Intermediate

Tomb Raider: Celebrating 25 years of gaming icon Lara Croft

2021年12月15日

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©BBC via SQUARE ENIX Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular gaming devices in your country? How often do you play video or mobile games? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. leading /LEE-ding/ [adjective] – very important or most important He is a leading expert on technology. highly /HAHY-lee/ [adverb] – very, to a large degree, or at a high level The company needs highly skilled workers. treasure /TREZH-er / [noun] – very valuable things, usually in the form of a store of precious metals, precious stones, or money The children found a treasure…
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Intermediate

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Twitter’s new privacy policy removes unconsented content

2021年12月14日

Twitter's new privacy policy removes unconsented content

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is Twitter popular in your country? Please tell me more about it. Do you have a Twitter account? If yes, how often do you tweet? If not, kindly explain why. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. update /uhp-DEYT/ [verb] – to make something more modern or suitable for use now by adding new information or changing its design We need to update our equipment to satisfy our customers’ needs. platform /PLAT-fawrm/ [noun] – a particular computer technology that can be used with some types of software programs but not with others…
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Intermediate

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900 employees laid off via Zoom call

2021年12月13日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. At what age do people in your country usually retire from work? What are the top jobs in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. market efficiency /MAHR-kit ih-FISH-uhn-see/ [noun] – a situation in which a financial market operates well, for example where customers have enough information about products, prices are related to supply and demand, etc. The market efficiency from our services maintains positive results. terminate /TUR-muh-neyt/ [verb] – to remove someone from their job He was terminated for breach of contract. human resources /YOO-muhn REE-sor-suhz/ [noun] – the…
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Intermediate

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Thriving wildlife in deserted areas around Fukushima

2021年12月12日

Thriving wildlife in deserted areas around Fukushima (1)

©University of Georgia Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animal best represents your character? Please explain. What particular animals have become famous in your country for some special skill or accomplishment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. abandoned /uh-BAN-duhnd/ [adjective] – left in a particular place or condition, usually forever The abandoned building is said to be haunted. calamity /kuh-LAM-i-tee/ [noun] – a serious accident or bad event causing damage or suffering That earthquake was the worst calamity in the country’s history. discharge /dis-CHAHRJ/ [verb] – to send out a substance, especially waste liquid or gas…
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Intermediate

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Japan’s traditional way of starting anew

2021年12月11日

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© Shirokiya Denbe in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward via The Mainichi Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you clean your house? Does your family have a tradition every Christmas? Please tell me more about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. in honor of /IN AA-nr UHV/ [idiom] – as a celebration of or expression of respect for The statue in Sendai was built in honor of Masamune Date. complement /KOM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to make something else seem better or more attractive when combining with it The new wallpaper design complements the sofa sets. framework…
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Intermediate

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New Zealand to reopen to travelers who have been vaccinated

2021年12月10日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where did you last travel? Could you tell me more about it? What activities would you like to do if Covid restrictions were already lifted? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something It is prohibited to drive on the ice with a motor vehicle. entitled /en-TAHYT-ld/ [adjective] – feeling that you have the right to do or have what you want without having to work for it or deserve it, just because of who you are Officers are entitled to travel first…
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Intermediate

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Elle magazine to stop using animal fur in its publications worldwide

2021年12月9日

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©BBC via Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most popular magazine in your country? What are some current fashion trends in your city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. publication /puhb-li-KEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a book, magazine, newspaper, or document in which information or stories are published Laura writes for the student publication. agreement /uh-GREE-muhnt/ [noun] – the situation in which people have the same opinion, or in which they approve of or accept something: Everyone seems to be in agreement with the travel plans. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a person who buys…
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Intermediate

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The man who is transforming towns into massive sponges

2021年12月8日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does your government do to solve the flooding problem? Do you think it is effective? Why do you think so? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. drown /droun/ [verb] – to (cause to) die by being unable to breathe underwater A child can drown in only a few inches of water. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The central concept of the picture puzzled me. management /MAN-ij-muhnt / [noun] – the control and organization of something The company has been harmed by poor management for numerous years. function…
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Intermediate

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Dubai opens world’s first, highest 360-degree infinity pool

2021年12月7日

Dubai opens world's highest 360-degree infinity pool

©AURA Skypool Lounge via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the famous hotels in your country? Do you like staying at hotels? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. base /beys/ [verb] – to have a particular town or area, etc. as the main place that you live and work in, or where you do business from The new clothing company is based in Manila. story /STAWR-ee/ [noun] – a level of a building I’m so excited to visit Blair’s new 12-story mansion! residential /rez-i-DEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – a residential…
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Intermediate

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New coronavirus variant Omicron under observation by scientists

2021年12月6日

omicron

© Thomas Faull/Alamy Live News/Alamy Live News via The Guardian Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the deadliest disease for you and why? When do you think the pandemic will end? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. variant /VAIR-ee-uhnt/ [noun] – a form of a virus or disease that is slightly different from other forms, for example because the virus causing the disease has mutated A new variant of the disease was discovered in the US. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a condition in which bacteria or viruses that cause disease have entered the body Take…
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Intermediate

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