Intermediate

China embarks on gradual retirement age reform to address pension pressures

2024年7月27日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does it mean when a country has an “aging population”? What is the retirement age in your country, and how has it changed over time? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. retirement /ri-TAHYUHR-muhnt/ [noun] – the act of leaving your job and stopping working, usually because you are old After 30 years of dedicated service at the company, Mr. Jones celebrated his retirement with a grand farewell party. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage The constant strain…
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Intermediate

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Portugal targets 93% renewable electricity by 2030 amidst revised green hydrogen goals

2024年7月26日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is renewable energy, and can you name some examples of it? What do you think are some good reasons for using more renewable energy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. parliament /PAHR-luh-muhnt/ [noun] – a legislative body of government responsible for making laws The parliament debated the new education policy for several weeks. draft /drahft/ [noun] – a preliminary version of a document or plan that is subject to further changes The writer submitted the first draft of the novel to the editor for review. offshore /AWF-SHAWR/ [adjective] – located…
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Intermediate

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Tiger Woods commits to continued golf career despite challenges

2024年7月25日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of sports do you follow? What qualities are necessary for a professional athlete to maintain a long and successful career? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. committed /kuh-MIT-id/ [adjective] – dedicated or devoted to a cause or activity She is committed to finishing her studies before starting a new job. stroke /strohk/ [noun] – each of a series of consecutive movements in a sport such as golf or swimming His golf coach emphasized the importance of a smooth and consistent stroke on the putting green. major /MEY-jer/ [adjective] –…
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Intermediate

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Bike polo grows in Moscow’s community

2024年7月24日

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©REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What benefits do people gain from playing sports? What traditional sports originated in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. point out /poynt out/ [phrasal verb] – to mention or draw attention to something She pointed out the flaws in his argument during the debate. opponent /uh-POH-nuhnt/ [noun] – those who compete against someone in a contest, game, or argument The chess player studied his opponents’ moves carefully before making his own. fellowship /FEL-oh-ship/ [noun] – friendly association, especially with people who share one’s interests The hiking club…
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Intermediate

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Ants’ clever ways of surviving challenge traditional views on animal empathy

2024年7月23日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do scientists study animal behaviors? What makes it difficult for animals to stay safe in their habitats? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. limb /lim/ [noun] – an arm or leg of a person or animal He injured his right limb during the accident and required surgery. nestmate /NESS-mate/ [noun] – members of the same nest, typically referring to insects like ants or bees Insect colonies need nestmates to work together and get along well to stay healthy and survive tough environments. peer /peer/ [noun] – other members of the…
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Intermediate

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Desert moss from Xinjiang may hold key to Mars colonization, study reveals

2024年7月22日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What space-related interests do you have that you can share? Do you believe that humans can live on Mars in the future? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. moss /mos/ [noun] – small, green, non-flowering plant typically found in damp or shady locations The old stone wall was covered in soft, green moss. function /FUHNGK-shuhn/ [noun] – to operate or work in the intended or expected manner After repairing the damaged circuit, the computer was able to function perfectly again. rehydrate /ree-HAHY-dreyt/ [verb] – to restore moisture…
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Intermediate

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Ancient predator fossils discovered

2024年7月21日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you understand about fossils? How do fossils form? Why are fossils important in studying the history of life on Earth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. researcher /REE-search-er/ [noun] – a person who conducts research, especially in the sciences or academia The researcher discovered a new species of plant in the rainforest. detailed /DEE-tayld/ [adjective] – in-depth, thorough, providing a lot of information or specifics The report included a detailed analysis of the economic trends. eventually /eh-VEN-chu-uh-lee/ [adverb] – in the end, after a period of time or a…
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Intermediate

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Stray Kids prepares for comeback with electrifying London performance

2024年7月20日

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©REUTERS/Hollie Adams Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors contribute to the rise in popularity of K-pop groups around the world? What kind of music do you listen to, and who is your favorite artist? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reality show /ree-AL-i-tee shoh/ [noun] – a television program about ordinary people who are filmed in real situations Many reality shows gain popularity for their dramatic and unpredictable plot twists. return to /rih-TURN too/ [phrasal verb] – to go or come back to a place or activity after being away from it for a period…
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Intermediate

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Anant Ambani’s Wedding draws global icons and political figures

2024年7月19日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Describe an event you’ve attended or heard about that could be considered extravagant. Why do people organize extravagant celebrations? What are the reasons behind spending so much on such events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. congratulate /CON-grat-yuh-late/ [verb] – to express pleasure to someone for something good that has happened to them We should congratulate Maria on her promotion at work. prime minister /PRYME MIN-uh-ster/ [noun] – the leader of the government in some countries The Prime Minister will address the nation tonight about the new policies. lifestyle /LIFE-style/ [noun]…
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Intermediate

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Hydrogen sulfide detects on Jupiter-like alien planet, resembling the smell of rotten eggs

2024年7月18日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is it important for scientists to study planets outside our solar system? Which planets do you know besides Earth, and what information can you share about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prominence /PRO-muh-nuhns/ [noun] – the state of being easily seen or well known Her research gained prominence in the scientific community after it was published in a prestigious journal. incredibly /in-KREH-duh-blee/ [adverb] – a great degree; extremely The artist’s new exhibition was incredibly popular, drawing large crowds from across the city. fascinating /FAS-uh-ney-ting / [adjective] – extremely…
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Intermediate

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