Intermediate

Famous couple dominates Box Office

2024年8月14日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What makes a movie successful at the box office? How do movie genres (e.g., superhero, romantic drama) affect a movie’s box office performance? Which genre do you think typically performs best? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. consecutive /kuhn-SEK-yuh-tiv/ [adjective] – following one after another in a series without interruption The team won three consecutive games, making them the champions. globally /GLOW-buh-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that affects or includes the whole world The singer’s album was popular globally, with fans from many different countries. accomplishment /uh-KOM-plish-muhnt / [noun]…
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Intermediate

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Spicy ramen returns to Copenhagen after partial ban lifted by Danish authorities

2024年8月13日

Buldak

©REUTERS/Tom Little Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What might cause a government agency to decide to ban a food product? How does social media help promote and shape opinions about food products? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contain /kuhn-TEYN/ [verb] – to have something inside or include something as a part The pizza contains a variety of fresh vegetables and cheese. vomiting /VOM-i-ting/ [noun] – the act of emptying the contents of the stomach through the mouth The medication can cause various side effects, including dizziness and vomiting. lift /lift/ [verb] – to remove or…
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Intermediate

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Sweden defeats Germany and Japan in dramatic table tennis semifinals

2024年8月12日

table tennis

©REUTERS/Piroschka Vandewouw Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the key factors that contribute to a team’s success or failure in a tournament? What sport would you like to be good at, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contender /kuhn-TEN-der/ [noun] – a person or team competing for a position or title The boxer was a strong contender for the championship title. doubles /DUH-buhlz/ [noun] – a type of game in which two pairs of players compete against each other The team won the doubles match with an impressive performance. dramatic /druh-MAT-ik/ [adjective] –…
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Intermediate

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NASA delays astronauts’ return due to Starliner issues

2024年8月11日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you feel if you ended up staying in a certain place longer than you intended? What challenges might people face if they have to extend their stay unexpectedly? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. backup /BAK-uhp/ [adjective] – serving as an alternative or supplementary option in case the primary one fails or is unavailable We have a backup plan in case our main idea doesn’t work. thruster /THRUHS-ter/ [noun] – a small engine on a spacecraft, used to control or adjust its movement The spaceship used its thrusters to…
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Intermediate

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Japan wins first Olympic men’s foil team gold

2024年8月10日

foil

©REUTERS/Maye-E Wong Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do countries get their athletes ready for big events like the Olympics? Is fencing a popular sport in your country? What do you know about it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. competitive /kuhm-PET-i-tiv/ [adjective] – involving competition; striving to win or be better than others The new student was very competitive in the spelling bee, always aiming to be the best. initially /ih-NISH-uh-lee/ [adverb] – at the beginning; at first Initially, I thought the book would be boring, but it turned out to be quite interesting. take…
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Intermediate

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Amazon’s Q2 profits surge to $13.5 billion

2024年8月9日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some common strategies companies use to increase their profits? How important is it for companies to share their profit increase information with their employees and customers? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. profit /PROF-it/ [noun] – the financial gain made after subtracting expenses The bakery made a good profit this month, allowing them to buy new equipment. stock /stok/ [noun] – shares of a company that can be bought and sold She decided to buy more stock in the company after seeing its positive performance. advance /ad-VANS/ [noun] –…
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Intermediate

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Astronauts remain stranded in space due to technical difficulties

2024年8月8日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What could cause astronauts to become stranded in space? Why is it important for astronauts to stay calm during emergencies in space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. problem /PROB-luhm/ [noun] – a situation that needs to be dealt with or solved They are working hard to fix the problem with the spacecraft’s engine. engineer /en-juh-NEER/ [noun] – a person who designs or builds things The engineer checked the spacecraft’s systems to make sure they were working. leak /leek/ [noun] – a hole or crack through which something can escape They…
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Intermediate

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Wildfire threatens one of California’s endangered species

2024年8月7日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen an endangered species before? If yes, what was it? If not, is there any you would like to see? Have you ever seen the impacts that a disaster had on nature, especially animals? If yes, what kind of disaster was it? If not, have you ever heard of such stories in the news? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. severely /suh-VEER-lee/ [adverb] – very seriously The storm severely damaged the houses in the village. harm /hahrm/ [verb] – to hurt someone or damage something Pollution can harm…
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Intermediate

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Young gymnast Shinnosuke Oka secures gold in Paris Olympics

2024年8月6日

gymnast

©REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does an athlete need to do to get ready for the Olympics? What are some of the challenges that athletes might face while preparing for and participating in the Olympics? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. medal /MED-l/ [noun] – a small metal disc, with words or a picture on it, given as a reward for a brave action, for winning a competition, or to remember a special event She won a gold medal for her outstanding performance in the swimming competition. skilled /skild/ [adjective] – having the…
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Intermediate

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Singapore restaurant pioneers insect cuisine following new food authority approval

2024年8月5日

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©REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons a restaurant might choose to add insects to its menu? What are some foods that are considered uncommon or exotic in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. consumption /kuhn-SUHMP-shuhn/ [noun] – the amount used or eaten The new health trend focuses on reducing sugar consumption to improve overall wellness. ingredient /in-GREE-dee-uhnt/ [noun] – items or substances used in making something, especially in cooking The recipe calls for fresh ingredients to ensure the best flavor. varied /VAIR-eed/ [adjective] – containing or changing between…
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Intermediate

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