Intermediate

Better sleep starts with better food

food and sleep

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you usually eat before bed? What do you think makes a meal “healthy”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. saturated /SACH-uh-rey-tid/ [adjective] – completely soaked or filled with something, often to the maximum limit Fast food is often high in saturated fats, which can contribute to weight gain. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to interrupt or cause disorder in something The sudden power outage disrupts the company’s daily operations, delaying important tasks. nutrient /NOO-tree-uhnt/ [noun] – a substance that provides nourishment essential for growth and health Fruits and vegetables are…
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Low-light indoor plants enhance office spaces

Indoor plants

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think makes a place feel calm and relaxing? If you could design your perfect study or workspace, would you include plants? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. greenery /GREE-nuh-ree/ [noun] – plants and vegetation, especially those used for decoration or landscaping The city added greenery along the sidewalks to create a more relaxing environment. toxin /TOK-sin/ [noun] – poisonous substance that can cause harm to living organisms Some types of seafood contain toxins that can be harmful if not cooked properly. decorative /DEK-er-uh-tiv/ [adjective]…
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Oscars nominees gather for exclusive pre-ceremony event amid wildfire disruptions

nominee

©Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of events bring famous people together? Why do you think celebrities attend special gatherings before an award ceremony? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. nominee /NOM-uh-nee/ [noun] – someone who has been officially suggested for a position, honor, or award She was a nominee for the best singer award at the ceremony. reception /ri-SEP-shuhn/ [noun] – a formal social event where guests are welcomed The hotel held a special reception for its new guests. structured /STRUHK-cherd/ [adjective] – carefully arranged or organized in a particular way The…
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Rare triple cyclone event unfolds in South Pacific amid peak storm season

News (6)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about tropical cyclones? Can you name any famous cyclones from history? What kind of damage can a tropical cyclone cause? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. meteorologist /mee-tee-uh-ROL-uh-jist/ [noun] – a scientist who studies weather patterns and forecasts weather conditions The meteorologist predicted heavy rain, so we brought umbrellas. historical /hi-STAWR-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to events in the past The museum has historical photos of past cyclones. occurrence /uh-KUR-uhns/ [noun ] – the fact or frequency of something happening The occurrence of three cyclones at the same…
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Private firm launches lunar lander to explore Moon’s shadowed crater

News (7)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think scientists want to study creaters on the moon? What challenges might they face during landing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to send something out, especially a vehicle into the air or space The company launched a new satellite into space last night. crater /KREY-ter/ [noun] – a large hole in the ground caused by an explosion or impact A giant crater was formed when the meteor hit the Earth. stability /stuh-bil-i-tee/ [noun] – the state of being steady and not likely to…
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Kamala Harris, Wayans family, Keke Palmer, and Dave Chappelle honored at NAACP Image Awards

cups-4278774_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think awards are given for entertainment and public service? Who are some famous entertainers or public figures you know who have won awards? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. advocacy /AD-vuh-kuh-see/ [noun] – public support for an idea, plan, or way of doing something His advocacy for clean energy helped the city reduce pollution. democratic /dem-uh-KRAT-ik/ [adjective] – based on the principles of democracy, where people have the right to choose leaders or make decisions The country held a democratic election where everyone could vote. influence /IN-floo-uhns/ [verb]…
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Dermatologists confirm lip balm protects dry lips

Lipbalm

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about using lip balm on a cold day? How do you take care of your skin when it is very cold? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. moisture /MOIS-cher/ [noun] – water present in small quantities; dampness A specialized seal on the window helps retain moisture, preventing the wooden furniture from drying out. hydration /hai-DRAY-shn/ [noun] – the process of absorbing or maintaining water content The sports drink is formulated to prevent athletes from losing hydration during intense exercise. additive /AD-i-tiv/ [noun] – a substance added in…
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Global glacier melt hits record high, study warns of dire consequences

News (4)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think glaciers form over time? What factors might cause glaciers to grow or shrink? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make something known or show something that was hidden The scientist revealed the results of the experiment to the public. analyze /AN-l-ahyz/ [verb] – to study something carefully to understand its details The students analyzed the map to find the best route. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – a continuous decrease in number, amount, or quality The decline in rainfall caused problems for farmers. emphasize…
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Astronomers monitor asteroid 2024 YR4 as impact probability rises slightly

News (3)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about asteroids? What would you do if you heard that an asteroid might hit Earth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concern /kuhn-SURN/ [noun] – a feeling of worry or nervousness about something The teacher expressed concern about the students’ safety during the trip. formation /fawr-MEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of creating or developing something The Grand Canyon holds evidence of the Earth’s formation, revealing layers of rock that date back millions of years. assess /uh-SES/ [verb] – to evaluate, analyze, or determine the nature, importance, or…
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Genetic discovery shapes human speech evolution

Language

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think humans first learned to talk? What do you think life would be like if people couldn’t speak? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. factor /FAK-ter/ [noun] – a thing that influences or causes a result Climate change is caused by many factors, such as pollution and deforestation. variant /VAIR-ee-uhnt/ [noun] – a different form or version of something The new variant of the software has improved security features. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] – a particular form or edition of something The latest version of the smartphone includes a…
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