Intermediate

Massive snake removal operation unfolds in Sydney suburb

snakes

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What would you do if you found a snake in your yard or near your house? How do you think weather changes affect animals in nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. venomous /VEN-uh-muhs/ [adjective] – containing poison that can harm or kill Scientists discovered a venomous spider inside the cave, which was dangerous to humans. resident /REZ-i-duhnt/ [noun] – a person who lives in a particular place The resident of the small town was happy to see new businesses opening. shocking /SHOK-ing/ [adjective] – very surprising in a way that…
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Workplace napping gains attention as companies weigh productivity and well-being

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the benefits of taking a short nap during the day? Do you think people should be allowed to nap at work? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. industry /IN-duh-stree/ [noun] – the companies and activities involved in producing goods and services Technology is an ever-changing industry with new inventions. acknowledge /ak-NOL-ij/ [verb] – to accept, admit, or recognize something The teacher acknowledged the student’s effort by giving him a reward. fatigue /fuh-TEEG/ [noun] – extreme tiredness After working for ten hours, he felt great fatigue…
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Satellite tracking reveals secrets of young sea turtles

sea turtle

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could track an animal’s movements, which one would you choose and why? What are some ways humans can help animals that are endangered? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. phase /feyz/ [noun] – a stage or period in a process of change or development The construction project is now in its final phase, and the building will be completed soon. current /KUR-uhnt/ [noun] – a movement of water, air, or electricity in a particular direction Strong ocean currents made it difficult for the fishermen to return to shore. conservation…
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Ancient 4,000-year-old canal network discovered in Belize reveals early environmental engineering by pre-Maya societies

Brix (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of canals being used to catch fish? If yes, where did you hear about it? If not, what other ways do people catch fish? Have you ever caught or eaten catfish? If yes, where was it? If not, what kind of fish have you tried? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sanctuary /SANGK-choo-er-ee/ [noun] – a place where people or animals are protected and safe The birds live in a sanctuary where they are safe from hunters. insight /IN-sahyt/ [noun] – a clear understanding of something The…
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University of Michigan becomes world’s largest holder of snake specimens after major donation

Brix

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever visited a museum with animal specimens? If so, what did you find interesting? If not, would you like to visit one? Do you think snakes are important for science? If yes, why? If not, what animals do you think are more important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. transfer /trans-FUR/ [noun] – the process of moving something from one place to another The transfer of the books took all day. primarily /prahy-MAIR-uh-lee/ [adverb] – mainly This book is primarily written for beginners. acquisition /ak-wuh-ZISH-uhn/ [noun] – the act…
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Ancient Greece linked to world’s oldest lead pollution

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about pollution and how it affects the environment? What do you know about how mining affects the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contribution /kon-truh-BYOO-shuhn/ [noun] – something that you give or do to help something be successful His contribution to the project helped it finish on time. contamination /kuhn-tam-uh-NEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of making something dirty or harmful by adding something bad The water was unsafe due to contamination from chemicals. archaeological /ahr-kee-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – related to the study of ancient places and objects…
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Pug Rescue South Africa provides safe haven for abandoned dogs

pugs

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think are some challenges of having a pet? Why do you think it’s important to learn about a pet’s needs before adopting one? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. abandoned /uh-BAN-duhnd/ [adjective] – left behind or given up on The shelter takes in abandoned cats that were left on the streets. volunteer /vol-uhn-TEER/ [noun] – a person who does something, especially helping other people, willingly and without being forced or paid to do it Many volunteers joined the beach cleanup to protect marine life. adoption /uh-DOP-shuhn/ [noun] –…
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Over 200 undersea quakes near Santorini prompt school closures and emergency measures

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think people should do to stay safe during an earthquake? If you had to prepare for an emergency, what three things would you bring with you? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tremor /TREM-er/ [noun] – a slight shaking movement in a person’s body or of the earth The ground had a small tremor after the earthquake. authority /uh-THAWR-i-tee/ [noun] – a group of people with official responsibility for a particular area of activity The school authority closed classes because of the storm. tourism /TOOR-iz-uhm/ [noun] –…
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Nutrition experts recommend healthy cooking methods

steamed

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite way to cook vegetables? Why do you think some people don’t like vegetables? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. nutrient /NOO-tree-uhnt/ [noun] – any substances in food that are necessary for growth, health, and energy The nutrients in fruits help boost the immune system and keep the body strong. absorb /ab-SAWRB/ [verb] – to take in or soak up a substance, often into a liquid, gas, or solid Plants absorb sunlight to produce energy through photosynthesis. antioxidant /an-tee-OK-si-duhnt/ [noun] – a substance that helps protect cells from…
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NASA uncovers life’s building blocks in asteroid Bennu

asteroid

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine an asteroid looks like up close? Do you believe we will find signs of life on other planets one day? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the beginning or source of something Scientists are studying the origin of ancient civilizations to understand how they developed. discovery /dih-SKUHV-uh-ree/ [noun] – the act of finding or learning something for the first time The discovery of a new species of fish in the deep ocean excited marine biologists. aspect /AS-pekt/ [noun] –…
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