Intermediate

Desert moss from Xinjiang may hold key to Mars colonization, study reveals

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What space-related interests do you have that you can share? Do you believe that humans can live on Mars in the future? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. moss /mos/ [noun] – small, green, non-flowering plant typically found in damp or shady locations The old stone wall was covered in soft, green moss. function /FUHNGK-shuhn/ [noun] – to operate or work in the intended or expected manner After repairing the damaged circuit, the computer was able to function perfectly again. rehydrate /ree-HAHY-dreyt/ [verb] – to restore moisture…
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Ancient predator fossils discovered

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you understand about fossils? How do fossils form? Why are fossils important in studying the history of life on Earth? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. researcher /REE-search-er/ [noun] – a person who conducts research, especially in the sciences or academia The researcher discovered a new species of plant in the rainforest. detailed /DEE-tayld/ [adjective] – in-depth, thorough, providing a lot of information or specifics The report included a detailed analysis of the economic trends. eventually /eh-VEN-chu-uh-lee/ [adverb] – in the end, after a period of time or a…
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Stray Kids prepares for comeback with electrifying London performance

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©REUTERS/Hollie Adams Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What factors contribute to the rise in popularity of K-pop groups around the world? What kind of music do you listen to, and who is your favorite artist? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reality show /ree-AL-i-tee shoh/ [noun] – a television program about ordinary people who are filmed in real situations Many reality shows gain popularity for their dramatic and unpredictable plot twists. return to /rih-TURN too/ [phrasal verb] – to go or come back to a place or activity after being away from it for a period…
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Anant Ambani’s Wedding draws global icons and political figures

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Describe an event you’ve attended or heard about that could be considered extravagant. Why do people organize extravagant celebrations? What are the reasons behind spending so much on such events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. congratulate /CON-grat-yuh-late/ [verb] – to express pleasure to someone for something good that has happened to them We should congratulate Maria on her promotion at work. prime minister /PRYME MIN-uh-ster/ [noun] – the leader of the government in some countries The Prime Minister will address the nation tonight about the new policies. lifestyle /LIFE-style/ [noun]…
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Hydrogen sulfide detects on Jupiter-like alien planet, resembling the smell of rotten eggs

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is it important for scientists to study planets outside our solar system? Which planets do you know besides Earth, and what information can you share about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prominence /PRO-muh-nuhns/ [noun] – the state of being easily seen or well known Her research gained prominence in the scientific community after it was published in a prestigious journal. incredibly /in-KREH-duh-blee/ [adverb] – a great degree; extremely The artist’s new exhibition was incredibly popular, drawing large crowds from across the city. fascinating /FAS-uh-ney-ting / [adjective] – extremely…
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Pet weddings rise in popularity in China

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have a pet? If yes, what kind of pet do you have? If not, would you consider having a pet in the future, and why or why not? Why are pets important to many families around the world? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. marriage /MAR-ij/ [noun] – a legally accepted relationship between two people in which they live together, or the official ceremony that results in this After years of dating, they finally decided to enter into marriage. fancy /FAN-see/ [adjective] – elegant, luxurious, or elaborate Her wedding…
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Japan faces heatwave impacts on various industries and public health

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What challenges do communities face during extreme weather conditions? Aside from extreme temperatures, what other effects of climate change have you observed recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. throughout /throo-OUT/ [adverb] – in every part, or during the whole period of time The tradition of celebrating cherry blossom festivals is observed throughout Japan. equipped /ih-KWIPT/ [adjective] – provided with necessary items or equipment The new laboratory is equipped with the latest technology to conduct advanced research. cool down /kool doun/ [phrasal verb] – to decrease in temperature; to become cooler…
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Minnesota flooding causes partial dam collapse

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about flooding? How can flooding impact a community? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. destruction /dih-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of destroying something, or the state of being destroyed The hurricane caused widespread destruction in the coastal town, damaging homes and roads. overflowing /oh-ver-FLOH-ing/ [adjective] – (of a container) so full that the contents go over the sides The river was overflowing after the heavy rain, flooding the nearby streets. partial /PAHR-shuhl/ [adjective] – not complete The team made partial progress on the project, but there was still…
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Neanderthal fossil reveals earliest evidence of Down syndrome and compassionate care

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©REUTERS/Nikola Solic/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some challenges you think ancient humans faced in caring for people with disabilities or health issues? Are you interested in discoveries that provide insights into the social behaviors of early human societies? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. constant /KON-stuhnt/ [adjective] – continuous and unending The patient required constant supervision due to their medical condition. strength /strengkth/ [noun] – the ability to do things that need a lot of physical or mental effort Her strength allowed her to lift the heavy boxes…
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ALOS-4 satellite successfully launched to enhance Earth observations and national security

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term space exploration? Do you think space exploration has advantages? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /ROK-it/ [noun] – a large cylinder-shaped object that moves very fast by forcing out burning gases, used for space travel or as a weapon The rocket soared into the sky, leaving a trail of smoke behind. engineering /EN-juh-neer-ing/ [noun] – the branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures Engineering involves solving complex…
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