Intermediate

Young gymnast Shinnosuke Oka secures gold in Paris Olympics

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©REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does an athlete need to do to get ready for the Olympics? What are some of the challenges that athletes might face while preparing for and participating in the Olympics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. medal /MED-l/ [noun] – a small metal disc, with words or a picture on it, given as a reward for a brave action, for winning a competition, or to remember a special event She won a gold medal for her outstanding performance in the swimming competition. skilled /skild/ [adjective] – having the…
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Singapore restaurant pioneers insect cuisine following new food authority approval

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©REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons a restaurant might choose to add insects to its menu? What are some foods that are considered uncommon or exotic in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. consumption /kuhn-SUHMP-shuhn/ [noun] – the amount used or eaten The new health trend focuses on reducing sugar consumption to improve overall wellness. ingredient /in-GREE-dee-uhnt/ [noun] – items or substances used in making something, especially in cooking The recipe calls for fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor. varied /VAIR-eed/ [adjective] – containing or changing between…
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Wet summer triggers surge in Midwest Mushroom poisoning cases

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the dangers of eating wild mushrooms? Can you think of any safety tips for identifying safe mushrooms? If not, what resources might you use to learn about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. center /SEN-ter / [noun] – a building where a particular activity happens The community center is a place where people can meet and enjoy activities together. unknowingly /uhn-NOW-uhng-lee/ [adverb] – without realizing or being aware of something She unknowingly walked into a room filled with birthday decorations. liver /LIV-er/ [noun] – a…
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Robert Downey Jr. reveals return to Marvel as Doctor Doom at Comic-Con

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©REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What qualities make a superhero or villain stand out in a movie or comic book? What movies or shows are you most excited to see, and what makes them exciting or interesting to you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mask /mask/ [noun] – a covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, or for protection She wore a mask to the party to keep her identity secret. complex /kuhm-PLEKS/ [adjective] – consisting of many different and connected parts; not simple The puzzle was…
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New giant planet discovered by NASA

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in outer space? If yes, what about it interests you? If not, why don’t you find it interesting? Did you know that there are more planets in outer space beyond our solar system? If yes, what have you heard about them? If not, are you interested in finding out more? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mass /mas/ [noun] – the amount of matter in any solid object or in any volume of liquid or gas The scientist measured the mass of the liquid in the container. distant…
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Multiple events to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Apollo 11 lunar landing

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you know about the Apollo 11 mission? What do you think it was like on the moon? Are you interested in outer space? If yes, what about it interests you? If not, why do you not find it interesting? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The new movie is featuring several well-known actors. surviving /ser-VAHY-ving/ [adjective] – continuing to live or exist after an event She was the last surviving person from the old village. look back…
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Tokyo brewer innovates sake production with music and compact methods

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the process of making alcoholic beverages, such as sake, wine, or beer? What are some common reasons people enjoy drinking alcoholic beverages? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. brewery /BROO-uh-ree/ [noun] – a place where beer or other alcoholic drinks are produced They visited a local brewery to taste freshly brewed beer. brewer /BROO-uhr/ [noun] – a person who makes beer or other alcoholic drinks The brewer explained the process of crafting the perfect beer. vibration /vahy-BREY-shuhn/ [noun] – continuous quick, slight shaking movement The vibrations…
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Key West celebrates Ernest Hemingway’s 125th birthday with annual festival

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Ernest Hemingway and his writing style? Do you know of any other authors who have had a significant influence on literature or culture? Could you tell me something about him/her? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pen /pen/ [verb] – to write or compose Sarah decided to pen a thank-you note to her grandmother for the birthday gift. adventurous /ad-VEN-cher-uhs/ [adjective] – willing to take risks or try out new experiences Mark’s adventurous spirit led him to travel to remote islands and explore their wildlife. farewell…
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Zoo keeps animals cool during summer heat

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you enjoy summer? What are some easy ways to stay cool in the summer? Do you like going outside? How can you stay cool while doing outdoor activities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity The conservation of forests helps protect wildlife. treat /treet/ [noun] – a special and enjoyable occasion or experience She gave her dog treats for being good. cool off /kool…
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“Shogun” and “The Bear” garner multiple TV Emmy nominations

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen an award show? What is the significance of award shows? Do you stream shows online? What have you been watching recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. network /NET-wurk/ [noun] – a group of television or radio stations that broadcast the same programs The local TV network will show the football game tonight. award /uh-WAWRD/ [noun] – a prize or an amount of money that is given to someone following an official decision She won an award for her science project. transform /trans-FAWRM/ [verb] – to change…
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