the sweet aroma of carrot-infused delicacies filling the air.


Christopher Qualley's accidental feat didn't just captivate Otsego; it ignited a global gardening frenzy. From backyard gardeners to agriculture enthusiasts worldwide, everyone wanted to grow their own record-breaking carrot. Online forums buzzed with discussions on soil composition, watering techniques, and carrot care, as people sought to replicate the success of Qualley's unexpected discovery.


As Otsego embraced its newfound status as the home of the world's heaviest carrot, Christopher Qualley's legacy lived on. His accidental horticultural triumph inspired a new wave of gardeners to dream big, cultivating a sense of wonder and excitement in the seemingly ordinary act of tending to the soil. And so, the tale of Christopher Qualley's colossal carrot remains a testament to the surprises that can emerge from the ground when passion and nature collide.


Check your understanding

  1. Who discovered the world's heaviest carrot in Otsego, Minnesota, and what is his background in gardening?

  2. On what date was the colossal carrot officially weighed, and what was its weight, setting a new record in the vegetable world?

  3. How did the community of Otsego celebrate the discovery of the heaviest carrot, and what special events took place during the Carrot Carnival?

  4. Describe the impact of Christopher Qualley's accidental discovery on a global scale. How did it influence gardening enthusiasts worldwide?

  5. What lasting legacy did Christopher Qualley's colossal carrot leave in Otsego, and how did it inspire a new wave of gardening enthusiasm among local residents and beyond?


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Vocabulary
  1. Horticulturist: A person who engages in the science and art of plant cultivation, including the study of plant growth, development, and management.

  2. Annals: Historical records or accounts that provide a chronological record of events, often in yearly increments.

  3. Colossal: Extremely large or massive, often used to emphasize the sheer size or scale of something.

  4. Behemoth: A creature or thing of enormous size, often used metaphorically to describe something large and powerful.

  5. Festivities: Celebrations, parties, or events marked by joyful and lively activities, typically in honor of a specific occasion or achievement.

  6. Frenzy: A state of intense and uncontrolled activity or excitement, often characterized by heightened enthusiasm or chaos.

  7. Captivate: To attract and hold the attention, interest, or affection of someone by being fascinating, charming, or compelling.

  8. Replicate: To duplicate or reproduce something, often with the intention of recreating a particular result or success.

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