Intermediate

Germany and France launch high-speed train service to strengthen EU ties and promote eco-friendly travel

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about high-speed trains? What are the advantages of using trains compared to cars or airplanes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sustainable /suh-STEY-nuh-buhl/ [adjective] – causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time The company uses sustainable materials to make their products. initiative /ih-NISH-uh-tiv/ [noun] – a new plan or action to improve something or solve a problem The school started an initiative to plant trees in the playground. modernize /MOD-er-nahyz/ [verb] – to make something more modern…
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Rio de Janeiro barber battle celebrates craftsmanship and creativity

©REUTERS/Aline Massuca Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What makes a competition fun to watch? What haircut is popular right now in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. neighborhood /NEY-ber-hood/ [noun] – a district or area within a city or town She moved to a quiet neighborhood near the park. outdated /out-DEY-tid/ [adjective] – old-fashioned and therefore not as good or as fashionable as something modern The technology used in the office is outdated and needs upgrading. standout /STAND-out / [adjective] – a person or thing that is exceptionally good or prominent She was the…
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Neanderthal genes shape modern humans

©REUTERS/Nikola Solic/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What aspects of early human life interest you? How did early humans affect the environment, and how does this still impact us today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. biological /bahy-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to biology or living organisms The biological processes in plants are essential for photosynthesis. anthropological /an-thruh-puh-LAA-juh-kl/ [adjective] – relating to anthropology, the study of humans, human behavior, and societies The anthropological research revealed insights into ancient civilizations. metabolism /muh-TAB-uh-liz-uhm/ [noun] – the chemical processes within a living organism that maintain life Changes in metabolism…
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Junjun the playful bear cub captivates Shanghai zoo visitors

Junjun

©REUTERS/Casey Hall Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a baby cub in person? What kind of cub was it, and how was it different from an older one? If you could design your own zoo, what animals would you include, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. charm /chahrm/ [noun] – the quality of being pleasing or attractive Her smile has a unique charm that makes everyone feel at ease. captivate /KAP-tuh-veyt/ [verb] – to attract and hold the attention or interest of someone The magician’s performance captivated the entire audience. delight…
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Louisiana’s $330 million initiative aims to revitalize Maurepas Swamp, protect wildlife, and coastal ecosystems

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are swamps, and where are they usually found? Why are swamps important to the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. migratory /MAHY-gruh-tawr-ee/ [adjective] – moving from one place to another at different times of the year Many migratory birds fly south in the winter. ecological /ee-kuh-LAA-juh-kl/ [adjective] – relating to the relationships between living things and their environment Cutting down forests causes serious ecological problems. nutrient /NOO-tree-uhnt/ [noun] – substances that plants, animals, and people need to grow and stay healthy Vegetables provide important nutrients for our bodies. rejuvenate…
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Eric Vetro teaches singing techniques to celebrities and fans alike in new online course

Mic

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which genre of music or film do you enjoy most, and why? Who is your favorite singer or actor, and what do you like most about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coach /kohch/ [verb] – to train or teach someone in a particular skill or activity She coached the basketball team to victory. tone /tohn/ [noun] – the quality or character of the sound of someone’s voice when singing or speaking The singer worked tirelessly with her vocal coach to develop a warm and rich tone suitable for classical…
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U.S. proposes federal protection for monarch butterflies amid declining populations

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like butterflies? Why or why not? Have you heard about the decline in monarch butterfly populations? Why are their numbers going down? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dramatic /druh-MAT-ik/ [adjective] – having a strong or great effect; striking or intense The play had a dramatic ending that surprised everyone. challenge /CHAL-inj/ [noun] – a difficult task or situation that requires effort Climbing the mountain was a real challenge for the team. proposed /pruh-POHZD/ [adjective] – suggested for consideration or approval The proposed park in the neighborhood would provide…
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NASA delays next Artemis moon mission to 2026

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is the moon important for life on Earth? What are some interesting myths or stories you know about the Moon? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. capsule /KAP-suhl/ [noun] – a small, sealed container used to hold or transport something, especially in space travel. The astronaut placed the research samples in a secure capsule before returning to Earth. detailed /dih-TEYLD/ [adjective] – involving many careful details The detailed report included all the necessary data for the investigation. upgrade /UHP-greyd/ [noun] – an improvement in something The hotel is undergoing upgrades…
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South Korea sees decline in drinking culture

Pub

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What could happen if drinking became less popular in society? How do young people drink differently from older generations in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. slowdown /SLOH-doun/ [noun] – a reduction in speed, activity, or the rate that things are produced Economists are worried about the recent slowdown in global trade. pandemic /pan-DEM-ik/ [noun] – a widespread outbreak of a disease that affects people across a large region or globally The pandemic caused significant changes to how people work and study. eatery /EE-tuh-ree/ [noun] – a small restaurant…
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Carlos Acosta brings a Cuban twist to “The Nutcracker”

Ballet

©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think of Cuba? Can dancing tell a story? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] – a particular form or variant of something She wrote a version of the story with a happy ending. contemporary /kuhn-TEM-puh-rer-ee/ [adjective] – belonging to the same time period; modern His work is considered contemporary art. currently /KUR-uhnt-lee/ [adverb] – at the present time I am currently working on a new project. root /root/ [noun] – a person’s origins, background, or cultural heritage, often related to their…
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