Intermediate

Can leisure cause more stress than enjoyment?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How much free time do you have? Do you usually spend your free time alone or with somebody else? Please tell me more about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tremendous /trih-MEN-duhs/ [adjective] – great in amount, size, or degree We can see that there are tremendous changes done in the city. top-notch /TOP-NOCH/ [adjective] – excellent This restaurant has top-notch customer service. futile /FYOOT-l/ [adjective] – (of actions) having no effect or achieving nothing It was futile to continue with the investigation. point of view /point uhv vyoo/ [noun]…
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New Google AI system to predict rain in next two hours

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©Getty Images via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you watch weather reports? Does the weather affect your plans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prediction /pri-DIK-shuhn/ [noun] – a statement about what you think will happen in the future There were predictions that the store would be a huge success. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not convenient Drinking too much alcohol can result in serious consequences. productive /pruh-DUHK-tiv / [adjective] – having positive results Sheila had a productive day…
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Why aren’t even huge ships capable of resolving the shipping crisis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about shipping products abroad? What are the causes of delayed deliveries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength There has been a decline in the size of families. shortage /shawr-TIJ/ [noun] – a situation in which there is not enough of something Shortage of water is a growing problem. container /kuhn-TEY-ner/ [noun] – a very large metal box used for transporting goods The container was lifted off the ship by a crane. guarantee /gar-uhn-TEE/…
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Never released John Lennon recording fetches $58,300 at auction in Denmark

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©Getty Images via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you keep cassette tapes? What song have you recently discovered? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. track /trak/ [noun] – one of several songs or pieces of music on a CD or other musical recording Popular girl group Twice just released three new tracks from their album. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The exhibition features Japanese ceramics. latter /LAT-er/ [noun] – the second of two people, things, or groups previously mentioned I have a dog and a cat….
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A mysterious ancient ‘dragon man’ has been discovered and has joined the human family tree

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the greatest discoveries do you know? What is the importance of these discoveries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something This is a key feature of our society. curiosity /kyoor-ee-OS-i-tee/ [noun] – an eager wish to know or learn about something The children looked at their new teacher in curiosity. beyond /bee-OND/ [preposition] – outside or after It won’t go on beyond midnight. alter /AWL-ter/ [verb] – to change something, usually slightly, or to cause…
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Scottish students participate in global climate protest

Scottish students participate in global climate protest

©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel about climate change? What do you think the world’s climate will be like 20 years from now? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. protest /PROH-test/ [noun] – a strong complaint expressing disagreement, disapproval, or opposition Thousands of employees joined the protest, seeking an increase in the country’s minimum wage. found /found/ [verb] – to bring something into existence Eton College was founded by Henry VI in 1440. activist /AK-tuh-vist/ [noun] – a person who believes strongly in political or social change and takes part in…
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Aberdeen scientists build artificial ice glaciers to solve Himalayan water shortage

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©University of Aberdeen via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When is the driest month in your country? What was the highest temperature recorded in your country this month? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. glacier /GLEY-sher/ [noun] – a large mass of ice that moves slowly They built artificial glaciers to solve water shortages. remedy /REM-i-dee/ [noun] – a successful way of curing an illness or dealing with a problem or difficulty Finding a remedy for unemployment is not easy. frost line /FROST lahyn/ [noun] – the depth to which the groundwater in soil is…
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Hydrogen electricity can help create jobs, according to the government

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What other renewable sources of energy do you know? Why is carbon dioxide bad for the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. proposal /pruh-POH-zuhl/ [noun] – a suggestion, sometimes a written one The boss approved my proposal. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist First, we need to identify actual and potential problems. crucial /KROO-shuhl / [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Her work has been crucial to the project’s success. propose /pruh-POHZ/ [verb] – to offer or suggest a possible plan or action for other people…
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Escape into an orchid haven in Tokyo

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©teamLab Planets via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you keep indoor plants? Why or why not? What type of art do you appreciate? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. patience /PEY-shuhns/ [noun] – the ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed: Humans develop patience as they grow older. understanding /uhn-der-STAN-ding / [noun] – knowledge about a subject, situation, etc. or about how something works Ann has a deep understanding of life. vision /VIZH-uhn/ [noun] – an idea or mental image of something My…
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Nike and Costco cite supply problems as the holidays approach

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is there a Costco warehouse in your city? Have you been to the grocery recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage His rudeness caused a strain on his relationship with his co-workers. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [verb] – to experience difficulty and make a very great effort in order to do something Cora is struggling with her paperwork. panic /PAN-ik/ [noun] – a sudden strong feeling of fear that prevents reasonable thought and action:…
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