Learning English

Too many mangoes in the Philippines

A surplus of two million kilograms of mangoes has been produced in the Philippines. While this is good news for fruit lovers, farmers have been hot by a fall in prices.

Language challenge

Farmers in the country have produced a ___ of mangoes.

a) surface
b) surpass
c) surplus

Vidiyoo daawwadhuuti shaakala kana xumuri

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The story

If you’re a mango lover you might consider this a good problem to have, but for farmers in the Philippines, two million kilograms of surplus mangoes have sent prices plummeting and it’s slashed their income. The government, meanwhile, is trying to make sure that surplus mangoes don’t rot, by encouraging people to buy more and cook more.

Key words and phrases

get rid of
dispose of, throw away

• Can you please get rid of all your old clothes? There’s no space in the wardrobe!
• I got rid of my old car as soon as I had enough money for a new one.

golden opportunity
excellent chance to do something

• The government is open to investment. It’s a golden opportunity for business!
• The foreign exchange programme is a golden opportunity to learn another language!

sell like hotcakes
sell quickly due to popularity

• Make sure you apply for World Cup tickets early. They sell like hotcakes!
• Business is going well. We’re selling insurance policies like hotcakes!

To do

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Language challenge answer

c) surplus

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