Author Archive: admin

Trump tells Japan it can protect itself with US weapons

2017年12月12日

World News - Intermediate

Pre-reading questions: What are your thoughts on the relationship between the US and Japan? Do you think President Trump’s visit to Japan is important? Discuss.   Vocabulary: boost – to help something to increase or improve or become more successful They want the government to take action to boost the economy. dismay – a feeling of shock and unhappiness Lucy discovered to her dismay that she was pregnant. shoot down – to cause to fall by shooting The airliner was shot down by mistake. furthermore – also and more importantly She always arrives on time. Furthermore, her work is always excellent.   Japan was one of the five countries that US…
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Intermediate

Trump tells Japan it can protect itself with US weapons

2017年12月12日

World News - Beginner

Pre-reading questions: Do you enjoy traveling abroad? What countries would you like to visit on your next trip? Vocabulary: missile [noun] – a weapon thrown to strike something at a distance Everybody was worried about the missile attack. assure [verb] – to promise or tell something to someone confidently or firmly The governor assured the voters that taxes will be the same. counter [verb] – to oppose or stop something or reduce its negative effect He countered their proposal with a different suggestion. nuclear [adjective] – relating to a weapon with destructive power Nuclear weapons are a threat to all humanity. moreover [adverb] – used to add information It was…
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Beginner

China’s influence concerns other nations

2017年11月24日

World News - Expert

Vocabulary: firearm – a rifle, pistol, or other portable gun A man was sentenced to more than four years in prison for carrying a firearm. infrastructure – the system of public works of a country, state, or region Hundreds of  soldiers were deployed to restore infrastructure in Puerto Rico. deem – regard or consider in a specified way The event was deemed a great success. meddle – to interest oneself in what is not one’s concern More powerful countries indirectly meddle in the affairs of developing nations. boldness – willingness to take risks and act innovatively with confidence or courage I admire the boldness and independence that characterized his leadership.  …
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Expert

China’s influence concerns other nations

2017年11月24日

World News - Intermediate

Pre-reading questions: What do you think are the most important qualities of a leader? In your opinion, what do all of the most developed countries have in common?   Vocabulary: stance – an attitude or view about an issue that you state clearly Many citizens agree with the governor’s stance on tax reform. diplomacy – the conduct of the relations of one state with another by peaceful means Diplomacy is almost always better than public threats. acquisition – the process of buying something or obtaining something The young woman’s acquisition of paintings is from her deceased uncle. colonialism – a situation in which one country rules another Colonialism gave bigger…
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Intermediate

China’s influence concerns other nations

2017年11月24日

World News - Beginner

Pre-reading questions: What do you think is the most powerful country in the world? Describe Japan in one word. Vocabulary: colonization [noun] – to take control of another country by living there or sending people to live there The European colonization began in 1492. influence [noun] – the power to make other people agree with your opinion or do what you want Celebrities influence fashion. era [noun] – a period of history or a long period of time We are living in an era of fast technological advancement. bold [adjective] – not afraid to do things which involve risk or danger Hiring a fresh graduate is a bold move.  …
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Beginner

Netflix’s charge increases

2017年11月16日

technology

Vocabulary: streaming – transmitting data from internet directly to a TV/computer Streaming has become more popular in the past three years. subscription – a payment made to receive a service The amount of our magazine subscription only reached $250,000 this year. ultra high definition – ultra HD, display is sharper than 1080p The new Samsung TV has an ultra HD feature. pricing scheme – a pricing plan We discussed the new pricing scheme for our products during the meeting. programming– practice of organizing media programs in a daily schedule The new programming will feature some rising stars.   Netflix is raising its prices for its streaming services. The standard plan, which allows…
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Expert

Netflix’s charge increases

2017年11月16日

technology

Pre-reading questions: Are you familiar with Netflix? Are there other popular apps in your country similar to Netflix? What is your favorite movie/TV show? Why is it your favorite movie/TV show?   Vocabulary: existing users – current customers The company takes good care of its existing users. exclusive – only available to a specific group I was invited to join an exclusive club for soccer players. invest – to use money for profit gain I want to invest in a new house. prime – a subscription plan higher than the standard A prime membership in the country club has a lot of benefits.   Netflix has decided to increase its…
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Intermediate

Netflix’s charge increases

2017年11月16日

technology

Pre-reading questions: Do you like watching movies online? Do you think watching movies in cinemas is more fun? Vocabulary: membership [noun] – to become a member of a club This coffee shop requires membership. prime membership [noun] – membership higher than a standard plan My prime membership at the health club will end next week. improve [verb] – become better She needs to improve her grades this year. standard [adjective] – considered normal I have a standard TV at home. plan [noun] – something that you pay for to receive a service My mobile phone plan is expensive.   Netflix will increase its membership fee. The standard membership plan for…
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Beginner