第13章 Lesson 13: Durian-King of Fruits

Fruit is always a delicious treat. Many countries grow apples, pears, cherries, and cranberries, but they are not hot enough to grow other fruits.

Have you ever tasted a durian? Durian grow in hot places like Malaysia and Thailand in Southeast Asia. The name "durian" comes from the Malay word duri meaning "thorn".

The durian is often called "King of Fruits" because it is big and dangerous looking and has a very strong smell. A durian can grow up to 40 centimetres long and 30 centimetres wide. It can weigh up to 5 kilograms. It is oval-shaped and the outside is hard and greenish-brown. It is covered with prickly thorns.

However, the most amazing thing about the durian is inside. When you open it up, a very strong smell comes out. Some people love this smell, but others don't like it! In Singapore, people can not bring a durian into a hotel room or onto a city train. Some airlines also do not allow people to bring durian onto their airplanes.

Although durian has a strong smell, the fruit is quite tasty. It is yellow and tastes a bit like custard. Forest animals such as squirrels, wild pigs, and orangutans love it!

I. Word List

oval: shaped like an egg

prickly: sharp

tasty: delicious

orangutan: an animal like a monkey, but larger

II. Write the words in the correct places.

cherries

Malaysia

cranberries

Thailand

Singapore

wild pigs

durian

squirrels

pears

orangutans

Fruit: _______________________________________________________

Animals: ________________________________________________________

Places: ______________________________________________________

III. Complete the chart.

The Durian

Shape: ________________ Weight: up to __________ kg

Length: up to ___________ cm Width: up to ___________ cm

Colour: outside __________ inside _________________

IV. Answer the following questions.

1. What fruits grow in many different countries?

___________________________________________________________.

2. What fruits grow in your country?

___________________________________________________________.

3. Have you ever tried durian? If not, would you like to try it?

___________________________________________________________.

4. Why do some places not allow durian?

___________________________________________________________.

5. What are some other foods you know that have a strong smell?

___________________________________________________________.