Intermediate

Takaichi’s work pledge leads to rising fashion trends and public enthusiasm

PM

©(Kyodo News via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think some fashion items suddenly become popular among many people? In your opinion, what makes a person memorable or easy to recognize? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pledge /plej/ [verb] – to promise formally The coach pledged to support the team through every stage of the tournament. reflection /ri-FLEK-shuhn/ [noun] – an image or idea that shows something Many people saw the festival’s theme as a reflection of the city’s growing focus on sustainability. demand /dih-MAND/ [noun] – the need or desire for…
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Autoimmune disorders reexamined as Massachusetts lupus case highlights diagnostic gaps

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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What diseases involving the immune system are commonly discussed in news reports? What procedures are typically used to diagnose long-term illnesses? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. intractable /in-TRAK-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – very difficult or impossible to deal with The city faced an intractable problem with traffic. heterogeneous /het-uh-roh-JEE-nee-uhs/ [adjective] – consisting of many different types The group was heterogeneous in skills. precursor /PREE-kur-ser/ [noun] – something that comes before another thing Dark clouds are a precursor to rain. ameliorate /uh-MEEL-yuh-reyt/ [verb] – to make a bad situation better New rules helped…
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Local wedding flowers show growing interest in sustainability

dried2

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could grow your own flowers for a celebration, what colors or types would you choose, and why? What things do you think make an event feel special or meaningful? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sustainable /suh-STEY-nuh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to continue for a long time without harming the environment Using sustainable materials in buildings can lower environmental impact in many cities. vegetation /vej-i-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – plants in a particular area Cutting too much vegetation from hillsides can cause the soil to wash away during storms. seasonal /SEE-zuh-nl/ [adjective]…
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Wisconsin archaeologists confirm 16 ancient canoes in Lake Mendota after new mapping

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©Tamara Thomsen/Wisconsin Historical Society via AP Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What ancient transportation systems have been discovered in your country? What objects are usually found in archaeological water sites? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. preeminent /pree-EM-uh-nuhnt/ [adjective] – more important or better than others The museum holds a preeminent place in the city. recontextualize /ree-kuhn-TECKS-chuh-wuh-lighz/ [verb] – to place something in a new context Scholars recontextualize old records for modern study. perpetuity /pur-pi-TOO-i-tee/ [noun] – lasting forever The law remains in effect for perpetuity. irrevocable /ih-REV-uh-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – impossible to change The team made…
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Studies link gratitude traditions to widespread growth in U.S. volunteer efforts

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©AP Photo/Rick Bownmer, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What events in your community encourage people to help others? What traditions related to gratitude exist in your culture? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. resonance /REZ-uh-nuhns/ [noun] – a lasting effect or emotional impact The festival created emotional resonance for many families. propensity /proh-PEN-suh-tee/ [noun] – a natural tendency to behave in a particular way Many groups show a propensity to help during crises. salient /al-troo-IS-tik/ [adjective] – showing concern for helping others Volunteers often act for altruistic reasons. convergence /kuhn-VUR-juhns/ [noun] – two or more…
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Scientists detect possible lightning on Mars

Perseverance Mars rover

©(NASA via AP, file) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you imagine the weather on another planet? What kind of natural sounds around you do you find the most interesting or surprising? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discharge /dis-CHAHRJ/ [noun] – the release of electricity, energy, or another substance Scientists observed weak discharges of energy near the volcano’s opening. crackling /KRAK-ling/ [adjective] – a series of small, sharp sounds We heard a faint crackling from the old radio during the storm. mast /mast/ [noun] – a tall pole on a vehicle…
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Airlines face disruptions after software problem found in Airbus A320 jets

Nippon

©(Takahiko Kanbara/Kyodo News via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What thoughts come to mind when you think about traveling by airplane? What do you think makes air travel feel exciting or stressful for some people? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. malfunction /mal-FUHNGK-shuhn/ [noun] – a failure to work correctly The computer had a malfunction during the exam and suddenly shut down. unaffected /uhn-uh-FEK-tid/ [adjective] – not changed or harmed by something The nearby houses stayed unaffected after the small earthquake. interference /in-ter-FEER-uhns/ [noun] – unwanted influence or interruption that affects how something works The…
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U.S. turkey production faces significant strain after disease outbreaks and rising costs

turkey

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What foods are important for holidays or special events in your country? What do you usually look for when you go grocery shopping? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. supply /suh-PLAI/ [noun] – the amount of something that is available to use or buy The store reduced its supply of bread after fewer customers came in last week. promotion /pruh-MOH-shuhn/ [noun] – an activity or special offer used to encourage people to buy a product The electronics shop used weekend promotions to attract more customers. pressure /PRESH-er/ [noun] – a situation…
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Tiger trafficking intensifies despite global protection efforts

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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about wild animals living in forests or jungles? Why do you think some animals become endangered? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. steady /STED-ee/ [adjective] – happening regularly and not changing quickly The city reported a steady increase in new library visitors this year. seizure /SEE-zher/ [noun] – the act of taking something by legal or official force The border team reported new seizures of smuggled electronics during inspections. advanced /ad-VANST/ [adjective] – having a higher or more developed level than others The company…
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“KPop Demon Hunters” secures Oscar eligibility after completing U.S. theatrical run

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©Netflix via AP Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you watched any animated movies that became very popular? If so, what made the movie interesting? If not, what animated movies do you usually enjoy? Have you heard about awards for movies, like the Oscars? If so, what award did you learn about? If not, what movie award do you want to know more about? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. illustrious /ih-LUHS-tree-uhs/ [adverb] – famous, well respected, and admired The team invited an illustrious writer to speak at the event. cohesive /koh-HEE-siv/ [adjective] – working together…
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