Intermediate

Singapore and Hong Kong to lift travel ban between the two cities

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have any plans on traveling to a different country this year? Why or why not? Please share the travel rules in your country. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. transport /TRANS-pawrt/ [noun] – a system of vehicles, such as buses, trains, aircraft, etc. for getting from one place to another The authorities have been developing the city’s transport system for better traffic conditions. depart /dih-PAHRT/ [verb] – to go away from a place, especially on a trip We depart from Manila at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow. dependent /dih-PEN-duhnt/ [adjective] –…
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Here’s why you should stop using pets names as passwords

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you know anyone who has been a victim of hacking? What should people do to prevent this from happening? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. companion /kuhm-PAN-yuhn/ [noun] – a person you spend a lot of time with often because you are friends or because you are travelling together Mariana’s dog, Major, has been her constant companion these past three years. risk /risk/ [noun] – the possibility of something bad happening Starting up a new business is always a risk. conduct /kuhn-DUHKT/ [verb] – to organize and perform a particular…
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How “valuable” are gemstones?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What accessories do you like wearing? What was the most expensive accessory you bought? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – something that is unique, is unusual, or the only one of its type She has a unique way of singing on stage. ancestral /an-SES-truhl/ [adjective] – relating to members of your family from the past My grandmother refused to sell our ancestral house. diplomat /DIP-luh-mat/ [noun] – an official whose job is to represent one country in another, and who usually works in an embassy My dad…
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Coming soon: Smart tires to aid your driving

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about driving a car? How do you get a driver’s license in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stuck /stuhk/ [adjective] – unable to move, or set in a particular position, place, or way of thinking We were stuck in the elevator for over an hour. request /ri-KWES/ [verb] – to ask for something politely or officially We requested that the next meeting be held on a Friday. brake /breyk / [verb] – to make a vehicle go slower or stop, using its brake or…
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Beijing is now the billionaire capital of the world

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you save up money? Why or why not? Do you shop online? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. containment /kuhn-TEYN-muhnt/ [noun] – the act of controlling or limiting something or someone harmful The firefighters handled the containment of the fire quickly. firm /furm/ [noun] – a company offering a professional service, for example a company of lawyers: My brother is going to work part-time at a law firm this summer. net worth /net werth/ [noun] – the ​value of the ​assets (= property and money)​ that a ​person or…
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Suspects for stealing Van Gogh and Frans Hals paintings arrested

Suspects for stealing Van Gogh and Frans Hals paintings from museums arrested

©Groninger Museum via AP; Public Domain/Creative Commons Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever gone to a museum? Who are some of the famous artists in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. suspect /SUHS-pekt/ [noun] – a person believed to have committed a crime or done something wrong Suspects in the recent bank robbery have been captured by the police. breach /breech/ [noun] – an act of breaking a law, promise, agreement, or relationship The agent sued his client for breach of contract. show /shoh/ [verb] – to prove something or make the…
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4000-year-old Giant Slab found in France is the oldest map in Europe

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©Denis Gliksman via BBC.com Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in history? Why or why not? What do you know about prehistoric people? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. excavate /EKS-kuh-veyt/ [verb] – to remove earth that is covering very old objects buried in the ground to discover things about the past The tools were excavated in an area 400 meters from the previous site. throughout /throo-OUT/ [adverb] – in every part, or during the whole period of time You can see the detailed patterns throughout the walls of the palace. accurate /AK-yer-it/ [adjective]…
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The history of minimalism

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you like collecting things? Please tell me more about it. Is it easy for you to get rid of material things? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea They’re discussing the concept of free speech. philosophy /fi-LOS-uh-fee/ [noun] – a particular system of beliefs, values, and principles My older brother studies philosophy at university. complain /KUHM-pleyn/ [verb] – to say that something is wrong or not satisfactory She’s the type of employee who accepts tasks without complaining. satisfaction /sat-is-FAK-shuhn/…
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The UAE’s tiny lunar rover to face difficulties on the moon

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about a lunar rover? For you, what is a historic mission? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. historic /hi-STAWR-ik/ [adjective] – important or likely to be important in history They planned to build historic buildings. celebrate /SEL-uh-breyt/ [verb] – to take part in special enjoyable activities in order to show that a particular occasion is important They always celebrate their wedding anniversary by going out to dinner. achievement /uh-CHEEV-muhnt/ [noun] – something very good and difficult that you have succeeded in doing It gives you a sense…
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Brazil’s president replaces six ministers as Covid crisis worsens

Brazilian Army General Fernando Azevedo e Silva, who was appointed by Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro as Defence Minister, gestures to journalists upon arrival at the transitional government's headquarters in Brasilia, on December 11, 2018. - Bolsonaro takes office on January 1, 2019. (Photo by EVARISTO SA / AFP)        (Photo credit should read EVARISTO SA/AFP via Getty Images)

©Evaristo Sa via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think of the country Brazil? Where do you prefer checking news about COVID-19? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. announce /uh-NOUNS/ [verb] – to make something known or tell people about something officially They announced their marriage yesterday. release /ri-LEES/ [verb] – to allow something to be shown in public or to be available for use They will release the results of the exam today. former /FAWR-mer/ [adjective] – of or in an earlier time; before the present time or in the past I…
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