Intermediate

Endangered no more: Iberian lynx reclassified as vulnerable after remarkable recovery efforts

lynx-5581792_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the Iberian lynx and its habitat? How important do you think the survival of endangered species like the Iberian lynx is? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. native /NAY-tiv/ [adjective] – used to refer to plants and animals that grow naturally in a place, and have not been brought there from somewhere else The kangaroo is native to Australia. endangered /en-DAN-jerd/ [adjective] – animals or plants that may soon not exist because there are very few now alive The panda is an endangered animal that needs…
Read more

New fossil discovery sheds light on pre-dinosaur predators in Brazil

fossil

©Rodrigo Temp Muller/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think scientists want to explore and study ancient life forms from millions of years ago? Would you like to become a paleontologist? If so, what aspects of studying prehistoric life interest you? If not, what other fields of science or exploration do you find more appealing, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. crocodile /KROK-uh-dahyl/ [noun] – a large reptile with a hard skin that lives in and near rivers and lakes in hot, wet parts of the world The Nile…
Read more

Los Angeles schools vote to ban smartphones for learning and health

girl-5425872_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What role should technology play in classrooms to enhance learning outcomes? What are some ways schools can help students stay focused during classes? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. package /PAK-ij/ [noun] – containers or wrappings in which items are enclosed Please ensure the package is securely sealed before shipping it out. pouch /pouch/ [noun] – a bag or soft container for a small object or a small amount of something She kept her spare change in a small leather pouch. nationwide /NEY-shuhn-WAHYD/ [adjective] – existing or happening in all parts…
Read more

World Bank revises global economic growth forecast to 2.6%

economic-1050731_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What does “global economic growth forecast” refer to? How might such forecasts impact different countries? Can you name any factors that could affect global economic growth positively or negatively? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. improvement /im-PROOV-muhnt/ [noun] – the act or process of making something better Despite the improvement in technology, there are still many challenges to overcome. barrier /BARE-ee-er/ [noun] – something that prevents movement or access; an obstacle Language barriers can make it difficult for people from different countries to communicate effectively. conflict /KON-flikt/ [noun] – a serious…
Read more

Tropical storm Alberto makes landfall, triggering floods and evacuations in Texas and Northern Mexico

ai-generated-8244286_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever experienced a storm? If so, what kind of storm was it and how did it affect you? If not, what do you think it would be like to experience one? What do you know about how storms form? Can you describe the conditions that might lead to the formation of a storm? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. flash flood /FLASH fluhd/ [noun] – a sudden and severe flood, typically caused by heavy rain After the heavy rain, a flash flood swept through the village, damaging homes and…
Read more

Extreme heat endangers health and safety

heatwave

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What changes have you noticed in the weather patterns over the past few years? How do those changes you mentioned affect your daily life? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dizziness /DI-zee-nuhs/ [noun] – a temporary feeling that your sense of balance is not good and that you may fall down She felt a sudden wave of dizziness and had to sit down to steady herself. thirst /thurst/ [noun] – a need for something to drink After spending hours in the scorching sun, she experienced a strong thirst and eagerly reached…
Read more

Ancient DNA analysis uncovers pivotal horse evolution 4,200 years ago

dna-8829661_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about how animals change over time to better survive in their environments? Why do you think some species survive while others go extinct? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. occur /uh-KUR/ [verb] – (especially of accidents and other unexpected events) to happen The event will occur next week, so we need to prepare. domestication /duh-mes-ti-KAY-shuhn/ [noun] – the process of bringing animals or plants under human control in order to provide food, power, or company The domestication of dogs happened thousands of years ago. archaeological /ahr-kee-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective]…
Read more

Regan Smith shatters records and hearts

young-swimmer-2501548_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you enjoy most about swimming? What types of swimming styles do you know? Can you describe or demonstrate one of those styles? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. determination /dih-tur-muh-NAY-shuhn/ [noun] – the quality of being determined to do or achieve something Her determination to succeed helped her win the swimming competition. maintain /meyn-TEYN/ [verb] – to continue to have; to keep in existence He tries to maintain a healthy diet to stay fit for swimming. obstacle /OB-stuh-kuhl/ [noun] – something that blocks your way so that movement or…
Read more

Mexican governor foresees avocado export resumption amid security incident

avocado-2351191_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some everyday products or items that you rely on, and how do you think they are produced or sourced? When you hear about disruptions in international trade, such as suspensions of exports or imports, what do you think might be the reasons behind such actions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inspection /in-SPEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the official examination or assessment carried out by authorities to ensure compliance with health standards or regulations The restaurant underwent a thorough inspection to ensure food safety standards were met. resumption /ri-ZUHMP-shuhn/ [noun] –…
Read more

Extreme weather chaos across U.S.

red-park-bench-2635551_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of extreme weather have you experienced or heard about? How does extreme weather impact daily life and the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cite /sahyt/ [verb] – to quote as evidence for or justification of an argument or statement The scientist cited several studies to support her theory about climate change. near /neer/ [verb] – to come close to in distance, time, or degree. The temperature is nearing 90°F, so it’s time to turn on the air conditioner. monsoon /mon-SOON/ [noun] – a season of heavy rain…
Read more