Intermediate

US proposes pangolin protection under Endangered Species Act to curb global trafficking

Brix-News (27)

©AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you heard of animals that are hunted for their body parts? If so, which animal do you know? If not, why might people hunt animals? Do you know any animals that are protected by laws in your country? If so, what animals are they? If not, why might animals need protection? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. relevant /REL-uh-vuhnt/ [adjective] – connected with what is happening or being discussed This book is relevant to our science class project. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of plants,…
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The US to build $8.5 million fly-breeding facility in Texas to combat screwworm threat near Mexico border

Brix-News (25)

©USDA Agricultural Research Service via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you heard of insects that harm farm animals? If so, what do they do? If not, what do you think they might do? Have you learned about how science helps stop harmful insects? If so, what methods do you know? If not, what methods do you think could help? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contamination /kuhn-tam-uh-NEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of making something dirty or harmful by adding something dangerous or unwanted The water had contamination, so people could not drink it. efficient…
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Australian moths use stars to navigate long distances, study finds

moth

©(Ajay Narendra via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think people would travel if they could not use maps or GPS? Do you think small creatures like insects can teach us big lessons? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. life cycle /lahyf SAHY-kuhl/ [noun] – the stages an animal or plant goes through from birth to death The butterfly’s life cycle includes the egg, caterpillar, pupa, and adult stages. long-distance /LAWNG-DIS-tuhns/ [adjective] – covering a large area or going far away Many birds take long-distance flights during winter to…
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Water guns become protest symbol against mass tourism in Barcelona

watergun

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think makes a city a good place to live? Why do people sometimes protest? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. protester /PRO-test-er/ [noun] – someone who shows that they disagree with something by standing somewhere, shouting, carrying signs, etc. Protesters gathered outside the government building to demand clean water. spray /sprey/ [verb] – to scatter liquid in small drops Farmers spray chemicals on crops to prevent pests. cool down /kool down/ [phrasal verb] – to make the body feel less hot She drank cold water to cool down…
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Study finds 22% drop in emperor penguin populations linked to sea ice loss

emperor penguin

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think it would be like to live in a very cold place like Antarctica? How do you think animals stay safe or warm in the snow? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – a gradual decrease in number, amount, or quality There was a sharp decline in student attendance during the rainy season. breed /breed/ [verb] – to produce young animals or offspring Many birds breed in the spring when the weather is warmer. estimate /ES-tuh-meyt/ [verb] – to make a guess about the size,…
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Spiral pattern in Oort Cloud discovered through planetarium project

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©American Museum of Natural History via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever been to a planetarium? If so, what did you enjoy most about it? If not, would you like to go? Why or why not? Do you know what people can see in a planetarium? If so, what have you learned from it? If not, what do you think you might learn? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. phenomenon /fi-NOM-uh-non/ [noun] – something that exists or happens, especially something unusual or interesting A rainbow is a natural phenomenon that appears after rain….
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Dehorning leads to significant drop in rhino poaching, study finds

rhinoceros

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could create a safe place for animals, what would it look like? What do you think animals need to live a safe and happy life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. illegal /ih-LEE-guhl/ [adjective] – not allowed by law The store was closed for selling illegal products. long-term /LAWNG-turm/ [adjective] – continuing or lasting for a long period of time Saving money is a long-term goal for many families. poacher /POH-cher/ [noun] – someone who catches and kills animals illegally The rangers arrested several poachers in the national park….
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Veterinarians offer ways to help pets with allergies

dogscats

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think animals can feel the same way people do when they are not feeling well? Why or why not? If you had to take care of a pet, what would you do every day to keep it healthy and happy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. paw /paw/ [noun] – the foot of an animal that has claws or nails, such as a cat, dog, or bear The cat used its paw to gently touch the toy. constant /KON-stuhnt/ [adjective] – happening all the time or staying the same…
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Exercise program helps colon cancer patients live longer, study finds

exercise

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think is the best time of day to exercise? If a friend was feeling weak or sick, what kind of advice would you give them to help them feel better? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. session /SESH-uhn/ [noun] – a period of time set for a specific activity or purpose The training program includes weekly sessions on teamwork skills. trial /TRAHY-uhl/ [noun] – a test or study done to see how something works A new trial tested how well the vaccine works on young children. evidence /EV-i-duhns/…
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Mudslide hits Swiss village after glacier collapse

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©Jean-Christophe Bott/Keystone via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen pictures of a glacier? If so, what did it look like? If not, where can you see one? Do you know what happens when a lot of ice melts quickly? If so, what do you think causes it? If not, what do you think might happen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. serious /SEE-ee-uhs/ [adjective] – bad or dangerous enough to cause worry The road is closed because of a serious car crash. immediate /ih-MEE-dee-it/ [adjective] – happening or done without waiting The…
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