Intermediate

Stonehenge’s altar stone traveled over 460 miles from Scotland, reveals new research

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some famous ancient monuments or structures in your country? What makes those ancient monuments or structures famous? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. puzzle /PUHZ-uhl/ [verb] – to cause someone to feel confused and slightly worried because they cannot understand something The complicated instructions on the new device puzzled him. elsewhere /ELS-hwair/ [adverb] – in or to another place or location I couldn’t find the book here, so I’ll look elsewhere. distant /DIS-tuhnt/ [adjective] – far away Despite their distant locations, the two companies managed to collaborate effectively. sophisticated…
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“Alien: Romulus” tops North American Box Office

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name a film that you think performed well at the box office? Why do you think so? Do you believe box office performance affects how you decide which movies to watch? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. alien /EYL-yuhn/ [noun] – a creature from another world The story is about an alien who visits Earth. top /top/ [verb] – to be the best or highest in rank She topped the list of the best students in her class. begin with /bih-GIN with/ [phrasal verb] –…
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South American lungfish holds record for largest genome among all animals

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does it mean for an animal to adapt to its environment? Can you think of an example? Do you know what genes are? If yes, what do you know about them? If not, can you think of one word that comes to mind when you hear the word “genes”? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. freshwater /FRESH-wot-er/ [adjective] – water that is not salty, typically found in rivers, lakes, and streams The lake is a source of freshwater for the nearby towns. entire /en-TAHYUHR/ [adjective] – whole or complete She…
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Traditional Ethiopian sauna therapy gains popularity among young city dwellers

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©REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common methods people use in your country to relieve muscle pain or skin issues? Do ancient practices still have relevance in modern society? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. treatment /TREET-muhnt/ [noun] – a process or action to improve a condition or solve a problem, especially related to health or beauty The doctor recommended a new treatment for her allergies. adjust /uh-JUHST/ [verb] – to change or modify slightly to achieve a desired fit, appearance, or result He adjusted the volume on…
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U.S. government secures Medicare drug price cuts, savings uncertain for older Americans

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think governments want to make high-priced medications more affordable? What are some reasons that might make it difficult for governments to lower medication costs? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. insurance /in-SHOOR-uhns/ [noun] – a system where people pay regular amounts of money to get financial protection against possible future loss or damage She bought car insurance to protect against possible accidents. considerable /kuhn-SID-er-uh-buhl / [adjective] – large in size, amount, or degree He saved a considerable amount of money by shopping sales. savings /sey-vings/ [noun] – the…
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Banksy unveils final mural at London Zoo, ending animal-themed art series

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©REUTERS/Hollie Adams Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name some famous artists from your country? What do you think makes an artist’s work become widely recognized and discussed? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. installment /in-STAWL-muhnt/ [noun] – a single part or piece of a series of related works The latest novel is the final installment in a popular fantasy series. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a wide scope or range The research team conducted an extensive study to understand the effects of climate change on coastal ecosystems. tension /TEN-shuhn/ [noun]…
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Alyssa Milano to debut as Roxie Hart in Broadway’s ‘Chicago’ this Fall

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard of a Broadway show? If yes, which one do you know about? If not, would you like to learn more about them? What makes a live performance special compared to watching TV or movies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. theater /THEE-uh-ter/ [noun] – a building or place where plays, movies, or performances are shown The local theater is showing a new film this weekend. satire /SAT-ahyuhr/ [noun] – a way of using humor or exaggeration to criticize or mock something The comedian’s routine was a clever…
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Bosnian businessman transforms Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ into nature park

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©REUTERS/Amel Emric Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some famous parks in your city or country? What makes them unique? What do you know about Vincent van Gogh? Can you name some of his famous works or describe his style of painting? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cottage /KOT-ij/ [noun] – a small house, usually in the countryside They spent their summer vacation in a cozy cottage by the lake. pattern /PAT-ern/ [noun] – repeated decorative designs or arrangements The blanket was made with colorful patterns and designs. swirl /swurl/ [noun] – patterns or…
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Sakura Motoki secures gold as Japan dominates in Paris

Wrestling - Women's Freestyle 62kg Victory Ceremony

©REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why are the Olympics considered important? What kinds of challenges might athletes face when preparing for the Olympics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. strength /strengkth/ [noun] – the ability to do things that need a lot of physical or mental effort She admired his strength when he lifted the heavy box with ease. technique /tek-NEEK/ [noun] – a method or way of doing something skillfully, especially one that requires special knowledge or practice The artist learned several techniques to improve her painting skills. halftime /HAF-tahym/ [noun] – a break…
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Japan wins first Olympic breaking competition

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©AP Photo/Frank Franklin Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Did you watch any of the competitions from the 2024 Paris Olympics? If so, which ones? If not, are there any competitions you would like to watch? Did you know that breakdancing was included for the 2024 Paris Olympics? Do you think it was a good idea to add it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. victorious /vik-TAWR-ee-uhs/ [adjective] – having won a victory or having achieved success in a contest or competition After a hard-fought battle, they emerged victorious over their rivals. captivating /KAP-tuh-veyt/ [verb] – to…
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