Intermediate

Japan wins first Olympic men’s foil team gold

foil

©REUTERS/Maye-E Wong Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do countries get their athletes ready for big events like the Olympics? Is fencing a popular sport in your country? What do you know about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. competitive /kuhm-PET-i-tiv/ [adjective] – involving competition; striving to win or be better than others The new student was very competitive in the spelling bee, always aiming to be the best. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the beginning; at first Initially, I thought the book would be boring, but it turned out to be quite interesting. take…
Read more

Amazon’s Q2 profits surge to $13.5 billion

concept-8574815_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common strategies companies use to increase their profits? How important is it for companies to share their profit increase information with their employees and customers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. profit /PROF-it/ [noun] – the financial gain made after subtracting expenses The bakery made a good profit this month, allowing them to buy new equipment. stock /stok/ [noun] – shares of a company that can be bought and sold She decided to buy more stock in the company after seeing its positive performance. advance /ad-VANS/ [noun] –…
Read more

Astronauts remain stranded in space due to technical difficulties

cosmos-1853491_1280 (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What could cause astronauts to become stranded in space? Why is it important for astronauts to stay calm during emergencies in space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. problem /PROB-luhm/ [noun] – a situation that needs to be dealt with or solved They are working hard to fix the problem with the spacecraft’s engine. engineer /en-juh-NEER/ [noun] – a person who designs or builds things The engineer checked the spacecraft’s systems to make sure they were working. leak /leek/ [noun] – a hole or crack through which something can escape They…
Read more

Wildfire threatens one of California’s endangered species

wildfire-4755030_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen an endangered species before? If yes, what was it? If not, is there any you would like to see? Have you ever seen the impacts that a disaster had on nature, especially animals? If yes, what kind of disaster was it? If not, have you ever heard of such stories in the news? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. severely /suh-VEER-lee/ [adverb] – very seriously The storm severely damaged the houses in the village. harm /hahrm/ [verb] – to hurt someone or damage something Pollution can harm…
Read more

Young gymnast Shinnosuke Oka secures gold in Paris Olympics

gymnast

©REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does an athlete need to do to get ready for the Olympics? What are some of the challenges that athletes might face while preparing for and participating in the Olympics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. medal /MED-l/ [noun] – a small metal disc, with words or a picture on it, given as a reward for a brave action, for winning a competition, or to remember a special event She won a gold medal for her outstanding performance in the swimming competition. skilled /skild/ [adjective] – having the…
Read more

Singapore restaurant pioneers insect cuisine following new food authority approval

cricket1

©REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons a restaurant might choose to add insects to its menu? What are some foods that are considered uncommon or exotic in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. consumption /kuhn-SUHMP-shuhn/ [noun] – the amount used or eaten The new health trend focuses on reducing sugar consumption to improve overall wellness. ingredient /in-GREE-dee-uhnt/ [noun] – items or substances used in making something, especially in cooking The recipe calls for fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor. varied /VAIR-eed/ [adjective] – containing or changing between…
Read more

Wet summer triggers surge in Midwest Mushroom poisoning cases

mushroom-8191823_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the dangers of eating wild mushrooms? Can you think of any safety tips for identifying safe mushrooms? If not, what resources might you use to learn about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. center /SEN-ter / [noun] – a building where a particular activity happens The community center is a place where people can meet and enjoy activities together. unknowingly /uhn-NOW-uhng-lee/ [adverb] – without realizing or being aware of something She unknowingly walked into a room filled with birthday decorations. liver /LIV-er/ [noun] – a…
Read more

Robert Downey Jr. reveals return to Marvel as Doctor Doom at Comic-Con

robert

©REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What qualities make a superhero or villain stand out in a movie or comic book? What movies or shows are you most excited to see, and what makes them exciting or interesting to you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mask /mask/ [noun] – a covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, or for protection She wore a mask to the party to keep her identity secret. complex /kuhm-PLEKS/ [adjective] – consisting of many different and connected parts; not simple The puzzle was…
Read more

New giant planet discovered by NASA

space-1569133_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in outer space? If yes, what about it interests you? If not, why don’t you find it interesting? Did you know that there are more planets in outer space beyond our solar system? If yes, what have you heard about them? If not, are you interested in finding out more? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mass /mas/ [noun] – the amount of matter in any solid object or in any volume of liquid or gas The scientist measured the mass of the liquid in the container. distant…
Read more

Multiple events to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Apollo 11 lunar landing

moon-landing-193761_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you know about the Apollo 11 mission? What do you think it was like on the moon? Are you interested in outer space? If yes, what about it interests you? If not, why do you not find it interesting? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [verb] – to include someone or something as an important part The new movie is featuring several well-known actors. surviving /ser-VAHY-ving/ [adjective] – continuing to live or exist after an event She was the last surviving person from the old village. look back…
Read more