Intermediate

Scientists win Nobel Prize in chemistry for creating gas-trapping molecular structures

Nobel Prize

©(Fredrik Sandberg/TT News Agency via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of global problems do you think scientists are trying to solve today? If you could invent something to help the Earth, what would it be? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. chemistry /KEM-uh-stree/ [noun] – the science that studies substances and how they change when mixed or combined She wants to study chemistry in college to become a scientist. structure /STRUHK-cher/ [noun] – something that has been built or arranged in a particular way Many modern structures are made of glass and steel….
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Plant-based diets gain attention for their health and environmental benefits

plant-based

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of food do you usually eat at home? What do you think makes food healthy? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. nonprofit /non-PROF-it/ [adjective] – not intended to make a profit; working to help people or support a cause instead of earning money She volunteers for a nonprofit school that provides free education to children. promote /pruh-MOHT/ [verb] – to support or encourage the growth, development, or spread of something The government launched a program to promote recycling in all public schools. flavor /FLEY-ver/ [noun] – the taste of…
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Giant pumpkin in New York highlights human ingenuity in horticulture

Giant Pumpkin

©(AP Photo/Shelby Lum) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think helps plants grow well? If you could grow any giant fruit or vegetable, what would you choose and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fertilizer /FUR-tl-ahy-zer/ [noun] – a substance added to soil to help plants grow The farmer used organic fertilizer to help his tomatoes grow bigger. compete /kuhm-PEET/ [verb] – to try to win or be better than others Students compete in a science contest to show their projects. nutrient /NOO-tree-uhnt/ [noun] – a substance in food or soil that helps…
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Scientists call for global diet shift to protect health and the planet

fruits and vegies

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of food make you feel healthy or give you energy? What are some simple things people can do to waste less food at home? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. planetary /PLAN-i-ter-ee/ [adjective] – relating to or affecting the whole planet Earth The summit focused on planetary challenges such as pollution and deforestation. legume /LEG-yoom/ [noun] – a plant such as a bean, pea, or lentil whose seed is eaten as food Farmers grew legumes like beans and lentils to improve soil quality. cardiovascular /kahr-dee-oh-VAS-kyuh-ler/ [adjective] – relating to…
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Scientists detect new organic molecules on Saturn’s moon Enceladus

Saturn

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to your mind when you think about space? If you could visit a moon or planet, what would you like to see there? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. molecule /MOL-uh-kyool/ [noun] – the smallest unit of a substance made up of two or more atoms joined together Scientists studied water molecules in the laboratory to understand their behavior. ring /ring/ [noun] – a circular band of dust, ice, or rock that moves around a planet Astronomers observed the bright rings of Saturn through a telescope. subsurface /suhb-SUR-fuhs/ [adjective]…
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Study reveals ancient carvings dating back 12,000 years

rock carving

©(Maria Guagnin/Sahout Rock Art and Archaeology Project via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could visit one ancient place in the world, where would you like to go and why? What animals from today do you think people would carve into rock to show future generations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. artwork /AHRT-wurk/ [noun] – a painting, drawing, sculpture, or other piece made by an artist The museum displayed an artwork of a famous king from the 15th century. ancestor /AN-ses-ter/ [noun] – a person, animal, or plant from the past that modern…
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Foraging revival connects people with nature and tradition

foreaging

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is one food or ingredient from nature that you would like to try in a new dish? How do you think eating food from nature might feel different from eating food bought in a store? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. specialist /SPESH-uh-list/ [noun] – a person who has expert knowledge in a particular subject A computer specialist helped the company fix its network problems. workshop /WURK-shop/ [noun] – a meeting or class where people learn and practice a skill The art center offered painting workshops for children during the…
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New Zealand falcon takes top spot in bird of the year vote

Falcon

©(Craig McKenzie via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animal in your country do you think is special? Why? If you were a volunteer in an animal contest, how would you promote your favorite animal? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. threat /thret/ [noun] – a danger or something that can cause harm Air pollution is a growing threat to people living in big cities. dynamic /dahy-NAM-ik/ [adjective] – always changing, full of energy, or active The city has a dynamic culture with many festivals and activities. volunteer /vol-uhn-TEER/ [noun] – a person who offers…
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Cyberattack disrupts European airports, causes major flight cancellations

cyberattack

©(Carsten Koall/dpa via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think people feel when their travel plans suddenly change? What would you do if you had to wait many hours before a trip? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to interrupt or stop the normal progress of something Heavy rain disrupted train services across the country, causing long delays. update /UHP-deyt/ [noun] – the newest version of information, software, or a system The company released an update to fix problems in the mobile app. operational /op-uh-REY-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – working and…
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CBO projects U.S. growth slowdown in 2025 amid tariffs

©AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What happens when people spend less money in shops? What happens when there are fewer workers in a country? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. adverse /ad-VURS/ [adjective] – having a negative or harmful effect on something Heavy rain had an adverse effect on the crops. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – large in size, value, or importance The company made a substantial profit last year. evident /EV-i-duhnt/ [adjective] – easily seen or understood; clear It was evident that she studied for the exam. intricate /IN-tri-kit/ [adjective] – having…
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