Intermediate

The world’s first space hotel to open in 2027

earth-1756274_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you want to travel to space? Why or why not? Could you tell me your most memorable experience staying in a hotel? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stuck /stuhk/ [adjective] – unable to move, or set in a particular position, place, or way of thinking Six of us were stuck in the elevator for over an hour. potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist Three potential buyers have expressed interest in the company. holiday /HOL-i-dey/ [noun] – an official day when you do not have to…
Read more

Greek letters will not be used again to name tropical cyclones

tropical-cyclone-on-space

© CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite season and why? When is the start of the rainy season in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. distracting /duh -STRAK-tuhng/ [adjective] – making it difficult for someone to give their attention to something The loud music is very distracting. potentially /puh-TEN-shuh-lee/ [adverb] – possibly Measles is a potentially fatal disease. responsible /ri-SPON-suh-buhl/ [adjective] – to have control and authority over something or someone and the duty of taking care of it, him, or her We are all responsible for making this house…
Read more

The truth behind astrology’s sudden fame: The stars have spoken

tarot-991041_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your star sign? Do you often read or check your horoscope? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. boom /boom/ [verb] – an increase in something, or a time when something becomes more popular My business boomed when I advertised it on Twitter. seek /seek/ [verb] – to ask for advice, help, approval, permission, etc. You must seek approval from your teacher first. horoscope /HAWR-uh-skohp/ [noun] – a description of what is going to happen to you, based on the position of the stars and planets…
Read more

17,000 earthquakes recorded in Iceland

iceland-2111811_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What should you do if there is an earthquake? Have you already experienced an earthquake? Tell me about it. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. earthquake /URTH-kweyk/ [noun] – a sudden violent movement of the earth’s surface, sometimes causing great damage In 1991, an earthquake destroyed much of Luzon. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone or something The disease affects older people. violent /VAHY-uh-luhnt/ [adjective] – sudden or powerful He yells a lot but I don’t think he’s…
Read more

Overseas spectators not allowed in Tokyo Olympics 2021

tokyoolympics

© Kyodo News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Who are the famous Olympic athletes in your country? Are you excited about the 2021 Olympic games? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. spectator /SPEK-tey-ter/ [noun] – a person who watches an activity, especially a sports event, without taking part The spectators cheered loudly as the opening ceremony started. overseas /oh-ver-SEEZ/ [adjective] – in, from, or to other countries The overseas fans have been waiting for the concert. permit /per-MIT/ [verb] – to allow something Smoking is not permitted inside the building. venue /VEN-yoo/…
Read more

Photos of glow-in-the-dark shark captured by scientists for the first time

210303105047-03-new-zealand-bioluminescent-shark-exlarge-169

©Dr. Jérôme Mallefet via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. When was the last time you have seen a live sea animal? Are you willing to dive into the sea to discover other sea creatures? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. capture /KAP-cher/ [verb] – to record or take a picture of something using a camera The incident was captured by a passer-by. researcher /ree-SUR-cher/ [noun] – someone who studies a subject, especially in order to discover new information or reach a new understanding The researcher is having a hard time to…
Read more

Experts give their opinions on when people can go on holiday again

train-3169964_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How is the Covid-19 vaccination program in your country? Where would you like to travel this year? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [verb] –to gradually become less, worse, or lower His interest in computers declined after he lost his job. leisure /lee-zher/ [noun] – the time when you are not working or doing other duties Some people only have a limited amount of leisure. control /kuhn-TROHL/ [noun] – the act of controlling something or someone, or the power to do this You need to stay in control…
Read more

Japanese billionaire seeks 8 volunteers to join him on Moon voyage

gqGPGYuD

© Yusaku Maezawa Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your favorite space movie or TV show? What is interesting about outer space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. accompany /uh-KUHM-puh-nee/ [verb] – to go with someone or to be provided or exist at the same time as something Would you like me to accompany you to your room? reveal /ri-VEEL/ [verb] – to make known or show something that is surprising or that was previously secret The new movie was revealed in yesterday’s comic convention. benefit /BEN-uh-fit/ [verb] – to be helped by something or…
Read more

Russia launches Arktika-M to oversee climate in the Arctic

arktika-M

© ROSCOSMOS PRESS SERVICE HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What environmental problem does your country face? Is recycling important to help save our environment? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. satellite /SAT-l-ahyt/ [noun] – a device sent up into space to travel around the earth, used for collecting information or communicating by radio, television, etc. The latest reports will be broadcasted via satellite. orbit /AWR-bit/ [noun] – the curved path through which objects in space move around a planet or star The latest space shuttle launched is now in…
Read more

Months back, India was in crisis. Why have their Covid cases dropped?

taj-mahal-1209004_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about India? Would you like to go to India someday? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. confusion /pronunciation/ [noun] – a situation in which people do not understand what is happening, what they should do or who someone or something is The country was in confusion due to the number of Covid-19 cases. seriously /pronunciation/ [adverb] – badly or severely He wasn’t seriously hurt, just had a lot of cuts and bruises. exhaustion /ig-ZAWA-chuhn/ [noun] – the state of being extremely tired She felt sick from exhaustion….
Read more