Intermediate

American SpaceX company assembles biggest rocket constructed in Texas

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you already seen a rocket launch on TV? How was it? Why does NASA send spaceships to space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /rok-it/ [noun] – a large cylinder-shaped object that moves very fast by forcing out burning gases, used for space travel or as a weapon They launched a rocket to the planet Venus. primary /PRAHY-mer-ee/ [adjective] – more important than anything else; main: The primary aim of this course is to improve your spoken English. separate /SEP-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to (cause to) divide into parts When…
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Microsoft now allows its users to sign in without passwords

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you experienced any software problems? Are you updated about cybersecurity news? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-muhnt/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system Most stores have implemented digital payment. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the beginning Initially, Lora wanted to go to law school. generate /JEN–uh-reyt/ [verb] – to cause something to exist The store’s online app generates a barcode. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way Your name is unique;…
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Spain implements “shock plan” to reduce electricity bills

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. During which season do electricity bills usually rise in your country? What electrical appliances do you routinely use? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. profit /PROF-it/ [noun] – money that is earned in trade or business after paying the costs of producing and selling goods and services Our business profit increased this month. temporarily /tem-puh-RAIR-uh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that does not last for long or forever The website is temporarily down for maintenance. on top of (something) /on top uhv (SUHM-thing)/ [idiom] – in addition to something Jean does…
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This year’s Met Gala, featuring ‘American independence’

This year's Met Gala, featuring 'American indepence' theme

©Theo Wargo/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite outfit? Do you watch fashion shows/events? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. witness /WIT-nis/ [verb] – to see something happen Over half a million fans witnessed the iconic band’s comeback concert. remarkable /ri-MAHR-kuh-buhl/ [adjective] – unusual or special and therefore surprising and worth mentioning The Eiffel Tower is a remarkable achievement of engineering. show off /SHOH-awf/ [phrasal verb] – to behave in a way that is intended to attract attention or admiration Mika showed off her dress saying: “My dad…
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Lake Biwa’s symbol of ancient sushi

funazushi

©Tom Schiller via BBC News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite type of sushi? Which place in Japan is famous for sushi? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. specialize /SPESH-uh-lahyz/ [verb] – to offer a particular product or service more than any other, usually so that you have a good reputation for this product or service Our family specializes in fabric production. preserve /pri-ZURV/ [verb] – to keep something as it is, especially to prevent it from decaying or to protect it from being damaged or destroyed The organization’s goal is to preserve…
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A guide to Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Did you dream of becoming an astranaut? Why do you think children dream of becoming one someday? What do you think of traveling to space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. era /EER-uh/ [noun] – a period of time of which particular events or stages of development are typical We are in a new era of information. design /dih-ZAHYN/ [verb] – to make or draw plans for something He designed a machine that was both attractive and practical. secure /si-KYOOR / [adjective] – (especially of objects, situations, etc.) able to avoid…
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Amazon offers to cover college tuition for most hourly workers in the US

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the minimum working age in your country? How many hours do part-timers work in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. qualify /KWOL-uh-fahy/ [verb] – to have the legal right to have or do something because of the situation you are in, or to cause someone to have such a right He is qualified for the best student award. employer /em-PLOI-er/ [noun] – a person or company that has people who do work for wages or a salary I have to talk with my employer this morning. boost…
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2,400-year-old fruit baskets, other archaeological treasures discovered under sunken Egyptian city

2,400-year-old fruit baskets, other archaeological treasures, discovered under the sea of ancient Egyptian city

©Christoph Gerigk/Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like studying history? Why or why not? What discovery from the ancient time do you know? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prehistoric /pree-hi-STAWR-ik/ [adjective] – describing the period before there were written records The cave contained pieces of evidence of prehistoric livelihood. harbor /HAHR-ber/ [noun] – an area of water next to the coast, often protected from the ocean by a thick wall, where ships and boats can shelter The wrecked ship has been towed into the harbor. vessel /VES-uhl/ [noun] – a large…
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CDC updates its travel advisories list

CDC updates its travel advisories list

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When was your last travel outside your country? Where are you going to go the next time you travel? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. advisory /ad-VAHY-zuh-ree/ [noun] – an official announcement that contains advice, information, or a warning Weather advisories suggest that next week will not be a good timing for traveling prevention /pri-VEN-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of stopping something from happening or of stopping someone from doing something Eating foods high in calcium may help in the prevention of colon cancer. category /kat-i-GAWR-ee/ [noun] – a grouping of…
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Dubai grows “future-proof” food to increase diversity

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©CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How is food consumption in your country? What do you do to make sure you do not run out of food supplies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. transplant /trans-PLANT/ [verb] – to move something, or to be moved, from one place or person to another Please transplant the seedlings to more damp soil. boost /boost/ [verb] – to improve or increase something Social media will surely boost service promotion. resource /REE-sohrs/ [noun] – natural substances such as water and wood which are valuable in supporting life Copper is one…
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