Intermediate

Super Mario animated film to be released next year

2021年10月19日

Super Mario animated film to be released next year

©Rex/Shutterstock/Reuters/Nintendo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite video game? Who is your favorite video game character? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. production /pruh-DUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the activity of organizing the practical and financial matters relating to the preparation of a film, play, or television or radio program The production staff held a meeting for the network’s upcoming TV show. express /ik-SPRES/ [verb] – to show a feeling, opinion, or fact Marla expressed her gratitude to her parents by taking them to their favorite travel destination. caption /KAP-shuhn/ [noun] – a short piece…
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Intermediate

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“Squid Game” takes Netflix top spot

2021年10月18日

squid game

©Netflix Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of TV shows do you usually watch? What non-Japanese shows do you watch? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. draw /draw/ [verb] – to attract attention or interest Her unique artworks often draw large crowds. enthusiast /en-THOO-zee-ast/ [noun] – a person who is very interested in and involved with a particular subject or activity My father and brother are soccer enthusiasts. They never miss any of the games on TV. stand out /STAND out/ [phrasal verb] – to be much better than other similar things or people This…
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Intermediate

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Fumio Kishida wins race to become Japan’s next prime minister

2021年10月17日

Kishida

©BBC News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Who is your favorite leader? Why? Could you give some good qualities of a good leader? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. popularity /pop-yuh-LAR-i-tee/ [noun] – the fact that something or someone is liked, enjoyed, or supported by many people Since her return from exile two years ago, her popularity has decreased. host /hohst / [verb] – to provide the space and other things necessary for a special event Which country will host the Olympic Games in the future? widely /WAHYD-lee/ [adverb] – including a lot of different places,…
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Intermediate

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Sweden’s Saturday sweets tradition

2021年10月16日

candies

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most popular candy brand in your country? Which do you usually eat after meals, desserts or candies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. treat /treet/ [noun] – a type of food that is eaten in addition to your usual meals, usually something sweet Have you already given treats to the children? concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The concept of this presentation is quite easy to understand. values /VAL-yooz/ [noun] – the principles that help you to decide what is right and wrong and how to…
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Intermediate

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Air pollution is even worse than previously assumed, according to the World Health Organization

2021年10月15日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you support WHO’s iniative to take action on climate change? Why? What places would you find a lot of air pollution? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/ [noun] – the exact amount of one particular substance that is found in another substance The contaminated areas had high concentrations of toxic materials. regulation /reg-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – an official rule or the act of controlling something New safety regulations have been implemented. harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/ [adjective] – causing harm People with asthma are known to be harmful to this group of…
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Intermediate

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The New York Public Library puts an end to overdue fees

2021年10月14日

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©Getty Images via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do libraries in your country charge fees for overdue books? What books from a library would you like to borrow? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. abolish /uh-BOL-ish/ [verb] – to end an activity or custom officially The young mayor wants to abolish private schools. policy /POL-uh-see/ [noun] – a set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been agreed to officially by a group of people, a business organization, a government, or a political party The clothing store has…
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Intermediate

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Plastic-made museum in Indonesia highlights marine crisis

2021年10月13日

plastics

©Prasto Wardoyo/Reuters via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you often use plastic products? Please tell me more about it. What do you recycle? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. eager /EE-ger/ [adjective] – having or showing desire or interest The students are eager to learn the Japanese language. sachet /sa-SHEY/ [noun] – a small plastic or paper package containing a small amount of a liquid or powder, usually enough for only one occasion How many sachets of shampoo do I need to buy? centerpiece /SEN-ter-pees/ [noun] – the most important part of something Health…
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Intermediate

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Conversion of classic autos to electric vehicles

2021年10月12日

car-gedd7c55a7_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about EV? Why do we have to recycle things? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something A cat was beneath the table. insurance /in-SHOOR-uhns/ [adjective] – relating to an agreement in which you pay a company money and they pay your costs if you have an accident, injury, etc. When my car was stolen, I filed an insurance claim and received a reimbursement of $150. claim /kleym/ [verb] – to…
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Intermediate

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Can leisure cause more stress than enjoyment?

2021年10月11日

leisure

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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Intermediate

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New Google AI system to predict rain in next two hours

2021年10月10日

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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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Intermediate

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