Intermediate

Scottish students participate in global climate protest

Scottish students participate in global climate protest

©Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you feel about climate change? What do you think the world’s climate will be like 20 years from now? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. protest /PROH-test/ [noun] – a strong complaint expressing disagreement, disapproval, or opposition Thousands of employees joined the protest, seeking an increase in the country’s minimum wage. found /found/ [verb] – to bring something into existence Eton College was founded by Henry VI in 1440. activist /AK-tuh-vist/ [noun] – a person who believes strongly in political or social change and takes part in…
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Aberdeen scientists build artificial ice glaciers to solve Himalayan water shortage

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©University of Aberdeen via BBC Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When is the driest month in your country? What was the highest temperature recorded in your country this month? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. glacier /GLEY-sher/ [noun] – a large mass of ice that moves slowly They built artificial glaciers to solve water shortages. remedy /REM-i-dee/ [noun] – a successful way of curing an illness or dealing with a problem or difficulty Finding a remedy for unemployment is not easy. frost line /FROST lahyn/ [noun] – the depth to which the groundwater in soil is…
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Hydrogen electricity can help create jobs, according to the government

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What other renewable sources of energy do you know? Why is carbon dioxide bad for the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. proposal /pruh-POH-zuhl/ [noun] – a suggestion, sometimes a written one The boss approved my proposal. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist First, we need to identify actual and potential problems. crucial /KROO-shuhl / [adjective] – extremely important or necessary Her work has been crucial to the project’s success. propose /pruh-POHZ/ [verb] – to offer or suggest a possible plan or action for other people…
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Escape into an orchid haven in Tokyo

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©teamLab Planets via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you keep indoor plants? Why or why not? What type of art do you appreciate? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. patience /PEY-shuhns/ [noun] – the ability to wait, or to continue doing something despite difficulties, or to suffer without complaining or becoming annoyed: Humans develop patience as they grow older. understanding /uhn-der-STAN-ding / [noun] – knowledge about a subject, situation, etc. or about how something works Ann has a deep understanding of life. vision /VIZH-uhn/ [noun] – an idea or mental image of something My…
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Nike and Costco cite supply problems as the holidays approach

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Is there a Costco warehouse in your city? Have you been to the grocery recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage His rudeness caused a strain on his relationship with his co-workers. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [verb] – to experience difficulty and make a very great effort in order to do something Cora is struggling with her paperwork. panic /PAN-ik/ [noun] – a sudden strong feeling of fear that prevents reasonable thought and action:…
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Hollywood producer to bring forth film about K-pop

Hollywood producer to bring forth film about K-pop

©Bryan Bedder/Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite music genre? Why? What do you know about K-pop? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mass media /mas-MEE-dee-uh/ [noun] – newspapers, television, radio, and the internet The crime received heavy coverage in the mass media. avant-garde /uh-vahnt-GAHRD/ [noun] – the painters, writers, musicians, and other artists whose ideas, styles, and methods are very original or modern in comparison to the period in which they live, or the work of these artists Diamanda Galas is an avant-garde vocalist based in New York. magnate /MAG-neyt/ [noun]…
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The carless hamlets of Italy

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the main mode of transportation in your country? Which mode of transportation is the most comfortable for you and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. steep /steep/ [adjective] – (of a slope) rising or falling at a sharp angle This path leads to a steep hill. debate /dih-BEYT/ [noun] – (a) serious discussion of a subject in which many people take part Residents had a debate about the community’s future policies. practical /PARK-ti-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to experience, real situations, or actions rather than ideas or imagination Kanata…
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American SpaceX company assembles biggest rocket constructed in Texas

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you already seen a rocket launch on TV? How was it? Why does NASA send spaceships to space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /rok-it/ [noun] – a large cylinder-shaped object that moves very fast by forcing out burning gases, used for space travel or as a weapon They launched a rocket to the planet Venus. primary /PRAHY-mer-ee/ [adjective] – more important than anything else; main: The primary aim of this course is to improve your spoken English. separate /SEP-uh-reyt/ [verb] – to (cause to) divide into parts When…
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Microsoft now allows its users to sign in without passwords

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you experienced any software problems? Are you updated about cybersecurity news? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implement /IM-pluh-muhnt/ [verb] – to start using a plan or system Most stores have implemented digital payment. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the beginning Initially, Lora wanted to go to law school. generate /JEN–uh-reyt/ [verb] – to cause something to exist The store’s online app generates a barcode. unique /yoo-NEEK/ [adjective] – being the only existing one of its type or, more generally, unusual, or special in some way Your name is unique;…
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Spain implements “shock plan” to reduce electricity bills

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. During which season do electricity bills usually rise in your country? What electrical appliances do you routinely use? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. profit /PROF-it/ [noun] – money that is earned in trade or business after paying the costs of producing and selling goods and services Our business profit increased this month. temporarily /tem-puh-RAIR-uh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that does not last for long or forever The website is temporarily down for maintenance. on top of (something) /on top uhv (SUHM-thing)/ [idiom] – in addition to something Jean does…
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