Author Archive: admin

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

A world free from tobacco

2017年10月26日

Health - Intermediate

Vocabulary: alarming – worrying or disturbing The amount of money people spend on vices is quite alarming. emission – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation Everybody is worried about gas emissions from old cars and big factories. diminish – to make or become less; decrease Your resistance to flu will diminish if you continue to sleep late. expenditure – the action of spending funds The government’s expenditures on education and health are supported by the people. devastation – great destruction or damage This devastation will continue if we don’t do something about this city’s growing industrial waste.   The alarming increase of tobacco use and the…
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Expert

A world free from tobacco

2017年10月26日

Health - Beginner

Pre-reading questions: How does tobacco affect the environment? Are there strict regulations on smoking in your country? Vocabulary: consumption – the use of something by drinking, eating, etc This city has a high alcohol consumption rate. claim – cause the loss of someone’s life The typhoon last month claimed a lot of lives. arise – happen; emerge A lot of problems may arise from not taking proper care of your health. dispose of – to get rid of by throwing away or giving or selling to someone else If you don’t dispose of your garbage properly, the government will give you a fine. action plan – a proposed strategy I…
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Intermediate