Intermediate

Amphibious car parade ends in Amsterdam due to new emission rules

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©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important is it to preserve traditional events? What are some ways you personally try to reduce your environmental impact in daily life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. parade /puh-REYD/ [noun] – a public procession or celebration, often with people walking or in vehicles, typically held to mark a special event The children watched the colorful parade pass by their school. standard /STAN-derd/ [noun] – a level of quality The new standards for safety were implemented across all factories. turnout /TURN-out/ [noun] – the number of people attending an…
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California launches $250 million initiative to support journalism and advance AI research

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the role of journalism in society? What are some common tools or technologies used by journalists today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. struggle /STRUHG-uhl/ [verb] – to make a great effort to achieve something, or to try very hard She had to struggle to lift the heavy box. democratic /dem-uh-KRAT-ik / [adjective] – relating to a system of government where the people choose their leaders by voting The country has a democratic system of government where people vote for their leaders. oppose /uh-POHZ/ [verb] – to be against…
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Hong Kong welcomes birth of giant panda twins from oldest first-time mother

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons why people might find giant pandas special or important? How might the care and feeding of newborn animals differ from caring for adult animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. give birth /giv burth/ [phrasal verb] – to produce offspring or deliver a baby The mother cat gave birth to a healthy kitten early in the morning. symbol /SIM-buhl/ [noun] – a sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else The heart symbol is often used to represent love. newborn /NOO-BAWRN/ [adjective] – recently…
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Shiveluch Volcano erupts after major quake

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What causes a volcano to erupt? How might the eruption of a volcano affect nearby areas? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. intensity /in-TEN-si-tee/ [noun] – the quality of being intense, or the degree to which something is strong or severe The storm’s intensity made it hard to see outside. Richter scale /RIK-tr-SKAYL/ [noun] – a scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes The earthquake was measured on the Richter scale as a 6.5. seismic activity /SAHYZ-mik ak-TIV-i-tee/ [noun phrase] – the occurrence and movement of events related to the…
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Spanish laboratory fights dengue with mosquito sterilization initiative

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What problems can climate change cause for health? Why do some places have more mosquito-borne diseases than others? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. spread /spred/ [noun] – the development or growth of something so that it covers a larger area or affects a larger number of people The rapid spread of the virus led to a significant increase in the number of cases across the region. regional /REE-juh-nl/ [adjective] – relating to a specific area or region The regional conference will bring together experts from various fields. large-scale /LAHRJ-SKEYL/ [adjective]…
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Stonehenge’s altar stone traveled over 460 miles from Scotland, reveals new research

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some famous ancient monuments or structures in your country? What makes those ancient monuments or structures famous? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. puzzle /PUHZ-uhl/ [verb] – to cause someone to feel confused and slightly worried because they cannot understand something The complicated instructions on the new device puzzled him. elsewhere /ELS-hwair/ [adverb] – in or to another place or location I couldn’t find the book here, so I’ll look elsewhere. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away Despite their distant locations, the two companies managed to collaborate effectively. sophisticated…
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“Alien: Romulus” tops North American Box Office

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name a film that you think performed well at the box office? Why do you think so? Do you believe box office performance affects how you decide which movies to watch? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alien /EYL-yuhn/ [noun] – a creature from another world The story is about an alien who visits Earth. top /top/ [verb] – to be the best or highest in rank She topped the list of the best students in her class. begin with /bih-GIN with/ [phrasal verb] –…
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South American lungfish holds record for largest genome among all animals

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does it mean for an animal to adapt to its environment? Can you think of an example? Do you know what genes are? If yes, what do you know about them? If not, can you think of one word that comes to mind when you hear the word “genes”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. freshwater /FRESH-wot-er/ [adjective] – water that is not salty, typically found in rivers, lakes, and streams The lake is a source of freshwater for the nearby towns. entire /en-TAHYUHR/ [adjective] – whole or complete She…
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Traditional Ethiopian sauna therapy gains popularity among young city dwellers

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©REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common methods people use in your country to relieve muscle pain or skin issues? Do ancient practices still have relevance in modern society? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. treatment /TREET-muhnt/ [noun] – a process or action to improve a condition or solve a problem, especially related to health or beauty The doctor recommended a new treatment for her allergies. adjust /uh-JUHST/ [verb] – to change or modify slightly to achieve a desired fit, appearance, or result He adjusted the volume on…
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U.S. government secures Medicare drug price cuts, savings uncertain for older Americans

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think governments want to make high-priced medications more affordable? What are some reasons that might make it difficult for governments to lower medication costs? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. insurance /in-SHOOR-uhns/ [noun] – a system where people pay regular amounts of money to get financial protection against possible future loss or damage She bought car insurance to protect against possible accidents. considerable /kuhn-SID-er-uh-buhl / [adjective] – large in size, amount, or degree He saved a considerable amount of money by shopping sales. savings /sey-vings/ [noun] – the…
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