Intermediate

IKEA to pay customers to return old furniture

2022年4月7日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you shop for furniture? What are some popular furniture brands in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alter /AWL-ter/ [verb] – to change something, usually slightly, or to cause the characteristics of something to change My grandmother wants to alter our new sofa. stool /stool/ [noun] – a seat without any support for the back or arms They bought 10 stools for the office. participate /pahr-TIS-uh-peyt/ [verb] – to take part in or become involved in an activity Jenna will be participating in the planting activity….
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Intermediate

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Ellesmere Port Plant to convert domestic garbage into aviation fuel

2022年4月6日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How does your country address the issue of garbage? Do you think it is a great idea to convert garbage to something else? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. facility /fuh-SIL-i-tee / [noun] – a place, especially including buildings, where a particular activity happens A nuclear research facility was built in the area. convert /kuhn-VURT/ [verb] – to (cause something or someone to) change in form or character Could the small bedroom be converted into a second bathroom? reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make known or show something that is…
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Intermediate

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The ‘Dinosaur asteroid’ causes devastation in springtime

2022年4月5日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you believe that dinosaurs existed? Why? Why are dinosaurs important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. springtime /SPRING-tahym/ [noun] – the season of spring The blossom on the trees looks lovely in the springtime. factor /FAK-ter/ [noun] – a fact or situation that influences the result of something The road was a contributing factor in the accident. survive /ser-VAHYV/ [verb] – to continue to live or exist, especially after coming close to dying or being destroyed or after being in a difficult or threatening situation These plants are unable to…
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Intermediate

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The reason that prevents us to be kind

2022年4月4日

Giving a helping hand. Lending a helping hand. Solidarity, compassion, and charity, rescue. Hands of man and woman on blue sky background.

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you define “kindness” in your own words? How can you tell that the kindness shown to you is sincere? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. personal space /PUR-suh-nl speys/ [noun] – the physical space immediately surrounding someone, into which any invasion feels threatening to or uncomfortable for them Please be respectful of people’s personal spaces. admit /ad-MIT/ [verb] – to agree that something is true Nina was hesitant to admit that she was wrong. compassion /kuhm-PASH-uhn/ [noun] – a strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for the suffering or…
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Intermediate

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2022’s best Asian restaurant is located in Tokyo

2022年4月3日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How long does it take you to decide what to order at a restaurant? Do you trust online restaurant reviews? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. critic /KRIT-ik/ [noun] – someone whose job is to give their opinion about something, especially films, books, music, etc. Karl works as a film critic. quirk /kwurk/ [noun] – an unusual habit or part of someone’s personality, or something that is strange and unexpected Kelly’s bookstore has a lot of quirks and music. creative /kree-EY-tiv/ [adjective] – producing or using original…
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Intermediate

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Australia confirms recent mass bleaching incident in the Great Barrier Reef

2022年4月2日

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© GETTY IMAGES via BBC News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What marine activities do you enjoy? (fishing, snorkeling, etc.) How do you think climate change affects the oceans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. marine /muh-REEN/ [adjective] – related to the sea or sea transport You can ask my brother anything about the sea. He’s an expert on marine life. reef /reef/ [noun] – a line of rocks or sand just above or just below the surface of the sea, often dangerous to ships My family and I saw beautiful coral reefs when we went…
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Intermediate

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Modern friendship’s myths and realities

2022年4月1日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How much time do you spend on your smartphone? Can you live without using a smartphone? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. criticism /KRIT-uh-siz-uhm/ [noun] – the act of saying that something or someone is bad I’d like to make a few criticisms about your speech. concerned /kuhn-SURND/ [adjective] – worried I’m concerned about your well-being. image /IM-ij/ [noun] – a picture in your mind or an idea of how someone or something is I have a mental image of how I want the garden to look. vital…
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Intermediate

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Security guards curate art exhibit at Baltimore museum

2022年3月31日

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©The Baltimore Museum of Art via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you see paintings? How would you describe the typical uniform of a security guard in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. meaningful /MEE-ning-fuhl/ [adjective] – useful, serious, or important The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is such a meaningful book. strike /strahyk/ [verb] – to cause someone to have a feeling or idea about something There was something about the song that struck him. invest /in-VEST/ [verb] – to put money, effort, time, etc. into something to make a profit…
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Intermediate

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Wildfires slow the recovery of the ozone layer, a study says

2022年3月30日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a wildfire? When are wildfires most likely to occur? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. barrier /BAR-ee-er/ [noun] – something that prevents something else from happening or makes it more difficult Ozone is the earth’s barrier against ultra-violet radiation. determine /dih-TUR-min/ [verb] – to discover the facts or truth about something A follow-up audit will be conducted by the office to determine whether any modifications or improvements have been made. recovery /ri-KUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – a process in which a situation improves after a difficult period The physicians were surprised…
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Intermediate

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Unique places to visit in Brazil

2022年3月29日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you travel? What animal fascinates you the most? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stunning /STUHN-ing/ [adjective] – extremely beautiful or attractive Budapest is a stunning city! paranormal /par-uh-NAWR-muhl/ [adjective] – impossible to explain by known natural forces or by science Ben likes to read paranormal stories. species /noun/ [SPEE-sheez] – a set of animals or plants in which the members have similar characteristics to each other and can breed with each other There are more than 200 species of mammals in the Philippines. remote /ri-MOHT/ [adjective]…
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Intermediate

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