Expert

Japanese nail artist combines creativity with environmental action

manicurist

©REUTERS/Manami Yamada Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. degradation /deg-ruh-DEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process in which the beauty or quality of something is destroyed or spoiled The degradation of the forest was evident after years of illegal logging. pivotal /PIV-uh-tl/ [adjective] – very important or crucial in determining the outcome of something The scientist made a pivotal discovery that changed the course of the research. vibrant /VAHY-bruhnt/ [adjective] – energetic, exciting, and full of enthusiasm The market was filled with vibrant stalls offering fruits, spices, and crafts. aesthetic /es-THET-ik/ [noun] – the principles or appreciation of beauty and art The architect focused…
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Scientists find ways to protect bees from pesticides with new supplement

Bees

Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. supplement /SUHP-luh-muhnt/ [noun] – something that is added to something else in order to improve it or complete it; something extra She uses a protein supplement after her workouts to aid muscle recovery. neurotoxin /NOOR-oh-tok-sin/ [noun] – a susbstance that is poisonous to nerve tissue Exposure to certain neurotoxins can lead to long-term memory loss. flavonoid /FLEY-vuh-noid/ [noun] – a substance in fruit and vegetables that may help protect people against some types of cancer or heart disease Fruits like berries and apples are rich in flavonoids, which promote heart health. neurological /noo-ruh-LAA-ji-kl/ [adjective] – related…
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Adventurer reaches Japan after epic 46,000-kilometer trek

fukuoka

Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. allure /uh-LOOR/ [noun] – the quality of being attractive, interesting, or exciting The allure of the city’s skyline attracted many tourists. immersive /ih-MUR-siv/ [adjective] – seeming to surround the audience, player, etc. so that they feel completely involved in something The immersive theater show left the audience feeling like they were in the middle of the action. trepidation /trep-i-DEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a feeling of fear or anxiety about something that may happen The team felt a sense of trepidation before the final match of the season. fortify /FAWR-tuh-fahy/ [verb] – to strengthen or make something more…
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Study reveals alarming decline in African elephant populations

Elephant

Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. habitat /hab-i-tat/ [noun] – the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives Deforestation destroys habitats and endangers wildlife. poacher /POH-cher/ [noun] – someone who catches and kills animals illegally Poachers often target rare species for their valuable parts. tusk /tuhsk/ [noun] – either of the two long, pointed teeth of some animals such as elephants Tusks are often targeted by hunters because of their ivory. ecosystem /EE-koh-sis-tuhm/ [noun] – all the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment Coral reefs are among the most diverse…
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Researchers raise ultra-clean pigs for life-saving organ donations

Pig (2)

Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. baboon /ba-BOON/ [noun] – a type of large monkey, found in Africa and Asia, with a long, pointed face like a dog and large teeth The researchers observed the behavior of baboons in the wild. cadaver /kuh-DAV-er/ [noun] – dead bodies, especially those of humans used for scientific or medical research. The anatomy students worked with cadavers to learn human anatomy. pathogen /PATH-uh-juhn/ [noun] – any small organism, such as a virus or a bacterium that can cause disease The laboratory is studying new methods to detect harmful pathogens. rigorous /RIG-er-uhs/ [adjective] – thorough, strict, or…
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Chickens and ducks assist in Romanian middle schools

chickenducks

©Photos/George Calin via REUTERS Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. nurture /NUR-cher/ [verb] – to care for and encourage the growth or development of someone or something Teachers can nurture empathy in students by encouraging them to understand and respect each other’s feelings. compassion /kuhm-PASH-uhn/ [noun] – a feeling of deep sympathy and desire to help someone who is suffering Her compassion for animals led her to volunteer at a local shelter. fondness /FOND-nis/ [noun] – a strong liking or affection for someone or something He developed a fondness for classical music after taking piano lessons. coordinator /koh-AWR-dn-ey-ter/ [noun] – a person…
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British author Samantha Harvey wins Booker Prize for “Orbital,” a novel exploring Earth’s fragility and climate change

BRIX IIMG (18)

©AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fragility /fruh-jil-i-tee/ [noun] – the quality of being easily broken or damaged The fragility of the vase made it risky to transport without careful protection. propel /pruh-PEL/ [verb] – to drive or cause something to happen Her passion for helping others propelled her to become a dedicated volunteer. crystalline /KRIS-tl-in/ [adjective] – extremely clear and precise The professor’s crystalline explanation made the complex concept easy to understand for everyone. deliberate /dih-LIB-er-it/ [adjective] – done on purpose or intentionally His deliberate choice to speak slowly helped everyone understand him. contemplative /kuhn-TEM-pluh-tiv/ [adjective] – involving…
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The red-cockaded woodpecker downlisted to “threatened” after major recovery efforts

BRIX IIMG (17)

©AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. notable /NOH-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – important and deserving attention; worthy of notice The scientist made a notable discovery that changed the way we understand space. downlist /dounlist/ [verb] – to change the status of a species from a higher risk category to a lower one Conservationists hope to downlist more animals from “endangered” to “threatened.” dwindle /DWIN-dl/ [verb] – to gradually become less or smaller in size, number, or strength The town’s population began to dwindle after the factory closed. setback /SET-bak/ [noun] – a problem that delays or prevents progress or…
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Greek runner, 88, defies age by completing 41st Athens marathon

Marathon

©REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inhibit /in-HIB-it/ [verb] – to prevent or restrain an action or process Strict rules often inhibit creativity in the classroom. battlefield /BAT-l-feeld/ [noun] – a place where a battle is being fought or has been fought in the past The old battlefield is now a peaceful park visited by tourists. excessive /ik-SES-iv/ [adjective] – too much The excessive use of plastic is harmful to the environment. regimen /REJ-uh-muhn/ [noun] – a planned course, especially of diet, exercise, or medical treatment, designed to improve or maintain health She followed a strict skincare regimen to improve…
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The giant salmon carp, once feared extinct, has reappeared in the Mekong River amid conservation efforts

BRIX IIMG (16)

Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. formidable /FAWR-mi-duh-buhl/ [adjective] – causing fear or respect due to being large, powerful, or difficult The mountain’s formidable cliffs deter even the most experienced climbers. industrial /in-DUHS-tree-uhl/ [adejctive] – related to or used in industry The city’s industrial area is known for its massive factories and warehouses. rampant /RAM-puhnt/ [adjective] – existing or spreading in an uncontrolled way Rampant rumors about the merger caused panic among the employees. inadequacy /in-AD-i-kwuh-see/ [noun] – the quality of not being good enough or not being sufficient The report highlighted the inadequacy of current safety measures at the plant. emblematic…
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