Intermediate

The remote workplace’s “ghost coworkers”

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you communicate with your coworkers at work? Are you close to your coworkers? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. shrink /shringk/ [verb] – to become smaller, or to make something smaller If you wash your sweater at too high a temperature, it will shrink. remote /ri-MOHT / [adjective] – far away in distance Australia is huge and remote from the world’s major population centers. manner /MAN-er/ [noun] – the way in which something is done She locked her gaze on me in an accusing manner. crucial /KROO-shuhl /…
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IKEA to pay customers to return old furniture

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you shop for furniture? What are some popular furniture brands in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alter /AWL-ter/ [verb] – to change something, usually slightly, or to cause the characteristics of something to change My grandmother wants to alter our new sofa. stool /stool/ [noun] – a seat without any support for the back or arms They bought 10 stools for the office. participate /pahr-TIS-uh-peyt/ [verb] – to take part in or become involved in an activity Jenna will be participating in the planting activity….
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Ellesmere Port Plant to convert domestic garbage into aviation fuel

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How does your country address the issue of garbage? Do you think it is a great idea to convert garbage to something else? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. facility /fuh-SIL-i-tee / [noun] – a place, especially including buildings, where a particular activity happens A nuclear research facility was built in the area. convert /kuhn-VURT/ [verb] – to (cause something or someone to) change in form or character Could the small bedroom be converted into a second bathroom? reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make known or show something that is…
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The ‘Dinosaur asteroid’ causes devastation in springtime

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you believe that dinosaurs existed? Why? Why are dinosaurs important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. springtime /SPRING-tahym/ [noun] – the season of spring The blossom on the trees looks lovely in the springtime. factor /FAK-ter/ [noun] – a fact or situation that influences the result of something The road was a contributing factor in the accident. survive /ser-VAHYV/ [verb] – to continue to live or exist, especially after coming close to dying or being destroyed or after being in a difficult or threatening situation These plants are unable to…
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The reason that prevents us to be kind

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you define “kindness” in your own words? How can you tell that the kindness shown to you is sincere? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. personal space /PUR-suh-nl speys/ [noun] – the physical space immediately surrounding someone, into which any invasion feels threatening to or uncomfortable for them Please be respectful of people’s personal spaces. admit /ad-MIT/ [verb] – to agree that something is true Nina was hesitant to admit that she was wrong. compassion /kuhm-PASH-uhn/ [noun] – a strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for the suffering or…
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2022’s best Asian restaurant is located in Tokyo

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How long does it take you to decide what to order at a restaurant? Do you trust online restaurant reviews? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. critic /KRIT-ik/ [noun] – someone whose job is to give their opinion about something, especially films, books, music, etc. Karl works as a film critic. quirk /kwurk/ [noun] – an unusual habit or part of someone’s personality, or something that is strange and unexpected Kelly’s bookstore has a lot of quirks and music. creative /kree-EY-tiv/ [adjective] – producing or using original…
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Australia confirms recent mass bleaching incident in the Great Barrier Reef

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© GETTY IMAGES via BBC News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What marine activities do you enjoy? (fishing, snorkeling, etc.) How do you think climate change affects the oceans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. marine /muh-REEN/ [adjective] – related to the sea or sea transport You can ask my brother anything about the sea. He’s an expert on marine life. reef /reef/ [noun] – a line of rocks or sand just above or just below the surface of the sea, often dangerous to ships My family and I saw beautiful coral reefs when we went…
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Modern friendship’s myths and realities

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How much time do you spend on your smartphone? Can you live without using a smartphone? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. criticism /KRIT-uh-siz-uhm/ [noun] – the act of saying that something or someone is bad I’d like to make a few criticisms about your speech. concerned /kuhn-SURND/ [adjective] – worried I’m concerned about your well-being. image /IM-ij/ [noun] – a picture in your mind or an idea of how someone or something is I have a mental image of how I want the garden to look. vital…
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Security guards curate art exhibit at Baltimore museum

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©The Baltimore Museum of Art via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you see paintings? How would you describe the typical uniform of a security guard in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. meaningful /MEE-ning-fuhl/ [adjective] – useful, serious, or important The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is such a meaningful book. strike /strahyk/ [verb] – to cause someone to have a feeling or idea about something There was something about the song that struck him. invest /in-VEST/ [verb] – to put money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit…
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Wildfires slow the recovery of the ozone layer, a study says

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a wildfire? When are wildfires most likely to occur? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. barrier /BAR-ee-er/ [noun] – something that prevents something else from happening or makes it more difficult Ozone is the earth’s barrier against ultra-violet radiation. determine /dih-TUR-min/ [verb] – to discover the facts or truth about something A follow-up audit will be conducted by the office to determine whether any modifications or improvements have been made. recovery /ri-KUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – a process in which a situation improves after a difficult period The physicians were surprised…
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