Intermediate

Neanderthal genes shape modern humans

©REUTERS/Nikola Solic/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What aspects of early human life interest you? How did early humans affect the environment, and how does this still impact us today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. biological /bahy-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to biology or living organisms The biological processes in plants are essential for photosynthesis. anthropological /an-thruh-puh-LAA-juh-kl/ [adjective] – relating to anthropology, the study of humans, human behavior, and societies The anthropological research revealed insights into ancient civilizations. metabolism /muh-TAB-uh-liz-uhm/ [noun] – the chemical processes within a living organism that maintain life Changes in metabolism…
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Junjun the playful bear cub captivates Shanghai zoo visitors

Junjun

©REUTERS/Casey Hall Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a baby cub in person? What kind of cub was it, and how was it different from an older one? If you could design your own zoo, what animals would you include, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. charm /chahrm/ [noun] – the quality of being pleasing or attractive Her smile has a unique charm that makes everyone feel at ease. captivate /KAP-tuh-veyt/ [verb] – to attract and hold the attention or interest of someone The magician’s performance captivated the entire audience. delight…
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Louisiana’s $330 million initiative aims to revitalize Maurepas Swamp, protect wildlife, and coastal ecosystems

Copy of News Templates (20)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are swamps, and where are they usually found? Why are swamps important to the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. migratory /MAHY-gruh-tawr-ee/ [adjective] – moving from one place to another at different times of the year Many migratory birds fly south in the winter. ecological /ee-kuh-LAA-juh-kl/ [adjective] – relating to the relationships between living things and their environment Cutting down forests causes serious ecological problems. nutrient /NOO-tree-uhnt/ [noun] – substances that plants, animals, and people need to grow and stay healthy Vegetables provide important nutrients for our bodies. rejuvenate…
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Eric Vetro teaches singing techniques to celebrities and fans alike in new online course

Mic

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which genre of music or film do you enjoy most, and why? Who is your favorite singer or actor, and what do you like most about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coach /kohch/ [verb] – to train or teach someone in a particular skill or activity She coached the basketball team to victory. tone /tohn/ [noun] – the quality or character of the sound of someone’s voice when singing or speaking The singer worked tirelessly with her vocal coach to develop a warm and rich tone suitable for classical…
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U.S. proposes federal protection for monarch butterflies amid declining populations

Copy of News Templates (18)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like butterflies? Why or why not? Have you heard about the decline in monarch butterfly populations? Why are their numbers going down? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dramatic /druh-MAT-ik/ [adjective] – having a strong or great effect; striking or intense The play had a dramatic ending that surprised everyone. challenge /CHAL-inj/ [noun] – a difficult task or situation that requires effort Climbing the mountain was a real challenge for the team. proposed /pruh-POHZD/ [adjective] – suggested for consideration or approval The proposed park in the neighborhood would provide…
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NASA delays next Artemis moon mission to 2026

moon-4404540_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is the moon important for life on Earth? What are some interesting myths or stories you know about the Moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. capsule /KAP-suhl/ [noun] – a small, sealed container used to hold or transport something, especially in space travel. The astronaut placed the research samples in a secure capsule before returning to Earth. detailed /dih-TEYLD/ [adjective] – involving many careful details The detailed report included all the necessary data for the investigation. upgrade /UHP-greyd/ [noun] – an improvement in something The hotel is undergoing upgrades…
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South Korea sees decline in drinking culture

Pub

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What could happen if drinking became less popular in society? How do young people drink differently from older generations in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. slowdown /SLOH-doun/ [noun] – a reduction in speed, activity, or the rate that things are produced Economists are worried about the recent slowdown in global trade. pandemic /pan-DEM-ik/ [noun] – a widespread outbreak of a disease that affects people across a large region or globally The pandemic caused significant changes to how people work and study. eatery /EE-tuh-ree/ [noun] – a small restaurant…
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Carlos Acosta brings a Cuban twist to “The Nutcracker”

Ballet

©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of Cuba? Can dancing tell a story? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] – a particular form or variant of something She wrote a version of the story with a happy ending. contemporary /kuhn-TEM-puh-rer-ee/ [adjective] – belonging to the same time period; modern His work is considered contemporary art. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time I am currently working on a new project. root /root/ [noun] – a person’s origins, background, or cultural heritage, often related to their…
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Google’s 2024 “Year in Search” shows global trends and insights

Google

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you use Google? How is Google different from other search engines? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trending /TREN-ding/ [adjective] – referring to a topic or event that is becoming popular or gaining attention, especially on social media or in searches The song is trending on social media right now. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – very intense, severe, or far beyond the normal or expected The extreme cold made it difficult to stay outside for long. individual /in-duh-VIJ-oo-uhl/ [noun] – a single person or thing, especially when compared to…
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First humans across North America reveal mammoths dominate their Ice Age diet

mammoth

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name some examples of large animals? Which aspects of early human life are you most interested in? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. spread /spred/ [verb] – to move or extend over an area or range The wildfire quickly spread across the forest, threatening nearby homes. chemical /KEM-i-kuhl/ [noun] – any basic substance that is used in or produced by a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules The chemicals used in the laboratory must be handled with care. strategy /STRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a plan of action designed to…
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