Intermediate

Early humans at the Nyayanga site show selective toolmaking behavior

stone age

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What tools do you use in your daily life? What do you think makes a good tool? Is it the material, the shape, or something else? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ancestor /AN-ses-ter/ [noun] – a person from the past in one’s family who lived long before The ancient temple was built by the ancestors of the local people. strike /strahyk/ [verb] – to hit something with force Workers used hammers to strike the metal and shape it into tools. butcher /BOOCH-er/ [verb] – to kill or cut up an…
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Y2K fashion trends make a strong comeback worldwide

Y2K

©(Nicky Andrews via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe your favorite style of clothing? What makes a fashion style interesting or fun for you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. promote /pruh-MOHT/ [verb] – to support, encourage, or advertise something so that people notice or buy it The company worked hard to promote its new smartphone on TV. denim /DEN-uhm/ [noun] – a type of strong cotton cloth, usually blue, used for making jeans and jackets This bag is made of strong denim. expression /ik-SPRESH-uhn/ [noun] – the act of showing thoughts,…
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Roblox game Grow a Garden surpasses Fortnite’s player record

roblox

©(Janzen Madsen via AP) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of game would you enjoy if you could design it yourself? What activities help you feel calm after a busy day? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. gameplay /GEYM-pley/ [noun] – the way in which a game is played, including rules, challenges, and player interaction The new racing game has exciting gameplay with fast cars and tricky tracks. setting /SET-ing/ [noun] – the place or environment where an activity or event happens The story takes place in a small village setting near the mountains. soundtrack…
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Study highlights gaps in public awareness of effective climate actions

Cris-News (7)

©AP Photo/Noah Berger, File Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What personal actions do you think help most in reducing climate change? If so, which action do you do most? If not, which could you start? Which activities do you think release the most greenhouse gases? If so, which is the biggest? If not, what could it be? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. excessive /ik-SES-iv/ [adjective] – too much; more than is reasonable or necessary He spent an excessive amount of money on clothes. consequential /kon-si-KWEN-shuhl/ [adjective] – having important or noticeable effects The new law…
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Gallup poll shows record decline in U.S. alcohol consumption amid rising health concerns

Alcohol

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How can health information change the way people live? What might make someone decide to drink less of something? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/ [adjective] – causing damage, injury, or bad effects Smoking is harmful to the lungs and heart. risky /RIS-kee/ [adjective] – involving a chance of danger, harm, or loss Climbing the mountain without safety gear is risky. update /uhp-DEYT/ [verb] – to change something so that it is more modern, accurate, or suitable for the present The school updated the rules to improve student safety….
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United Airlines system outage causes major flight disruptions in U.S. and abroad

flight

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you feel if your trip was delayed for many hours? What do you think passengers can do while waiting for a delayed flight? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to interrupt an event, activity, or process and stop it from continuing normally A power cut disrupted the online class, and students could not join the lesson. schedule /SKEJ-ool/ [noun] – a plan that shows when events or activities will happen The bus schedules changed because of road repairs in the city. tracker /TRA-kr/ [noun] –…
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Vietnam unveils comprehensive reform plan to reach high-income economy by 2045

Cris-News (6)

Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. If you could start a big project in your community, what would it be? What is one challenge you think many countries face today? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. driver /DRAHY-ver/ [noun] – someone or something that causes something to happen or develops it Education is a driver of social progress. major /MEY-jer/ [adjective] – more important, bigger, or more serious than others of the same type The company faced a major challenge last year. innovation /in-uh-VEY-shuhn/ [noun] – a new idea or method, or the use of new ideas…
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YouTube unveils AI age-verification system to enhance safety for minors in U.S.

Cris-News (5)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of videos do you think are popular with younger viewers? What are some risks of sharing personal information online? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. intrusive /in-TROO-siv/ [adjective] – affecting someone in a way that annoys them and makes them feel uncomfortable The loud music from the neighbors was intrusive. inappropriate /in-uh-PROH-pree-it/ [adjective] – not suitable or right for a particular situation Wearing a swimsuit to a wedding would be inappropriate. streamlined /STREEM-lahynd/ [adjective] – improved or made simpler so that it works more efficiently The company introduced a…
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FAA proposal could accelerate expansion of drone deliveries in the U.S.

delivery drone

©(AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the fastest delivery you have ever had? If drones could deliver anything, what would you want them to bring? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. transport /trans-PAWRT/ [verb] – to move people or things from one place to another Trucks are used to transport goods from factories to stores. waiver /WEY-ver/ [noun] – a document that states someone gives up a right or claim Visitors must sign a waiver before joining the mountain climbing tour. certification /sur-tuh-fi-KEY-shuhn/ [noun] – an official document that proves someone or…
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Spain faces octopus shortage amid climate and fishing pressures

Octopus

©(AP Photo by Annika Hammerschlag) Pre-reading Questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kinds of seafood are popular in your area, and how are they usually prepared? If you could create a festival for any food, what would it be and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. decade /DEK-eyd/ [noun] – a period of ten years Over the past decade, the city has built several new parks and public spaces. decline /dih-KLAHYN/ [noun] – a gradual decrease in amount, quality, or importance The decline in bee populations has worried environmental scientists. industrial /in-DUHS-tree-uhl/ [adjective] – related to…
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