Intermediate

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

2024年8月1日

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

Intermediate

,

Tokyo brewer innovates sake production with music and compact methods

2024年7月31日

japan-965511_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the process of making alcoholic beverages, such as sake, wine, or beer? What are some common reasons people enjoy drinking alcoholic beverages? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. brewery /BROO-uh-ree/ [noun] – a place where beer or other alcoholic drinks are produced They visited a local brewery to taste freshly brewed beer. brewer /BROO-uhr/ [noun] – a person who makes beer or other alcoholic drinks The brewer explained the process of crafting the perfect beer. vibration /vahy-BREY-shuhn/ [noun] – continuous quick, slight shaking movement The vibrations…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Key West celebrates Ernest Hemingway’s 125th birthday with annual festival

2024年7月30日

cuba-3285496_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Ernest Hemingway and his writing style? Do you know of any other authors who have had a significant influence on literature or culture? Could you tell me something about him/her? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pen /pen/ [verb] – to write or compose Sarah decided to pen a thank-you note to her grandmother for the birthday gift. adventurous /ad-VEN-cher-uhs/ [adjective] – willing to take risks or try out new experiences Mark’s adventurous spirit led him to travel to remote islands and explore their wildlife. farewell…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Zoo keeps animals cool during summer heat

2024年7月29日

otter

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you enjoy summer? What are some easy ways to stay cool in the summer? Do you like going outside? How can you stay cool while doing outdoor activities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity The conservation of forests helps protect wildlife. treat /treet/ [noun] – a special and enjoyable occasion or experience She gave her dog treats for being good. cool off /kool…
Read more

Intermediate

,

“Shogun” and “The Bear” garner multiple TV Emmy nominations

2024年7月28日

trophy

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen an award show? What is the significance of award shows? Do you stream shows online? What have you been watching recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. network /NET-wurk/ [noun] – a group of television or radio stations that broadcast the same programs The local TV network will show the football game tonight. award /uh-WAWRD/ [noun] – a prize or an amount of money that is given to someone following an official decision She won an award for her science project. transform /trans-FAWRM/ [verb] – to change…
Read more

Intermediate

,

China embarks on gradual retirement age reform to address pension pressures

2024年7月27日

people-996765_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does it mean when a country has an “aging population”? What is the retirement age in your country, and how has it changed over time? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. retirement /ri-TAHYUHR-muhnt/ [noun] – the act of leaving your job and stopping working, usually because you are old After 30 years of dedicated service at the company, Mr. Jones celebrated his retirement with a grand farewell party. strain /streyn/ [noun] – a force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage The constant strain…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Portugal targets 93% renewable electricity by 2030 amidst revised green hydrogen goals

2024年7月26日

solar-panels-944000_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is renewable energy, and can you name some examples of it? What do you think are some good reasons for using more renewable energy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. parliament /PAHR-luh-muhnt/ [noun] – a legislative body of government responsible for making laws The parliament debated the new education policy for several weeks. draft /drahft/ [noun] – a preliminary version of a document or plan that is subject to further changes The writer submitted the first draft of the novel to the editor for review. offshore /AWF-SHAWR/ [adjective] – located…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Tiger Woods commits to continued golf career despite challenges

2024年7月25日

tiger-woods-79694_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of sports do you follow? What qualities are necessary for a professional athlete to maintain a long and successful career? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. committed /kuh-MIT-id/ [adjective] – dedicated or devoted to a cause or activity She is committed to finishing her studies before starting a new job. stroke /strohk/ [noun] – each of a series of consecutive movements in a sport such as golf or swimming His golf coach emphasized the importance of a smooth and consistent stroke on the putting green. major /MEY-jer/ [adjective] –…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Bike polo grows in Moscow’s community

2024年7月24日

bike polo

©REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What benefits do people gain from playing sports? What traditional sports originated in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. point out /poynt out/ [phrasal verb] – to mention or draw attention to something She pointed out the flaws in his argument during the debate. opponent /uh-POH-nuhnt/ [noun] – those who compete against someone in a contest, game, or argument The chess player studied his opponents’ moves carefully before making his own. fellowship /FEL-oh-ship/ [noun] – friendly association, especially with people who share one’s interests The hiking club…
Read more

Intermediate

,

Ants’ clever ways of surviving challenge traditional views on animal empathy

2024年7月23日

ant-6709161_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do scientists study animal behaviors? What makes it difficult for animals to stay safe in their habitats? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. limb /lim/ [noun] – an arm or leg of a person or animal He injured his right limb during the accident and required surgery. nestmate /NESS-mate/ [noun] – members of the same nest, typically referring to insects like ants or bees Insect colonies need nestmates to work together and get along well to stay healthy and survive tough environments. peer /peer/ [noun] – other members of the…
Read more

Intermediate

,