Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of sunflower oil production. Please consider the following:
- Have you ever used sunflower oil in your cooking or eaten food prepared with it? What do you like about it?
- Do you know where sunflower oil comes from or how it’s made? What do you think is involved in the process?
- Have you ever seen a sunflower field or a sunflower plant? What comes to mind when you think of sunflowers?
- How do you think the production of sunflower oil affects the environment or the economy? What are your thoughts on sustainable food production?
- What do you think are the benefits of using sunflower oil compared to other types of oil? Have you heard of any health benefits associated with it?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image provided at the top of this page. What do you see in the image? What do you think this activity will be about based on this image? Please discuss your thoughts and predictions.
Introduction:
Now, let’s read the introduction to the sunflower oil production process. Please follow along and take note of any key terms or concepts that interest you.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with this activity, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f-0SQ609-k. As you watch, please pause the video at the following points and consider the questions:
- Pause at 1:00 minute: What is the main step in the sunflower harvesting process? How does it relate to the overall production process?
- Pause at 2:30 minutes: What is the purpose of gentle heating in the sunflower oil production process? How does it affect the final product?
- Pause at 4:00 minutes: What is the role of quality control in the sunflower oil production process? Why is it important for ensuring the safety and quality of the final product?
For more information on the sunflower oil production process, visit the original post at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/sunflower-oil-production-process-how-sunflower-seeds-become-pure-cooking-oil/.
Key Vocabulary:
Review the key vocabulary terms related to sunflower oil production, including:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Cultivar | A plant variety that has been bred for specific characteristics. | The sunflower cultivar used in this field is known for its high oil content. |
| Shelling | The process of removing the hard outer shell from a seed. | The sunflower seeds undergo shelling to reveal the ivory white kernel. |
| Screening | The process of separating particles of different sizes. | Screening is used to completely remove the shell and remaining impurities from the sunflower seeds. |
| Pressing | The process of applying pressure to extract a liquid from a solid. | The sunflower seeds are pressed to slowly squeeze out each drop of golden oil. |
| Refining | The process of purifying a substance to improve its quality. | The sunflower oil may undergo refining to remove impurities and improve its flavor and texture. |
| Sensory testing | The process of evaluating a product using human senses such as taste, smell, and sight. | The sunflower oil undergoes sensory testing to ensure it meets quality and safety standards. |
| Harvesting | The process of gathering a crop when it is ripe. | Sunflower harvesting typically occurs in late summer to early fall. |
| Extraction efficiency | The percentage of a substance that can be extracted from a material. | Gentle heating is used to increase the extraction efficiency of sunflower oil from the seeds. |
| Nutritional value | The amount of nutrients present in a food substance. | The sunflower oil is rich in nutrients and provides a healthy source of energy. |
Vocabulary Quiz:
Test your understanding of the key vocabulary terms with the following quiz:
- Which word means ‘the process of making something clean’ in the context of sunflower oil production?
- A) Shelling
- B) Screening
- C) Cleaning
- D) Pressing
- What is the purpose of ‘gentle heating’ in the sunflower oil production process?
- A) To remove impurities
- B) To increase extraction efficiency while preserving flavor and nutritional value
- C) To package the oil
- D) To distribute the oil
- Which step in the sunflower oil production process involves ‘slowly squeezing out each drop of golden oil’?
- A) Harvesting
- B) Processing
- C) Pressing
- D) Packaging
- What happens to the sunflower oil after it meets the safety and quality standards?
- A) It is distributed to stores
- B) It is transferred to the next refining step or packaged as a finished product
- C) It is stored in unsuitable conditions
- D) It is discarded
- Why is sunflower oil considered a good choice for ‘daily meals’?
- A) Because it is expensive
- B) Because it has a strong flavor
- C) Because it retains natural flavor and is rich in nutrients, providing a healthy and safe source of energy
- D) Because it is only available in some regions
Answer Key: 1. C, 2. B, 3. C, 4. B, 5. C
Grammar Focus:
The provided text illustrates the use of gerunds and infinitives in various contexts. A gerund is a verb form ending in “-ing” that functions as a noun, whereas an infinitive is a verb form beginning with “to” that can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb. For example, in the sentence “The process includes gentle heating to increase extraction efficiency,” “heating” is a gerund acting as a noun, and “to increase” is an infinitive phrase explaining the purpose of the action.
Understanding when to use gerunds and infinitives is crucial for clear and effective communication. Gerunds can be used as subjects (“Harvesting sunflower seeds is done by specialized machines”), complements (“The next step is screening”), or objects (“The process includes thorough cleaning”), while infinitives often follow verbs to indicate purpose (“to begin processing”, “to remove dirt”) or result (“to ensure it meets safety and quality standards”).
Grammar Quiz:
Choose the correct form of the verb to complete each sentence:
- The purpose of