Intermediate

Nigeria bans raw shea nut exports to boost local industry

shea

©(AP Photo/David Durowaiye) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What products do you know that are made from plants or natural ingredients? What do you think is more helpful for people in small communities: farming or building factories? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ban /ban/ [noun] – an official order that stops people from doing or using something The city announced a six-month ban on plastic bags to reduce waste. capacity /kuh-PAS-i-tee/ [noun] – the ability to hold, produce, or deal with something The stadium has the capacity to hold 50,000 people for the football match….
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Climate change intensified deadly wildfires in Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus, study finds

Cris-News (20)

©AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever read about wildfires in the news? If so, what did you learn? If not, what do you imagine happens? Do you know why high temperatures and droughts can cause fires? If so, can you give an example? If not, what do you think happens to trees? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pivotal /PIV-uh-tl/ [adjective] – very important because of its effect on the future of something Clean water is pivotal for good health. susceptible /suh-SEP-tuh-buhl/ [adjective] – easily influenced or harmed by something…
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Japan expands matcha production as global demand surges

matcha

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of drinks or desserts do you enjoy the most? What traditional food or drink is popular in your country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. reputation /rep-yuh-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the opinion people have about someone or something, based on past behavior or quality The school has a strong reputation for excellent teaching. origin /AWR-i-jin/ [noun] – the beginning, cause, or source of something Scientists studied the origin of the ancient artifacts. shortage /SHAWR-tij/ [noun] – a situation where there is not enough of something that is needed Hospitals reported…
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Polish village preserves lace heritage while attracting world fashion houses

crochet

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of things do people in your country make by hand? Do you think handmade items are more special than factory-made items? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. practice /PRAK-tis/ [noun] – a regular way of doing something; a custom or tradition The practice of planting trees during festivals has continued in many villages. craft /kraft/ [noun] – a skill in making things by hand Pottery is a traditional craft that many families in the town still teach their children. fixed /fikst/ [adjective] – not changing;…
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Scientists record rare view of star exploding in Milky Way

Cris-News (19)

©Ethan Tweedie/W. M. Keck Observatory via AP Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could name a new star, what name would you give it? How would you feel if you could see a star explode in the sky? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. credible /KRED-uh-buhl/ [adjective] – able to be trusted or believed The teacher gave a credible explanation of the strange event. established /ih-STAB-lisht/ [adjective] – accepted or respected because it has existed for a long time English is an established global language used in many countries. insightful /in-SAHYT-fuhl/ [adjective] – showing a…
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Midwest corn farmers struggle with 2025 weather shifts as record harvest forecast

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Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of weather do you like the most? Why? If you could grow your own food, what would you like to plant? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. contradictory /kon-truh-DIK-tuh-ree/ [adjective] – if two or more facts, pieces of advice, etc. are contradictory, they are very different His story was contradictory to the facts in the report. pervasive /per-VEY-siv/ [adjective] – present or noticeable in every part of a thing or place The smell of food was pervasive in the small kitchen. onerous /ON-er-uhs/ [adjective] – difficult to do or…
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California lawmakers scheduled to decide on food allergen bill

Menu (2)

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of food do you usually eat when you go to a restaurant? How do you decide what food is safe or good for you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. allergen /AL-er-juhn/ [noun] – a substance that causes an allergic reaction Dust is a common allergen that makes some people sneeze. governor /GUHV-er-ner/ [noun] – a person in charge of an organization or of a particular political unit, especially a U.S. state The governor signed a new law to support public schools. update /uhp-DEYT/ [verb] – to make something…
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Scientists report success in efforts to restore red-legged frogs

Frog (2)

©(AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animals can be found near rivers, lakes, or ponds in your country? What do you think scientists can do to help animals live safely in nature? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pond /pond/ [noun] – a small area of water, usually smaller than a lake Ducks were seen swimming in the ponds inside the city park. conservation /kon-ser-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the protection of nature, animals, and the environment A new program was created for the conservation of sea turtles on the coast. transport /trans-PAWRT/ [verb] –…
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German economy contracts 0.3% in Q2 2025 amid tariffs and weak spending

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©AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the word “investment”? What do you think makes a place or community strong during hard times? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. absolute /AB-suh-loot/ [adjective] – very great or to the largest degree possible. The teacher had absolute control in the classroom. absorb /ab-SAWRB/ [verb] – to take something in, especially gradually. The sponge can absorb water quickly. abstract /ab-STRAKT/ [adjective] – existing as an idea, not as a material object The artist painted an abstract picture. concrete /KON-kreet/ [adjective]…
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CEO pay in S&P 500 rises nearly 10% in 2024 as pay gap widens

Cris-News (16)

©Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Would you prefer a secure, average-paying job or a risky job with very high pay? Why? Do you think pay should depend on effort, skills, or results? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. formidable /FAWR-mi-duh-buhl/ [adjective] – causing you to have fear or respect for something because it is large, powerful, or difficult The company faced a formidable challenge in meeting its profit goals. detrimental /de-truh-MEN-tl/ [adjective] – causing harm or damage Skipping meals can have a detrimental effect on health. conspicuous /kuhn-SPIK-yoo-uhs/ [adjective] –…
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