Intermediate

900 employees laid off via Zoom call

2021年12月13日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. At what age do people in your country usually retire from work? What are the top jobs in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. market efficiency /MAHR-kit ih-FISH-uhn-see/ [noun] – a situation in which a financial market operates well, for example where customers have enough information about products, prices are related to supply and demand, etc. The market efficiency from our services maintains positive results. terminate /TUR-muh-neyt/ [verb] – to remove someone from their job He was terminated for breach of contract. human resources /YOO-muhn REE-sor-suhz/ [noun] – the…
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Intermediate

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Thriving wildlife in deserted areas around Fukushima

2021年12月12日

Thriving wildlife in deserted areas around Fukushima (1)

©University of Georgia Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animal best represents your character? Please explain. What particular animals have become famous in your country for some special skill or accomplishment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. abandoned /uh-BAN-duhnd/ [adjective] – left in a particular place or condition, usually forever The abandoned building is said to be haunted. calamity /kuh-LAM-i-tee/ [noun] – a serious accident or bad event causing damage or suffering That earthquake was the worst calamity in the country’s history. discharge /dis-CHAHRJ/ [verb] – to send out a substance, especially waste liquid or gas…
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Intermediate

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Japan’s traditional way of starting anew

2021年12月11日

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© Shirokiya Denbe in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward via The Mainichi Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you clean your house? Does your family have a tradition every Christmas? Please tell me more about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. in honor of /IN AA-nr UHV/ [idiom] – as a celebration of or expression of respect for The statue in Sendai was built in honor of Masamune Date. complement /KOM-pluh-ment/ [verb] – to make something else seem better or more attractive when combining with it The new wallpaper design complements the sofa sets. framework…
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Intermediate

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New Zealand to reopen to travelers who have been vaccinated

2021年12月10日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where did you last travel? Could you tell me more about it? What activities would you like to do if Covid restrictions were already lifted? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to officially refuse to allow something It is prohibited to drive on the ice with a motor vehicle. entitled /en-TAHYT-ld/ [adjective] – feeling that you have the right to do or have what you want without having to work for it or deserve it, just because of who you are Officers are entitled to travel first…
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Intermediate

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Elle magazine to stop using animal fur in its publications worldwide

2021年12月9日

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©BBC via Getty Images Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most popular magazine in your country? What are some current fashion trends in your city? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. publication /puhb-li-KEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a book, magazine, newspaper, or document in which information or stories are published Laura writes for the student publication. agreement /uh-GREE-muhnt/ [noun] – the situation in which people have the same opinion, or in which they approve of or accept something: Everyone seems to be in agreement with the travel plans. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a person who buys…
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Intermediate

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The man who is transforming towns into massive sponges

2021年12月8日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does your government do to solve the flooding problem? Do you think it is effective? Why do you think so? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. drown /droun/ [verb] – to (cause to) die by being unable to breathe underwater A child can drown in only a few inches of water. concept /KON-sept/ [noun] – a principle or idea The central concept of the picture puzzled me. management /MAN-ij-muhnt / [noun] – the control and organization of something The company has been harmed by poor management for numerous years. function…
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Intermediate

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Dubai opens world’s first, highest 360-degree infinity pool

2021年12月7日

Dubai opens world's highest 360-degree infinity pool

©AURA Skypool Lounge via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some of the famous hotels in your country? Do you like staying at hotels? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. base /beys/ [verb] – to have a particular town or area, etc. as the main place that you live and work in, or where you do business from The new clothing company is based in Manila. story /STAWR-ee/ [noun] – a level of a building I’m so excited to visit Blair’s new 12-story mansion! residential /rez-i-DEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – a residential…
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Intermediate

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New coronavirus variant Omicron under observation by scientists

2021年12月6日

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© Thomas Faull/Alamy Live News/Alamy Live News via The Guardian Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the deadliest disease for you and why? When do you think the pandemic will end? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. variant /VAIR-ee-uhnt/ [noun] – a form of a virus or disease that is slightly different from other forms, for example because the virus causing the disease has mutated A new variant of the disease was discovered in the US. infection /in-FEK-shuhn/ [noun] – a condition in which bacteria or viruses that cause disease have entered the body Take…
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Intermediate

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Jack Dorsey steps down as Twitter’s CEO

2021年12月5日

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©BBC via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you use social media apps? In your country, are technology jobs in high demand? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. resign /ri-ZAHYN/ [verb] – to give up a job or position by telling your employer that you are leaving Mr. Chase has resigned from the company after 30 years. emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/ [noun] – to show that something is very important or worth giving attention to He emphasized that all employees must follow office rules. criticism /KRIT-uh-siz-uhm/ [noun] – the act of saying that something or…
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Intermediate

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3 splendid places to witness Tokyo’s fall colors

2021年12月4日

3 splendid places to witness Tokyo's fall colors

©Marufish/Flickr Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite season and why? What is the worst season for you and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. atmosphere /AT-muhs-feer/ [noun] – the character, feeling, or mood of a place or situation The hotel has a relaxed atmosphere. adore /uh-DAWR/ [verb] – to love and respect someone very much, or to like something very much I adore your shoes! Where did you buy that pair? magnificent /mag-NIF-uh-suhnt/ [adjective] – very good, beautiful, or deserving to be admired The Taj Mahal is a magnificent tourist spot. feast…
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Intermediate

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