Intermediate

The UAE’s tiny lunar rover to face difficulties on the moon

moon-vehicle-67521_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about a lunar rover? For you, what is a historic mission? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. historic /hi-STAWR-ik/ [adjective] – important or likely to be important in history They planned to build historic buildings. celebrate /SEL-uh-breyt/ [verb] – to take part in special enjoyable activities in order to show that a particular occasion is important They always celebrate their wedding anniversary by going out to dinner. achievement /uh-CHEEV-muhnt/ [noun] – something very good and difficult that you have succeeded in doing It gives you a sense…
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Brazil’s president replaces six ministers as Covid crisis worsens

Brazilian Army General Fernando Azevedo e Silva, who was appointed by Brazilian President-elect Jair Bolsonaro as Defence Minister, gestures to journalists upon arrival at the transitional government's headquarters in Brasilia, on December 11, 2018. - Bolsonaro takes office on January 1, 2019. (Photo by EVARISTO SA / AFP)        (Photo credit should read EVARISTO SA/AFP via Getty Images)

©Evaristo Sa via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think of the country Brazil? Where do you prefer checking news about COVID-19? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. announce /uh-NOUNS/ [verb] – to make something known or tell people about something officially They announced their marriage yesterday. release /ri-LEES/ [verb] – to allow something to be shown in public or to be available for use They will release the results of the exam today. former /FAWR-mer/ [adjective] – of or in an earlier time; before the present time or in the past I…
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Philippines locks down capital and nearby provinces on Holy Week due to surging COVID-19 cases

Philippines locks down capital and nearby provinces on Holy Week due to surged COVID-19 cases

©Lisa Marie David via Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What measures were implemented in your country to prevent the spread of coronavirus? How do you cope with the current pandemic? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. enhanced /en-HANST/ [adjective] – better than before The brand wants to create enhanced versions of their products. enforcement /en-FAWRS-muhnt/ [noun] – the process of making people obey a law or rule, or making a particular situation happen or be accepted The citizens support the enforcement of the bill against racism. impede /im-PEED/ [verb] – to slow something down or…
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Forest destruction increased significantly in 2020

Nelson Almeida Amazon Rainforest

©Nelson Almeida Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the importance of forests in this world? How does being in nature make you feel? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rate /reyt/ [noun] – the speed at which something happens or changes, or the amount or number of times it happens or changes in a particular period The rate of his recovery is going great. worldwide /WURLD-wahyd/ [adverb] – existing or happening in all parts of the world They are currently topping the iTunes worldwide for three consecutive weeks. role /rohl/ [noun] – the position…
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Efforts to dislodge Ever Given from the Suez Canal may take weeks, authorities say

evergiven

©EPA via BBC News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Please describe the port of Yokohama. What items does Japan export to other countries? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. visibility /viz-uh-BIL-i-tee/ [noun] – how clearly objects can be seen, or how far you can see clearly, usually because of the weather conditions The ship crashed due to poor visibility in the sea. rear /reer/ [adjective] – at the back of something He settled at the rear seats of the taxi. removal /ri-MOO-vuhl/ [noun] – the process of removing or getting rid of something, often something that…
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During a pandemic, people find warmth and community by listening to the sounds we miss

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you visit bars? What kind of music do you like to listen to? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. discover /dih-SKUHV-er/ [verb] – to find information, a place, or an object, especially for the first time Experts have discovered how to predict an earthquake. abandon /uh-BAN-duhn/ [verb] – to leave a place, thing, or person, usually forever As a baby he was abandoned by his mother. adapt /uh-DAPT/ [verb] – to change, or to change something, to suit different conditions or uses We had to adapt our plans…
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World’s biggest canvas painting sells for $62M at Dubai charity auction

journeyofhumanity

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Who are the famous painters in your country? Have you ever bought an artwork? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. measure /MEZH-er/ [verb] – to be a particular size The floor area measures 70 square meters. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone or something The incident affected his mental health. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the beginning Initially, many people thought that the plan will not succeed. proceeds /PROW-seeds/ [noun] – the amount of money received from a…
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Australia floods from intense rainfall, authorities say

© BBC News Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often does it flood in your country? What natural disasters commonly strike your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. border /BAWR-der/ [verb] – to form a line around the edge of something The fields are bordered by sturdy fences. source /sawrs/ [noun] – the place or thing that something comes from or starts at, or the cause of something Where’s the source of that noise? tide /tahyd/ [noun] – the rise and fall of the sea that happens twice every day High tides are expected today…
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The world’s first space hotel to open in 2027

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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…
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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…
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