Intermediate

Baltimore Port’s main shipping channel fully reopens after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the importance of shipping routes for global trade? Can you think of reasons why ports are crucial for local economies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. primary /prahy-MER-ee/ [adjective] – more important than anything else; main The primary reason for his success is his hard work. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to prevent something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected The sudden storm disrupted the outdoor concert. gradually /GRAJ-oo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – slowly over a period of time or a distance…
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Elephants may address each other by name, study finds

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know about elephants and their social behaviors? Why do you think elephants have garnered attention from researchers for their cognitive abilities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. react /ree-AKT/ [verb] – to act in a particular way as a direct result of something else The dog reacted with excitement when its owner returned home. strongly /STRAWNG-lee/ [adverb] – with great intensity or force She strongly disagreed with the proposal during the meeting. excitement /ik-SAHYT-muhnt/ [noun] – a feeling of being excited, or an exciting event The children…
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World’s largest camera set for astronomy in Chile

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©Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about astronomical research and exploration? What challenges do you imagine scientists might face when trying to gather and analyze huge amounts of data from space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. telescope /TEL-uh-skohp/ [noun] – a cylinder-shaped device for making objects that are far away look closer and larger, using a combination of lenses, or lenses and curved mirrors The astronomer peered through the telescope to observe the distant stars and planets with remarkable clarity. vast /vast/…
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Apple unveils “Apple Intelligence” AI features

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you think of advanced robotics when you hear the term “Artificial Intelligence”? Are you familiar with Siri and ChatGPT? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. convenience /kuhn-VEE-nyuhns/ [noun] – the state of being able to proceed with something without difficulty Having groceries delivered to your home is a great convenience. slight /slahyt/ [adjective] – small in amount or degree There was a slight delay in the delivery of the package. privacy /PRAHY-vuh-see/ [noun] – the state of being free from public attention or unsanctioned intrusion He valued his privacy and…
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SpaceX’s Starship achieves historic full test flight

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about space exploration? Can you name any significant achievements or events in space exploration history? Have you heard about any recent developments or advancements in space technology or missions? If yes, please share. If not, what do you expect to learn about space exploration in the article? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /ROK-it/ [noun] – a cylindrical projectile that can be propelled to a great height or distance by the combustion of its contents, used typically as a firework or signal The rocket soared into…
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Global aquaculture surpasses wild fisheries in historic production shift, reports UN

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How does knowing where the seafood you eat comes from affect your choices as a consumer? What do you think are some potential benefits of choosing locally sourced seafood over imported varieties? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. division /dih-VIZH-uhn/ [noun] – a specific section or department within an organization, focused on a particular area of work or activity The marketing division is responsible for developing the company’s advertising strategies and promotional campaigns. slightly /SLITE-lee/ [adverb] – a little The temperature slightly reduced after the sun set, bringing a bit of…
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Coca-Cola aims to attract young consumers with its new raspberry-infused Coca-Cola Spiced

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©AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What strategies do you think companies use to stay competitive in rapidly evolving markets? Would you be more likely to try a new product if it offered a unique or unexpected flavor combination? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. classic /KLAS-ik/ [adjective] – traditional and widely recognized The classic design of the building was inspired by Roman architecture, making it a significant cultural landmark in the city. garner /GAHR-ner/ [verb] – to collect something, usually after much work or with difficulty The team managed…
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Important summit brings together South Korea and African nations

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about summits? What kind of events or meetings are they? Why do you think countries hold summits with other nations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cooperation /koh-op-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of working together towards the same end The two companies decided to engage in cooperation to develop a new product. long-term /LAWNG-turm/ [adjective] – lasting for a long period of time Investing in education is a long-term strategy for a country’s development. strengthen /STRENGK-thuhn/ [verb] – to make something stronger or more powerful The government…
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TikTok advances plans to develop independent U.S. algorithm amid legislative pressure

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your initial thoughts or perceptions about TikTok as a social media platform? How do you think TikTok has influenced or changed the way people create and consume content online? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. separation /sep-uh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of dividing or disassociating one thing from another After many years of partnership, the two companies decided on a mutual separation to pursue different business goals. state /steyt/ [verb] – to express or declare something clearly and explicitly The teacher stated the rules of the classroom at the…
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Tiny fern in New Caledonia surpasses giants with world’s largest genome

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©Jaume Pellicer/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think a genome is and why might it be important for an organism? What do you understand about the relationship between an organism’s genetic material and its physical environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. astonishing /uh-STON-i-shing/ [adjective] – very surprising or amazing The sudden transformation of the caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly is truly astonishing. cell /sel/ [noun] – the smallest basic unit of a plant or animal Scientists study the cells of various plants to better understand their functions and genetic makeup….
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