Intermediate

Hollywood producer to bring forth film about K-pop

Hollywood producer to bring forth film about K-pop

©Bryan Bedder/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite music genre? Why? What do you know about K-pop? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mass media /mas-MEE-dee-uh/ [noun] – newspapers, television, radio, and the internet The crime received heavy coverage in the mass media. avant-garde /uh-vahnt-GAHRD/ [noun] – the painters, writers, musicians, and other artists whose ideas, styles, and methods are very original or modern in comparison to the period in which they live, or the work of these artists Diamanda Galas is an avant-garde vocalist based in New York. magnate /MAG-neyt/ [noun]…
Read more

The carless hamlets of Italy

cableway

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the main mode of transportation in your country? Which mode of transportation is the most comfortable for you and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. steep /steep/ [adjective] – (of a slope) rising or falling at a sharp angle This path leads to a steep hill. debate /dih-BEYT/ [noun] – (a) serious discussion of a subject in which many people take part Residents had a debate about the community’s future policies. practical /PARK-ti-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to experience, real situations, or actions rather than ideas or imagination Kanata…
Read more

American SpaceX company assembles biggest rocket constructed in Texas

rocket-launch-67723_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you already seen a rocket launch on TV? How was it? Why does NASA send spaceships to space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /rok-it/ [noun] – a large cylinder-shaped object that moves very fast by forcing out burning gases, used for space travel or as a weapon They launched a rocket to the planet Venus. primary /PRAHY-mer-ee/ [adjective] – more important than anything else; main: The primary aim of this course is to improve your spoken English. separate /SEP-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to (cause to) divide into parts When…
Read more

Microsoft now allows its users to sign in without passwords

cyber-security-3400657_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you experienced any software problems? Are you updated about cybersecurity news? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-muhnt/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system Most stores have implemented digital payment. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the beginning Initially, Lora wanted to go to law school. generate /JEN–uh-reyt/ [verb] – to cause something to exist The store’s online app generates a barcode. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way Your name is unique;…
Read more

Spain implements “shock plan” to reduce electricity bills

electricity

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. During which season do electricity bills usually rise in your country? What electrical appliances do you routinely use? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. profit /PROF-it/ [noun] – money that is earned in trade or business after paying the costs of producing and selling goods and services Our business profit increased this month. temporarily /tem-puh-RAIR-uh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that does not last for long or forever The website is temporarily down for maintenance. on top of (something) /on top uhv (SUHM-thing)/ [idiom] – in addition to something Jean does…
Read more

This year’s Met Gala, featuring ‘American independence’

This year's Met Gala, featuring 'American indepence' theme

©Theo Wargo/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite outfit? Do you watch fashion shows/events? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. witness /WIT-nis/ [verb] – to see something happen Over half a million fans witnessed the iconic band’s comeback concert. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The Eiffel Tower is a remarkable achievement of engineering. show off /SHOH-awf/ [phrasal verb] – to behave in a way that is intended to attract attention or admiration Mika showed off her dress saying: “My dad…
Read more

Lake Biwa’s symbol of ancient sushi

funazushi

©Tom Schiller via BBC News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite type of sushi? Which place in Japan is famous for sushi? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. specialize /SPESH-uh-lahyz/ [verb] – to offer a particular product or service more than any other, usually so that you have a good reputation for this product or service Our family specializes in fabric production. preserve /pri-ZURV/ [verb] – to keep something as it is, especially to prevent it from decaying or to protect it from being damaged or destroyed The organization’s goal is to preserve…
Read more

A guide to Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft

rocket-launch-67649_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Did you dream of becoming an astranaut? Why do you think children dream of becoming one someday? What do you think of traveling to space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. era /EER-uh/ [noun] – a period of time of which particular events or stages of development are typical We are in a new era of information. design /dih-ZAHYN/ [verb] – to make or draw plans for something He designed a machine that was both attractive and practical. secure /si-KYOOR / [adjective] – (especially of objects, situations, etc.) able to avoid…
Read more

Amazon offers to cover college tuition for most hourly workers in the US

christian-wiediger-rymh7EZPqRs-unsplash

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the minimum working age in your country? How many hours do part-timers work in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. qualify /KWOL-uh-fahy/ [verb] – to have the legal right to have or do something because of the situation you are in, or to cause someone to have such a right He is qualified for the best student award. employer /em-PLOI-er/ [noun] – a person or company that has people who do work for wages or a salary I have to talk with my employer this morning. boost…
Read more

2,400-year-old fruit baskets, other archaeological treasures discovered under sunken Egyptian city

2,400-year-old fruit baskets, other archaeological treasures, discovered under the sea of ancient Egyptian city

©Christoph Gerigk/Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like studying history? Why or why not? What discovery from the ancient time do you know? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prehistoric /pree-hi-STAWR-ik/ [adjective] – describing the period before there were written records The cave contained pieces of evidence of prehistoric livelihood. harbor /HAHR-ber/ [noun] – an area of water next to the coast, often protected from the ocean by a thick wall, where ships and boats can shelter The wrecked ship has been towed into the harbor. vessel /VES-uhl/ [noun] – a large…
Read more