Intermediate

Archaeologists unearth twelve sandstone statues at Angkor Thom in Cambodia

BRIX IIMG (15)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about archaeology? What tools or methods do archaeologists typically use in their work? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. sculpture /SKULP-cher/ [noun] – the art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms, especially by carving stone or wood The museum displayed an ancient sculpture carved from stone. dedicated /DED-i-key-tid/ [adjective] – believing that an activity or idea is important and giving a lot of energy and time to it She is dedicated to preserving the local history of her town. restoration /reh-str-AY-shn/ [noun] – the…
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Apple introduces hearing aid feature in AirPods Pro 2

earpods

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do you think smartphones have changed the way we communicate and interact with others? What types of apps do you find most useful in your daily life, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. feature /FEE-cher/ [noun] – a typical quality or an important part of something The new car model includes a safety feature that automatically stops the vehicle if an obstacle is detected. regulation /reg-yuh-LEY-shuhn/ [noun] – an official rule or the act of controlling something The company had to adjust its operations to comply with environmental…
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Europe faces catastrophic flooding while the U.S. endures a flash drought amid extreme weather patterns linked to climate change

BRIX IIMG (12)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What causes changes in weather patterns? How does climate change affect our environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. severe /suh-VEER/ [adjective] – very great; intense The storm caused severe damage to many buildings. disruption /dis-RUHP-shuhn/ [noun] – disturbance or problems that interrupt an event, activity, or process The earthquake caused a major disruption in the city’s transportation system. transportation /trans-per-TEY-shuhn/ [noun] – the action of moving people or goods from one place to another Public transportation is essential for many people in cities. trap /trap/ [verb] – to catch and…
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Christopher Reeve shows a hero’s true story

Superman

©REUTERS/Peter Cziborra/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Superman? What qualities do you think make someone a hero? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tragic /TRAJ-ik/ [adjective] – very sad, often involving death and suffering The sudden loss of her pet was a tragic event for the entire family. dramatically /druh-MAT-ik-lee/ [adverb] – suddenly or obviously The new policy changed the company’s performance dramatically, leading to higher profits. capture /KAP-cher/ [verb] – to record or take a picture of something using a camera The photographer aims to capture the beauty of…
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New York City launches “Living Breakwaters” project to protect coastline and restore marine ecosystems after Superstorm Sandy

reeef

©AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is coastal protection? Why is protecting coastal areas important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. coastal /KOHS-tl/ [adjective] – relating to or located on the coast The coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere. natural /NACH-er-uhl/ [adjective] – existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind The park is filled with natural beauty and diverse wildlife to explore. defense /dih-FENS/ [noun] – the action of defending from or resisting attack; protection The team improved its defense to prevent the…
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Curfew aims to reduce overtourism in Seoul’s historic hanok village

hanok village

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some popular tourist destinations in your country? If you could visit any famous tourist destination, where would you go and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dynasty /DAHY-nuh-stee/ [noun] – a line of hereditary rulers of a country or a powerful family that maintains power for a long period The Ming Dynasty is known for its significant contributions to Chinese culture and art. flock /flok/ [verb] – to gather or move in a large crowd towards a place Tourists flock to the beach each summer to enjoy the…
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Joya-La Barreta Ecological Park in Querétaro becomes the first certified Urban Night Sky Reserve in Latin America

BRIX IIMG (11)

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is a night sky reserve? What are some reasons why people might be interested in astronomy or stargazing? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. ecological /ee-kuh-LAA-juh-kl/ [adjective] – relating to the environment and the relationship between living things and their surroundings Many farmers use ecological methods to protect nature while growing food. certified /SUR-tuh-fahyd/ [adjective] – officially recognized as possessing certain qualifications or meeting specific standards The teacher is certified to teach science and mathematics in high school. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to interrupt the normal progress or activity of…
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Renowned author, unworried by AI, continues prolific writing career

writer

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are the most important skills or qualities a writer needs? How would you react if you found out your favorite book was written by AI? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. replicate /REP-li-keyt/ [verb] – to make a copy or reproduce The artist wanted to replicate the beauty of the landscape in her painting. convincingly /kuhn-VIN-suhng-lee/ [adverb] – in a way that causes someone to believe that something is true or real The actor performed the role convincingly, making the audience believe in the character. tale /teyl/ [noun] – a…
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Chess sees global resurgence fueled by tech innovations and influential media

chess-1702761_1280

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why is chess considered a strategic game? What benefits might playing chess have for players? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. demographics /dem-uh-GRAF-iks/ [noun] – the study of the characteristics of a population, such as age, race, and income The company analyzed the demographics to understand its customer base better. engage /en-GEYJ/ [verb] – to participate or become involved in something Students engage in discussions to share their thoughts on important topics. integrity /in-TEG-ri-tee/ [noun] – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles A leader must have integrity…
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Scientists analyze Mount Everest’s ongoing increase in height

Mt. Everest

Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the tallest mountain in your country? What unique features or characteristics does the tallest mountain in your country have? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. subcontinent /suhb-KON-tn-uhnt/ [noun] – a large landmass smaller than a continent, typically referring to a distinct region of a continent The Indian subcontinent is known for its diverse cultures and languages. uplift /UHP-lift/ [noun] – the increase in height or elevation over a period of time Due to ongoing volcanic activity, the uplift of the region has accelerated, raising concerns among local residents. erosion…
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