Intermediate

HMS Endurance found after 107 years following its sinking

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© Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust and National Geographic via CNN News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When was the last time you went to the ocean? What did you do there? What kinds of documentaries do you enjoy watching? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. explorer /ik-SPLAWR-er/ [noun] – someone who travels to places where no one has ever been in order to find out what is there Ferdinand Magellan was a famous sixteenth-century explorer. shipwreck /SHIP-rek/ [noun] – an accident in which a ship is destroyed or sunk at sea, especially by hitting rocks, or…
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The strange reason why migrating birds are attracted to cities

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where do birds migrate? What birds have adapted to stay in the winter rather than migrate south? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. migratory /MAHY-gruh-tawr-ee/ [adjective] – a migratory bird or animal is one that migrates (= travels to a different place, usually when the season changes) Sea eagles aren’t migratory, so once they’re gone, there’s no way to bring them back. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed with each other Mountain gorillas are…
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Paris is set to build a $145M cable car line

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©©Île-de-France Mobilités via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which city in Europe would you like to visit? Why? How often do you travel by car? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. aerial /AIR-ee-uhl/ [adjective] – in or from the air, especially from an aircraft Reena would like to try aerial photography. estimate /ES-tuh-meyt/ [verb] – to guess or calculate the cost, size, value, etc. of something The estimated costs of the city hall project are over £3 million. capacity /kuh-PAS-i-tee/ [noun] – the total amount that can be contained or produced This washing machine has…
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Why do so many individuals believe in the “soulmate myth”?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What characteristics are you looking for in a lifetime partner? Why do people believe in soulmates? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. theme park /theem pahrk/ [noun] – a large permanent area for public entertainment, with entertaining activities and big machines to ride on or play games on, restaurants, etc., sometimes all connected with a single subject It’s the biggest theme park outside the United States. individual /in-duh-VIJ-oo-uhl/ [noun] – a single person or thing, especially when compared to the group or set to which they belong Every individual has rights…
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Scientist discovers rainbow-colored fish in the Maldives

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©Yi-Kai Tea via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Which aquatic animal do you find the most interesting? Why? Do you read scientific magazines? If not, would you like to read one in the future? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. involvement /in-VOLV-ment/ [noun] – the act or process of taking part in A student’s involvement in volunteer programs is very important. species /SPEE-sheez/ [noun] – a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed with each other She studies different species of plants. partnership /PAHRT-ner-ship/…
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Three ways to respond on White Day

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of chocolate do you like the most? What sweets are popular in your country? Please tell me more about them. 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 Try not to give the children too many snacks and treats. melt /melt/ [verb] – to turn from something solid into something soft or liquid, or to cause something to do this First, melt a lump of butter in the frying pan. crunchy…
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Around the world in 4 pancakes

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your comfort food? What are some popular street foods in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ultimate /UHL-ti-mit/ [adjective] – most extreme or important because either the original or final, or the best or worst His ultimate goal is to open a coffee shop. spot /spot/ [noun] – a particular place This is a nice spot to have a picnic. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part This collection features handmade crafts from Southeast Asia. satisfy /SAT-is-fahy/ [verb] – to please…
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Sashimono: Bringing out the inherent beauty of trees

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© Natsuki Nishi via The Mainichi Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What traditional Japanese craft do you like the most? Please tell me more about it. Do you consider yourself a minimalist? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. woodworking /WOOD-wur-king/ [noun] – the activity of making objects such as furniture from wood I took up woodworking and pottery when I was younger. array /uh-REY/ [noun] – a large number of products of a similar type Please feel free to choose from our array of bags. showy /SHOH-ee/ [adjective] – attracting attention, sometimes…
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Wales to use electric buses to achieve zero-emission by 2035

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the benefits of electric cars? Would you like to have an electric car? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – large in size, value, or importance The findings reveal a substantial difference between men’s and women’s perspectives. strategy /SRAT-i-jee/ [noun] – a detailed plan for achieving success in situations such as war, politics, business, industry, or sports, or the skill of planning for such situations We’re developing new strategies to increase our market share. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to begin something such…
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Sony and Honda team up to build and sell electric cars

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular Sony products in your country right now? How often do you receive car sales brochures/flyers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. joint /joint/ [adjective] – belonging to or shared between two or more people This is a joint project between the university and the town hall. establish /ih-STAB-lish/ [verb] – to start a company or organization that will continue for a long time They will establish a new organization next year. agreement /uh-GREE-muhnt/ [noun] – a decision or arrangement, often formal and written, between two or more…
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