Intermediate

Chinese scientists discover far side of the Moon is drier than near side

Brix-News (10)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about lunar exploration programs like NASA’s Artemis mission? Why is it important about exploring the far side of the moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sample /SAM-puhl/ [noun] – a small part or quantity of something intended to show what the whole is like Scientists collected samples of soil from the moon. surface /SUR-fis/ [noun] – the outer or topmost layer of something The moon’s surface is covered in dust. difference /DIF-er-uhns/ [noun] – a point or way in which things are not the same There…
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Scientists create largest functional brain map using mouse watching “The Matrix”

mouse brain

©(Forrest Collman/Allen Institute via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of things do you imagine scientists study about the brain? If you could explore any part of your body like a scientist, which part would you choose? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. detailed /dih-TEYLD/ [adjective] – having many details; precise and thorough She wrote a detailed report about the wildlife in the rainforest. neuron /NOOR-on/ [noun] – a cell that carries information between the brain and other parts of the body The researchers studied how neurons respond when humans listen to music….
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Scientists develop genetically engineered wolves in U.S. using DNA of extinct dire wolves

wolves

©(Colossal Biosciences via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think it would feel like to see a real wolf up close? How do you feel when you hear about animals going extinct? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fossil /FOS-uhl/ [noun] – the preserved remains or traces of ancient animals, plants, or other organisms Scientists discovered fossils of a giant sea turtle in a cave in Mexico. embryo /EM-bree-oh/ [noun] – an early stage of development in animals or humans before birth Doctors monitored the growth of mouse embryos in a special container….
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Scientists question dark energy’s stability, raising new theories about the universe’s future

Brix-News (9)

©NSF’s NoirLab via AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of any forces in the universe that might change over time? What do you know about dark energy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. expansion /ik-SPAN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of increasing in size, number, or importance The expansion of the city has led to more jobs. raise /reyz/ [verb] – to bring up or cause something to be discussed or considered The new evidence has raised concerns about the safety of the building. weaken /WEE-kuhn/ [verb] – to make something weaker or less…
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“A Minecraft Movie” opens with record-breaking success, reviving 2025 box office

minecraft

©(Warner Bros. Pictures via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could go inside a video game world, what kind of world would you like to explore? What kind of characters do you like in movies—heroes, funny ones, or someone else? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. splash /splash/ [noun] – a noticeable or impressive entrance or success The new smartphone made a big splash at the tech expo, drawing huge crowds. premiere /pri-MEER/ [verb] – to be shown or performed publicly for the first time The documentary premiered at the international film festival last…
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Philadelphia Zoo celebrates historic birth of four Galapagos Tortoises

Brix-News (8)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is it important in taking care of animals in zoos? What do you know about endangered species? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. history /HIS-tuh-ree/ [noun] – the study of past events, especially in human affairs We learn about history in school to understand the past. offspring /AWF-spring/ [noun] – a child or young of a particular parent or animal The lion’s offspring were playing near the zoo entrance. valuable /VAL-yoo-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – worth a lot of money or important This painting is valuable because it is very old. additional…
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Snails offer hope amid Tunisia’s economic struggles

snail

©(AP Photo/Ons Abid) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine life is like in a small village where jobs are hard to find? Do you think it’s important to choose foods that help the environment? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sharply /SHARP-lee/ [adverb] – suddenly and quickly The price of rice increased sharply after the storm damaged many farms. inflation /in-FLEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a rise in prices that makes money worth less Inflation made it hard for people to buy clothes during the winter. dinar /dih-NAHR/ [noun] – the…
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First private mission to orbit over both poles lands safely in Pacific

Spacetour

©(SpaceX via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could see the Earth from above, what would you want to look at first? What kind of people do you think would enjoy a space trip? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. splashdown /SPLASH-doun/ [noun] – the landing of a spacecraft in the ocean The capsule made a smooth splashdown in the Indian Ocean after its three-day mission. investor /in-VES-tor/ [noun] – a person who puts money into something to earn a profit A well-known investor funded the construction of a new eco-resort in Costa…
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Microsoft celebrates 50th Anniversary: from Bill Gates’ first code to a $2.8 trillion legacy

Brix-News (7)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does a 50th anniversary represent? Why is it significant when a company celebrates a milestone like a 50th anniversary? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crucial /KROO-shuhl/ [adjective] – extremely important or necessary The teacher said the homework was crucial for passing the exam. confident /KON-fi-duhnt/ [adjective] – feeling sure about your abilities or qualities She was confident she could finish the test in time. deliver /dih-LIV-er/ [verb] – to successfully provide or complete something The team was confident they could deliver the project on time, despite the tight deadline….
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Stray dog escapes in Alaska weeks after rescue from California wildfires

Jackie

©(Skylar Young-Bayer via Associated Press) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think a dog feels when it moves to a new place? What would you bring if you had to search for a lost pet? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. county /KOUN-tee/ [noun] – a part of a country or state that has its own local government Many people lost power during the snowstorm in the mountain county. theme /theem/ [noun] – the main subject of a talk, book, film, etc. The film shows strong themes of courage and family. hibernation /hahy-ber-NEY-shuhn/ [noun]…
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