Intermediate

3 splendid places to witness Tokyo’s fall colors

3 splendid places to witness Tokyo's fall colors

©Marufish/Flickr Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite season and why? What is the worst season for you and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. atmosphere /AT-muhs-feer/ [noun] – the character, feeling, or mood of a place or situation The hotel has a relaxed atmosphere. adore /uh-DAWR/ [verb] – to love and respect someone very much, or to like something very much I adore your shoes! Where did you buy that pair? magnificent /mag-NIF-uh-suhnt/ [adjective] – very good, beautiful, or deserving to be admired The Taj Mahal is a magnificent tourist spot. feast…
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Instagram is being used by mothers to provide advice to new parents

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What social networking sites do you use? Why? Which do you think is the best social networking site today? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. consultant /kuhn-SUHL-tnt/ [noun] – someone who advises people on a particular subject She works in a firm of public relations consultants. solid /SOL-id/ [adjective] – hard or firm, keeping a clear shape Dry the clay until it’s solid. establish /ih-STAB-lish/ [veb] – to start something that will last for a long time, or to create or set something in a particular way We can start…
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Harry Potter film at 20: Where are the cast members now?

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©BBC via Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular fantasy films in your country? Who are some of your favorite actors/actresses? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mark /mahrk/ [verb] – to show respect for or commemorate The wedding marked the beginning of a new chapter in Anna’s life. trade /treyd/ [verb] – to exchange something, or to stop using or doing something and start using or doing something else instead I’ll trade you some of my candies for some of your cookies. magical /MAJ-i-kuhl / [adjective] – produced by or using…
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Restoring our ego through status pivoting

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© Getty Images via BBC Worklife Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Who is the most successful person you know? Please tell me more about him/her. How do you measure success? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [verb] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to I must emphasize that this is just the summary of the report. coping /KOH-ping/ [noun] – the fact of dealing successfully with problems or difficult situations Exercising is Laura’s coping mechanism. reflect /ri-FLEKT/ [verb] – (of an action or situation) to bring credit or…
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“Spider-Man: No Way Home:” Everything we need to know

Spider-Man No Way Home: Everything we need to know

©Marvel Studios, Sony, Columbia Pictures Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like watching superhero movies? Why or why not? When was the last time you watched in a movie theater? Please share your experience. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rumored /ROO-merd/ [adjective] – used to refer to a fact or piece of news that might be true or invented, and quickly spreads from person to person The band is rumored to have a comeback next month. hit /hit/ [verb] – to arrive at a place, position, or state The show’s new season will hit…
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Vulcano residents evacuate due to high levels of carbon dioxide

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© Shutterstock via britannica.com Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. For you, what is the worse natural disaster and why? How can we prepare for natural disasters? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. volcanic /vol-KAN-ik/ [adjective] – of, relating to, or made by a volcano A volcanic island has been discovered off the north coast of Australia. carbon dioxide /KAHR-buhn dahy-OK-sahyd/ [noun] – the gas formed when carbon is burned, or when people or animals breathe out Carbon dioxide emissions should be stabilized. forbid /fer-BID/ [verb] – to not allow something, or to order someone not to…
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Apple will finally allow you to repair your iPhone on your own

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Would you like to fix your IPhone on your own? Why? Which do prefer, buy a new Apple gadget or have it fixed? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. device /dih-VAHYS / [noun] – an object or machine that has been invented for a particular purpose Rescuers used a unique device to locate persons trapped in damaged buildings. additional /uh-DISH-uh-nl/ [adjective] – extra They asked the government for additional support. replacement /ri-PLEYS-muhnt/ [noun] – the process of replacing something with something else They discussed the replacement of the existing computer…
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A UK digital bank moves to a 4-day workweek without cutting pay

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the common jobs in your city? How do you relax after a stressful day? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. adopt /uh-DOPT/ [verb] – to accept or start to use something new Many restaurants have adopted a digital payment system. conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl / [adjective] – traditional and ordinary She prefers conventional ways of living. wisdom /WIZ-duhm/ [noun] – the ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good decisions and judgments Our grandfather shared some of his wisdom this afternoon. necessary /NES-uh-ser-ee / [adjective] – needed in order…
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The public and private sectors agree to work together to achieve net-zero emissions

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the result of working together? What is the importance of achieving net-zero emissions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt / [noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something The administration has reiterated its commitment to the peace process. establish /ih-STAB-lish/ [verb] – to start a company or organization that will continue for a long time He established this organization in 1822. impact /IM-pakt/ [noun] – a powerful effect that something, especially something new, has on a situation or person The anti-smoking campaign has a significant…
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NYC to allow crowds at New Year’s Eve celebrations, with proof of vaccination

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©BBC via Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you watch New Year’s Eve countdown specials on television? What are you looking forward to in 2022? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. confirm /kuhn-FURM/ [verb] – to prove that a belief or an opinion that was previously not completely certain is true Mr. Kirk confirmed that the stores will be closed for the whole week. spectator /SPEK-tey-ter/ [noun] – a person who watches an activity The spectators cheered for their favorite athletes. joy /joi/ [noun] – great happiness She believes that Christmas brings joy to everyone….
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