Intermediate

Regan Smith shatters records and hearts

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you enjoy most about swimming? What types of swimming styles do you know? Can you describe or demonstrate one of those styles? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. determination /dih-tur-muh-NAY-shuhn/ [noun] – the quality of being determined to do or achieve something Her determination to succeed helped her win the swimming competition. maintain /meyn-TEYN/ [verb] – to continue to have; to keep in existence He tries to maintain a healthy diet to stay fit for swimming. obstacle /OB-stuh-kuhl/ [noun] – something that blocks your way so that movement or…
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Mexican governor foresees avocado export resumption amid security incident

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some everyday products or items that you rely on, and how do you think they are produced or sourced? When you hear about disruptions in international trade, such as suspensions of exports or imports, what do you think might be the reasons behind such actions? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. inspection /in-SPEK-shuhn/ [noun] – the official examination or assessment carried out by authorities to ensure compliance with health standards or regulations The restaurant underwent a thorough inspection to ensure food safety standards were met. resumption /ri-ZUHMP-shuhn/ [noun] –…
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Extreme weather chaos across U.S.

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of extreme weather have you experienced or heard about? How does extreme weather impact daily life and the environment? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. cite /sahyt/ [verb] – to quote as evidence for or justification of an argument or statement The scientist cited several studies to support her theory about climate change. near /neer/ [verb] – to come close to in distance, time, or degree. The temperature is nearing 90°F, so it’s time to turn on the air conditioner. monsoon /mon-SOON/ [noun] – a season of heavy rain…
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Scientists discover fossils of ‘Sea Phantom’ pterosaur in Australia

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©Curtin University/Gabriel Ugueto/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Are you interested in learning about ancient or prehistoric times? Why or why not? What aspects of ancient history or prehistoric life intrigue you the most? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. fossil /FOS-uhl/ [noun] – the remains or impressions of a prehistoric organism preserved in petrified form or as a mold or cast in rock The museum displayed a fossil of a prehistoric fish, perfectly preserved in sedimentary rock. eerie /EER-ee/ [adjective] – strange in a frightening and mysterious way The abandoned house had an…
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H5N1 avian influenza devastates global bird populations, raises alarm over potential human epidemic

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about bird flu and how it spreads among birds? Why do you think some viruses can infect multiple species while others cannot? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. infect /in-FECT/ [verb] – to pass a disease to a person, animal, or plant Doctors are trying to stop the virus from infecting more people. preventive /pri-VEN-tiv/ [adjective] – intended to stop something before it happens The community took preventive actions to avoid the flu. attention /uh-TEN-shuhn/ [noun] – notice, thought, or interest The teacher asked for the students’…
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Outbreak investigation underway at Havasupai Reservation as tourists report illnesses; officials respond

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you hear the word “hiking”? Can you name any popular hiking destinations? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. stunning /STUHN-ing/ [adjective] – extremely beautiful or attractive The sunset over the ocean was absolutely stunning, with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple painting the sky. seriously /SEER-ee-uhs-lee/ [adverb] – badly or severely A badly cooked dish can make you seriously ill. cautious /KAW-shuhs/ [adjective] – careful to avoid potential problems or dangers They were cautious when approaching the wild animal, keeping a safe distance. crucial /KROO-shuhl/…
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Space tourists show astronaut-like body changes, study reveals adaptation and recovery patterns

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you understand by the term “space tourist”? How do you think their experiences compare to those of professional astronauts? Why do you think understanding the physiological changes in space is important for space tourism? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. physiological /FIZ-ee-uh-LOJ-i-kuhl/ [adjective] – relating to the way living organisms or bodily parts function The study aimed to understand the physiological effects of space travel on the human body. gravity /GRAV-i-tee/ [noun] – the force that attracts objects toward the center of the Earth, or toward any other physical…
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Baltimore Port’s main shipping channel fully reopens after Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the importance of shipping routes for global trade? Can you think of reasons why ports are crucial for local economies? 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 reason for his success is his hard work. disrupt /dis-RUHPT/ [verb] – to prevent something, especially a system, process, or event, from continuing as usual or as expected The sudden storm disrupted the outdoor concert. gradually /GRAJ-oo-uh-lee/ [adverb] – slowly over a period of time or a distance…
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Elephants may address each other by name, study finds

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you already know about elephants and their social behaviors? Why do you think elephants have garnered attention from researchers for their cognitive abilities? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. react /ree-AKT/ [verb] – to act in a particular way as a direct result of something else The dog reacted with excitement when its owner returned home. strongly /STRAWNG-lee/ [adverb] – with great intensity or force She strongly disagreed with the proposal during the meeting. excitement /ik-SAHYT-muhnt/ [noun] – a feeling of being excited, or an exciting event The children…
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World’s largest camera set for astronomy in Chile

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©Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Handout via REUTERS Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about astronomical research and exploration? What challenges do you imagine scientists might face when trying to gather and analyze huge amounts of data from space? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. telescope /TEL-uh-skohp/ [noun] – a cylinder-shaped device for making objects that are far away look closer and larger, using a combination of lenses, or lenses and curved mirrors The astronomer peered through the telescope to observe the distant stars and planets with remarkable clarity. vast /vast/…
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