Intermediate

Christopher Reeve shows a hero’s true story

Superman

©REUTERS/Peter Cziborra/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Superman? What qualities do you think make someone a hero? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tragic /TRAJ-ik/ [adjective] – very sad, often involving death and suffering The sudden loss of her pet was a tragic event for the entire family. dramatically /druh-MAT-ik-lee/ [adverb] – suddenly or obviously The new policy changed the company’s performance dramatically, leading to higher profits. capture /KAP-cher/ [verb] – to record or take a picture of something using a camera The photographer aims to capture the beauty of…
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New York City launches “Living Breakwaters” project to protect coastline and restore marine ecosystems after Superstorm Sandy

reeef

©AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is coastal protection? Why is protecting coastal areas important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coastal /KOHS-tl/ [adjective] – relating to or located on the coast The coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. natural /NACH-er-uhl/ [adjective] – existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind The park is filled with natural beauty and diverse wildlife to explore. defense /dih-FENS/ [noun] – the action of defending from or resisting attack; protection The team improved its defense to prevent the…
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Curfew aims to reduce overtourism in Seoul’s historic hanok village

hanok village

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular tourist destinations in your country? If you could visit any famous tourist destination, where would you go and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dynasty /DAHY-nuh-stee/ [noun] – a line of hereditary rulers of a country or a powerful family that maintains power for a long period The Ming Dynasty is known for its significant contributions to Chinese culture and art. flock /flok/ [verb] – to gather or move in a large crowd towards a place Tourists flock to the beach each summer to enjoy the…
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Joya-La Barreta Ecological Park in Querétaro becomes the first certified Urban Night Sky Reserve in Latin America

BRIX IIMG (11)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a night sky reserve? What are some reasons why people might be interested in astronomy or stargazing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ecological /ee-kuh-LAA-juh-kl/ [adjective] – relating to the environment and the relationship between living things and their surroundings Many farmers use ecological methods to protect nature while growing food. certified /SUR-tuh-fahyd/ [adjective] – officially recognized as possessing certain qualifications or meeting specific standards The teacher is certified to teach science and mathematics in high school. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to interrupt the normal progress or activity of…
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Renowned author, unworried by AI, continues prolific writing career

writer

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the most important skills or qualities a writer needs? How would you react if you found out your favorite book was written by AI? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. replicate /REP-li-keyt/ [verb] – to make a copy or reproduce The artist wanted to replicate the beauty of the landscape in her painting. convincingly /kuhn-VIN-suhng-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that causes someone to believe that something is true or real The actor performed the role convincingly, making the audience believe in the character. tale /teyl/ [noun] – a…
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Chess sees global resurgence fueled by tech innovations and influential media

chess-1702761_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is chess considered a strategic game? What benefits might playing chess have for players? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. demographics /dem-uh-GRAF-iks/ [noun] – the study of the characteristics of a population, such as age, race, and income The company analyzed the demographics to understand its customer base better. engage /en-GEYJ/ [verb] – to participate or become involved in something Students engage in discussions to share their thoughts on important topics. integrity /in-TEG-ri-tee/ [noun] – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles A leader must have integrity…
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Scientists analyze Mount Everest’s ongoing increase in height

Mt. Everest

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the tallest mountain in your country? What unique features or characteristics does the tallest mountain in your country have? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. subcontinent /suhb-KON-tn-uhnt/ [noun] – a large landmass smaller than a continent, typically referring to a distinct region of a continent The Indian subcontinent is known for its diverse cultures and languages. uplift /UHP-lift/ [noun] – the increase in height or elevation over a period of time Due to ongoing volcanic activity, the uplift of the region has accelerated, raising concerns among local residents. erosion…
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Transitioning to sustainable farming practices could boost global food production by 30% by 2050

BRIX IIMG (10)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does sustainable farming mean? In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges farmers face when trying to adopt sustainable practices? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. promote /pruh-MOHT/ [verb] – to encourage or support something, or to help make something happen The school organized a campaign to promote healthy eating among students. mitigate /MIT-i-geyt/ [verb] – to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad Planting trees helps to mitigate the effects of air pollution in urban areas. predict /pri-DIKT/ [verb] – to say what will happen in the future, based…
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Archaeologists uncover two lost cities along the ancient Silk Road in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan

©Michael Frachetti/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do archaeologists search for old cities and places? How did people in ancient times travel between cities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. elevation /el-uh-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the height of a place above sea level The airplane reached an elevation of 30,000 feet during the flight. evidence /EV-i-duhns/ [noun] – facts, information, documents, etc. that give reason to believe that something is true Scientists gathered evidence to prove their theory about climate change. steel /steel/ [noun] – a strong metal that is a mixture of iron…
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Scientists discover hidden life beneath the Pacific Ocean

Underwater

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you imagine the ocean floor looks like? Why is it important to learn about new animals in the ocean? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. deploy /dih-PLOI/ [verb] – to position or arrange The company deployed its new software across all departments to improve efficiency. superheated /soo-puhr-HEE-tuhd/ [adjective] – heated to a temperature higher than its boiling point without becoming a gas The superheated steam escaped from the pressure cooker, creating a hissing sound as it vented excess pressure. diverse /dih-VURS/ [adjective] – including many different types of people…
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