Intermediate

Pet weddings rise in popularity in China

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Do you have a pet? If yes, what kind of pet do you have? If not, would you consider having a pet in the future, and why or why not? Why are pets important to many families around the world? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. marriage /MAR-ij/ [noun] – a legally accepted relationship between two people in which they live together, or the official ceremony that results in this After years of dating, they finally decided to enter into marriage. fancy /FAN-see/ [adjective] – elegant, luxurious, or elaborate Her wedding…
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Japan faces heatwave impacts on various industries and public health

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What challenges do communities face during extreme weather conditions? Aside from extreme temperatures, what other effects of climate change have you observed recently? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. throughout /throo-OUT/ [adverb] – in every part, or during the whole period of time The tradition of celebrating cherry blossom festivals is observed throughout Japan. equipped /ih-KWIPT/ [adjective] – provided with necessary items or equipment The new laboratory is equipped with the latest technology to conduct advanced research. cool down /kool doun/ [phrasal verb] – to decrease in temperature; to become cooler…
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Minnesota flooding causes partial dam collapse

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about flooding? How can flooding impact a community? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. destruction /dih-STRUHK-shuhn/ [noun] – the act of destroying something, or the state of being destroyed The hurricane caused widespread destruction in the coastal town, damaging homes and roads. overflowing /oh-ver-FLOH-ing/ [adjective] – (of a container) so full that the contents go over the sides The river was overflowing after the heavy rain, flooding the nearby streets. partial /PAHR-shuhl/ [adjective] – not complete The team made partial progress on the project, but there was still…
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Neanderthal fossil reveals earliest evidence of Down syndrome and compassionate care

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©REUTERS/Nikola Solic/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some challenges you think ancient humans faced in caring for people with disabilities or health issues? Are you interested in discoveries that provide insights into the social behaviors of early human societies? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. constant /KON-stuhnt/ [adjective] – continuous and unending The patient required constant supervision due to their medical condition. strength /strengkth/ [noun] – the ability to do things that need a lot of physical or mental effort Her strength allowed her to lift the heavy boxes…
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ALOS-4 satellite successfully launched to enhance Earth observations and national security

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the term space exploration? Do you think space exploration has advantages? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. rocket /ROK-it/ [noun] – a large cylinder-shaped object that moves very fast by forcing out burning gases, used for space travel or as a weapon The rocket soared into the sky, leaving a trail of smoke behind. engineering /EN-juh-neer-ing/ [noun] – the branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines, and structures Engineering involves solving complex…
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Australia increases visa fees to manage migration surge and enhance education integrity

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Have you considered studying abroad? If yes, where are you thinking of studying? If not, what are your reasons for not considering it? What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. minister /MIN-uh-ster/ [noun] – a government official who heads a specific department or ministry The Minister of Education announced new initiatives to improve school facilities across the country. treat /treet/ [verb] – to behave towards someone or deal with something in a particular way The teacher treats all students equally, regardless of their…
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Brazilian claims world’s largest shirt collection with 6,101 pieces of history

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©REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of items are most likely to be collected as hobbies or passions? What motivates individuals to start and maintain collections of specific items? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mere /meer/ [adjective] – only or nothing more than Beyond mere ingredients, the chef sees her dishes as a celebration of local culture and tradition, infused with flavors that evoke memories of childhood. found /found/ [verb] – to establish or bring something into existence Elon Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 to revolutionize space exploration. value /VAL-yoo/ [verb] –…
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Simon Cowell seeks to revive UK boy bands

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name any popular boy bands or musical groups that have achieved international fame? What do you think contributed to their success? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. split up /SPLIT uhp/ [phrasal verb] – to separate or disband After years of performing together, the band decided to split up and pursue solo careers. fame /feym/ [noun] – the state of being known or recognized by many people because of your achievements, skills, etc. The band’s album propelled them to international fame, leading to sold-out concerts worldwide. unlike /uhn-LAHYK/ [preposition]…
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Flying squirrel colony found in unexpected university tree removal mission

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about flying squirrels? How do you think they differ from other types of squirrels? Have you ever seen a flying squirrel before? If so, where? If not, what do you think they look like? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stumble upon /STUHM-buhl uh-PAWN/ [idiom] – to discover by chance The hikers stumbled upon a hidden waterfall while exploring the dense forest. intrigue /in-TREEG/ [verb] – to interest someone a lot, especially by being strange, unusual, or mysterious The mystery novel intrigued her with its unexpected plot…
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Venus shows more volcanic activity than previously thought

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How important do you think it is for scientists to continuously update their knowledge and understanding of space exploration findings? What planet or planets are you familiar with? What interesting information or facts could you share about them? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. radar /REY-dahr/ [noun] – a system that uses radio waves to find the position of objects that cannot be seen The airport’s radar detected an incoming aircraft long before it was visible to the naked eye. scale /skeyl/ [noun] – the size, extent, or level of something,…
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