Intermediate

Facebook reveals its new name: Meta

Facebook reveals its new name Meta

©Facebook Connect 2021 Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How much time do you spend on social media? Do you have a Facebook account? If yes, when did you create it? If no, please state the reason why. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. virtual /VUR-choo-uhl/ [adjective] – created by computer technology and appearing to exist but not existing in the physical world We had a virtual meeting with our president. term /turm/ [noun] – a word or expression used in relation to a particular subject, often to describe something official or technical What does that term…
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Is mindfulness equal to selfishness?

meditation

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. For you, what is selfishness? Do you meditate? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. flexibility /flek-suh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to change or be changed easily according to the situation Work flexibility is the company’s advantage over others. meditation /med-i-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of giving your attention to only one thing, either as a religious activity or as a way of becoming calm and relaxed Yoga involves meditation, stretching, and breathing exercises. finding /FAHYN-ding/ [noun] – a piece of information that is discovered during an official…
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Australia to urge parental consent for minors on social media

Australia to urge parental consent for minors on social media

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What social networking sites do you use often? Is your country strict in terms of online media? Please tell me more about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. acquire /uh-KWAHYUHR/ [verb] – to obtain or begin to have something Her family acquired the property in 1996. penalty /PEN-l-tee/ [noun] – a punishment, or the usual punishment, for doing something that is against a law What is the penalty for dangerous driving? draft /drahft/ [noun] – a piece of text, a formal suggestion, or a drawing in its original state, often…
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COP26: World leaders pledge commitment to deforestation efforts

deforestation

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the famous forests in your country? What can you do to help nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cease /sees/ [verb] – to stop something The company has decided to cease its operations temporarily. deforestation /dee-fawr-uh-STEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the cutting down of trees in a large area, or the destruction of forests by people Deforestation can cause floods and drought. wildfire /WAHYLD-fahyuhr/ [noun] – a fire that is burning strongly and out of control on an area of grass or bushes in the countryside Authorities were able to…
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China promises to stop the construction of new coal-fired power plants in other countries

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What infrastructure projects are being built in your country now? What do you think about China’s plan to stop the construction of new coal-fired power plants in other countries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. massive /MAS-iv / [adjective] – very large in size, amount, or number A massive number of people were crowded into the room. agreement /uh-GREE-muhnt/ [noun] – a decision or arrangement, often formal and written, between two or more groups or people They have violated the conditions of the human rights agreement. state /steyt/ [noun] – a…
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Thailand is now open to vaccinated tourists

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you eat at a restaurant these days? Do you always listen to news about COVID-19? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. curb /kurb/ [noun] – a limit on something that is not wanted Ellen should try to put a curb on her bad spending habits. entry /EN-tree/ [noun] – the act of entering a place or joining a particular society or organization The museum offers free entry for the whole month of May. optimistic /op-tuh-MIS-tik/ [adjective] – hoping or believing that good things will…
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New wind farm powers Amazon’s operations

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think of renewable energy? Could tell me some of the benefits of using renewable energy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. production /pruh-DUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the amount of something that is made or grown by a country or a company Wheat production has increased over time. headquarters /HED-kwawr-terz/ [noun] – the main offices of an organization such as the army, the police, or a business company The company’s headquarters is in China. schedule /SKEJ-ool/ [noun] – a list of planned activities or things to be done showing the…
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Ryan Gosling in final negotiations to play Ken in “Barbie” film

Ryan Gosling in final negotiations to play Ken with Margot Robbie in Barbie film

©Lionsgate, Paramount Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think is the best toy ever invented? Do you know someone who likes Barbie? Please share something about them. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. heartthrob /HAHRT-throb/ [noun] – a famous man, often a singer or an actor, who is attractive to many women My mom’s favorite heartthrob is Tom Cruise. live action /LAHYV-AK-shuhn/ [noun] – (in films, etc.) action involving real people or animals, not models, or images that are drawn, or produced by computer The “Super Mario” live action will be in theaters next…
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Declining invitations the less painful way

envelope

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of invitation have you declined recently? What reasons do you usually give when rejecting invitations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. show up /shoh uhp/ [phrasal verb] – to arrive for a gathering or event 300 people showed up in the seminar. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [verb] – to refuse I’m sorry, but I have to decline the party invitation. assume /uh-SOOM/ [verb] – to accept something to be true without question or proof Let’s assume that it might rain tomorrow. acceptable /ak-SEP-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – satisfactory; good enough The proposal is…
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How can I lower my carbon footprint in the face of climate change?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you buy plastic products? What things at home do you reuse? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. warm /wawrm / [verb] – to (cause to) become warm (= less cold) With this electric heater, we can quickly warm up the room. impact /IM-pakt/ [noun] – a powerful effect that something, especially something new, has on a situation or person The anti-smoking campaign has and continues to have a significant impact on young people. carbon footprint /KAHR-buhn FOOT-print/ [noun] – someone’s carbon footprint is a measurement of the amount of…
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