Intermediate

Turning 50, hip-hop reinvents itself and impacts wide areas of the world along the way

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you name any music genres that you know of? What music genre do you like the most, and why do you prefer it? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. self-expression /SELF-ik-SPRESH-uhn/ [noun] – the expression of one’s own thoughts, feelings, or ideas, especially through artistic forms In her painting, Maria found a powerful outlet for self-expression, using vibrant colors to convey her emotions. genre /ZHAHN-ruh/ [noun] – a category of artistic composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter My favorite movie genre is science fiction because I…
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Severe weather causes floods, power outages, and high winds

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How do extreme weather conditions impact people’s daily lives? Why do you think it’s important for communities to be prepared for extreme weather events? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extreme /ik-STREEM/ [adjective] – reaching a high or the highest degree; very great The extreme heat during the summer made it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. witness /WIT-nis/ [verb] – to see or experience an event or situation We were lucky to witness a beautiful sunset at the beach yesterday. disrupted /duh-SRUHP-tuhd/ [adjective] – describes something that has been interrupted or…
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Cruise explorers go viral on social media

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think the term “Ultimate World Cruise” might mean, and what kind of experiences or activities do you imagine would be included in such a journey? If you were to embark on the Ultimate World Cruise, what countries or landmarks would you be most excited to visit, and why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. extensive /ik-STEN-siv/ [adjective] – covering a large area; having a great extent The library has an extensive collection of rare books. micro-fame /MAHY-kroh feym/ [noun] – a small or niche level of fame or…
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The rise of lab-grown meat industry faces hurdles despite growing demand

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is your understanding of the term “cultured meat”? How do you think it is produced? Do you believe that cultured meat could become a widely accepted alternative to traditional meat in the future? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. pop up /pop uhp/ [phrasal verb] – to appear or emerge suddenly or unexpectedly During our road trip, several roadside cafes popped up, offering fresh snacks and drinks. alternative /awl-TUR-nuh-tiv/ [noun] – a choice or option that is different from what is usual or expected Instead of…
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California schools bring back cursive writing for better learning

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. With the rise of technology, particularly computer keyboards and tablets, how has the learning experience in your country been influenced? Have you ever encountered cursive handwriting before, either in educational materials, documents, or other sources? If yes, how would you describe your impressions of cursive writing? If not, would you be interested in learning cursive, and why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. tradition /truh-DISH-uhn/ [noun] – a belief, principle, or way of acting that people in a particular society or group have continued to follow for a…
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Cave bones redefine early Homo sapiens history in Europe

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©Reuters Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What comes to mind when you think about the early history of human beings? Where do you imagine these early humans lived, and what challenges do you think they faced in their environments? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. belief /bih-LEEF/ [noun] – a conviction or acceptance that something is true or exists The community held a strong belief in the power of unity. adapt /uh-DAPT/ [verb] – to adjust or change in response to new conditions or circumstances The plants had to adapt to the arid environment by developing…
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Explorer claims breakthrough in Amelia Earhart in Pacific

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe Amelia Earhart, considering her achievement as the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean? Do you believe you could become a female aviator? Why or why not? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mission /MISH-uhn/ [noun] – a planned and organized effort or undertaking with a specific purpose The team embarked on a mission to provide aid to the disaster-stricken region, delivering essential supplies and medical assistance. aircraft /AIR-kraft/ [noun] – any vehicle, with or without an engine, that can fly, such as a…
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Groundbreaking gene therapy restores hearing in children with rare genetic deafness

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Can you think of any common causes or factors that contribute to hearing loss in children? Why do you think research in the field of hearing conditions is important? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. treatment /TREET-muhnt/ [noun] – the manner in which a disease or condition is handled or managed The doctor recommended a new treatment plan for the patient’s ear infection. therapy /THER-uh-pee / [noun] – treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder After the accident, the child underwent physical therapy. version /VUR-zhuhn/ [noun] – a particular form…
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Renowned artist Yoko Ono awarded prestigious Edward MacDowell Medal

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©AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Who are some music artists you admire and why? What do you think makes a music artist successful? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. praise /preyz/ [verb] – to express approval or admiration for someone or something The teacher praised the students for their hard work in completing the project on time. expression /ik-SPRESH-uhn / [noun] – the process of making known one’s thoughts or feelings His art was a powerful expression of his inner turmoil and struggles conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl/ [adjective] – following traditional standards or accepted…
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Apple embraces shift in EU app landscape, introducing revised policies and fees

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. How would you describe the impact of Apple’s products and innovations on the tech industry? What sets Apple apart from other technology companies in terms of design and user experience? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. response /ri-SPONS/ [noun] – an answer or reaction Her immediate response to the question showcased her knowledge and confidence in the subject. adjustment /uh-JUHST-muhnt/ [noun] – a small change After analyzing market trends, the company decided to make strategic adjustments to its product offerings to stay competitive. payment /PEY-muhnt / [noun] – an amount of…
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