Intermediate

Kamala Harris, Wayans family, Keke Palmer, and Dave Chappelle honored at NAACP Image Awards

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think awards are given for entertainment and public service? Who are some famous entertainers or public figures you know who have won awards? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. advocacy /AD-vuh-kuh-see/ [noun] – public support for an idea, plan, or way of doing something His advocacy for clean energy helped the city reduce pollution. democratic /dem-uh-KRAT-ik/ [adjective] – based on the principles of democracy, where people have the right to choose leaders or make decisions The country held a democratic election where everyone could vote. influence /IN-floo-uhns/ [verb]…
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Dermatologists confirm lip balm protects dry lips

Lipbalm

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about using lip balm on a cold day? How do you take care of your skin when it is very cold? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. moisture /MOIS-cher/ [noun] – water present in small quantities; dampness A specialized seal on the window helps retain moisture, preventing the wooden furniture from drying out. hydration /hai-DRAY-shn/ [noun] – the process of absorbing or maintaining water content The sports drink is formulated to prevent athletes from losing hydration during intense exercise. additive /AD-i-tiv/ [noun] – a substance added in…
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Global glacier melt hits record high, study warns of dire consequences

News (4)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think glaciers form over time? What factors might cause glaciers to grow or shrink? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make something known or show something that was hidden The scientist revealed the results of the experiment to the public. analyze /AN-l-ahyz/ [verb] – to study something carefully to understand its details The students analyzed the map to find the best route. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – a continuous decrease in number, amount, or quality The decline in rainfall caused problems for farmers. emphasize…
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Astronomers monitor asteroid 2024 YR4 as impact probability rises slightly

News (3)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about asteroids? What would you do if you heard that an asteroid might hit Earth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concern /kuhn-SURN/ [noun] – a feeling of worry or nervousness about something The teacher expressed concern about the students’ safety during the trip. formation /fawr-MEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of creating or developing something The Grand Canyon holds evidence of the Earth’s formation, revealing layers of rock that date back millions of years. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to evaluate, analyze, or determine the nature, importance, or…
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Genetic discovery shapes human speech evolution

Language

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think humans first learned to talk? What do you think life would be like if people couldn’t speak? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. factor /FAK-ter/ [noun] – a thing that influences or causes a result Climate change is caused by many factors, such as pollution and deforestation. variant /VAIR-ee-uhnt/ [noun] – a different form or version of something The new variant of the software has improved security features. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] – a particular form or edition of something The latest version of the smartphone includes a…
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3.8-magnitude earthquake shakes Maine, tremors felt across Northeastern U.S.

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you suddenly felt a small earthquake, what would be the first thing you do? How do you think people feel when they experience an earthquake for the first time? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tremor /TREM-er/ [noun] – a slight shaking movement in a person’s body or in the ground The small tremor made the windows shake for a few seconds. seismic /SAHYZ-mik/ [adjective] – relating to or caused by an earthquake Scientists use special tools to study seismic activity under the ground. proliferate /pruh-LIF-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to increase…
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Beluga calf born at Shedd Aquarium after four years

Beluga

©(AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could take care of a baby sea animal, which one would you choose? Why? How do you think animals communicate with each other? Can you think of any examples? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ensure /en-SHOOR/ [verb] – to make sure that something happens or is done correctly The teacher checked all the students’ papers to ensure there were no mistakes. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the top layer of something The frog jumped to the surface of the pond to get some air. welcome /WEL-kuhm/…
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Oldest rhinoceros in the United States passes away at Tennessee zoo

rhino

©(Amy Smotherman Burgess/Zoo Knoxville via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could visit any wild animal in its natural home, which animal would you choose and why? Imagine you are taking care of a large animal like a rhino. What would be the most challenging part? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rapid /RAP-id/ [adjective] – happening quickly or in a short time The company experienced rapid growth after launching its new product. mobility /moh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to move or be moved freely and easily After the surgery, her mobility was limited,…
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Germany tests deep geothermal drilling in Geretsried for carbon-free energy

News (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are the benefits of using natural energy sources like the sun, wind, or heat from the Earth? Why do you think some countries are trying to stop using fossil fuels? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. approximately /uh-PROK-suh-mit-lee/ [adverb] – close to a particular number or amount but not exactly The train will arrive in approximately five minutes. intensify /in-TEN-suh-fahy/ [verb] – to become stronger or more serious, or to make something stronger The rain began to intensify in the afternoon. transition /tran-ZISH-uhn/ [verb] – to change…
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Rare black wolves spotted in Polish forest, raising conservation interest

black wolves

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could choose to be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why? How do you feel about wolves? Do they seem scary, interesting, or something else?I Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coordinator /koh-AWR-dn-ey-ter/ [noun] – a person who organizes and manages activities or projects The coordinator of the school event made sure everything went smoothly. marking /MAHR-king/ [noun] – a pattern on the body of an animal The butterfly’s wings had beautiful markings that looked like eyes. domesticated /duh-MEH-stuh-kay-tuhd/ [adjective] – tamed and trained…
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