Intermediate

NASA postpones astronaut moon landing to 2026 citing challenges with spacecraft

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think it takes to become an astronaut? Can you share any specific space exploration missions or developments that have captured your attention, and what about them has intrigued you? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. additional /uh-DISH-uh-nl / [adjective] – extra The team made additional efforts to ensure the project’s success. tackle /TAK-uhl / [verb] – to try to deal with something or someone The team decided to tackle the challenges head-on, addressing them with determination and strategic planning. actual /AK-choo-uhl/ [adjective] – existing in fact The actual…
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Hot weather accelerates turtle hatching in the Peruvian Amazon

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©REUTERS/Alfredo Galarza Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What role do you think turtles play in their ecosystems, and why might their preservation be important? What is deforestation, and how do you think it could impact conservation efforts in rainforests? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. passionate /PASH-uh-nit/ [adjective] – showing strong emotions or intense devotion The passionate artist poured her heart into every brushstroke, creating a masterpiece. threaten /THRET-n/ [verb] – to express an intention to harm or cause damage; to pose a danger or risk to someone or something The endangered species was threatened by…
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Hidden Emperor Penguin colonies discovered in Antarctic

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Where do you think penguins usually live, and how have they adapted to their habitats? Have you heard or read anything about penguins facing challenges or changes in their environment? Why do you think it’s important to study and understand the habits and movements of penguins? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. breakthrough /BREYK-throo/ [noun] – a significant development or discovery that represents a step forward The scientist’s groundbreaking research on renewable energy was considered a major breakthrough in the field. satellite /SAT-l-ahyt / [noun] – an artificial body placed in…
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Netflix breaks records in Q4 with hits like ‘The Crown’ and ‘The Killer’

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What streaming platforms do you find most commonly used or preferred by people you know, and why? Do you usually watch content on streaming platforms like Netflix, or do you prefer traditional television? Why? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. mark /mahrk/ [verb] – to signify, indicate, or represent a particular point or event The groundbreaking research marked a turning point in the field of medicine. analyst /AN-l-ist/ [noun] – someone whose job is to study or examine something in detail, in order to discover or understand more about it and…
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Guinness World Records reviews title for World’s Oldest Dog

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©REUTERS/Catarina Demony Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What are your thoughts on the concept of Guinness World Records and the types of records they recognize? What factors do you think might contribute to the longevity of animals? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. award /uh-WAWRD/ [verb] – to officially grant or give a particular recognition or title The committee awarded the trophy to the outstanding student for her exceptional academic achievements. accuracy /AK-yer-uh-see/ [noun] – the fact of being exact or correct The accuracy of the weather forecast ensured that people were well-prepared for the upcoming…
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Decline in Indian student numbers impacts Canadian universities

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. Why do you think students choose to study abroad? What countries are you aware of that students from your country commonly choose for international studies or to pursue higher education? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. agent /EY-juhnt/ [noun] – individuals who are thought to be connected or associated with a particular organization or authority The investigators suspected several agents were involved in the covert operation. affect /uh-FEKT/ [verb] – to have an influence on someone or something, or to cause a change in someone or something The ongoing weather changes…
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Unlocking ancient genetics reshapes views on multiple sclerosis and European traits

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What areas of scientific research or breakthroughs have captured your interest lately? What comes to mind when you think about DNA? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. individual /in-duh-VIJ-oo-uhl/ [noun] – a single person or thing, especially when compared to the group or set to which they belong Each individual in the team contributed unique skills to achieve the project’s success. major /MEY-jer/ [adjective] – more important, bigger, or more serious than others of the same type The company made a major investment in new technology to improve its operations. infection…
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Biden Administration unveils $207 million financial commitment to boost domestic fertilizer and renewable energy projects

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the significance of agriculture in the economy of a country? Why do you think reducing energy expenses is important for those involved in agricultural production? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. substantial /suhb-STAN-shuhl/ [adjective] – of considerable importance, size, or worth The company made a substantial investment in research and development to improve its products. agriculture /AG-ri-kuhl-cher/ [noun] – the practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil and the rearing of animals Agriculture plays a crucial role in providing food for the growing population. supplier /suh-PLAI-er / [noun]…
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Benito the giraffe begins 50-hour journey to new safari home in Mexico’s Puebla

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©REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What do you think makes giraffes unique among other animals? If you were to imagine the daily life of a giraffe, what challenges and advantages do you think they might face in their natural habitat? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. endure /en-DOOR/ [verb] – to undergo or withstand difficulties or hardships Despite the challenges, Maria endured the rigorous training program to become a skilled athlete. process /PROS-es/ [noun] – a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular result The baking process involves mixing ingredients,…
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Global coffee creamer market anticipates a 4.5% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2032

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Pre-reading questions: I will read each question. Then, please answer them. What is the purpose of adding coffee creamer to coffee, and why do some people prefer using it? Do you think the popularity of coffee creamers is influenced by cultural factors, or is it more about personal taste preferences? Vocabulary: I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me. steadily /STED-uh-lee/ [adverb] – in a stable and continuous manner, without sudden or extreme changes The company’s profits have been growing steadily over the past few years. primarily /PRY-muh-ruh-lee/ [adverb] – mainly or chiefly; fundamentally The success of the business is primarily attributed to its innovative…
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