Intermediate

Lake Biwa’s symbol of ancient sushi

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©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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Should we be concerned about the Earth’s rotational speed?

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How many hours is one Earth rotation? What Earth’s discovery have you known recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contribute /kuhn-TRIB-yoot/ [verb] – to be one of the reasons why something happens I am sure that this meeting will contribute to the reinforcement of peace and security all over the world. occur /uh-KUR/ [verb] – (especially of accidents and other unexpected events) to happen If the primary infection is not treated, further outbreaks may occur. massive /MAS-iv/ [adjective] – very large in size, amount, or number We must make massive…
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Paris sets 30 kph speed limit to boost road safety and reduce pollution

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©Francois Mori / AP via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the speed limit in your city/town? Does traffic make you stressed? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. argue /AHR-gyoo/ [verb] – to give the reasons for your opinion, idea, belief, etc She argued that time is more important than anything else. accessible /ak-SES-uh-buhl / [adjective] – able to be reached or easily got The area is accessible to commuters. widen /WAHYD-n/ [verb] – to become, or to make something greater in width We need to widen the office space. conduct /KON-duhkt/ [verb] –…
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Climate change: Israel to reduce emissions by 85% by the middle of the century

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What changes in climate have you noticed in your country? How is climate change affecting people? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. carbon /KAHR-buhn/ [noun] – a chemical element that exists in its pure form as diamond or graphite, and is an important part of other substances such as coal and oil, as well as being contained in all plants and animals Carbon emissions are to be reduced as a result of new laws. prime minister /prahym MIN-uh-ster/ [noun] – the leader of the government in some countries The prime minister…
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Putrajaya: Malaysia’s “other” capital

Putrajaya

©Ronan O’Connell via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your city known for? What place would you visit once the pandemic passes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. geometric /jee-uh-ME-trik/ [adjective] – a geometric pattern or arrangement is made up of shapes such as squares, triangles, or rectangles The building is known for its geometric wall patterns. greenery /GREE-nuh-ree/ [noun] – green foliage, growing plants, or vegetation I suggest putting greenery along the hallway to make it look fresh. tropical /TROP-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – of or characteristic of the tropics (= the hottest area of…
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