Intermediate

Mpox outbreak in Congo becomes global health emergency as cases surge

2024年9月24日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think some diseases spread more easily than others? Can you recall any specific advice or guidelines that were shared during an outbreak you learned about? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. emergency /ih-MUR-juhn-see/ [noun] – an unexpected and dangerous situation that needs immediate action Call 911 in case of an emergency. surge /surj/ [verb] – to increase suddenly The crowd surged forward to see the parade. complicate /KOM-pli-keyt/ [verb] – to make something more difficult or complex The new rules complicated the project. allocate /AL-uh-keyt/ [verb] – to…
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Intermediate

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Scientists transport endangered corals to Texas for ongoing research

2024年9月23日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about the role of corals in ocean ecosystems? What are some ways people might be able to help protect and preserve coral reefs? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. insulated /IN-syuh-lay-tuhd/ [adjective] – protected or covered to prevent the loss of heat or cold The insulated water bottle kept my coffee hot for hours. offshore /AWF-SHAWR/ [adjective] – situated or occurring in the sea, away from the shore The company is investing in offshore wind farms to generate renewable energy. nursery /NUR-suh-ree/ [noun] – a place where…
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Intermediate

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Worsening allergy season brings discomfort to millions nationwide

2024年9月22日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What kind of allergies are most common in your country? In which months do people in your country usually experience the most allergy problems? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. symptom /SIMP-tuhm/ [noun] – physical or mental features that indicate a condition or disease The doctor asked about the symptoms I was experiencing before making a diagnosis. allergen /AL-er-juhn/ [noun] – substances that cause an allergic reaction Common allergens like pollen and dust can trigger severe reactions in people with allergies. mask /mask/ [noun] – covers worn over the face to…
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Intermediate

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California enacts laws to protect actors from AI misuse

2024年9月21日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the role of artificial intelligence in the film industry? Can you think of any examples where technology, like CGI or motion capture, has been used to create characters in movies? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. prohibit /proh-HIB-it/ [verb] – to forbid or not allow something The school will prohibit students from using phones during class. digital /DIJ-i-tl/ [adjective] – related to or involving computer technology She uses a digital camera to take pictures. critic /KRIT-ik/ [noun] – a person who judges or evaluates something The critic gave the…
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Intermediate

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Historical drama dominates awards ceremony

2024年9月20日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of a historical event that might make a good story for a historical drama? Have you ever watched a movie or TV show that is set in the past? What time period was it set in, and what did you learn about that era from it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. award /uh-WAWRD/ [noun] – a prize given to someone for their achievements She received an award for her excellent essay. actor /AK-ter/ [noun] – a person who performs in plays, movies, or television shows The actor…
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Intermediate

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50,000 gallons of water used to extinguish Tesla Semi fire after crash in California, NTSB reports

2024年9月19日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you know about Tesla? What are the advantages and disadvantages of automated driving systems compared to human-driven vehicles? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. launch /lawnch/ [verb] – to begin something such as a plan or introduce something new such as a product The company launched a new marketing campaign to promote their latest product. automated /AW-tuh-may-tuhd/ [adjective] – carried out by machines or computers without needing human control The factory’s automated system ensures products are assembled with high precision. freeway /FREE-wey/ [noun] – a high-capacity road designed for…
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Intermediate

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K-pop icons become fashion ambassadors, attracting worldwide audiences

2024年9月18日

Stray

©REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some reasons why K-pop has become popular globally? Can you describe the fashion that celebrities in your country are known for? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. present /pre-SENT/ [verb] – to show, offer, or display something formally She presented her research findings at the conference. ambassador /am-BAS-uh-der/ [noun] – people who represent or promote a particular activity, brand, or group He was chosen to be one of the brand ambassadors for the new eco-friendly products. label /LEY-buhl/ [noun] – a brand or company that produces…
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Intermediate

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EPA reports major deficiencies in Vermont’s phosphorus management

2024年9月17日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What types of waste are commonly produced on farms? How might these types of waste affect the environment if not managed properly? How can improper disposal of farm waste impact water sources? What are some specific examples of water quality issues that might arise from this problem? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. standard /STAN-derd/ [noun] – a level of quality or attainment The new car meets safety standards for all drivers. harmful /HAHRM-fuhl/ [adjective] – causing or likely to cause harm Smoking is harmful to your health. change /cheynj/ [noun]…
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Intermediate

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Beloved Manhattan garden faces demolition as city pushes for affordable housing

2024年9月16日

Elizabeth Garden

©REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are some well-known parks or green spaces in your country? How does the government in your country typically inform the public about new construction projects? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. dealer /DEE-ler / [noun] – a person who buys and sells goods or services The art dealer managed to sell a rare painting for a significant amount. alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/ [adjective] – different from the one that is usual or expected We need to find an alternative route because the main road is closed. stick with /stik with/…
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Intermediate

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China’s exports surge 8.7% in August amid sluggish domestic economy

2024年9月15日

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What causes a weak economy? How might a weak economy affect people’s daily lives? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. export /ek-SPAWRT/ [noun] – The action of sending goods to another country for sale. The company handles the export of electronics to several countries. volume /VOL-yoom/ [noun] – the number or amount of something in general The volume of water in the tank is very high. expand /ik-SPAND/ [verb] – to increase in size, number, or importance The company plans to expand its operations next year. consumer /kuhn-SOO-mer/ [noun] – a…
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Intermediate

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