Intermediate

Microsoft turns to using cleaner jet fuel to cut down air pollution

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you travel by plane? When travelling domestically, do you prefer travelling by plane or by shinkansen? Please tell me more. Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. aviation /ey-vee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – the activity of flying aircraft, or of designing, producing, and keeping them in good condition My father is one of the managers of an aviation company. headquarters /HED-kwawr-terz/ [noun] – the main offices of an organization such as an army, the police, or a business company Please call the main headquarters in Paris immediately. lesser /LES-er/ [adjective] –…
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From strangers to travel buddies: A lockdown travel story

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How often do you travel? Do you like traveling domestically or internationally? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. thwart /thwawrt/ [verb] – to stop something from happening or someone from doing something The government is doing their best to thwart the spread of the virus. chance upon /chans uh-PON/ [phrasal verb] – to find something or meet someone by chance If you chance upon a Japanese dictionary, please let me know. converse /kuhn-VURS/ [verb] – to have a conversation with someone Mark enjoyed the chance to briefly converse with his…
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It was just an attempt. Today the World Food Programme gives food to countless people each year

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© CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever had a chance to help victims of a tragedy? Please tell me more. What organization are you a part of? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. organization /awr-guh-nuh-ZEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a group of people who work together in an organized way for a shared purpose I was a part of an organization when I was in highschool. occur /uh-KUR/ [verb] – (especially of accidents and other unexpected events) to happen The police are investigating how a crime like this could have occurred. earthquake /URTH-kweyk/ [noun] –…
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Dubai begins preparations for Expo 2020 one year ahead its opening

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© CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever been in an international event? If yes, how was it? If not, what event would you like to attend and why? Do you think attending international events is interesting? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. construction /kuhn-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the work of building or making something, especially buildings, bridges, etc. We cannot visit our old school right now. It’s under construction. theme /theem/ [noun] – the main subject of a talk, book, film, etc. Since it’s October, we should pick a Halloween…
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Superhabitable planets could sustain life better than Earth

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How well do you know about other planets? Why do you think it is important to study about other planets? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. compare /kuhm-PAIR/ [verb] – to examine or look for the difference between two or more things Children seem to learn English faster compared to when we were at school. suitable /SOO-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – acceptable or right for someone or something I didn’t wear a t-shirt with print because it’s not suitable for this occasion. declare /dih-KLAIR/ [verb] – to announce something clearly, firmly, publicly, or…
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Irishman Brendan Lawlor makes history as the first golfer with disability to join European Tour

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© Ross Kinnaird via CNN International Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What sports do you like? Are you an indoor or outdoor person? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. take part /teyk pahrt/ [idiom] – to be involved in an activity with other people Sheila doesn’t usually take part in any of the office activities. condition /kuhn-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – any of different types of diseases The boy has a delicate and rare skin condition that worsens in sunlight. accompany /uh-KUHM-puh-nee/ [verb] – to go with someone or to be provided or exist at the same time…
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Flaming Torch-inspired skyscraper set to be the tallest building in Japan

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© Mitsubishi Estate via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the most famous building in your area? Are you interested in architecture and construction? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. locate /loh-KEYT/ [verb] – to be in a particular place The church is located at the heart of the small village. builder /BIL-der/ [noun] – a person whose job it is to make buildings We got some local builders to do the work for us. guarantee /gar-uhn-TEE/ [noun] – to promise that something will happen or exist I guarantee that…
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China’s Forbidden City stands proud at 600

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© Frédéric Soltan/Corbis/Getty Images via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What temples have you visited? Do you like visiting historical sites? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decade /DEK-eyd/ [noun] – a period of ten years A lot of changes happened over the past 2 decades. supernatural /soo-per-NACH-er-uhl/ [adjective] – things that cannot be explained by science Marina has a lot of books about supernatural phenomena. ambience /AM-bee-uhns/ [noun] – the character of a place or the quality it seems to have The resort is expensive but the ambience is wonderful,…
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The Netherlands implements new rules amidst virus concerns for the first time

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What businesses are open in your country during this pandemic? Do you go to public places during this pandemic? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. regulation /reg-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – an official rule or the act of controlling something The new school regulations will be effective next week. select /si-LEKT/ [adjective] – chosen from a larger number as being the best or most valuable School clubs shouldn’t be available for only a select few; they should be for all students. psychological /sahy-kuh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to the human…
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China resumes domestic travel as COVID-19 spread is contained

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© Liu Zhongjun via CNN Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What countries have you already been to? Are you anxious about the spread of COVID-19? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. government /GUHV-ern-muhnt/ [noun] –the group of people who officially control a country The government planned to build the first nuclear power plant in the country. honor /ON-er/ [verb] – in order to celebrate or show great respect for someone or something We have to honor the sacrifices of our ancestors. initial /ih-NISH-uhl/ [adjective] – of or at the beginning The HR staff announced that I…
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