Intermediate

Japan shows cultural and scientific appreciation for insects

beetle

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to your mind when you think of insects? How would you feel if someone gave you an insect as a gift? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. appreciation /uh-pree-shee-EY-shuhn/ [noun] – a feeling of being thankful or recognizing the value of something The students showed their appreciation for music by attending the concert. curiosity /kyoor-ee-OS-i-tee/ [noun] – a strong desire to learn or know about something His curiosity about space led him to read many astronomy books. companion /kuhm-PAN-yuhn/ [noun] – a person or animal you spend a lot…
Read more

OpenAI launches GPT-5 amid rising global AI competition

chatGPT

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could ask an AI any question, what would it be? What is the most interesting thing you would like AI to do for you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] – a particular form or type of something that is different from others of the same kind The company released a new version of the mobile app with better security features. chatbot /CHAT-bot/ [noun] – a computer program that can talk with people through messages or voice The online store uses a chatbot to answer customer…
Read more

New Yorker documents every museum across the city

museum

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of place would you like to visit if you could explore the whole city? What do you think makes a small or unknown place interesting to visit? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. estimate /ES-tuh-meyt/ [verb] – to guess or calculate the value, size, or amount of something based on information The teacher estimated that the project would cost less than expected. tour guide /toor gahyd/ [noun] – a person whose job is to show tourists around places and explain interesting facts about them The tour guide explained the…
Read more

CDC report highlights health risks of ultra-processed foods in U.S.

Cris-News (2)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever tried frozen or ready-to-eat meals? If so, how often do you eat them? If not, what food do you usually eat? Do you usually check the labels when buying food? If so, what do you look for? If not, why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ultra-processed /UHL-truh-proh-sest/ [adjective] – describes food made with many changes, including added sugar and chemicals Chips and candy are ultra-processed foods. additive /AD-i-tiv/ [noun] – substances added to food to improve taste, color, or life span Some foods have many additives…
Read more

Ancient tomb found in Luxor offers new clues about Egypt’s history

Cris-News (1)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever heard about ancient tombs in Egypt? If so, what did you learn? If not, what do you want to know? Is it important to protect old places? If so, why is it important? If not, what do you think should be done? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extraordinary /ik-STRAWR-dn-er-ee/ [adjective] – very unusual, special, or surprising The scientist made an extraordinary discovery during the dig. precision /pri-SIZH-uhn/ [noun] – the quality of being exact and accurate Surgery must be done with great precision to avoid mistakes. stimulate…
Read more

Thailand sets up emergency animal shelters amid border conflict

pet

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you had to leave home quickly, what is one thing you would bring with you? What do you think animals feel when they are left alone in a new place? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. conflict /KON-flikt/ [noun] – a fight or war between two or more groups or countries News reports talked about the conflict in the northern region. state /steyt/ [verb] – to say or write something clearly and officially The manager stated the rules at the beginning of the meeting. welcome /WEL-kuhm/ [verb] – to say…
Read more

Biomaterials gain attention in fashion industry’s sustainability efforts

fashion

©(AP Photo/Mary Conlon) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of clothes do you like to wear? Why? If you could design your own clothes, what special feature would they have? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. handmade /HAND-MEYD/ [adjective] – made by a person, not by a machine We bought a handmade basket at the local market. microplastic /MAHY-kroh-plas-tik/ [noun] – a very small piece of plastic that pollutes the environment. Scientists found microplastics in the ocean water. brand /brand/ [noun] – the name of a company that makes and sells products That store sells…
Read more

Primate sanctuary opens in Mississippi to aid animal rescue and veteran rehabilitation

Cris-News

©AP Photo/Sophie Bates Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you ever seen a monkey or any wild animal in real life? If so, where did you see it, and how did you feel? What happens to pets that people cannot take care of anymore? Do you know any place in your area that helps these animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. primary /PRAHY-mer-ee/ [adjective] – more important than anything else; main The primary goal of the center is to help animals. daily /DEY-lee/ [adjective] – adjective She checks the animals daily to keep them safe….
Read more

Experts promote humane and sustainable pest control practices

pest

©(AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What animals or insects do you often see near your home? What could happen if people and wild animals lived close to each other? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. trap /trap/ [noun] – a device used to catch and hold animals or things The farmer set traps to catch rabbits eating his vegetables. attic /AT-ik/ [noun] – a space or room just below the roof of a building Old clothes and books were stored in the attic for many years. vent /vent/ [noun] – an opening…
Read more

Breakthrough study links bacteria to decade-long sea star decline

sunflower sea stars

©(Grant Callegari/Hakai Institute via AP) Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could explore the ocean, what animals or plants would you like to see? What do you think might happen to the ocean if one important animal suddenly disappeared? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stretch /strech/ [verb] – to extend or reach over a certain distance or period of time The desert stretched from the northern border to the southern coastline. shellfish /SHEL-fish/ [noun] – small sea animals with shells, such as crabs, shrimp, oysters, or clams, that are eaten as food Many people…
Read more