Intermediate

Village faces ecological risks as snakehead fish population expands

snakehead fish

©(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when thinking about a river or lake in your country? If a large, unfamiliar fish appeared in a local river, what do you imagine the community would do? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reservoir /REZ-er-vwahr/ [noun] – a large man-made lake used to store water The town built a new reservoir to provide clean water during the dry season. native /NEY-tiv/ [adjective] – originally from a particular place; not introduced The park protects native plants that grow naturally in the region. aquatic /uh-KWAT-ik/…
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Global energy outlook shows sharp growth in electricity demand

Solar

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to your mind when you think about electricity? What kinds of things in your daily life need electricity? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decade /DEK-eyd/ [noun] – a period of ten years Scientists say the past decade has seen major changes in global weather patterns. assessment /uh-SES-muhnt/ [noun] – a judgment or evaluation of something The health department released an assessment on how pollution affects local communities. peak /peek/ [noun] – the highest point or level of something Tourism reached its peak last summer when travel rules were…
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Study warns of microbial risks in reusable water bottles without proper cleaning

Cris-News (45)

©AP Photo/Patrick Sison Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do many people in your country use reusable bottles? If so, how often do they clean them? If not, why not? Have you ever used the same water bottle for several days? If so, what happened? If not, what do you usually use instead? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. widespread /WAHYD-SPRED/ [adjective] – existing or happening in many places or among many people The use of smartphones is widespread in many countries. essential /uh-SEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – meaning necessary or needed Water is essential for staying healthy. sustainable…
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Invasive beetle threatens Hawaii’s key agricultural and cultural trees

Beetle

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of insects are common in your country? How would you feel if the plants or trees in your area started to die because of insects? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trunk /truhngk/ [noun] – the thick main stems of trees that support the branches and leaves The storm broke several trunks in the forest, leaving many trees lying on the ground. sap /sap/ [noun] – the liquid inside a plant or tree that carries water and nutrients The maple tree produces sweet sap that people use to make…
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Philippines declares state of emergency after Typhoon Kalmaegi causes widespread devastation

Cris-News (43)

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced a strong typhoon in your area? If so, what did you do during the storm? If not, what would you prepare? Do you know what the government usually does after a natural disaster? If so, what kind of help do they give? If not, what help do you think is needed? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. considerable /kuhn-SID-er-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – large or important enough to be noticed The company spent a considerable amount of money on repairs. accelerate /ak-SEL-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to happen or make something…
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Switzerland seeks UNESCO recognition for yodeling as intangible cultural heritage

Cris-News (42)

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard people singing in the mountains? If so, what did it sound like? If not, what do you think it sounds like? Do you know any traditional songs from your country? If so, what is the song about? If not, which song would you like to learn? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. yodeling /YOW-duh-luhng/ [noun] – a type of singing that quickly changes from a natural voice to a high voice Yodeling is popular in the Swiss mountains. enduring /en-DOOR-ing/ [adjective] – existing for a long time…
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Montclair’s weekly bike bus promotes safe and sustainable school travel

New Jersey

©(Andrew Hawkins/Montclair Bike Bus via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some good or fun ways to travel around your town? What can people do to make their daily travel safer or healthier? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. transportation /trans-per-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the way people or goods are moved from one place to another Many people in big cities use public transportation such as buses and trains. helmet /HEL-mit/ [noun] – a hard hat that protects the head while riding a bike or doing other activities All motorbike riders must wear helmets to…
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ISS celebrates 25 years of continuous human presence

icc

©AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever read about astronauts working in space? If so, what did they do there? If not, what do you think they do? Do you know any countries that have sent people to space? If so, which ones? If not, which country do you think could? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The artist’s skill is remarkable for someone so young. pivotal /PIV-uh-tl/ [adjective] – central and important The teacher played a pivotal…
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Typhoon Kalmaegi batters Central Philippines

Cris-News (41)

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced a strong typhoon in your area If so, what did you do to stay safe? If not, what would you prepare? What problems can a typhoon cause in a community? If so, what did people in your area experience? If not, what might happen? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mobilize /MOH-buh-lahyz/ [verb] – to organize people or resources to prepare for action or work The city tried to mobilize volunteers to clean the streets. alleviate /uh-LEE-vee-eyt/ [verb] – to make pain, problems, or suffering less severe…
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Japan launches new H3 rocket with HTV-X1 cargo spacecraft

JAXA

©(Kotaro Ueda/Kyodo News via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think people feel when they see a rocket launch? What kinds of things do you think astronauts need while living in space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /ROK-it/ [noun] – a vehicle or device powered by engines that use gases to move, especially used for travel into space The rocket launched from the coastal base to send a satellite into orbit. astronaut /AS-truh-nawt/ [noun] – a person trained to travel and work in space The astronaut prepared for a spacewalk to…
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