Intermediate

China to launch new generation of driverless maglev trains in 2020

2019年4月29日

maglev

Pre-reading questions: What is the most convenient public transportation system for you? Why? Do you like to travel by train? Why or why not? Vocabulary: generation /jen-uh-rey-shuhn/ [noun] a group of products or machines that are all at the same stage of development The company is working on developing the new generation of sports cars. driverless /drahy-ver-lis/ [adjective] (of a vehicle) not having a person as a driver His dream is to invent a reliable driverless car. commercial /kuh-mur-shuhl/ [adjective] used to describe a product or service that can be bought by the public This airport handles almost 20,000 commercial flights a month. entirely /en-tahyuhr-lee/ [adverb] completely The new product…
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Intermediate

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Rising tennis star Naomi Osaka bags more sponsors

2019年4月24日

naomii

Photo by © The Mainichi via The Mainichi Business Pre-reading questions: What is the most interesting sport for you? Please explain your answer. What is your opinion about extreme sports? Vocabulary: compete /kuhm-peet/ [verb] to do an activity with others and try to do better than they do Rina competes with Pete in an essay writing activity. ambassador /am-BAS-uh-DAWR/ [noun] a person who represents, speaks or advertises a particular organization, group of people, activity, or brand The new Ambassador to the United States was appointed by the President. impact /IM-pakt/ [noun] a strong effect or influence on a situation or person The new advertisement has made quite an impact on…
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Intermediate

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Let it Be: The new Beatles documentary

2019年4月22日

the-beatles-509069_960_720

Pre-Reading Questions: Do you like listening to music? If yes, what kind of music do you like? If no, why not? Do you like watching films? If yes, what kind of films do you like? If no, can you tell why? Vocabulary: director /DIH-rek-ter/ [noun] a person who tells actors in a film or play how to play their parts The latest movie of the most famous director was a total flop. footage /FOOT-ij/ [noun] film or videotape that shows a single event or place Detectives were studying the security footage of the house near the crime scene. joyous /JOI-uhs/ [adjective] full of joy Our recent trip to Bali was…
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Intermediate

Less sitting can make you live longer

2019年4月17日

sit

Pre-Reading Questions: Which do you prefer, sleeping or exercising? Will it be better if we sleep or rest a lot? Please explain your answer. Vocabulary: beneficial /ben-uh-fish-uhl/ [adjective] helpful, useful, or good Having a proper diet is beneficial to our health because we get the nutrients that the body needs. ability /uh-bil-i-tee/ [noun] power to do or act something Women were said to be good at multitasking because they have the ability to do different things at the same time and with ease maximum /mak-suh-muhm/ [adjective] being the largest amount or number allowed or possible People can do a lot of things if they will just push themselves to their…
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Intermediate

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Japanese hospitals to use translation services

2019年4月15日

doctor

Pre-reading questions: Have you been abroad? How was your stay? When do you usually visit a hospital? Vocabulary: nationwide /ney-shuh n-wahyd/ [adverb] existing or happening in all parts of a particular country By the end of the month, the new products will be available nationwide. upcoming /uhp-kuhm-ing/ [adjective] happening soon Please check the calendar for the upcoming shows and events. determine /dih-tur-min/ [verb] to find out or make certain facts or information The students will determine their school festival activities. outpatient /out-pey-shuh nt/ [noun] a person who receives medical care from a hospital but who does not stay in the hospital for one or more nights The hospital must keep enough doctors…
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Intermediate

Japan to give 2.5 million yen scholarship for foreign nursing students

2019年4月10日

Diverse medical or nursing school students raise their hands to ask or answer a question during class. They are using laptop computers.

Pre-reading questions: Would you like to study or work in another country? Why or why not? What do you think are the benefits of working in another country? Please explain your answer. Vocabulary: facility /fuh-sil-i-tee/ [noun] the buildings, equipment, and services provided for a particular purpose Our school has excellent sports facilities. aim /eym/ [verb] to plan for a specific purpose or to intend She aims to become a good actress in the future. shortage /shawr-tij/ [noun] a situation in which there is not enough of something Many restaurants increased the price of their burgers because of the beef shortage. caregiver /kair-giv-er/ [noun] someone who takes care of a person…
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Intermediate

Facebook makes people unhappy, according to a study

2019年4月8日

fbbb

Pre-reading questions: Do you use social media sites? Why or why not? How often do you use social networking sites? Vocabulary: huge /yooj/ [noun] extremely large in amount or size Her last book signing was a huge success. unaware /uhn-uh-wair/ [adjective] not understanding or realizing something Angela is unaware of the announcement made by the principal. impact /im-pakt/ [noun] a powerful effect that something has on a situation or person Your friend can make a great impact in your life. attitude /at-i-tood/ [noun] a feeling or opinion about something or someone My attitude depends on how you treat me. recognize /rek-uhg-nahyz/ [verb] to know someone or something because you have…
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Intermediate

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World’s largest underwater theme park to open in Bahrain

2019年4月3日

underwater

Pre-Reading Questions: Have you been to an unusual tourist destination? Explain your answer. Where did you spend your last vacation? Tell me more about it. Vocabulary: establish /ih-stab-lish/ [verb] to start something that will last for a long time, or to create or set something in a particular way She helps to establish their newly opened restaurant. extraordinary /ik-strawr-dn-er-ee/ [adjective] very unusual or special We have been to an extraordinary museum in Europe. highlight /hahy-lahyt/ [noun] the most important and interesting part The painting of Vincent van Gogh is the highlight of the museum. enthusiast /en-thoo-zee-ast/ [noun] someone who is very interested in and involved with a particular subject or…
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Intermediate

Sumo grand champion Kisenosato retires

2019年4月1日

sumocry

Photo by © Nikkan Sports via The Japan Times Sports Pre-reading questions: What is your favorite sport and why? What kind of sports would you like to try in the future and why? Vocabulary: retire /ri-tahyuhr/ [verb] to stop taking part in a race or competition because of illness or injury Mr. Park decides to retire from archery because of his poor eyesight. tournament /toor-nuh-muhnt/ [noun] a competition involving many competitors in a single sport or game The father is very proud that his son is winning the tennis tournament. professional /pruh-fesh-uh-nl/ [adjective] having the type of job that is respected because it involves a high level of education and…
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Intermediate

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How much money do foreign visitors spend in Japan?

2019年3月27日

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Pre-Reading Questions: Do you like traveling? Why or why not? Do you like to spend your money on traveling? Please explain your answer. Vocabulary: fortune /fawr-chuhn/ [noun] the set of good or bad events that happen to you and have an effect on your life She had a good fortune in Canada. growth /grohth/ [noun] the process of developing or of increasing in size There is a rapid growth in the company’s sales. explore /ik-splawr/ [verb] to travel to a new place to learn about it or become familiar with it I want to explore the world alone. lead /leed/ [noun] a winning position during a race or other situation…
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Intermediate