Intermediate

Hurricane Ida news: Louisiana residents suffer from power outage

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©The Indian Express Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you prepare for natural disasters? How long does a power outage usually last in your town or city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. restoration /res-tuh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act or the process of returning something to its original condition, or to a state similar to its original condition The watermill restoration work will begin in April. grateful /GREYT-fuhl/ [adjective] – showing or expressing thanks, especially to another person We’re grateful for the help you’ve given us. calamity /kuh-LAM-i-tee/ [noun] – a serious accident or bad…
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Climate change: Wales plans to construct 20,000 low-carbon social housing units

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your idea of green technology? When does something become eco-friendly? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. climate change /KLAHY-mit cheynj/ [noun] – changes in the world’s weather, in particular the fact that it is believed to be getting warmer as a result of human activity increasing the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere Most scientists accept that climate change is linked to carbon emissions. reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make known or show something that is surprising or that was previously secret He refused to reveal the identity…
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A judge gives a 7 day sentence to a woman for walking on thermal features in Yellowstone National Park

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©CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you visit public parks? Why or why not? What do people in your country usually do at parks? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. warn /wawrn/ [verb] – to make someone realize a possible danger or problem, especially one in the future They have been warning us about the coming storm. guilty /GIL-tee/ [adjective] – feeling guilt She was guilty of making her younger brother cry. court /kawrt/ [noun] – a place where trials and other legal cases happen, or the people present in such a place, especially the…
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What to expect from a pizza vending machine in Rome

©Andrew Medichini / AP via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When do you usually eat pizza? What is your least favorite pizza topping? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. residential /rez-i-DEN-shuh/ [adjective] – A residential road, area, etc. has only private houses, not offices and factories You can find my store in the residential neighborhood of Jiyugaoka. inventor /in-VEN-ter/ [noun] – someone who has invented something or whose job is to invent things Ken Kutaragi is the inventor of PlayStation. compete /kuhm-PEET/ [verb] – to try to be more successful than someone or something else…
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How airlines will prevent you from losing your bags in the future

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you traveled abroad? Please tell me about it. What problems have you encountered while traveling? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. delayed /dih-LEYD/ [adjective] – happening at a later time than expected or intended My plane was delayed by an hour. primary /PRAHY-mer-ee/ [adjective] – more important than anything else; main Our primary concern is to provide the refugees with food and healthcare. management /MAN-ij-muhnt/ [noun] – the control and organization of something Management is looking at ways of cutting costs. aspect /AS-pekt/ [noun] – one part of a situation,…
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Why people feel anxious when giving compliments

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you react when receiving praises? What do you usually compliment others for? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exist /ig-ZIST/ [verb] – to be, or to be real Some people believe that aliens exist. deed /deed/ [noun] – an intentional act, especially a very bad or very good one Let us do at least one good deed a day. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [noun] – the possibility of something developing or happening in a particular way Thomas has the potential to be a wonderful leader in the future. impact /IM-pakt/ [noun]…
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Taiwan approves use of domestically-developed COVID-19 vaccine despite criticisms

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©BBC News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What COVID-19 vaccine brands are being used in your country? How many percent do you think are already fully vaccinated in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. criticism /KRIT-uh-siz-uhm/ [noun] – an opinion given about something or someone, esp. a negative opinion, or the activity of making such judgments The new novel he published received a lot of criticisms from parents. safety /SEYF-tee/ [noun] – a state in which or a place where you are safe and not in danger or at risk Our top priority is…
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Toyota to cut global production by 40% due to chip shortage

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©Getty Images via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you drive? What is the most popular car brand in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. essential /uh-SEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – necessary or needed Nowadays, laptops are an essential tool in companies. crisis /KRAHY-sis/ [noun] – a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering We should practice smart spending habits in this economic crisis. production /pruh-DUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of making or growing goods to be sold The toys went out of production in 2010. demand /dih-MAHND/ [noun] – a need for something to…
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Members of Parliament say that charging fees for electric vehicles must be reasonable

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you support the use of electric cars in the future? Why or why not? What do you think of using electric cars? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. accessible /ak-SES-uh-buhl / [adjective] – possible to approach, enter, or use The information is readily accessible on the Internet. remote /ri-MOHT/ [adjective] – far away in distance They live in a remote mountain village. ban /ban/ [verb] – to forbid (= refuse to allow) something, especially officially The company bans smoking on the premises. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer / [noun] – a person who…
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The Mennonites, a community frozen in time

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©Jake Michaels, courtesy of Setanta Books Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you dependent on technology? Please tell me more about it. How important is modern technology for you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. society /suh-SAHY-i-tee/ [noun] – all the people in a country, or several similar countries, can be referred to as a society Natural disasters are a common hazard to society. disregard /dis-ri-GAHRD/ [verb] – to not allow something to influence you; ignore Liam seems to always disregard his safety. domestic /duh-MES-tik/ [adjective] – relating to a person’s own country Domestic oil prices…
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