Intermediate

Ribeira Sacra winegrowers embrace steep hills and a rich heritage in Spain

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a famous beverage in your country? What do you know about the potential benefits of drinking wine, and why do you think some people believe it is good for health? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. medieval /mid-EE-vuhl/ [adjective] – related to the Middle Ages (the period in European history from about AD 600 to AD 1500) The medieval castle stood proudly on the hill, showcasing its ancient architecture. monastery /MON-uh-ster-ee/ [noun] – a building in which monks live and worship The old monastery was known for its beautiful…
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Meta unveils advanced virtual reality headset and smart glasses at Menlo Park Event

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of product features do you think are most important to highlight in a presentation? What methods do you think are effective for engaging an audience during a presentation? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. virtual reality /VUR-choo-uhl ree-AL-i-tee/ [noun phrase] – a computer-generated environment that simulates physical presence in real or imagined worlds In virtual reality, players can explore places they have never visited before. presentation /prez-uhn-TEY-shuhn/ [noun ] – speech or display that informs or explains something to an audience The presentation on animals helped us learn about…
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Rising wolf population leads EU to consider loosening protections

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do governments or conservation groups protect certain animal species, like wolves? What are some possible reasons for reducing protections for wolves as their population grows? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. revise /ri-VAHYZ/ [verb] – to change or correct something, often to improve it Students need to revise their homework before turning it in. regulation /reg-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority The school has a regulation about wearing uniforms every day. livelihood /LAHYV-lee-hood/ [noun] – a means of securing the necessities of life;…
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Billionaire entrepreneur’s team completes groundbreaking space mission

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a space mission involves? Would you like to be on a space mission? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. exploration /ek-spluh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of traveling through an unknown area to learn about it The exploration of the ocean helps scientists find new sea animals. demonstrate /DEM-uhn-streyt/ [verb] – to show something clearly by giving proof or evidence Example Sentence: The teacher will demonstrate how to solve the math problem on the board. conduct /kuhn-DUHKT/ [verb] – to organize and carry out…
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California enacts law mandating school districts to limit student smartphone use by 2026

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons schools might want to limit or ban smartphone use among students? Can you think of any experiences where smartphone use in school was helpful or distracting? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. governor /GUHV-er-ner/ [noun] – the person who is the leader of a state in the U.S. The governor helps make important decisions for the state. participation /pahr-tis-uh-PEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of taking part in something Her participation in the game made it more fun for everyone. distraction /dih-STRAK-shuhn/ [noun] – something that prevents someone…
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Weihenstephan’s brewmaster champions alcohol-free beer amid rising demand at Oktoberfest

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How is beer different from beverages like soda or juice? What are some reasons people choose to drink alcohol-free beer instead of regular beer? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. traditionally /truh-DI-shuh-nuh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that has been done for a long time People traditionally celebrate New Year with fireworks and family gatherings. preference /PREF-er-uhns/ [noun] – a greater liking for one alternative over another My preference is pizza over pasta because it is more delicious. consumption /kuhn-SUHMP-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of using up a resource or eating/drinking…
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Milan Fashion Week 2025: Designers embrace muted tones and nostalgia amid uncertainty

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of clothing do you like to wear? Why do you prefer these styles over others? Who is your favorite fashion designer or brand? What do you admire most about their designs? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. timeless /TAHYM-lis/ [adjective] – not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion The story is timeless and can be enjoyed by everyone. fashion /FASH-uhn/ [noun] – a popular way of dressing during a particular time My sister loves fashion and always wears trendy clothes. relaxed /ri-LAKST/ [adjective] – free…
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Testimony reveals malfunction of Titan submersible before dive

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think the Titanic tragedy is still remembered and studied today? Have you ever seen the movie Titanic? If yes, what parts did you find interesting? If not, would you consider watching a movie about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. implode /im-PLOHD/ [verb] – to collapse or cause to collapse violently inward The balloon began to implode when it was exposed to the extreme cold. malfunction /mal-FUHNGK-shuhn/ [noun] – a failure to function properly The device experienced a malfunction that required immediate repair. cause /kawz/ [verb] –…
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State Department launches Online Passport Renewal System

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of government IDs can you renew online? Why can some IDs be renewed online while others cannot? What information is required to renew a government ID online? Why is it important to provide accurate information when renewing an ID? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. functional /FUHNGK-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – working correctly; able to perform its intended function The new coffee machine is functional and makes great coffee. user-friendly /YOO-zer-FREND-lee/ [adjective] – easy to use or understand The new app is user-friendly and simple to navigate. personnel /pur-suh-NEL/ [noun] –…
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Mpox outbreak in Congo becomes global health emergency as cases surge

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think some diseases spread more easily than others? Can you recall any specific advice or guidelines that were shared during an outbreak you learned about? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emergency /ih-MUR-juhn-see/ [noun] – an unexpected and dangerous situation that needs immediate action Call 911 in case of an emergency. surge /surj/ [verb] – to increase suddenly The crowd surged forward to see the parade. complicate /KOM-pli-keyt/ [verb] – to make something more difficult or complex The new rules complicated the project. allocate /AL-uh-keyt/ [verb] – to…
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