Intermediate

Indoor herb gardening grows in popularity during winter months

indoor herbs

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of plants do you think are easy or difficult to grow indoors? Why? What problems do you think plants can have when they grow indoors? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. thyme /tahym/ [noun] – an herb used for flavor or medicine A small amount of thyme adds a strong smell to soup dishes. extension /ik-STEN-shuhn/ [noun] – an organized service that provides education or support University extension services provide guidance to residents on disaster preparedness. produce /pruh-DOOS/ [noun] – fresh fruit or vegetable The market sells local produce…
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First wheelchair user reaches space in historic commercial flight

space mission

©(Blue Origin via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about traveling to space? If you could float without gravity for a short time, what would you like to do? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. spaceflight /SPEYS-flahyt/ [noun] – a journey into outer space The country planned a spaceflight to test new technology. suborbital /suhb-AWR-bi-tl/ [adjective] – related to a flight that goes into space but does not go around Earth The company tested a suborbital flight for research purposes. boundary /BOUN-duh-ree/ [noun] – a line that shows where…
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CES Day 2 highlights AI’s expanding role across manufacturing, aviation, and health technology

arti

©AP Photo/Abbie Parr Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How is AI used in everyday technology today? Where has AI already become common? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. organized /AWR-guh-nized/ [adjective] – planned in a careful way The company followed an organized launch plan. flexible /FLEK-suh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to change easily Flexible devices support different user needs. priority /pry-OR-i-tee/ [noun] – something most important Safety is a priority at airports. practical /PRAK-ti-kuhl/ [adjective] – useful in real situations Practical solutions save time and money. direction /duh-REK-shuhn/ [noun] – way something is developing The project changed…
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Regular home care helps reduce costs and health risks

home

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when thinking about taking care of a home? Which room at home feels the most important to keep clean or organized? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. maintenance /MEYN-tuh-nuhns/ [noun] – the act of keeping something in good condition Office maintenance is necessary to prevent equipment failure. inspection /in-SPEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a careful check to find problems or risks A safety inspection is required before opening a new factory. fixture /FIKS-cher/ [noun] – a piece of equipment fixed in one place Lighting fixtures are checked regularly…
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Adult reading for pleasure continues to decline in the digital age

reading

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you usually do to relax in your free time? What kinds of stories or topics do you find interesting? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pleasure /PLEZH-er/ [noun] – a feeling of happiness or enjoyment Many people find pleasure in walking along the beach after work. trend /trend/ [noun] – a general direction in which something is developing A trend toward remote work has grown in many companies. motivation /moh-tuh-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the reason or energy that causes a person to act Clear goals can increase motivation at the…
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“Avatar: Fire and Ash” earns $345 million worldwide in opening weekend

Brix-News (67)

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite movie? Do you like science-fiction films? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. moderate /MOD-er-it/ [adjective] – not very high or low Ticket sales showed moderate growth. mixed /MIKST/ [adjective] – having different opinions The film received mixed reactions. reliable /ri-LY-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be trusted The franchise is reliable at the box office. consistent /kuhn-SIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – staying the same over time Attendance remained consistent. essential /uh-SEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – very important Holiday sales are essential for success. Article Reading: Please read the…
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Invasive fish species threaten fishing communities in the Mediterranean

invasive fish

©(AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of fish do people usually eat in your country? What problems could fishermen face if local fish become harder to catch? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. expansion /ik-SPAN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of becoming larger or wider The expansion of the city caused changes in nearby farmland. pressure /PRE-shur/ [noun] – force or stress that causes difficulty or strain Rising costs put pressure on small local businesses. native /NEY-tiv/ [adjective] – originally belonging to a place Native plants grow better in local soil conditions. sharp…
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Finland uses early education to strengthen media literacy against fake news

Finland

©(AP Photo/James Brooks) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of information do you see most often online every day? If you could learn one skill about news at school, what would you like to learn? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. literacy /LIT-er-uh-see/ [noun] – the ability to read, understand, and use information Digital literacy is important for students who use the internet for learning. curriculum /kuh-RIK-yuh-luhm/ [noun] – the subjects and skills taught in a school program The school added computer skills to the curriculum last year. disinformation /dis-in-fer-MEY-shuhn/ [noun] – false information shared…
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Instacart ends experimental variable pricing program after fairness concerns emerge

Brix-News (66)

©AP Photo/Richard Drew, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do online stores always show the same price to everyone? Why might prices change online? Why is price clarity important for customers? How does unclear pricing affect trust? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. difference /DIF-er-uhns-iz/ [noun] – ways things are not the same Customers noticed differences in online prices. dynamic /dahy-NAM-ik/ [adjective] – changing based on conditions Dynamic pricing can change when demand is high. decision /noun/ [dih-SIZH-uhn] – a choice made after thinking The company made a decision to stop the test. trust /truhst/ [noun]…
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Department stores invest in beauty technology as AI and social media reshape shopping

Cris-News (60)

©AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where do people learn about beauty products today? How does this affect shopping choices? Why do holidays matter to retailers? What products sell more during this time? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. authority /uh-THAWR-i-tee/ [noun] – power to influence decisions Social media reduced the authority of store advisers. intense /in-TENS/ [adjective] – very strong or serious Competition became intense in the beauty market. significant /sig-NIF-i-kuhnt/ [adjective] – important or meaningful The holiday season is significant for sales. engaging /engaging /en-GAY-jing// [adjective] – interesting and holding attention Stores…
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