Intermediate

Air pollution is even worse than previously assumed, according to the World Health Organization

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you support WHO’s iniative to take action on climate change? Why? What places would you find a lot of air pollution? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. concentration /kon-suhn-TREY-shuhn/ [noun] – the exact amount of one particular substance that is found in another substance The contaminated areas had high concentrations of toxic materials. regulation /reg-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – an official rule or the act of controlling something New safety regulations have been implemented. harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/ [adjective] – causing harm People with asthma are known to be harmful to this group of…
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The New York Public Library puts an end to overdue fees

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©Getty Images via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do libraries in your country charge fees for overdue books? What books from a library would you like to borrow? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. abolish /uh-BOL-ish/ [verb] – to end an activity or custom officially The young mayor wants to abolish private schools. policy /POL-uh-see/ [noun] – a set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been agreed to officially by a group of people, a business organization, a government, or a political party The clothing store has…
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Plastic-made museum in Indonesia highlights marine crisis

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©Prasto Wardoyo/Reuters via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you often use plastic products? Please tell me more about it. What do you recycle? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. eager /EE-ger/ [adjective] – having or showing desire or interest The students are eager to learn the Japanese language. sachet /sa-SHEY/ [noun] – a small plastic or paper package containing a small amount of a liquid or powder, usually enough for only one occasion How many sachets of shampoo do I need to buy? centerpiece /SEN-ter-pees/ [noun] – the most important part of something Health…
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Conversion of classic autos to electric vehicles

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about EV? Why do we have to recycle things? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. beneath /bih-NEETH/ [preposition] – in or to a lower position than someone or something, under someone or something A cat was beneath the table. insurance /in-SHOOR-uhns/ [adjective] – relating to an agreement in which you pay a company money and they pay your costs if you have an accident, injury, etc. When my car was stolen, I filed an insurance claim and received a reimbursement of $150. claim /kleym/ [verb] – to…
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Can leisure cause more stress than enjoyment?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How much free time do you have? Do you usually spend your free time alone or with somebody else? Please tell me more about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tremendous /trih-MEN-duhs/ [adjective] – great in amount, size, or degree We can see that there are tremendous changes done in the city. top-notch /TOP-NOCH/ [adjective] – excellent This restaurant has top-notch customer service. futile /FYOOT-l/ [adjective] – (of actions) having no effect or achieving nothing It was futile to continue with the investigation. point of view /point uhv vyoo/ [noun]…
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New Google AI system to predict rain in next two hours

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©Getty Images via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you watch weather reports? Does the weather affect your plans? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prediction /pri-DIK-shuhn/ [noun] – a statement about what you think will happen in the future There were predictions that the store would be a huge success. consequence /KON-si-kwens/ [noun] – a result of a particular action or situation, often one that is bad or not convenient Drinking too much alcohol can result in serious consequences. productive /pruh-DUHK-tiv / [adjective] – having positive results Sheila had a productive day…
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Why aren’t even huge ships capable of resolving the shipping crisis

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think about shipping products abroad? What are the causes of delayed deliveries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – when something becomes less in amount, importance, quality, or strength There has been a decline in the size of families. shortage /shawr-TIJ/ [noun] – a situation in which there is not enough of something Shortage of water is a growing problem. container /kuhn-TEY-ner/ [noun] – a very large metal box used for transporting goods The container was lifted off the ship by a crane. guarantee /gar-uhn-TEE/…
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Never released John Lennon recording fetches $58,300 at auction in Denmark

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©Getty Images via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you keep cassette tapes? What song have you recently discovered? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. track /trak/ [noun] – one of several songs or pieces of music on a CD or other musical recording Popular girl group Twice just released three new tracks from their album. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The exhibition features Japanese ceramics. latter /LAT-er/ [noun] – the second of two people, things, or groups previously mentioned I have a dog and a cat….
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A mysterious ancient ‘dragon man’ has been discovered and has joined the human family tree

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the greatest discoveries do you know? What is the importance of these discoveries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something This is a key feature of our society. curiosity /kyoor-ee-OS-i-tee/ [noun] – an eager wish to know or learn about something The children looked at their new teacher in curiosity. beyond /bee-OND/ [preposition] – outside or after It won’t go on beyond midnight. alter /AWL-ter/ [verb] – to change something, usually slightly, or to cause…
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Scottish students participate in global climate protest

Scottish students participate in global climate protest

©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel about climate change? What do you think the world’s climate will be like 20 years from now? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. protest /PROH-test/ [noun] – a strong complaint expressing disagreement, disapproval, or opposition Thousands of employees joined the protest, seeking an increase in the country’s minimum wage. found /found/ [verb] – to bring something into existence Eton College was founded by Henry VI in 1440. activist /AK-tuh-vist/ [noun] – a person who believes strongly in political or social change and takes part in…
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