Intermediate

Simon Cowell to be a Judge in Israel’s ‘The X Factor’

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© via CinemaBlend Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the popular talent shows in your country? Have you ever joined a competition before? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. personality /pur-suh-NAL-i-tee/ [noun] – a famous person Yesterday, a TV personality commented regarding the issue. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to begin something such as a plan or introduce something new such as a product The company will launch their newest phone model next week. stint /stint/ [noun] – a fixed or limited period of time spent doing a particular job or activity Mary’s brother, Eric, had…
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Issues about supply hinders Pfizer from producing extra vaccine faster

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Pfizer? Did your government already secure vaccines for whole country’s population? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prevent /pri-VENT/ [verb] – to stop something from happening or someone from doing something Label the jars to prevent confusion. deal /deel/ [noun] – an agreement or an arrangement, especially in business She got a good deal on her new house. belief /bih-LEEF/ [noun] – the feeling of being certain that something exists or is true His belief in his abilities gave him hope during difficult times. issue /ISh-oo/…
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Farmers, firemen, and airline employees for Covid-19 vaccine priority

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is your country engaged in creating Covid-19 vaccine? In your country, who are going to receive the initial doses of Covid-19 vaccines? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. initial /ih-NISH-uhl/ [adjective] – of or at the beginning Initial reports say that seven people have been injured, though this has not yet been confirmed. challenging /CHAL-in-jing/ [adjective] – difficult, in a way that tests your ability or determination This has been a challenging time for us all. depend /dih-PEND/ [verb] – to be decided by or to change according to the stated…
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Kamakura’s secret haven of retro Japanese toys and games

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©GaijinPot Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your earliest memory? What temples and/or shrines have you visited? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. seaside /SEE-sahyd/ [noun] – a place near the ocean or sea We go to the seaside every summer. simultaneously /sahy-muhl-TEY-nee-uhs-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that is happening or being done at exactly the same time The program will be aired on TV and the radio simultaneously. classic /KLAS-ik/ [noun] – a thing which is memorable and a very good example of its kind My brother enjoys playing the classics of video…
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The hidden strength behind “weak-tie” friendships

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you enjoy doing with your friends? What qualities do you think are important in a friend? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. quantity /KWON-ti-tee/ [noun] – the amount or number of something, or a particular amount or number Prices depend on the quantity ordered. circle /SUR-kuhl/ [noun] – a group of people with family, work, or social connections Emma isn’t one of my close friends circle of friends. coincidence /koh-IN-si-duhns/ [noun] – chance or luck By coincidence, she and I went to the same elementary school. run out /RUHN-out/…
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Apple’s AirPods Max are remarkable, but they are a bit pricey

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When do you usually use headphones? What kind of headphones do you prefer to use? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. attempt /uh-TEMPT/ [verb] – to try to do something, especially something difficult He attempted a joke, but no one laughed. device /dih-VAHYS/ [noun] – an object or machine that has been invented for a particular purpose The people used a special device for finding people trapped in collapsed buildings. power /POU-er/ [verb] – to provide a machine with energy and the ability to operate Buses and trucks are usually powered…
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Gitanjali Rao, Time Magazine’s first ever “Kid of the Year”

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© Time Magazine Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Who is the most successful person you know? What is your biggest goal in life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. select /si-LEKT/ [verb] – to choose a small number of things, or to choose by making careful decisions Click ‘File’, then select ‘Make a copy’ from the pull-down menu. nominee /nom-uh-NEE/ [noun] – a person who someone has suggested should be considered to do a particular job, take part in an election, receive an honour, etc. I’ve heard that he is a nominee for best director this…
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New synthetic skin can sense actual pain

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you do to relieve physical pain? What was the latest invention you know? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reaction /ree-AK-shuhn/ [noun] – behavior, a feeling or an action that is a direct result of something else I love to watch people’s reactions when they watch their favorite movies. equal /ee-kwuhl/ [adjective] – to be the same in value or amount as something else One box may look bigger than the other, but in fact they are equal in volume. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an…
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Amazon to market Panorama boxes to companies

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your thoughts about security cameras in the workplace? What do you think can companies do to secure their employees’ safety? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. adhere /ad-HEER/ [verb] – if you adhere to a rule or agreement, you act in the way that it says you should The staff are advised to adhere to the new safety measures in the office. quality control /KWOL-i-tee kuhn-TROHL/ [noun] – the process of looking at goods when they are being produced to make certain that all the goods are of the…
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‘Pandemic’ declared as 2020’s word of the year by Dictionary.com

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© Dictionary.com Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the coronavirus? What was your reaction when the global pandemic was announced? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. frequent /FREE-kwuhnt/ [adjective] – happening often Mrs. Johnson is a frequent visitor to the ocean park. declare /dih-KLAIR/ [verb] – to announce something clearly, firmly, publicly, or officially Other local government units declared their support for the proposal related / ri-LEY-tid/ [adjective] – connected Unemployment and related issues were discussed in the meeting. context /KON-tekst/ [noun] – the situation within which something exists or happens, and…
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