Intermediate

Weihenstephan’s brewmaster champions alcohol-free beer amid rising demand at Oktoberfest

beer-2536111_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How is beer different from beverages like soda or juice? What are some reasons people choose to drink alcohol-free beer instead of regular beer? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. traditionally /truh-DI-shuh-nuh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that has been done for a long time People traditionally celebrate New Year with fireworks and family gatherings. preference /PREF-er-uhns/ [noun] – a greater liking for one alternative over another My preference is pizza over pasta because it is more delicious. consumption /kuhn-SUHMP-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of using up a resource or eating/drinking…
Read more

Milan Fashion Week 2025: Designers embrace muted tones and nostalgia amid uncertainty

fashion-2309519_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of clothing do you like to wear? Why do you prefer these styles over others? Who is your favorite fashion designer or brand? What do you admire most about their designs? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. timeless /TAHYM-lis/ [adjective] – not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion The story is timeless and can be enjoyed by everyone. fashion /FASH-uhn/ [noun] – a popular way of dressing during a particular time My sister loves fashion and always wears trendy clothes. relaxed /ri-LAKST/ [adjective] – free…
Read more

Testimony reveals malfunction of Titan submersible before dive

coast-guard-3591295_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think the Titanic tragedy is still remembered and studied today? Have you ever seen the movie Titanic? If yes, what parts did you find interesting? If not, would you consider watching a movie about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implode /im-PLOHD/ [verb] – to collapse or cause to collapse violently inward The balloon began to implode when it was exposed to the extreme cold. malfunction /mal-FUHNGK-shuhn/ [noun] – a failure to function properly The device experienced a malfunction that required immediate repair. cause /kawz/ [verb] –…
Read more

State Department launches Online Passport Renewal System

passport-2585507_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of government IDs can you renew online? Why can some IDs be renewed online while others cannot? What information is required to renew a government ID online? Why is it important to provide accurate information when renewing an ID? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. functional /FUHNGK-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – working correctly; able to perform its intended function The new coffee machine is functional and makes great coffee. user-friendly /YOO-zer-FREND-lee/ [adjective] – easy to use or understand The new app is user-friendly and simple to navigate. personnel /pur-suh-NEL/ [noun] –…
Read more

Mpox outbreak in Congo becomes global health emergency as cases surge

child-4617142_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think some diseases spread more easily than others? Can you recall any specific advice or guidelines that were shared during an outbreak you learned about? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emergency /ih-MUR-juhn-see/ [noun] – an unexpected and dangerous situation that needs immediate action Call 911 in case of an emergency. surge /surj/ [verb] – to increase suddenly The crowd surged forward to see the parade. complicate /KOM-pli-keyt/ [verb] – to make something more difficult or complex The new rules complicated the project. allocate /AL-uh-keyt/ [verb] – to…
Read more

Scientists transport endangered corals to Texas for ongoing research

underwater-713820_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the role of corals in ocean ecosystems? What are some ways people might be able to help protect and preserve coral reefs? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. insulated /IN-syuh-lay-tuhd/ [adjective] – protected or covered to prevent the loss of heat or cold The insulated water bottle kept my coffee hot for hours. offshore /AWF-SHAWR/ [adjective] – situated or occurring in the sea, away from the shore The company is investing in offshore wind farms to generate renewable energy. nursery /NUR-suh-ree/ [noun] – a place where…
Read more

Worsening allergy season brings discomfort to millions nationwide

cold-3861935_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of allergies are most common in your country? In which months do people in your country usually experience the most allergy problems? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. symptom /SIMP-tuhm/ [noun] – physical or mental features that indicate a condition or disease The doctor asked about the symptoms I was experiencing before making a diagnosis. allergen /AL-er-juhn/ [noun] – substances that cause an allergic reaction Common allergens like pollen and dust can trigger severe reactions in people with allergies. mask /mask/ [noun] – covers worn over the face to…
Read more

California enacts laws to protect actors from AI misuse

ai-generated-9041451_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the role of artificial intelligence in the film industry? Can you think of any examples where technology, like CGI or motion capture, has been used to create characters in movies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to forbid or not allow something The school will prohibit students from using phones during class. digital /DIJ-i-tl/ [adjective] – related to or involving computer technology She uses a digital camera to take pictures. critic /KRIT-ik/ [noun] – a person who judges or evaluates something The critic gave the…
Read more

Historical drama dominates awards ceremony

samurai-8232407_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of a historical event that might make a good story for a historical drama? Have you ever watched a movie or TV show that is set in the past? What time period was it set in, and what did you learn about that era from it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. award /uh-WAWRD/ [noun] – a prize given to someone for their achievements She received an award for her excellent essay. actor /AK-ter/ [noun] – a person who performs in plays, movies, or television shows The actor…
Read more

50,000 gallons of water used to extinguish Tesla Semi fire after crash in California, NTSB reports

youre-here-8534643_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Tesla? What are the advantages and disadvantages of automated driving systems compared to human-driven vehicles? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to begin something such as a plan or introduce something new such as a product The company launched a new marketing campaign to promote their latest product. automated /AW-tuh-may-tuhd/ [adjective] – carried out by machines or computers without needing human control The factory’s automated system ensures products are assembled with high precision. freeway /FREE-wey/ [noun] – a high-capacity road designed for…
Read more