Intermediate

Cocoa farmers fight climate challenges in Indonesia

cocoa

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you were starting a new farm, what crops would you choose to grow and why? What do you think farmers need most to grow healthy plants—sunlight, water, or good soil? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. steady /STED-ee/ [adjective] – not changing or moving suddenly; constant Tomato plants need steady temperatures and plenty of sunlight to grow well. humidity /hyoo-MID-i-tee/ [noun] – the amount of moisture in the air The humidity in the greenhouse helps the plants grow faster. fertilizer /FUR-tl-ahy-zer/ [noun] – a natural or chemical substance that…
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MIT study reveals climate change is increasing space debris, threatening satellite operations

Brix-News

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about climate change and its effects on the Earth? Can you name some of the gases that contribute to climate change? How do these gases make the Earth warmer? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. debris /duh-BREE/ [noun] – the scattered remains of something broken or destroyed After the storm, there was debris all over the street. vital /VAHYT-l/ [adjective] – extremely important or necessary for life Water is vital for our survival. exploration /ek-spluh-REY-shuhn/ [noun] – the action of traveling to discover new places or knowledge…
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Iguanas reach Fiji by riding ocean rafts, study finds

Iguana

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a lizard or iguana before? If so, what did it look like, and where did you see it? If not, what do you imagine they might look like? Have you ever discovered something surprising about an animal? If yes, what was it? If not, what kind of animal would you like to learn more about? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. occur /uh-KUR/ [verb] – to happen or take place The extinction of the dinosaurs is thought to have occurred roughly 66 million years ago. pattern /PAT-ern/…
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Decline of North American bird populations raises conservation concerns

flock

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think birds need to survive and stay healthy? What kinds of things would you want to learn about birds if you were a scientist? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – a decrease in the number, value, or quality of something There have been major declines in the number of students joining the science club this year. waterfowl /WAW-ter-foul/ [noun] – any bird that spends much of its life on or around a river or lake, especially one that is shot for food or sport…
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Royal Mint honors John Lennon with commemorative coin collection

JLenon

©(Matt Crossick/PA Media Assignments via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think is special about music? What do you think makes a song or musician memorable for many years? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. series /SEER-eez/ [noun] – a number of things, events, or people of a similar kind following one after another The TV network released a new series about famous inventors, showcasing their remarkable contributions to science. detailed /dih-TEYLD/ [adjective] – showing or giving a lot of information with careful attention to small parts The architect presented a detailed blueprint…
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Ancient fossil discovery in Spain reveals early human presence in western Europe

Copy of News Templates

©(Maria D. Guillén/IPHES-CERCA, Elena Santos/CENIEH via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think life was like for people who lived a million years ago? If you could travel back in time to meet early humans, what questions would you ask them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cheekbone /CHEEK-bohn/ [noun] – the bone that forms the prominent part of the cheek During the accident, he bruised his cheekbone, causing swelling on his face. jaw /jaw/ [noun] – the lower part of the face that moves when you talk or eat; the bones that…
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NASA launches Spherex Space Telescope to map the sky and explore galaxies’ evolution

Copy of News Templates (3)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about space telescopes? What do you think happens when a telescope is launched into space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to send something into the air or space, typically by force. The rocket will launch from the space center tomorrow. galaxy /gal-uhk-see/ [noun] – a large system of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity The Milky Way is a galaxy that contains our solar system. investigate /in-VES-ti-geyt/ [verb] – to carefully examine or study something to find out more information…
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AI transforms vineyard management with smart technology

Ai_vinyard

©(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of jobs do you think robots or machines could do better than people? If you could invent a new machine for farmers, what special features would it have? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. efficiency /ih-FISH-uhn-see/ [noun] – the ability to do something well with minimal waste of time, effort, or resources The new software improved efficiency in the office by automating repetitive tasks. sensor /SEN-sawr/ [noun] – a device that detects or measures a physical property and records, indicates, or responds to it The security…
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Experts emphasize balanced eating over strict schedules

exercise

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you were going to run a marathon or play a sport, what kinds of food would you choose to eat before and after? Why? If you had to design your own “perfect meal” for a workout day, what would you include? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. evidence /EV-i-duhns/ [noun] – information or facts that show something is true There is no strong evidence to prove that studying late at night improves memory. dietitian /dahy-i-TISH-uhn/ [noun] – a person who is trained to give advice on healthy eating and…
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Early humans used bones to make tools 1.5 million years ago

animal bones

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could go back in time, what would you want to teach early humans? What are some everyday tools you use? How do they help make tasks easier? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. handheld /HAND-held/ [adjective] – small and designed to be held in the hand The researchers developed a handheld device to detect air pollution in urban areas. weapon /WEP-uhn/ [noun] – an object used to harm or attack Ancient warriors used spears and bows as weapons for hunting and battle. craftsmanship /KRAFTS-muhn-ship/ [noun] – the skill of…
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