Intermediate

Scientists analyze Mount Everest’s ongoing increase in height

Mt. Everest

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the tallest mountain in your country? What unique features or characteristics does the tallest mountain in your country have? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. subcontinent /suhb-KON-tn-uhnt/ [noun] – a large landmass smaller than a continent, typically referring to a distinct region of a continent The Indian subcontinent is known for its diverse cultures and languages. uplift /UHP-lift/ [noun] – the increase in height or elevation over a period of time Due to ongoing volcanic activity, the uplift of the region has accelerated, raising concerns among local residents. erosion…
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Transitioning to sustainable farming practices could boost global food production by 30% by 2050

BRIX IIMG (10)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does sustainable farming mean? In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges farmers face when trying to adopt sustainable practices? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. promote /pruh-MOHT/ [verb] – to encourage or support something, or to help make something happen The school organized a campaign to promote healthy eating among students. mitigate /MIT-i-geyt/ [verb] – to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad Planting trees helps to mitigate the effects of air pollution in urban areas. predict /pri-DIKT/ [verb] – to say what will happen in the future, based…
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Archaeologists uncover two lost cities along the ancient Silk Road in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan

©Michael Frachetti/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do archaeologists search for old cities and places? How did people in ancient times travel between cities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. elevation /el-uh-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the height of a place above sea level The airplane reached an elevation of 30,000 feet during the flight. evidence /EV-i-duhns/ [noun] – facts, information, documents, etc. that give reason to believe that something is true Scientists gathered evidence to prove their theory about climate change. steel /steel/ [noun] – a strong metal that is a mixture of iron…
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Scientists discover hidden life beneath the Pacific Ocean

Underwater

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine the ocean floor looks like? Why is it important to learn about new animals in the ocean? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. deploy /dih-PLOI/ [verb] – to position or arrange The company deployed its new software across all departments to improve efficiency. superheated /soo-puhr-HEE-tuhd/ [adjective] – heated to a temperature higher than its boiling point without becoming a gas The superheated steam escaped from the pressure cooker, creating a hissing sound as it vented excess pressure. diverse /dih-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different types of people…
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The global biodiversity conference in Cali will address progress toward the 30 by 30 initiative

forest-7487835_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is it important to protect different species of plants and animals? What causes a loss of biodiversity in nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. safeguard /SEYF-gahrd/ [verb] – to protect something from harm or damage The school installed cameras to safeguard the students from any danger. evaluate /ih-VAL-yoo-eyt/ [verb] – to judge or calculate the value of something The teacher will evaluate the students’ projects based on clarity of ideas and creativity. biodiversity /bahy-oh-di-VUR-si-tee/ [noun] – the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or…
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Boston Celtics gear up for 19th NBA championship quest

BRIX IIMG (9)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the most successful NBA teams in history? What strategies do you think strong NBA teams use to win games? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. outstanding /out-STAN-ding/ [adjective] – extremely good; excellent The student received an award for her outstanding work in science class. favorite /FEY-ver-it/ [noun] – a person or thing regarded with special favor or preference She is the favorite in the singing competition because of her unique voice. pursuit /per-SOOT/ [noun] – the act of chasing or seeking something His pursuit of knowledge…
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New cookbook by renowned food bloggers simplifies cooking for couples with task-sharing approach

BRIX IIMG (8)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons people use cookbooks? What types of recipes do you think are found in cookbooks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. well-known /WEL-NOHN/ [adjective] – widely known or recognized Many people admire the well-known artist for her beautiful paintings. design /dih-ZAHYN/ [verb] – to create or plan something The student will design a new logo for the school event. simplify /SIM-pluh-fahy/ [verb] – to make something easier to understand or do The teacher will simplify the instructions to help everyone follow them. distinctive /dih-STINGK-tiv/ [adjective] – having a…
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Egypt opens new galleries in long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum

Egypt Musuem

©REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What civilization are you most interested in, and what aspects of its culture or history would you like to learn more about? If you could create your own museum, what theme would it have, and what artifacts would you include? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of building or developing a structure The construction of the new library is scheduled to begin next month. pharaoh /FAIR-oh/ [noun] – (the title of) a king of ancient Egypt Historians often study the reign…
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Rare October supermoon to illuminate skies alongside comet Tsuchinshan-Atlas on October 25

moon-6365467_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the phases of the moon? How does the supermoon differ from other phases of the moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. close /klohz/ [adjective] – near in distance or time The store is close to my house, so I walk there. rare /rair/ [adjective] – not occurring very often The museum has a rare collection of ancient coins from different countries. convergence /kuhn-VUR-juhns/ [noun] – the act of coming together or meeting at one point The convergence of different cultures can create a rich and…
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NOAA predicts 60% likelihood of weak La Niña event this Autumn

BRIX IIMG (6)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about La Niña? What are some common symptoms or signs of La Niña that occur in different parts of the world? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. forecast /FAWR-kast/ [verb] – to say what you expect to happen in the future Meteorologists forecast heavy rain for tomorrow, so people should prepare. probability /prob-uh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – the level of chance that something will happen There is a high probability of thunderstorms this evening, so stay indoors. persist /per-SIST/ [verb] – to continue to exist or happen, especially for…
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