Intermediate

Akita: A place of knowledge and beauty

2020年5月15日

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© Photo by Japan Inside Pre-Reading Questions: Do you like reading books? Why or why not? What is your ideal place to read books? Vocabulary: cozy /KOH-zee/ [adjective] comfortable, pleasant, and inviting, esp. (of a room or building) because of being small and warm My room is nice and cozy during winter. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a long time Each country has different traditions. suburb /SUHB-urb/ [noun] an area on the edge of a large town or city where people who work in the town or city often live Ana grew…
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Intermediate

JR-EAST’s Joban Line reopens nine years after 2011 disaster

2020年5月11日

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Pre-reading questions: Why do you think natural disasters happen? What is the best mode of transportation for you? Vocabulary: disaster /dih-ZAS-ter/ [noun] a sudden event that causes a lot of damage, such as a very bad fire, storm, or accident One of the most unpredictable natural disasters is earthquakes. provide /pruh-VAYHD/ [verb] to give something to a person, company, or organization, or to make it available for them to use The event coordinators provided free meals to the guests. transport /trans-POHRT/ [noun] something that takes things, esp. soldiers or military supplies, from one place to another The transport system in my country should be improved. enhance /en-HANS/ [verb] to improve…
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Intermediate

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Musicians hold free shows online to beat COVID-19

2020年5月8日

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Pre-reading questions: When do you usually listen to music? What type of music do you listen to? Vocabulary: prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] to prevent a particular activity The use of mobile phones is prohibited during class. get-together /GET-tuh-geth-er/ [noun] a gathering of people; one or more people meet The school batch ‘91 get-together will be held in the university auditorium. measure /MEZH-er/ [noun] a method for dealing with a situation The World Health Organization (WHO) suggested measures to keep people from getting sick. recital /ri-SAHYT-l/ [noun] a performance of music or poetry, usually given by one person or a small group of people Lisa is nervous for her violin recital. demonstrate…
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Intermediate

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Want to stay healthy? Then stop touching your face!

2020年5月8日

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Pre-Reading Questions: When do you usually touch your face? Do you wash your hands regularly? Why or why not? Vocabulary: illness /IL-nis/ [noun] a disease of the body or mind Due to illness, my sister cannot go to work for 5 days. exposed /ik-SPOHZD/ [adjective] in a vulnerable position or situation Children are more likely exposed to illegal drugs. reach /reech/ [verb] to arrive at a place A virus can reach into your body if you always touch your face with dirty hands. pneumonia /nuh-MOW-nyuh/ [noun] a serious illness in which one or both lungs become red and swollen and filled with liquid The woman’s pneumonia diagnosis explained why she…
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Intermediate

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Terrific ways to enjoy spring besides sakura viewing

2020年5月1日

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Pre-Reading Questions: Where do you usually go for sakura viewing? What do you usually do in spring? Vocabulary: tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] a way of behaving or a belief that has been established for a long time Mochi making is one of the most popular Japanese traditions during New Year. delightful /dih-LAHYT-fuhl/ [adjective] very pleasant, attractive, or enjoyable Hanami dango is well-known for its delightful taste and appearance. public /PUHB-lik/ [noun] all ordinary people The patient’s identity is announced to the public for security reasons. adventurous /ad-VEN-cher-uhs/ [adjective] willing to try new or difficult things My best friend is very adventurous, now she likes to try skydiving! necessary /NES-uh-ser-ee/ [adjective] needed…
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Intermediate

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Keeping your hands clean – without getting dry skin? No problem!

2020年4月27日

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Pre-Reading Questions: How often do you wash your hands? Why? Do you think washing your hands every day makes your skin dry? Why or why not? Vocabulary: risk /risk/ [noun] the possibility of something bad happening Sue stayed indoors to avoid the risk of having the disease. threat /thret/ [noun] the possibility that something unwanted will happen The bomb threat had everyone in a state of total panic. advise /ad-VAHYZ/ [verb] to suggest something We advised her to check the statements before going public. communal /kuh-MYOON-l/ [adjective] belonging to or used by a group of people rather than one single person The communal bathroom remained clean even after being used…
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Intermediate

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Chinese firms are on a mission to put an end to the virus

2020年4月24日

UV

Pre-reading questions: What do you know about viruses? Please explain your answer. What is ultraviolet (UV) light used for? Vocabulary: implement /IM-pluh-ment/ [verb] to start using a plan or system The company implemented the use of mobile phones at work. convert /kuh n-VURT/ [verb] to (cause something or someone to) change in form or character Through the help and advice of his family, he has converted himself into a better person. lower /LOH-er/ [verb] to move something into a low position He lowered down the volume of the radio so that he could hear the music well. install /in-STAWL/ [verb] to put furniture, a machine, or a piece of equipment into…
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Intermediate

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Japan’s Tokyo Marathon restricted to elite athletes amidst virus concerns

2020年4月24日

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Pre-reading questions: What sport in the Olympics interests you the most and why? How do you celebrate important events? Vocabulary: cancel /KAN-suhl/ [verb] to decide that an organized event will not happen The reunion that is scheduled to happen next week will be canceled by their sponsors. marathon /MAR-uh-thon/ [noun] a running race of slightly over 26 miles Dehydration during the marathon is not good for the runners. disease /dih-ZEEZ/ [noun] illness of people, animals Some people with serious disease choose to have vaccines to get cured. organizer /AWR-guh-nahy-zer/ [noun] the person or group who plans and arranges an event or activity The organizers of the previous event made a…
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Intermediate

Ways to keep our older loved ones safe from COVID-19

2020年4月17日

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Pre-Reading Questions: What are your ways to avoid getting sick? Do you often visit your grandparents? Why or why not? Vocabulary: proneness /prohn-nes/ [noun] the fact of being likely to suffer from an illness She was forced to quit cheerdance due to her proneness to injury. negative /NEG-uh-tiv/ [adjective] bad or harmful The pandemic has a negative effect in our country’s economy. caregiver /KAIR-giv-er/ [noun] someone who takes care of a person who is young, old, or sick Her long years together with her grandmother influenced her to be a good caregiver. sanitize /SAN-i-tahyz/ [verb] to make something completely clean and free from bacteria Toys that are used in nursery…
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Intermediate

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Life formed on asteroid crater, according to research

2020年4月17日

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Pre-reading questions: What is your opinion about life on other planets? Do you think people on Earth could survive on other planets? Please explain your answer. Vocabulary: asteroid /AS-tuh-roid/ [noun] one of many large rocks that circle the sun Scientists support the theory that an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs. project /pruh-JEKT/ [verb] to throw something forward or into the air The spaceship projected outer space has now landed on Mars. mile /mahyl/ [noun] a unit of distance equal to 1.6 kilometers According to her, the nearest mall is about 3 miles from here. unearth /uhn-URTH/ [verb] to find something by digging in the ground The students used some tools…
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Intermediate

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